bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐temperature gelling phenomenon for a class of slow‐curing phthalonitrile‐benzoxazine resin
Authors: Yang Xulin , Zhu Ziyi , Wang Pan , Lei Wenwu , Zhong Fei , Li Ying , Li Kui , Feng Wei
Published: November 2023

Bifunctional phthalonitrile‐benzoxazine (PNBZ) usually suffers from slow‐curing characteristics. Recently, we unexpectedly observed a waste liquid containing PNBZ solution and excess ethylenediamine (EDA) had turned into a gel at room temperature. Since the report on the PNBZ gelling phenomenon below 150°C was rare, this accidental finding manifested the possible formation of PNBZ gel at low temperatures. By varying the EDA molar ratio, PNBZ gels with different microstructures were successfully realized at the low temperature of 50°C. Through the differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyse (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared technique, the driving force behind the gel formation was found to be the low‐temperature copolymerization between the amino group of EDA and the BZ ring of PNBZ, resulting in the amine‐containing intermediate. PNBZ gel was thermally unstable, but was mechanically robust. The current method was also universal to realize polymer or composite gels for a class of slow‐curing PNBZ resin (i.e., allyl‐containing PNBZ gel and its carbon nanotube‐filled composite gel). This study not only expands our understanding of the low‐temperature polymerization behavior of PNBZ but also provides a versatile strategy for low‐temperature preparation of PNBZ‐based gels. Making the most of current approach, it is believed that multifunctional PNBZ‐based gels will be developed for various applications.
The effects of light therapy on depression and sleep in women during pregnancy or the postpartum period: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Xinyu , Fang Liang , Guan Lianzi , Zhang Jiajia , Zheng Mingming , Zhu Daomin
Published: November 2023

Background

In recent years, light therapy has been tried for the treatment of depression and sleep in pregnancy or postnatal period women, but the results have been inconclusive. This meta‐analysis is the first to systematically review the effects of light therapy on depression and sleep disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled studies in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biomedical Database up to January 2023. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to assess the efficacy of the outcome indicators.

Results

Eight studies were eventually included in the analysis. The results showed that light therapy was more effective than the placebo group in terms of depression (SMD = .34, CI = .08–.61) and sleep (SMD = .64,95%CI = .28–1.00). Subgroup analysis could not explain the significant heterogeneity. There were no serious adverse effects in either the light therapy or placebo groups.

Conclusions

Light therapy could be considered an effective treatment for depression and sleep disturbances in women during pregnancy and the postnatal period. However, future high‐quality trials with larger sample sizes are still needed.
Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells from human iPSC‐derived teratomas for osteochondral defect regeneration
Authors: Kim Jiseong , Kim Jin‐Su , Kim Dohyun , Bello Alvin Bacero , Kim Byoung Ju , Cha Byung‐Hyun , Lee Soo‐Hong
Published: November 2023

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold great promise for personalized medicine, as they can be differentiated into specific cell types, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Therefore, our study sought to assess the feasibility of deriving MSCs from teratomas generated from human iPSCs. Teratomas serve as a model to mimic multilineage human development, thus enriching specific somatic progenitors and stem cells. Here, we discovered a small, condensed mass of MSCs within iPSC‐generated teratomas. Afterward, we successfully isolated MSCs from this condensed mass, which was a byproduct of teratoma development. To evaluate the characteristics and cell behaviors of iPSC‐derived MSCs (iPSC‐MSCs), we conducted comprehensive assessments using qPCR, immunophenotype analysis, and cell proliferation‐related assays. Remarkably, iPSC‐MSCs exhibited an immunophenotype resembling that of conventional MSCs, and they displayed robust proliferative capabilities, similar to those of higher pluripotent stem cell‐derived MSCs. Furthermore, iPSC‐MSCs demonstrated the ability to differentiate into multiple lineages in vitro. Finally, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of iPSC‐MSCs using an osteochondral defect model. Our findings demonstrated that teratomas are a promising source for the isolation of condensed MSCs. More importantly, our results suggest that iPSC‐MSCs derived from teratomas possess the capacity for tissue regeneration, highlighting their promise for future therapeutic applications.
Apatinib added when NSCLC patients get slow progression with EGFR‐TKI: A prospective, single‐arm study
Authors: Liu Minghui , Li Xin , Zhang Hongbing , Ren Fan , Liu Jinghao , Li Yongwen , Dong Ming , Zhao Honglin , Xu Song , Liu Hongyu , Chen Jun
Published: November 2023

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKI) acquired resistance was an inevitably events in NSCLC treatment.

Aims

Intending to overcome the acquired resistance of EGFR‐TKI.

Materials & Methods

A clinical trial was, we enrolled 12 patients who were slowly progressing on first‐generation EGFR‐TKI, and added apatinib when the patients got slow progression.

Results

Seven patients were included in the efficacy analysis. The median PFS2 of apatinib combined with EGFR‐TKI was 8.2 months (95% CI, 7.3 m‐NA), and the total PFS reached 20.9 months (95% CI, 17.3 m‐NA) when plus PFS1. All the adverse events were manageable. The median PFS was significantly longer for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)‐cleared patients (8.4 months; 95% CI, 8.2‐NA) than for those ctDNA not cleared (7.1 months; 95% CI, 6.9‐NA) (p = 0.0082).

Discussion

The addition of apatinib did improve the duration of first‐generation EGFR‐TKI use, and the duration was better than the first‐line use of third‐generation EGFR‐TKI.

Conclusion

The addition of apatinib when the patients got slow progression after initial EGFR‐TKI therapy may be a good treatment option and the side effects are controllable. It is possible to monitor treatment efficacy using ctDNA.
Rethinking anxiety and depression for autistic adults through personal narratives: A mixed‐method analysis of blog data
Authors: Petty Stephanie , Lambarth Shauna , Hamilton Lorna G.
Published: November 2023

Background

Autistic adults appear to be more vulnerable to anxiety and depression than their neurotypical peers. However, definitions of emotional well‐being that are suitable for autistic adults are missing from this research, along with a missing complete understanding of what contributes to and alleviates negative emotions.

Methods

Autistic adults' experiences of emotions were systematically searched for within blog data from 26 autistic authors. The search strategy identified the context of emotions, without adhering to a priori definitions. Corpus‐based and thematic analyses explored the most salient contributing factors and coping responses. Consultation with autistic adults directed the research.

Results

Negative emotions were most salient and were accompanied by qualifying descriptions of being intense and misrepresented by single‐word labels. The impacts of negative emotions were pain and fatigue, disrupted self‐care, housing and employment, and an accumulated toll on self‐identity. Emotional regulation was achieved through monitoring physiological arousal, ownership of sensory and social stressors, investing in immersive activities, planning what to expect from daily life and rejecting deficit‐based views of autism.

Conclusions

The findings offer some explanation for high estimates of anxiety and depression for autistic adults, by illustrating the unsuitability of neuronormative emotion concepts and assessment tools. There are significant implications for clinical practice, insisting on a formulation of difference rather than outdated practice that foregrounds deficit and disorder. We do not suggest that these views reflect the experiences of all autistic people. This study contributes a creative and participatory method to hear the viewpoint of autistic adults. A well‐being resource is shared.
Cytotoxic and Antifungal Staurosporine Derivatives from Marine‐Derived Actinomycete Streptomyces sp. ZS‐A121
Authors: Xu Lei , Liu Renshuang , Fang Jiebin , Zhang Ningjing , Pu Fanqi , Lei Zhen , Ding Wanjing , Jiang Yongjun
Published: November 2023

A novel staurosporine derivate, streptomholyrine A (1), along with 6 known compounds were identified from the rice‐based solid fermentation of marine‐derived Streptomyces sp. ZS‐A121. The planar structure and absolute configuration of streptomholyrine A were elucidated using a combination of 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS data analysis, chemical transformation, ECD and NMR calculations. Screening of all these compounds revealed their cytotoxic activity against HCT‐116 cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.012 to 11.67 μM, except for the known 1H‐indole‐3‐hydroxyacetyl, which showed no inhibition activity. Furthermore, streptomholyrine A, along with two known staurosporine derivatives, k252d and staurosporine, exhibited activities against Candida albicans, with MICs of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 μg/ml, respectively.
Understanding the Poly (Triazine Imide) Crystals Formation Process: The Conversion from Heptazine to Triazine
Authors: Yu Jiawen , Cai Mengdie , Cheng Qin , Chen Fang , Bai Jia‐qi , Wei Yuxue , Chen Jingshuai , Sun Song
Published: November 2023

Poly (triazine imide) (PTI) generally obtained via ionothermal synthesis features extended π‐conjugation and enhanced crystallinity. However, in‐depth investigation of the polycondensation process for PTI is an onerous task due to multiple influencing factors and limited characterization techniques. Herein, to simplify the polymerization route and exclude non‐essential factors, PTI was prepared by calcining only melamine and LiCl. This study aims to identify the pivotal role of LiCl in PTI formation, which can convert heptazine‐based intermediates into more stable triazine‐based PTI framework. Based on this discovery, we demonstrate the transformation process of the prepared samples from amorphous Bulk g‐C3N4 to regular PTI, and further prove that the reaction with LiCl causes disruption of heptazine covalent organic frameworks. Additionally, the PTI exhibits higher photocatalytic water splitting performance due to efficient charge carrier mobility and separation, as well as faster reaction kinetics. This discovery deepens understanding of the polycondensation process of PTI crystals and provides insights toward the rational design of crystalline carbon nitride‐based semiconductors.
Changes in immune cell populations following KappaMab, lenalidomide and low‐dose dexamethasone treatment in multiple myeloma
Authors: Norton Samuel E , Khong Tiffany , Ramachandran Malarmathy , Highton Andrew J , Ward‐Hartstonge Kirsten A , Shortt Jake , Spencer Andrew , Kemp Roslyn A
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Lenalidomide (LEN) is used to treat multiple myeloma (MM) and shows in vitro synergy with KappaMab (KM), a chimeric antibody specific for Kappa Myeloma antigen, an antigen exclusively expressed on the surface of kappa‐restricted MM cells. Lenalidomide, dexamethasone (DEX) and KM control MM via multiple immunomodulatory mechanisms; however, there are several additional effects of the drug combination on immune cells. Lenalidomide can increase T cell and NKT cell cytotoxicity and dendritic cell (DC) activation in vitro. We investigated the immune cell populations in bone marrow of patients treated with KM, LEN and low‐dose DEX in kappa‐restricted relapsed/refractory MM ex vivo and assessed association of those changes with patient outcome.

Methods

A cohort (n = 40) of patients with kappa‐restricted relapsed/refractory MM, treated with KM, LEN and low‐dose DEX, was analysed using a mass cytometry panel that allowed identification of immune cell subsets. Clustering analyses were used to determine significant changes in immune cell populations at time periods after treatment.

Results

We found changes in five DC and 17 T‐cell populations throughout treatment. We showed an increase in activated conventional DC populations, a decrease in immature/precursor DC populations, a decrease in activated CD4 T cells and an increase in effector‐memory CD4 T cells and effector CD8 T cells, indicating an activated immune response.

Conclusion

These data characterise the effects of LEN, DEX, and KM treatment on non‐target immune cells in MM. Treatment may support destruction of MM cells by both direct action and indirect mechanisms via immune cells.
Parasite transmission in size‐structured populations
Authors: Shaw Kelsey E. , Cloud Rebecca E. , Syed Raeyan , Civitello David J.
Published: November 2023

Host heterogeneity can affect parasite transmission, but determining underlying traits and incorporating them into transmission models remains challenging. Body size is easily measured and affects numerous ecological interactions, including transmission. In the snail–schistosome system, larger snails have a higher exposure to parasites but lower susceptibility to infection per parasite. We quantified the effect of size‐based heterogeneity on population‐level transmission by conducting transmission trials in differently size‐structured snail populations and competing size‐dependent transmission models. Populations with greater proportions of large snails had lower prevalence, and small snails were shielded from infection by co‐occurring large conspecifics. Furthermore, a fully dependent transmission model that incorporated body size in both exposure and susceptibility outperformed other candidate models considered. Incorporating traits such as body size, which are affected by and directly affect host ecology, into transmission models could yield insights into natural dynamics and disease mitigation in many systems.
Optimal allocation of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) for wind turbines integrated power system
Authors: Awad Ayman , Kamel Salah , Hassan Mohamed H. , Zeinoddini‐Meymand Hamed
Published: November 2023

The importance of flexible alternating current transmission system (FACTS) devices is increasing day by day as they provide compensation for power systems. The installation of such devices solves many issues regarding the stability and power transferability of power systems. However, for optimizing the performance of FACTS devices, the location and sizes of FACTS devices must be selected very carefully. On the other side, the utilization of optimization techniques is increasing daily, as it is capable of solving nonlinear, random problems by its stochastic nature. As a result, it became a reliable tactic for solving stochastic problems almost in every aspect of our lives. Therefore, it is adopted for solving power system problems, like, FACTS devices allocation, distributed generators allocation, determining component's parameters, and more. In this paper, the optimal size and location of several FACTS devices are selected to achieve the following single objective functions separately: fuel cost minimization and power losses minimization, then combining the mentioned objective function into one multiobjective function for gross cost minimization. The power system optimized is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 30‐bus standard system, and the FACTS devices installed are static VAR compensator, thyristor control series compensator, and thyristor‐controlled phase shifter, while the optimization is performed using different conventional and recent optimization algorithms, including a newly developed algorithm, typically Leader Walrus Optimization Algorithm “LWaOA,” making a comparison among such algorithms to investigate the algorithm that possesses the best performance. The results of the optimization processes show the superiority of LWaOA.
Bibliometric analysis of cerebral organoids and diseases in the last 10 years
Authors: Luo Bo‐Yan , Liu Ke‐Qian , Fan Ji‐Sheng
Published: November 2023

Cerebral organoids have emerged as a powerful tool for mirroring the brain developmental processes and replicating its unique physiology. This bibliometric analysis aims to delineate the burgeoning trends in the application of cerebral organoids in disease research and offer insights for future investigations. We screened all relevant literature from the Web of Science on cerebral organoids in disease research during the period 2013–2022 and analyzed the research trends in the field using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica software. According to the search strategy, 592 articles were screened out. The United States of America (USA) was the most productive, followed by China and Germany. The top nine institutions in terms of the number of publications include Canada and the United States, with the University of California, San Diego (USA), having the highest number of publications. The International Journal of Molecular Sciences was the most productive journal. Knoblich, Juergen A., and Lancaster, Madeline A. published the highest number of articles. Keyword cluster analysis showed that current research trends focused more on induced pluripotent stem cells to construct organoid models of cerebral diseases and the exploration of their mechanisms and therapeutic modalities. This study provides a comprehensive summary and analysis of global research trends in the field of cerebral organoids in diseases. In the past decade, the number of high‐quality papers in this field has increased significantly, and cerebral organoids provide hope for simulating nervous system diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease).
In relapsed or refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, CD19 expression by immunohistochemistry alone is not a predictor of response to loncastuximab tesirine
Authors: Caimi Paolo F. , Hamadani Mehdi , Carlo‐Stella Carmelo , Nickaeen Masoud , Jordie Eric , Utsey Kiersten , Knab Tim , Zammarchi Francesca , Cucchi Danilo , Pantano Serafino , Havenith Karin , Wang Ying , Boni Joseph
Published: November 2023

CD19‐targeting treatments have shown promise in relapsed/refractory (R/R) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Loncastuximab tesirine (loncastuximab tesirine‐lpyl [Lonca]) is a CD19‐targeting antibody‐drug conjugate indicated for R/R DLBCL after at least two systemic treatments. CD19 expression was evaluated in patients receiving Lonca in the LOTIS‐2 clinical trial with available tissue samples obtained after last systemic therapy/before Lonca treatment. Lonca cytotoxicity was evaluated in a panel of six lymphoma cell lines with various CD19 expression levels. Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) modelling was used to predict Lonca responses. Lonca responses were seen in patients across all CD19 expression levels, including patients with low/no detectable CD19 expression and H‐scores at baseline. Similarly, Lonca induced cytotoxicity in cell lines with different levels of CD19 expression, including one with very low expression. QSP modelling predicted that CD19 expression by immunohistochemistry alone does not predict Lonca response, whereas inclusion of CD19 surface density improved response prediction. Virtual patients responded to Lonca with estimated CD19 as low as 1000 molecules/cell of CD19, normally below the immunohistochemistry detection level. We found Lonca is an effective treatment for R/R DLBCL regardless of CD19 expression by immunohistochemistry. These results provide the basis for future studies addressing CD19‐targeted agent sequencing.
Concepts and principles for new rapid simple liquid chromatography method for quantification of antioxidants resveratrol, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 in capsules with high‐performance liquid chromatography with a photo‐diode array detector
Authors: Piponski Marjan , Topkoska‐Naumoska Marina , Slaveska‐Spirevska Irena , Miloshevska Martina , Korobko Dmytro , Symaniuk Tetiana , Okeke Vanessa Chichebem , Zimych Andrii , Logoyda Liliya
Published: November 2023

Principles and problems in the development of simultaneous liquid chromatography (LC) analytical methods for potent antioxidative molecules resveratrol, tocopherol, and coenzyme Q10 in capsules, have been investigated and systematically compared and summarized. For these purposes, experiments within the full polarity spectrum of LC techniques. were tested and recorded. The whole range of polarities included: Alkyl C18 bonded reversed phase, phenyl, cyanopropyl, diol, and the most polar base silica‐filled column matrixes have been used. The summarized results concluded that all mentioned LC techniques could be used for the determination of the mentioned group of the three analytes with different run characteristics and efficiency. These successes could be achieved after careful analyses of molecular physicochemical data of analytes. They are especially organic solubilities. The ultraviolet spectral absorption characteristics of each analyte and the mobile phase constituents for appropriate separation were very important to be known. The ultimate targets were the development method with the isocratic mode of separation yielding symmetrical peak shapes for the best sensitivity and accuracy, with the shortest run time and best reproducibility. From an analytical point of view important for LC, the three analytes have quite distinct characteristics that contribute to successful method development. These features are their organic solvent and water solubility, molecular polarities, and ultraviolet‐absorption characteristics, like spectra and absorptivities. All these mentioned parameters were taken into account for solving complications appearing in the development of rapid LC methods for the simultaneous determination of three antioxidant molecules.
Extramammary Paget's disease with ureteral metastasis: A case report
Authors: Nakamura Shunsuke , Murayama Naoya , Satomi Naoyoshi , Kamio Yoshiyuki , Kuwatsuka Yutaka , Shida Yohei , Harada Junki , Hakariya Tomoaki , Sakai Hideaki , Okano Shinji , Murota Hiroyuki
Published: November 2023

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a skin cancer that can metastasize to distant lymph nodes and organs. However, there are no reports showing histological evidence of metastasis to the ureter. Here we report a case of EMPD that metastasized to the ureter in an 80‐year‐old man. The primary EMPD was resected and the right inguinal lymph node metastasis was dissected. Radiation therapy was administered around the right inguinal lymph nodes postoperatively. Four years later, a thickening of the wall of the right ureter was found, and a total right nephroureterectomy was performed due to suspicion of primary ureteral cancer. Histological examination showed nests of atypical cells in the renal adventitia and the surrounding lymphatic vessels, muscular layer and mucosal layer, but not in the ureteral epithelium. Immunohistochemical staining of tumour cells was positive for carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin 7 and gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15 and was negative for cytokeratin 20. These results are consistent with a primary skin lesion. Although EMPD is not a frequent source of ureteral metastasis, EMPD can metastasize to the ureter. This case implies the feasibility of an accurate preoperative diagnosis through immunostaining, offering the potential to circumvent nephroureterectomy and instead facilitate appropriate management using a ureteral stent.
High‐frequency variability dominates potential connectivity between remote coral reefs
Authors: Vogt‐Vincent Noam S. , Mitarai Satoshi , Johnson Helen L.
Published: November 2023

Coral larval dispersal establishes connectivity between reefs, but larval fluxes vary over timescales from daily to multidecadal due to oceanographic variability. Using a 2‐km‐resolution ocean model, we simulate daily spawning events from 1993 to 2019 and assess the potential connectivity between all reefs in the tropical southwest Indian Ocean. Although there is a significant seasonal cycle in potential connectivity, day‐to‐day variability generally dominates. Larval dispersal pathways on any particular day provide limited information about the dispersal pathways a few days later. The magnitude of this high‐frequency variability depends on the local geography and oceanography, with small and isolated reefs generally subject to the most variability. Stochastic oceanographic variability introduces considerable uncertainty to dispersal predictions, imposing fundamental limitations on what simulations can tell us about inter‐reef connectivity. Protracted spawning over only a few days can significantly reduce variability associated with the likelihood of a larva settling. The duration of spawning is therefore a more important parameter in modeling coral connectivity than the exact timing of spawning onset. Finally, we find that a small proportion of spawning events account for the majority of settling larvae, particularly at remote islands, and demonstrate that a time‐mean picture of dispersal may be inappropriate for predicting demographic and genetic connectivity. Given the diversity of coral reef environments in the southwest Indian Ocean, we expect that these results will apply to inter‐reef coral connectivity across the tropics more broadly, as well as other weakly swimming reef taxa with the potential for long‐distance dispersal.
Biofabrication of Cellulose‐based Hydrogels for Advanced Wound Healing: A Special Emphasis on 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Tabatabaei Hosseini Behina Sadat , Meadows Kieran , Gabriel Vincent , Hu Jinguang , Kim Keekyoung
Published: November 2023

Even with the current advancements in wound management, addressing most skin injuries and wounds continues to pose a significant obstacle for the healthcare industry. As a result, researchers are now focusing on creating innovative materials utilizing cellulose and its derivatives. Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer in nature, has unique properties that make it a promising material for wound healing, such as biocompatibility, tunable physiochemical characteristics, accessibility, and low cost. 3D bioprinting technology has enabled the production of cellulose‐based wound dressings with complex structures that mimic the extracellular matrix. The inclusion of bioactive molecules such as growth factors offers the ability to aid in promoting wound healing, while cellulose creates an ideal environment for controlled release of these biomolecules and moisture retention. The use of 3D bioprinted cellulose‐based wound dressings has potential benefits for managing chronic wounds, burns, and painful wounds by promoting wound healing and reducing the risk of infection. This review provides an up‐to‐date summary of cellulose‐based dressings manufactured by 3D bioprinting techniques by looking into wound healing biology, biofabrication methods, cellulose derivatives, and the existing cellulose bioinks targeted toward wound healing.
Mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of similar/dissimilar resistance spot welded automotive aluminum alloys
Authors: Kaya İ. , Başer T. A. , Kahraman N.
Published: November 2023

Recently, usage of high strength aluminum alloys in automotive applications increase. The reasons for that increase are the light‐weight, high strength, good formability, weldability and corrosion resistance of the aluminum alloys to improve fuel economy as well as decreasing carbon dioxide emission. Automotive hybrid structures are commonly manufactured using dissimilar AA5000‐AA6000 joints to improve mechanical requirements and corrosion resistance of the parts. In this study, AA5754 H111‐AA6063 T4 materials were joined both similarly and dissimilarly by resistance spot welding method. Within the study, a mid‐frequency direct current technology was used instead of conventional alternative current technology. The welded zone was investigated by micro hardness measurements and microstructural characterization. Tensile‐shear and cross‐tension tests were performed. The welded zone of all welded specimens was subjected to salt spray corrosion test. A nugget pull‐out fracture mode was observed on the fracture surface of the all welded joints after tensile‐shear and cross‐tension tests. The lowest hardness values were measured from the weld metals for all welded joints. Porosity and inclusion were observed in the weld nugget with minor cracks in heat affected zone by optical microscope investigations.
Investigation of alternative RF power limit control methods for 0.5T, 1.5T, and 3T parallel transmission cardiac imaging: A simulation study
Authors: Petzold Johannes , Schmitter Sebastian , Silemek Berk , Winter Lukas , Speck Oliver , Ittermann Bernd , Seifert Frank
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To investigate safety and performance aspects of parallel‐transmit (pTx) RF control‐modes for a body coil at .

Methods

Electromagnetic simulations of 11 human voxel models in cardiac imaging position were conducted for , and and a body coil with a configurable number of transmit channels (1, 2, 4, 8, 16). Three safety modes were considered: the ‘SAR‐controlled mode’ (SCM), where specific absorption rate (SAR) is limited directly, a ‘phase agnostic SAR‐controlled mode’ (PASCM), where phase information is neglected, and a ‘power‐controlled mode’ (PCM), where the voltage amplitude for each channel is limited. For either mode, safety limits were established based on a set of ‘anchor’ simulations and then evaluated in ‘target’ simulations on previously unseen models. The comparison allowed to derive safety factors accounting for varying patient anatomies. All control modes were compared in terms of the amplitude and homogeneity they permit under their respective safety requirements.

Results

Large safety factors (approximately five) are needed if only one or two anchor models are investigated but they shrink with increasing number of anchors. The achievable is highest for SCM but this advantage is reduced when the safety factor is included. PCM appears to be more robust against variations of subjects. PASCM performance is mostly in between SCM and PCM. Compared to standard circularly polarized (CP) excitation, pTx offers minor improvements if local SAR limits are always enforced.

Conclusion

PTx body coils can safely be used at . Uncertainties in patient anatomy must be accounted for, however, by simulating many models.
Social anxiety, self‐esteem and quality of life among hypertensive patients during COVID‐19 local epidemic in China: A mediation analysis
Authors: Gao Mengzhao , Lu Yidan , Zhang Lin , Shi Min , Zhou Haoran , Zhou Helian , Kuang Xia , Li Yuanzhen
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To explore the mediating role of self‐esteem in social anxiety and QoL during the COVID‐19 local epidemic in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

This study conveniently selected 344 hypertensive patients from a Grade‐A tertiary hospital in Wuhu, Anhui Province, as the study population. Participants completed the demographic questionnaire, the social phobia inventory, the self‐esteem scale and the 36‐item short‐form health survey.

Results

Social anxiety, self‐esteem and QoL were significantly correlated with each other. Social anxiety showed no direct effect on QoL (β = 0.011, p > 0.05). Social anxiety showed an indirect effect on QoL (β = −0.248, p < 0.001). Self‐esteem fully mediated the association between social anxiety and QoL in hypertensive patients.

Patient or Public Contribution

Hypertensive patients in this study were participants during the data collection process. Nursing staff from the cardiology department at the hospital of a hospital in Wuhu City, Anhui Province assisted in the recruitment phase of the data collection process.
A text mining and network analysis of topics and trends in major nursing research journals
Authors: Oner Beratiye , Hakli Orhan , Zengul Ferhat D.
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study is set to determine the main topics of the nursing field and to show the changing perspectives over time by analysing the abstracts of several major nursing research journals using text mining methodology.

Design

Text mining and network analysis.

Methods

Text analysis combines automatic and manual operations to identify patterns in unstructured data. Detailed searches covering 1998–2021 were conducted in PubMed archives to collect articles from six nursing journals: Journal of Advanced Nursing, International Journal of Nursing Studies, Western Journal of Nursing Research, Nursing Research, Journal of Nursing Scholarship and Research in Nursing and Health. This study uses a four‐phase text mining and network approach, gathering text data and cleaning, preprocessing, text analysis and advanced analyses. Analyses and data visualization were performed using Endnote, JMP, Microsoft Excel, Tableau and VOSviewer versions. From six journals, 17,581 references in PubMed were combined into one EndNote file. Due to missing abstract information, 2496 references were excluded from the study. The remaining references (n = 15,085) were used for the text mining analyses.

Results

Eighteen subjects were determined into two main groups; research method topics and nursing research topics. The most striking topics are qualitative research, concept analysis, advanced practice in the downtrend, and literature search, statistical analysis, randomized control trials, quantitative research, nurse practice environment, risk assessment and nursing science. According to the network analysis results, nursing satisfaction and burnout and nursing practice environment are highly correlated and represent 10% of the total corpus. This study contributes in various ways to the field of nursing research enhanced by text mining. The study findings shed light on researchers becoming more aware of the latest research status, sub‐fields and trends over the years, identifying gaps and planning future research agendas. No patient or public contribution.
The impact of psychological distress, socio‐demographic and work‐related factors on coping strategies used by nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rahmani Farnaz , Ranjbar Fatemeh , Asghari Elnaz , Gholizadeh Leila
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study aimed to determine factors associated with coping strategies used by nursing staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Iran.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A convenience sample of 365 nurses were selected from referral hospitals for COVID‐19 patients in Tabriz, Iran between February 2022 and July 2022. An online self‐administered questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram. The survey package included a modified Brief COPE scale, socio‐demographic and work‐related questions, and a measure of psychological distress. Multiple regression analysis examined associated factors with coping strategies in SPSS. The study adhered to the STROBE guidelines for reporting.

Results

The mean age of participants was 31.2 (7.3) years old. Of the 365 participants, 209 (58.9%) used maladaptive coping strategies, and 214 (57.6%) reported experiencing psychological distress. Psychological distress was the strongest predictor of maladaptive coping strategies (β = 4.473, p < 0.001). Female nurses (β = 3.259, p < 0.05), nurses who were under 35 years of age (β = 3.214, p < 0.05), nurses with fewer than ten years of experience (β = 2.416, p < 0.001), those who worked in COVID‐19 ICUs (β = 4.321, p < 0.001), floor nurses (β = 2.344, p < 0.001), and those who worked two or more years in COVID‐19 settings (β = 3.293, p < 0.001) had higher mean scores in maladaptive coping strategies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contributions.
Utilizing a blend of expandable graphite and calcium/zinc stearate as a heat stabilizer environmentally friendly for polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Morsy Ashraf , Anwar Abbas , Anwar Hossam , Abdel‐Hamid H. , Soliman Aya
Published: November 2023

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most important commercial plastics but it is thermally unstable at processing temperatures. Therefore, heat stabilizers are widely used to safeguard by improving resistance of PVC products at high temperature. But most of them are a highly toxic that can cause severe health issues in humans and harmful to the environment. In the present study mixed of calcium/zinc stearate heat stabilizer and green Expandable graphite (EG) is prepared via hydrothermal treatment using additives of nontoxic, environmental protection. The characteristics of the thermal stability of poly vinyl chloride can be investigated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) will be used to examine structure of the heat stabilizers, A universal testing equipment will be used to determine the mechanical properties and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). From TGA results the weight loss was 43.49% at 342°C for sample with Ca/Zn‐ stearate, while wt loss is 55.87% at 260°C for sample with EG which increase thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry affirmed the enhancement of PVC's thermal stability, showing a shift in the glass transition temperature an increase of 67°C. Mechanical tests indicated that samples with EG exhibited higher tensile strength and elongation at break, emphasizing the positive impact on PVC's mechanical properties. The burning test highlighted thermal stability of EG‐containing samples, retaining color and structure even after exposure to 180°C heat. This innovative approach not only enhances thermal stability but also aligns with eco‐friendly principles, making it a promising solution for improving PVC properties.

Highlights

Ca/Zn‐ stearate, expandable graphite developed by a safe hydrothermal process.

Comprehensive analysis indicates improved thermal stability.

Safe stabilization of eco‐friendly calcium/zinc, expandable graphite.

Effective solution: Eco‐friendly, improved PVC properties.

Expandable graphite improved mechanical properties of PVC.
Probing binding and occlusion of substrate in the human creatine transporter‐1 by computation and mutagenesis
Authors: Clarke Amy , Farr Clemens V. , El‐Kasaby Ali , Szöllősi Daniel , Freissmuth Michael , Sucic Sonja , Stockner Thomas
Published: November 2023

In chordates, energy buffering is achieved in part through phosphocreatine, which requires cellular uptake of creatine by the membrane‐embedded creatine transporter (CRT1/SLC6A8). Mutations in human slc6a8 lead to creatine transporter deficiency syndrome, for which there is only limited treatment. Here, we used a combined homology modeling, molecular dynamics, and experimental approach to generate a structural model of CRT1. Our observations support the following conclusions: contrary to previous proposals, C144, a key residue in the substrate binding site, is not present in a charged state. Similarly, the side chain D458 must be present in a protonated form to maintain the structural integrity of CRT1. Finally, we identified that the interaction chain Y148‐creatine‐Na+ is essential to the process of occlusion, which occurs via a “hold‐and‐pull” mechanism. The model should be useful to study the impact of disease‐associated point mutations on the folding of CRT1 and identify approaches which correct folding‐deficient mutants.
Harvest load transfer sites influence sugarcane billbug (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) spatiotemporal injury in sugarcane
Authors: Rosa Jivago Oliveira , Soares João Rafael Silva , Fernandes Odair Aparecido
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The sugarcane billbug, Sphenophorus levis Vaurie 1978, is a key soil‐dwelling insect pest of sugarcane in Brazil and greatly affects plant development and yield. This insect presents an aggregated distribution pattern in production fields. The reasons for such behavior include intraspecific communication and attractivity due to the fermentation of sugar in stalk residues. During mechanized harvesting, part of the harvested material usually falls in the load transfer sites, becoming a potential source for increasing the infestation. We therefore evaluated whether producing areas near the harvest load transfer sites are more prone to S. levis injury.

RESULTS

There are greater chances of finding billbug injury within a radius of 740 m from the harvest load transfer site. Additionally, injured areas are estimated to expand 11.96% each growing season. Our spatiotemporal models support higher injured areas surrounding the harvest load transfer site and show clear and significant signs of increased injury levels compared to the initial growing season surveyed.

CONCLUSION

Our results reinforce the importance of harvest transfer sites in the dispersion and propagation of the sugarcane billbug. Based on this knowledge, sugarcane millers and growers can adopt preventive and remedial practices within the loading sites that can potentially contribute to the successful management of this insect pest. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antiviral peptides inhibiting the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2 investigated by computational screening and in vitro protease assay
Authors: Stewart James , Shawon Jakaria , Ali Md Ackas , Williams Blaise , Shahinuzzaman A. D. A. , Rupa Sharmin Akther , Al‐Adhami Taha , Jia Ruoqing , Bourque Cole , Faddis Ryan , Stone Kaylee , Sufian Md Abu , Islam Rajib , McShan Andrew C. , Rahman Khondaker Miraz , Halim Mohammad A.
Published: November 2023

The main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) plays an important role in viral replication and transcription and received great attention as a vital target for drug/peptide development. Therapeutic agents such as small‐molecule drugs or peptides that interact with the Cys–His present in the catalytic site of Mpro are an efficient way to inhibit the protease. Although several emergency‐approved vaccines showed good efficacy and drastically dropped the infection rate, evolving variants are still infecting and killing millions of people globally. While a small‐molecule drug (Paxlovid) received emergency approval, small‐molecule drugs have low target specificity and higher toxicity. Besides small‐molecule drugs, peptide therapeutics are thus gaining increasing popularity as they are easy to synthesize and highly selective and have limited side effects. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic value of 67 peptides targeting Mpro using molecular docking. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were implemented on eight protein–peptide complexes to obtain molecular‐level information on the interaction between these peptides and the Mpro active site, which revealed that temporin L, indolicidin, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) GP1 are the best candidates in terms of stability, interaction, and structural compactness. These peptides were synthesized using the solid‐phase peptide synthesis protocol, purified by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), and authenticated by mass spectrometry (MS). The in vitro fluorometric Mpro activity assay was used to validate the computational results, where temporin L and indolicidin were observed to be very active against SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro with IC50 values of 38.80 and 87.23 μM, respectively. A liquid chromatography–MS (LC–MS) assay was developed, and the IC50 value of temporin L was measured at 23.8 μM. The solution‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of temporin L was determined in the absence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles and was compared to previous temporin structures. This combined investigation provides critical insights and assists us to further develop peptide inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro through structural guided investigation.
A 5‐year survivor of endarterectomy for sclerosing undifferentiated intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery: Importance of clinical suspicion and careful histologic evaluation
Authors: Amemiya Kisaki , Nishihira Morikazu , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Ohta‐Ogo Keiko , Ogo Takeshi , Ikeda Yoshihiko , Hatakeyama Kinta , Sasaki Hiroaki , Ogino Hitoshi
Published: November 2023

We present a diagnostically challenging case of intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery (PA) due to the histologic finding of a sclerosing appearance with no appreciable spindle/pleomorphic cell proliferation. Initial endarterectomy specimens were composed of sclerosing extracellular matrix with a few bland cells, some recanalization, and fibrin thrombi, impeding the confirmation of intimal sarcoma as these findings were also consistent with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. However, the patient experienced recurrence 5 years later, and the second endarterectomy specimens revealed more firm and solid mass and the proliferation of atypical spindle/pleomorphic cells within a myxomatous matrix in the distal PA, leading to the definitive diagnosis of undifferentiated intimal sarcoma of the PA. The archival specimens from the endarterectomy confirmed intense MDM2 expression by immunohistochemistry, suggesting its role as a potential diagnostic marker for intimal sarcoma. This case highlights that prominent sclerosing extracellular matrix with very few atypical cells should raise the possibility of intimal sarcoma of the PA and that high index of suspicion, generous sampling, and ancillary tests are critical for accurate diagnosis. In this case, the tumor was incidentally removed by endarterectomy, resulting in 5 years of survival.
Morphology and growth of convective cold pools observed by a dense station network in Germany
Authors: Kirsch Bastian , Hohenegger Cathy , Ament Felix
Published: November 2023

This study explores the morphology of convective cold pools, that is, their size, shape, and structure, as well as factors controlling their growth using surface‐based observations of the Field Experiment on Sub‐mesoscale Spatio Temporal Variability in Lindenberg (FESSTVaL). FESSTVaL featured a dense network of 99 custom‐built, low‐cost measurement stations covering a circular area of 30 km in diameter at sub‐mesoscale resolution (distances between 0.1 and 4.8 km) and was held at the Lindenberg Observatory near Berlin (Germany) from May–August 2021. The station network sampled 42 cold‐pool events during the 103‐day measurement period. The morphological properties of cold pools are derived by interpolating the temperature observations spatially to a Cartesian grid and defining cold pools as individual objects at a given time with a temperature perturbation stronger than  K. The sample of 1232 cold‐pool objects with extents sufficiently captured by the network has a median equivalent diameter of 8.5 km. The objects exhibit aspect ratios between 1.5 and 1.6 independent of their size and strength, meaning they are generally not circularly shaped. On average, is strongest at the cold‐pool center and decreases linearly towards the edge. For the growth phase of four selected events, the cold‐pool object area scales linearly with the radar‐observed, area‐integrated rainfall accumulation, while the object‐mean temperature perturbation strengthens most efficiently early in the life cycle. The global, radial expansion velocity decreases as the cold pool gets stronger and larger, in contradiction of density‐current theory. Instead, is a better predictor of the expansion rate. These findings identify cold‐air import by precipitation, through both evaporative cooling and convective downdrafts, as the dominant driver of the observed growth.