bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eight‐week lat pull‐down resistance training with joint instability leads to superior pull‐up endurance performance and reduced antagonist coactivation in recreationally active male college students
Authors: Li Qian , Yan Jiaqi , Qiao Minjie , Quan Jiuqing , Chen Yiqing , Gong Mingxin , Niu Wenxin , Wang Lejun
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8‐week lat pull‐down resistance training program with joint instability on pull‐up performance in male college students. Thirty‐four healthy recreationally active male college students were randomly assigned to either the joint instability resistance training (IRT) or traditional resistance training (TRT) group. Participants of the TRT and IRT groups performed lat pull‐down training on stable and joint instability conditions for 8 weeks, respectively. Pull‐up endurance (number of repetitions), anthropometry, lat pull‐down maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) peak force, and movement stability of performing unstable lat pull‐down were tested before and after the 8‐week training. Surface electromyography of biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB), brachioradialis (BR), anterior deltoid (AD), middle deltoid (MD), posterior deltoid (PD), pectoralis major (PM), and latissimus dorsi (LD) muscles were recorded during the pull‐up endurance test. The level of significance is set at p ≤ 0.05. The results demonstrated that the pull‐up endurance and lat pull‐down MVIC peak force of both IRT and TRT groups were significantly enhanced after 8‐week training compared to the pre‐training test. Notably, the number of pull‐up repetitions of the IRT group was 45.5% higher than the TRT group. These findings suggest that lat pull‐down training performed with joint instability may lead to greater improvements in pull‐up endurance compared to the stable condition, possibly attributed to enhanced muscle contraction efficiency as indicated by decreased antagonist coactivation activity.
Design of Nonstandard Waveguide Slot Array Antenna for High‐Power Applications
Authors: Vijaya Adepu , Baba V S S N Srinivasa
Published: December 2024

Waveguide slot array antennas are extensively used in radar systems, satellite communications, and wireless networks due to their high gain, low side lobe levels, and good impedance matching. Conversely, designing these antennas for high‐power scenarios with non‐standard configurations presents challenges. This paper proposes a novel Mode Matching Based Deep Neural Method (MMbDNM) to optimize the design and performance of waveguide slot array antennas. By integrating deep learning with mode‐matching techniques, the method streamlines antenna design, reducing development time and cost while maintaining high performance across multiple frequency bands. The proposed (MMbDNM) method achieves a frequency of 10.4 GHz; the antenna achieves a high coupling coefficient of 0.99, indicating efficient energy transfer between slots. The power handling capability of 0.99 W ensures robust performance under high‐power conditions, while the radiation pattern with a gain of 0.95 dB suggests effective signal propagation. Additionally, a bandwidth of 1.1 GHz allows for versatile application across a range of frequencies, contributing to the antenna's overall efficiency and adaptability. The results demonstrate improved antenna efficiency and adaptability, making it ideal for waveguide junctions used in complex electromagnetic systems.
Inequalities in the Quality and Safety of Post‐Diagnostic Primary Care for People With Dementia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Morris Charlotte , Techache Roukia , Davies Katie , Blakeman Tom , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Ashcroft Darren M. , Robinson Dame Louise
Published: December 2024

Introduction

International guidelines make recommendations for the delivery of safe, high‐quality primary care for people with dementia including prescribing, personalised care planning and regular holistic reviews. It is unclear how the quality and safety of this healthcare varies with socio‐economic factors.

Objective

This scoping review aimed to understand the depth and breadth of existing evidence exploring socio‐economic variation in the quality and safety of primary care for people with dementia.

Methods

Prescribing and care planning indicators of high‐quality, safe primary care were defined from guidance. Composite and proxy markers of socio‐economic status (SES) were defined. EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychInfo, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, worldcat.org and clinicaltrial.gov databases were searched. Studies in English, on human participants from 2006 onwards were eligible. Narrative synthesis was conducted. Studies explored how one or more selected indicators (anti‐dementia medication and anti‐psychotic prescribing, potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP), medication review, dementia review or care planning) varied with a recognised marker of SES in people with dementia.

Results

Searches identified 1980 studies after removing duplicates. 385 full texts were reviewed, with 53 eligible for inclusion (51 quantitative, 2 reviews). Most identified studies explored prescribing processes (50 quantitative, 2 reviews), with 2 exploring annual review.

There was evidence of substantial disparity in quality and safety indicators in studies exploring prescribing; 20/29 (69%) of studies exploring anti‐dementia medication prescribing found those with markers of lower SES were significantly less likely to receive these. 16/28 studies exploring PIP/Anti‐psychotics found significant disparities in safe prescribing for those with markers of lower SES. Neither study exploring annual reviews found any significant differences across SES.

Conclusion

We found evidence of disparity in the quality and safety of post‐diagnostic primary care for people with dementia based on SES, particularly for a range of prescribing indicators. Further work exploring inequalities in care planning and reviews for people with dementia is needed to understand existing inequalities in the quality and safety of primary care for people with dementia.
Defining Parent Responsiveness: A Systematic Review‐Based Theoretical Model
Authors: Campi Emily , Nye Elizabeth , Baranek Grace T.
Published: December 2024

Parent responsiveness to infants' cues may support attachment, mental health, and neurodevelopment. Across studies, parent responsiveness includes various behaviours (e.g., verbal responses, sensitivity, timeliness, physical proximity). Mixed evidence regarding associations between parent responsiveness and child development may be partially attributable to variable conceptualizations of parent responsiveness. Additionally, divergent perspectives on parent responsiveness may limit cross‐disciplinary collaborations, which are important to best support families in developing responsive parenting skills. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review of articles published from 1952 to 2022 was to establish a multidimensional definition of parent responsiveness. Inclusion criteria for the 463 articles included in this review were: (a) primary focus on behavioural parent responsiveness; (b) average infant age 6–18 months; and (c) in‐depth definition of parent responsiveness. We completed a qualitative content analysis of the definitions of parent responsiveness extracted from each included article. The resulting definition contains 15 dimensions of parent responsiveness across four levels of behaviour that comprehensively describe the complexity of parent‐infant interactions. This model is foundational for future studies of parent responsiveness, its impact on child development, and factors that influence parents' ability to respond to their infants' cues.
An Augmented Reality Visor for Intraoperative Visualization, Guidance, and Temperature Monitoring Using Fluorescence
Authors: Cipolato Oscar , Fauconneau Matthias , LeValley Paige J. , Nißler Robert , Suter Benjamin , Herrmann Inge K.
Published: December 2024

Fluorescence‐guided surgeries, including tumor resection and tissue soldering, are advancing the frontiers of surgical precision by offering enhanced control that minimizes tissue damage, improving recovery and outcomes. However, integrating fluorescence visualization with real‐time temperature monitoring remains a challenge, limiting broader clinical use. We address this issue with an augmented reality (AR) visor that combines nanomaterial excitation, fluorescence detection, and temperature monitoring. Using advanced fluorescent nanoparticles like indocyanine green‐doped particles and carbon nanotubes, the visor provides a comprehensive view of both the surgical field and sub‐surface conditions invisible to the naked eye. This integration improves the safety and efficacy of fluorescence‐guided surgeries, including laser tissue soldering, by ensuring optimal temperatures and laser guidance in real time. The presented technology enhances existing surgical techniques and supports the development of new strategies and sensing technologies in areas where traditional methods fall short, marking significant progress in precision surgery and potentially improving patient care.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel 2,4‐disubstituted Pyrimidine Derivatives as Double Mutant Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor‐L858R/T790M Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Ahmad Iqrar , Patel Harun
Published: December 2024

A series of 2,4‐disubstituted pyrimidine derivatives bearing 5‐substituted‐1,3,4 thidiazole were devised and synthesized based on the binding mode of the approved drug Osimertinib with the ATP competitive site of EGFR‐L858R/T790M in order to increase selectivity towards double mutant EGFR and potent antitumor activity. Their cellular bioactivity and corresponding enzyme inhibition were studied, and it was revealed that several compounds had significant biological activity and selectivity when compared to the control compounds. One of the most promising compound 8, substantially suppressed the proliferation of H1975 cells and showed significant inhibition of double mutant EGFR‐L858R/T790M TK with IC50 values of 0.170 and 0.0064 µM, respectively. Molecular mechanic simulation provides structural evidence of selective kinase inhibitory activity. Density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) methods with the 6‐311G**++ basic basis set were used to compute the theoretical vibrational frequencies and optimal geometric parameters. In addition, MESPs analysis, HUMO and LUMO quantum parameters of the most active compound 8 were calculated, and the results were viewed.
Histopathologic and Antioxidant Regulatory Effects of Different Doses of Thymoquinone Against 2,4,6‐Trinitrobenzene Sulfonic Acid‐Induced Experimental Colitis in Rats
Authors: Sirinyıldız Ferhat , Unay Simge , Keskin Adem
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of thymoquinone in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by examining the effects of various doses of thymoquinone on histopathological changes, oxidative stress, and antioxidant markers in basic stamens in a 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis model in rats. Thirty‐two rats were divided into four groups: control, TNBS, thymoquinone‐20 (20 mg/kg), and thymoquinone‐50 (50 mg/kg) groups. The basic stamens of 32 rats were used for this experiment. Malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and superoxide dismutase (inhibition rate) levels and histopathological scores (cellular infiltration, tissue integrity disruption, hemorrhagic focus, and mucosal loss) increased in the rats with TNBS, while they decreased with different thymoquinone doses. Glutathione peroxidase levels were decreased in the rats with TNBS, whereas increased with different thymoquinone doses. Furthermore, catalase levels were decreased in the rats with TNBS and increased with a 50 mg/kg thymoquinone dose. Malondialdehyde, catalase, myeloperoxidase, and superoxide dismutase (inhibition rate) levels and cell infiltration, tissue integrity disruption, and hemorrhagic focus scores detected in the thymoquinone‐50 group were not different from the healthy control group. In conclusion, thymoquinone may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of IBD.
Does Basis Set Superposition Error Significantly Affect Post‐CCSD(T) Corrections?
Authors: Fishman Vladimir , Semidalas Emmanouil , Shepelenko Margarita , Martin Jan M. L.
Published: December 2024

We have investigated the title question for both a subset of the W4‐11 total atomization energies benchmark, and for the A24x8 noncovalent interactions benchmark. Overall, counterpoise corrections to post‐CCSD(T) contributions are about two orders of magnitude less important than those to the CCSD(T) interaction energy. Counterpoise corrections for connected quadruple substitutions (Q) are negligible, and or especially so. In contrast, for atomization energies, the counterpoise correction can reach about 0.05 kcal/mol for small basis sets like cc‐pVDZ, thought it rapidly tapers off with cc‐pVTZ and especially aug‐cc‐pVTZ basis sets. It is reduced to insignificance by the extrapolation of applied in both W4 and HEAT thermochemistry protocols. In noncovalent dimers, the differential BSSE on post‐CCSD(T) correlation contributions is negligible even in basis sets as small as the unpolarized split‐valence cc‐pVDZ(no d).
High Atherogenic Index of Plasma Associated With Delayed Graft Function in Living Donor Renal Transplant Recipients: A Single‐Center Study in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Thai Dung , Nguyen Thi Thu Ha , Nguyen Tri Tue , Tran Dac Tiep , Nguyen Trung Kien , Nguyen Huu Dung , Hoang Anh Trung , Tran Van Hinh , Le Viet Thang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To determine the predictive value of the atherogenic index of plasma before transplant for delayed graft function.

Patients and Methods

A cross‐sectional, longitudinal, non‐interventional, non‐controlled study of 167 patients undergoing kidney transplantation from living donors, with a mean age of 39.34 ± 11.86 years old, 53.3% male, and a pre‐transplant hemodialysis time of 14 (7–36) months. Delayed graft function was defined as decreased blood creatinine < 25% within the first 24 h compared to pre‐transplantation, and the patients needed hemodialysis in the first 7 days. The atherogenic index of plasma was calculated based on pre‐transplant plasma triglycerides and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.

Results

The ratio of delayed graft function in renal transplant recipients from living donors was 13.8% (23/167 patients). Hemodialysis time, the ratio of hepatitis infection, overweight and obese, atherosclerosis, positive PRA, and acute rejection in the DGF (+) group were higher than those of the DGF (−) group, p < 0.05 and < 0.001. In particular, plasma CRP‐hs level and AIP also were higher in DGF (+) patients compared to those of DGF (−) ones, p < 0.001. Long hemodialysis time, obesity, high plasma CRP‐hs, and high AIP in pre‐transplant patients were independent factors related to DGF and had predictive value for DGF after kidney transplantation, in which AIP had good predictive value: AUC = 0.859, p < 0.001.

Conclusion

Delayed graft function was relatively common in renal transplant recipients from living donors. AIP before kidney transplant was a good predictor for delayed graft function.
The relationship between muscle mass changes and protein or energy intake in critically ill children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Stacey Lewis J. , Valla Frederic V. , Huang Chao , Comfort Paul , Chaparro Corinne Jotterand , Latten Lynne , Tume Lyvonne N.
Published: December 2024

Survivorship after pediatric critical illness is high in developed countries, but many suffer physical morbidities afterwards. The increasing focus on follow‐up after critical illness has led to more pediatric studies reporting muscle mass changes (using ultrasound), albeit with different results. A systematic literature review was undertaken examining muscle mass changes, assessed by ultrasound of the quadriceps femoris muscle in children who are critically ill. Secondary objectives were to determine if muscle mass was associated with protein intake and/or energy. Databases were searched in July 2024. Eligible experimental or observational studies, published from January 2010 to July 2024 and including children who are critically ill that were aged between ≥37 weeks' gestational age and 18 years who were admitted to the pediatric critical care unit were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute for observational studies critical appraisal instrument was used to assess studies for methodological quality. One hundred and thirty‐five studies were screened, and eight prospective cohort studies were included, involving 411 children. Overall, muscle mass changes reported in seven out of eight of the papers showed a pooled mean muscle mass loss of 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.6–11.4) from baseline to days 5–7. Five of the eight publications defined muscular atrophy as a decrease in muscle mass of >10%. Using this cutoff, 92 (49.2%) children developed muscular atrophy during their PICU admission. Overall, muscle mass decreased by nearly 10% during a child's first week in PICU, with almost half of children developing muscular atrophy during their admission.
Intestinal ultrasound at diagnosis of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease compared to endoscopy
Authors: Khan Hamza Hassan , Munden Martha M. , Spence Leslie H. , Jones Richard H. , Whatley Jordan , Suppa Carmine
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Intestinal ultrasound (IU) has emerged as an alternative to detect bowel wall inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare IU findings to clinical disease, fecal calprotectin (FC), and endoscopic findings in newly diagnosed pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Methods

This study was a 1‐year, single‐center, prospective study. Any pediatric patient undergoing colonoscopy could be recruited. Following ileo‐colonoscopy, subjects were divided into two groups: patients diagnosed with IBD and patients without IBD. Participants had an IU within 1 month. Endoscopists and radiologists were blinded to each other. The IU findings were compared with clinical disease activity, FC, and endoscopic findings.

Results

A total of 50 subjects were enrolled in the study; 29 (58%) were females, median age was 13.5 years, and 25 (50%) were diagnosed with IBD. IU sensitivity was 76%, specificity 84%, positive predictive value (PPV) 83%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 78%. For detection of moderate to severe disease, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 91.3%, 86.21%, 84%, and 92.6%, respectively. A significant correlation was noted between IU and FC, Mayo score, and Simple Endoscopic Score (0.513, 0.565, and 0.731, respectively). Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index and Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index scores had Pearson correlations of 0.070 and −0.159, respectively.

Conclusions

IU can be considered a screening tool for pediatric IBD. It has reasonable sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV, particularly for moderate‐to‐severe disease. The severity noted on IU correlated with FC and endoscopic disease activity but did not correlate with clinical disease activity.
Regulatory factor X‐5/SCL/TAL1 interruption site axis promotes aerobic glycolysis and hepatocellular carcinoma cell stemness
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Zhong , Wang Zi‐Ming , Zhang Hao‐Wen , Gong Yan‐Xin , Sun Hao‐Ran , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2024

The incidence and development of various tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are linked to tumor stem cells. Although research has revealed how important SCL/TAL1 interruption site (STIL) is in many human tumors, the impact of STIL on HCC stem cells is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the regulatory mechanisms and the function of STIL in the stemness of HCC tumor cells. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to determine the STIL and regulatory factor X‐5 (RFX5) expression in HCC tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of STIL and RFX5 in HCC tissues. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to measure the STIL and RFX5 expression levels in HCC cells. The viability of the cells was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. The sphere formation assay was used to evaluate the sphere‐forming capacity. The expression levels of the stem cell markers SOX2, Oct‐4, CD133, CD44, the glycolysis‐related proteins LDHA, HK2, AKT, p‐AKT, and β‐catenin were assessed by Western blot. Lactate production, oxygen consumption rate, and extracellular acidification rate were measured to assess the glycolytic capacity of HCC cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase experiments were performed to validate the connection between RFX5 and STIL. Bioinformatics analysis determined that STIL exhibited high expression in HCC tissues and was enriched in the glycolysis pathway. In addition, the expression of glycolysis marker genes was positively correlated with STIL expression. Cell experiments verified that the activation of the glycolysis pathway by overexpression of STIL promoted stemness in HCC. Molecular experiments also revealed the binding relationship between STIL and RFX5. IHC detected high expression of STIL and RFX5 in HCC tissues. Cell functional experiments revealed that RFX5 could influence the HCC cells stemness by activating the STIL transcription via the glycolysis pathway. This study identified a novel role for the RFX5/STIL axis in HCC progression, which may offer treatment targets for HCC.
Indocyanine Green Angiography for Real‐time Evaluation of Nasoseptal Flap Vascularity and Perfusion
Authors: Noiphithak Raywat , Yanez‐Siller Juan C. , Rukskul Pataravit , Yodwisithsak Pornchai
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To investigate the characteristics of the vascular pedicle of the nasoseptal flap (NSF) and its perfusion patterns using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography during endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS), and examine the correlation between ICG perfusion patterns and clinical outcomes, including postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and flap necrosis.

Methods

This study enrolled patients undergoing ESBS between January 2017 and December 2021. Intraoperative ICG angiography was performed to visualize the arterial supply of the nasal septum and evaluate NSF perfusion. Postoperative CT scans and clinical follow‐ups were conducted to assess flap outcomes.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included in the study. The posterior septal artery (PSA) was most commonly identified in the middle third of the sphenoidal rostrum (63.5% right, 60.3% left). Three branching patterns were observed: single‐branch (58.7% right, 64.3% left), double‐branch (12.7% right, 11.1% left), and reticular‐branch (26.6% right, 24.6% left). Among 72 patients who underwent NSF placement, ICG angiography showed full enhancement in 37 patients (51.4%), partial enhancement in 27 patients (37.5%), and no enhancement in eight patients (11.1%). Postoperative CSF leak occurred in eight patients (11.1%), with no significant correlation to ICG enhancement patterns (p = 0.07). Flap necrosis occurred in five patients (6.9%), all of whom had shown no ICG enhancement beyond the pedicle (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

ICG angiography is a valuable tool for visualizing the vascular supply of NSF during ESBS. While it does not correlate with postoperative CSF leak, ICG enhancement pattern showed a significant association with flap necrosis. This technique may contribute to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications in NSF reconstructions.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 135:1060–1065, 2025
Sink or break: Oil increases resistance of phytoplankton aggregates to fragmentation
Authors: Ziervogel Kai , Sweet Julia A. , Song Yixuan , Bretherton Laura , Rau Matthew J. , Quigg Antonietta , Passow Uta
Published: December 2024

Fragmentation of marine snow affects the downward flux of organic matter, and other aggregate‐associated compounds such as oil. Using phytoplankton aggregates, we demonstrate that marine snow with oil, termed marine oil snow, had a higher resistance to fragmentation compared to marine snow without oil when exposed to turbulence ex situ. At moderate shear levels, typical of the ocean mixed layer, 17% of marine snow without oil broke, whereas 63% of marine snow fragmented at intermediate shear. In contrast, only 17% and 33% of marine oil snow fragmented at the intermediate and highest shear levels, respectively. Our results suggest that oil increases the cohesion and stability of aggregates making them less susceptible to breaking. This work contributes toward explaining the exceptional oil sedimentation event following the 2010 spill in Gulf of Mexico. It also enhances our understanding of the factors that determine the probability of sinking aggregates to fragment.
Corrosion Resistance and Structure of Cr−O−N Coatings Formed in Vacuum Arc Plasma Fluxes With PIIID
Authors: Kuprin Alexandr S. , Rostova Hanna Y. , Reshetnyak Elena N. , Warcholinski Bogdan , Gilewicz Adam , Klimenko Ilya O. , Trzciński Konrad , Gazda Maria , Ryl Jacek , Sawczak Miroslaw
Published: December 2024

Cr−O−N‐based vacuum arc coatings are very promising for the wear and corrosion protection of various steel parts. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of frequency and amplitude of the pulsed bias voltage (UB) on the elemental and phase composition, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Cr−O−N coatings. They have an amorphous structure with embedded nanosized solid solution crystallites based on CrN with a cubic structure and Cr2O3 with a rhombohedral structure. The increase in the bias voltage results in a reduction in the grain size of the Cr2O3 and CrN phases by about four times to about 5 nm, as well as a change in the CrN phase content in the coating. The lattice parameter increases slightly for the Cr2O3 phase but decreases for the CrN phase. The increase in the pulse frequency results in an increase in the CrN phase content in the coating and the lattice constant of both phases and a slight decrease in the crystallite size. The hardness of Cr−O−N coatings slightly increased with the UB from 26 ± 1 GPa (DC) to 28 ± 1 GPa (−300 V, pulsed), and the elastic modulus ranges from 290 to 310 GPa. The greatest changes were observed in corrosion resistance. With an increase in the bias voltage and pulse frequency, the corrosion current of Cr−O−N coatings on steel in 3% NaCl solution decreased by three orders of magnitude compared to coatings deposited at DC voltage and by five orders of magnitude compared to the base steel. Therefore, the use of a pulsed bias voltage with a frequency of at least 10 kHz and an amplitude of 700 V can significantly increase the corrosion resistance of Cr−O−N coatings on steel substrates.
Fixed‐Time Bipartite Synchronization of Stochastic Multiplex Signed Networks Via Quantized Generalized Intermittent Control
Authors: Qin Xuejiao , Jiang Haijun , Qiu Jianlong , Hu Cheng , Ren Yue
Published: December 2024

This study is dedicated to the fixed‐time (FDT) bipartite synchronization of stochastic multiplex signed networks via quantized generalized intermittent control (QGIC). Firstly, a multiplex network including signed graphs and stochastic disturbances is introduced. Secondly, a new lemma of FDT stability is established by using reduction to absurdity and mathematical induction. Thirdly, based on the proposed FDT stability and the stochastic analysis techniques, several sufficient conditions on FDT bipartite synchronization are derived by designing a novel QGIC strategy. Significantly, the designed controller is a unified form of periodic and aperiodic cases and is only activated in the work interval. At last, two numerical simulations are offered to validate the superiority and effectiveness of the theoretical findings.
Elasticity of Substitution and Economic Growth: Some New Results
Authors: Chilarescu Constantin
Published: December 2024

The main aim of this paper is to improve some recent results on the impact of the elasticity of substitution on economic growth. We proved the existence, uniqueness, and asymptotic stability of the balanced growth equilibrium and then study the effect of the elasticity of substitution on the long‐run equilibrium and on the steady state. We also show that a higher elasticity of substitution increases per capita income, the relative share of physical capital, the common growth rate, and the share of human capital allocated to the production sector.

MSC Classification: C61, C62, E21, O41
A Compact Single‐Conductor Endfire Antenna With High Gain and Easy Assembly
Authors: Wang Shixuan , Teng Xihui , Jin Peiqi , Hou Yuefeng
Published: December 2024

This letter proposes a compact air‐substrate single conductor endfire antenna, characterized by stable endfire radiation, high gain, high gain‐to‐length ratio and easy assembly. The proposed antenna is fed by air‐substrate double‐sided parallel strip lines (DSPSLs) in the TEM mode, ensuring stable endfire radiation pattern. Evolved from the periodic leaky‐wave antenna design, it also achieves high gain. Moreever, the radiating elements can couple energy through two paths, achieving an almost uniform electric field distribution, which contributes to a high gain‐to‐length ratio. Notably, a single‐conductor structure is achieved by terminating the short‐circuited DSPSLs, which simplifies the assembly process and minimizes manufacturing complexity. Finally, the proposed compact single‐conductor antenna is simulated, fabricated, and measured. The proposed endfire antenna features a compact size of 1.90λ0 × 0.42λ0 × 0.05λ0 operating at the center frequency of 5.00 GHz, where λ0 denotes the free‐space wavelength. According to the measurement results, the antenna also achieves a high gain of 11.37 dBi and a high gain‐to‐length ratio of 7.21, exhibiting a wide 1‐dB gain bandwidth of 4.00–5.30 GHz. These features make the antenna well‐suited for diverse long‐distance communication applications.
Low Back Pain Disparities in Portugal: A Population‐Based Study Analysing the Role of Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Duarte Susana Tinoco , Alves Joana , Cruz Eduardo Brazete , Heleno Bruno , Aguiar Pedro
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Despite growing research, the relationship between social determinants of health (SDoH) and low back pain (LBP) remains inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the associations between SDoH and self‐reported LBP in the Portuguese population in 2019 and explore potential differences between rural and urban areas.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study that includes 13,230 participants from the 2019 Portuguese National Health Interview Survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between SDoH and LBP. Interaction effects were examined to determine whether these relationships are modified by the degree of urbanisation/rurality.

Results

The regression model for demographic and economic determinants showed associations between LBP and sex, age, marital status, education and financial capacity, with older rural residents having a higher likelihood of reporting LBP. The psychosocial model revealed that poor health status, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and dissatisfaction with life course were positively associated with LBP. In the behavioural model, obesity and history of smoking increased the probability of reporting LBP, whereas exercise behaviours reduced it and significantly varied across urban and rural regions. Health‐system factors, including hospital visits, medication use, consultations with rehabilitation professionals, delayed healthcare access, and unmet health needs due to financial constraints, were associated with LBP. Rural residents were more likely to seek outpatient care at hospitals.

Discussion

These findings emphasise the importance of integrating the evaluation of SDoH into healthcare settings to develop tailored interventions for LBP management.

Conclusion

LBP was influenced by several SDoH, but differences between rural and urban areas were limited.
Investigation of the Impact Response of Bi‐Continuous Nanoporous Solids via the Material Point Method: Verification Against Molecular Dynamics Predictions
Authors: Su Yu‐Chen , Saffarini Mohammed H. , Sewell Tommy , Chen Zhen
Published: December 2024

Molecular dynamics (MD) and the material point method (MPM) are both particle methods in spatial discretization. Molecular dynamics is a discrete particle method that is widely applied to predict fundamental physical properties and dynamic materials behaviors at nanoscale. The MPM is a continuum‐based particle method that was proposed about three decades ago to simulate large‐deformation problems involving multiphase interaction and failure evolution beyond the nanoscale. However, it is still a challenging task to validate MD responses against the experimental data due to the spatial limitation in impact and/or shock tests. The objective of this investigation is therefore to compare the MPM and MD solutions for the impact responses of porous solids at nanoscale. Since the governing equations for MD and explicit MPM are similar in temporal domain with different spatial discretization schemes, the MPM solutions could be verified against the MD ones, and the MD solutions might then be indirectly validated against the MPM ones as validated beyond the nanoscale. Since both MD forcing functions and MPM constitutive modeling are well‐formulated for metallic solids, we report a comprehensive comparative study of porous and non‐porous gold cubic targets impacted by full density non‐porous gold cubic flyers using the MPM and MD, respectively. The overall deformation patterns and particle‐velocity histories are demonstrated and analyzed, as obtained with the two particle methods. It appears that the MD and MPM solutions are consistent in capturing the physical responses, which shows the potential of using the MPM for multiscale simulations of extreme events involving porous solids, such as underground penetration and space exploration. In addition, MD solutions might be indirectly validated against the MPM ones for evaluating geological responses to extreme loadings, which provides an alternative route for multiscale verification and validation.
Can We Prevent Recurrent UTIs Without Antibiotics, in Both Those Who Do and Do Not Use Catheters? ICI‐RS 2024
Authors: Harding Christopher , Clavica Francesco , Averbeck Marcio Augusto , Da Silva Anasofia , Drake Marcus John , Gajewski Jerzy Bogdan , Khullar Vik , Pozniak Michael , Rantell Angie Marie , Tarcan Tufan , Werneburg Glenn Thomas , Giarenis Ilias
Published: December 2024

Aims

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescription. The widespread use of antibiotic treatments contributes to the global health problem of antimicrobial resistance development. To slow down the progression of antimicrobial resistance, it is essential that we explore nonantibiotic preventive treatments for this common condition. We aim to report discussions regarding nonantibiotic preventive strategies for recurrent urinary tract infections in both catheterized and non‐catheterized patients that took place at the International Consultation on Incontinence—Research Society meeting in Bristol in 2024.

Methods

We undertook a think‐tank session during this multidisciplinary meeting specifically designated for discussion regarding both established and emerging nonantibiotic treatments for UTI prevention in both catheterized and non‐catheterized patients. This led to the generation of pertinent research questions, which hope to shape future UTI research.

Results

We describe the discussions that took place and document the important research questions that were proposed during the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society meeting in Bristol in 2024.

Conclusions

There is a range of established UTI preventative strategies for UTI prevention in both catheterized and non‐catheterized patients. Emerging UTI prevention treatments have varying levels of evidence to support their use, and in many areas, further research is needed to establish their place in clinical pathways.
Impact of Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty on Lower Urinary Tract Function: A Single‐Center Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Jasmine , Oh Cheongeun , Brucker Benjamin , Bluebond‐Langner Rachel , Zhao Lee C.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

With increased access to gender affirming care, the rate of vaginoplasties in the US has risen rapidly. Although some retrospective studies report high rates of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after gender affirming vaginoplasty, the type and severity of symptoms has not been well‐described. The purpose of this study was to prospectively characterize postoperative changes in lower urinary tract function after robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty as measured by the American Urological Association Symptom Index questionnaire (AUASI), Urogenital Distress Inventory 6 (UDI6), and additional measures.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of patients undergoing gender affirming robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty enrolled between August 2020 to September 2021. LUTS were evaluated pre‐ and postoperatively (1, 3, 6, and 12‐month) via the AUASI, UDI6, uroflowmetry, and post void residual (PVR) measurements. Averages and 95% confidence intervals over time were estimated and compared through univariate mixed‐effect linear regression models.

Results

A total of 43 patients were enrolled. The average patient age was 31.1 ± 9.1 years. Overall AUASI Score declined over time (p = 0.002; −0.42,−0.09), though the decrease was less than the clinically minimum importance difference (MID) of 3 points. Preoperative AUASI was 8.1 ± 5.2, 1 month: 8.1 (95% CI: −1.9,1.8); 3 months: 5.2 (−5.0,−1.2); 6 months: 5.7 (−4.6,−0.62); 12 months: 5.2 (−4.9,−0.81). Similarly, UDI6 score declined over time (p = 0.002; −1.12,−0.26), though the decrease was less than MID of 16.7 points. UDI6 score preoperatively was 16.3 ± 1.8; 1 month post op: 16.5 (−5.2,5.0); 3 months: 16.2 (−5.6,5.1); 6 months: 11.6 (−10,1.0), and at 12 months: 8.1 (−13,−2.3). Overall uroflowmetric outcomes measured at postoperative visits including post void residual volume, maximum flow velocity, and average flow velocity did not show any difference at any postoperative time point when compared with preoperative measurements.

Conclusions

In this study both the AUASI and UDI6 declined over time from initial preoperative evaluation to the 12 month follow up period, although the changes in AUASI and UDI6 score did not reach MID. Additionally, urodynamic measurements remained unchanged postoperatively. This data suggests that robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty has no effect on lower urinary tract function.
Association Between Stress‐Induced Weight Loss and Autophagy‐Related Gene Expression in the Hippocampus and Midbrain of Depression Model Mice
Authors: Mori Hiroaki , Yoshino Yuta , Okano Mariko , Funahashi Yu , Kumon Hiroshi , Ochi Shinichiro , Iga Jun‐ichi , Ueno Shu‐ichi
Published: December 2024

Aim

Recent studies have implicated autophagy in both weight regulation and depression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between stress‐induced weight loss and autophagy‐related gene expression in a mouse model of depression.

Method

Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a chronic immobilization stress (CIS) protocol for 14 days to induce depressive‐like behavior. Body weight was measured before and after the CIS, and depressive‐like behavior was assessed using the tail suspension test (TST). The expression levels of autophagy‐related genes (Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, Becn1, Mmp9, Fkbp5, and Map1lc3b) in the hippocampus and midbrain were evaluated using reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). Serum cortisol levels were also measured.

Results

The CIS resulted in significant weight loss and increased immobility time in the TST, indicating depressive‐like behavior. Serum cortisol levels were not different between CIS‐depression model and control mice. In the hippocampus, the expression levels of Fkbp5, Mmp9, and Map1lc3b were significantly higher in CIS‐depression model mice than in control mice. In the midbrain, the expression levels of Fkbp5 and Mmp9 were significantly higher in CIS‐depression model mice than in control mice. Increased autophagy‐related gene expressions in CIS‐depression model mice were consistent with the previous studies in the postmortem brains of patients with depression. A significant negative correlation was also found between Fkbp5 mRNA expression in the hippocampus and the weight change ratio before and after the CIS.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that enhanced autophagy may be related to the pathology of depression and that Fkbp5, an autophagy regulator, mediates stress‐induced weight loss.
Theoretical and Electrochemical Evaluation of Cannabis Sativa L. Extracts as Corrosion Inhibitors for Mild Steel in Acidic Medium
Authors: Haddou Salima , Zaidi Kaoutar , Dagdag Omar , Hbika Asmae , Adil Mahraz Mohamed , Bouhrim Mohamed , Alqahtani Ali S. , Noman Omar M. , Kim Hansang , Aouniti Abdelouahad , Hammouti Belkheir , Chahine Abdelkrim
Published: December 2024

The corrosion of metals in acidic environments remains a significant challenge, driving the search for sustainable and eco‐friendly inhibitors derived from natural sources. This study evaluates the corrosion inhibition potential of three extracts from Cannabis sativa L., namely ethanol extract (EET), hexane extract (EHX), and dichloromethane extract (EDM), for mild steel in a 1 M HCl acidic medium. The investigation employed weight loss (WL) measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) techniques. To understand their inhibitive performance, density functional theory (DFT) was used. For a more comprehensive theoretical analysis, Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used. The corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with the increase of EET, EHX, and EDM concentrations up to 91 %, 89 %, and 83 %, respectively, obtained at 308 K for a 0.8 g/L concentration. Polarization studies classify EET, EHX, and EDM as mixed‐type inhibitors with a predominantly anodic effect, functioning through adsorption on the metal surface. The adsorption of these extracts on mild steel conforms to the Langmuir isotherm model, with adsorption equilibrium constants (Kads) of 3.0143 M, 5.1245 M, and 2.2009 M for EET, EHX, and EDM, respectively, highlighting their potential as effective corrosion inhibitors. The EET extract exhibits a high activation energy (Ea) of 101.70 kJ/mol, while the EHX and EDM extracts show Ea values of 79.05 kJ/mol and 82.93 kJ/mol, respectively, all significantly higher than the Ea of blank, which is 30.23 kJ/mol, indicating that the extracts effectively inhibit corrosion by increasing the activation energy, with EET being the most potent inhibitor. Theoretical approaches based on DFT, MC, and MD simulations clearly explain the mode of adsorption of the majority of molecules on the metal surface. The inhibition process may result from a synergistic intermolecular effect of the major compounds in the extract, which interact at various active adsorption sites on the metal surface. Simulations indicate that catechin dihydrate in EET (52.42 %), linoleic acid in EHX (42.92 %), and naringenin in EDM (41.92 %) are close to the metal surface, suggesting strong interactions with the material. The results obtained from experimental measurements and theoretical calculations agree, highlighting the potential for developing more sustainable corrosion inhibitors based on plant‐derived compounds.
A new prediction diagnosis model of incomplete Kawasaki disease based on data mining with big data
Authors: Yang Zhen , Pan Bo , Liu Jia , Wang Haolin , Tian Jie
Published: December 2024

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self‐limited febrile illness occurring in children. In actual clinical situations, unlike complete Kawasaki disease (CKD), incomplete Kawasaki disease (IKD) lacks typical symptoms and is difficult to distinguish from many febrile illnesses, which poses a challenge to accurate diagnosis and misleading the treatment. Therefore, we investigated the independent risk factors for early prediction of IKD in children. In this research, 809 children suffering from IKD were recruited from the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from 2007 to 2017, as well as 2427 children were related to febrile diseases, divided into the IKD group and the other related febrile disease group. According to the results of univariate analysis, the study population was divided into three age groups to develop group‐specific models that demonstrated more effective performance. Finally, the 0–24 months old group obtained eight independent risk factors: CRP, LDH, UA, TP, ALB, RDA, PLT, and HGB, with the ROC curve showing an AUC of 0.862 in the predictive model and 0.88 in the new dataset. Meanwhile, LDH, UA, ALB, PLT, and MCHC were in the 24–60 months old group, among which AUC was 0.83 in the predictive model and 0.82 in the new dataset; the older group obtained LDH, UA, MCHC, and PLT, with an AUC of 0.7 in the predictive model and 0.8 in the new dataset. Particularly, UA is a new independent risk factor of IKD. These findings offer valuable insights into guiding the personalized diagnosis of IKD in pediatric patients.
Impact of race on discharge location for stroke survivors: Associations with home discharge from a retrospective analysis
Authors: Bright Lindsay , Baum Carolyn M. , Roberts Pamela
Published: December 2024

Background

White stroke survivors often experience better outcome compared to their counterparts. Poststroke discharge location influences the subsequent rehabilitation that can support recovery and improve outcomes. However, few studies have looked at the association of race and discharge to home.

Objective

To investigate the association between demographic and clinical characteristics of stroke survivors and their discharge location.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Large, urban, academic medical center.

Patients

A total of 4633 stroke survivors admitted to the hospital with an acute onset diagnosis of ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, or transient ischemic attack between January 1, 2015 and April 30, 2023.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure

Discharge location as reported in the electronic health record. The Social Vulnerability Index was used to examine the association between social vulnerability and discharge location from the hospital.

Secondary Outcome Measure

Demographic and clinical characteristics of routine clinical care.

Results

The majority of participants were White (62.1%), followed by Black (21.6%). Most patients were discharged home from the hospital (58.5%). White patients had the highest percentage of transient ischemic attacks (24.4%), lowest scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, (4.5), shortest lengths of stay (6.5 days), highest percentage of patients with no symptoms on the modified Rankin Scale (10.7%), and highest rates of home discharge (63.4%). Black stroke survivors had the highest rates of skilled nursing facility discharges (15.6%). Compared to White patients and patients of all other races, Black patients had a 27% lower odds of discharging home (odds ratio = 0.73, p = .001). Patients with higher levels of vulnerability in housing type and transportation had 35% lower odds of being discharged home compared to those with lower scores (odds ratio = 0.65, p = .002).

Conclusions

Racial differences in stroke outcomes and home discharge were observed between stroke survivors in this study, emphasizing the importance of addressing these disparities in order to promote equitable health care delivery and optimal outcomes.