bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Synthesis of N‐Alkyl‐2‐Pyridones Using 2‐Halogenated Pyridines
Authors: Chen Xia , Shi Jianyi , Lin Yuqun , Li Yibiao , Jiang Shaohua , Chen Tianxiang , Zhu Zhongzhi , Ma Aijun
Published: December 2023

This study describes a method of synthesising pyridine, quinoline, and isoquinoline ketones using 2‐halogenated N‐heterocycles as the starting materials under mild reaction conditions. Considering the significance of pyridones in organic chemistry, developing novel, green synthetic strategies is highly desirable. The reaction employs H2O as the solvent and source of O, rendering it green, and it is simple to execute, with a broad substrate scope and an excellent functional group tolerance.
Halide ions doped SrMnO3 for chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane
Authors: Xing Zifan , Chen Haitao , Mao Min , Liang Xiaocen , Song Da , Li Yang , Long Tao , Chen Xiaoli , He Fang
Published: December 2023

The chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation (CL‐ODH) of ethane represents a highly effective approach for converting ethane into the value‐added product ethylene. This investigation focused on the synthesis of SrMnO3 and its halide ions doped derivatives (SrMnO3Cl and SrMnO3Br) through the sol‐gel method. The performance of these perovskites, employed as oxygen carriers in CL‐ODH of ethane, was explored. The results unveiled several advantageous outcomes arising from the incorporation of halide ions (Cl− and Br−) with larger radius into the oxygen sites of the SrMnO3 perovskite. Halide ions doping notably induced cell volume expansion and enhanced lattice fringe spacing. Furthermore, it contributed to elevated oxygen vacancy concentration, increased Mn4+/Mn3+ molar ratio, and improved oxygen ions mobility within the bulk lattice. Fixed‐bed experiments demonstrated that these redox catalysts, doped with halide ions, exhibited outstanding activity and stability during cycling tests, exhibiting enhanced both ethylene selectivity and yield in CL‐ODH of ethane. In summary, the introduction of halide ions into SrMnO3 emerges as a promising strategy for enhancing the performance of CL‐ODH in ethane conversion for SrMnO3 based oxygen carriers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Level and influencing factors of transition shock among new nurses in China: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yao Lili , Chen Jie , Zhao Qinghua , Bai Dingqun , Li Yuerong , Xiao Mingzhao , Du Yanhui , Liu Ling
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

New nurses are an important part of nursing teams. The failure of new nurses to successfully transition seriously affects personal career development and nursing work quality, and important influencing factors deserve the attention of nursing managers. At present, multicenter, large‐sample investigations of transition shock among new nurses are lacking in China. This study aims to investigate the current level and influencing factors of transition shock among new nurses in China.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, cross‐sectional study with 3414 new nurses from 16 provinces in 7 regions in China from October 22, 2021, to November 8, 2021. We used the snowball sampling method and an online questionnaire produced by the researchers to collect data; the questionnaire included questions on demographic information, a transition shock scale for new nurses and open‐ended questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.

Results

The effective response rate of this study was 97.89%, with 3342 effective participants from 189 hospitals in China, most of whom were female (94.88%). The study showed that the transition shock of new nurses in China was at a moderate level, with pre‐job anxiety, unsatisfactory welfare treatment, resignation intention, adverse events, poor sleep quality, 1 or fewer exercise sessions per week, inability to balance work and life, and gluttony negatively affecting the transition shock of new nurses in China. Psychological shock was the strongest among the four dimensions of transition shock.

Conclusions

The transition shock of new nurses, especially their psychological shock, deserves more attention from international society. Nursing managers should continue to take supportive measures to intervene in the factors influencing transition shock, with the aim of reducing the level of transition for new nurses, promoting their personal thriving, improving the quality of nursing work and increasing the retention rate of nurses.
The onset of anisotropic Darcy–Brinkman penetrative convection with local thermal nonequilibrium due to heat generation and extraction
Authors: Nandal Reena
Published: December 2023

An anisotropic, fluid‐saturated porous medium with local thermal nonequilibrium is the subject of this paper's analysis of the stability of the commencement of convection caused by internal heat generation. The classical Darcy's momentum equation is applied with the Brinkman model. To observe the thermal instabilities in the fluid layer, it is assumed that there is steady heat extraction through the bottom boundary and constant heat generation inside the fluid layer. The critical internal Darcy Rayleigh and associated wave numbers are computed using linear instability and energy approaches using the Chebyshev pseudospectral method to determine the existence of instability or otherwise. The fluid layer becomes unstratified as a result of heat generation inside the fluid, which encourages the occurrence of any subcritical instability. The critical Darcy–Rayleigh number has been found to be significantly influenced by a number of parameters, including the anisotropy parameter, internal heat parameter, porosity‐modified conductivity ratio, inter‐phase heat transfer parameter, and Darcy–Brinkman number.
Complex canopy structures control tree transpiration: A study based on 3D modelling in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Röll Alexander , Kang Tongming , Hahn Peter , Ahongshangbam Joyson , Ellsäßer Florian , Hendrayanto  , Sharma Puja , Wintz Thorge , Hölscher Dirk
Published: December 2023

Tropical rainforests are rich in tree species and comprise complex canopy structures. Transpiration by forest trees is a major hydrological flux which contributes to climate regulation. We explored the role of forest canopy structure on tree transpiration in a tropical rainforest on Sumatra, Indonesia. Drone‐based photogrammetry and the structure from motion technique were used to compute high‐resolution 3D point clouds and derive forest and tree structural variables. Transpiration of differently sized and vertically positioned trees was assessed with sap flux measurements. Per‐tree transpiration rates increased linearly with several variables related to crown dimension and were further enhanced by top‐heavy crown shape, dense leafage and increasing canopy openness as assessed with the gap light index. Under given environmental conditions, the two variables crown volume and top‐heaviness explained 74% of the observed variance in per‐tree transpiration. Transpiration rates per unit crown dimension were highest for small crowns, decreased non‐linearly with increasing crown dimension and were little affected by other analysed structural variables. Our study underlines the potential of 3D point cloud analyses for accurately determining the structure of complex forest canopies and thus better understanding and predicting transpiration rates of differently positioned trees.
The turning of ecological change in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Gu Tonghui , Guan Xiaodan , Huang Jianping , Shen Xiaohan , Huang Xiaoqian , Zhang Guolong , Han Dongliang , Fu Li , Nie Junsheng
Published: December 2023

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) as a source of the oldest world cultures, flows through vast arid and semi‐arid regions of China. Its fragile vegetation is suffering the obvious effect from regional climate change, and easily turns from a critical state into qualitatively different modes of change, which implies significant impacts on humans and ecosystems. Our results show that in the period of 1982–2015, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) appeared significantly discontinuous changes by stagnant warming and strengthening wetting, especially in the central YRB (104.5°–111° E, 35.5°–38° N). The NDVI in this region shifted from slowly increasing (5.42 × 10−4 a−1) to rapidly increasing (5.13 × 10−3 a−1) around 2003, called the turning point (TP). Such shift change is mainly a result of increased moderate rain, with frequency trend changed from 0.083 times·a−1 to 0.324 times·a−1. Meanwhile, these changes on vegetation led to a reversal of the gross primary productivity (GPP) from decreasing to increasing. Such results indicated the vulnerable ecosystem of the central YRB has played a positive contribution to the carbon balance, and more sustainable management of vegetation is required for the ecological development and engaging adaptive strategy.
Does brand capital improve stock liquidity? Evidence from China
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Ansar , Ullah Irfan , Tariq Samia , Ahsan Tanveer
Published: December 2023

This study investigates how brand capital affects stock market liquidity. We posit that brand capital improves the corporate information environment, enhances competitiveness, and increases firm visibility ultimately resulting in higher stock liquidity. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms, we find a positive relationship between brand capital and stock liquidity. Further analyses show that the effect of brand capital is more pronounced for firms with low media coverage and analyst following. Moreover, the effect of brand capital on stock liquidity is significant for non‐state‐owned enterprises. Our mechanism analyses also confirm that brand capital plays an informational role by effectively mitigating information asymmetry and adverse selection, leading to higher stock liquidity. Our study provides the first evidence of the nexus between brand capital and stock liquidity and extends the literature on the capital market implications of brand capital.
Effect of acute histologic chorioamnionitis on bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality rate among extremely low gestational age neonates: A retrospective case–control study
Authors: Costa Simonetta , Fattore Simona , De Santis Marco , Lanzone Antonio , Spanu Teresa , Arena Vincenzo , Tana Milena , Trapani Mariarita , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Barnea Eytan R. , Vento Giovanni
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate whether acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) diagnosed in the placenta may be associated with an increased occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death among extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGAN).

Methods

This Italian single‐center case–control retrospective study involved ELGAN admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between January 2019 and June 2022. Infants born from pregnant women with acute and severe HCA, identified as stage ≥2 and grade 2 HCA, (HCA‐infants) were compared with infants of pregnant women without chorioamnionitis or with stage 1, grade 1 chorioamnionitis (no‐HCA‐infants).

Results

Among 101 eligible ELGAN, 63 infants had complete clinical and histologic data relevant to the study: thirty infants were included in the HCA‐infants group and 33 in the no‐HCA‐infants group. Neonatal and maternal demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. Infants born from mothers with acute and severe HCA had significantly higher occurrence of composite BPD or death (18 [60%] vs. 9 [27%]; P = 0.012), as well as higher incidence of severe forms of BPD (6 [30%] vs. 2 [6%]; P = 0.045). In multiple logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for confounding covariates, HCA was an independent risk factor for BPD or death (OR, 4.49; 95% CI: 1.47–13.71).

Conclusions

This is the first study showing that in utero exposure to acute and severe HCA is an independent risk factor for the occurrence of composite BPD or death among ELGAN.
Ground and excited state charge transfer at aqueous nanodiamonds
Authors: Kirschbaum Thorren , Wang Xiangfei , Bande Annika
Published: December 2023

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are unique carbonaceous materials with exceptionally high stability, hardness, and notable electronic properties. Their applications in photocatalysis, biomedicine, and energy materials are usually carried out in aqueous environments, where they interact with aqueous adsorbates. Especially, electron density may rearrange from the diamond material toward oxidative adsorbates such as oxygen, which is known as charge transfer doping. In this article, we quantify the charge transfer doping for NDs with inhomogeneous surface coverings (hydroxyl, fluorine, and amorphous carbon), as well as NDs doped with heteroatoms (B, Si, N) using hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The transfer doping magnitude is largely determined by the NDs' highest occupied molecular orbital energies, which can in turn be modified by the surface covering and doping. However, local modifications of the ND structures do not have any local effects on the magnitude of the charge transfer. We furthermore analyze the impact of aqueous adsorbates on the excited states of an aqueous ND in the context of photocatalysis via time‐dependent DFT. Here, we find that the excited electrons are biased to move in the direction of the respective oxidative adsorbate. Surprisingly, we find that also unreactive species such as nitrous oxide may attract the excited electrons, which is probably due to the positive partial charge that is induced by the local NO solvation geometry.
Comparative study of female pelvic floor among undeformed high‐resolution thin‐sectional anatomical (visible human) images and MRI and ultrasound images
Authors: Gong Qingfang , Wang Yangyun , Duan Li , Lei Ling , Liu Jia , Yao Jie , Qi Jing , Xu Zhou , Nian Yongjian , Wu Yi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Using visible human, MRI and ultrasound images, we aim to provide an anatomical basis for the identification and diagnosis of pelvic floor structure and disease by ultrasound imaging.

Methods

One Chinese visible human (CVH) image, one American visible human image, 9 MRI images of normal volunteers, and 40 ultrasound images of normal volunteers or pelvic organ prolapse patients were used. Pelvic organs, pelvic floor muscles, and the connective tissue in CVH, VHP, MRI, and ultrasound images were selected for comparative study.

Results

We successfully identified the boundary of the anal sphincter complex, including the subcutaneous, superficial, and deep parts of the external anal sphincter, conjoined longitudinal muscles and internal anal sphincter; the levator ani muscle (LAM), including the internal and external parts of the pubovisceral muscle and the superficial and deep parts of the puborectal muscle; the urethral sphincter complex, including the urethral sphincter proper and the urethral compressor; and the perineal body, the rectoperineal muscle and superficial transverse perineal muscle.

Conclusions

We successfully recognized and studied the location, subdivisions, 2D morphology and spatial relationships of the LAM, anal sphincter complex, urethral sphincter complex and perineal body in ultrasound images, thereby helping sonologists or clinicians accurately identify pelvic floor muscles and supporting structures in ultrasound images.
Performance of collagen‐based matrices from Nile tilapia skin: A pilot proteomic study in a murine model of wound healing
Authors: Medeiros Cláudia B. A. , de Lima Iasmim Lopes , Cahú Thiago Barbosa , Muniz Bruna R. , Ribeiro Maria Helena M. L. , de Carvalho Érico Higino , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Miranda Marcelo J. B. , de Souza Bezerra Ranilson , da Silva Roberto Afonso , de Lima Filho José Luiz
Published: December 2023

Full‐thickness cutaneous trauma, due to the lack of dermis, leads to difficulty in epithelialization by keratinocytes, developing a fibrotic scar, with less elasticity than the original skin, which may have disorders in predisposed individuals, resulting in hypertrophic scar and keloids. Biomedical materials have excellent characteristics, such as good biocompatibility and low immunogenicity, which can temporarily replace traditional materials used as primary dressings. In this work, we developed two dermal matrices based on Nile tilapia collagen, with (M_GAG) and without (M) glycosaminoglycans, using a sugarcane polymer membrane as a matrix support. To assess the molecular mechanisms driving wound healing, we performed qualitative proteomic analysis on the wound bed in an in vivo study involving immunocompetent murine models at 14 and 21 days post‐full‐thickness skin injury. Gene Ontology and Pathway analysis revealed that both skins were markedly represented by modulation of the immune system, emphasizing controlling the acute inflammation response at 14 and 21 days post‐injury. Furthermore, both groups showed significant enrichment of pathways related to RNA and protein metabolism, suggesting an increase in protein synthesis required for tissue repair and proper wound closure. Other pathways, such as keratinization and vitamin D3 metabolism, were also enriched in the groups treated with M matrix. Finally, both matrices improved wound healing in a full post‐thick skin lesion. However, our preliminary molecular data reveals that the collagen‐mediated healing matrix lacking glycosaminoglycan (M) exhibited a phenotype more favorable to tissue repair, making it more suitable for use before skin grafts.
LC–MS/MS analysis of coccidiostats in meat supply chain safety
Authors: Ancillotti Claudia , Bonciani Lisa , Passerini Davide , Scanavini Giulia , Riccio Roberto
Published: December 2023

The presence of coccidiostats in meat products represents an important topic because of the animal administration of these substances, authorized as feed additives for targeted species, in order to prevent and inhibit coccidiosis. Coccidiostats include both ionophores and synthetic molecules characterized by different chemical–physical properties such as polarity. Meat is a matrix characterized by many interfering compound groups, such as proteins, phospholipids, and fats. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) analysis allows the required selectivity and sensitivity for discriminating analytes and matrix interferences.

For these reasons, an LC–MS/MS method for the analysis of coccidiostats in meat products was developed without SPE purification steps. The correct analyte quantification is allowed by matrix‐matched calibration. The method validation was performed by the replicated analysis of spiked meat samples at two different concentration levels (limit of quantification—LOQ—and a 10 times LOQ) in order to evaluate method recovery and repeatability, plus spiked samples at higher concentrations up to 10,000 μg/kg. Moreover, the metrological approach was used for the calculation of method uncertainty. The application of the developed method to real samples evidenced the presence of some non‐ionophores coccidiostats in the meat and liver of chicken and rabbit species. Although, the determined concentration was below the established MRLs, the monitoring of coccidiostats in the meat supply chain is confirmed as a good strategy in order to safeguard consumer health.
Future projections of extreme rainfall events in Indonesia
Authors: Kurniadi Ari , Weller Evan , Salmond Jennifer , Aldrian Edvin
Published: December 2023

Previous evaluations of coupled climate models have indicated that under the influence of global warming precipitation extremes, including those over Indonesia, are expected to intensify. Here, we examine the most recent future projections of extreme rainfall in Indonesia using 24 global climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6, consisting of 11 low resolution (LR) and 13 medium resolution (MR) models. The performance of these models is evaluated against Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data observations and realistically reproduce Indonesia's mean climatology over the period assessed (1987–2014). Overall, both LR and MR multi‐model ensemble means (MMEM) outperform individual models. Interestingly, extreme rainfall projections vary across different seasons, time periods, spatial resolutions and climate change scenarios. The LR and MR MMEMs project a continuous increase in wet extremes (R95p and Rx5d) during the wet season across most of Indonesia over the 21st century. Conversely, dry extremes (consecutive dry days [CDD]) are projected to increase (decrease) over the south (north) during the wet season but increase countrywide during the dry season. We show that future extreme wet and dry events are projected to be more frequent and intense, with upper extreme values surpassing historical records. The MR models project smaller changes in extreme wet indices than the LR models but simulate a more prolonged extreme dry index. Key findings here indicate that forthcoming instances of extreme rainfall present substantial hazards, necessitating the implementation of adequate preventative measures by policymakers, particularly within densely inhabited regions, such as Java.
Equids (Equus sp.) in southern Spain from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age
Authors: Bernáldez‐Sánchez Eloísa , García‐Viñas Esteban , Sanguino Fernando , Villalón David , Leonard Jennifer A.
Published: December 2023

The genus Equus was represented on the Iberian Peninsula by four species during the late Quaternary: the wild, now extinct, E. ferus (wild horse) and E. hydruntinus (European wild ass) and the extant, domestic E. caballus (horse) and E. asinus (donkey). The distribution and timing of the extinctions of the wild species and arrival of the domestic species is important to understand the changing environment and cultures through this dynamic period in one of the three southern Pleistocene glacial refugia in Europe. Here we collected data from all zooarchaeological studies that meet basic completeness criteria from the Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age (45–3.2 ka bp) and analysed the equine data in light of other large mammals at the same sites in order to document the species turnover and distributions through this culturally and ecologically dynamic period. The vast majority of Palaeolithic Equus were confidently identified as E. ferus, and by the Bronze age as E. caballus, with much uncertainty in between. Over time the larger equids (horses) were much more common than the smaller equids (asses). Equids were not common, but they were distributed across the southern Iberian peninsula through the Chalcolithic, and then appear to have become restricted to the drier eastern region in the Bronze Age. These analyses indicate that both E. ferus and E. hydruntinus went extinct by the end of the Pleistocene/Palaeolithic in Andalucia. Not all communities maintained equal numbers of equids, and their distribution changed with the changing climate through time, most notably between the Chalcolithic and the Bronze Age when confidence in species identification and local density of horses increase, but the distribution is restricted to the drier eastern region.
Longitudinal associations among experiences of sexual assault, posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and heavy drinking in young adults
Authors: Pedersen Eric R. , Davis Jordan P. , Canning Liv , Tucker Joan S. , Prindle John , Seelam Rachana , Dunbar Michael S. , Siconolfi Daniel , D'Amico Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2023

Prior research with young adults has demonstrated clear associations between experiences of sexual assault, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use, but most studies have been cross‐sectional or have not considered multiple theoretical pathways to understand these associations. Using six waves of data from a longitudinal cohort sample of 1,719 young adults, we examined associations among experiences of past‐year sexual assault (i.e., rape, unwanted sexual touching, and physical intimidation in a sexual way), PTSD symptoms, and the frequency of binge drinking over time, allowing for the exploration of symptom‐induced, interpersonal risk, and substance‐induced pathways for male and female participants. For both male, βs = 2.84 to 6.55, and female participants, βs = 2.96 to 10.1, higher prior levels of PTSD symptoms were associated with larger increases in binge drinking over time. For female participants, higher prior levels of sexual assault were associated with larger increases in PTSD symptoms over time, βs = 3.48 to 4.25, whereas for male participants, higher prior levels of past‐year binge drinking were associated with decreases in PTSD symptoms over time, βs = ‐2.75 to ‐0.53. Continued efforts are needed to prevent sexual assault among young adults and address PTSD symptoms among those who experience sexual assault. Interventions that target binge drinking are also needed for individuals who experience PTSD symptoms, especially young adults, to address potentially hazardous drinking before problems escalate and become chronic.
Ice‐melt period dominates annual carbon dioxide evasion from clear‐water Arctic lakes
Authors: Karlsson J. , Verheijen H. A. , Seekell D. A. , Vachon D. , Klaus M.
Published: December 2023

Current estimates of carbon dioxide (CO2) evasion from Arctic lakes are highly uncertain because few studies integrate seasonal variability, specifically evasion during spring ice‐melt. We quantified annual CO2 evasion for 14 clear‐water Arctic lakes in Northern Sweden through mass balance (ice‐melt period) and high‐frequency loggers (open‐water period). On average, 80% (SD: ± 18) of annual CO2 evasion occurred within 10 d following ice‐melt. The contribution of the ice‐melt period to annual CO2 evasion was high compared to earlier studies of Arctic lakes (47% ± 32%). Across all lakes, the proportion of ice‐melt : annual CO2 evasion was negatively related to the dissolved organic carbon concentration and positively related to the mean depth of the lakes. The results emphasize the need for measurements of CO2 exchange at ice‐melt to accurately quantify CO2 evasion from Arctic lakes.
Segmentation of lung nodules based on a refined segmentation network
Authors: Chen Yang , Hou Xuewen , Yang Yifeng , Zhou Yichen , Xie Yuanzhong , Nie Shengdong
Published: December 2023

Background

Accurate segmentation of lung nodules is of great significance for early screening and diagnosis of lung cancer.

Purpose

However, the heterogeneity of lung nodules and the similarities between them and other lung tissues make it difficult to accurately segment these nodules. As regards the use of deep learning to segment lung nodules, convolutional neural networks would gradually lead to errors accumulating at the network layer due to the presence of multiple upsampling and downsampling layers, resulting in poor segmentation results.

Methods

In this study, we developed a refined segmentation network (RS‐Net) for lung nodule segmentation to solve this problem. Accordingly, the proposed RS‐Net was first used to locate the core region of the lung nodules and to gradually refine the segmentation results of the core region. In addition, to solve the problem of misdetection of small‐sized nodules owing to the imbalance of positive and negative samples, we devised an average dice‐loss function computed on nodule level. By calculating the loss of each nodule sample to measure the overall loss, the network can address the misdetection problem of lung nodules with smaller diameters more efficiently.

Results

Our method was evaluated based on 1055 lung nodules from Lung Image Database Consortium data and a set of 120 lung nodules collected from Shanghai Chest Hospital for additional validation. The segmentation dice coefficients of RS‐Net on these two datasets were 85.90% and 81.13%, respectively. The analysis of the segmentation effect of different properties and sizes of nodules indicates that RS‐Net yields a stable segmentation effect.

Conclusions

The results show that the segmentation strategy based on gradual refinement can considerably improve the segmentation of lung nodules.
Targeting Thbs1 reduces bladder remodeling caused by partial bladder outlet obstruction via the FGFR3/p‐FGFR3 pathway
Authors: Long Jun , Yang Yafei , Yang Jin , Chen Lin , Wang Song , Zhou Xin , Su Yao , Liu Chenhuan
Published: December 2023

Background

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) may lead to bladder remodeling, including fibrosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Despite the extensive research on the mechanisms underlying pBOO, potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of pBOO require further research. Dysregulated expression of thrombospondin‐1 (Thbs1) has been reported in various human fibrotic diseases; however, its relationship with pBOO remains unclear.

Aims

Investigate the effects of Thbs1 on bladder remodeling caused by pBOO.

Methods

We established a pBOO model in Sprague–Dawley rats and performed urodynamic analyses to estimate functional changes in the bladder, validated the histopathological changes in the bladder by using haematoxylin–eosin and Masson's trichrome staining, identified key target genes by integrating RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and bioinformatics analyses, validated the expression of related factors using Western blot analysis and RT‐qPCR, and used immunofluorescence staining to probe the potential interaction factors of Thbs1.

Results

Urodynamic results showed that pressure‐related parameters were significantly increased in rats with pBOO. Compared with the sham group, the pBOO group demonstrated significant increases in bladder morphology, bladder weight, and collagen deposition. Thbs1 was significantly upregulated in the bladder tissues of rats with pBOO, consistent with the RNA‐seq data. Thbs1 upregulation led to increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9, and fibronectin (Fn) in normal human urinary tract epithelial cells (SV‐HUC‐1), whereas anti‐Thbs1 treatment inhibited the production of these cytokines in TGF‐β1‐treated SV‐HUC‐1. Further experiments indicated that Thbs1 affected bladder remodeling in pBOO via the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) pathway.

Conclusions

Thbs1 plays a crucial role in bladder remodeling caused by pBOO. Targeting Thbs1 might alleviate ECM damage. Mechanistically, Thbs1 may function via the FGFR signaling pathway by regulating the FGFR3 receptor, identified as the most relevant disease target of pBOO, and FGF2 may be a mediator. These findings suggest that Thbs1 plays a role in BOO development and is a therapeutic target for this condition.
Depressive feelings as mediator in the relation between adverse childhood events and lower urinary tract symptoms in males and females
Authors: Mahjoob Dina M. , Teunissen Doreth A. M. , van Koeveringe Gommert A. , Leusink Peter , Blanker Marco H. , Knol‐de Vries Grietje E.
Published: December 2023

Background

Adverse childhood events (ACEs) are prevalent and lead to well‐established adverse health sequelae in adulthood. Recent literature has claimed that exposure to trauma in early life may worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) because emotion can alter the perception of bodily distress in the brain. Specifically, depressive symptoms might influence the association between ACEs and LUTS. We aimed to describe the associations between ACEs and LUTS among males and females and to determine whether depressive symptoms mediated these associations.

Methods

This study was a secondary analysis of the Coevorden observational cohort study (n = 1691, age ≥16 years). For this observational study participants filled in the male or female modules of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for LUTS (ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐FLUTS, respectively), the NEMESIS Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (emotional neglect, psychological abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse within the family), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) for depression.

Results

Overall, 564 males and 811 females answered all required items related to LUTS and ACEs. A series of regression models were then estimated to test for mediation: LUTS on ACEs, depression on ACEs, and LUTS on both ACEs and depression. The models were also adjusted for the following covariates: age, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, current smokers, educational level, and vaginal delivery (if female). Depressive symptoms were shown to mediate the association between ACEs and LUTS in both males and females.

Conclusion

Childhood adversity and depression are areas of interest during the clinical assessment of patients with LUTS. Early detection of these conditions might help to manage risk, aid in the prevention of LUTS, and facilitate trauma‐informed care.
Improved back propagation neural network based on the enrichment for the crack propagation
Authors: Wang Lihua , Ye Wenjing , Yang Fan , Zhou Yueting
Published: December 2023

Numerical methods have been extensively applied to fracture mechanics, while they cannot simulate the problems without the mechanical models or constitutive equations. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) can be utilized to predict complex fracture problems, but these approaches require large amounts of data for the training. Therefore, in this paper, to combine the advantages of the numerical methods and the ANNs, an improved back propagation neural network (BPNN) is proposed by introducing the enrichment used in the numerical methods into the activation function utilized in the neural networks. The enrichment is able to represent the crack tip field which can accelerate the convergence. At the field near the crack tip, the improved BP solution can converge to the analytical solutions which validate the high accuracy of the proposed method. Without sufficient data, especially the data are missing in the near field of the crack tip, the improved BP method can also achieve high accuracy and convergence, while the conventional BP method may not converge to the predetermined error bound. Numerical simulations of the quasi‐static and fatigue crack problems demonstrate that the improved BP method can accurately predict the crack propagation and its growth rate with relatively little data.
Evaluating the Association of Obesity and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoying David , Miller Katherine , Tanzo Julia , Kim Jaehee , Bena James , Burguera Bartolome , Chaaban Mohamad R.
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim of this Meta‐analysis and systematic review was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the association of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with overweight/obesity, leptin hormone, and its associated metabolic dysregulation.

Data Sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched for studies from 1946 to October 2022, using predefined syntax.

Review Methods

Outcome data for the meta‐analysis were extracted on odds ratios (OR) of CRS prevalence based on the presence of overweight/obesity and mean serum leptin levels. A Meta‐analysis was performed using the DerSimonian‐Laird estimator to pool extracted data by the generalized inverse variance approach. Random effect models were utilized due to the small sample size. A qualitative synthesis was performed on articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria for the Meta‐analysis.

Results

Thirty‐six studies met the systematic review inclusion criteria out of 1113 articles screened. A total of 6 studies were included in the pooled Meta‐analysis of the various outcome variables. Our pooled meta‐analysis observed a positive association between overweight/obesity and the prevalence of CRS (OR = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17‐1.51). The pooled ratio of the means analysis of the mean serum leptin levels between CRS with nasal polyposis and control patients was 2.21 (95% CI: 1.45; 3.36).

Conclusion

Our pooled Meta‐analysis indicates a positive association between overweight/obesity and CRS. Future prospective studies are needed to explore the association between CRS and obesity with an understanding of potential confounding comorbidities, including studies focused on assessing the underlying immunologic mechanism of this association.
Patient‐reported barriers to prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Woo Joyce L. , Burton Shelvonne , Iyengar Tara , Sivakumar Adithya , Spiewak Sarah , Wakulski Renee , Grobman William A. , Davis Matthew M. , Yee Lynn M. , Patel Angira , Johnson Joyce T. , Patel Sheetal , Gandhi Rupali
Published: December 2023

Objective

To ascertain patient‐reported, modifiable barriers to prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects (CHDs).

Methods

This was a mixed‐methods study among caretakers of infants who received congenital heart surgery from 2019 to 2020 in the Chicagoland area. Quantitative variables measuring sociodemographic characteristics and prenatal care utilization, and qualitative data pertaining to patient‐reported barriers to prenatal diagnosis were collected from electronic health records and semi‐structured phone surveys. Thematic analysis was performed using a convergent parallel approach.

Results

In total, 160 caretakers completed the survey, 438 were eligible for survey, and 49 (31%) received prenatal care during the COVID‐19 pandemic. When comparing respondents and non‐respondents, there was a lower prevalence of maternal Hispanic ethnicity and a higher prevalence of non‐English/Spanish‐speaking households. Of all respondents, 34% reported an undetected CHD on ultrasound or echocardiogram, while 79% reported at least one barrier to prenatal diagnosis related to social determinants of health. Among those social barriers, the most common were difficulty with appointment scheduling (n = 12, 9.5%), far distance to care/lack of access to transportation (n = 12, 9.5%) and difficulty getting time off work to attend appointments (n = 6, 4.8%). The latter two barriers were correlated.

Conclusion

While technical improvements in the detection of CHDs remain an important area of research, it is equally critical to produce evidence for interventions that mitigate barriers to prenatal diagnosis due to social determinants of health.
Development of warpage simulation for rotationally moulded parts and the analysis of process parameters
Authors: Seregar Jitendra , Martin Peter J. , Menary Gary , McCourt Mark , Kearns Mark
Published: December 2023

There are multiple factors that contribute to the warpage problems where molten part is distorted during solidification in rotational molding. A novel warpage simulation model is developed accounting for the effect of various process parameters like crystallinity change, temperature‐dependent polymer properties, and cooling rate. The polymer material properties were readily not available; they were constructed from literature data with adaptation to the process condition and their significance on simulation results is discussed in detail. A systematic detailed simulation analysis of warpage in box part was done and results were compared with experimental values published in literature. The warpage magnitude under seven different cooling methods are presented. It was found that externally water cooled parts exhibited maximum warpage which is also corroborated by literature data while the parts cooled by water on either sides of the part show reduction in warpage. The warpage simulation results show an agreement with deviation ranging from 1.2% to 69% with experimental values.

Highlights

A novel thermal expansion coefficient approach was adopted for the first time to develop warpage simulation of rotationally moulded parts.

Inclusion of temperature‐dependent thermo‐mechanical properties of polymer in the simulation model.

The cooling rate is directly proportional to the warpage in the parts.

Validating warpage simulation results for seven different cooling methods with experimental measurements.

Maximum warpage is seen where the highest temperature difference exists between part and mould.
Exploring the conformational changes of the Munc18‐1/syntaxin 1a complex
Authors: Stefani Ioanna , Iwaszkiewicz Justyna , Fasshauer Dirk
Published: December 2023

Neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles, the membrane of which fuses with the plasma membrane upon calcium influx. This membrane fusion reaction is driven by the formation of a tight complex comprising the plasma membrane N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins syntaxin‐1a and SNAP‐25 with the vesicle SNARE protein synaptobrevin. The neuronal protein Munc18‐1 forms a stable complex with syntaxin‐1a. Biochemically, syntaxin‐1a cannot escape the tight grip of Munc18‐1, so formation of the SNARE complex is inhibited. However, Munc18‐1 is essential for the release of neurotransmitters in vivo. It has therefore been assumed that Munc18‐1 makes the bound syntaxin‐1a available for SNARE complex formation. Exactly how this occurs is still unclear, but it is assumed that structural rearrangements occur. Here, we used a series of mutations to specifically weaken the complex at different positions in order to induce these rearrangements biochemically. Our approach was guided through sequence and structural analysis and supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Subsequently, we created a homology model showing the complex in an altered conformation. This conformation presumably represents a more open arrangement of syntaxin‐1a that permits the formation of a SNARE complex to be initiated while still bound to Munc18‐1. In the future, research should investigate how this central reaction for neuronal communication is controlled by other proteins.
A functional and structural comparative analysis of large tumor antigens reveals evolution of different importin α‐dependent nuclear localization signals
Authors: Cross Emily M. , Akbari Nasim , Ghassabian Hanieh , Hoad Mikayla , Pavan Silvia , Ariawan Daryl , Donnelly Camilla M. , Lavezzo Enrico , Petersen Gayle F. , Forwood Jade K. , Alvisi Gualtiero
Published: December 2023

Nucleocytoplasmic transport regulates the passage of proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the best characterized pathway, importin (IMP) α bridges cargoes bearing basic, classical nuclear localization signals (cNLSs) to IMPβ1, which mediates transport through the nuclear pore complex. IMPα recognizes three types of cNLSs via two binding sites: the major binding site accommodates monopartite cNLSs, the minor binding site recognizes atypical cNLSs, while bipartite cNLSs simultaneously interact with both major and minor sites. Despite the growing knowledge regarding IMPα‐cNLS interactions, our understanding of the evolution of cNLSs is limited. We combined bioinformatic, biochemical, functional, and structural approaches to study this phenomenon, using polyomaviruses (PyVs) large tumor antigens (LTAs) as a model. We characterized functional cNLSs from all human (H)PyV LTAs, located between the LXCXE motif and origin binding domain. Surprisingly, the prototypical SV40 monopartite NLS is not well conserved; HPyV LTA NLSs are extremely heterogenous in terms of structural organization, IMPα isoform binding, and nuclear targeting abilities, thus influencing the nuclear accumulation properties of full‐length proteins. While several LTAs possess bipartite cNLSs, merkel cell PyV contains a hybrid bipartite cNLS whose upstream stretch of basic amino acids can function as an atypical cNLS, specifically binding to the IMPα minor site upon deletion of the downstream amino acids after viral integration in the host genome. Therefore, duplication of a monopartite cNLS and subsequent accumulation of point mutations, optimizing interaction with distinct IMPα binding sites, led to the evolution of bipartite and atypical NLSs binding at the minor site.
Development and application of neonatal physiology‐based pharmacokinetic models of amikacin and fosfomycin to assess pharmacodynamic target attainment
Authors: Darlow Christopher A. , Parrott Neil , Peck Richard W. , Hope William
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance increasingly complicates neonatal sepsis in a global context. Fosfomycin and amikacin are two agents being tested in an ongoing multicenter neonatal sepsis trial. Although neonatal pharmacokinetics (PKs) have been described for these drugs, the physiological variability within neonatal populations makes population PKs in this group uncertain. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were developed in Simcyp for fosfomycin and amikacin sequentially for adult, pediatric, and neonatal populations, with visual and quantitative validation compared to observed data at each stage. Simulations were performed using the final validated neonatal models to determine drug exposures for each drug across a demographic range, with probability of target attainment (PTA) assessments. Successfully validated neonatal PBPK models were developed for both fosfomycin and amikacin. PTA analysis demonstrated high probability of target attainment for amikacin 15 mg/kg i.v. q24h and fosfomycin 100 mg/kg (in neonates aged 0–7 days) or 150 mg/kg (in neonates aged 7–28 days) i.v. q12h for Enterobacterales with fosfomycin and amikacin minimum inhibitory concentrations at the adult breakpoints. Repeat analysis in premature populations demonstrated the same result. PTA analysis for a proposed combination fosfomycin‐amikacin target was also performed. The simulated regimens, tested in a neonatal sepsis trial, are likely to be adequate for neonates across different postnatal ages and gestational age. This work demonstrates a template for determining target attainment for antimicrobials (alone or in combination) in special populations without sufficient available PK data to otherwise assess with traditional pharmacometric methods.
Discriminating among inverse Weibull, lognormal, and inverse Gaussian distributions
Authors: Diyali Bishal , Kumar Devendra , Singh Sukhdev
Published: December 2023

Inverse Weibull, lognormal, and inverse Gaussian are some commonly used statistical distributions for modeling positively skewed failure lifetime data. These distributions share some interesting properties among themselves like they all have uni‐modal hazard rates. In this paper, we address the problem of discriminating among these statistical distributions to consider a more appropriate lifetime model. We first consider the complete samples and make use of the maximized log‐likelihood approach for choosing the correct model. We also obtain the expressions for logarithmic of defined test statistics, and associated asymptotic distributions. We then extend our discussion based on the observed sample in the presence of some censoring. We perform a simulation study in both cases to compare the probabilities of correct selection. Furthermore, for a given probability of correct selection and user‐specified protection level, we present a discussion to determine the minimum sample size required to discriminate among the three lifetime models. Finally, two real data sets are analyzed to illustrate the proposed methodology. In our findings, we observed that model parameters and methods of estimating unknown parameters play very important roles in the discrimination process, and sample size and the proportion of censoring become key factors to ensure a high probability of selecting a correct model.