bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extremely Stable Perylene Bisimide‐Bridged Regioisomeric Diradicals and Their Redox Properties
Authors: Feng Zhibin , Zhou Jiadong , He Xiandong , Wang Bohan , Xie Guojing , Qiao Xianfeng , Liu Linlin , Xie Zengqi , Ma Yuguang
Published: October 2023

Excellent stability is an essential premise for organic diradicals to be used in organic electronic and spintronic devices. We have attached two tris(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)methyl (TTM) radical building blocks to the two sides of perylene bisimide (PBI) bridges and obtained two regioisomeric diradicals (1,6‐TTM‐PBI and 1,7‐TTM‐PBI). Both of the isomers show super stability rather than the monomeric TTM under ambient conditions, due to the increased conjugation and the electron‐withdrawing effects of the PBI bridges. The diradicals show distinct and reversible multistep redox processes, and a spectro‐electrochemistry investigation revealed the generation of organic mixed‐valence (MV) species during reduction processes. The two diradicals have singlet ground states, very small singlet–triplet energy gaps (ΔES‐T) and a pure open‐shell character (with diradical character y0=0.966 for 1,6‐TTM‐PBI and 0.967 for 1,7‐TTM‐PBI). This work opens a window to developing very stable diradicals and offers the opportunity of their further application in optical, electronic and magnetic devices.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Electronic Ground State, and Electron Spin Relaxation of Seven Lanthanide Ions Bound to Lanmodulin and the Bioinspired Chelator, 3,4,3‐LI(1,2‐HOPO)
Authors: Larrinaga Wyatt B. , Cotruvo Joseph A. , Worrell Brady T. , Eaton Sandra S. , Eaton Gareth R.
Published: October 2023

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of lanthanide(III) ions besides Gd3+, bound to small‐molecule and protein chelators, are uncharacterized. Here, the EPR properties of 7 lanthanide(III) ions bound to the natural lanthanide‐binding protein, lanmodulin (LanM), and the synthetic small‐molecule chelator, 3,4,3‐LI(1,2‐HOPO) (“HOPO”), were systematically investigated. Echo‐detected pulsed EPR spectra reveal intense signals from ions for which the normal continuous‐wave first‐derivative spectra are negligibly different from zero. Spectra of Kramers lanthanide ions Ce3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Er3+, and Yb3+, and non‐Kramers Tb3+ and Tm3+, bound to LanM are more similar to the ions in dilute aqueous:ethanol solution than to those coordinated with HOPO. Lanmodulins from two bacteria, with distinct metal‐binding sites, had similar spectra for Tb3+ but different spectra for Nd3+. Spin echo dephasing rates (1/Tm) are faster for lanthanides than for most transition metals and limited detection of echoes to temperatures below ~6 to 12 K. Dephasing rates were environment dependent and decreased in the order water:ethanol>LanM>HOPO, which is attributed to decreasing librational motion. These results demonstrate that the EPR spectra and relaxation times of lanthanide(III) ions are sensitive to coordination environment, motivating wider application of these methods for characterization of both small‐molecule and biomolecule interactions with lanthanides.
Patient‐reported symptom monitoring and adherence to therapy in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Efficace Fabio , Cottone Francesco , Yanez Betina , Kota Vamsi , Castagnetti Fausto , Caocci Giovanni , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Patriarca Andrea , Capodanno Isabella , Miggiano Maria Cristina , Tiribelli Mario , Breccia Massimo , Luciano Luigia , Giai Valentina , Iurlo Alessandra , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Fava Carmen , Dinner Shira , Altman Jessica K. , Rosti Gianantonio , Cortes Jorge , Vignetti Marco , Cella David
Published: October 2023

Background

The authors assessed the clinical utility of patient‐reported symptom monitoring in the setting of newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The primary objective was to evaluate adherence to therapy.

Methods

The authors conducted an international prospective study that included patients with newly diagnosed, chronic‐phase CML. Before clinical consultation, patients were provided a tablet computer to self‐rate their symptoms, and the results were available in real time to each physician during the patient’s visit. Adherence was assessed by pill count and with a validated self‐reported questionnaire. The proportions of optimal responders at 3 and 6 months were assessed according to the European LeukemiaNet criteria.

Results

Between July 2020 and August 2021, 94 patients with a median age of 57 years were enrolled. Pill count adherence analysis indicated that 86 of 93 evaluable patients (92.5%) took at least 90% of prescribed tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy during the 6‐month observation period. The online platform was well accepted by patients and physicians. An optimal response was achieved by 69 of 79 patients (87.3%) at 3 months and by 61 of 81 patients (75.3%) at 6 months.

Conclusions

Patient‐reported symptom monitoring from the beginning of therapy in patients with CML may be critical to improve adherence to therapy and early molecular response rates (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04384848).
2018 Leibovich prognostic model for renal cell carcinoma: Performance in a large population with special consideration of Black race
Authors: Schmeusser Benjamin N. , Patil Dattatraya H. , Nicaise Edouard H. , Armas‐Phan Manuel , Nabavizadeh Reza , Narayan Vikram M. , Joshi Shreyas S. , Ogan Kenneth , Osunkoya Adeboye O. , Bilen Mehmet A. , Master Viraj A.
Published: October 2023

Background

The 2018 Leibovich prognostic model for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) combines clinical, surgical, and pathologic factors to predict progression‐free survival (PFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) for patients with clear cell (ccRCC), papillary (pRCC), and chromophobe (chRCC) histology. Despite high accuracy, <1% of the original cohort was Black. Here, the authors examined this model in a large population with greater Black patient representation.

Methods

By using a prospectively maintained RCC institutional database, patients were assigned Leibovich model risk scores. Survival outcomes included 5‐year and 10‐year PFS and CSS. Prognostic accuracy was determined using area under the curve (AUC) analysis and calibration plots. Black patient subanalyses were conducted.

Results

In total, 657 (29%) of 2295 patients analyzed identified as Black. Declines in PFS and CSS were observed as scores increased. Discrimination for ccRCC was strong for PFS (AUC: 5‐year PFS, 0.81; 10‐year PFS, 0.78) and for CSS (AUC: 5‐year CSS, 0.82; 10‐year CSS, 0.74). The pRCC AUC for PFS was 0.74 at 5 years and 0.71 at 10 years; and the AUC for CSS was 0.74 at 5 years and 0.70 at 10 years. In chRCC, better performance was observed for CSS (AUC at 5 years, 0.75) than for PFS (AUC: 0.66 at 5 years; 0.55 at 10 years). Black patient subanalysis revealed similar‐to‐improved performance for ccRCC at 5 years (AUC: PFS, 0.79; CSS, 0.87). For pRCC, performance was lower for PFS (AUC at 5 years, 0.63) and was similar for CSS (AUC at 5 years, 0.77). Sample size limited Black patient 10‐year and chRCC analyses.

Conclusions

The authors externally validated the 2018 Leibovich RCC prognostic model and found optimal performance for ccRCC, followed by pRCC, and then chRCC. Importantly, the results were consistent in this large representation of Black patients.

Plain Language Summary

In 2018, a model to predict survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) was introduced by Leibovich et al.

This model has performed well; however, Black patients have been under‐represented in examination of its performance.

In this study, 657 Black patients (29%) were included, and the results were consistent.

This work is important for making sure the model can be applied to all patient populations.
A hybrid machine learning algorithm for studying magnetized nanofluid flow containing gyrotactic microorganisms via a vertically inclined stretching surface
Authors: Chandra Priyanka , Das Raja
Published: October 2023

The novelty of the present work is to acquire continuous functions as solutions rather than the discrete ones that traditional numerical methods generally produce and to minimize simulation times and higher computation costs that are the fundamental barriers to employing any numerical method. In this study, a novel hybrid finite element‐based machine learning algorithm utilizing the Levenberg–Marquardt scheme with backpropagation in a neural network (LMBNN) is presented to analyze the nanofluid flow in the presence of magnetohydrodynamics and gyrotactic microorganisms through a vertically inclined stretching surface in a porous medium. Finite Element Method is used to generate the minimum reference dataset for LMBNN by varying six flow parameters in the form of six scenarios. Surface plots are utilized to understand how these scenarios affect velocity, temperature, concentration of nanoparticles, and density of motile microorganisms. Regression analysis, error histogram analysis, and fitness curves based on mean square error all support the LMBNN's effectiveness and dependability. Results reveal that temperature increases with the rise in Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameter, whereas the reverse trend has been noticed for Prandtl number. The motile microorganism density number decreases with the rise in Prandtl numbers but improves with the porosity parameter.
Recent Advances in Platinum Group Metal Based Alloys for Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Zhang Shuang , Zhou Yaojiang , Lei Wenli , Zhao Pingping , Zhao Yuanmeng , Luo Wei
Published: October 2023

The development of efficient electrocatalysts for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) is crucial to realize the commercialized application of alkaline exchange membrane fuel cells. Platinum group metals (PGMs) have been extensively used as alkaline HOR catalysts because they exhibit high activity and stability. Currently, searching for methods to improve the catalytic activity and reduce the loading of PGMs is the main research interest of PGM‐based electrocatalysts. The alloying method has been regarded as an effective strategy. In this review, we summarized various kinds of PGM‐based alloys, including traditional random alloys, single‐atom alloys, high‐entropy alloys and intermetallic compounds, and highlighted the challenges and future directions regarding the development of advanced PGM‐based alloys.
Efficient Auto‐scaling for Host Load Prediction through VM migration in Cloud
Authors: Verma Shveta , Bala Anju
Published: October 2023

The expeditious deployment of Cloud applications and services on wide‐ranging Cloud Data Centres (CDC) gives rise to the utilization of many resources. Moreover, by the increase in resource utilization, virtualization also greatly impacts achieving desired performance. The major challenges in virtualization are detecting over‐utilized or under‐utilized hosts at the right time and the proper scaling of Virtual Machines (VM) on the accurate host. Auto‐scaling in Cloud Computing allows the service providers to scale up or down the resources automatically and provides on‐demand computing power and storage capacities. Effective utilization and autonomous scaling of resources eventually reduce the load, energy consumption, and operating costs. In this paper, an efficient auto‐scaling approach for predicting host load through VM migration has been proposed. The ensemble method using different time‐series forecasting models has been proposed to forecast the approaching workload on the host. Based on this predicted load, different algorithms have been devised to detect over‐utilized and under‐utilized hosts and VMs can be migrated. The designed approach has been validated by experimentation on a real‐time Google cluster dataset. The proposed technique significantly improves average CPU utilization and reduces over‐utilization and under‐utilization. It also minimizes response time, service level agreement violations, and the slighter number of migrations and scaling overhead.
Quantitative Analysis of the Concentration of Trifluridine in Tumor Hypoxic Regions Using a Novel Platform Combining Functional Endoscopy and Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Koganemaru Shigehiro , Fuchigami Hirobumi , Yamashita Hiroki , Morizono Chihiro , Sunakawa Hironori , Kawazoe Akihito , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Shitara Kohei , Yano Tomonori , Doi Toshihiko , Yasunaga Masahiro
Published: October 2023

Hypoxic regions in solid tumors are highly resistant to drugs and thus represents an obstacle in drug discovery. Currently, however, there are technical barriers in sampling human hypoxic tumors and examining drug delivery with high sensitivity and accuracy. Herein, we present a new platform combining functional endoscopy and highly sensitive liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) to assess drug delivery to hypoxic regions. Because oxygen saturation endoscopic imaging (OXEI), a functional endoscopy, can evaluate lesions and hypoxia in real‐time by simultaneously acquiring a pseudocolor map of oxygen saturation and conventional endoscopic images, this platform can be used to evaluate drug delivery with human samples from hypoxic regions. As the first clinical application of this platform, the relationship between hypoxic regions and the concentration of trifluridine (FTD) incorporated into DNA was evaluated in patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with FTD/tipiracil (FTD/TPI; n = 13) by obtaining and analysis of tissue samples by OXEI and LC–MS and vascular maturity index by CD31/α‐SMA staining ex vivo. The results showed that the concentration of FTD was significantly higher in the normoxic region than in the hypoxic region (P < 0.05) and there were significantly more immature vessels in hypoxic regions than in normoxic regions (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the platform was sufficiently sensitive to evaluate differences in drug anabolism in different oxygenic regions of human tumor tissue. This new platform allows quantitative drug analysis in hypoxic regions and is expected to initiate a new era of drug discovery and development.
Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes After SGLT‐2 Inhibitors: A Nationwide Population Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Shih‐Ting , Bair Pei‐Jane , Chang Shih‐Sheng , Kao Yu‐Nong , Chen San‐Ni , Wang I‐Kang , Chiu Chih‐Wei , Chang Chi‐Tzung , Shih Ying‐Hsiu , Li Chi‐Yuan , Yu Tung‐Min
Published: October 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) accounts for 80% of cases of vision loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Interventional treatments are only indicated in advanced DR and are ineffective in some patients. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are used to attenuate T2DM‐associated cardiovascular complications. We conducted the cohort study to investigate the effect of SGLT2is on DR development. Data (May 2016–December 2018) obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were analyzed in this nationwide retrospective cohort study. After propensity score matching, a total of 31,764 patients receiving SGLT2is and another 31,764 patients receiving dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4is) were included in this study. Multiple Cox proportional‐hazards regression models were used to evaluate DR risk. Overall DR incidence among SGLT2i or DPP4i users was 10.9 or 15.6 per 10,000 patient‐years, respectively. After covariate adjustment, DR (both early and late stage) risk was substantially lower in SGLT2i users (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.68, 95% confidence interval: 0.6–0.78) than in DPP4i users. DR risk appears to be considerably lower in SGLT2i users than in DPP4i users. Glycemic control measurement with HbA1C level was unavailable in this claim database.
Techno‐economic study for the implementation of electric buses for sustainable urban and interurban transportation
Authors: Abdelouahed Ahmed , Berrada Asmae , El Mrabet Rachid
Published: October 2023

A cleaner transportation sector requires the implementation of a variety of measures, such as the use of electric vehicles. Electric mobility has seen increasing use in public transportation, even though it still faces significant challenges. Electric bus fleets require high‐performance batteries to minimize the cost and weight of the buses. This paper investigates the energy consumption of an electric bus in urban and interurban transit using two methods: forward‐facing and backward‐facing approaches. The obtained findings have shown that the energy consumption of a bus depends on the road and its characteristics, ranging between 0.98 and 1.39 kWh/km. Furthermore, a regenerative braking analysis has been performed, and it has been found that this factor plays a significant role in reducing energy consumption by 21%. Finally, a life cycle assessment and an environmental analysis have been conducted. The obtained results have shown that the total cost of ownership of the buses in this project will be around 1.76 $/km. The use of electric buses could eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions produced by public transportation in the investigated province.
Adsorptive elimination of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution by chitosan‐nSiO2 nanocomposite: Adsorption and desorption study, scale‐up design, statistical, and genetic algorithm modeling
Authors: Bhattacharya Samanwita , Bar Nirjhar , Rajbansi Baisali , Das Sudip Kumar
Published: October 2023

Heavy metals and organic dyes in water in concentrations exceeding the tolerable limit are unsafe for aquatic life and humans. Chitosan nanocomposites show a potential adsorption capacity to organic dyes. The present study encompasses the preparation of chitosan‐nSiO2 nanocomposites (CSNC) with different weight ratios of chitosan to nSiO2 and its application in the methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption. The nanocomposites were characterized with the help of SEM, BET, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The adsorption experimentation was executed in batch mode under varying experimental conditions. Several isotherm and kinetic models were analyzed with the experimental data, and thermodynamic conditions required for adsorption were also determined. Maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities (qL) of the adsorbents for MB varied in the range of 21.32–31.34 mg g−1. The pseudo‐second‐order model was the best‐fitted kinetic model concerning all three adsorbents. The statistical modeling using multiple polynomial regression (MPR) for CWS CSNC1‐1 and CSNC2‐1 yielded the equations with R‐square ranging from 0.984 to 0.996. For GA modeling, it is more than 0.999. So, the efficient employment of statistical modeling, and genetic algorithms has also been achieved.
Flat ball topology basics multi‐transceivers 100 km/2.5 Tbps gigabit‐ethernet PON architecture for energy efficiency in data centers
Authors: Kumari Meet , Arya Vivek
Published: October 2023

Existing electronic data sources desire high‐power requisites, in order to obtain a large bandwidth, minimum power dissipation and low latency in networks. In this instance, a gigabit ethernet passive optical network (GEPON) architecture based on a dynamic Flat Ball topology incorporating multi‐transceivers to minimize network energy consumption via passive devices along with bandwidth reconfiguration potential and low latency is reported in this paper. The proposed architecture connected with 200 nodes exhibits 26 as well as 40 dB total loss in uplink as well as downlink considerably, compared to Sirius and Sandwich tree. Also, Flat ball GEPON architecture permits 9 and 10 dBm energy saving in downlink as well as uplink, respectively, than conventional GEPON architecture at 1 ms delay. The proposed architecture with 50 Erlang load allows energy ratio of 39% in downlink and 37% in uplink, at 25 × 100 Gbps traffic rate for 55 nodes. Besides this, the faithful fiber range of 100 km considering fiber no‐linearities and impairments can be obtained successfully. The architecture can be bordered with 1:64 splitting ratio with 35 ms in downlink as well as 31 ms in uplink transmission delay at bit error rate of 10−3. Additionally, on comparing the proposed topology with existing architectures depict its superiority with minimal implementation cost, low‐power dissipation, less traffic delay as well as high scalability and high flexibility.
Investigation of the flame properties and fire behavior of carbon‐reinforced PEKK, BMI and phenolic composites impacted by Jet‐A1/air flames
Authors: Ogabi R. , Manescau B. , Chetehouna K. , Senave S.
Published: October 2023

This paper provides an experimental investigation of a kerosene/air burner (the NexGen burner designed on the FAA's proposed ISO 2685 standard), which is used to generate flame/burnt gases impinging on material samples in the field of fire safety. The purpose of this study is to characterize this burner, and experimental means are implemented to better understand the effects of the equivalence ratio on the spatial distribution of the gas temperature (thermocouples), the heat flux (heat flux gauge), and gas emission species. Hence, the measured flame temperature, heat flux, and heat release rate increase up to a critical value of equivalence ratio equal to 1.03. Furthermore, a pyrolysis test was carried out on composite materials and the results of the comparative analysis of carbon‐phenolic, carbon‐BMI, and carbon‐PEKK materials show that carbon‐PEKK had the lowest mass loss, highest back‐face temperature without significant material delamination, and the lowest concentration of gas emission species.
Uncovering the complex relationships among distributed leadership, departmental teacher leadership, and professional learning community in Chinese schools
Authors: Zheng Xin , Jiang Chenxi , Liu Chenlu
Published: October 2023

Professional learning community (PLC) has been widely recognized as an effective approach for promoting both student learning and teacher development. Existing research on PLC mainly focuses on the school‐level, and less attention has been given to the departmental‐level PLC. Given the complex nature of school structures, departmental PLC may be influenced by multiple leadership factors, including principal and teacher leadership (TL). This study investigates how the distributed leadership (DL) of principals and TL influence departmental PLC and individual teacher self‐efficacy. Drawing on a sample of 602 teachers in China, the results showed that TL had a direct impact on teacher self‐efficacy and had an indirect effect through PLC. Additionally, the DL of principals indirectly affects individual teachers through TL and PLC. The results indicate the complex leadership structure in schools with various levels of leadership exerting distinct influences on teachers and departments. It highlights the roles of principal leadership and TL in facilitating PLC and teacher development. Implications for school leadership and PLC development are discussed.
Risk assessment of norovirus and hepatitis A virus in strawberries imported into China
Authors: Zhong Junjie , Yang Yunfeng , Zhang Hui , Zhang Shuwen , Qu Xiaosheng , Chen Qin , Niu Bing
Published: October 2023

Norovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) pose a considerable health risk worldwide. In recent years, many cases of virus infection caused by virus‐contaminated strawberries have occurred worldwide. This study applied a critical control point system to analyze the main hazards during the production and marketing of strawberries imported into China and explore the key control points in the whole process. To further evaluate the risks in the supply chain, the established quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was used to determine the probability that residents would be infected with viruses after consuming imported strawberries. It was found that the risk of virus contamination from imported strawberries was low, and the virus contamination mainly results from water resources and personnel. This research helps the regulatory authorities formulate strategies to ensure the long‐term microbial safety of imported strawberries. In addition, the methods may prove useful in evaluating the risks of other agricultural produce.
Impedance analysis of electrolyte processes in a solid oxide cell
Authors: Kullmann Felix , Grosselindemann Cedric , Salamon Luis , Fuchs Franz‐Martin , Weber André
Published: October 2023

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the distribution of relaxation times are powerful tools to study polarization processes in solid oxide cells (SOC). Commonly the measured polarization resistance is solely attributed to polarization phenomena in the electrodes whereas the electrolyte is assumed to act as purely ohmic series resistance.

In this study an electrolyte supported SOC is investigated by impedance spectroscopy from the nominal operating temperature range of 700–900°C down to temperatures as low as 350°C. At such low temperatures the dielectric polarization of the electrolyte is shifted into the accessible frequency range, providing access to additional processes which are deconvoluted and quantified. It is discussed to which extent the additional layers like gadolinia doped ceria diffusion barrier and electrode layers influence the electrolyte processes as grain and grain boundary.
Neuroticism is associated with increase in depression symptoms over time in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Arend Isabel , Moshier Erin , Azuri Yossi , Heymann Anthony , Mamistavlov Mery , Soleimani Laili , Sano Mary , Beeri Michal Schnaider , Ravona‐Springer Ramit
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The likelihood of depression symptoms in those with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is high. Psychological risk factors enhancing comorbidity of depression symptoms in T2D are yet to be determined. The present study examines the cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationship between personality traits and distinct depression dimensions in older adults with T2D.

Methods

Participants were older adults (age ≥65yeas) with T2D from the Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline (IDCD) study (N = 356), with complete data on depression [Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) ‐ 15 item version] and its dimensions‐ namely, dysphoric mood, apathy, hopelessness, memory complains and anxiety, and on personality [Big Five Inventory (BFI)]. Logistic and mixed linear regression models examined cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations while adjusting for socio‐demographics, cognition, cardiovascular and diabetes‐related factors.

Results

Cross‐sectionally, high neuroticism was associated with high scores in total GDS and in all depression‐dimensions, except memory complaints. Higher extroversion was associated with lower total GDS and with lower scores on all depression dimensions, except anxiety. High levels of neuroticism were associated with increase in total number of depression symptoms over time.

Conclusions

In older adults with T2D, neuroticism and extroversion are associated with most depression dimensions suggesting that these traits relate to a global depression symptomatology rather than to any specific dimension or phenomenology. High neuroticism was associated with increase in depression symptoms over time, highlighting its role in the development of depression symptoms in older adults with T2D.
Relationship between maternal antenatal attachment and traumatic childbirth perception among pregnant women
Authors: Şahin Merve , Erbil Nülüfer
Published: October 2023

Objective

To examine the relationship between the perception of traumatic birth and maternal attachment in pregnant women.

Methods

This descriptive and correlational study recruited 370 pregnant women who applied for an antenatal visit to outpatient clinics of a state hospital. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), and Traumatic Birth Perception Scale (TBPS). Data were collected using the face‐to‐face method. The study was reported according to the STROBE.

Results

The mean total score of MAAS was 75.71 ± 7.72 and the mean TBPS score was 73.21 ± 28.34. Normal birth pain was perceived as “severe” by 38.3% of pregnant women and as “very severe” by 46.1%. It was determined that 29.2% of pregnant women had a “high” level of traumatic birth perception and 14.5% had a “very high” level. A negative correlation was found between the mean scores of MAAS and TBPS of pregnant women. The trimester of pregnancy, listening to the birth story, planned pregnancy, and traumatic birth perception, was a significant predictor of maternal antenatal attachment.

Conclusion

As the maternal antenatal attachment levels of pregnant women increased, their perceptions of traumatic birth decreased.
DNA Replication and Germ Cell Apoptosis During Spermatogenesis in the Cat
Authors: BLANCO‐RODRÍGUEZ JOSEFA
Published: October 2023

Stages at which DNA synthesis and germ cell death take place have recently been found to be equivalent in rabbits and rats. Preservation of the timing of these processes in different orders of mammals indicates that this timing may be crucial for testis cell biology. Since there is no previous study on either germ cell proliferation or apoptosis in upper mammals, an analysis of DNA replication (by bromodeoxyuridine labeling) and of the location of apoptotic germ cells (by the TUNEL assay) has been performed in 3 young adult cats. Our observations indicated that in this animal, spermatogonial DNA synthesis occurs at stages V (at which point the first generation of replicating spermatogonia appears, together with replicating preleptotene spermatocytes), early VII, VIII, and early I, II, and IV. Apoptosis of both spermatogonia and spermatocytes was located mostly at stages early I, early VI, early VII, and VIII. Interestingly, DNA synthesis and germ cell death were found to occur at the same stages of the spermatogenic cycle (that is, to occur at the same specific stages of development) as those reported for the rabbit and small rodents.
Measurement of Volume Changes in Mouse Spermatozoa Using an Electronic Sizing Analyzer and a Flow Cytometer: Validation and Application to an Infertile Mouse Model
Authors: YEUNG CHING‐HEI , ANAPOLSKI MICHAEL , COOPER TREVOR G
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The importance of sperm volume has recently been highlighted in a knockout mouse model in which infertility was caused by defects in volume regulation which led to sperm transport failure in the female tract. Inhibition of volume regulation by human sperm, resulting in failure of penetration of cervical mucus in vitro, has also been reported. The present work aims to establish a sensitive and convenient method for monitoring changes in sperm volume for functional studies. Mature murine sperm obtained from the cauda epididymidis were analyzed by flow cytometry for their forward and side (90°C) scatter of a 488‐nm excitation wavelength laser, and the data were compared with volumes measured by electronic sizing using a Coulter counter. Changes in cell volume were induced by releasing or diluting sperm into culture media of various osmolalities (208–520 mmol/kg). Forward scatter signal (FSS) intensity correlated well with volume measurement obtained by a Coulter counter (R = .83; P < .001), confirming that FSS reflects Coulter counter findings as for somatic cells. Sperm swelling was also induced by the presence of quinine, a wide‐spectrum channel blocker, in a medium of 330 mmol/kg, which is similar to the osmolality of uterine fluid. The effect of quinine on sperm volume was more obvious when analyzed by flow cytometry than by electronic sizing. This effect was even more marked after dead sperm identified by fluorescent dye were eliminated from analysis using flow cytometry. Swelling was characterized by an increase in forward scatter and side scatter, generating a subpopulation of sperm that correlated well (R = .79; P < .0001) with the population of sperm exhibiting an angulation of the tail, which is a morphological manifestation of swollen murine sperm. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that infertile sperm released from the cauda epididymidis of c‐ros knockout mice were significantly larger than those of fertile sperm from heterozygous mice. This finding directly substantiates the suggestion that infertile sperm are defective in their volume regulation. Laser scatter analysis of viable murine sperm by flow cytometry offers a convenient and sensitive method for the study of sperm volume regulation.
Melatonin Administration Alters Semen Quality in Healthy Men
Authors: LUBOSHITZKY RAFAEL , SHEN‐ORR ZILLA , NAVE RACHEL , LAVI SCHAHAR , LAVIE PERETZ
Published: October 2023

The role of melatonin in the regulation of reproduction in humans is unknown. We conducted a 6‐month, double‐blind, cross‐over study of a daily treatment dose of 3 mg melatonin or placebo given orally at 1700 hours in 8 healthy men. Semen quality (concentration, motility, and morphology), serum and seminal plasma 17‐β‐estradiol (E2), testosterone, melatonin, and serum gonadotropin levels were determined every 3 months throughout the study. In 6 men, there was no change in semen quality or in serum and seminal plasma hormone levels during the study period. In 2 men, during the melatonin treatment period, sperm concentration decreased to 3 × 106/mL and 12 × 106/mL, and motility declined to 32% and 30%. These coincided with a decline in seminal plasma and serum E2 levels and with an increase in testosterone: E2 ratios. Six months after the cessation of melatonin, sperm concentration and motility were normal in 1 man but remained abnormal in the other one with a still elevated testosterone: E2 ratio. Serum gonadotropin levels were unchanged during the study in all 8 men. Our preliminary observations suggest that long‐term melatonin administration is associated with decreased semen quality in a number of healthy men, probably through the inhibition of aromatase at the testicular level.
Mutual regulation between GDF11 and TET2 prevents senescence of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gao Jiaming , Wang Hao , Shen Junyan , Liu Xiaojing , Zhu Xiaoqi , Huang Ce , Li Gongchen , Sun Yao , Liu Zhongmin , Sun Yi Eve , Liu Hailiang
Published: October 2023

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a putative systemic rejuvenation factor. In this study, we characterized the mechanism by which GDF11 reversed aging of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In culture, aged MSCs proliferate slower and are positive for senescence markers senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase and P16ink4a. They have shortened telomeres, decreased GDF11 expression, and reduced osteogenic potential. GDF11 can block MSC aging in vitro and reverse age‐dependent bone loss in vivo. The antiaging effect of GDF11 is via activation of the Smad2/3‐PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway. Unexpectedly, GDF11 also upregulated a DNA demethylase Tet2, which served as a key mediator for GDF11 to autoregulate itself via demethylation of the GDF11 promoter. Mutation of Tet2 facilitates MSC aging by blocking GDF11 expression. Mutagenesis of Tet2‐regulated CpG sites also blocks GDF11 expression, leading to MSC aging. Together, a novel mutual regulatory relationship between GDF11 and an epigenetic factor Tet2 unveiled their antiaging roles.
Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality in orthognathic surgical education: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wan Teng , Liu Kai , Li Biao , Wang Xudong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of an iVR surgical training system for orthognathic surgery training in medical students.

Methods

This study comprised 20 fifth year medical students who were randomly assigned to the VR or traditional group for orthognathic surgical education. All participants were initially provided a lecture on orthognathic surgery. The VR group then received 10 educational sessions using the self‐developed iVR training system, whereas the traditional group received 10 sessions using technical manuals and annotated operation videos. These sessions were 40‐min long in both the groups. Before the evaluation, the traditional group completed one session using the training and assessment modes to become familiar with the iVR training system. The score in the assessment mode, time to complete the procedure, number of instrument selection errors, number of prompts given by the system, number of positional and angular errors, and number of timeouts during each step were recorded to evaluate the learning effect.

Results

The VR group achieved higher scores than the traditional group (94.67 vs. 87.65). Compared with the control group, the VR group completed the procedure more quickly, with fewer instrument selection and angular errors. No difference in the number of prompts given by the system was observed between the two groups.

Conclusions

The iVR surgical training system showed a better learning effect than the traditional learning method for orthognathic surgery. The iVR surgical training system may have utility as a supplement and potential substitute for the traditional surgical training method.
Molecular detection of Schistosoma haematobium in infected Bulinus truncatus snails associated with immune response
Authors: Mansour Shereen Mahfouz , El Einin Hanaa Mohamed Abu , Tadrous Menerva Maher , Ghoname Samah Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

Schistosomiasis is one of the most common waterborne parasite illnesses, it is a major public health issue in developing countries. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique is used to find Schistosoma haematobium DNA in Bulinus truncatus, which could speed up the discovery of infections before cercariae are shed. DraI‐PCR detected S. haematobium infection at different infection intervals with bands at 300 bp in shedding snails 40 days after exposure and even on the first day after B. turancuts snails exposure to miracidia. Transmission electron microscopy showed the structure of sporocyst from 1 to 40 days post‐exposure and activated hemocytes in infected non‐shedding snails as well as sporocyst degradation. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of Bax and TGF‐β1 positive stained cells that have been linked with infection progression. In conclusion, molecular tools and immune response play an important role in the strategy of controlling schistosomiasis through the early detection of larval stages in intermediate hosts toward certification of schistosomiasis elimination.

Research Highlights

DraI‐PCR allowed early detection of S. haematobium at 300 bp in B. truncatus snail.

Transmission electron microscopy showed the structure of S. haematobium sporocyst in snail and activated hemocytes in non‐shedding snail.

Bax protein that induced apoptotic changes and Transforming Growth Factor Beta1 level have been linked with parasite development.
Quantifying the spatiotemporal variability of nitrate in irrigation water across the Wisconsin Central Sands
Authors: Campbell Tracy A. , Masarik Kevin C. , Heineman Emily Marrs , Kucharik Christopher J.
Published: October 2023

The Wisconsin Central Sands is home to large scale vegetable production on sandy soils and managed with frequent irrigation, fertigation, and widespread nitrogen fertilizer application, all of which make the region highly susceptible to nitrate loss to groundwater. While the groundwater is used as the primary source of drinking water for many communities and rural residences across the region, it is also used for irrigation. Considering the high levels of nitrate found in the groundwater, it has been proposed that growers more accurately account for the nitrate in their irrigation water as part of nitrogen management plans. Our objectives were to 1) determine the magnitude of nitrate in irrigation water, 2) quantify the spatiotemporal variability of nitrate, and 3) determine key predictors of nitrate concentration in the region. We sampled irrigation water from 38 fields across six farms from 2018 to 2020. Across the 3 years of our study, nitrate concentration varied more across space than time. On average, our samples were tested at 19.0 mg L−1 nitrate‐nitrogen, or nearly two times the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threshold for safe drinking water, equivalent to 48.1 kg ha−1 of applied nitrate‐nitrogen with 25.4 cm (or 10 in.) of irrigation. To better understand the spatiotemporal variability in nitrate levels, week of sampling, year, well depth, well casing, and nitrogen application rate were analyzed for their role as predictor variables. Based on our linear mixed effects model, nitrogen application rate was the greatest predictor of the nitrate concentration of irrigation water (p < 0.05).
Palladium‐catalyzed synthesis of Benzoannulated spiroketal lactones derived from cholesterol: NMR characterization and crystal structures
Authors: García‐Santos William H. , Flores‐Alamo Marcos , Iglesias‐Arteaga Martín A.
Published: October 2023

Two new Benzoannulated spiroketal lactones were synthesized by Pd‐catalyzed cyclization of derivatives of 2‐(6‐hydroxyhex‐1‐yn‐1‐yl)benzoic acid obtained from cholesterol. Unexpectedly, the Pd‐catalyzed spirocyclization led to steroid isochromen‐1‐ones as major products and only small amounts of the expected spiroketal lactones. The obtained isochromen‐1‐ones were successfully converted to the desired spiroketal lactones by saponification followed by acidic workup. NMR characterization provided enough evidence on the structure of the obtained compounds. Single crystal x‐ray diffraction corroborated the proposed structures.
Effect of Physical Exercise on MRI‐Assessed Brain Perfusion in Chemotherapy‐Treated Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koevoets Emmie W. , Petr Jan , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Geerlings Mirjam I. , Witlox Lenja , van der Wall Elsken , Stuiver Martijn M. , Sonke Gabe S. , Velthuis Miranda J. , Jobsen Jan J. , van der Palen Job , Mutsaerts Henk J.M.M. , de Ruiter Michiel B. , May Anne M. , Schagen Sanne B. ,   PAM Study Group
Published: October 2023

Background

Exercise is a promising intervention to alleviate cognitive problems in breast cancer patients, but studies on mechanisms underlying these effects are lacking.

Purpose

Investigating whether an exercise intervention can affect cerebral blood flow (CBF) in cognitively impaired breast cancer patients and to determine if CBF changes relate to memory function.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A total of 181 chemotherapy‐treated stage I–III breast cancer patients with cognitive problems and relatively low physical activity levels (≤150 minutes moderate to vigorous physical activity per week), divided into an exercise (N = 91) or control group (N = 90).

Field Strength/Sequence

Two‐dimensional echo planar pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling CBF sequence at 3 T.

Assessment

The 6‐month long intervention consisted of (supervised) aerobic and strength training, 4 × 1 hour/week. Measurements at baseline (2–4 years post‐diagnosis) and after 6 months included gray matter CBF in the whole brain, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex. Physical fitness and memory function were also assessed. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with high fatigue levels at baseline.

Statistical Tests

Multiple regression analyses with a two‐sided alpha of 0.05 for all analyses.

Results

There was a significant improvement in physical fitness (VO2peak in mL/minute/kg) in the intervention group (N = 53) compared to controls (N = 51, β = 1.47 mL/minute/kg, 95% CI: 0.44–2.50). However, no intervention effects on CBF were found (eg, whole brain: P = 0.565). Highly fatigued patients showed larger but insignificant treatment effects on CBF (eg, whole brain: P = 0.098). Additionally, irrespective of group, a change in physical fitness was positively associated with changes in CBF (eg, whole brain: β = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.07–1.43). There was no significant relation between CBF changes and changes in memory performance.

Data Conclusion

The exercise intervention did not affect CBF of cognitively affected breast cancer patients. A change in physical fitness was associated with changes in CBF, but changes in CBF were not associated with memory functioning.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

5
Maternal antibody transfer rate of vaccination against SARS‐CoV‐2 before or during early pregnancy and its protective effectiveness on offspring
Authors: Liu Shuang , Wang Ping , Shi Xiaolu , Weng Tingsong , Zhong Jiayi , Zhang Xiaomin , Qu Jing , Chen Long , Xu Qing , Meng Xiang , Xiong Husheng , Wu Dawei , Fang Dajun , Peng Bo , Zhang Dingmei
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on maternal antibody transfer following vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) before or during early pregnancy and its potential protective effects on infants, providing scientific evidence for vaccination strategies. This prospective study tested the samples for SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody titers and neutralizing capacity and tracked the infections after birth. Perform multivariate analysis of factors influencing antibody transfer rate, newborn antibody titers, and infant infection. Total 87.1% (122/140) women received coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine before or during early pregnancy, and 28 of them had breakthrough infection. The maternal and neonatal IgG positive rates at delivery were 60.7% (85/140) and 60.8% (87/143), respectively. A positive correlation was found between neonatal and maternal IgG antibody titers. Compared with the median IgG antibody transfer rate of infected pregnant women, that of vaccinated but not infected pregnant women was higher (1.21 versus: 1.53 [two doses], 1.71 [three doses]). However, neonatal IgG antibodies were relatively low (174.91 versus: 0.99 [two doses], 8.18 [three doses]), and their neutralizing capacity was weak. The overall effectiveness of maternal vaccination in preventing infant infection was 27.0%, and three doses had higher effectiveness than two doses (64.3% vs. 19.6%). Multivariate analysises showed that in vaccination group women receiving three doses or in infection group women with longer interval between infection and delivery had a higher antibody transfer rate and neonatal IgG antibody titer. More than half of women vaccinated before or during early pregnancy can achieve effective antibody transfer to newborns. However, the neonatal IgG antibody titer is low and has a weak neutralizing capacity, providing limited protection to infants.
Focused ultrasound as an alternative to dry needling for the treatment of tendinopathies: A murine model
Authors: Khandare Sujata , Smallcomb Molly , Elliott Jacob , Vidt Meghan E. , Simon Julianna C.
Published: October 2023

Tendinopathies account for 30% of 102 million annual musculoskeletal injuries occurring annually in the United States. Current treatments, like dry needling, induce microdamage to promote healing but produce mixed success rates. Previously, we showed focused ultrasound can noninvasively create microdamage while preserving mechanical properties in ex vivo murine tendons. This present study compared growth factor, histological, and mechanical effects after focused ultrasound or dry needling treatments in an in vivo murine tendon injury model. Partial Achilles tenotomy was performed in 26 rats. One‐week postsurgery, tendons were treated with focused ultrasound (1.5 MHz, 1‐ms pulses at 10 Hz for 106 s, p+ = 49 MPa, p− = 19 MPa) or dry needling (30 G needle, 5 fenestrations over 20 s) and survived for 1 additional week. Blood was collected immediately before and after treatment and before euthanasia; plasma was assayed for growth factors. Treated tendons and contralateral controls were harvested for histology or mechanical testing. No differences were found between treatments in release of insulin growth factor 1 and transforming growth factor beta; vascular endothelial growth factor A concentrations were too low for detection. Histologically, focused ultrasound and dry needling tendons displayed localized fibroblast infiltration without collagen proliferation with no detectable differences between treatments. Mechanically, stiffness and percent relaxation of dry needling tendons were lower than controls (p = 0.0041, p = 0.0441, respectively), whereas stiffness and percent relaxation of focused ultrasound tendons were not different from controls. These results suggest focused ultrasound should be studied further to determine how this modality can be leveraged as a therapy for tendinopathies.