bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐fibrotic effects of lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) and fasudil (ROCK inhibitor) in combination for canine corneal fibrosis in vitro
Authors: Routh Brayden L. , Tripathi Ratnakar , Giuliano Elizabeth , Lujin Payton , Sinha Prashant R. , Mohan Rajiv R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundCorneal fibrosis is a leading cause of blindness in mammalian species and may result in compromised performance in sports and daily functions. This study evaluated the safety and anti‐fibrotic effects of the FDA‐approved drugs, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE‐I) lisinopril and rho‐kinase inhibitor (ROCK‐I) fasudil, alone and in combination, on the canine cornea using an established in vitro model.MethodsTo test the safety and efficacy of lisinopril and fasudil, primary canine corneal fibroblasts (CCFs) generated from donor corneas of healthy dogs (n = 20) were used. A series of dose‐dependent and time‐dependent assays with lisinopril (1–50 μM) and fasudil (1–10 nM) were performed. qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, cell viability assay, cell proliferation assay, LIVE/DEAD viability/cytotoxicity assay, TUNEL assay, and total cell count were performed.ResultsA 25‐μM lisinopril and 3‐nM fasudil dose were safe, nontoxic, and optimal for therapeutic evaluations in vitro. Treatments of lisinopril or fasudil, alone or in‐combination, to CCFs grown in the presence of TGF‐β1 (5 ng/mL) showed inhibition of myofibroblast formation based on phase‐contrast microscopy. The qRT‐PCR and IF studies showed a significant decrease in expression of profibrotic markers, including α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA; p < .0001), fibronectin (FN; p = .0002), tenascin C (TNC; p < .0001), Collagen I (Col‐I; p < .0001), Collagen IIIA1 (Co‐IIIA1; p < .0001), and Collagen IV (Co‐lV; p < .0001).ConclusionAn ophthalmic formulation consisting of lisinopril and fasudil may offer a safe and effective method to treat canine corneal fibrosis. Additional studies evaluating safety and efficacy of this formulation in vivo are warranted.
Tempo and mode of diversification of the red devil spiders (Araneae: Dysderidae) of the Canary Islands
Authors: Bellvert Adrià , Pollock Laura J. , Kaliontzopoulou Antigoni , Arnedo Miquel A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe study of adaptive radiations has shed light on our current understanding of evolution. However, previous studies examining the mode in which species diversified, how diversification rates varied, and how ecological specialisation affected these processes have found few different results across different taxa and geographic and ecological systems, showing how complex this process is. To gain a more complete picture of how species evolve, additional model systems that encompass alternative ecological requirements are needed. Here, we present the results of a study aimed at unravelling the diversification mode and evolutionary drivers of the spider genus Dysdera, the red devil spiders, endemic to the Canary Islands. These species exhibit remarkable phenotypic variability in their mouthparts, which has been related to different levels of specialisation in the predation of isopods. We explored patterns of lineage diversification and assessed the role of trophic specialisation as a driver of species diversification. Additionally, we used climatic variables, occurrence data and morphological information to unravel the underlying mode of speciation by means of joint species distribution models and age‐range correlation methods. Our results reveal that red devil spiders underwent an early burst of diversification, followed by a slowdown of diversification rates, which is a hallmark of adaptive radiation. We also found evidence that the trophic morphology shaped diversification, with specialist species exhibiting higher rates of diversification. Finally, our analyses suggest that speciation occurred mostly in allopatry, with subsequent secondary sympatry following range expansion.
Electric Circuit Analogs of First-Order Dual-Phase-Lag Diffusion
Authors: Antaki Paul J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The dual-phase-lag (DPL) model of nonclassical diffusion plays an expanding role for applications involving transient heat, mass, and momentum transfer. To open a new realm of applications for the model, the work reported here introduces RLC-type (resistor–inductor–capacitor) and RCC-type (resistor–capacitor–capacitor) electric circuits that behave as discrete analogs of first-order, continuum DPL diffusion. Importantly, the phase lags are two time-scales representing departures from classical diffusion that define the wave-like and over-diffusive regimes of DPL behavior. Expressions for these phase lags arise while deriving the difference–differential equations that govern the circuits. Furthermore, simulations exhibit DPL behavior for simple, one-dimensional ladder circuits subjected to step increases in boundary voltages. In particular, the subsequent voltage disturbances in the circuits propagate faster in the over-diffusive regime than in the wave-like regime. The simulations also show that DPL behavior stems from transient divisions of current between RL components in the wave-like circuit and between RC components in the over-diffusive circuit. Consequently, adopting the DPL perspective in the design of electronic systems may inspire novel applications that take advantage of DPL behavior. Finally, the circuits introduced here may lead to the study of DPL diffusion in analogous scenarios of heat, mass, and momentum transfer that are difficult to access experimentally.
Distributed Fault Tolerant Control of Multi-Agent System Based on LSTM Trajectory Prediction Model Under Intermittent Communication Faults
Authors: Wang Yingying , Qi Ruiyun , Jiang Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel trajectory prediction based fault-tolerant control method for multi-agent systems under intermittent communication faults. Agents affected by intermittent communication faults are unable to communicate with neighbors or obtain reference tracking information for a period of time. To address this issue, we first employ a trajectory prediction model trained using long short term memory neural network to predict the expected trajectory in the event of intermittent communication faults. Subsequently, a distributed controller based on fixed-time theory is designed to track the predicted values. Compared with the existing fault-tolerant control methods, the proposed strategy achieves smaller consensus errors and a longer tolerable intermittent inter-ruption interval. Moreover, it demonstrates the capability to predict the actual expected trajectory trends of agents during large-angle maneuvers. Finally, the effectiveness of the fault-tolerant control strategy is verified by simulation.
Three-Dimensional Unsteady Aerodynamic Optimization of a Transonic Compressor Stage Using an Implicit Discrete Adjoint Harmonic Balance Method
Authors: Wu Hangkong , Wang Dingxi , Huang Xiuquan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The design of high-loading and compact modern turbomachines results in strong unsteady interactions between two adjacent blade rows, which has been found to have a noticeable impact on aerodynamic performances of turbomachines. Therefore, it is necessary to consider unsteady effects arising from blade row interactions in multirow turbomachinery aerodynamic analyses and design optimizations. In this work, three-dimensional multirow unsteady aerodynamic design optimizations of turbomachinery blades are performed using a full-viscosity discrete adjoint solver developed by using the source code transformation automatic differentiation tool—Tapenade. An efficient time domain harmonic balance (HB) method with a complete rotor–stator interface coupling treatment is used to analyze multirow unsteady flow and adjoint fields. To stabilize the solution, the one-step Jacobi iteration combined with the lower–upper symmetric Gauss-Seidel (LU-SGS/one-step Jacobi) method is used for an implicit solution of the HB equation systems. For an efficient sensitivity evaluation, the effect of an adjoint solver’s root-mean-square (RMS) residual convergence levels on adjoint sensitivity accuracy is thoroughly studied to find an adjoint solver’s convergence criterion. The results from a single-stage transonic compressor-NASA Stage 35 reveal that when the adjoint RMS residual is reduced by three orders, accurate sensitivity information can be obtained, leading to a 41% reduction in computational cost compared with a fully converged one. The fully implicit LU-SGS/one-step Jacobi method can stabilize the solution of a multirow discrete adjoint solver while the solution of the semi-implicit LU-SGS equation system diverges quickly. Furthermore, compared with a steady one, the unsteady optimization can achieve more performance gains.
Complete genome sequence of “
Candidatus
Dehalogenimonas loeffleri” strain W, a highly salt-tolerant chlorinated alkane-dechlorinating bacterium isolated from estuarine sediments
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Wang Xin , Huang Siqi , Yang Shujing , Liao Hengyi , Wang Xuhao , Jin Huijuan , Wang Jingjing , Li Xiuying , Yan Jun , Yang Yi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

“Candidatus
Dehalogenimonas loeffleri” strain W, isolated from estuarine sediments, can dechlorinate 1,2-dichloroethane under high salinity. Its genome consists of a circular 1,772,240-bp chromosome with a G + C content of 52.5% and encompasses 1,763 protein-coding sequences, including 28 genes encoding reductive dehalogenases.
A Multielement Low-Frequency Ultrasonic Transducer as a Source of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Air
Authors: Asfandiyarov S. A. , Tsysar S. A. , Sapozhnikov O. A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The acoustic and electrical properties of a 128-element ultrasonic transducer designed to generate high-intensity focused ultrasound in air in the low-frequency ultrasonic range are investigated. To reduce parasitic grating maxima of the acoustic field, a spiral arrangement of piezoelectric elements on a spherical base was used. The operating frequency of the transducer was 35.5 kHz, and the diameter of the source and focal length were approximately 50 cm, significantly exceeding the wavelength (approximately 1 cm). This selection of parameters allowed for effective focusing, with localization of wave energy in a small focal region, thereby achieving extremely high levels of ultrasonic intensity. The parameters of the ultrasonic field were studied using a combined approach that included microphone recording of the acoustic pressure and measuring the acoustic radiation force acting on a conical reflector. Acoustic source parameters were determined from the two-dimensional spatial distribution of the acoustic pressure waveform, which was measured by scanning the microphone in a transverse plane in front of the source. Numerical modeling of nonlinear wave propagation was also used based on the Westervelt equation to simulate the behavior of intense waves. The acoustic pressure level reached 173 dB, with a focal spot size comparable to the wavelength.
Semiautomated measures of foveal immaturity from handheld swept-source optical coherence tomography are associated with retinopathy of prematurity severity
Authors: Tam Emily K , Lee Karen E , Lawson Sumner E , Monger Tatiana R , Legocki Alex T , Kelly John P , Liu Teng , Zheng Yujiao , Ding Leona , Tarczy-Hornoch Kristina , Wang Ruikang , Cabrera Michelle T 
Published: November 2024

Background/aimsHandheld swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was previously used to measure foveal maturity through semiautomated methods in awake premature infants. This study assesses the relationship between foveal maturity and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) severity.MethodsThis is a prospective, observational study using handheld SS-OCT imaging of premature infants undergoing ROP screening. A semiautomated segmentation algorithm measured foveal angle, total retinal cross-sectional area, and retinal and choroid thicknesses at the fovea and parafovea, excluding significant macular oedema. Measures were correlated with ROP severity using a mixed model approach.Results99 eye imaging sessions from 26 preterm infants were included. Average birth weight was 1057.6±324.8 g. Gestational age and postmenstrual age at imaging were 29.1±3.0 and 36.1±3.8 weeks, respectively. Stage 3 ROP occurred in 16/99 (16.2%) exams. Shallow foveal angle and higher inner retinal fovea/parafoveal (F/P) ratio correlated with more posterior ROP zone (zone 2: 119.2°±20.9° vs zone 3: 96.5°±16.7° and zone 2: 0.6±0.2 vs zone 3: 0.4±0.1, respectively, both p<0.001). Inner retinal F/P ratio was greater in eyes with higher ROP stage (stage 3: 0.6±0.2 vs stage 0 or mature: 0.4±0.2, p=0.03) but this relationship was not seen for outer retina (p=0.29). Larger retinal cross-sectional area coincided with worse ROP stage (stage 3: 1.9±0.06 mm2vs stage 0 or mature: 1.6±0.04 mm2, p<0.001) and zone (zone 2: 1.6±0.04 mm2vs zone 3: 1.7±0.04 mm2, p=0.01).ConclusionsSS-OCT semiautomated measurements of inner retinal F/P ratio, foveal angle and retinal cross-sectional area may serve as ROP severity biomarkers.
Impact of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy on in-hospital mortality: a retrospective multicentre cohort study of patients with bloodstream infections in Chile, 2018–2022
Authors: Allel Kasim , Peters Anne , Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Spencer-Sandino Maria , Pitchforth Emma , Yakob Laith , Munita Jose M , Undurraga Eduardo A 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionEmpirical antibiotic therapy is essential for treating bloodstream infections (BSI), yet there is limited evidence from resource-limited settings. We quantified the association of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy (IEAT) with in-hospital mortality and the associated burden on BSI patients in Chile.MethodsWe used a retrospective multicentre cohort study of BSI cases in three Chilean tertiary hospitals (2018–2022) to assess the impact of IEAT on 30-day and overall in-hospital mortality and quantify excess disease and economic burdens associated with IEAT. We determined the appropriateness of pathogen-antimicrobial pairings based on in vitro susceptibilities and pathogen-corresponding antibiotic treatment, allowing a 48-hour window after the initial blood culture. We addressed confounding using propensity scores and inverse probability weights (IPW). We used IPW-weighted logistic competing-risk survival models, including time-varying independent variables after blood tests as controls.ResultsAmong 1323 BSI episodes, 432 (33%) received IEAT, with an average time to adequate therapy of 4.6 days. Compared with adequate treatment, IEAT was associated with 30-day and overall mortality risks that were 1.31 and 1.24 times higher, respectively. These risks were further inflated between twofold and fourfold when antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) was included. Competing-risk models showed associations between IEAT and IEAT-ARB combinations with in-hospital mortality. Accounting for time-varying variables yielded similar results. The economic burden of IEAT resulted in an additional cost of ~US$9900 from premature mortality and 0.46 disability-adjusted life-years per patient with BSI.ConclusionApproximately one in three patients received IEAT, often associated with ARB. IEAT was linked to increased mortality risk and higher economic costs. Timely appropriate treatment, early pathogen detection and resistance profiling are likely to improve health and financial outcomes at the population level.
Experiences of school health professionals in implementing structured assessments of sexual health and experiences of violence among youth in Sweden using the SEXual health Identification Tool (SEXIT): a qualitative sequential study
Authors: Håkansson Miranda , Söderström Sanny , Makenzius Marlene 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionPoor sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a global public health concern, particularly among adolescents. While school health services (SHS) play a crucial role in preventative care, professionals are inconsistent in addressing SRH issues. This study explored school health professionals’ (SHPs) experiences of an implementation of structured assessments of sexual health and experiences of violence among youth in Sweden using the SEXual health Identification Tool (SEXIT).MethodsA qualitative sequential study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 to explore the experiences of 57 SHPs trained in the SEXIT method. Data collection included a questionnaire with open-ended questions, group discussions and individual interviews, analysed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsAddressing sexual risk taking and violence was considered a priority to help youths make informed SRH choices. SEXIT aided SHPs in acting as educators to promote SRH and freedom from violence, normalised conversations about sensitive topics, facilitated the identification of students needing support, and could be integrated as a routine part of preventive work within SHS. However, hindering factors for effective implementation included a lack of supportive leadership and a unified approach among involved organisations to clarify roles, responsibilities and referral pathways. Furthermore, it is essential to further adapt SEXIT and train SHPs to meet the specific needs of vulnerable youths and perpetrators, ensuring equitable support.ConclusionsSEXIT offers unique opportunities for SHPs to discuss SRH and violence with school youths, a priority part of their preventive work; however, it is not routinely used, underscoring the need for supportive leadership and a unified approach among organisations.
Sleep regularity and major adverse cardiovascular events: a device-based prospective study in 72 269 UK adults
Authors: Chaput Jean-Philippe , Biswas Raaj Kishore , Ahmadi Matthew , Cistulli Peter A , Rajaratnam Shantha M W , Bian Wenxin , St-Onge Marie-Pierre , Stamatakis Emmanuel 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThis study examines the associations between device-measured sleep regularity and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and aims to determine whether sufficient sleep duration attenuates or eliminates the effects of irregular sleep on MACE risk.MethodsA prospective cohort study of adults aged 40–79 years from the UK Biobank who wore wrist-attached accelerometers for 7 days was conducted. Sleep Regularity Index (SRI) scores were calculated for each participant using a validated algorithm, and categorised as irregular (SRI <71.6), moderately irregular (SRI between 71.6 and 87.3), and regular (SRI >87.3 (reference group)). Information on MACE and its subtypes (myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke) was obtained from inpatient hospitalisation and death records.ResultsWe analysed data from 72 269 individuals followed for 8 years, without a previous history of MACE and without an event in the first year of follow-up. Irregular (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.37) and moderately irregular sleepers (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.70) were at higher risk of MACE compared with regular sleepers. Dose-response analyses treating SRI as a continuous measure showed that SRI was associated with MACE risk in a near-linear fashion, with a steeper MACE risk reduction at higher (better) SRI scores. Joint SRI and sleep duration analyses showed that meeting the age-specific sleep duration recommendation offsets MACE risk for moderately irregular sleepers (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.18), but not for irregular sleepers (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.35).ConclusionsIrregular sleep was strongly associated with higher MACE risk. Adequate sleep duration was not sufficient to offset these adverse effects among irregular sleepers. This study supports the inclusion of sleep regularity in public health guidelines and clinical practice as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular risk and obesity impact loss of grey matter volume earlier in males than females
Authors: Nowell Joseph , Gentleman Steve , Edison Paul 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundIt remains imperative to discover the time course that cardiovascular risk factors influence neurodegeneration in males and females and decipher whether the apolipoprotein (APOE) genotype mediates this relationship. Here we perform a large-scale evaluation of the influence of cardiovascular risk and obesity on brain volume in males and females in different age groups.Methods34 425 participants between the ages of 45 and 82 years were recruited from the UK Biobank databasehttps://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk. T1-weighted structural MR images (n=34 425) were downloaded locally for all participants, and voxel-based morphometry was performed to characterise the volumetric changes of the whole brain. The influence of Framingham cardiovascular risk (general cardiovascular risk), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue, and visceral adipose tissue volume (obesity) on cortical grey matter volume across different decades of life was evaluated with voxel-wise analysis.ResultsIn males, cardiovascular risk and obesity demonstrated the greatest influence on lower grey matter volume between 55–64 years of age. Female participants showed the greatest effect on lower grey matter volume between 65–74 years of age. Associations remained significant in APOE ε4 carriers and APOE ε4 non-carriers when evaluated separately.ConclusionsThe strongest influence of cardiovascular risk and obesity on reduced brain volume was between 55–64 years of age in males, whereas women were most susceptible to the detrimental effects of cardiovascular risk a decade later between 65–74 years of age. Here we elucidate the timing that targeting cardiovascular risk factors and obesity should be implemented in males and females to prevent neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease development.
Preferential Neurogenesis of Nitrergic Neurons in the Myenteric Plexus of the DSS-induced Colitis Mouse Colon Causes Colonic Dysmotility in Colitis
Authors: Miyata Kana , Yamamoto Takeshi , Kato Ryo , Hayashi Shusaku , Kadowaki Makoto 
Published: November 2024

The enteric nervous system (ENS) continues to be exposed to various disturbances throughout life, which causes apoptosis in the ENS. Therefore, it is assumed that neurogenesis is induced to maintain the neuronal network in the adult ENS. However, these underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate adult neurogenesis in the DSS-induced colitis mouse colon. Methods: male C57BL/6N mice (12-week-old) were administered 2% DSS in their drinking water for 8 days. After DSS treatment, cross-sections and longitudinal muscle and myenteric plexus preparations from the colon were used for immunohistochemistry. The segments of colons were mounted in organ baths and then exposed to a voltage-gated sodium channel activator veratridine. Results: in the motility study, veratridine-induced colonic contractions were significantly suppressed in DSS-induced colitis mice compared to normal mice. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the proportion of nitrergic neurons per ganglion was significantly increased in the colons of DSS-induced colitis mice compared to normal mice. Furthermore, the proportion of Sox2 (new-born neuron marker)-positive neurons per ganglion was not significantly different between normal mice and DSS-induced colitis mice, whereas the proportion of Sox2-positive nitrergic neurons to Sox2-positive neurons per ganglion was significantly increased in the colons of DSS-induced colitis mice compared to normal mice. In addition, NOS inhibitor significantly enhanced veratridine-induced colonic contractions in DSS-induced colitis mice compared with normal mice. Conclusions: these findings suggested that colitis caused an imbalance in the enteric neural circuit composed of excitatory neurons and inhibitory neurons in the myenteric plexus of the colon, which resulted in colonic dysmotility.