bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Clinically Relevant Preclinical Animal Model to Mimic Suburethral Implantation of Support Materials for Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Chapple Christopher R. , Seyam Raouf , Alsulaiman Omar , Bullock Anthony J. , Al‐Mohana Falah , MacNeil Sheila , Altaweel Waleed 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFollowing the severe complications widely reported in some women following polypropylene suburethral mesh implantation for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, it has become clear that careful preclinical study in an appropriate animal model is essential. The preclinical model described here allows the postoperative clinical and histochemical assessment of material implanted in the sheep vagina and represents a model that allows prediction of the potential vaginal tissue responses to suburethral mesh implantation before implantation into humans.ObjectivesTo develop and evaluate a relevant preclinical animal model to mimic suburethral implantation of support materials for stress urinary incontinence.MaterialFourteen parous ewes of 30–40 kg were used. Under general anesthetic, animals were placed in the lithotomy position. A 12‐French Foley catheter was inserted. The ventral vaginal wall was longitudinally incised. The space between the vaginal wall and the urethra was developed, with lateral retropubic dissection. Either a standard transvaginal polypropylene tape (seven animals) or a fascia mimetic microfibre spun polyurethane tape (seven animals) were inserted using an introducer either via a suprapubic (seven animals) or a transvaginal approach (seven animals) into the suburethral and retropubic space. The incisions were closed, and the catheter was removed. A betadine vaginal pack was placed and removed after 24 h. Postoperatively, the animals were observed carefully for pain and complications and allowed access to water and food under continuous veterinary supervision adhering to USA‐approved protocols.ResultsOn the second postoperative day, all the animals passed urine freely and had regular bowel motions. No procedure related complications were observed.ConclusionThis is the first large animal model which has been designed for suburethral implantation. and which can be effectively used for the preoperative evaluation of novel materials designed for suburethral implantation. We believe that this technique in this large animal model accurately reproduces the surgical technique used to treat stress urinary incontinence in women. It provides a new and effective in vivo model for the objective evaluation of new materials to treat female stress incontinence.
Outpatient diabetes management influences glycemic control for critically ill patients during nutrition support: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Dickerson Roland N. , McLeod Allison R. , Stonecipher Alison E. , Farrar Julie E. , Byerly Saskya , Filiberto Dina M. , Fischer Peter E. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine whether successful outpatient management of diabetes, as assessed by hemoglobin A1c (Hgb A1c), influences inpatient glycemic control.MethodsAdult patients, aged >17 years, admitted to the trauma intensive care unit, who received continuous nutrition therapy, and exhibited a blood glucose concentration (BG) > 149 mg/dl or 8.3 mmol/L were retrospectively evaluated. Controlled diabetes mellitus (DM‐C) was defined as a history of DM and a Hgb A1c < 7%. Uncontrolled DM (DM‐U) was defined as an Hgb A1c ≥ 7%. Those without a history of DM and an Hgb A1c < 6.5% were classified as without DM (no DM). Patients were managed via intravenous regular human insulin (RHI) infusion or subcutaneous neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin with intravenous sliding scale RHI (SSI) or SSI alone. Target BG range was 70–149 mg/dl (3.9–8.3 mmol/L). Glycemic control was evaluated for the first 7 days of nutrition therapy.ResultsTwenty‐two patients with DM‐C, 24 with DM‐U, and 32 with no DM were evaluated. Despite no difference in carbohydrate intake, those with DM‐U received 70 ± 54 units daily vs 15 ± 16 and 14 ± 18 units daily for the DM‐C and no DM groups, respectively (P = 0.001). Target BG range was achieved for 11 ± 5 h/day vs 14 ± 7 and 16 ± 6 h/day, respectively (P = 0.01).ConclusionEarly identification of DM‐U would assist in recognizing patients with difficulty achieving glycemic control.
Occupational licensing and income inequality in the states
Authors: Chen Wendy , Franko William W. , McGrath Robert J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe decades‐long rise of economic inequality in the U.S. has led to a growing body of literature examining the role of policy in shaping income differences. We examine one such policy: occupational licensing regulations. Licensing can restrict employment and reduce market competition, which can then inflate wages for those in licensed professions. Existing research demonstrates that occupational licensure does increase wages in specific industries, leading some scholars to argue that licensing makes income inequality worse. We add nuance by arguing that the effect of licensing on inequality is dependent on which occupation classes experience the largest wage premiums. Using a comprehensive over‐time database of state licensing regulations, we first demonstrate that medium‐ and low‐wage jobs garner larger wage premiums than high‐wage occupations. Second, consistent with this result we then show that the occupational licensing regulations have the overall effect of reducing state income inequality. This research contributes to our understanding of the causes of growing inequality and how public policy can shape economic disparities through sometimes unintended and indirect ways.
Clinical Utility of a Novel Triplex Digital PCR Assay for Clone Monitoring in Sequential and Relapsed Pediatric B‐Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients
Authors: Bhatia Prateek , Thakur Rozy , Sreedharanunni Sreejesh , Singh Minu , Malhotra Meenakshi , Arora Swati , George Ashish , Trehan Amita 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionDigital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies for clonal disease monitoring in B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients are currently limited due to the heterogeneous nature of mutations, which limit cost‐effective assay designs.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 70 samples (14 relapse and 56 sequential therapy samples) were tested for 13 recurrent mutations identified on deep sequencing in our published cohort (KRAS, NRAS, NT5C2, PMS2, UHRF1, KMT2D, and TP53 genes) via a novel triplex digital PCR assay.Results and DiscussionA total of seven major clones of NRAS [five] and NT5C2 [two] were noted in six out of 14 (43%) relapse patients, accounting for 44% of early relapses. In addition, 10 minor clones (PMS2 [two], NRAS [four], NT5C2 [three], and TP53 [one]) were noted in five out of 14 (36%) patients. In the 56 sequential therapy samples, six major clones were noted (NRAS [five], KRAS [one]) in four out of 14 (28.5%) patients, with two increasing in size in maintenance samples, leading to subsequent relapse in both cases. In addition, therapy‐acquired minor clones in NT5C2 [four] and PMS2 [one] were seen to emerge in maintenance samples in four out of 14 (28.5%) patients, with concordant detection of such major and minor clones in unpaired relapse samples, indicating the need for their active surveillance during therapy. Overall, digital PCR validated NRAS and NT5C2 major clones in one‐third (10 out of 27; 37%) of cases, driving nearly half of early relapses.
Experiences of Children Studying at the School Where the Teacher Mother or Father Work
Authors: Yıldırım Kibar , Canpolat Murat 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTeacher parents enroll their children in the schools where they work nowadays. This qualitative study aimed to explore what children experience when they attend a school where their teachers and parents work. The students, aged between 10 and 13 years (M = 11.2; SD = 1.22), were all students at the school where their parents worked during their middle school years. Of the students who were in the same school as their parents, the parents of six of them were also course teachers. The thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews identified the following four main themes: Advantages, expectations, artificial friendship, and recommendations. Within the framework of the findings, practical recommendations were offered to psychological help professionals and families working on the subject.
dRama: Differential Ramachandran Plot as a Tool to Analyze Subtle Changes in Protein Secondary Structure
Authors: Batys Piotr , Krzemień Leszek , Barbasz Jakub 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTDetermination of the changes in protein structure is crucial for a better understanding of their function and properties, which is highly important in identifying the causes of the disease, new drug development, and clinical applications. The Ramachandran plot, displaying the set of torsional angles, phi (Φ) and psi (Ψ), of the protein backbone, serves as a popular and convenient tool for secondary structure analysis and interpretation. However, identifying subtle changes in protein structure is often hindered in traditional Ramachandran plot, especially with the large amount of data generated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In this paper, we proposed a useful and efficient tool, that is, differential Ramachandran plot (dRama), which enables to compare protein structures and extract the differences, providing a highly readable graphical representation. dRama is available at: https://github.com/MaksWolf44/dRama.
Structure–function mapping and mechanistic insights on the SARS CoV2 Nsp1
Authors: Salgueiro Bruno A. , Saramago Margarida , Tully Mark D. , Arraiano Cecília M. , Moe Elin , Matos Rute G. , Matias Pedro M. , Romão Célia V. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNon‐structural protein 1 (Nsp1) is a key component of the infectious process caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV2), responsible for the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our previous data demonstrated that Nsp1 can degrade both RNA and DNA in the absence of the ribosome, a process dependent on the metal ions Mn2+, Ca2+, or Mg2+ (Salgueiro et al., SARS‐CoV2 Nsp1 is a metal‐dependent DNA and RNA endonuclease. Biometals. 2024;37:1127–1146). The protein is composed of two structural domains: the N‐terminal domain (NTD) and C‐terminal domain (CTD), connected by a loop. To elucidate the function of each structural domain, we generated four truncated versions of Nsp1 containing either the NTD or the CTD. Our results indicate that the Nsp1SARS‐CoV2 domains play distinct functional roles. Specifically, the NTD is involved in nucleotide binding and regulation, while the CTD acts as the catalytic domain. Moreover, a tyrosyl radical was detected during the nuclease activity, and an in‐depth analysis of the different constructs suggested that Y136 could be involved in this process. Indeed, our results show that Y136F Nsp1 variant lacks DNA nuclease activity but retains its RNA nuclease activity. Furthermore, we observed that the CTD has a propensity to associate with hydrophobic environments, suggesting that it might associate with cell membranes. However, the cellular function of this association requires further investigation. This study sheds light on the functions of the individual domains of Nsp1, providing valuable insights into its mechanism of action in Coronaviruses.
Evolutionary analysis of Quinone Reductases 1 and 2 suggests that NQO2 evolved to function as a pseudoenzyme
Authors: Islam Faiza , Basilone Nicoletta , Yoo Vania , Ball Eric , Shilton Brian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractQuinone reductases 1 and 2 (NQO1 and NQO2) are paralogous FAD‐linked enzymes found in all amniotes. NQO1 and NQO2 have similar structures, and both catalyze the reduction of quinones and other electrophiles; however, the two enzymes differ in their cosubstrate preference. While NQO1 can use both redox couples NADH and NADPH, NQO2 is almost inactive with these cosubstrates and instead must use dihydronicotinamide riboside (NRH) and small synthetic cosubstrates such as N‐benzyl‐dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) for efficient catalysis. We used ancestral sequence reconstruction to investigate the catalytic properties of a predicted common ancestor and two additional ancestors from each of the evolutionary pathways to extant NQO1 and NQO2. In all cases, the small nicotinamide cosubstrates NRH and BNAH were good cosubstrates for the common ancestor and the enzymes along both the NQO1 and NQO2 lineages. In contrast, with NADH as cosubstrate, extant NQO1 evolved to a catalytic efficiency 100 times higher than the common ancestor, while NQO2 has evolved to a catalytic efficiency 3000 times lower than the common ancestor. The evolutionary analysis combined with site‐directed mutagenesis revealed a potential site of interaction for the ADP portion of NAD(P)H in NQO1 that is altered in charge and structure in NQO2. The results indicate that while NQO1 evolved to have greater efficiency with NAD(P)H, befitting an enzymatic function in cells, NQO2 was under selective pressure to acquire extremely low catalytic efficiency with NAD(P)H. These divergent trajectories have implications for the functions of both enzymes.
The Crystal Structure of Human IgD‐Fc Reveals Unexpected Differences With Other Antibody Isotypes
Authors: Davies Anna M. , Bui Tam T. T. , Pacheco‐Gómez Raúl , Vester Susan K. , Beavil Andrew J. , Gould Hannah J. , Sutton Brian J. , McDonnell James M. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTOf the five human antibody isotypes, the function of IgD is the least well‐understood, although various studies point to a role for IgD in mucosal immunity. IgD is also the least well structurally characterized isotype. Until recently, when crystal structures were reported for the IgD Fab, the only structural information available was a model for intact IgD based on solution scattering data. We now report the crystal structure of human IgD‐Fc solved at 3.0 Å resolution. Although similar in overall architecture to other human isotypes, IgD‐Fc displays markedly different orientations of the Cδ3 domains in the Cδ3 domain dimer and the lowest interface area of all the human isotypes. The nature of the residues that form the dimer interface also differs from those conserved in the other isotypes. By contrast, the interface between the Cδ2 and Cδ3 domains in each chain is the largest among the human isotypes. This interface is characterized by two binding pockets, not seen in other isotypes, and points to a potential role for the Cδ2/Cδ3 interface in stabilizing the IgD‐Fc homodimer. We investigated the thermal stability of IgD‐Fc, alone and in the context of an intact IgD antibody, and found that IgD‐Fc unfolds in a single transition. Human IgD‐Fc clearly has unique structural features not seen in the other human isotypes, and comparison with other mammalian IgD sequences suggests that these unique features might be widely conserved.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced autoimmune limbic encephalitis with positivity for anti‐Hu antibodies in a patient with small‐cell lung cancer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Nakahara Lynn , Matsuura Shun , Suzuki Ryo , Kawamura Akira , Nagasaki Takumi , Masuda Takafumi , Yamada Kotaro , Nakamura Ryuuichi , Hiramatsu Toshiya , Akiyama Norimichi , Tanaka Kazuki , Koshimizu Naoki , Igasaki Shota 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn recent years, there has been an increasing number of studies on neurological symptoms induced as paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) or neurological immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Herein, we report a 68‐year‐old male patient with small‐cell lung cancer who developed memory impairment and autonomic nervous system dysfunction after three courses of carboplatin, etoposide, and durvalumab therapy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintense areas restricted to the bilateral temporal lobes. Moreover, based on the blood test results, the patient was strongly positive for anti‐neuronal nuclear antibodies. Hence, he was diagnosed with autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE). Corticosteroid pulse therapy was administered. After treatment, the patient exhibited gradual improvement in memory impairment. However, while tapering the prednisolone dose, the patient exhibited relapse of memory disturbance owing to ALE. It is challenging to distinguish PNS from neurological irAEs. However, ICI‐induced ALE with positivity for anti‐Hu antibodies has an extremely poor prognosis.
Convex endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscope may enhance visualization and diagnosis by respiratory physicians: Clinical image of an endoscopic ultrasound with bronchoscope
Authors: Matsuoka Suzuka , Takigawa Yuki , Sato Ken , Inoue Tomoyoshi , Watanabe Hiromi , Kudo Kenichiro , Sato Akiko , Fujiwara Keiichi , Shibayama Takuo 
Published: November 2024

Key messageHerein, we present the detection of two cystic lesions via the transesophageal route using endobronchial ultrasound and emphasize the fact that understanding the anatomy may enhance the diagnostic yield.
Nano‐Silica‐Based Double‐Layer Antireflective Coatings with Mildew Resistance and Moisture Resistance for KDP Crystals
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Chen , Jiang Hezirui , Wang Hongqiang , Shen Jun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSol–gel nano‐silica antireflective (AR) coatings with moisture resistance are widely used for optical elements, such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals, but their mildew resistance is often disregarded. This work reports a double‐layer AR coating with moisture resistance and mildew resistance for KDP crystals. A polydimethylsiloxane‐modified dense silica coating and a quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) modified nanoporous silica coating are selected as the bottom layer and top layer, which effectively serve as a moisture barrier and an antireflection layer, respectively. The coated KDP crystal shows excellent antireflection properties with a maximum transmittance of 99.1% at 532 nm. Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane vapor treatment is performed further to improve the resistance to moisture and mildew. The resultant double‐layer coating exhibits superior moisture resistance with almost no change in optical transmittance after a 3‐month exposure to a high‐humidity environment. The introduction of QAS and hydrophobicity in the top layer provides exceptional resistance against mildew, achieving an antimicrobial rate of 99.9% against E. coli and A. flavus. Moreover, the laser‐induced damage threshold reaches 17.0 J cm−2 (355 nm, 4.5 ns). This work imparts moisture resistance and mildew resistance to AR coatings, providing valuable insights for designing multifunctional AR coatings on optical components.
Revisiting the Viable System Model as an emancipatory systems approach
Authors: Espinosa Angela 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper acknowledges M.J. Jackson's contributions to the development of systems thinking and particularly to organisational cybernetics. It also reviews his criticisms of Stafford Beer's Viable System Model (VSM) as a ‘unitary, functionalist’ systemic approach, unable to deal with individual, social and political issues, and of Team Syntegrity (TS) as a ‘simple, and somewhere in the middle between pluralist and coercive’, approach. It argues that whilst Jackson has evolved his view of VSM and TS over the last few decades and has become more supportive of them, Beer and his followers have addressed several of his original criticisms. By referring to recent VSM theoretical and methodological developments, and providing examples of VSM applications in complex, politicised multi‐stakeholder's environments, it illustrates how the VSM deals with individual, social and political complexities in practice. It then suggests that, to strengthen Jackson's legacy on systems research and multimethodology, it would be useful to develop a ‘critical empathetic approach’—not only still critical but also supportive and creative—to nourish the development of a more robust trans‐disciplinary systems research agenda.
Strain distribution prediction in UHPC beams using deep learning model
Authors: Zhang Xuebing , Chen Baikuang , Zheng Zhizhou , Liu Xiaochun , Chen Zhizhan , Cao Jun , Zhang Tianyun , Xie Xiaonan , Gao Binwei , Xiang Ping 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOver the last three decades, ultra‐high‐performance concrete (UHPC) has emerged as a highly innovative cementitious engineering material. This paper utilizes a distributed fiber optic sensor based on optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) combined with the deep learning model to monitor and predict the strain distribution in UHPC T‐beams subjected to two point bending experiment. These sensors are deployed on the side surfaces of the UHPC T‐beams to capture the strain distribution when subjected to vertical loads, facilitating the determination of crack locations based on strain distribution peaks. While time series modeling is widely used in civil engineering to monitor potential damage using sensor data, its application in tracking and predicting known cracks is less explored. To address this gap, a Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) neural network model is developed to forecast the increase in the peak value of the strain distribution prior to structural damage, thus predicting crack initiation. The accuracy of the proposed LSTM model in predicting the UHPC strain distribution was thoroughly investigated. The results demonstrate excellent agreement between the predicted strain distributions and those detected by the ODISI 6000 monitoring system. The root‐mean‐square errors of the model‐predicted strains are generally below 10 με, with an average coefficient of determination (R2) reaching up to 98%, indicating a high degree of accuracy.
Bending performance of RC beams reinforced with UHPFRC strips with different geometry and positions
Authors: Ahmed Sayed , Mohamed Eman Yehia , Mohamed Heba A. , Emara Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUltra‐high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is one of the most favorable materials for strengthening RC beams. Studies on UHPFRC strengthening of RC beams mainly address flexural behavior. Further research is needed on key factors, such as UHPFRC‐to‐beam bond and system cost linked to strip geometry. This research studies experimentally and theoretically the possibility of strengthening the RC beams by combining a strip of UHPFRC to the bottom surface of some specimens or the bottom and top surfaces together for others. The study focused on three key variables to assess the effectiveness of UHPFRC strengthening strips: placement (bottom side only or both sides), length of the bottom strip relative to the total beam length (0.50, 0.60, and 0.80 L), and presence or absence of concrete cover on the bottom side before casting the UHPFRC strip. The results for a load‐deflection response, crack propagation, stiffness, and energy dissipation were used to compare other strengthened specimens. Eight strengthened specimens, divided into three series, were tested through a 4‐point loading regime to consider the effects of different parameters. Results revealed that strengthened beams on the bottom and top sides showed remarkably enhanced ultimate load, stiffness, and energy dissipation. UHPFRC strip length and removal of concrete cover were the most significant parameters. Moreover, extending the strip length from 1000 to 1200 mm shifted failure from shear to bending, increasing stiffness by 29% and load capacity by 23%, while deflection and energy dissipation were less affected. Further increasing the strip length to 1600 mm boosted load capacity and stiffness by 38% and 75%, while deflection and energy dissipation dropped by 21% and 31%. Finally, a numerical analysis was presented to investigate the influence of numerous parameters that might influence the bending performance of strengthened RC beams.