bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Alleviating Effects and Mechanisms of Betaine on Dextran Sulfate Sodium‐Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Dou Weidong , Xu Hao , Feng Shuo , Liu Tao , Xiao Lin , Wu Yingchao , Chen Shanwen , Pan Yisheng , Wang Xin 
Published: October 2023

ScopeUlcerative colitis (UC) is an intestinal disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent and is often overlooked in early stages, and its pathogenesis is often closely related to inflammatory processes. Betaine is a natural product with anti‐inflammatory effects that exists in a wide range of plants and animals.Methods and resultsIn this study, the protective effects of betaine are investigated on intestinal barrier function in a mouse model, a dextran sulfate sodium‐induced ulcerative colitis and its mechanism of action in the inflammatory context. FITC‐dextran 4000 Da (FD‐4) flux, disease activity index, histopathological scores, and inflammatory factor levels in sera are determined across different groups. In addition, Caco‐2 cell monolayer barrier function is evaluated by transepithelial resistance and FD‐4 flux. The expression levels and distribution of tight junction proteins are determined using Western blot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Activation of the NF‐κBp65/MLCK/p‐MLC signaling pathway is detected by Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation is performed to examine the binding of NF‐κB to the MLCK gene promoter. The results indicated that betaine inhibits NF‐κB‐mediated activation of the MLCK/p‐MLC signaling pathway to protect the intestinal barrier function of mice with UC.ConclusionBetaine can be used as a potential candidate drug to improve intestinal barrier dysfunction in patients with UC.
Technical note: High‐efficient and wireless transcranial ultrasound excitation based on electromagnetic acoustic transducer
Authors: Huang Lin , Qiao Shuaiqi , Ling Wenwu , Wang Weipeng , Feng Qikaiyi , Cao Jiazhi , Luo Yan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe generation of transcranial ultrasound is usually based on the piezoelectric effect, so it is necessary to attach transducers around the skull. However, the skull will cause serious attenuation and scattering of ultrasound, which makes it particularly difficult for transcranial ultrasound imaging and modulation.PurposeIn transcranial ultrasound imaging, there is significant attenuation and scattering of ultrasound waves by the skull bone. To mitigate this influence and enable precise imaging and high‐efficient transcranial ultrasound for specific patients (such as stroke patients who already require craniotomy as part of their surgical care), this paper proposes to use EMAT to excite metal plates placed inside the skull based on the excellent penetration characteristics of EM waves into the skull, generating ultrasound signals, which can completely avoid the influence of skull on ultrasound transmission.MethodsBased on an efficient wireless transcranial ultrasound experimental platform, we first verified that the skull would not affect the propagation of electromagnetic waves generated by EMAT. In addition, the distribution of the transcranial sound field generated by EMAT was measured.ResultsEMAT can generate 1.0 MHz ultrasound by wireless excitation of a 0.1 mm thick copper plate through an adult skull with a thickness of ∼1 cm, and the frequency and amplitude of the generated ultrasound are not affected by the skull. The results indicated that the electromagnetic waves successfully penetrated the skull, with a recorded strength of approximately 2 mV. We also found that the ultrasound signals generated by the EMAT probe through the skull remained unaffected, measuring around 2 mV. In addition, the measurement of the transcranial sound field distribution (80*50 mm2) generated by EMAT shows that compared with the traditional extracranial ultrasound generation method, the sound field distribution generated by the wireless excitation of the intracranial copper plate based on EAMT is no longer affected by the uneven and irregular skull.ConclusionOur experiments involved validating the penetration capabilities of electromagnetic waves utilizing the EMAT probe through a 7 (5+2) mm thick organic glass plate and a real human skull ranging from 8 to 15 mm in thickness. The efficient and wireless transcranial ultrasound excitation proposed in this paper may be possible for transcranial ultrasound imaging and therapy.
Molecular precursors to produce para‐hydrogen enhanced metabolites at any field
Authors: Jagtap Anil P. , Mamone Salvatore , Glöggler Stefan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEnhancing magnetic resonance signal via hyperpolarization techniques enables the real‐time detection of metabolic transformations even in vivo. The use of para‐hydrogen to enhance 13C‐enriched metabolites has opened a rapid pathway for the production of hyperpolarized metabolites, which usually requires specialized equipment. Metabolite precursors that can be hyperpolarized and converted into metabolites at any given field would open up opportunities for many labs to make use of this technology because already existing hardware could be used. We report here on the complete synthesis and hyperpolarization of suitable precursor molecules of the side‐arm hydrogenation approach. The better accessibility to such side‐arms promises that the para‐hydrogen approach can be implemented in every lab with existing two channel NMR spectrometers for 1H and 13C independent of the magnetic field.
Sensitivity analyses of probabilistic and deterministic DTI tractography methodologies for studying arm muscle architecture
Authors: Joshi Divya , Sohn M. Hongchul , Dewald Julius P. A. , Murray Wendy M. , Ingo Carson 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeTo determine the sensitivity profiles of probabilistic and deterministic DTI tractography methods in estimating geometric properties in arm muscle anatomy.MethodsSpin‐echo diffusion‐weighted MR images were acquired in the dominant arm of 10 participants. Both deterministic and probabilistic tractography were performed in two different muscle architectures of the parallel‐structured biceps brachii (and the pennate‐structured flexor carpi ulnaris. Muscle fascicle geometry estimates and number of fascicles were evaluated with respect to tractography turning angle, polynomial fitting order, and SNR. The DTI tractography estimated fascicle lengths were compared with measurements obtained from conventional cadaveric dissection and ultrasound modalities.ResultsThe probabilistic method generally estimated fascicle lengths closer to ranges reported by conventional methods than the deterministic method, most evident in the biceps brachii (p > 0.05), consisting of longer, arc‐like fascicles. For both methods, a wide turning angle (50º–90°) generated fascicle lengths that were in close agreement with conventional methods, most evident in the flexor carpi ulnaris (p > 0.05), consisting of shorter, feather‐like fascicles. The probabilistic approach produced at least two times more fascicles than the deterministic approach. For both approaches, second‐order fitting yielded about double the complete tracts as third‐order fitting. In both muscles, as SNR decreased, deterministic tractography produced less fascicles but consistent geometry (p > 0.05), whereas probabilistic tractography produced a consistent number but altered geometry of fascicles (p < 0.001).ConclusionFindings from this study provide best practice recommendations for implementing DTI tractography in skeletal muscle and will inform future in vivo studies of healthy and pathological muscle structure.
Creatine mapping of the brain at 3T by CEST MRI
Authors: Wang Kexin , Huang Jianpan , Ju Licheng , Xu Su , Gullapalli Rao P. , Liang Yajie , Rogers Joshua , Li Yuguo , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Weiss Robert G. , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Xu Jiadi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeTo assess the feasibility of CEST‐based creatine (Cr) mapping in brain at 3T using the guanidino (Guan) proton resonance.MethodsWild type and knockout mice with guanidinoacetate N‐methyltransferase deficiency and low Cr and phosphocreatine (PCr) concentrations in the brain were used to assign the Cr and protein‐based arginine contributions to the GuanCEST signal at 2.0 ppm. To quantify the Cr proton exchange rate, two‐step Bloch–McConnell fitting was used to fit the extracted CrCEST line‐shape and multi‐B1 Z‐spectral data. The pH response of GuanCEST was simulated to demonstrate its potential for pH mapping.ResultsBrain Z‐spectra of wild type and guanidinoacetate N‐methyltransferase deficiency mice show a clear Guan proton peak at 2.0 ppm at 3T. The CrCEST signal contributes ∼23% to the GuanCEST signal at B1 = 0.8 μT, where a maximum CrCEST effect of 0.007 was detected. An exchange rate range of 200–300 s−1 was estimated for the Cr Guan protons. As revealed by the simulation, an elevated GuanCEST in the brain is observed when B1 is less than 0.4 μT at 3T, when intracellular pH reduces by 0.2. Conversely, the GuanCEST decreases when B1 is greater than 0.4 μT with the same pH drop.ConclusionsCrCEST mapping is possible at 3T, which has potential for detecting intracellular pH and Cr concentration in brain.
Diagnostic clinical prediction rules for categorising low back pain: A systematic review
Authors: Hill Charles James , Banerjee Anirban , Hill Jonathan , Stapleton Claire 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a common complex condition, where specific diagnoses are hard to identify. Diagnostic clinical prediction rules (CPRs) are known to improve clinical decision‐making. A review of LBP diagnostic‐CPRs by Haskins et al. (2015) identified six diagnostic‐CPRs in derivation phases of development, with one tool ready for implementation. Recent progress on these tools is unknown. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate developments in LBP diagnostic‐CPRs and evaluate their readiness for implementation.MethodsA systematic review was performed on five databases (Medline, Amed, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, and CINAHL) combined with hand‐searching and citation‐tracking to identify eligible studies. Study and tool quality were appraised for risk of bias (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2), methodological quality (checklist using accepted CPR methodological standards), and CPR tool appraisal (GRade and ASsess Predictive).ResultsOf 5021 studies screened, 11 diagnostic‐CPRs were identified. Of the six previously known, three have been externally validated but not yet undergone impact analysis. Five new tools have been identified since Haskin et al. (2015); all are still in derivation stages. The most validated diagnostic‐CPRs include the Lumbar‐Spinal‐Stenosis‐Self‐Administered‐Self‐Reported‐History‐Questionnaire and Diagnosis‐Support‐Tool‐to‐Identify‐Lumbar‐Spinal‐Stenosis, and the StEP‐tool which differentiates radicular from axial‐LBP.ConclusionsThis updated review of LBP diagnostic CPRs found five new tools, all in the early stages of development. Three previously known tools have now been externally validated but should be used with caution until impact evaluation studies are undertaken. Future funding should focus on externally validating and assessing the impact of existing CPRs on clinical decision‐making.
Employment intention and career planning of male nursing students in different levels of colleges and universities: A qualitative study
Authors: Zeng Xiaoting , Yang Fuxun , Xu Xinyi , He Tingting , Huang Shan , Luo Xiaoxiu , Min Lihua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimTo explore the employment intention and career planning of male nursing students at different levels of colleges and universities and provide references for formulating individualized training content.DesignPhenomenological research method in qualitative research.MethodsUsing a phenomenological research method, 15 male nursing students from three levels of colleges and universities were interviewed in a one‐to‐half structure, and the data were analysed using NVivo12.0 software and the Colaizzi seven‐step analysis method.ResultsFour themes and 10 sub‐themes were extracted. The four themes included professional identity experience, nursing learning experience, career expectation and planning and educational needs. The 10 sub‐themes included the negative effects of traditional impressions, the gradual establishment of professional identity, public health events promote professional identity, negative experiences in learning, positive growth from learning, varied career plans, career expectations and influencing factors, a reasonable schedule, diversity of content requirements and the positive effect of teaching teachers.ConclusionsInfluenced by many factors, the employment intention and career planning of male nursing students at different higher education levels are varied. Schools and clinical practice units should strengthen the training of employment intention and career planning and make reasonable time adjustments to the training content.Public ContributionIn total, 15 male interns accepted our interview request. We utilized their break time to conduct the interviews, resulting in significant contributions to the content of the article.
The association of resilience with self‐care and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pouw Tamara , de Man‐van Ginkel Janneke , Hardeman Johannes A. , Mager Johannes‐Jurgen , Trapman Lian , Jaarsma Tiny , Weldam Saskia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the association of resilience with self‐care and quality of life in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsData were collected between February and May 2021. Self‐care was measured with the self‐care of chronic illness inventory, quality of life was measured with the clinical chronic obstructive pulmonary disease questionnaire and resilience was measured with the resilience evaluation scale. Possible confounders were included (sex, age, smoking, time since diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, educational level, social support and pulmonary function). Multiple regression analysis was performed among the determinants, confounders and both outcomes.ResultsParticipants scored fairly well on resilience (mean 22.5). Self‐care scored reasonably well (mean maintenance 65.9, mean monitoring 70.9, mean management 59.9 and mean confidence 71.5). Quality of life scored mediocre (mean 2.6). The results of the linear multiple regression were resilience, which is associated with self‐care confidence and quality of life when adjusted for possible confounders. This means people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with higher resilience have better self‐care confidence and higher quality of life. The outcome contributes to strengthening nursing care and further developing nurses' knowledge. The results can contribute to increasing awareness for healthcare professionals that resilience can potentially increase self‐care and quality of life.
Stigmatized attitudes of medical staff toward people who use drugs and their determinants in Japanese medical facilities specialized in addiction treatment
Authors: Katayama Munenori , Fujishiro So , Sugiura Kanna , Konishi Jun , Inada Ken , Shirakawa Norihito , Matsumoto Toshihiko 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimStigma within healthcare settings significantly impact the lives of people who use drugs (PWUD). Given the lack of quantitative data on stigma toward PWUD in healthcare settings and the unknown factors that contribute to it in the Japanese context, this study aimed to investigate the current status of stigma toward PWUD and its determinants.MethodsWe conducted a survey in five specialized addiction medical facilities across three prefectures in Japan. The survey included questions related to stigmatizing attitudes toward PWUD, knowledge about illicit drug use, and personal and professional interactions with PWUD.ResultsA substantial portion of respondents rejected the notion that drug addiction can be overcome through sheer willpower or attributed it solely to moral failings. However, the majority still considered them untrustworthy and viewing drug use as unacceptable and incomprehensible. Many respondents perceived PWUD as dangerous, despite the limited occurrence of hostile behavior from PWUD in clinical practice. A considerable proportion of respondents did not seek support for their own or their relatives' drug‐related issues, and less than half had collaborated with recovered PWUD, which serves as potential indicators of reduced stigma. While healthcare professionals recognized that involving law enforcement does not contribute to the recovery of PWUD, a considerable number still believed it was necessary to report them to the authorities.ConclusionHealthcare professionals in specialized addiction medical facilities demonstrate strong stigmatizing attitudes toward PWUD. Comprehensive educational programs and large‐scale awareness campaigns are necessary to address and mitigate stigma in this context.
Implicit Runge‐Kutta with spectral Galerkin methods for the fractional diffusion equation with spectral fractional Laplacian
Authors: Zhang Yanming , Li Yu , Yu Yuexin , Wang Wansheng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAn efficient numerical method with high accuracy both in time and in space is proposed for solving ‐dimensional fractional diffusion equation with spectral fractional Laplacian. The main idea is discretizing the time by an ‐stage implicit Runge‐Kutta method and approximating the space by a spectral Galerkin method with Fourier‐like basis functions. In view of the orthogonality, the mass matrix of the spectral Galerkin method is an identity and the stiffness matrix is diagonal, which makes the proposed method is efficient for high‐dimensional problems. The proposed method is showed to be stable and convergent with at least order in time, when the implicit Runge‐Kutta method with classical order () is algebraically stable. As another important contribution of this paper, we derive the spatial error estimate with optimal convergence order which depends on the regularity of the exact solution but not on the fractional parameter . This improves the previous result which depends on the fractional parameter . Numerical experiments verify and complement our theoretical results.
Coexistence across space and time: Social‐ecological patterns within a decade of human‐coyote interactions in San Francisco
Authors: Wilkinson Christine E. , Caspi Tal , Stanton Lauren A. , Campbell Deb , Schell Christopher J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Global change is increasing the frequency and severity of human‐wildlife interactions by pushing people and wildlife into increasingly resource‐limited shared spaces. To understand the dynamics of human‐wildlife interactions and what may constitute human‐wildlife coexistence in the Anthropocene, there is a critical need to explore the spatial, temporal, sociocultural and ecological variables that contribute to human‐wildlife conflicts in urban areas.

Due to their opportunistic foraging and behavioural flexibility, coyotes (Canis latrans) frequently interact with people in urban environments. San Francisco, California, USA hosts a very high density of coyotes, making it an excellent region for analysing urban human‐coyote interactions and attitudes toward coyotes over time and space.

We used a community‐curated long‐term data source from San Francisco Animal Care and Control to summarise a decade of coyote sightings and human‐coyote interactions in San Francisco and to characterise spatiotemporal patterns of attitudes and interaction types in relation to housing density, socioeconomics, pollution and human vulnerability metrics, and green space availability.

We found that human‐coyote conflict reports have been significantly increasing over the past 5 years and that there were more conflicts during the coyote pup‐rearing season (April–June), the dry season (June–September) and the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conflict reports were also more likely to involve dogs and occur inside of parks, despite more overall sightings occurring outside of parks. Generalised linear mixed models revealed that conflicts were more likely to occur in places with higher vegetation greenness and median income. Meanwhile reported coyote boldness, hazing and human attitudes toward coyotes were also correlated with pollution burden and human population vulnerability indices.

Synthesis and applications: Our results provide compelling evidence suggesting that human‐coyote conflicts are intimately associated with social‐ecological heterogeneities and time, emphasizing that the road to coexistence will require socially informed strategies. Additional long‐term research articulating how the social‐ecological drivers of conflict (e.g. human food subsidies, interactions with domestic species, climate‐induced droughts, socioeconomic disparities, etc.) change over time will be essential in building adaptive management efforts that effectively mitigate future conflicts from occurring.

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Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/high‐density polyethylene/aluminum hydroxide/clay composites by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Kim Dong‐Seop , Lee Byoung‐Min , Kim Hyun‐Rae , Park Sangwon , Park Jong‐Seok , Hwang Daeyoung , Kim Jaewoo , Choi Jae‐Hak 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/aluminum hydroxide (ATH)/clays composites were prepared via melt‐mixing followed by electron beam irradiation (EBI). The effects of clays and EBI on the properties of the composites were investigated in terms of their flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties. As the clay content increased, the gel content, tensile strength, and elongation‐at‐break increased. The gel content, tensile strength, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of the composites increased with increasing absorbed dose due to the formation of crosslinked network structures. These results suggest that the addition of clays and the formation of crosslinked network structures by EBI can be an effective method for improving the physical properties and flame retardancy of composites.