bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of spinal cord tractography in detecting lesions following selective bladder afferent and efferent fibers injury: A novel method for induction of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in rabbit
Authors: Sadeghmousavi Shaghayegh , Soltani Khaboushan Alireza , Jafarnezhad‐Ansariha Fahimeh , Nejad‐Gashti Reza , Farsi Maryam , Esmaeil‐Pour Reza , Alijani Maryam , Majidi Zolbin Masoumeh , Niknejad Hassan , Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectiveNeurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), a challenging disorder, is defined by lack of bladder control due to the abnormalities in neural pathways and can be classified based on the location of lesions within the nervous system, thus investigating the neural pathways can help us to know the site of the lesion and specify the class of the NLUTD. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) tractography, a noninvasive advanced imaging method, is capable of detecting central nervous system pathologies, even if routine magnetic resonance imaging shows no abnormality. Accordingly, tractography is an ideal technique to evaluate patients with NLUTD and visualize the pathology site within the spine. This study aimed to introduce a novel method of spinal cord injury (SCI) to establish NLUTD in the rabbit and to investigate the potential of tractography in tracing neural tracts of the spinal cord in an induced NLUTD animal model.Materials and MethodsAn animal model of NLUTD was induced through cauterization of the spinal cord at the level T12–L1 in 12 rabbits. Then rabbits were assessed via DTI, urodynamic studies (UDS), voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and pathology assessments using antineurofilament 200 (NF200) antibody, anti‐S100, anti‐Smooth Muscle Actin, anti‐Myogenin, and anti‐MyoD1.ResultsThe tractography visualized lesions within spinal cord fibers. DTI parameters including fractional anisotropy (FA) value and tract density were significantly decreased (FA: p‐value = 0.01, Tract density: p‐value = 0.05) after injury. The mean diffusivity (MD) was insignificantly increased compared to before the injury. Also, the results of UDS and pathology assessments corroborated that applying SCI and the establishment of the NLUTD model was completely successful.ConclusionIn the present study, we investigated the auxiliary role of tractography in detecting the spinal cord lesions in the novel established rabbit model of NLUTD. The introduced method of NLUTD induction was without the leg's neurological deficit, easily applicable, low‐cost, and was accompanied by minimal surgical preparation and a satisfactory survival rate in comparison with other SCI animal models.
Validation of shear wave elastography as a noninvasive measure of pelvic floor muscle stiffness
Authors: Morin Mélanie , Salomoni Sauro E. , Stafford Ryan E. , Hall Leanne M. , Hodges Paul W. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the validity of shear wave elastography (SWE) as a measure of stiffness of the puborectalis muscle by examining: (1) the relationship between puborectalis muscle stiffness and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activation at different intensities; and (2) the relationship between puborectalis stiffness and pelvic floor morphometry during contractions at different intensities.MethodsFifteen healthy asymptomatic women performed 6‐s isometric PFM contractions at different intensities (0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of maximal voluntary contraction) guided by intravaginal electromyography (EMG). Stiffness of the puborectalis muscle was measured using SWE by calculating the average shear modulus in regions of interest that contained puborectalis muscle fibers parallel to the transducer. Pelvic floor morphometry was assessed in the mid‐sagittal plane using transperineal B‐mode ultrasound imaging. Shear modulus, EMG (root mean square amplitude) and pelvic floor morphometry parameters were normalized to the value recorded during maximal voluntary contraction. To assess the relationship between stiffness and pelvic floor activation/morphometry, coefficient of determination (r2) was calculated for each participant and a group average was computed.ResultsShear modulus and EMG were highly correlated (average r2; left 0.90 ± 0.08, right 0.87 ± 0.15). Shear modulus also strongly correlated with bladder neck position (x‐axis horizontal coordinates relative to the pubic symphysis), anorectal rectal angle and position, levator plate angle, and antero‐posterior diameter of the levator hiatus (average r2: range 0.62–0.78).ConclusionsThese findings support the validity of SWE to assess puborectalis muscle stiffness in females. Stiffness measures were strongly associated with PFM EMG and pelvic floor morphometry and may be used to indirectly assess the level of activation of the puborectalis muscle without the use of more invasive techniques. By overcoming limitations of current assessment tools, this promising noninvasive and real‐time technique could enable important breakthrough in the pathophysiology and management of pelvic floor disorders.
Self‐efficacy and attitudes of nurses providing oral care in geriatric care facilities: A cross‐sectional study in Shanghai
Authors: Gu Liyan , Chen Lan , Li Xianchen , Chen Wenyao , Zhang Lingjuan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAimsTo investigate nurses' self‐efficacy and attitudes of providing oral care in geriatric care facilities (GCFs) and compare differences between individuals, facilities and countries.DesignA cross‐sectional and multicentre study.MethodsData were collected from 852 nurses in 42 GCFs using two scales, “Self‐Efficacy for Providing Mouth Care” (SE‐PMC) and “Attitudes for Providing Mouth Care” (A‐PMC), and analysed using t‐test and ANOVA.ResultsTotally 852 nurses (844 females, 99%) participated in this study with an effective response rate of 85.2%. Scores of SE‐PMC and A‐PMC of nurses varied significantly among GCFs with different sizes, types and years of establishment and differentiated among staff about the length of employment (p < .05). Nurses (N = 434) in North Carolina scored higher than nurses in Shanghai both in SE‐PMC and A‐PMC (p < .05). Establishment and implementation of Oral health promotion programmes were desired based on characteristics of different institutions and nurses' clinical ladder.
Parallel solution of optimal control problems using the graphics processing unit
Authors: Yang Chaoyi , Fabien Brian C. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis paper presents an indirect method for solving optimal control problems (OCPs) using graphics processing unit (GPU). The OCPs considered here include control variable inequality constraints (CVICs), state variable inequality constraints (SVICs), and parameters. The necessary conditions of the minimum for the OCPs are written as a boundary value problem with index‐1 differential algebraic equations (BVP‐DAEs). The complementarity conditions associated with those inequality constraints are approximated using Kanzow's smoothed Fisher‐Burmeister formula. The numerical solution for solving the BVP‐DAEs is based on the multiple shooting technique and the DAEs are solved using a single step linearly implicit Runge–Kutta (Rosenbrock–Wanner, ROW) method. A Newton's continuation method is performed to solve the BVP‐DAEs system and the descent direction is found by solving a sparse bordered almost block diagonal (BABD) linear system with a structured orthogonal factorization algorithm. Parallel computing techniques are used to accelerate the code which is implemented using Python and CUDA on GPU. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the code. The GPU based parallel implementation is shown to be significantly faster than the implementation using central processing unit (CPU) alone.
Mangrove cultural services and values: Current status and knowledge gaps
Authors: Moore Alex C. , Hierro Luis , Mir Neena , Stewart Taylor 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

The evaluation of cultural services and values in coastal and marine environments has been steadily increasing over the last decade, though significant knowledge gaps remain regarding specific ecosystems such as mangrove forests.

To identify these gaps, we provide a summary of the current literature on mangrove cultural services and values, indicate priority areas where additional research is needed and highlight some of the potential sociocultural impacts associated with mangrove losses.

The studies included in this synthesis identified or evaluated 16 cultural services and values linked to mangrove habitats across 25 countries, representing roughly 22% of global mangrove regions. We observed differences in assessment frameworks, methods, and author affiliations that may have influenced research outcomes with implications for future study design. Toward this end, we provide specific recommendations to improve future mangrove CSV studies.

Cultural services are often the most valued services ecosystems provided to stakeholders and local communities. As such, it is our hope that identifying these gaps will provide an impetus for the study of mangrove cultural services and values, thereby resulting in an improved understanding of the interactions between people and mangroves for the benefit of both.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The effect of boron nitride, carbon nanotubes, and their synergy on the properties of LLDPE and LLDPE/wax blend
Authors: Mokoena Tiisetso Ephraim , Mochane Mokgaotsa Jonas , Mokhena Teboho Clement , Motloung Mary Tholwana , Sefadi Jeremiah Shale 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis study deals with the effect of two types of conductive fillers (viz., boron nitride and single walled carbon nanotubes) on the properties of the linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix and LLDPE/paraffin wax (PW) blend. Pure LLDPE and paraffin wax/LLDPE blend (30/70) were melt‐mixed with 2 wt% content of boron nitride (BN) and single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), as well as their synergy at 2 wt%. Because it is well‐known that both conductive fillers were able to improve the thermal conductivity of the paraffin wax/polymer blends, the aim of this study was to focus on the effect of both conductive fillers on the dispersion of paraffin wax into LLDPE matrix, mechanical properties, crystallization behavior, and thermal stability of the LLDPE/wax blend. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the LLDPE/paraffin wax blends depicted a phase separated system, which was further supported by two separate peaks from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology of the system showed that the addition of boron nitride (BN) into the LLDPE/paraffin wax blend had no affinity with the paraffin wax, while the addition of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) showed better dispersion into the LLDPE/paraffin wax/BN blend composites. The incorporation of the SWCNT and its synergy with BN enhanced the thermal stability of the LLDPE.
Postural balance and its association with functionality and quality of life in non‐hospitalized patients with post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome
Authors: de Sousa Kennedy Cristian Alves , Gardel Damara Guedes , Lopes Agnaldo José 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe neuromuscular system is responsible for performing adequate muscle activities to maintain postural balance. Since COVID‐19 can cause damage to this system, long‐term sequelae might alter control of postural stability. This study aimed to evaluate the postural balance of patients with post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome (PCS) who were not hospitalized and to evaluate the correlations of changes in postural balance with general fatigue, muscle strength, and quality of life (QoL).MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study in which 40 patients with PCS and 40 controls underwent balance assessment through the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tinetti Balance Scale (TBS). They were evaluated for general fatigue by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Fatigue (FACIT‐F) scale, handgrip strength (HGS), and quality of life (QoL) by the Short Form‐36 (SF‐36).ResultsWhen compared to controls, patients with PCS had lower BBS and TBS scores (p = 0.001 for both). The FACIT‐F score was lower in PCS patients (p = 0.0001). HGS was slightly lower in the PCS patients, but not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Regarding QoL, PCS patients showed worse evaluations in five dimensions of the SF‐36 (physical functioning, physical role limitations, bodily pain, general health perceptions, and mental health). Both the BBS and TBS scores had statistically significant positive correlations with the FACIT‐F score, HGS, and two SF‐36 dimensions (physical role limitations and emotional role limitations).ConclusionsPatients with PCS show worse postural balance than controls, which is associated with general fatigue, lower HGS, and poor QoL. Postural balance assessment should be considered in the follow‐up and rehabilitation of PCS.
Integrated systems modeling of severe asthma: Exploration of IL‐33/ST2 antagonism
Authors: Gadkar Kapil , Feigelman Justin , Sukumaran Siddharth , Rodrigo Manoj C. , Staton Tracy , Cai Fang , Bauer Rebecca N. , Choy David F. , Stokes Cynthia L. , Scheerens Heleen , Ramanujan Saroja 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAsthma is a complex, heterogeneous disease with a high unmet medical need, despite therapies targeting a multitude of pathways. The ability to quantitatively integrate preclinical and clinical data on these pathways could aid in the development and testing of novel targets and therapeutics. In this work, we develop a computational model of asthma biology, including key cell types and mediators, and create a virtual population capturing clinical heterogeneity. The simulated responses to therapies targeting IL‐13, IL‐4Rα, IL‐5, IgE, and TSLP demonstrate agreement with clinical endpoints and biomarkers of type 2 (T2) inflammation, including blood eosinophils, FEV1, IgE, and FeNO. We use the model to explore the potential benefit of targeting the IL‐33 pathway with anti‐IL‐33 and anti‐ST2. Model predictions are compared with data on blood eosinophils, FeNO, and FEV1 from recent anti‐IL‐33 and anti‐ST2 trials and used to interpret trial results based on pathway biology and pharmacology. Results of sensitivity analyses on the contributions of IL‐33 to the predicted biomarker changes suggest that anti‐ST2 therapy reduces circulating blood eosinophil levels primarily through its impact on eosinophil progenitor maturation and IL‐5‐dependent survival, and induces changes in FeNO and FEV1 through its effect on immune cells involved in T2 cytokine production. Finally, we also investigate the impact of ST2 genetics on the conferred benefit of anti‐ST2. The model includes representation of a wide array of biologic mechanisms and interventions that will provide mechanistic insight and support clinical program design for a wide range of novel therapies during drug development.
Wheat germ improves hepatic steatosis, hepatic enzymes, and metabolic and inflammatory parameters in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Salehi‐Sahlabadi Ammar , Kord‐Varkaneh Hamed , Kocaadam‐Bozkurt Betul , Seraj Shaikh Sanjid , Alavian Seyed Moayed , Hekmatdoost Azita 
Published: July 2022

AbstractGlobally, Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a rising prevalence with no definitive pharmacological treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effects of wheat germ in patients with NAFLD. Fifty participants with NAFLD were randomly allocated to take 40 g wheat germ (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) in a randomized double‐blind clinical trial over 12 weeks. Transient elastography (FibroScan) determined a diagnosis of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of intervention, reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.006) and γ‐glutamyltransferase (p = 0.004), total cholesterol (p = 0.018), triglyceride (p = 0.046), and hepatic steatosis (p = 0.043) levels in the wheat germ group was significantly higher compared to the placebo group. Serum TAC levels in wheat germ group patients increased significantly higher than placebo group (p = 0.001). Reduction in serum hs‐CRP level in the wheat germ group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (p = 0.031). In conclusion, our study shows that wheat germ consumption may improve total antioxidant capacity, hepatic steatosis, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Gamma‐glutamyl Transferase (GGT) in NAFLD patients. Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm biological effects of wheat germ on NAFLD patients.
Probing the Photophysics of Covalently and Non‐covalently Bonded Graphene Quantum Dots‐Tetraaminophenylporphyrin Nanohybrids
Authors: Pallikkara Athira , Ramakrishnan Kala 
Published: July 2022

AbstractHerein, we scrutinize the photophysical and electronic changes on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) which occurs as a consequence of both type of covalent and non‐covalent functionalization using Tetraaminophenylporphyrin (TAPP). Covalent functionalization resulted in amide bond between GQD and TAPP (GQD‐CONH‐TAPP), while electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding and π‐π interactions together contribute to the binding in non‐covalent functionalization. Outstanding difference between both of the functionalized GQDs were observed in their UV‐Visible absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and time‐correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements. GQD‐CONH‐TAPP acts as a charge separated system having C1 point group. In case of GQD‐TAPP, the non‐covalent nanohybrid system, photoinduced electron transfer from TAPP to GQD occurs with a dynamic quenching constant of 21.89×103 M−1 and bimolecular rate constant of 2.77×1014 M−1s−1. Feasibility of this electron transfer is reinforced by the negative ΔGPET value and the theoretical studies.
The Bioremediation Capacity of Sphingomonas melonis for Methomyl‐Contaminated Soil Media: RSM Optimization and Biochemical Assessment by Dreissena polymorpha
Authors: Önder Erguven Gokhan , Serdar Osman , Tanyol Mehtap , Cikcikoglu Yildirim Nuran , Yildirim Numan , Durmus Barbaros 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe bioremediation capacity of S. melonis for methomyl investigated with RSM. Oxidative stress and neurotoxic response determined in D. polymorpha. COD and TOC levels were measured. GSH, MDA levels and CAT, SOD, AChE activities in D. polymorpha exposed to before (group A) and after (group B) bioremediated media during 24 and 96 h were tested by using ELISA kit. AchE activity was decreased 24th h but increased during 96th h in group B compared with group A (p<0.05). MDA levels and CAT activities were decreased during 24 h and 96 h in group B compared with group A (p<0.05). GSH levels were increased during 24 h and 96 h in group B compared with group A (p<0.05). SOD activity did not show a significant change in group B (p<0.05). Methomyl could be effectively remediated by S. melonis and CAT, AChE activities and GSH, TBARS levels of D. polymorpha are useful biomarkers for evaluating the bioremediation capacity.
Dubai Shade Structures: Fasergelege für flexible Leichtbaukonstruktionen
Authors: Gabriel Marc , Hinz Holger 
Published: July 2022

AbstractFür die Weltausstellung 2020 in Dubai entwickelte Werner Sobek innovative Verschattungsanlagen, die alle Länderpavillons auf dem Ausstellungsgelände miteinander verbinden. Diese Konstruktionen überspannen eine Fläche von rund 96.000 m2. Auf dem Grundprinzip einer weitspannenden Stahlrahmenkonstruktion wurden drei verschiedene Verschattungssysteme entwickelt. Im vorliegenden Bericht wird eines dieser drei Verschattungssysteme vorgestellt, das mit einem Fasergelege ausgeführt wurde. Es wurde an die rauen klimatischen Bedingungen des Standorts angepasst, indem gezielt Neuerungen im Bereich der Filamentgelegetechnologie in den Entwurf integriert wurden. Ein wichtiges Entwurfsziel war es, Beschattung und Luftzirkulation zu gewährleisten, um das Mikroklima im öffentlichen Raum zu verbessern. Die Umgebungstemperatur unter den Verschattungselementen sollte so auf natürlichem Wege um 5 °K gesenkt werden. Eine Minimierung der CO2‐Emissionen bzw. der grauen Energie, ein kreislauftaugliches Konstruieren und Bauen waren weitere wichtige Zielsetzungen.
Structural Modification of Empty and Partially Filled Paddy Grain Through Hydrothermal Pre‐treatment as a Novel Substrate for Fermentable Glucose Production
Authors: Abu Bakar Nurul Ain , Roslan Ahmad Muhaimin , Hassan Mohd Ali , Abdul Rahman Muhammad Daaniyall , Mohamad Rozyanti , Ibrahim Khairul Nadiah 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIn this study, two conditions of empty and partially filled paddy grain (EPFG) (unground and ground) are pre‐treated using a mild hydrothermal process at 120 °C at 30–120 min. The pre‐treatment condition which shows potential structural changes for sugar conversion (gelatinization of starch, reduction of hemicellulose to 11.8%, and increased in cellulose to 43.3%) involves combination of dry grinding and hydrothermal pre‐treatment at 60 min. In this condition, the starch and sugars released in the liquid fraction is high at 127 and 37.1 mg g−1, respectively, which can easily be converted into glucose without the need of enzyme usage. The effectiveness of the pre‐treatment on EPFG structural changes is further confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), showing disruption of structures leading to amorphous biomass. Glucose production of pre‐treated ground EPFG (G‐EPFG) shows higher value at 30.13 g L−1 for 10% solid loading than the untreated samples. Overall, the results suggest that EPFG produced as waste in paddy milling factories can be a potential feedstock for a biorefinery based on the findings and processes derived from this study.
Using Machine Learning techniques in phenomenological studies on flavour physics
Authors: Alda J. , Guasch J. , Peñaranda S. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
An updated analysis of New Physics violating Lepton Flavour Universality, by using the Standard Model Effective Field Lagrangian with semileptonic dimension six operators at Λ = 1 TeV is presented. We perform a global fit, by discussing the relevance of the mixing in the first generation. We use for the first time in this context a Montecarlo analysis to extract the confidence intervals and correlations between observables. Our results show that machine learning, made jointly with the SHAP values, constitute a suitable strategy to use in this kind of analysis.
Multiple roles played by the mitochondrial citrate carrier in cellular metabolism and physiology
Authors: Zara Vincenzo , Assalve Graziana , Ferramosca Alessandra 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe citrate carrier (CIC) is an integral protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane which catalyzes the efflux of mitochondrial citrate (or other tricarboxylates) in exchange with a cytosolic anion represented by a tricarboxylate or a dicarboxylate or phosphoenolpyruvate. In this way, the CIC provides the cytosol with citrate which is involved in many metabolic reactions. Several studies have been carried out over the years on the structure, function and regulation of this metabolite carrier protein both in mammals and in many other organisms. A lot of data on the characteristics of this protein have therefore accumulated over time thereby leading to a complex framework of metabolic and physiological implications connected to the CIC function. In this review, we critically analyze these data starting from the multiple roles played by the mitochondrial CIC in many cellular processes and then examining the regulation of its activity in different nutritional and hormonal states. Finally, the metabolic significance of the citrate flux, mediated by the CIC, across distinct subcellular compartments is also discussed.