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Latent classes analysis and associated factors of knowledge of intermittent catheterization in neurogenic bladder management among medical staff

Late-Stage Photoredox-Catalyzed Aryl C–H Bond Diazomethylation with Atomic Carbon Reagents

Integrating virtual reality, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to study the neural correlates of awe experiences: The SUBRAIN protocol

Introduction Awe is a complex emotion unveiling a positive and mixed nature, which resembles the Romantic feeling of the Sublime. It has increasingly become the object of scientific investigation in the last twenty years. However, its underlying brain mechanisms are still unclear. To fully capture its nature in the lab, researchers have increasingly relied on virtual reality (VR) as an emotion-elicitation method, which can resemble even complex phenomena in a limited space. In this work, a multidisciplinary team proposed a novel experimental protocol integrating VR, electroencephalography (EEG), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate the brain mechanisms of this emotion. Methods A group of bioengineers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and philosophers designed the SUBRAIN study, a single-center, one-arm, non-randomized interventional study to explore the neural processes underlying awe experiences. The study is ongoing and is expected to enroll fifty adults between 20 and 40 years of age. Currently, more than 40 individuals have been enrolled. The experimental protocol includes different steps: (i) screening, (ii) enrollment, (iii) pre-experimental assessment, (iv) VR experimental assessment, and (v) post-experimental debriefing. The brain’s electrical activity is recorded using the EEG while participants navigated three immersive awe-inducing VR environments and a neutral one. At the same time, the cortical excitability and connectivity is investigated by performing a TMS-EEG session right after each VR navigation. Along with cerebral signals, self-reported questionnaires were used to assess the VR-induced changes in the emotional state of the subjects. This data is then analyzed to delve into the cerebral mechanisms of awe. Discussion This study protocol is the first one that tries to fully understand the neural bases of awe by eliciting and studying this phenomenon in VR. The pairing of awe-inducing VR experiences and questionnaires investigating participants’ affect and emotions, with non-invasive neural techniques, can provide a novel and extensive knowledge on this complex phenomenon. The protocol can inform on the combination of different instruments showing a reproducible and reliable setting for the investigation of induced complex emotions.

Identification of mechanistic CKD biomarkers in a rat SNx kidney fibrosis model by transcriptomics and proteomics detectable in biofluids

Abstract The rat sub-total nephrectomy (SNx) is a functional model of general chronic kidney disease (CKD) where the main pathological driver is glomerular hypertension representative of several subtypes of CKD. Comprehensive transcriptomics and proteomics analyses on the SNx rats were performed to identify biomarkers in plasma or urine that correlate with kidney disease and functional kidney loss. Kidneys were subjected to collagen I and III staining for fibrosis scoring, SWATH-MS proteomics and bulk RNA-sequencing transcriptomics, with SWATH-MS also performed on plasma and urine. Differential expression analysis demonstrated significant dysregulation of genes and proteins involved in fibrosis, metabolism, and immune response in the SNx rats compared to controls. Gene ontology analysis of the intersecting genes and proteins from both studies demonstrated common biology between animal cohorts that reached the predefined kidney disease thresholds (serum creatinine > two-fold or proteinuria > three-fold increase over sham-operated). Thirteen significantly differential molecules were detected with consistent directional changes in both omics datasets. These molecules were detected independently in kidney (both RNA and protein) and urine (protein only), but not in plasma. Bioinformatics analysis enabled the identification of mechanistic CKD biomarkers including lumican and collagen alpha-1(III) chain, whose co-expression has previously been both implicated in fibrosis and detected in urine in CKD patients.

Fano Resonance in CO₂ Reduction Catalyst Functionalized Quantum Dots

Quantitative trait loci mapping for salt tolerance-related traits during the germination stage of wheat

Soil salinization is a type of abiotic stress that affects the growth and development of wheat. To explore the QTLs related to salt tolerance during the germination stage of wheat and to reveal the mechanisms of salt tolerance, this study subjected 196 wheat varieties (lines) from North China, East China, and Central China to salt stress during the germination stage. Principal component analysis was employed for a comprehensive evaluation of salt tolerance. Based on the comprehensive evaluation D value, the salt tolerance of the research materials was classified into five levels, from which 64 materials exhibiting salt tolerance or higher were selected. Further, a genome-wide association analysis was conducted on the phenotypic traits and D values of wheat under different treatments during the germination stage using sequencing data from a 16Kb SNP chip. A total of 108 QTLs significantly associated with salt tolerance during the germination stage were identified, distributed across 15 chromosomes, excluding 1A, 1D, 4A, 5B, 6B, and 7B. Individual significant SNPs could explain 8.03% to 22.62% of the phenotypic variation. Additionally, 11 candidate genes potentially related to the salt response in wheat were predicted. This study provides a theoretical basis for the cloning of salt tolerance-related genes and the breeding of salt-tolerant wheat varieties.

Design of immunogens to present a tumor-specific cryptic epitope

Competition between Hydrogen and Chalcogen Bonding in Homodimers of Chalcogen Hydrides (H₂X)₂, X = O, S, Se, Te

Correction: Curcumin attenuates iron accumulation and oxidative stress in the liver and spleen of chronic iron-overloaded rats

Spatial multilevel analysis of individual, household, and community factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Dominican Republic

Abstract Vaccine hesitancy or refusal poses a significant public health challenge resulting in the resurgence of preventable diseases and undermining the effectiveness of national and global health initiatives. This study investigates multilevel determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Dominican Republic (DR) shortly after the launch of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign in February 2021. Participants aged 18 years and older were enrolled through a national multistage cluster survey conducted from June-October 2021. The Health Belief Model guided the selection of potential factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy. Hierarchical mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to examine individual, household, and community factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was observed in 12.6% (95% CI: 11.7–13.5%) of participants (n = 5,566), with spatial variations at the cluster level. Individual factors associated with lower odds of vaccine hesitancy included older age, higher education levels, mulatto ethnicity, and perceiving vaccination as crucial for health. In contrast, factors significantly associated with hesitancy included being born in the DR and concerns about COVID-19 vaccine side effects. For factors at the household level, differential trust in health information sources significantly influenced vaccine hesitancy, with certain sources correlating with increased hesitancy and others with reduced vaccine hesitancy. Better access to healthcare, as indicated by a higher number of hospitals per population, was paradoxically associated with increased vaccine hesitancy. Future strategies to reduce vaccine hesitancy in the DR might consider these multifaceted factors.

Conversion of Compositionally Diverse Plastic Waste over Earth-Abundant Sulfides

Seafaring and navigation in the Nordic Bronze Age: The application of an ocean voyage tool and boat performance data for comparing direct open water crossings with sheltered coastal routes

This study presents an “ocean voyaging tool” that combines predicted vessel performance data with agent-based simulations. This tool offers a new way to assess navigation and seafaring abilities in prehistory while also enabling the direct comparison between different type vessels and vessel configuration, navigational skills and propulsion. Results are filtered using certain limitations on safety (wind strength, wave height, light etc.) and navigational error. The method is here used to compare direct open water (c. 110 km) and coast hugging (c. 700 km) voyages between Jutland and south-west Norway in the Early Nordic Bronze Age, two areas that were closely connected from the Late Neolithic throughout the Bronze Age (c. 2350-1500 BC). Simulated results suggest that although the longer coastal route is usable all year round, direct open sea voyages, which included navigation out-of-sight-of-land for up to 50 km, were most likely undertaken. Such voyages would have necessitated boats capable of withstanding and maintaining directional control in ≤  1 m waves and winds of up to 10 knots (5 m/s) at a minimum. Furthermore, these simulations highlight the comparable advantage of sail over paddling for transporting cargo over long distances (journeys of more than one days length).

Spatiotemporal coupling and regional differences analysis between agricultural land use efficiency and rural revitalization in the Yellow River Basin

Hydrogen-Vacancy-Induced Stable Superconducting Niobium Hydride at High Pressure

Trafficking of the telomerase RNA using a novel genetic approach

Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures situated at eukaryotic chromosome ends, vital for preserving genetic information during cell replication. Telomerase, a holoenzyme composed of telomerase reverse transcriptase and an RNA template component, is responsible for elongating telomeric DNA. The intracellular trafficking of the telomerase RNA (TER) varies, either staying in the nucleus or exiting to the cytoplasm, depending on the organism. For example, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , the RNA template is exported to the cytoplasm, whereas in mammalian cells and protozoa, it remains within the nucleus. Aspergillus nidulans , a filamentous fungus, offers an outstanding model for investigating telomeres and telomerase due to its characterized telomerase components, exceptionally short and tightly regulated telomeres, and innovative heterokaryon rescue technique. To determine the pathway of telomerase RNA trafficking in A. nidulans , we leveraged its unique capabilities to exist in both uni- and multi-nucleate states within a heterokaryon. This involved creating a TER knockout A. nidulans strain ( TERΔ ) and examining the resulting colonies for signs of heterokaryon formation. Heterokaryons would imply the export of TER from one nucleus and its import into a TERΔ nucleus. Interestingly, the TERΔ strain consistently failed to produce heterokaryons, instead giving rise to likely diploid colonies. This surprising finding strongly implies that telomerase assembly predominantly takes place within the nucleus of A. nidulans , distinguishing it from the biogenesis and trafficking pattern observed in yeast.

The analysis of molten salt energy storage mode with multi-steam sources heating in thermal power unit peak shaving operation

Reversible Optical Control of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity and ERK Dynamics Using Azobenzene-Carrying DNA Aptamer Agonist

Accuracy of point-of-care nasopharyngeal Interleukin 6 and lung ultrasound in predicting the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation

Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common cause of morbidity in preterm infants, leading to long-term respiratory complications and risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. Although it has a multifactorial etiology, local inflammation may play a major role. Objectives. We aimed to analyze the relationship between nasopharyngeal aspirate (NA) interleukin 6 (IL6) levels and clinical and imaging findings of BPD. Methods: Pilot study in preterm infants < 30 weeks. NA was collected at 7 days of life (DOL) and serial lung ultrasounds (LUS) were performed during admission. NA-IL6 levels were measured using an automated electrochemiluminescence immune-analyzer Cobas-e602 and an IL6 ELISA method. Results. Forty-two patients were studied. Infants with BPD had significantly lower gestational age and higher levels of NA-IL6 at DOL 7. Both methods showed good agreement: ICC = 0.937 (95%CI 0.908-0.957); p < 0.001) and Passing-Bablok Regression (R2 = 0.961). LUS score (AUC = 0.83) and NA-IL6 (AUC = 0.81) at DOL 7 predicted BPD. The AUC of NA-IL6 as a stand-alone marker of BPD was 0.808 (95% CI 0.67 – 0.94); p = 0.002, with 24 pg/ml being the best cutoff with a sensitivity and specificity of 83.3%. A model including birth weight, LUS score at DOL7, NA-IL6 at DOL7, and days of mechanical ventilation predicted BPD with R2 = 0.600 (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Point-of-care assessment of NA-IL6 is feasible and reliable compared with a reference method and can be useful in managing BPD. Predictive models of BPD in the first week of life, including clinical, biological, and imaging biomarkers must be tested in larger cohorts.

AI feedback and workplace social support in enhancing occupational self-efficacy: a randomized controlled trial in Japan

Electrochemical Control of Heterolytic and Homolytic Hydrogenation Pathways at a Palladium Surface