bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic distribution and correlates of nonfatal unintentional non‐traffic‐related injuries in Kenya: Results from the 2014 demographic and health survey
Authors: Abio Anne , Ngum Peter , Lowery Wilson Michael , Bärnighausen Till , Lule Herman
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim

Injuries are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. There exists a paucity of nationally representative injury data from the sub‐Saharan African region on the nature of injuries outside of road traffic contexts. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of nonfatal unintentional injuries that occurred outside of the traffic environment among persons aged 15–54 years in Kenya.

Methods

We used the 2014 Kenyan Demographic Health Survey data to estimate the prevalence of nonfatal unintentional injuries and their injury mechanisms. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of unintentional injuries and associated factors.

Results

Injury prevalence was three times higher among males (27.56%) compared to females (8.25%). The highest prevalence for females and males respectively was among those aged 15–19 years (9.80%) and (31.18%), rural residents (8.45%) and (30.05%) and those who consumed alcohol (18.13%), and (31.39%). For both females and males, the most frequent injuries were cuts (4.95%; 18.15%) and as result of falls (3.29%; 8.92%) respectively. Burns were more prevalent among females (1.65%) compared to males (0.76%). Among males, the demographic and contextual factors associated with nontraffic unintentional injuries were residing in a rural area (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.14, 1.56), primary education (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.48, 2.76), a higher wealth index (second quintile OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.19, 1.67) and consuming alcohol (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.32, 1.69). Females who had completed primary, secondary (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.92, 3.08) or higher education had higher odds of unintentional injuries.

Conclusion

The findings mirror prior literature highlighting the clustering of demographic and behavioral factors which underlie predisposition to injuries outside of the traffic environment. Future nationally representative studies would benefit from deeper inquiry into and measurement of injury severity and health care utilization to inform strategic policy‐relevant research.
Gender diversity and patent quality: Evidence from Chinese patent data
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Zong Qingqing
Published: June 2023

Based on the patent data from China National Intellectual Property Administration, we attempt to examine the effect of gender diversity in inventor teams on patent quality. We argue that gender diversity in inventor teams can promote patent quality, especially the invention patents that are high quality and radically innovative. Moreover, we find that the positive effect will be enhanced in places where women are well educated and improved by reducing gender discrimination. We propose that the effect will be more significant when market competition or market uncertainty is high as well as when the enterprises are private and growing. Ultimately, our study advocates that governments and enterprises should pay more attention to female labor forces, especially in the area of science and innovation, which is beneficial to improve innovation in China and eliminate gender inequality in the labor market.
Five stylized facts about producer organizations and rural development
Authors: Sellare Jorge , Jäckering Lisa , Kahsay Goytom , Meemken Eva‐Marie
Published: June 2023

Producer organizations (POs) receive substantial attention and policy support, given their potential to contribute to pro‐poor rural development. Here, we first synthesize decades of empirical research in the form of five stylized facts—common and largely unchallenged conclusions—about POs. Then, we explore these stylized facts using several secondary and primary data sets. We confirm some stylized facts, challenge others, and highlight which ones lack empirical evidence to derive policy implications and directions for future research. We highlight largely overlooked low and regionally biased participation rates and suggest that future research should pay more attention to the diverse forms and characteristics of POs.
Integrative proteomics and metabolomics analysis of non‐observable acute effect level PM2.5 induced accumulative effects in AC16 cells
Authors: Nan Bingru , Sun Xia , Yang Shijing , Huang Qingyu , Shen Heqing
Published: June 2023

Chronic exposure to very low ambient PM2.5 has been linked to cardiovascular risks in epidemiological observation, which also brought doubts on its safety threshold. In this study, we approached this question by chronic exposure of AC16 to the non‐observable acute effect level (NOAEL) PM2.5 5 μg/mL and its positive reference 50 μg/mL, respectively. The doses were respectively defined on the cell viabilities >95% (p = 0.354) and >90% (p = 0.004) when treated acutely (24 h). To mimic the long‐term exposure, AC16 was cultured from the 1st to 30th generations and treated with PM2.5 24 h in every three generations. The integration of proteomic and metabolomic analysis was applied, and 212 proteins and 172 metabolites were significantly altered during the experiments. The NOAEL PM2.5 induced both dose‐ and time‐dependent disruption, which showed the dynamic cellular proteomic response and oxidation accumulation, the main metabolomics changes were ribonucleotide, amino acid, and lipid metabolism that have involved in stressed gene expression, and starving for energy metabolism and lipid oxidation. In summary, these pathways interacted with the monotonically increasing oxidative stress and led to the accumulated damage in AC16 and implied that the safe threshold of PM2.5 may be non‐existent when a long‐term exposure occurred.
Automatic lumen and anatomical layers segmentation in IVOCT images using meta learning
Authors: Shi Peiwen , Xin Jingmin , Du Shaoyi , Wu Jiayi , Deng Yangyang , Cai Zhuotong , Zheng Nanning
Published: June 2023

Automated analysis of the vessel structure in intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images is critical to assess the health status of vessels and monitor coronary artery disease progression. However, deep learning‐based methods usually require well‐annotated large datasets, which are difficult to obtain in the field of medical image analysis. Hence, an automatic layers segmentation method based on meta‐learning was proposed, which can simultaneously extract the surfaces of the lumen, intima, media, and adventitia using a handful of annotated samples. Specifically, we leverage a bi‐level gradient strategy to train a meta‐learner for capturing the shared meta‐knowledge among different anatomical layers and quickly adapting to unknown anatomical layers. Then, a Claw‐type network and a contrast consistency loss were designed to better learn the meta‐knowledge according to the characteristic of annotation of the lumen and anatomical layers. Experimental results on the two cardiovascular IVOCT datasets show that the proposed method achieved state‐of‐art performance.
Determination of potential combination of non‐β‐lactam, β‐lactam, and β‐lactamase inhibitors/β‐lactam enhancer against class D oxacillinases producing Acinetobacter baumannii: Evidence from in‐vitro, molecular docking and dynamics simulation
Authors: Gopikrishnan Mohanraj , Ramireddy Sriroopreddy , Varghese Rinku Polachirakkal , Bakathavatchalam Yamuna Devi , D Thirumal Kumar , Manesh Abi , Walia Kamini , Veeraraghavan Balaji , C George Priya Doss
Published: June 2023

Carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, a predominant nosocomial pathogen in hospitals of intensive care units, is associated with bacteremia and ventilator‐associated pneumonia with a high‐risk mortality rate. To increase the effectiveness of the β‐lactam (BL) antibiotics, the use of β‐lactamase inhibitors (BLI) acts as a booster when given in combination with BL antibiotics. To this aspect, we selected BL antibiotics of cefiderocol, cefepime, non‐BL antibiotic eravacycline, BLI of durlobactam, avibactam, and a β‐lactam enhancer (BLE) of zidebactam. To prove our hypothesis, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of various BL or non‐BL/BLI or BLE combinations using broth microdilution method followed by in silico analysis of molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PBSA) identifies the potential combination. In MIC testing, eravacycline, cefepime/zidebactam, cefiderocol/zidebactam, and eravacycline in combination with zidebactam or durlobactam were found to be effective against oxacillinases (OXAs) (OXA‐23/24/58 like) expressing A. baumannii isolates. The docking results of the selected ligands toward OXA‐23, OXA‐24, and OXA‐58 had an excellent binding score ranging from −5.8 to −9.3 kcal/mol. Further, the docked complexes were subjected and evaluated using gromacs for molecular dynamics simulation of 50 ns toward selected class D OXAs. The binding energies obtained from MM‐PBSA shed light on the binding efficiencies of each non‐BL, BL, and BLI/BLE, thereby helping us to propose the drug combinations. Based on the MD trajectories scoring acquired, we propose using eravacycline, cefepime/zidebactam, cefiderocol/zidebactam, and eravacycline in combination with durlobactam or zidebactam would be promising for treating OXA‐23, OXA‐24, and OXA‐58 like expressing A. baumannii infections.
Selective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of isothiazol‐3(2h)‐ones with in situ formed azomethine ylide to thiazolidines and oxazolidines
Authors: Jin Wen Bin , Wang Zhen , Yang Wei , Zhang Die , Ning Jin Hua , Ke Jing , Hou An Guo , Chen Lin Yun , Ma Yun Shu
Published: June 2023

Novel selective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions between in situ formed nonstabilized azomethine ylide generated from N‐benzyl‐1‐methoxy‐N‐((trimethylsilyl)methyl)methanamine enabled by Lewis acids and bioactive molecules isothiazol‐3(2H)‐ones have been developed. The reaction selectively afforded novel thiazolidines or cyclo‐fused oxazolidinones depending on Lewis acid catalyst system of reaction used.
Profiling the acute phase antibody response against mpox virus in patients infected during the 2022 outbreak
Authors: Colavita Francesca , Matusali Giulia , Mazzotta Valentina , Bettini Aurora , Lapa Daniele , Meschi Silvia , Francalancia Massimo , Pinnetti Carmela , Bordi Licia , Mizzoni Klizia , Coen Sabrina , Girardi Enrico , Vaia Francesco , Nicastri Emanuele , Antinori Andrea , Maggi Fabrizio
Published: June 2023

Information on the immune response during the mpox virus (MPXV) infection is still scarce or limited to past studies when cross‐reactive immunity from smallpox vaccination was predominant. Here, we describe the short‐term kinetics of the antibody response in patients with acute MPXV infection during the 2022 multicountry outbreak. A total of 64 samples from 18 MPXV‐positive patients were longitudinally collected from the day of symptom onset (DSO) up to 20 days after and tested for anti‐MPXV immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, IgA, and neutralizing antibodies (nAb) using the whole‐live virus isolated in May 2022. IgG, IgM, and IgA were detected as early as 4 DSO (median time of seroconversion 7.5 DSO for IgG, 8 DSO for IgM and IgA). Anti‐MPXV nAb were detectable in samples collected as early as 1 week after symptoms, with stable levels up to 20 DSO. After 2 weeks, IgG and nAb reached high titers. No significant differences were observed regardless of status of smallpox vaccination, human immunodeficiency virus positivity, or disease severity. Significant lower levels of IgM and IgG were observed in the patients treated with antivirals. These results contribute to extending the knowledge of the MPXV infection and the antibody response in a population with no historic smallpox vaccination.
Magnetic Resonancy Imaging Safety in Active Osseointegrated (Osia®) and Cochlear Implants: New Technology Creating Confusion
Authors: Abdalla Ibrahim , Choi Janet S. , Struyk Griffin , Adams Meredith E. , Huang Tina C.
Published: June 2023

Objective

There is increased confusion regarding MRI‐compatible CIs and BAHAs. This report describes two cases when patients underwent MRIs with non‐MRI compatible devices.

Results

One patient with bilateral Cochlear Osias experienced dislocation of both internal magnets after 1.5 Tesla MRI. Both magnets were outside the silastic sheath, with the left magnet flipped. A second patient with a legacy CI experienced similar internal magnet dislocation and inversion after 3 Tesla MRI.

Conclusions

This study describes internal magnet dislocation/inversion with the Cochlear Osia and a legacy CI after MRI. Our findings suggest the need for improved patient education and simplified radiology guidelines. Laryngoscope, 134:393–396, 2024
Quantitatively distinguishing the impact of solar photovoltaics programs on vegetation in dryland using satellite imagery
Authors: Xia Zilong , Li Yingjie , Zhang Wei , Guo Shanchuan , Zheng Lilin , Jia Nan , Chen Ruishan , Guo Xiaona , Du Peijun
Published: June 2023

Global drylands are experiencing booming development of centralized photovoltaics (PV), which aims to address the dual challenges posed by climate change and energy transformation. In dryland areas with large‐scale deployment of solar PV infrastructure, vegetation was reported to experience drastic changes. However, the long‐term dynamic changes and driving mechanisms have not been thoroughly studied yet. Quantitatively distinguishing the disturbances of climate change and PV plant deployment on vegetation change is the key to understanding the environmental impact of clean energy development and formulating adaptive ecological recovery measures. To understand this, we selected the Gonghe solar power project in northern China, one of the largest dryland PV plants in the world, as a case study. Specifically, satellite‐derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and meteorological data from ground stations were used to analyze the changing patterns of vegetation growth and climatic factors. The relative contributions of climatic factors and PV plant deployment to NDVI change were quantified by multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that vegetation has increased gradually since 2000, with the rate of vegetation recovery doubled during the PV expansion period. From 2013 to 2020, climate change was the main driver of increased vegetation (56%), followed by the expansion of solar PV infrastructures (44%). Vegetation inside PV arrays increased 1.4 times faster than outside, mainly because the PV panels improve the efficiency of rainwater utilization in summer and reduce the negative impact of excessive sunlight in the growing season. In addition, vegetation management practices like grazing can further enhance carbon sequestration and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, achieving sustainable economic, social, and ecological development. The novelty of the study lies in the proposed framework to quantify the impact of solar PV programs on vegetation in dryland allowing easy interpretations of vegetation dynamics under clean energy development and climate change, which provide scientific references for clean energy planning and ecological recovery in arid areas.
Forage accumulation and nutritive value of four peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) market types in the US Southern Great Plains
Authors: Witt Travis , Northup Brian , Ojha Manisha , Puppala Naveen
Published: June 2023

Dual use crops are becoming popular as resources like land and water become scarcer. Annual peanuts are an important food crop grown worldwide that can also be used as forage or hay. Replicated trials evaluated the late season (≥15 weeks after planting) forage accumulations and nutritive values (acid detergent fiber, carbon content, crude protein, invitro true digestibility, neutral detergent fiber, nitrogen content, and relative feed value) of four market types near Clovis, NM and El Reno, OK in 2019 and 2020. Statistical analyses (p ≤ .05) showed all traits were affected by the interaction between market type and growing environment. Overall, forage accumulations for all market types ranged from 2.7 to 6.5 Mg ha−1 with relative feed values of 107–155. The location average across sites was 4.45 Mg ha−1 with relative feed value of 132. The Virginia market types produced large amounts of biomass. However, the Valencia market type generated the greatest nutritive values. This study indicates harvesting late‐season biomass of peanuts for hay may be an option that allows producers to generate more income from limited land and water resources. However, both market type and environmental factors, such as rainfall/irrigation, play important roles in production and forage nutritive values of peanut forage.
Overcoming the blockchain technology credibility gap
Authors: Mazzù Marco Francesco , Pozharliev Rumen , Andria Alberto , Baccelloni Angelo
Published: June 2023

Blockchain technology has been designed to improve the transmission of transparent information across a variety of industries and products. Yet, consumers tend to perceive product information provided by blockchain technology (vs. humans) as less credible. As this may not apply to all consumers, it becomes critical for companies to understand how to improve blockchain perceived credibility. This work investigates how individual differences and marketing actions shape consumer responses to product information provided by blockchain technology (vs. humans). Four controlled experiments demonstrate that consumers perceive the information provided by blockchain technology (vs. humans) as having less credibility, which in turn decreases word‐of‐mouth and intention to share information about the product on social media (Study 1). This effect is stronger for consumers with lower need for cognition (Study 2a), which in turn affects willingness to buy and actual behavior (Study 2b). Providing social proof—that is, the number of satisfied customers who recommend blockchain technology—increases blockchain perceived credibility (Study 3). These insights deepen the understanding of how individual differences shape consumer's responses to product information provided by blockchain technology and offer actionable insights on how to boost technology credibility.
Southern Flounder Life History Diversity and Contributions to Fisheries from Differing Estuarine Salinity Zones
Authors: Chrisp Jared K. , Nelson T. Reid , Sackett Dana K. , Farmer Troy M.
Published: June 2023

Otolith chemistry is a useful natural tracer for discerning habitat-use of estuarine fishes. For Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma, recent otolith chemistry studies have revealed a diversity of residency patterns across salinity gradients. However, the contribution of recruits with specific residency patterns to fisheries is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to (1) use otolith chemistry from fishery-independent and fishery-dependent collections in Mobile Bay, Alabama, to classify lifetime residency patterns (i.e., freshwater, transient, estuarine) in Southern Flounder collected across a large estuarine salinity gradient (0–30 psu); (2) to test if Southern Flounder exhibited resident or migratory behavior by determining if lifetime residency patterns in fishery-independent samples matched expected salinity patterns in the region of collection after accounting for annual variation in river discharge; and (3) to examine which residency patterns contributed to the commercial and recreational Southern Flounder fisheries in nearby coastal waters. Age-0 residency patterns in fishery-independent samples were strongly correlated with region of collection and annual river discharge, suggesting that the majority of Southern Flounder had resided in the same region in which they spent their age-0 growth phase. Southern Flounder with a combination of freshwater and estuarine salinity signals and classified as “transient” did not appear to have conducted large-scale movements across salinity gradients, but instead resided in regions of the estuary experiencing seasonal fluctuations in salinity. The majority (57%) of commercially and recreationally harvested Southern Flounder were transients, while a minority (39%) were estuarine residents and lifetime freshwater residents (4%) were rarely harvested. Results from this study suggest that Southern Flounder settle in and remain in the certain habitats during the estuarine residency phase. Given the lack of movement across habitats, future efforts to understand how habitat-specific conditions (e.g., abiotic, biotic, fishing exploitation) affect vital rates seems warranted for a species currently experiencing population declines.
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 Characteristics in Patient‐Derived Fibroblast and iPSC‐Derived Neuronal Cultures
Authors: Buijsen Ronald A.M. , Hu Michel , Sáez‐González Maria , Notopoulou Sofia , Mina Eleni , Koning Winette , Gardiner Sarah L. , van der Graaf Linda M. , Daoutsali Elena , Pepers Barry A. , Mei Hailiang , van Dis Vera , Frimat Jean‐Philippe , van den Maagdenberg Arn M. J. M. , Petrakis Spyros , van Roon‐Mom Willeke M.C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin‐1 protein resulting in neuropathology including mutant ataxin‐1 protein aggregation, aberrant neurodevelopment, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Objectives

Identify SCA1‐relevant phenotypes in patient‐specific fibroblasts and SCA1 induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) neuronal cultures.

Methods

SCA1 iPSCs were generated and differentiated into neuronal cultures. Protein aggregation and neuronal morphology were evaluated using fluorescent microscopy. Mitochondrial respiration was measured using the Seahorse Analyzer. The multi‐electrode array (MEA) was used to identify network activity. Finally, gene expression changes were studied using RNA‐seq to identify disease‐specific mechanisms.

Results

Bioenergetics deficits in patient‐derived fibroblasts and SCA1 neuronal cultures showed altered oxygen consumption rate, suggesting involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in SCA1. In SCA1 hiPSC‐derived neuronal cells, nuclear and cytoplasmic aggregates were identified similar in localization as aggregates in SCA1 postmortem brain tissue. SCA1 hiPSC‐derived neuronal cells showed reduced dendrite length and number of branching points while MEA recordings identified delayed development in network activity in SCA1 hiPSC‐derived neuronal cells. Transcriptome analysis identified 1050 differentially expressed genes in SCA1 hiPSC‐derived neuronal cells associated with synapse organization and neuron projection guidance, where a subgroup of 151 genes was highly associated with SCA1 phenotypes and linked to SCA1 relevant signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Patient‐derived cells recapitulate key pathological features of SCA1 pathogenesis providing a valuable tool for the identification of novel disease‐specific processes. This model can be used for high throughput screenings to identify compounds, which may prevent or rescue neurodegeneration in this devastating disease. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Identification and functional analysis of a novel de novo missense mutation located in the initiation codon of LAMP2 associated with early onset female Danon disease
Authors: Wang Yongxiang , Bai Ming , Zhang Piyi , Peng Yu , Chen Zixian , He Zhiyu , Xu Jin , Zhu Youqi , Yan Dongdong , Wang Runqing , Zhang Zheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Danon disease is characterized by the failure of lysosomal biogenesis, maturation, and function due to a deficiency of lysosomal membrane structural protein (LAMP2).

Methods

The current report describes a female patient with a sudden syncope and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype. We identified the pathogenic mutations in patients by whole‐exon sequencing, followed by a series of molecular biology and genetic approaches to identify and functional analysis of the mutations.

Results

Suggestive findings by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), electrocardiogram (ECG), and laboratory examination suggested Danon disease which was confirmed by genetic testing. The patient carried a novel de novo mutation, LAMP2 c.2T>C located at the initiation codon. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot (WB) analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes from the patients revealed evidence of LAMP2 haploinsufficiency. Labeling of the new initiation codon predicted by the software with green fluorescent protein followed by fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting showed that the first ATG downstream from the original initiation codon became the new translational initiation codon. The three‐dimensional structure of the mutated protein predicted by alphafold2 revealed that it consisted of only six amino acids and failed to form a functional polypeptide or protein. Overexpression of the mutated LAMP2 c.2T>C showed a loss of function of the protein, as assessed by the dual‐fluorescence autophagy indicator system. The mutation was confirmed to be null, AR experiments and sequencing results confirmed that 28% of the mutant X chromosome remained active.

Conclusion

We propose possible mechanisms of mutations associated with haploinsufficiency of LAMP2: (1) The inactivation X chromosome carrying the mutation was not significantly skewed. However, it decreased in the mRNA level and the expression ratio of the mutant transcripts; (2) The identified mutation is null, and the active mutant transcript fails to translate into the normal LAMP2 proteins. The presence of haploinsufficiency in LAMP2 and the X chromosome inactivation pattern were crucial factors contributing to the early onset of Danon disease in this female patient.
Laplace transform and nonlinear control design for quasi‐projective synchronization for Caputo inertial delayed neural networks
Authors: Zhang Hai , Chen Xinbin , Ye Renyu , Lu Qinyun , Cao Jinde
Published: June 2023

The quasi‐projective synchronization problems for Caputo inertial neural networks (INNs) with delays are analyzed in this article. The considered model is transformed into two subsystems by selecting a suitable variable substitution. To realize synchronization, a novel fractional differential inequality is established, and the new lemma is derived via Laplace transform. Applying the given lemmas and inequality techniques, the synchronization conditions are inferred through different nonlinear feedback controllers. From the derivation of the theorems, it can be seen that the designed controllers are more extensive and efficacious. Furthermore, the error bound is validly estimated, and the validity of obtained theorems is illustrated by the numerical simulations.
Prediction of experimental cardiac magnetostimulation thresholds using pig‐specific body models
Authors: Klein Valerie , Davids Mathias , Vendramini Livia , Ferris Natalie G. , Schad Lothar R. , Sosnovik David E. , Nguyen Christopher T. , Wald Lawrence L. , Guérin Bastien
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Modern high‐amplitude gradient systems can be limited by the International Electrotechnical Commission 60601‐2‐33 cardiac stimulation (CS) limit, which was set in a conservative manner based on electrode experiments and E‐field simulations in uniform ellipsoidal body models. Here, we show that coupled electromagnetic‐electrophysiological modeling in detailed body and heart models can predict CS thresholds, suggesting that such modeling might lead to more detailed threshold estimates in humans. Specifically, we compare measured and predicted CS thresholds in eight pigs.

Methods

We created individualized porcine body models using MRI (Dixon for the whole body, CINE for the heart) that replicate the anatomy and posture of the animals used in our previous experimental CS study. We model the electric fields induced along cardiac Purkinje and ventricular muscle fibers and predict the electrophysiological response of these fibers, yielding CS threshold predictions in absolute units for each animal. Additionally, we assess the total modeling uncertainty through a variability analysis of the 25 main model parameters.

Results

Predicted and experimental CS thresholds agree within 19% on average (normalized RMS error), which is smaller than the 27% modeling uncertainty. No significant difference was found between the modeling predictions and experiments (p < 0.05, paired t‐test).

Conclusion

Predicted thresholds matched the experimental data within the modeling uncertainty, supporting the model validity. We believe that our modeling approach can be applied to study CS thresholds in humans for various gradient coils, body shapes/postures, and waveforms, which is difficult to do experimentally.
Is sacral neuromodulation effective and safe in pregnancy? A systematic review
Authors: Salehi‐Pourmehr Hanieh , Atayi Morteza , Mahdavi Nasim , Aletaha Reza , Kashtkar Mahsa , Sharifimoghadam Soroush , Hassanzadeh Robab , Hajebrahimi Sakineh
Published: June 2023

Objective

We systematically assessed all available evidence on the efficacy and safety of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in pregnancy.

Methods

On September 2022, a thorough search was done on Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library. We chose studies that included pregnant women who had SNM previously. Two authors independently evaluated the quality of the study using a standardized tool of JBI. Studies were given a risk of bias rating of low, moderate, or high. Given the descriptive nature of this study, we utilized descriptive statistics to report demographic and clinical features. For continuous variables, we used mean and standard deviation, and for dichotomous data, we used frequencies and percentages.

Results

Out of 991 abstracts screened, only 14 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Overall, the quality of the evidence available from the literature is low based on the design of the included studies. Fifty‐eight women, including 72 pregnancies, had SNM. The indication of SNM implantation was filling phase disorders in 18 cases (30.5%), voiding dysfunction in 35 women (59.3%), IC/BPS in two cases (3.5%), and fecal incontinence. In 38 pregnancies (58.5%), the SNM status was ON during pregnancy. Forty‐nine cases delivered a full‐term baby (75.4%), 12 cases had pre‐term labor (18.5%), two miscarriages, and two postterm pregnancies happened. The most complications in patients with devices were urinary tract infection in 15 women (23.8%), urinary retention in six patients (9.5%), and pyelonephritis in two cases (3.2%). The findings revealed that when the device was deactivated, 11 cases out of the 23 patients (47.8%) had full‐term pregnancies, while in ON status, 35 out of the 38 pregnant women (92.1%) had full‐term pregnancies. Nine preterm labors in OFF (39.1%), and two in ON status (5.3%) were recorded. The results revealed that this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002), and those who turned SNM of them off had more preterm labor. Although the studies reported all neonates had a healthy status, two children had chronic motor tic problems and a pilonidal sinus in a case with an active SNM in pregnancy. However, there was no association between the SNM status and pregnancy or neonatal complications (p = 0.057).

Conclusion

SNM activation in pregnancy seems safe and effective. The choice of whether to activate or deactivate SNM should be made on an individual basis given the current SNM evidence.
A novel whale optimization smith predictor based on feedforward compensation for controlling wave rotor refrigeration process
Authors: Li Qi , Yang Menghan , Ba Wei , Wang Fan , Hu Xiaopeng
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the difficulty of temperature control and disturbance rejection control in wave rotor refrigeration process (WRRP), a novel whale optimization two‐degree‐of‐freedom (2DOF) Smith predictor based on feedforward compensation method (WO‐2DOFSP‐FC) is proposed. Firstly, the obtained test data of the WRRP are used for system identification and the approximate second‐order model with time‐delay is obtained by using the suboptimal reduction algorithm. This procedure also yields a first‐order model of the disturbance. Then, the whale optimization 2DOF Smith predictor based on feedforward compensation (2DOFSP‐FC) method is proposed. This proposed method improves the 2DOFSP and introduces feedforward compensation control to reduce the influence of the measurable disturbance on the temperature control system. In addition, the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is proposed to optimally tune the 2DOFSP‐FC controller parameters. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed WO‐2DOFSP‐FC method can make the controlled system have good characteristics of both set value tracking and disturbance rejection.
Elective Neck Dissection for cT1‐4 N0M0 Head and Neck Verrucous Carcinoma
Authors: Patel Aman M. , Vedula Sudeepti , Haleem Afash , Choudhry Hassaam S. , Tseng Christopher C. , Park Richard Chan Woo
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate the survival benefit of elective neck dissection (END) over neck observation in cT1‐4 N0M0 head and neck verrucous carcinoma (HNVC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

The 2006 to 2017 National Cancer Database.

Methods

Patients with surgically resected cT1‐4 N0M0 HNVC were selected. Linear, binary logistic, Kaplan‐Meier, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized.

Results

Of 1015 patients satisfying inclusion criteria, 223 (22.0%) underwent END. The majority of patients were male (55.4%) and white (91.0%) with disease of the oral cavity (67.6%) classified as low grade (90.0%) and cT1‐2 (81.8%). The minority of ENDs (4.0%) detected occult nodal metastases. The rate of END increased from 2006 to 2017 for both cT1‐2 (16.3% vs 22.0%, p = .126, R2 = 0.405) and cT3‐4 (41.7% vs 70.0%, p = .424, R2 = 0.232) disease but these trends were not statistically significant. Independent predictors of undergoing END included treatment at an academic facility (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19‐2.55), cT3‐4 disease (aOR: 3.31, 95% CI: 2.16‐5.07), and tumor diameter (aOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.19) (p < 0.05). The 5‐year overall survival (OS) of patients treated with and without END was 71.3% and 70.6%, respectively (p = .661). END did not significantly reduce the 5‐year hazard of death (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.91‐1.71, p = .172). END did not significantly improve 5‐year OS in univariate and multivariate analyses stratified by several patient, facility, tumor, and treatment characteristics.

Conclusion

END does not confer an appreciable survival benefit in HNVC, even after stratifying univariate and multivariate analyses by several patient, facility, tumor, and treatment characteristics.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Is fat‐free mass‐based gentamicin dosing regimen preferable than whole‐body weight in neonates?
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Al Jufairi Muna , Al Ansari Eman , Alsadah Lulwa , Wasel Howra
Published: June 2023

Importance

Body fluid dynamics and renal maturation status vary during the neonatal period. We hypothesized that differences in peak and trough gentamicin concentrations could be expected.

Objective

To predict the peak and trough gentamicin concentrations in critically ill neonates and to predict the changes in the predicted peak plasma concentrations of gentamicin following fat‐free mass dosing.

Methods

Critically ill neonates that received gentamicin and have gentamicin concentration measured were recruited. Fat mass was estimated using skinfold thicknesses. Changes in the peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) using whole‐body weight (estimated using the current dosing regimen) and predicted concentrations following the fat‐free mass‐based dosing were the outcome measures.

Results

Eighty‐nine critically ill neonates were recruited. Sub‐therapeutic Cmax was estimated using the current dosing regimen in 32.6%, and 22.5% neonates following the first and second doses of gentamicin. Preterm neonates had significantly higher fat mass compared to term neonates. All except one had Cmax above 12 μg/ml after the first dose and all had after the second gentamicin dose following the predicted fat‐free mass‐based gentamicin dosing. The recommended doses are as follows: extreme preterm: 7.95 mg/kg every 48 h; very preterm: 7.30 mg/kg every 36–48 h; late preterm: 5.90 mg/kg every 36–48 h; and term neonates at 5.10 mg/kg every 24 h.

Interpretation

Fat‐free mass dosing may be considered for obtaining optimal therapeutic effects in the neonatal population.
Potential application of spectral indices for olive water status assessment in (semi‐)arid regions: A case study in Khuzestan Province, Iran
Authors: Asgari Azimeh , Hooshmand Abdolrahim , Broumand‐Nasab Saeed , Zivdar Shohreh
Published: June 2023

Spectral indices can be used as fast and non‐destructive indicators of plant water status or stress. It is the objective of the present study to evaluate the feasibility of using several spectral indices including water index (WI) and normalized spectral water indices 1–5 (NWI 1–5) to estimate water status in olive trees in arid regions in Iran. The experimental treatments involved two olive cultivars (Koroneiki and T2) and four irrigation regimes (irrigated with 100%, 85%, 70%, and 55% estimated crop evapotranspiration [ETc]). The results obtained showed that olive trees subjected to the different irrigation regimes of 85%, 70%, and 55% ETc experienced soil water content (SWC) deficits by 4.5%, 12%, and 20.5% that of the control, respectively. Significant differences were observed among the treatments with respect to measured relative water content (RWC), SWC, and the spectral indices of WI and NWI 1–5. The normalized spectral indices combining NIR and NIR wavelengths were found more effective in tracking changes in RWC and SWC than those that combine NIR and VIS or VIS and VIS wavelengths, respectively. Spectral indices were closely and significantly associated with RWC () and SWC (). Among all the spectral indices investigated, NWI‐2 showed the least consistent associations with RWC (ranging from 4–15% lower than the other indices examined) and SWC (ranging from 1–23% lower than the others). Based on the pooled data on spectral indices, RWC, and SWC collected during the study period, WI, NWI‐1, NWI‐4, and NWI‐5 showed stronger correlations with RWC and SWC than did NWI‐3 and NWI‐2. In conclusion, the spectral indices of WI and NWI 1–5 measured at the leaf level are found useful as fast and non‐destructive estimators of plant water stress in arid regions.
Caring for dependent children impacts practical and emotional problems and need for support, but not perceived distress among cancer patients
Authors: Fugmann Dominik , Richter Peter , Karger André , Ernstmann Nicole , Hönig Klaus , Bergelt Corinna , Faller Hermann , Maatouk Imad , Hornemann Beate , Stein Barbara , Teufel Martin , Goerling Ute , Erim Yesim , Geiser Franziska , Albus Christian , Senf Bianca , Wickert Martin , Weis Joachim
Published: June 2023

Objective

More than one in 10 cancer patients care for dependent children. It is unclear whether this status makes a difference in terms of the distress and associated problems they experience, or whether it is linked to differences in the need for or utilization of psychosocial support.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional German study in National Comprehensive Cancer Centers using self‐report standardized questionnaires administered to inpatients. Patients living with dependent children (n = 161) were matched by age and sex with a subsample of 161 cancer patients not living with dependent children. The resulting sample was tested for between‐group differences in Distress Thermometer (DT) scores and the corresponding DT Problem List. Additionally, between‐group differences in measures of the need for and utilization of psychosocial support were examined.

Results

More than 50% of all patients suffered from clinically relevant distress. Patients living with dependent children reported significantly more practical (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.04), family (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.03), and emotional problems (p < 0.001, η2p = 0.01). Although reporting a greater need for psychological support, parents with cancer were not found to more frequently utilize any type of psychosocial support.

Conclusions

The specific problems and needs of parents with cancer who care for dependent children are currently not sufficiently addressed in the clinical care pathways. All families should be helped to establish open and honest communication as well as understand the available support systems and what they can provide. Tailored interventions should be implemented for highly distressed families.
Patients with cystic fibrosis who could not receive the CFTR modulator treatment: What did they lose in 1 year?
Authors: Uytun Salih , Cinel Güzin , Eryılmaz Polat Sanem , Özkan Tabakçı Satı , Kiper Nural , Yalçın Ebru , Ademhan Tural Dilber , Özsezen Beste , Şen Velat , Selimoğlu Şen Hadice , Ufuk Altıntaş Derya , Çokuğraş Haluk , Kılınç Ayşe Ayzıt , Başkan Azer Kılıç , Yazan Hakan , Çollak Abdulhamit , Uzuner Selçuk , Ünal Gökçen , Yılmaz Aslı İmran , Çağlar Hanife Tuğçe , Damadoğlu Ebru , Irmak İlim , Demir Esen , Kartal Öztürk Gökçen , Bingöl Ayşen , Başaran Erdem , Sapan Nihat , Canıtez Yakup , Tana Aslan Ayşe , Asfuroğlu Pelin , Harmancı Koray , Köse Mehmet , Hangül Melih , Özdemir Ali , Çobanoğlu Nazan , Özcan Gizem , Keskin Özlem , Yüksel Hasan , Özdoğan Şebnem , Topal Erdem , Çaltepe Gönül , Can Demet , Korkmaz Ekren Pervin , Kılıç Mehmet , Emiralioğlu Nagehan , Şişmanlar Eyüboğlu Tuğba , Pekcan Sevgi , Çakır Erkan , Özçelik Uğur , Doğru Deniz
Published: June 2023

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) genetic variants. CFTR modulators improve pulmonary function and reduce respiratory infections in CF. This study investigated the clinical and laboratory follow‐up parameters over 1 year in patients with CF who could not receive this treatment.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 2018 and 2019 CF patient data from the CF registry of Turkey. Demographic and clinical characteristics of 294 patients were assessed, who had modulator treatment indications in 2018 but could not reach the treatment.

Results

In 2019, patients younger than 18 years had significantly lower BMI z‐scores than in 2018. During the 1‐year follow‐up, forced expiratory volumes (FEV1) and FEV1 z‐scores a trend toward a decrease. In 2019, chronic Staphylococcus aureus colonization, inhaled antipseudomonal antibiotic use for more than 3 months, oral nutritional supplement requirements, and oxygen support need increased.

Conclusions

Patients who had indications for modulator treatments but were unable to obtain them worsened even after a year of follow‐up. This study emphasized the importance of using modulator treatments for patients with CF in our country, as well as in many countries worldwide.
Valosin‐containing protein (VCP/p97) is prognostically unfavorable in pediatric AML, and negatively correlates with unfolded protein response proteins IRE1 and GRP78: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Hoff Fieke W. , Qiu Yihua , Brown Brandon D. , Gerbing Robert B. , Leonti Amanda R. , Ries Rhonda E. , Gamis Alan S. , Aplenc Richard , Kolb Edward Anders , Alonzo Todd A. , Meshinchi Soheil , Jenkins Gaye N. , Horton Terzah M. , Kornblau Steven M.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the major site of protein synthesis and folding in the cell. ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) and unfolded protein response (UPR) are the main mechanisms of ER‐mediated cell stress adaptation. Targeting the cell stress response is a promising therapeutic approach in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Experimental Design

Protein expression levels of valosin‐containing protein (VCP), a chief element of ERAD, were measured in peripheral blood samples from in 483 pediatric AML patients using reverse phase protein array methodology. Patients participated in the Children's Oncology Group AAML1031 phase 3 clinical trial that randomized patients to standard chemotherapy (cytarabine (Ara‐C), daunorubicin, and etoposide [ADE]) versus ADE plus bortezomib (ADE+BTZ).

Results

Low‐VCP expression was significantly associated with favorable 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate compared to middle‐high‐VCP expression (81% versus 63%, p < 0.001), independent of additional bortezomib treatment. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified VCP as independent predictor of clinical outcome. UPR proteins IRE1 and GRP78 had significant negative correlation with VCP. Five‐year OS in patients characterized by low‐VCP, moderately high‐IRE1 and high‐GRP78 improved after treatment with ADE+BTZ versus ADE (66% versus 88%, p = 0.026).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Our findings suggest the potential of the protein VCP as biomarker in prognostication prediction in pediatric AML.
Termite cuticular extracts improve acceptance of bait for controlling invasive Asian needle ants, Brachyponera chinensis
Authors: Buczkowski Grzegorz
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

The Asian needle ant, Brachyponera chinensis, is an invasive ant currently spreading in urban and natural habitats throughout the eastern United States. Recent studies have documented the negative impact of B. chinensis on native ecosystems and human health, yet effective control strategies are lacking. Control difficulties are, in part, due to the unique biology of B. chinensis, which is a predatory ant and a termite specialist. Given that subterranean termites are an important nutritional resource for B. chinensis, the current study evaluated the potential of termite cuticular extract to improve the target‐specificity and efficacy of commercial bait used for B. chinensis control.

RESULTS

The efficacy of bait augmented with termite cuticular extracts was evaluated in laboratory and field trials. In laboratory assays, B. chinensis colonies were offered granular bait treated with termite cuticular extract. Results demonstrated that the acceptance of commercial bait is significantly increased by the addition of termite cuticular extract or synthetic (Z)‐9‐pentacosene, a major component of termite cuticular extract. Foraging activity of Asian needle ants was significantly greater on baits augmented with termite cuticular extract or (Z)‐9‐pentacosene relative to standard bait. Furthermore, bait augmented with termite cuticular extract worked substantially faster relative to standard bait. To evaluate population effects, field studies were conducted in forested areas invaded by B. chinensis. Bait treated with termite cuticular extract scattered on the forest floor provided rapid control of B. chinensis and ant densities throughout the treated plots declined by 98% within 14 days.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of termite cuticular extracts and individual cuticular hydrocarbons such as (Z)‐9‐pentacosene into traditional baits used for B. chinensis control may offer a novel tool to manage this increasingly problematic invasive ant. © 2023 The Author. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.