bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucagon‐like Peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) Response to Enteral Intake in Children During Anti‐Cancer Treatment
Authors: Andreassen B. U. , Pærregaard A. , Schmiegelow K. , Rechnitzer C. , Heilman C. , Hartmann B. , Holst J. J. , Michaelsen K. F.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Intestinal dysfunction is frequent in cancer and during anti‐cancer treatment. Glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) is secreted in a nutrition‐dependent manner from the intestinal enteroendocrine L‐cells. It accelerates crypt cell proliferation and nutrient absorption, inhibits enterocyte apoptosis and decreases mucosal permeability. Lack of GLP‐2 may increase the risk of malabsorption and intestinal bacterial translocation. The aim of this study is to evaluate meal stimulated secretion of GLP‐2 in children with cancer undergoing anti‐cancer treatment.

Methods:

Plasma‐GLP‐2 analysis after an overnight fast and 1 hour after intake of a mixed test meal. Data on gastrointestinal toxicity, blood neutrophile counts and food records were included in the analysis.

Results:

Forty‐four meal stimulation tests were performed in 25 children (median age, 6.0 years; range, 2.5‐19) during anti‐cancer treatment. Median GI toxicity score was 5 (range, 0‐15), and mean energy intake was 62.4% of recommended values. P‐GLP‐2 values increased from mean (SD) 38 (18) to 63 (51) pmol/l (P < 0.0001). Twelve of the meal stimulation tests (28%) resulted in a p‐GLP‐2 increase >2 fold, which is assumed to be the lower limit of normal values. The increase was strongly dependent on the energy intake (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001), while toxicity score and neutrophile count had no significant influence (multiple regression).

Conclusion:

In children treated with anti‐cancer therapy, GLP‐2 secretion seems to be normal if the enteral energy intake is sufficient. Insufficient GLP‐2 secretion could influence the gastrointestinal problems seen in the children with a low enteral energy intake.
Day‐to‐Day Variations in Iron, Zinc and Copper in Breast Milk of Guatemalan Mothers
Authors: Dhonukshe‐Rutten Rosalie A. M. , Vossenaar Marieke , West Clive E. , Schümann Klaus , Bulux Jesus , Solomons Noel W.
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To assess the within‐subject and between‐subject coefficients of variation (CV) of iron, zinc and copper concentrations in the milk of Guatemalan mothers.

Methods:

We performed a cross‐sectional study in lactating women who had delivered a healthy infant 1 to 6 months previously in two low‐income peri‐urban areas (San Bartolomé Milpas Altas and Ciudad Peronia) and a low‐income rural area (San Juan Chamelco) in Guatemala. Women infested with Ascaris lumbricoides or Trichuris trichiura received a single dose of albendazole (400 mg) or placebo. Two weeks after treatment, milk samples were collected on 3 or 4 consecutive days. Trace element concentrations in milk were measured by inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometry.

Results:

The instrumental error of the inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometry method, expressed as SD, was 0.04, 0.27 and 0.02 mg/L for iron, zinc and copper, respectively. Concentrations in milk samples collected from 47 mothers on 3 or 4 consecutive days, expressed as mean ± SD, were 0.28 ± 0.13, 2.03 ± 0.37 and 0.29 ± 0.07 mg/L for iron, zinc and copper, respectively. The within‐subject CV was 46.1%, 18.2%, and 22.8% and the between‐subject CV was 61.2%, 48.3% and 31.7% for iron, zinc and copper, respectively. Stage of lactation, infestation with intestinal parasites and residential area had a significant influence on milk zinc, copper and iron concentrations.

Conclusions:

One sample of milk is sufficient to give a reliable estimate of the zinc concentration in milk. Two samples taken on consecutive days are required for a reliable estimate of iron and copper concentrations.
Dietary Unsaturated Long‐Chain Fatty Acids Modify D‐Glucose Absorption in Weaning Rats
Authors: Vicario María , Pedragosa Elvira , Rivero Montserrat , Moretó Miquel , Amat Concepció
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The authors evaluated the effects of dietary long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on D‐glucose absorption in weaning rats.

Methods:

Pups were born from control mothers fed a diet containing (per kg of total fatty acids) 280 g of saturated fatty acids, 496 g of monounsaturated fatty acids and 222 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids or from mothers fed a diet containing a high proportion of saturated fatty acids (920 g/kg) and a low proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (low‐unsaturated fatty acid, 80 g/kg), initiated 2 weeks before mating and continued throughout pregnancy. When pups from low‐unsaturated fatty acid mothers were 15 days old, they were subdivided into two groups: one control (low‐unsaturated fatty acid‐C) and one fed a long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement rich in arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (low‐unsaturated fatty acid‐S) until weaning. At day 21, the kinetics of D‐glucose absorption was studied in brush‐border membrane vesicles from the jejunoileal segment.

Results:

The maximal transport rate (Vmax) of glucose in the low‐unsaturated fatty acid‐C and low‐unsaturated fatty acid‐S groups was higher than in control rats: 160 and 130 versus 98 pmol/(mg protein·s), respectively (P < 0.05). Rats fed the low‐unsaturated fatty acid diet had a lower diffusion constant (Kd) than control rats did: 21.6 and 29.2 nL/(mg protein·s), respectively (P < 0.05). However, rats receiving the long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement and control rats had similar Kd values.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that dietary long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation can restore, in part, the kinetic characteristics of intestinal D‐glucose absorption in pups from mothers maintained on a low‐unsaturated fatty acid diet.
Prebiotic Effect Of Fructo‐Oligosaccharide Supplemented Term Infant Formula at Two Concentrations Compared with Unsupplemented Formula and Human Milk
Authors: Euler Arthur R. , Mitchell Douglas K. , Kline Randi , Pickering Larry K.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Human milk components, including oligosaccharides, affect the gastrointestinal flora of infants. Previous studies in adults have demonstrated that fructo‐oligosaccharides increase potentially beneficial fecal bacteria, including bifidobacteria. The purpose of this study was to determine the prebiotic effect of infant formula supplemented with fructo‐oligosaccharides.

Methods:

Healthy term infants 2 to 6 weeks of age were enrolled in a 5‐week, prospective, randomized, crossover, single‐site study with a nonrandomized human milk comparator group. Washout weeks preceded and followed a week of feeding with fructo‐oligosaccharide‐supplemented formula (1.5 or 3.0 g/L). Stool specimens were quantitatively cultured weekly for bacteroides, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, clostridia and enterococci and were tested for Clostridium difficile toxin.

Results:

Seventy‐two of 87 infants completed the trial; 58 were formula fed and 14 were human milk fed. Mean counts of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli were similar in all groups at entry and no group experienced a significant change in counts with fructo‐oligosaccharide supplementation. After 7 days of fructo‐oligosaccharide supplementation the bifidobacteria counts were greater in the 1.5 g/L fructo‐oligosaccharide formula group than in the human milk fed or 3.0 g/L fructo‐oligosaccharide formula groups. Formula‐fed infants had higher counts of enterococci and bacteroides before fructo‐oligosaccharide supplementation, and these counts did not change after supplementation. Clostridium counts increased 7 days after supplementation in the 1.5 g/L fructo‐oligosaccharide formula group (P = 0.0356). No human milk fed infants had C. difficile toxin in stools. Fructo‐oligosaccharide (3.0 g/L) supplementation resulted in more frequent and significantly softer stools.

Conclusions:

Infant formula supplemented with 1.5 or 3.0 g/L fructo‐oligosaccharides was safe but had minimal effect on fecal flora and C. difficile toxin.
Antitissue Transglutaminase and Antithyroid Autoantibodies in Children with Down Syndrome and Celiac Disease
Authors: Hansson Tony , Dahlbom Ingrid , Rogberg Siv , Nyberg Britt‐Inger , Dahlström Jörgen , Annerén Göran , Klareskog Lars , Dannæus Anders
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

We measured circulating autoantibodies and evaluated the potential of circulating antitissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies to determine the presence of celiac disease (CD) in children with Down syndrome.

Methods:

An ELISA based on recombinant human tTG was used to measure the levels of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G antibodies in serum samples from 72 children with Down syndrome, 52 children with biopsy‐verified CD, 21 disease controls with a normal small intestinal mucosa and 23 healthy controls. Of the 72 Down syndrome children, 11 under‐went a small intestinal biopsy.

Results:

Four of 72 children with Down syndrome were diagnosed as having CD and three of them had serum levels of immunoglobulin A tTG antibodies greater than 6 U/mL (668, 147 and 7 U/mL). One Down syndrome child with biopsyproven CD had normal levels of immunoglobulin A tTG. Two Down syndrome children had increased levels of immunoglobulin A tTG (13 and 7 U/mL) but none of these children had an intestinal biopsy performed. Of the 52 CD subjects (median 664 U/mL) one was negative for immunoglobulin A tTG (5 U/mL) and all healthy controls (median 1.2 U/mL) and disease controls (median 0.9 U/mL) had immunoglobulin A tTG antibody levels less than 6 U/mL. Two of four Down syndrome children with CD and 36 of 52 celiac children had increased serum levels of immunoglobulin G tTG antibodies. There was no correlation between the serum levels of tTG and antithyroid autoantibodies.

Conclusions:

Although the diagnosis of CD depends on histologic evaluation of intestinal biopsies, detection of anti‐tTG antibodies provides a useful complementary diagnostic method for CD in children with Down syndrome.
Gut Hormone Profiles in Critically Ill Neonates on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Hanekamp M. N. , Spoel M. , Sharman‐Koendjbiharie M. , Hop W. C. , Hopman W. P. , Jansen J. B. , Tibboel D.
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to gain insight into the hormonal responses to enteral nutrition in critically ill newborns requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by analyzing plasma gut hormone levels of gastrin, cholecystokinin and peptide‐YY in relation to enteral nutrition.

Methods:

In 24 consecutive neonates treated with venoarterial ECMO intestinal hormone secretions were determined by radioimmunoassay at 2‐day intervals. Twelve received parenteral nutrition only. In 12 enteral nutrition was introduced later. The findings in these patients were compared with those of 16 measurements in eight non‐ECMO treated age‐matched controls. Mixed model analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Concentrations of gastrin, cholecystokinin and peptide‐YY were significantly higher in ECMO patients receiving enteral nutrition compared with ECMO patients who received parenteral nutrition (62, 3.8 and 59.4 pmol/L versus 46, 3.1 and 34.7 pmol/L, respectively). Overall, plasma hormone levels did not differ from those in age‐matched controls.

Conclusions:

Intestinal hormone levels showed normal responses after introduction of enteral feeding, comparable with those in age‐matched controls without ECMO. These results do not provide an argument for withholding enteral nutrition even in the most severely ill neonates on venoarterial ECMO.
J‐pouch Ileoanal Anastomosis in Children and Adolescents with Ulcerative Colitis: Functional Outcome, Satisfaction and Impact on Social Life
Authors: Wewer Vibeke , Hesselfeldt Peter , Qvist Niels , Husby Steffen , Paerregaard Anders
Published: February 2024

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate, over a 10‐year period, severe surgical complications, functional outcome, patient satisfaction and impact on social life after colectomy and J‐pouch ileoanal anastomosis for children and adolescents <18 years with ulcerative colitis.

Methods:

Data were extracted retrospectively from medical records and obtained by mailed questionnaire.

Results:

Thirty patients (18 girls) with a median age of 15 years (range, 7‐17 years) were identified. Two patients (7%) had the J‐pouch removed because of intractable diarrhea. Twenty‐seven of 28 patients with preserved J‐pouch answered the questionnaire. The median follow‐up was 3.7 years (range, 0.3‐9.2 years). Surgical complications included eight of 30 patients (27%) with small bowel obstruction, one of 30 (4%) with intra‐abdominal abscess and two of 30 (7%) with perforation of the small intestine. The median number of daytime bowel movements was six (range, 3‐10) and the median number of nighttime bowel movements was one (range, 0‐2). Twelve patients (44%) were completely continent for stool and mucus, 12 patients (44%) leaked now and then and three (12%) leaked often or always. Antibiotic treatment for pouchitis was given in 13 patients (48%). Seventeen patients (63%) were completely satisfied with the operation, nine patients (33%) found the result fairly good and one patient (4%) was not satisfied. Twenty‐six patients (96%) reported their health as completely or fairly good.

Conclusions:

The majority of patients with an intact J‐pouch had an acceptable functional result with respect to defecation frequency, continence and number of pouchitis episodes. Most patients reported being satisfied with the procedure.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Infants: How Much is Predictable with Questionnaires, pH‐metry, Endoscopy and Histology?
Authors: Salvatore Silvia , Hauser Bruno , Vandemaele Kris , Novario Raffaele , Vandenplas Yvan
Published: February 2024

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common in infants. It is often difficult to discriminate between physiological and pathologic gastroesophageal reflux, although this discrimination is essential to determine which infants to evaluate and treat.

Objectives:

To identify the prevalence of reflux symptoms in infants and to evaluate the predictive value of a questionnaire and the correlation between pH study, histology and clinical score.

Methods:

Parents of 100 unselected infants visiting the well‐baby clinic and 100 infants suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux disease were asked to fill in a 35‐item questionnaire. A validated score, the Orenstein I‐GERQ, was applied for selected questions. All infants suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent prolonged esophageal pH monitoring and 44 or 100 underwent upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy with esophageal biopsy.

Results:

Parents of infants with suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease reported significantly more regurgitation (68% versus 45%, P < 0.05) and crying (51% versus 20%, P < 0.01) compared with the parents of healthy infants. A pathologic pH study (reflux index > 10%) was found in 21 of 100 (21%) infants and was significantly associated only with pneumonia, apnea with fussing (P = 0.013 for both), defecation less than once a day (P = 0.033) and constipation (P = 0.05). Esophagitis was present in 17 of 44 (39%) and no one question was found to be significantly predictive. 38% of infants with a pathologic pH study had a normal esophageal biopsy and 53% of infants with histologic esophagitis had a normal pH study. Discordance between pH study and biopsies occurred in 14 of 44 (32%) patients. The Orenstein I‐GERQ cut‐off score failed to identify eight of 31 (26%) infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Conversely, the score was positive in 17 of 22 (81%) infants with normal biopsy and pH study and in 14 of 47 (30%) infants with normal pH study.

Conclusions:

Clinical symptoms, histology and pH study show poor correlation in infants. Clinical symptoms such as regurgitation and crying are less frequent in unselected infants than in infants suspected of gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, questionnaires are poorly predictive for the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease, as they do not correlate with esophageal acid exposure as measured by pH‐metry and with esophagitis as evaluated by histology of esophageal biopsies.
Probiotics, Prebiotics & Food allergy Prevention
Authors: Fiocchi Alessandro , Pecora Valentina , Dahdah Lamia
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review:

there are accruing evidences on the role of the intestinal microbiota in the development of allergic diseases among infants. Elaborating on this theoretical basis, studies did assess the possibilities to prevent allergic diseases in infancy through manipulation of the intestinal microbiota. We review here such studies.

Recent findings:

interventional studies led to conflicting conclusions on the possible role of probiotics and prebiotics in allergy prevention. Two metanalyses published in 2015 did reconcile all data. Guidelines have been predicated on such studies using the GRADE methodology.

the guidelines for allergy prevention suggest for the first time the use of probiotics and prebiotics. The existing evidences stand for a use of such supplementation in particular for the prevention of eczema. As there is no evidence so far of superiority of one probiotic strand over the others, they should be considered as class and not as individual products.
Algorithms for Common Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan
Published: February 2024

Regurgitation, infantile colic and, or, constipationare frequent during the first 12 months of life, and although they aremost of the time functional disorders, these conditions can also be related to cow's milk. Practical algorithms for their management are presented. Management consists of exclusion of warning signs for organic disease, parental reassurance and nutritional strategies. The proposed algorithms will assist healthcare providers to manage frequent gastrointestinal and cows’ milkrelated symptoms in infants.
Unraveling the impacts of freight rates on US containerized agricultural trade
Authors: Hossen Md Deluair , Muhammad Andrew , Kenner Bart , Kaufman James
Published: February 2024

We examined how the unprecedented rise in freight rates in 2021 affected US containerized agricultural trade. We considered alternative measures of trade (value, volume, container numbers), as well as product, port, and partner‐country characteristics, and conducted separate analyses for exports and imports. Overall, we find that shipping costs have a substantial trade‐reducing effect. On average, 10% higher shipping costs reduce US agricultural export values by 0.58% and import values by 1.72%. For exports, we find a significant negative impact for several product categories. Our results suggest that policies addressing port congestion and shipping rate issues will have heterogenous outcomes.
“An escape from the isolation”: Youth thoughts about the impact of COVID‐19 on adolescent sexual behavior and alcohol use
Authors: Stout Claire D. , Ybarra Michele L. , Mitchell Kimberly J. , Nelson Kimberly M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic likely affected adolescent sexual behaviors and alcohol use, although how is not well understood.

Method

Youth were sampled from the national, online longitudinal Growing up with Media study. They responded via text messaging to open‐ended questions about how the COVID‐19 pandemic may have impacted the sexual behavior and alcohol use of adolescents. Conventional content analysis summarized open‐ended responses.

Results

416 responses were analyzed from 335 participants (aged 15–30, US residents), 81 of whom provided data for both topics. Participants suggested that the pandemic affected some youths' sexual health precautions (increased and varying) and attitudes about sex (positive and negative). They discussed how adolescents met partners during the pandemic, including increased use of online platforms. Participants also suggested researchers investigate sexual risk in the realm of COVID‐19 transmission and the practice of “safe sex.” Many participants believed adolescents were drinking alcohol more as a result of the pandemic, both alone and with friends; however, others perceived adolescents were drinking less. Participants proposed researchers investigate adolescent drinking habits during the pandemic, as well as how this compares to before the pandemic and the type and quantity of alcohol consumed.

Conclusions

Young people believe adolescent sexual relationships and drinking behaviors changed due to the pandemic, though how varied. Future research could examine the contexts and individual differences that shape these varying behaviors. Overall, this study highlights the importance of directly asking youth about their pandemic experiences and the diversity of views on how the pandemic has influenced adolescent behavior.
Limiting factors in the accuracy of DFT calculation for redox potentials
Authors: Chan Bun
Published: February 2024

In the present study, we have investigated factors affecting the accuracy of computational chemistry calculation of redox potentials, namely the gas‐phase ionization energy (IE) and electron affinity (EA), and the continuum solvation effect. In general, double‐hybrid density functional theory methods yield IEs and EAs that are on average within ~0.1 eV of our high‐level W3X‐L benchmark, with the best performing method being DSD‐BLYP/ma‐def2‐QZVPP. For lower‐cost methods, the average errors are ~0.2–0.3 eV, with ωB97X‐3c being the most accurate (~0.15 eV). For the solvation component, essentially all methods have an average error of ~0.3 eV, which shows the limitation of the continuum solvation model. Curiously, the directly calculated redox potentials show errors of ~0.3 eV for all methods. These errors are notably smaller than what can be expected from error propagation with the two components (IE and EA, and solvation effect). Such a discrepancy can be attributed to the cancellation of errors, with the lowest‐cost GFN2‐xTB method benefiting the most, and the most accurate ωB97X‐3c method benefiting the least. For organometallic species, the redox potentials show large deviations exceeding ~0.5 eV even for DSD‐BLYP. The large errors are attributed to those for the gas‐phase IEs and EAs, which represents a major barrier to the accurate calculation of redox potentials for such systems.
Ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse by modified PDMS membrane in a membrane bioreactor: pervaporation technique
Authors: Zabihi Behzad , Esfahanian Mehri
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Bioethanol is considered a highly promising alternative to fossil fuels due to its derivation from renewable sources. Reducing the disadvantages of conventional fermentation requires removing the product from the fermentation broth after its formation. Therefore, coupling the membrane separation with a biological process in a single unit leads a reduction of substrate and product inhibitions.

RESULTS

In this work, bioethanol production was investigated in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) with sugarcane bagasse (lignocellulose waste) as a renewable source by the sulfuric acid hydrolysis process. Firstly, the optimum conditions to produce the maximum amount of sugar by acid hydrolysis were determined. Second, the membrane bioreactor and pervaporation unit equipped with poly(dimethyl siloxane) carbon nanotube/Tetrazole membrane (PDMS‐CNT/Tetrazole) was fabricated. Third, bioethanol production in a conventional batch reactor (CBR) and the novel MBR was implemented. The outcomes of the two kinds of reactors were then compared. The results illustrated that the optimum conditions for acid hydrolysis are at a temperature of 199.4 °C, an operation time of 30.77 min, and an acid concentration of 1.12%. The obtained data shows that the ethanol production in MBR was increased by 103.6% over conventional fermentation. Furthermore, the pervaporated ethanol concentration was higher than that of the broth because of the high membrane selectivity, where a maximum ethanol concentration of 165.7 g L−1 in the cold trap was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Finally, the results illustrate that the MBR can decrease the cell density growth rate and dominate any substrate and product inhibitions, while keeping process productivity for ethanol quite high. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Polynomial approaches in improving accuracy of probability distribution estimation using the method of moments
Authors: Turan Meltem , Munkhammar Joakim , Dutta Abhishek
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Determination of a probability density function (PDF) is an area of active research in engineering sciences as it can improve process systems. A previously developed polynomial method‐of‐moments‐based PDF estimation model has been applied in the research to produce accurate approximations to both standard and more complex PDF. A model with a different polynomial basis than a monomial is still to be developed and evaluated. This is the work that is undertaken in this study.

RESULTS

A set of standard PDF (Normal, Weibull, Log Normal and Bimodal) and more complex distributions (solutions to the Smoluchowski coagulation equation and Population Balance equation) were approximated by the method‐of‐moments using Chebyshev, Hermite and Lagrange polynomial‐based density functions. Results show that Lagrange polynomial‐based models improve the fit compared to monomial based‐modeling in terms of RMSE and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test statistic estimates. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test‐statistics decreased by 19% and the RMSE values were improved by around 85% compared to the standard monomial basis when using Lagrange polynomial basis.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the procedure using Lagrange polynomials with method‐of‐moments is a more reliable reconstruction procedure that calculates the approximate distribution using lesser number of moments, which is desirable. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Parental education and income are linked to offspring cortical brain structure and psychopathology at 9–11 years
Authors: Norbom Linn B. , Rokicki Jaroslav , Eilertsen Espen M. , Wiker Thea , Hanson Jamie , Dahl Andreas , Alnæs Dag , Fernández‐Cabello Sara , Beck Dani , Agartz Ingrid , Andreassen Ole A. , Westlye Lars T. , Tamnes Christian K.
Published: February 2024

Background

A child's socioeconomic environment can shape central aspects of their life, including vulnerability to mental disorders. Negative environmental influences in youth may interfere with the extensive and dynamic brain development occurring at this time. Indeed, there are numerous yet diverging reports of associations between parental socioeconomic status (SES) and child cortical brain morphometry. Most of these studies have used single metric‐ or unimodal analyses of standard cortical morphometry that downplay the probable scenario where numerous biological pathways in sum account for SES‐related cortical differences in youth.

Methods

To comprehensively capture such variability, using data from 9758 children aged 8.9–11.1 years from the ABCD Study®, we employed linked independent component analysis (LICA) and fused vertex‐wise cortical thickness, surface area, curvature and grey‐/white‐matter contrast (GWC). LICA revealed 70 uni‐ and multimodal components. We then assessed the linear relationships between parental education, parental income and each of the cortical components, controlling for age, sex, genetic ancestry, and family relatedness. We also assessed whether cortical structure moderated the negative relationships between parental SES and child general psychopathology.

Results

Parental education and income were both associated with larger surface area and higher GWC globally, in addition to local increases in surface area and to a lesser extent bidirectional GWC and cortical thickness patterns. The negative relation between parental income and child psychopathology were attenuated in children with a multimodal pattern of larger frontal‐ and smaller occipital surface area, and lower medial occipital thickness and GWC.

Conclusion

Structural brain MRI is sensitive to SES diversity in childhood, with GWC emerging as a particularly relevant marker together with surface area. In low‐income families, having a more developed cortex across MRI metrics, appears beneficial for mental health.
Embedding simulation in genetic counselor education from the first week of training: Learning outcomes, standardized clients, and students' satisfaction
Authors: Jacobs Chris , McEwen Alison
Published: February 2024

Health professional educators routinely utilize simulation to prepare students for practice. However, there is little evidence to show whether simulation enhances learning for genetic counseling students. This study aimed to (i) develop simulation learning outcomes and standardized clients for genetic counselor student education and (ii) evaluate students' experiences of learning from face‐to‐face and virtual simulation in the first week of training in an Australasian master of genetic counseling program. Using the principles of co‐design, eight experienced genetic counselors from across Australasia attended an online discussion and one‐to‐one meetings to develop simulation learning outcomes and build detailed authentic standardized clients. Six learning outcomes were identified: establishing an effective counseling relationship, eliciting information, assessing need, delivering difficult news and helping clients cope with complex emotions, effective communication and facilitating adaptation. Standardized clients were mapped to the learning outcomes and other requirements of the program. Between 2019 and 2022, 106 first year students participated in face‐to‐face or virtual simulation workshops with two standardized clients on Day 5 of their training. Following the experience, 103 students completed an anonymous survey using a modified version of a validated satisfaction with simulation scale (n = 49 face‐to‐face in 2019 and 2020 and n = 54 virtual in 2021 and 2022). Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Mean satisfaction overall was 95.9% (SD 3.5), 96.2 (SD 4.0) face‐to‐face, and 95.8 (SD 3.7) virtual. Overall, responses indicated that simulation‐based learning and working with standardized clients was a valuable learning experience (100%), developed communication skills and created a sense of reality (99%). For a minority of participants (n = 4), the simulation was too challenging. Key learning related to consolidation of counseling skills, reflective practice, and preparation for clinical placement. In conclusion, exposing novice student genetic counselors to authentic clinical scenarios using standardized clients in face‐to‐face or virtual classrooms enhanced clinical learning.
Myocardial Injury in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Assessed by Multiparametric MRI: Relationship With Left Ventricular Phenotypes
Authors: Jin Shiqi , Wang Fan , Tian Zhaoxin , Huo Huaibi , Liu Shutong , Zhu Xinwang , Liu Ting
Published: February 2024

Background

Myocardial injury is common in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, but the presence and severity of myocardial injury in different left ventricular (LV) phenotypes were still not fully explored.

Purpose

To evaluate myocardial tissue characteristics and deformation in ESRD patients on peritoneal dialysis separated into normal geometry, concentric remodeling, concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and eccentric LVH patterns by multiparametric cardiac MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A total of 142 subjects, including 102 on peritoneal dialysis (69 males) and 40 healthy controls (27 males).

Field Strength/Sequence

At 3.0 T, cine sequence, T1 mapping and T2 mapping.

Assessment

LV mass index and LV remodeling index were used to create four subgroups with normal geometry, concentric remodeling, concentric LVH, and eccentric LVH. LV function, strain and strain rate, myocardial native T1 and T2 were measured.

Statistical Tests

Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and analysis of covariance, Pearson/Spearman correlation, stepwise regression, and intraclass correlation coefficient. P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Even in normal geometry, LV strain parameters still diminished compared with the controls (global radial strain: 30.5 ± 7.7% vs. 37.1 ± 7.9%; global circumferential strain: −18.2 ± 2.6% vs. −20.6 ± 2.2%; global longitudinal strain: −13.3 ± 2.5% vs. −16.0 ± 2.8%). Eccentric LVH had significantly lower global circumferential systolic strain rate than concentric LVH (−0.82 ± 0.21%/—second vs. −0.96 ± 0.20%/—second). Compared with the controls, the four subgroups all revealed elevated native T1 and T2, especially in eccentric LVH, while concentric remodeling had the least changes including native T1, T2, and LV ejection fraction. After adjusting for covariates, there was no statistically significant difference in T2 between the four subgroups (P = 0.359).

Data Conclusions

Eccentric LVH is associated with the most pronounced evidence of myocardial tissue characteristics and function impairment, while as a benign remodeling, the concentric remodeling subgroup had the least increase in native T1. This study further confirms that native T1 and strain indicators can reflect the severity of myocardial injury in ESRD, providing better histological and functional basis for future grouping treatments.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Effectiveness of prophylactic HPV vaccines against cervical abnormalities and HPV infection in Japan: The J‐HERS 2021 multicenter study
Authors: Saeki Yoshihiko , Saito Mayumi , Irie Takuya , Itoh Fujiko , Enatsu Akiko , Komura Hiroko , Fujii Miho , Fujii Ryota , Hidaka Natsuko , Maehama Toshiyuki , Shirasu Nobuhiko , Waseda Tomoo , Shibata Takeo , Takada Emi , Mibe Kazuki , Sakamoto Jinichi , Yamada Sousuke , Takakura Masahiro , Sasagawa Toshiyuki
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the efficacy of the prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which was initiated between 2009 and 2013 in Japan. The study involved 1529 eligible women aged 16–39 years who visited 11 outpatient clinics in Japan for various reasons. These patients underwent HPV genotype analysis and a Pap test of cervical cell samples. A total of 299 women (19.6%) had received the prophylactic HPV vaccine (bivalent:quadrivalent vaccine ratio = 2:1). Of the 5062 participants in the Japanese Human Papillomavirus Disease Education and Research Survey (J‐HERS 2011), which was conducted in the pre‐vaccination era, 3236 eligible participants were included as controls. In this study (J‐HERS 2021), the highest rate of HPV vaccination (53%) was observed in patients aged 22–27 years. Vaccinated individuals exhibited a 49% rate of protection against low‐grade intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) and atypical squamous cells, not excluding high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASCH) or worse (LSIL/ASCH+), and a 100% rate of protection against high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) or worse (HSIL+). Significant reductions in HPV16 (95%) and HPV18 (100%) infections were noted, but no differences were observed in HPV6 and HPV11 infections. The prevalences of HPV51 and HPV59 increased with vaccination, although these changes were not confirmed in the comparative study with J‐HERS 2011. Comparing the prevaccination (J‐HERS 2011) and postvaccination (J‐HERS 2021) periods, 43%, 51%, 88%, and 62% reductions in HPV16, HPV18, HPV16/18, and HPV31/58 infection rates were observed, respectively. Similarly, 62% and 71% reductions in LSIL/ASCH+ and HSIL+ rates were noted, respectively. There were 88% and 87% reductions in LSIL/ASCH+ and HSIL+ rates in 16–21‐ and 28–33‐year‐old patients, respectively. Bivalent or quadrivalent vaccines provided 100% protection against high‐grade squamous cell lesions (suggestive of CIN2 or CIN3) in young women aged <39 years at 9–12 years after initiation of Japan's first nationwide HPV vaccination program. Cross‐protection against HPV31 and HPV58 is likely to occur, although some HPV‐type replacements are inconsistent across vaccination regimens. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. However, continuous monitoring of cervical cancer and precancer is necessary in younger generations (born 1997–2007), who were rarely vaccinated due to the prolonged suspension of the vaccine recommendations in Japan.
Prediction of seasonal sea surface temperature based on temperature and salinity of subsurface ocean using machine learning
Authors: Wei Sentao , Wang Chenghai , Zhang Feimin , Yang Kai
Published: February 2024

The sea surface temperature (SST) is not only a crucial external factor in the evolution of the atmosphere, but also a primary factor and premonition signal used in climate prediction. It is challenging to obtain a precise SST for generating accurate initial and boundary conditions in numerical models. This study employs a machine learning approach, that is, a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm, to predict SST on a seasonal scale. In particular, the subsurface ocean temperature (OT) and ocean salinity (OS) at depths of 5.02, 15.08, 25.16, 35.28, 45.45 and 76.55 m were used as training factors in developing a CNN prediction model. The results indicate that subsurface OT and OS can persist for 6 months or longer, with a maximum persistence of up to 12 months. Using the CNN prediction model, the SST can be reliably predicted 6 months in advance in most cases. The predicted SST has a mean bias of approximately 0–0.8 K on the globe. The bias is small (below 0.5 K) in the open ocean. The root mean square errors (RMSEs) of hindcasting for Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation indices are all less than 1.0 K. Specifically, the RMSE for El Niño prediction is less than 0.5 K. This study provides a viable method for establishing initial and boundary conditions for climate prediction.
Deep learning based detection of osteophytes in radiographs and magnetic resonance imagings of the knee using 2D and 3D morphology
Authors: Daneshmand Mitra , Panfilov Egor , Bayramoglu Neslihan , Korhonen Rami K. , Saarakkala Simo
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigated the discriminative capacity of knee morphology in automatic detection of osteophytes defined by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International atlas, using X‐ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. For the X‐ray analysis, we developed a deep learning (DL) based model to segment femur and tibia. In case of MRIs, we utilized previously validated segmentations of femur, tibia, corresponding cartilage tissues, and menisci. Osteophyte detection was performed using DL models in four compartments: medial femur (FM), lateral femur (FL), medial tibia (TM), and lateral tibia (TL). To analyze the confounding effects of soft tissues, we investigated their morphology in combination with bones, including bones+cartilage, bones+menisci, and all the tissues. From X‐ray‐based 2D morphology, the models yielded balanced accuracy of 0.73, 0.69, 0.74, and 0.74 for FM, FL, TM, TL, respectively. Using 3D bone morphology from MRI, balanced accuracy was 0.80, 0.77, 0.71, and 0.76, respectively. The performance was higher than in 2D for all the compartments except for TM, with significant improvements observed for femoral compartments. Adding menisci or cartilage morphology consistently improved balanced accuracy in TM, with the greatest improvement seen for small osteophyte. Otherwise, the models performed similarly to bones‐only. Our experiments demonstrated that MRI‐based models show higher detection capability than X‐ray based models for identifying knee osteophytes. This study highlighted the feasibility of automated osteophyte detection from X‐ray and MRI data and suggested further need for development of osteophyte assessment criteria in addition to OARSI, particularly, for early osteophytic changes.
Iodine status in children with intestinal failure
Authors: Leite Heitor Pons , Hatanaka Eduardo Freitas , Sabio Giovana Sertori Galati , Evangelista Nara Michelle de Araújo , de Camargo Maria Fernanda Carvalho
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Children on long‐term parenteral nutrition (PN) are at high risk of iodine deficiency (ID). However, most available information comes from cross‐sectional studies. We investigated the iodine status, associated factors, and prevalence of hypothyroidism in children with intestinal failure (IF) who were followed up longitudinally.

Methods

This was a cohort study of children with IF monitored for urine iodine concentration (UIC), iodine intake, serum selenium concentration, and thyroid function in an intestinal rehabilitation program. The outcome variable ID was defined as a UIC value < 100 μg/L. Adjusted generalized estimating equations were used to assess the effects of the exposure variables on the UIC.

Results

Twenty‐four patients aged 62.7 (39.1; 79.7) months who received PN for 46.5 (21.5) months were included. The average energy supply was 81.2 kcal/kg/day, 77.6% of which was provided by PN. An average of 5.2 UIC measurements per patient were performed. ID prevalence decreased from baseline (83.3%) to the last assessment (45.8%). Three patients had hypothyroidism secondary to iodine and selenium combined severe deficiency. Iodine intake from enteral or oral nutritional formulas was positively associated with UIC (β = 0.71 [0.35, 1.07]; p < 0.001). Meeting approximately 80% of the estimated average requirement for iodine from nutritional formulas resulted in a greater probability of normal UIC values.

Conclusion

ID is highly prevalent in children with IF who receive long‐term PN and its frequency decreases with iodine intake from nutritional formulas. Severe combined iodine and selenium deficiencies are associated with the development of hypothyroidism in these patients.
Measurement properties of the childhood bladder and bowel dysfunction questionnaire
Authors: van Engelenburg–van Lonkhuyzen Marieke L. , Bols Esther M. J. , Bastiaenen Caroline H. G. , de Bie Rob A.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The childhood bladder and bowel dysfunction questionnaire (CBBDQ) was previously found feasible, structurally valid, with good internal consistency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the remaining measurement properties according to the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN).

Methods

A prospective cohort study among parents of children aged 5–12 years was conducted. Calculated were the area under the curve (AUC) (criterion validity, responsiveness, interpretability) and intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICCagreement) (construct validity and test−retest reliability).

Results

One hundred and seventy‐two parents were included from March 2019 to April 2021. Correlating the bladder subscales of the CBBDQ with the Vancouver symptom score for dysfunctional elimination (VSSDES) and proxy‐reported pediatric incontinence quality of life (p‐PinQ) showed convergent validity (ICCsagreement: 0.76 and 0.74). Divergent validity was found when correlating the bowel subscales of the CBBDQ with the VSSDES (ICCagreement: 0.52). Excellent criterion validity (AUC: 0.98); excellent test−retest reliability (ICCagreement: 0.94) and, at 6 months, fair responsiveness (AUC: 0.74) were found. The minimal important change was 4.5, with cut‐off value of 11.

Conclusion

The CBBDQ has been developed according to COSMIN standards. The items were defined using the consensus‐based ICCS standards and Rome‐III criteria. The measurement properties were identified using enough participants. Although interpretability is not considered a measurement property, interpretability aspects are reported here as they refer to what instrument scores mean. The 18‐item‐CBBDQ met the measurement properties of validity, reliability, and responsiveness, as defined by COSMIN. The CBBDQ is suitable for self‐administration by parents, and completion takes little time.
The past is uncertain: alternative responses of cloud forest mammals to the Last Glacial Maximum in the Oaxacan Highlands, Mexico
Authors: Guevara Lázaro
Published: February 2024

The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 26,000–19,000 years before the present) altered the distribution of species worldwide. Its effect is poorly known in tropical regions because the cooling and drought reached during that period are uncertain. Here, I generated hypotheses regarding the possible responses of cloud forest mammals in the Oaxacan Highlands (OH) of Mexico, a region with one of the most extensive cloud forests in the Neotropics. First, I used three General Circulation Models (GCMs: CCSM3, MIROC‐ESM and MPI) to characterize probable climates during the LGM. Then, I used ecological niche models to estimate the current and LGM potential distributions of four cloud forest species. As in other locations, the results show that GCMs are consistent with cooler conditions relative to today; however, the three GCMs estimate precipitation regimes with notable variations in the region. MPI indicates that the LGM could have been even wetter than present. Consequently, the MPI scenario allowed more widespread potential distributions of mammals. The paleodistributions show how mid‐ and lowlands were essential for the long‐term survival of these ‘high‐mountain mammals’ throughout the last glacial–interglacial cycle. The paleodistributions presented here are precise hypotheses that can be tested based on paleoecological and genetic evidence.
Photoinduced transformations in (As1–xBix)2S3 glass observed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Azhniuk Yuriy , Lopushansky Vasyl , Hasynets Stepan , Kryshenik Volodymyr , Gomonnai Alexander V. , Zahn Dietrich R. T.
Published: February 2024

Raman spectra of (As1–xBix)2S3 glass samples with x ≤ 0.2 measured at the excitation with above‐bandgap (532 nm) laser light at a relatively low power density (Pexc = 4 kW/cm2) clearly confirm the amorphous character, thereby markedly extending the known compositional interval of existence of the (As1–xBix)2S3 glass previously known (x ≤ 0.06). Spectra measured at an increased Pexc (40 kW/cm2) reveal a photostructural transformation in the illuminated area of the glass leading to an additional contribution of Bi–S bonds as well as to an increasing number of cage‐type As4S4 units with homopolar As–As bonds. A number of new features in a broad range up to about 1,000 cm−1, which emerge in the Raman spectra of the (As1–xBix)2S3 glasses with high (x ≥ 0.14) Bi content and increase in intensity with the exposure time, are related to a photochemical transformation, namely, oxidation of arsenic and sulphur on the (As1–xBix)2S3 glass surface with formation of units containing arsenate AsO43− and sulphate SO42− ions. These processes are irreversible and occur only in the presence of a sufficient amount of bismuth.