bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Falls in young, middle-aged and older community dwelling adults: perceived cause, environmental factors and injury
Authors: Talbot Laura A , Musiol Robin J , Witham Erica K , Metter E Jeffery
Published: August 2005

Background

Falls in older people have been characterized extensively in the literature, however little has been reported regarding falls in middle-aged and younger adults. The objective of this paper is to describe the perceived cause, environmental influences and resultant injuries of falls in 1497 young (20–45 years), middle-aged (46–65 years) and older (> 65 years) men and women from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Methods

A descriptive study where participants completed a fall history questionnaire describing the circumstances surrounding falls in the previous two years.

Results

The reporting of falls increased with age from 18% in young, to 21% in middle-aged and 35% in older adults, with higher rates in women than men. Ambulation was cited as the cause of the fall most frequently in all gender and age groups. Our population reported a higher percentage of injuries (70.5%) than previous studies. The young group reported injuries most frequently to wrist/hand, knees and ankles; the middle-aged to their knees and the older group to their head and knees. Women reported a higher percentage of injuries in all age groups.

Conclusion

This is the first study to compare falls in young, middle and older aged men and women. Significant differences were found between the three age groups with respect to number of falls, activities engaged in prior to falling, perceived causes of the fall and where they fell.
Changes in body weight and the risk of breast cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2mutation carriers
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , Olopade Olufunmilayo I , Ghadirian Parviz , Lubinski Jan , Lynch Henry T , Isaacs Claudine , Weber Barbara , Kim-Sing Charmaine , Ainsworth Peter , Foulkes William D , Eisen Andrea , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A
Published: August 2005

Background

Several anthropometric measures have been found to be associated with the risk of breast cancer. Current weight, body mass index, and adult weight gain appear to be predictors of postmenopausal breast cancer. These factors have been associated with a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer. We asked whether there is an association between changes in body weight and the risk of breast cancer in women who carry a mutation in either breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1 or BRCA2.

Methods

A matched case–control study was conducted in 1,073 pairs of women carrying a deleterious mutation in either BRCA1 (n = 797 pairs) or BRCA2 (n = 276 pairs). Women diagnosed with breast cancer were matched to control subjects by year of birth, mutation, country of residence, and history of ovarian cancer. Information about weight was derived from a questionnaire routinely administered to women who were carriers of a mutation in either gene. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the association between weight gain or loss and the risk of breast cancer, stratified by age at diagnosis or menopausal status.

Results

A loss of at least 10 pounds in the period from age 18 to 30 years was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer between age 30 and 49 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.79); weight gain during the same interval did not influence the overall risk. Among the subgroup of BRCA1 mutation carriers who had at least two children, weight gain of more than 10 pounds between age 18 and 30 was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer diagnosed between age 30 and 40 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.04). Change in body weight later in life (at age 30 to 40) did not influence the risk of either premenopausal or postmenopausal breast cancer.

Conclusion

The results from this study suggest that weight loss in early adult life (age 18 to 30) protects against early-onset BRCA-associated breast cancers. Weight gain should also be avoided, particularly among BRCA1 mutation carriers who elect to have at least two pregnancies.
Regional variation of multiple sclerosis prevalence in Canada
Authors: Beck Cynthia A , Metz Luanne M , Svenson Lawrence W , Patten Scott B
Published: August 2005

Objective: To describe the regional distribution of multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Canada, controlling for age and sex. Methods: This study used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, a large general health survey (n=131,535) conducted in 2000/2001. Subjects aged 18 and over were included in the current analysis (n=116,109). The presence of MS was determined by self-report. Prevalence was computed in five regions (Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairies and British Columbia). Logistic regression was used to compare regions and examine for confounding/interaction by age and sex. Results: The overall Canadian MS prevalence was 240 per 100 000 (95%CI: 210-280). Prevalence ranged from 180 (95%CI: 90-260) in Quebec to 350 (95%CI: 230-470) in Atlantic Canada. Logistic regression revealed no statistical difference between the odds of MS in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia adjusted for age and sex. The adjusted odds of MS in the Prairies and Atlantic regions were significantly higher than in the other regions combined, with odds ratios of 1.7 (95%CI: 1.1-2.4, p<0.01) and 1.6 (95%CI: 1.1-2.4, p<0.05) respectively. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated similar prevalence in the nonaboriginal/nonimmigrant group (n=96 219). Conclusion: Results suggest that Canadian MS prevalence differs by region. If validated, these regional differences may facilitate investigation of environmental influences.
A randomized, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group trial of the tolerability of interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) administered by autoinjection or manual injection in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mikol D , Lopez-Bresnahan M , Taraskiewicz S , Chang P , Rangnow J ,   Rebiject™ Study Group
Published: August 2005

Injection site reactions (ISRs) are a common side effect of subcutaneous interferon beta therapy, particularly during initiation of therapy. Retrospective analysis of two clinical trials showed that patients using an autoinjector experienced fewer ISRs than patients administering interferon beta manually. This randomized, open-label trial compared the occurrence of ISRs in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients subcutaneously injecting interferon beta-1a manually or with autoinjector. In total, 1825 patients (autoinjector, 932; manual injection, 893) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Significantly fewer patients using the autoinjector experienced ISRs, based on physician assessment, compared with manual injection (78.7% versus 85.4%; p<0.001). There was no statistical difference on primary study endpoint: number of patients experiencing moderate to severe ISRs after 12 weeks’ therapy (25.3% versus 23.2%, P=0.449). The patient-reported proportion of any ISR during the treatment period was significantly greater for the manual injection group (71.8% versus 66.1%; p<0.001). The decreased incidence of ISRs with the autoinjector compared to manual injection seen in this short-term study, coupled with ease of use of the autoinjector, suggest that it could improve compliance, and therefore therapeutic outcomes in some patients.
Randomized controlled trial of an energy conservation course for persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mathiowetz Virgil G , Finlayson Marcia L , Matuska Kathleen M , Chen Hua Yun , Luo Ping
Published: August 2005

Objective: To assess the short-term efficacy and effectiveness of a six-week energy conservation course on fatigue impact, quality of life and self-efficacy for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned 169 persons with MS to an immediate intervention group or a delayed control group using a crossover design. The outcome measures: Fatigue Impact Scale, SF-36 Health Survey and Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies were measured before and after courses and no intervention control periods. We performed intent-to-treat analysis and compliers-only analyses using mixed effects analysis of variance models. Results: Taking the energy conservation course had significant effects on reducing the physical and social subscales of Fatigue Impact Scale and on increasing the Vitality subscale of the SF-36 scores compared with not taking the course. Additional subscales were significant depending on methods of analyses. Self-Efficacy for Performing Energy Conservation Strategies Assessment increased significantly (p<0.05) postcourse compared to precourse. Conclusions: Results support the efficacy and effectiveness of the energy conservation course to decrease fatigue impact, and to increase self-efficacy and some aspects of quality of life.
Neuromyelitis optica with hypothalamic involvement
Authors: Poppe Alexandre Y , Lapierre Yves , Melançon Denis , Lowden Diane , Wardell Lucy , Fullerton Louise M , Bar-Or Amit
Published: August 2005

We describe two cases of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) with clinical and radiographically confirmed features of hypothalamic involvement, in the absence of other parenchymal brain lesions. Their course is otherwise typical of Devic’s form of NMO. A review of the literature identifies additional cases of NMO in which clinical features attributable to under-recognized dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis were present. We propose that the currently accepted criteria for the diagnosis of NMO could be revisited to recognize the possibility of lesions developing within hypothalamic structures.
Risk for multiple sclerosis in dizygotic and monozygotic twins
Authors: Hansen Thomas , Skytthe Axel , Stenager Egon , Petersen Hans Christian , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Brønnum-Hansen Henrik
Published: August 2005

We investigated the risks of twins for multiple sclerosis (MS). Our data are linked registers of all Danish twins and of all Danes born between 1920 and 1970 in whom MS was diagnosed before 1997. We compared differences in the risks for MS by Cox regression and standardized incidence ratios. Our analyses suggest that dizygotic twins have an approximately 60% lower risk for MS than monozygotic twins and a 20% lower risk than singletons. Monozygotic twins appear to have a somewhat higher risk for MS than singletons albeit not statistically significant. We offer no biological explanation for our findings, but suggest that either sharing fetal life with a genotypically different individual is beneficial for the immune system or that there is a linkage between the genes that influence dizygotic twinning and other genes that protect against MS.
Factors related to employment status changes in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Smith Megan M , Arnett Peter A
Published: August 2005

In a sample of 50 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), participants able to work full-time (‘W’), those who reduced their hours (‘CB’) and those who were unemployed (‘NW’) were compared on demographic and disease variables and symptoms that the participants identified as being responsible for their work status change. The NW group had significantly greater physical disability than the other two groups and significantly more fatigue than the W group. The CB group had significantly more years of education and higher occupational prestige ratings than the NW group. The W group reported significantly greater mood disturbance compared with the NW group. Employment status was unrelated to age, gender, full scale IQ estimate, disease duration, diagnosis duration or cognitive functioning. Ninety per cent of the CB group reported that fatigue was a primary symptom responsible for their work status change, whereas 86% of the NW group reported that broad physical/neurological symptoms were responsible for their change in work status.
Relapse rates and enhancing lesions in a phase II trial of natalizumab in multiple sclerosis
Authors: O'Connor Paul , Miller David , Riester Katherine , Yang Minhua , Panzara Michael , Dalton Catherine , Miszkiel Katherine , Khan Omar , Rice George , Sheremata William ,   International Natalizumab Trial Group
Published: August 2005

Background: Natalizumab, a humanized monoclonal IgG4 antibody, is an a4-integrin antagonist, which inhibits the migration of inflammatory cells into the central nervous system, a key pathogenic mechanism in multiple sclerosis (MS). In a six month, phase II clinical trial of patients with relapsing MS, natalizumab significantly reduced the formation of new gadolinium-enhanced (Gd +) lesions and the number of clinical relapses. Objective: To investigate the relationship of historical relapse rate and new Gd+ lesion number with subsequent MS disease activity and natalizumab treatment in the phase II study. Methods: Patients who participated in the phase II study were stratified into subgroups according to: (i) the number of relapses in the two years prior to entry into the study: 2 relapses (n=108), 3 relapses (n=57), and-3 relapses (n=48); (ii) the number of new Gd+ lesions at baseline (Month 0): 0 (n=129), 1-2(n=50), and >2(n=33). Relapses and new Gd+ lesions during the treatment phase of the trial were determined and compared for each subgroup. Results: Both the prestudy relapse rate and number of new Gd+ lesions at baseline were related to the subsequent risk of a relapse; baseline number of Gd+ lesions was related to the likelihood of subsequent new Gd+ lesion formation. There was a lower proportion of subjects with an on-study relapse and fewer new Gd+ lesions in all natalizumab-treated subgroups when compared with their placebo counterpart; the difference was most apparent in the subgroups of patients with >3 relapses in the two years prior to study entry and >2 new Gd+ lesions at Month 0. Conclusions: There was a lower proportion of subjects with an on-study relapse in natalizumab-treated patients, particularly in those with a more active disease at study entry. Larger ongoing phase III studies will allow more definitive investigation of these preliminary subgroup findings.
Economic evaluation of Avonex® (interferon beta-1a) in patients following a single demyelinating event
Authors: Iskedjian Michael , Walker John H , Gray Trevor , Vicente Colin , Einarson Thomas R , Gehshan Adel
Published: August 2005

Background: Interferon beta-1a (Avonex®)30 mg, intramuscular (i.m.), once weekly is efficacious in delaying clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) following a single demyelinating event (SDE). This study determined the cost effectiveness of Avonex® compared to current treatment in delaying the onset of CDMS. Methods: A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) and cost-utility analysis (CUA) were performed from Ministry of Health (MoH) and societal perspectives. For CEA, the outcome of interest was time spent in the pre-CDMS state, termed monosymptomatic life years (MLY) gained. For CUA, the outcome was quality-adjusted monosymptomatic life years (QAMLY) gained. A Markov model was developed with transitional probabilities and utilities derived from the literature. Costs were reported in 2002 Canadian dollars. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 5%. The time horizon was 12 years for the CEA, and 15 years for the CUA. All uncertainties were tested via univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses. Results: In the CEA, the incremental cost of Avonex® per MLY gained was $53 110 and $44 789 from MoH and societal perspectives, respectively. In the CUA, the incremental cost of Avonex® per QAMLY gained was $227 586 and $189 286 from MoH and societal perspectives, respectively. Both models were sensitive to the probability of progressing to CDMS and the analytical time horizon. The CUA was sensitive to the utilities value. Conclusion: Avonex® may be considered as a reasonably cost-effective approach to treatment of patients experiencing an SDE. In addition, the overall incremental cost-effectiveness profile of Avonex® improves if treatment is initiated in pre-CDMS rather than waiting until CDMS.
Imaging the optic nerve in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rocca M A , Hickman S J , Bö L , Agosta F , Miller D H , Comi G , Filippi M
Published: August 2005

Although multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently involves the optic nerves, imaging this structure is not yet performed routinely in clinical practice. The recent improvement of magnetic resonance (MR) technology and the development of new MR strategies, capable of providing an, in vivo, overall assessment of MS pathology has allowed objective metrics to be obtained for monitoring disease evolution, essentially in the brain. However, despite this progress, the correlation between brain MR metrics of the disease and clinical disability are still disappointing. An objective and accurate estimate of the presence and extent of optic nerve involvement might help to overcome this clinical/MRI paradox. This review summarizes the main results obtained from the application of conventional and modern MR-based techniques for the evaluation of optic nerve damage in MS.
Joint modelling of recurrence and progression of adenomas: a latent variable approach
Authors: Hsu Chiu-Hsieh
Published: August 2005

In this paper, we treat the number of recurrent adenomatous polyps as a latent variable and then use a mixture distribution to model the number of observed recurrent adenomatous polyps. This approach is equivalent to zero-inflated Poisson regression, which is a method used to analyse count data with excess zeros. In a zero-inflated Poisson model, a count response variable is assumed to be distributed as a mixture of a Poisson distribution and a distribution with point mass of one at zero. In many cancer studies, patients often have variable follow-up. When the disease of interest is subject to late onset, ignoring the length of follow-up will underestimate the recurrence rate. In this paper, we modify zero-inflated Poisson regression through a weight function to incorporate the length of follow-up into analysis. We motivate, develop, and illustrate the methods described here with an example from a colon cancer study.
Mixture of linear mixed models for clustering gene expression profiles from repeated microarray experiments
Authors: Celeux Gilles , Martin Olivier , Lavergne Christian
Published: August 2005

Data variability can be important in microarray data analysis. Thus, when clustering gene expression profiles, it could be judicious to make use of repeated data. In this paper, the problem of analysing repeated data in the model-based cluster analysis context is considered. Linear mixed models are chosen to take into account data variability and mixture of these models are considered. This leads to a large range of possible models depending on the assumptions made on both the covariance structure of the observations and the mixture model. The maximum likelihood estimation of this family of models through the EM algorithm is presented. The problem of selecting a particular mixture of linear mixed models is considered using penalized likelihood criteria. Illustrative Monte Carlo experiments are presented and an application to the clustering of gene expression profiles is detailed. All those experiments highlight the interest of linear mixed model mixtures to take into account data variability in a cluster analysis context.
A statistical framework for the analysis of multivariate infectious disease surveillance counts
Authors: Held Leonhard , Höhle Michael , Hofmann Mathias
Published: August 2005

A framework for the statistical analysis of counts from infectious disease surveillance databases is proposed. In its simplest form, the model can be seen as a Poisson branching process model with immigration. Extensions to include seasonal effects, time trends and overdispersion are outlined. The model is shown to provide an adequate fit and reliable one-step-ahead prediction intervals for a typical infectious disease time series. In addition, a multivariate formulation is proposed, which is well suited to capture space-time dependence caused by the spatial spread of a disease over time. An analysis of two multivariate time series is described. All analyses have been done using general optimization routines, where ML estimates and corresponding standard errors are readily available.
Bringing the Moral Economy back in … to the Study of 21st‐Century Transnational Peasant Movements
Authors: EDELMAN MARC
Published: August 2005

James Scott's The Moral Economy of the Peasant (1976) appeared at a time when “peasant studies” had begun to occupy an important place in the social sciences. The book's focus on Vietnam, as well as its novel argument about the causes of rural rebellion, attracted widespread attention and unleashed acerbic debates about peasants' “rationality” and the applicability of concepts from neoclassical economics to smallholding agriculturalists. In this article, I analyze E. P. Thompson's notion of “moral economy” and Scott's use of it to develop an experiential theory of exploitation. I then discuss other influences on Scott, including Karl Polanyi, A. V. Chayanov, and the Annales historians. “Moral economy” and “subsistence crisis” are concepts that Scott elaborated mainly in relation to village or national politics. In the final section of the article, I outline changes affecting peasantries in the globalization era and the continuing relevance of moral economic discourses in agriculturalists' transnational campaigns against the WTO.
Political Optics and the Occlusion of Intimate Knowledge
Authors: HERZFELD MICHAEL
Published: August 2005

In Seeing Like a State (1998), James Scott provides a comprehensive understanding of the optics of state power. He also shows how the bureaucratic logic of high‐modernist official planning occludes the social and cultural worlds both of marginalized citizenries and of the bureaucrats themselves, and accurately pinpoints the pernicious reductionism that has accompanied the modernist state's self‐proclaimed “cult of efficiency.” As in his earlier work, however, Scott overgeneralizes the idea of “resistance”; he also, and concomitantly, underestimates bureaucrats' complicity with local populations and the consequent modification of bureaucratic schemes (including the construction of national heritage) in actual practice. These absences reflect a relative lack of ethnographic specificity in the analysis as well as a partially uncritical endorsement of the master narrative of Western history.
Seeing Like an Oil Company: Space, Security, and Global Capital in Neoliberal Africa
Authors: FERGUSON JAMES
Published: August 2005

In this article, I seek to identify a limitation in the analysis James Scott offers in Seeing Like a State (1998) by asking to what extent his account of the follies of schemes for planned improvement by states provides critical leverage on the present world of neoliberal global capitalism. Scott has claimed that a dynamic of standardization, homogenization, and grid making applies not only to developmentalist states but also equally to the contemporary world of downsized states and unconstrained global corporations. I contest that claim by tracing how recent capital investment in Africa has been territorialized, and some of the new forms of order and disorder that have accompanied that selectively territorialized investment. Because such investment has been overwhelmingly in mineral resource extraction—particularly in oil—a contrast will become visible between the homogenizing, standardizing state optic Scott analyzed and a rather different way of seeing, proper to the contemporary global oil company.
White Ethnogenesis and Gradual Capitalism: Perspectives from Colonial Archaeological Sites in the Chesapeake
Authors: BELL ALISON
Published: August 2005

The piecemeal development of capitalist socioeconomic systems in the colonial Chesapeake was deeply intertwined with projects of white ethnogenesis. Crafting a sense of “groupness” along lines perceived as racial required free “whites” to remain economically and socially interdependent. A variety of strategies and material forms—including reciprocal exchanges, hall‐parlor house plans, and earthfast construction—facilitated this cohesion. Such integrative tactics coexisted in colonists' behavioral repertoires with more “capitalistic” strategies that prioritized private profit over social obligation. Colonists' deployment of diverse social strategies reflects a complex calculus assessing the benefits of economic autonomy against the benefits of ethnic (“white”) solidarity. These dynamics can be illustrated through an 18th‐century archaeological site at Flowerdew Hundred in the Chesapeake.
From Casta to Californio: Social Identity and the Archaeology of Culture Contact
Authors: VOSS BARBARA L.
Published: August 2005

In culture contact archaeology, studies of social identities generally focus on the colonized–colonizer dichotomy as the fundamental axis of identification. This emphasis can, however, mask social diversity within colonial or indigenous populations, and it also fails to account for the ways that the division between colonizer and colonized is constructed through the practices of colonization. Through the archaeology of material culture, foodways, and architecture, I examine changing ethnic, racial, and gendered identities among colonists at El Presidio de San Francisco, a Spanish‐colonial military settlement. Archaeological data suggest that military settlers were engaged in a double material strategy to consolidate a shared colonial identity, one that minimized differences among colonists and simultaneously heightened distinctions between colonists and local indigenous peoples.
Global Health Dermatology
Authors: Fuller L. Claire
Published: February 2024

There is a vast variation in life expectancy and risk of preventable illness and death across the globe with the world’s poor bearing the brunt of this. Aiming at reducing such health disparities forms the basis of the global health discipline. This chapter explores the development global health and highlights key players and principles. It aims to share what a crucial role understanding and addressing dermatological disorders has for the well‐being of our populations, recognising that skin health is global health.
Topical Drug Delivery
Authors: Guy Richard H. , Davis Adrian F.
Published: February 2024

Skin barrier function is primarily controlled by the stratum corneum. Key determinants of skin permeability are drug lipophilicity, size and solubility. While many topical formulations are available to treat skin disease, the efficiency of these products – in terms of the fraction of dose delivered – is limited. To provide safer and more effective topical therapy requires improved formulations with lower drug loads that can sustain delivery into the skin throughout the dosing period; that is, the residual phase post‐application of the formulation must also be designed to maintain drug release into the barrier. To facilitate the optimisation of topical products, objective methods to assess the rate and extent of drug input into the skin are being developed and validated.
Psychological and Social Impact of Long‐Term Conditions and Principles of Holistic Management
Authors: McBride Sandy R. , Mizara Alexandra
Published: February 2024

Living with a long‐term skin condition, often without hope of cure or improvement, can be life altering or even life ruining. Clinicians working in dermatology are well placed to identify and support patients at risk of life impairment. Together with an accurate diagnosis and access to effective treatment, other aspects of care require consideration for dermatology patients to achieve their full life potential. Central to managing people with long‐term skin conditions is a holistic approach – an approach that reflects the individual needs and beliefs of patients and recognises that every patient’s experience is different, even with outwardly similar skin signs. Dermatology clinicians need an understanding of the psychological and social impact of skin conditions in order to provide optimal care. In this chapter we aim to provide an overview of challenges posed by living with a long‐term skin condition, discuss the need for a holistic approach to care and describe some key consultation skills useful in busy clinics.
Poikiloderma Syndromes
Authors: Irvine Alan D. , Mellerio Jemima E.
Published: February 2024

This chapter discusses a number of distinct genodermatoses that are characterised by the presence of poikiloderma. The underlying molecular pathology of these conditions is heterogeneous as are associated extracutaneous clinical features.
DNA Repair Disorders with Cutaneous Features
Authors: Fassihi Hiva
Published: February 2024

Defects in DNA repair pathways result in a number of disorders, many with skin involvement, commonly photosensitivity, cancer and premature ageing. This chapter outlines some of these disorders, including xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, trichothiodystrophy, ataxia telangiectasia, Fanconi anaemia, and Muir–Torre syndrome, highlighting the common cutaneous manifestations.
Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Morris Andrew A.M.
Published: February 2024

Inherited metabolic diseases are caused by deficiencies of enzymes or transport proteins. Most are diagnosed by biochemical analysis of blood or urine, or enzyme assays, but some require genetic tests. They are classified according to the organelle or pathway involved. For lysosomal disorders, the characteristic dermatological findings are ‘coarse’ facial features (as in the mucopolysaccharidoses) and angiokeratomas (as in Fabry disease). Many congenital defects of glycosylation have dermatological features, such as fat pads and inverted nipples, ichthyosis or cutis laxa. This chapter also covers disorders of the mitochondria, amino acid and biotin metabolism and zinc and copper transport, along with familial tumoral calcinosis. Porphyrias and lipid disorders causing xanthomas, ichthyosis or lipodystrophy are considered elsewhere. Enzyme replacement therapy is available for several lysosomal disorders, including Fabry disease. Other metabolic diseases often respond to dietary treatment, drugs or pharmacological doses of nutrients but for some conditions there is no satisfactory treatment.
Disorders of the Sweat Glands
Authors: Coulson Ian H. , Wilson Niall J. E.
Published: February 2024

The chapter covers the anatomy and physiology of the eccrine and apocrine glands, and the causes of and management of both localised and focal hyperhidrosis, including cold‐induced and gustatory sweating. The causes and management of localised and generalised anhidrosis is addressed, including Ross syndrome. The classification of miliaria is considered, as well as the features of neutrophilic hidradenitis, granulosis rubra nasi and eccrine syringosquamous metaplasia. Abnormalities of apocrine sweat including malodour and sweat colour, haematidrosis and Fox–Fordyce disease are described.
Acquired Disorders of the Nails and Nail Unit
Authors: Pasch Marcel C. , Richert Bertrand , Iorizzo Matilde
Published: February 2024

Diseases of the nail unit may have numerous causes that reflect dermatology as a whole but often present in a unique way. This chapter attempts to increase insight into the pathophysiology of the expression of nail abnormalities. It also focuses on many groups of nail disease, including traumatic nail disorders, tumours of and around the nail unit, perionychial disorders, age‐related nail abnormalities, and frequent dermatoses affecting the nails, such as nail psoriasis, eczema and lichen planus. Imaging of the nail, nail surgery and some cosmetic aspects of nail care are also discussed.
Dermatoses of Pregnancy
Authors: Stanway Amy
Published: February 2024

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of dermatological conditions affecting women during pregnancy. It includes specific dermatoses of pregnancy, itch during pregnancy, systemic and cutaneous infections with specific relevance to dermatology, autoimmune and inflammatory skin conditions affecting pregnant woman and the management of skin tumours during pregnancy. Physiological skin changes during pregnancy and an overview on safe treatments for use in dermatological conditions during pregnancy are reviewed.
Cutaneous Markers of Internal Malignancy
Authors: Emtestam Lennart , Sartorius Karin
Published: February 2024

In nearly every case at a skin clinic, it is important to consider any potential internal causes. It is not possible to list all skin conditions related to cancer so this chapter covers the most common skin changes linked with systemic neoplastic diseases, based on the latest evidence. Recommendations for clinical investigations and management are included and differential diagnoses are discussed.
Technical feasibility of novel immunostimulatory low‐dose radiation for polymetastatic disease with CBCT‐based online adaptive and conventional approaches
Authors: Nasser Nour , Perez Bradford A. , Penagaricano Jose A. , Caudell Jimmy J. , Oliver Daniel E. , Latifi Kujtim , Moros Eduardo G. , Redler Gage
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A workflow/planning strategy delivering low‐dose radiation therapy (LDRT) (1 Gy) to all polymetastatic diseases using conventional planning/delivery (Raystation/Halcyon = “conventional”) and the AI‐based Ethos online adaptive RT (oART) platform is developed/evaluated.

Methods

Using retrospective data for ten polymetastatic non‐small cell lung cancer patients (5‐52 lesions each) with PET/CTs, gross tumor volumes (GTVs) were delineated using PET standardized‐uptake‐value (SUV) thresholding. A 1 cm uniform expansion of GTVs to account for setup/contour uncertainty and organ motion‐generated planning target volumes (PTVs). Dose optimization/calculation used the diagnostic CT from PET/CT. Dosimetric objectives were: Dmin,0.03cc ≥ 95% (acceptable variation (Δ) ≥ 90%), V100% ≥ 95% (Δ ≥ 90%), and D0.03cc ≤ 120% (Δ ≤ 125%). Additionally, online adaptation was simulated. When available, subsequent diagnostic CT was used to represent on‐treatment CBCT. Otherwise, the CT from PET/CT used for initial planning was deformed to simulate clinically representative changes.

Results

All initial plans generated, both for Raystation and Ethos, achieved clinical goals within acceptable variation. For all patients, Dmin,0.03cc ≥ 95%, V100% ≥ 95%, and D0.03cc ≤ 120% goals were achieved for 84.8%/99.5%, 97.7%/98.7%, 97.4%/92.3%, in conventional/Ethos plans, respectively. The ratio of 50% isodose volume to PTV volume (R50%), maximum dose at 2 cm from PTV (D2cm), and the ratio of the 100% isodose volume to PTV volume (conformity index) in Raystation/Ethos plans were 7.9/5.9; 102.3%/88.44%; and 0.99/1.01, respectively. In Ethos, online adapted plans maintained PTV coverage whereas scheduled plans often resulted in geographic misses due to changes in tumor size, patient position, and body habitus. The average total duration of the oART workflow was 26:15 (min:sec) ranging from 6:43 to 57:30. The duration of each oART workflow step as a function of a number of targets showed a low correlation coefficient for influencer generation and editing (R2 = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively) and high correlation coefficient for target generation, target editing and plan generation (R2 = 0.68, 0.63 and 0.69, respectively).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates feasibility of conventional planning/treatment with Raystation/Halcyon and highlights efficiency gains when utilizing semi‐automated planning/online‐adaptive treatment with Ethos for immunostimulatory LDRT conformally delivered to all sites of polymetastatic disease.
Self‐Boosting Energy Generation via Triboelectric Nanogenerator–Capacitor Coupling
Authors: Kim Jihye , Ryu Hanjun , Kim SeongMin , Lee Hyeon Yeong , Karami Armine , Galayko Dimitri , Kang Donghyeon , Kwak Sung Soo , Yoon Hong‐Joon , Basset Philippe , Kim Sang‐Woo
Published: February 2024

With the development of wearable and wireless electronic devices, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is attracting interest as a candidate for portable power. Many studies are conducted to increase the surface charge density of the TENG, such as external charge pumping or external electron excitation strategies. However, there are limitations in that another additional external energy source is required. Here, a TENG–capacitor (TC) coupling system that can maximize energy generation and storage efficiency within a limited volume is proposed. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the electric field induced on capacitor increases the fermi energy of positive triboelectric material, resulting in more charge transfer between two triboelectric materials. TC coupling system enhances TENG output performance and the capacitor charging rate in a virtuous cycle. This study provides new insights into TENG structural design and an important guideline for the use of TENG as a portable power source for wearable and wireless applications.
Engineering Pt‐Cu diatomics electrocatalysts enables highly efficient urea synthesis
Authors: Lu Fei , Wang Jingnan , Gao Yuhang , Wang Yan , Wang Xi
Published: February 2024

The rational design of novel heterogeneous urea‐synthesis electrocatalysts (HUECs) poses an immense challenge due to their inherent complexity. Moreover, the ideal HUECs must also possess the ability to suppress two major competitive reactions: hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and N2 reduction reaction (NRR). However, this daunting task can be made feasible with the use of heterogeneous diatomic catalysts that have been supported by unambiguous theoretical models. Herein, we report a design for an efficient platinum‐copper diatomic electrocatalyst (Pt1Cu1‐TiO2) for urea production based on theoretical predictions. Through rational screening of 8 Pt‐diatomics HUECs, we discovered that Pt1Cu1‐TiO2 can effectively suppress HER and NRR while promoting the adsorption of CO2 and N2. Subsequently, we experimentally fabricated Pt1Cu1‐TiO2 which exhibited optimal urea electrosynthesis activity of 51.71 molurea molPt+Cu−1 h−1. Pt1‐Cu1 diatomics in Pt1Cu1‐TiO2 could synergistically encourage the activation of *CO2/*N2 and crucial C‐N coupling with an optimal energy barrier (0.25 eV).
Studying the Structure and Evaluating α‐Glucosidase Inhibition of Novel Acetamide Derivatives Incorporating 4‐Ethyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐Triazole Starting from 2‐(Naphthalen‐1‐yl)Acetic Acid
Authors: Le Trong Duc , Nguyen Tien Cong , Tran Thi Minh Dinh , Hoang Thi Kim Dung , To Khanh Duong , Nguyen Minh Phuong Hien , Tran Thi My Ngan , Dinh Chau Phi , Alhaji Jibril Abdullahi , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: February 2024

This research aims to create innovative compounds that incorporate 1,2,4‐triazole and exhibit α‐glucosidase inhibitory potential. Similar to our previously reported series of N‐aryl 2‐{[5‐(naphthalen‐1‐ylmethyl)‐4‐phenyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]thio}acetamide compounds, we explore here 4‐ethyl instead of 4‐phenyl as substituent. The synthesis process effectively yielded these compounds, with the highest yield reaching up to 91 % for compound N‐phenyl‐2‐{[5‐(naphthalen‐1‐ylmethyl)‐4‐ethyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl]thio}acetamide 5 a. Their structures were validated through various spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HR‐MS spectra, and for compounds 3, 5 d, and 5 e by X‐ray diffraction. In vitro experiments revealed that only compound 5 g, marked by a 3‐hydroxy substitution on the N‐phenylacetamide moiety, demonstrated higher α‐glucosidase inhibitory potential (IC50=158.4±3.4 μM) compared to the positive control, acarbose (IC50=351.3±1.8 μM). Molecular docking studies also coincide with in vitro assay by uncovering a strong hydrogen bond with residue Asp1526 along with other hydrophobic interactions of compound 5 g in the α‐glucosidase binding pocket. Compound 5 g showed a free binding energy of −9.7 kcal/mol, contrasting with acarbose (−8.0 kcal/mol). Despite the modest biological activity, this research underscores the simplicity and convenience of the procedure for synthesizing 1,2,4‐triazole‐based compounds, and contributes a key feature to the structure‐activity relationship of the triazole scaffold in the α‐glucosidase pocket.
A novel small‐animal locomotor activity recording device for biological clock research
Authors: Wu Yi‐Long , Zhong Ming , Yin Jun , Ou Wei‐Jie , Zhuang Yu‐Bin , Zhang Nan‐Wen , Lin Su , Zhu Yue‐Yong
Published: February 2024

The rodent running‐wheel recording apparatus is a reliable approach for studying circadian rhythm. This study demonstrated how to construct a simple and intelligent running‐wheel recording system. The running wheel was attached to the cage's base, whereas the Hall sensor was attached to the cage's cover. Then, the RJ25 adaptor relayed the running signal to the main control board. Finally, the main control board was connected to the USB port of the computer with the USB connection. Data were collected using the online‐accessible, self‐created software Magturning. Through Magturning, generated data were saved and exported in real time. Afterward, the device was validated by collecting data on the locomotor activities of mice under different light conditions. In conclusion, this new device can record circadian activity of rodents. Our device is appropriate for interdisciplinary investigations related to biological clock research.
Peptide Stapling by Crosslinking Two Amines with α‐Ketoaldehydes through Diverse Modified Glyoxal‐Lysine Dimer Linkers
Authors: Guo Pan , Chu Xin , Wu Chengjin , Qiao Tianjiao , Guan Wenli , Zhou Chuanzheng , Wang Tao , Tian Changlin , He Gang , Chen Gong
Published: February 2024

α‐Ketoaldehydes play versatile roles in the ubiquitous natural processes of protein glycation. However, leveraging the reactivity of α‐ketoaldehydes for biomedical applications has been challenging. Previously, the reactivity of α‐ketoaldehydes with guanidine has been harnessed to design probes for labeling Arg residues on proteins in an aqueous medium. Herein, a highly effective, broadly applicable, and operationally simple protocol for stapling native peptides by crosslinking two amino groups through diverse imidazolium linkers with various α‐ketoaldehyde reagents is described. The use of hexafluoroisopropanol as a solvent facilitates rapid and clean reactions under mild conditions and enables unique selectivity for Lys over Arg. The naturally occurring GOLD/MOLD linkers have been expanded to encompass a wide range of modified glyoxal‐lysine dimer (OLD) linkers. In a proof‐of‐concept trial, these modular stapling reactions enabled a convenient two‐round strategy to streamline the structure–activity relationship (SAR) study of the wasp venom peptide anoplin, leading to enhanced biological activities.
Dynamic Modulation of Li2O2 Growth in Li‐O2 Batteries through Regulating Oxygen Reduction Kinetics with Photo‐Assisted Cathodes
Authors: Yu Haohan , Liu Dapeng , Fu Zerui , Wang Shu , Zuo Xintao , Feng Xilan , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2024

Widely acknowledged that the capacity of Li‐O2 batteries (LOBs) should be strongly determined by growth behaviors of the discharge product of lithium peroxide (Li2O2) that follows both coexisting surface and solution pathways. However until now, it remains still challenging to achieve dynamic modulation on Li2O2 morphologies. Herein, the photo‐responsive Au nanoparticles (NPs) supported on reduced oxide graphene (Au/rGO) have been utilized as cathode to manipulate oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics by aid of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effects. Thus, we can experimentally reveal the importance of matching ORR kinetics with Li+ migration towards battery performance. Moreover, it is found that Li+ concentration polarization caused “sudden death” of LOBs is supposed to be just a form of suspended animation that could timely recover under irradiation. This work provides us an in‐depth explanation on the working mechanism of LOBs from a kinetic perspective, offering valuable insights for the future battery design.
Antibiotic Resistance Detection in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Recent Strategies, Advances, and Challenges
Authors: Clarindo Lopes Luma , Koushanpour Ashkan , Wiebe Kolby , Kuss Sabine
Published: February 2024

Antibiotic resistance presents a worldwide public health emergency, impeding the effective management of infectious diseases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa plays a substantial role as a bacterial pathogen, particularly in infections among hospitalized individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Timely and accurate detection of antimicrobial resistance in P. aeruginosa is crucial for initiating tailored antibiotic therapy promptly, thus improving patient outcomes. Nevertheless, this endeavor encounters challenges due to the intricate and varied nature of antibiotic‐resistant strains. Extensive efforts have been invested in developing sensors and instrumentations for assessing antibiotic resistance or susceptibility (AST), aiming to enable personalized patient treatment with appropriate medications. This paper focuses on recent advancements in these methodologies, utilized for evaluating the degree of antibiotic resistance or susceptibility in pathogenic bacteria. Flow cytometry, dual molecular recognition and mass spectrometry are presented as newer phenotypic AST techniques. Genomic methods and the pyocyanin detection are listed as methodologies for the detection of resistance indicators.
Fabrication of stretchable and high‐filtration performance melt‐blown nonwoven webs for PM0.3 aerosol filtration
Authors: Eticha Andinet Kumella , Akgul Yasin , Pakolpakcil Ayben , Unlu Oğuz Kagan , Cug Harun , Kilic Ali
Published: February 2024

Polypropylene (PP) is a semi‐crystalline polymer that displays simple manufacturing, high stiffness, lightweight, chemical resistance, and inexpensive. However, PP has significant drawbacks, such as poor brittleness at low temperatures, high shrinkage ratio, and low impact resistance, which limit its development. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) possesses recyclable and eco‐friendly characteristics, along with the elasticity of rubber and exceptional mechanical properties. In this study, a flexible and high‐filtration performance PP‐TPU textile material was developed by melt‐blowing for filtering PM0.3 aerosols. For the first time, a melt‐blown PP‐TPU nonwoven was used as an air filter. The fiber morphological studies exhibited that addition of 10 and 20 wt.% TPU into PP resulted in a fiber diameter increment from 0.94 to 1.24 μm. Also, melt‐blown PP‐TPU forms helical fibers, which are different from fibers noticed in melt‐blown PP. Corona‐charged double‐layer 80PP‐20TPU nonwovens have a filtration efficiency of 99.25% and quality factor (QF) of 0.13 mm H2O−1 at an air flow rate of 95 L/min. Moreover, PP's tensile strength was increased by 72.22%, and elongation was raised by 38.1% with the addition of 20 wt.% TPU. Thus, PP‐TPU melt‐blown composites may bring novel perspectives into the design and development of high‐performance filtering materials for a variety of applications.
Treating cardiac tamponade due to malignant effusion with percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy: Back to the future
Authors: Chaus Adib , Uretsky Barry F.
Published: February 2024

Key points

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) involves creation of large hole in the pericardium with balloon inflation to avoid the need for a surgical “window” for treatment of malignant pericardial effusion.

The procedure can be safely performed effectively with low complication rate and it can be repeated for recurrent pericardial effusion.

The recurrence rate of pericardial effusion was 24.5% with a mean survival of 5.8 months. The subgroup surviving at least 1 month, likely had a longer median survival than the overall group, suggesting its value in a subgroup of patients.
Game changers in U.S. higher education
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: February 2024

This is not an article about trends in higher education in the United States. But it is an article about developments in the way higher education in America is delivered and administered. Game changers, in the years to come, may, or may not, drastically impact how faculty and administrators conduct the business of educating students and how students pursue higher education after graduation from high school.