bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly efficient electrochemical ammonia synthesis via nitrate reduction over metallic Cu phase coupling sulfion oxidation
Authors: Wang Zhi , Zhou Na , Wang Jiazhi , Wang Depeng , Zeng Jianrong , Zhong Haixia , Zhang Xinbo
Published: December 2023

Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) is a promising technology for ammonia production and denitrification of wastewater. Its application is seriously restricted by the development of the highly active and selective electrocatalyst and a rational electrolysis system. Here, we constructed an efficient electrochemical ammonia production process via nitrate reduction on the metallic Cu electrocatalyst when coupled with anodic sulfion oxidation reaction (SOR). The synthesized Cu catalyst delivers an excellent NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 96.0 % and a NH3 yield of 0.391 mmol h−1 cm−2 at −0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, which mainly stem from the more favorable conversion of NO2− to NH3 on Cu0. Importantly, the well‐designed electrolysis system with cathodic NO3RR and anodic SOR achieves a dramatically reduced cell voltage of 0.8 V at 50 mA cm−2 in comparison with the one with anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of 1.9 V. This work presents an effective strategy for the energy‐saving ammonia production via constructing effective nitrate reduction catalyst and replacing the OER with SOR while removing the pollutants including nitrate and sulfion.
Computational Design of Single‐atom Modified Ti‐MOFs for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to C1 Chemicals
Authors: Wang Shuang , Nie Xiaowa , Lin Jianbin , Ding Fanshu , Song Chunshan , Guo Xinwen
Published: December 2023

In this work, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to investigate a series of transition metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Hf, Ta, Os, Ir, and Pt) as single‐atom components introduced into Ti‐BPDC (BPDC=2,2′‐bipyridine‐5,5′‐dicarboxylic acid) as catalysts (M/Ti‐BPDC) for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The results show that Fe/Ti‐BPDC is the most active candidate for CO2 reduction to HCOOH due to its small limiting potential (−0.40 V). Ag, Cr, Mn, Ru, Zr, Nb, Rh, and Cu modified Ti‐BPDC are also active to HCOOH since their limiting potentials are moderate although the reaction mechanisms are different across these materials. Most of the studied catalysts show poor activity and selectivity to CO product because the stability of *COOH/*OCOH intermediates is significantly weaker than *OCHO/*HCOO species. The moderate binding strength of *CO on Pd/Ti‐BPDC is responsible for its superior catalytic activity toward CH3OH generation. Electronic structural analysis was performed to uncover the origin of the activity trend for CO2 reduction to different products on M/Ti‐BPDC. The calculation results indicate that the activity and selectivity of CO2 photoreduction can be effectively tuned by designing single‐atom metal‐based MOF catalysts.
Does intraspecific competition cause oxidative stress? Influence of biotic and abiotic factors on antioxidant system of an invasive round goby
Authors: Błońska Dagmara , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Janic Bartosz , Tszydel Mariusz , Bukowska Bożena
Published: December 2023

Changes in oxidative status represent organismal response to stressful external stimuli. While there is substantial knowledge on the influence of abiotic factors on the antioxidant system of different organisms, the impact of biotic factors remains largely unexplored. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of acute competitive interactions on oxidative stress. Territory‐resident and intruder round goby Neogobius melanostomus individuals were experimentally subjected to competition for limited shelter resource in three treatments (lasting 1, 6 and 12 h), and oxidative stress parameters (total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation), as well as behaviour (time spent in the shelter, guarding the shelter and aggression) were measured. All tested biochemical parameters reached higher values in the liver than in the muscle tissue. Fish behaviour and antioxidant defence did not show any potential relationships reflecting changes in antioxidant status and aggression. Particularly, there was no difference between resident and intruder fish in oxidative stress parameters. We compared our results to the outcome of our previous studies (similar experimental protocol and species) but with acute heat shock as a stressor instead of competition. The higher temperature was found to be a stronger stressor than the competition, most pronounced in total antioxidant capacity and oxidative damage.
Angiographic classification of total occlusion and its implication on balloon pulmonary angioplasty
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Xin , Luo Qin , Zhao Qing , Zeng Qixian , Zhang Yi , Duan Anqi , Huang Zhihua , Hu Meixi , Zhang Sicheng , Gao Luyang , Xiong Changming , Zhao Zhihui , Liu Zhihong
Published: December 2023

Aims

Despite refinements in balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), total occlusion remains a challenge in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Owing to their low success and high complication rates, most interventional cardiologists are reluctant to address total occlusion, and there is a paucity of literature on BPA performance in total occlusion. We aimed to classify total occlusion according to morphology and present an illustrative approach for devising a tailored treatment strategy for each distinct type of total occlusion.

Methods and results

All patients diagnosed with CTEPH who underwent BPA between May 2018 and May 2022 at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, China, were included retrospectively. A total of 204 patients with CTEPH who underwent BPA were included in this study. Among these, 38 occluded lesions were addressed in 33 patients. Based on the morphology, we categorized the lesions into three groups: pointed‐head, round‐head, and orifice occlusions. Pointed‐head occlusion could be successfully addressed using soft‐tip wire, round‐head occlusion warranted hard‐tip wire and stronger backup, and orifice occlusion warranted the strongest backup force. The success rates for each group were as follows: pointed‐head (95.45%), round‐head (46.15%), and orifice occlusion (33.33%), with orifice occlusion having the highest complication rate (50%). The classification of occlusion was associated with BPA success (round‐head occlusion vs. pointed‐head occlusion, OR 24.500, 95% CI 2.498–240.318, P = 0.006; orifice occlusion vs. pointed‐head occlusion, OR 42.000, 95% CI 3.034–581.434, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Occlusion morphology has a significant impact on BPA success and complication rates. A treatment strategy tailored to each specific occlusive lesion, as outlined in the present study, has the potential to serve as a valuable guide for clinical practitioners.
Lewis Base‐Boryl Radicals Promoted Selective Mono‐ and Di‐ Hydrodechlorination of Trichloroacetamides and Acetates
Authors: Bo Ming‐Cheng , Phang Yee Lin , Zhao Qiang , Zhang Feng‐Lian , Wang Yi‐Feng
Published: December 2023

Mono and dichloro‐substituted organic molecules are shown to possess significant roles in various fields, especially in medicinal chemistry. One approach to synthesizing these compounds involves the selective dechlorination of easily prepared trichloromethyl compounds. Nevertheless, developing a practical approach that allows selective mono‐ and dihydrodechlorination is a challenging task. Herein, we introduced a method for selective mono‐ and dihydrodechlorination of trichloroacetamides and acetates which was promoted by two different Lewis base‐boryl radicals. Accordingly, 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)‐borane enabled mono‐substitution of chlorine atom by hydrogen while dihydro‐substitution of chlorine atoms was promoted by N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐boryl radical. Using deuterated Lewis base‐borane as deuterium atom source, mono‐ and dideuterodechlorination were also successfully took place. This protocol features broad substrate scope and operates under mild reaction conditions.
Development of a nomogram for predicting pharyngocutaneous fistula based on skeletal muscle mass and systemic inflammation indices
Authors: Wu Ce , Yan Xudong , Xie Feng , Lai Xiaolong , Wang Lin , Jiang Yan
Published: December 2023

Background

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers often require surgical treatment, which can lead to the development of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF). Our research aimed to assess the predictive value of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and systemic inflammation indices for PCF and construct a clinically effective nomogram.

Methods

A nested case–control study of 244 patients matched from 1171 patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer was conducted. SMM was measured at the third cervical level based on CT scans. A PCF nomogram was developed based on the univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Glucose, white blood cell count, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and skeletal muscle index were independent risk factors for PCF. The area under the curve for the PCF nomogram was 0.841 (95% CI 0.786–0.897). The calibration and decision curves indicated that the nomogram was well‐calibrated with good clinical utility.

Conclusions

The nomogram we constructed may help clinicians predict PCF risk early in the postoperative period, pending external validation.
Incorporating climate change model projections into ecological risk assessments to help inform risk management and adaptation strategies: Synthesis of a SETAC Pellston Workshop®
Authors: Stahl Ralph G. , Boxall Alistair B.A. , Brix Kevin V. , Landis Wayne G. , Stauber Jenny L. , Moe S. Jannicke
Published: December 2023

The impacts of global climate change are not yet well integrated with the estimates of the impacts of chemicals on the environment. This is evidenced by the lack of consideration in national or international reports that evaluate the impacts of climate change and chemicals on ecosystems and the relatively few peer-reviewed publications that have focused on this interaction. In response, a 2011 Pellston Workshop® was held on this issue and resulted in seven publications in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Yet, these publications did not move the field toward climate change and chemicals as important factors together in research or policy-making. Here, we summarize the outcomes of a second Pellston Workshop® on this topic held in 2022 that included climate scientists, environmental toxicologists, chemists, and ecological risk assessors from 14 countries and various sectors. Participants were charged with assessing where climate models can be applied to evaluating potential exposure and ecological effects at geographical and temporal scales suitable for ecological risk assessment, and thereby be incorporated into adaptive risk management strategies. We highlight results from the workshop's five publications included in the special series “Incorporating Global Climate Change into Ecological Risk Assessments: Strategies, Methods and Examples.” We end this summary with the overall conclusions and recommendations from participants. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:359–366. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
How to enhance the applicability of a risk prediction model for term small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates in clinical settings?
Authors: Kong Shao‐Min , Gao Chang , Yu Ang , Lin Shan‐Shan , Wei Dong‐Mei , Wang Cheng‐Rui , Lu Jin‐Hua , Zeng Ding‐Yuan , Zhang Jun , He Jian‐Rong , Qiu Xiu
Published: December 2023

Objective

To construct a simple term small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate prediction model that is clinically practical.

Methods

This analysis was based on the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study (BIGCS). Mothers who had a singleton pregnancy, delivered a term neonate, and had an ultrasonography within 30 + 0 to 32 + 6 weeks of gestation were included. Term SGA was defined with customized population percentiles. Prediction models were constructed with backward selection logistic regression in a four‐step approach, where model 1 contained fetal biometrics only, models 2 and 3 included maternal features and a time factor (weeks between ultrasonography and delivery), respectively; and model 4 contained all features mentioned. The prediction performance of individual models was evaluated based on area under the curve (AUC) and a calibration test was performed.

Results

The prevalence of SGA in the study population of 21 346 women was 11.5%. With a complete‐case analysis approach, data of 19 954 women were used for model construction and validation. The AUC of the four models were 0.781, 0.793, 0.823, and 0.834, respectively, and all were well‐calibrated. Model 3 consisted of fetal biometrics and corrected for time to delivery was chosen as the final model to build risk prediction graphs for clinical use.

Conclusion

A prediction model derived from fetal biometrics in early third trimester is satisfactory to predict SGA.
Gene expression of cardiovascular risk markers in mononuclear cells of pregnant woman in relation to plasma leptin and homocysteine levels: A cross sectional study
Authors: Abundis Eduardo Martínez , Hernandez‐Landero Fernanda , Escobar‐Calderon Grecia , Gomez‐Crisostomo Nancy , Contreras‐Paredes Adriana , de la Cruz‐Hernandez Erick
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the relationship between anthropometric, biochemical, and hematologic parameters and serum leptin and homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Also, to determine the effect of leptin and Hcy on expression of genes associated with cardiovascular disease susceptibility (APOA1, LRP1, COX‐1, and COX‐2) in mononuclear cells of healthy pregnant women.

Methods

Between August 2018 and January 2020, a cross‐sectional study was conducted on 161 healthy pregnant women in Tabasco, southeastern Mexico. The study population was classified by trimester, according to gestational pregnancy. Anthropometric, biochemical (leptin and homocysteine), and hematologic data were obtained under fasting conditions. APOA1, LRP1, COX‐1, and COX‐2 expression in mononuclear cells was evaluated using RT‐qPCR.

Results

Red cell indices (hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocytes) were negatively and positively correlated with leptin and Hcy levels, respectively, in the first‐ and second‐trimester groups. Increased leptin levels and low red cell indices were significantly associated with BMI <25.0 in the second‐trimester group; however, no significant differences were observed in Hcy levels. Increased leptin and Hcy levels were significantly associated with high lipid indicators in the first‐ and third‐trimester groups, respectively. High APOA1 and COX‐2 expression was significantly associated with reduced leptin and increased Hcy levels in the second‐ and third‐trimester groups.

Conclusion

Increased leptin and Hcy levels during pregnancy, mainly associated with modifications in erythrocytes and lipid indices, may lead to early modification of genes related to lipid metabolism (APOA1) and proinflammatory response (COX‐2) and, thereby, increase cardiovascular disease risk.
Ovarian reserve markers of women with superficial endometriosis
Authors: Lessans Naama , Gilan Adi , Dick Aharon , Bibar Natalie , Saar Tal D. , Porat Shay , Dior Uri P.
Published: December 2023

Objective

Endometriosis affects up to 10% of reproductive age women and is associated with pelvic pain and subfertility. While previous studies have shown an association between deep and ovarian endometriosis to reduced ovarian reserve, there is no data on the effect of superficial endometriosis on ovarian reserve markers. Hence, we aimed to compare ovarian reserve markers of women with superficial endometriosis to that of women without endometriosis.

Methods

This was a case control study in a tertiary medical center. The study group included women aged 18–40 with surgically and histopathology‐proven superficial endometriosis with no deep lesions or ovarian involvement. The control group included women with no known or suspected endometriosis and was matched to the study group by age, BMI and parity. We excluded women with other known risk factors for ovarian failure and with other gynecological disorders. Participants completed a questionnaire with demographic, medical and gynecological data. Each patient underwent anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) testing and an ultrasound to assess their antral follicular count (AFC). AMH and AFC were then compared between groups.

Results

A total of 124 women participated in the study. Of these, 50% (n = 62) had surgically proven superficial endometriosis and 50% (n = 62) were without known or suspected endometriosis. Mean AMH levels of women with and without superficial endometriosis was 3.0 ± 2.8 ng/mL and 2.8 ± 1.9 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.71). AFC also did not differ between groups (women with superficial endometriosis: 12.0 ± 6.6; women without endometriosis: 10.2 ± 5.0, P = 0.15).

Conclusions

In our cohort, superficial endometriosis was not associated with diminished ovarian reserve. While further studies are needed, to date, it does not appear to be justified to assess ovarian reserve for patients with superficial endometriosis.
Bifunctional tissue‐engineered composite construct for bone regeneration: The role of copper and fibrin
Authors: Bozorgi Azam , Khazaei Mozafar , Bozorgi Maryam , Sabouri Leila , Soleimani Mansooreh , Jamalpoor Zahra
Published: December 2023

Bifunctional tissue engineering constructs promoting osteogenesis and angiogenesis are essential for bone regeneration. Metal ion‐incorporated scaffolds and fibrin encapsulation attract much attention due to low cost, nontoxicity, and tunable control over ion and growth factor release. Herein, we investigated the effect of Cu.nHA/Cs/Gel scaffold and fibrin encapsulation on osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Cu‐laden scaffolds were synthesized using salt leaching/freeze drying and were characterized using standard techniques. WJMSCs were isolated from the human umbilical cord and characterized. WJMSCs with or without encapsulating in fibrin were seeded onto scaffolds, followed by differentiating into the osteogenic lineage for 7 and 21 days. Osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation were evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and Alizarin red staining. Then, scaffolds were implanted into critical‐sized calvarial bone defects in rats and histological assessments were performed using hematoxylin/eosin, Masson's trichrome, and CD31 immunohistochemical staining at 4 and 12 weeks. The scaffolds had good physicochemical and biological characteristics suitable for cell attachment and growth. Cu and fibrin increased the expression of ALP, RUNX2, OCN, COLI, VEGF, and HIF1α in differentiated WJMSCs. Implanted scaffolds were also biocompatible and were integrated well with the host tissue. Increased collagen condensation, mineralization, and blood vessel formation were observed in Cu‐laden scaffolds. The fibrin‐encapsulated groups showed the highest collagen and cell densities, immune cell infiltration, and bone trabeculae. CD31‐positive cell population increased with fibrin encapsulation and seeding onto Cu‐laden scaffolds. Adding Cu to scaffolds and encapsulating cells in fibrin are promising methods that guide osteogenesis and angiogenesis cellular signaling, leading to better bone regeneration.
Effect of insulin insufficiency on ultrastructure and function in skeletal muscle
Authors: Kopecky Chantal , Haug Michael , Reischl Barbara , Deshpande Nandan , Manandhar Bikash , King Thomas W. , Lee Victoria , Wilkins Marc R. , Morris Margaret , Polly Patsie , Friedrich Oliver , Rye Kerry‐Anne , Cochran Blake J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Decreased insulin availability and high blood glucose levels, the hallmark features of poorly controlled diabetes, drive disease progression and are associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass. We have shown that mice with β‐cell dysfunction and normal insulin sensitivity have decreased skeletal muscle mass. This project asks how insulin deficiency impacts on the structure and function of the remaining skeletal muscle in these animals.

Methods

Skeletal muscle function was determined by measuring exercise capacity and specific muscle strength prior to and after insulin supplementation for 28 days in 12‐week‐old mice with conditional β‐cell deletion of the ATP binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 (β‐DKO mice). Abca1 and Abcg1 floxed (fl/fl) mice were used as controls. RNAseq was used to quantify changes in transcripts in soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles. Skeletal muscle and mitochondrial morphology were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity and maximum isometric single muscle fibre force were assessed using MyoRobot biomechatronics technology.

Results

RNA transcripts were significantly altered in β‐DKO mice compared with fl/fl controls (32 in extensor digitorum longus and 412 in soleus). Exercise capacity and muscle strength were significantly decreased in β‐DKO mice compared with fl/fl controls (P = 0.012), and a loss of structural integrity was also observed in skeletal muscle from the β‐DKO mice. Supplementation of β‐DKO mice with insulin restored muscle integrity, strength and expression of 13 and 16 of the dysregulated transcripts in and extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles, respectively.

Conclusions

Insulin insufficiency due to β‐cell dysfunction perturbs the structure and function of skeletal muscle. These adverse effects are rectified by insulin supplementation.
Inhibition of the skeletal muscle Lands cycle ameliorates weakness induced by physical inactivity
Authors: Shahtout Justin L. , Eshima Hiroaki , Ferrara Patrick J. , Maschek J. Alan , Cox James E. , Drummond Micah J. , Funai Katsuhiko
Published: December 2023

Background

Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) have been implicated in skeletal muscle atrophy with age and disuse. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3), an enzyme of the Lands cycle, conjugates a polyunsaturated fatty acyl chain to a lysophospholipid to form a polyunsaturated fatty acid containing phospholipid (PUFA‐PL) molecule, providing substrates for LOOH propagation. Previous studies suggest that inhibition of the Lands cycle is an effective strategy to suppress LOOH. Mice with skeletal muscle‐specific tamoxifen‐inducible knockout of LPCAT3 (LPCAT3‐MKO) were utilized to determine if muscle‐specific attenuation of LOOH may alleviate muscle atrophy and weakness with disuse.

Methods

LPCAT3‐MKO and control mice underwent 7 days of sham or hindlimb unloading (HU model) to study muscle mass and force‐generating capacity. LOOH was assessed by quantifying 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE)‐conjugated peptides. Quantitative PCR and lipid mass spectrometry were used to validate LPCAT3 deletion.

Results

Seven days of HU was sufficient to induce muscle atrophy and weakness concomitant to a ~2‐fold increase in 4‐HNE (P = 0.0069). Deletion of LPCAT3 reversed HU‐induced increase in muscle 4‐HNE (P = 0.0256). No difference was found in body mass, body composition, or caloric intake between genotypes. The soleus (SOL) and plantaris (PLANT) muscles of the LPCAT3‐MKO mice experienced ~15% and ~40% less atrophy than controls, respectively. (P = 0.0011 and P = 0.0265). Type I and IIa SOL myofibers experienced a ~40% decrease in cross sectional area (CSA), which was attenuated to only 15% in the LPCAT3‐MKO mice (P = 0.0170 and P = 0.0411, respectively). Strikingly, SOL muscles were fully protected and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles experienced a ~35% protection from HU‐induced reduction in force‐generating capacity in the LPCAT3‐MKO mice compared with controls (P < 0.0001 for both muscles).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that attenuation of skeletal muscle lipid hydroperoxides is sufficient to restore its function, in particular a protection from reduction in muscle specific force. Our findings suggest muscle lipid peroxidation contributes to atrophy and weakness induced by disuse in mice.
IgG4‐related pancreatobiliary diseases could be associated with onset of pancreatobiliary cancer: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kurita Yusuke , Kubota Kensuke , Fujita Yuji , Tsujino Seitaro , Sekino Yusuke , Kasuga Noriki , Iwasaki Akito , Iwase Mai , Izuka Takeshi , Kagawa Koichi , Tanida Emiko , Yagi Shin , Hasegawa Sho , Sato Takamitsu , Hosono Kunihiro , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Ichikawa Yasushi , Nakajima Atsushi , Endo Itaru
Published: December 2023

Background

The risk and prognosis of pancreatobiliary cancer and in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) remain unclear. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated the risk of pancreatobiliary cancer and prognosis in patients with AIP and IgG4‐SC.

Methods

Patients with AIP and IgG4‐SC at seven centers between 1998 and 2022 were investigated. The following data were evaluated: (1) the number of cancers diagnosed and standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for pancreatobiliary and other cancers during the observational period and (2) prognosis after diagnosis of AIP and IgG4‐SC using standardized mortality ratio (SMR).

Results

This study included 201 patients with AIP and IgG4‐SC. The mean follow‐up period was 5.7 years. Seven cases of pancreatic cancer were diagnosed, and the SIR was 8.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.29–9.13). Three cases of bile duct cancer were diagnosed, and the SIR was 6.89 (95% CI: 6.20–7.75). The SMR after the diagnosis of AIP and IgG4‐SC in cases that developed pancreatobiliary cancer were 4.03 (95% CI: 2.83–6.99).

Conclusions

Patients with autoimmune pancreatitis and IgG4‐SC were associated with a high risk of pancreatic and bile duct cancer. Patients with AIP and IgG4‐SC have a worse prognosis when they develop pancreatobiliary cancer.
Breaking down relationship barriers to increase PrEP uptake and adherence among adolescent girls and young women in Kenya: safety and preliminary effectiveness results from a pilot cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Roberts Sarah T. , Hartmann Miriam , Minnis Alexandra M. , Otticha Sophie Odek , Browne Erica N. , Montgomery Elizabeth T. , Agot Kawango
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to reduce HIV acquisition among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub‐Saharan Africa, a priority population for epidemic control. However, intimate partner violence (IPV) and low relationship power can create significant challenges to PrEP use. The Tu'Washindi intervention aimed to increase PrEP use by addressing relationship‐ and violence‐related barriers among AGYW enrolled in the DREAMS Initiative in Siaya County, Kenya.

Methods

Our multi‐level, community‐based intervention was piloted in a cluster‐randomized controlled trial conducted at six DREAMS sites from April to December 2019 (NCT03938818). Three intervention components were delivered over 6 months: an eight‐session empowerment‐based support club, community sensitization targeted towards male partners and a couples’ PrEP education event. Participants were ages 17–24, HIV negative and either eligible for, or already taking, PrEP. Over 6 months of follow‐up, we assessed IPV (months 3 and 6) and PrEP uptake and continuation (month 6) through interviewer‐administered questionnaires; PrEP adherence was assessed with Wisepill electronic monitoring devices. These outcomes were compared using adjusted Poisson and negative binomial regression models.

Results

We enrolled 103 AGYW with median age of 22 years (IQR 20–23); one‐third were currently taking PrEP and 45% reported IPV in the past 3 months. Retention was 97% at month 6. Compared to the control arm, intervention arm participants were more likely to initiate PrEP, if not already using it at enrolment (52% vs. 24%, aRR 2.28, 95% CI 1.19–4.38, p = 0.01), and those taking PrEP had more days with device openings (25% of days vs. 13%, aRR 1.94, 95% CI 1.16–3.25, p = 0.01). Twenty percent of participants reported IPV during follow‐up. There were trends towards fewer IPV events (aIRR 0.66, 95% CI 0.27–1.62, p = 0.37) and fewer events resulting in injury (aIRR 0.21, 95% CI 0.04–1.02, p = 0.05) in the intervention versus control arm.

Conclusions

Tu'Washindi shows promise in promoting PrEP uptake and adherence among AGYW without concomitant increases in IPV; however, adherence was still suboptimal. Further research is needed to determine whether these gains translate to increases in the proportion of AGYW with protective levels of PrEP adherence and to evaluate the potential for the intervention to reduce IPV risk.
Five‐year EuroQol 5‐Dimension Outcomes After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Tashman Katherine , Adams Dara , Vickery Thad W. , Holbrook Eric H. , Gray Stacey T. , Bleier Benjamin S. , Scangas George , Metson Ralph
Published: December 2023

Objective

The EuroQol 5‐Dimension (EQ‐5D) is a general health survey that is quick to administer, widely used, and directly convertible to health utility values (HUV). We aim to describe the five‐year EQ‐5D outcomes among patients who undergo surgical treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Methods

Patients with CRS completed the EQ‐5D questionnaire preoperatively and annually for five years following endoscopic sinus surgery. Paired t‐tests and McNemar's tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative scores. Mixed‐effects modeling was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

Among 1296 patients enrolled in our study, 812 (74.7%) completed the postoperative survey at one year and 336 (38.9%) completed it at five years. There was a significant and sustained reduction of patients reporting pain/discomfort (74.9% vs. 58.0%, p < 0.001) and anxiety/depression (49.6% vs. 38.1%, p = 0.01) out to five years. Frequency of problems reported in the usual activity domain decreased at one year and was sustained through year four (30.6% vs 19.7%, p = 0.003). After multivariable modeling, female gender (p = 0.02), prior sinus surgery (p = 0.01), tobacco use (p = 0.038), headaches (p = 0.013), allergies (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.022), hypertension (p = 0.036), higher preoperative SNOT‐22 score (p < 0.001), and a lower preoperative Lund‐Mackay score (p < 0.001) were associated with significantly worse EQ‐5D HUV over time. Similarly, a worse EQ‐5D Visual Analog Scale (VAS) over time was associated with allergies (p = 0.03), diabetes (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.04), higher preoperative SNOT‐22 score (p < 0.001), and prior sinus surgery (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis experience significant sustained improvements in health‐related quality of life up to five years after ESS as measured by the EQ‐5D instrument.

Level of Evidence

Level 2 Laryngoscope, 134:2592–2601, 2024
Signals of change in the Campania region rainfall regime: An analysis of extreme precipitation indices (2002–2021)
Authors: Capozzi Vincenzo , Rocco Armando , Annella Clizia , Cretella Viviana , Fusco Giannetta , Budillon Giorgio
Published: December 2023

It is widely known that precipitation is a key variable of the hydrological cycle that is strongly affected by recent climate changes. Therefore, there is a growing interest in research activities focused on alteration of rainfall regime, as it conditions the planning of countermeasures against flood and landslide hazards. The available literature about precipitation tendencies over Italian peninsula offers a limited number of studies about recent changes of extreme events and precipitation intensity. This work aims at adding a contribution to fill this research gap, investigating the changes in rainfall regime observed over the 2002–2021 period in the Campania region (southern Italy). To pursue this aim, a dataset including daily precipitation records collected at 107 stations was analysed both through 11 indices developed by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices and through the Standardized Precipitation Index in order to detect signals of changes in extreme events and to assess tendencies towards drier or wetter conditions. The Theil‐Sen method and the Mann–Kendall non‐parametric test were employed to evaluate the trends and their statistical significance. The main results emerging from this work are (i) an increasing tendency in precipitation intensity and in the frequency of occurrence of heavy rainfall events in autumn, mainly in the northern part of the region and in the mountainous areas, (ii) an upward trend of the duration of the longest wet spell in the coastal areas and (iii) an increasing trend of dry spells in spring and in summer in the Gulf of Salerno.
Four‐dimensional flow MRI for quantitative assessment of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics: Status and opportunities
Authors: Rivera‐Rivera Leonardo A. , Vikner Tomas , Eisenmenger Laura , Johnson Sterling C. , Johnson Kevin M.
Published: December 2023

Neurological disorders can manifest with altered neurofluid dynamics in different compartments of the central nervous system. These include alterations in cerebral blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, and tissue biomechanics. Noninvasive quantitative assessment of neurofluid flow and tissue motion is feasible with phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC MRI). While two‐dimensional (2D) PC MRI is routinely utilized in research and clinical settings to assess flow dynamics through a single imaging slice, comprehensive neurofluid dynamic assessment can be limited or impractical. Recently, four‐dimensional (4D) flow MRI (or time‐resolved three‐dimensional PC with three‐directional velocity encoding) has emerged as a powerful extension of 2D PC, allowing for large volumetric coverage of fluid velocities at high spatiotemporal resolution within clinically reasonable scan times. Yet, most 4D flow studies have focused on blood flow imaging. Characterizing CSF flow dynamics with 4D flow (i.e., 4D CSF flow) is of high interest to understand normal brain and spine physiology, but also to study neurological disorders such as dysfunctional brain metabolite waste clearance, where CSF dynamics appear to play an important role. However, 4D CSF flow imaging is challenged by the long T1 time of CSF and slower velocities compared with blood flow, which can result in longer scan times from low flip angles and extended motion‐sensitive gradients, hindering clinical adoption. In this work, we review the state of 4D CSF flow MRI including challenges, novel solutions from current research and ongoing needs, examples of clinical and research applications, and discuss an outlook on the future of 4D CSF flow.
Nurse managers' perceptions of patient‐centred care and its influence on quality nursing care and nurse job satisfaction: Empirical research qualitative
Authors: Abugre Dominic , Bhengu Busisiwe R.
Published: December 2023

Aim

To explore nurse managers' perceptions of patient‐centered care (PCC), its influence on quality nursing care, nurse job satisfaction, and to provide baseline data for a context‐driven PCC model.

Design

The study utilized a qualitative, phenomenological design, employing individual in‐depth interviews to collect data on nurse managers' PCC perceptions until data saturation.

Methods

Sampling involved purposive selection of Northern Ghana, random selection of the tertiary hospital cluster with the three participating hospitals, and purposive sampling of the nine nurse managers. Data analysis employed thematic analysis based on a six‐phase framework. Methodological trustworthiness was ensured through various strategies including prolonged engagement, supervisor discussions and crosschecking with interviewees.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the study including nurse managers' conceptualization of PCC, perceived patient‐centred practices and its influence on nursing quality and job satisfaction. The findings emphasized the patient's individuality, cultural values, holistic care, the importance of strong nurse‐patient relationships and a patient‐centric environment. The nurse managers perceived PCC as positively influencing quality nursing care and nurse job satisfaction. The findings offer nuanced insights into nurse managers' perspectives on patient‐centeredness and highlight areas for improvement.
Allergy History and Immunotherapy Response in Patients With Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Alkhatib Hosam H. , Maroun Christopher A. , Guller Meytal , Cooper Dylan J. , Wu Evan S. , Eisele David W. , Fakhry Carole , Pardoll Drew , Seiwert Tanguy Y. , Zhu Gangcai , Mandal Rajarsi
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study examines the association between patient‐reported allergy history and immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) response in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic tertiary care hospital.

Methods

Data were collected from the electronic medical records on baseline age, sex, allergy history, human papillomavirus status, T‐stage, N‐stage, smoking status, and survival for patients with and without an allergy history. The primary outcome was ICI response defined as complete or partial response by the RECIST criteria. Chi‐square and logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare rates and odds of ICI response. Kaplan‐Meier analyses were used to compare survival between groups.

Results

Our study included 52 patients with an allergy history and 36 patients without an allergy history. The groups were similar in age, sex, HPV status, smoking status, and T‐ and N‐stage. Patients with an allergy history (17/52, 32.1%) had a greater ICI response rate than patients without allergy history (4/36, 11.1%) (P = .02). After adjusting for HPV, patients with allergies had 3.93 (1.19‐13.00) times increased odds of ICI response compared to patients without allergies. The median progression‐free survival was 6.0 and 4.2 months for patients with and without an allergy history respectively (log‐rank, P = .04). The median overall survival was 25.0 and 11.1 months for patients with and without an allergy history respectively (log‐rank, P = .002).

Conclusion

Patient‐reported allergy history was associated with ICI response in patients with RMHNSCC, underscoring the potential clinical utility of allergy history in estimating ICI response.
Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Hans Stéphane , Mau Ted
Published: December 2023

Objective

To review the current literature about epidemiology, etiologies and surgical management of bilateral vocal fold paralysis (BVFP).

Data Sources

PubMED, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

A systematic review of the literature on epidemiology, etiologies, and management of adult patients with BVFP was conducted through preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses statements by 2 investigators.

Results

Of the 360 identified papers, 245 were screened, and of these 55 were considered for review. The majority (76.6%) of BVFP cases are iatrogenic. BVFP requires immediate tracheotomy in 36.2% of cases. Laterofixation of the vocal fold was described in 9 studies and is a cost‐effective alternative procedure to tracheotomy while awaiting potential recovery. Unilateral and bilateral posterior transverse cordotomy outcomes were reported in 9 and 7 studies, respectively. Both approaches are associated with a 95.1% decannulation rate, adequate airway volume, but voice quality worsening. Unilateral/bilateral partial arytenoidectomy data were described in 4 studies, which reported lower decannulation rate (83%) and better voice quality outcome than cordotomy. Revision rates and complications vary across studies, with complications mainly involving edema, granuloma, fibrosis, and scarring. Selective posterior cricoarytenoid reinnervation is being performed by more surgeons and should be a promising addition to the BVFP surgical armamentarium.

Conclusion

Depending on techniques, the management of BVFP may be associated with several degrees of airway improvements while worsened or unchanged voice quality. The heterogeneity between studies, the lack of large‐cohort controlled randomized studies and the confusion with posterior glottic stenosis limit the draw of clear conclusion about the superiority of some techniques over others.
Research on the lightweight design and multilevel optimization method of B‐pillar of hybrid material based on side‐impact safety and multicriteria decision‐making
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Lu Dongzhen , Huang Ming , Li Ruixu , Li Zhao , Xu Wenchao
Published: December 2023

This paper designs and optimizes a new structure hybrid material B‐pillar assembly. Establish a finite element analysis model for the side impact test of an electric vehicle to verify the model's accuracy. Construct a finite element model of the hybrid material B‐pillar assembly. Combined with the static performance analysis of the B‐pillar, the laminate design of the carbon fiber composite B‐pillar reinforcement plate and optimization. For the outer and inner panels of the B‐pillar, the surrogate model method and the multiobjective optimization method are combined to set 11 design variables and 13 responses. The optimal Latin hypercube design method was used to randomly sample each design variable and fit the radial basis function (RBF) approximate model. The modified second‐generation non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (MNSGA‐II) was used to carry out multiobjective optimization of the mixed material B‐pillar assembly, and the multicriteria decision‐making method was used to obtain the optimal solution for the Pareto solution set. A drop weight impact test was performed on the hybrid material B‐pillar assembly. The results showed that the peak collision force of the hybrid material B‐pillar was reduced by 43.7% compared with the original steel B‐pillar, the specific energy absorption was increased by 17.5%, and the side impact safety performance was better. After optimization, the weight of the mixed material B‐column was reduced by 26.44%. The improvement rates of the intrusion amount at P2 and the intrusion speed at P1 were 23.99% and 0.63%, respectively, and the lightweight effect and side impact safety were significantly improved.

Highlights

The finite element analysis parameters of carbon fiber composite materials were constructed through experiments, and the basis for simulation analysis under various working conditions of the B‐pillar based on performance‐driven optimization was established.

A hybrid material B‐pillar design method is proposed, which consists of a variable‐thickness high‐strength steel B‐pillar outer plate, a variable‐thickness high‐strength steel B‐pillar inner plate, and a carbon fiber composite B‐pillar reinforcement plate.

The super layer of the carbon fiber composite B‐pillar reinforcement plate was optimized and the laying plan of the carbon fiber composite B‐pillar reinforcement plate was determined.

Performance‐driven optimization is adopted to realize the collaboration of multilevel design and optimization methods such as B‐pillar conceptual design, detailed design, and multiobjective optimization.

A modified NSGA‐II algorithm was proposed and combined with the multicriteria decision‐making method and the entropy‐weighted gray relation analysis method to determine the Pareto optimal solution and the optimal design scheme for the mixed material B‐pillar.
Recurrent reactive hypoglycemia due to clozapine‐induced glucose intolerance: A case report
Authors: Kawai Fumihiko , Watanabe Satsuki , Ebihara Hirotaka , Shimizu Naoki , Oshima Shiori , Okai Hiroshi , Murata Yoshiko , Arai Hisatoshi , Matsuo Koji
Published: December 2023

Background

Although diabetes is one of the most common side effects of clozapine, a medication for the treatment of schizophrenia, to the best of our knowledge no study exists on clozapine‐induced glucose intolerance or hypoglycemia in patients with schizophrenia.

Case Presentation

We report a case of schizophrenia with repeated reactive hypoglycemia due to abnormal glucose tolerance during clozapine treatment. During clozapine administration in patients with schizophrenia, it is necessary to monitor physical and psychiatric symptoms due to reactive hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. If abnormal glucose tolerance is a concern, it should be promptly detected using blood or oral glucose tolerance tests.

Conclusion

Early intervention for impaired glucose tolerance may prevent clozapine discontinuation due to diabetes or hyperglycemia.
New antipsychotic prescription and recurrent infections among adult sepsis survivors: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Ferraris Augusto , Szmulewicz Alejandro G. , Burry Lisa , Phipps Amanda , Wunsch Hannah , Scales Damon C. , Angriman Federico
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Antipsychotic agents, which may increase the risk of infection through dopaminergic dysregulation, are prescribed to a fraction of patients following critical illness. We compared the rate of recurrent sepsis among patients who filled a prescription for antipsychotics with high‐ or low‐D2 affinity.

Methods

Population‐based cohort with active comparator design. We included sepsis survivors older than 65 years with intensive care unit admission and new prescription of antipsychotics in Ontario 2008–2019. The primary outcome were recurrent sepsis episodes within 1 year of follow‐up. Patients who filled a prescription within 30 days of hospital discharge for high‐D2 affinity antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) were compared with patients who filled a prescription within 30 days of hospital discharge for low‐D2 affinity antipsychotics (e.g., quetiapine). Multivariable zero‐inflated Poisson regression models with robust standard errors adjusting for confounding at baseline were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Overall, 1879 patients filled a prescription for a high‐D2, and 1446 patients filled a prescription for a low‐D2 affinity antipsychotic. Patients who filled a prescription for a high‐D2 affinity antipsychotic did not present a higher rate of recurrent sepsis during 1 year of follow‐up, compared with patients who filled a prescription for a low‐D2 affinity antipsychotic (IRR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.35).

Conclusions

We did not find conclusive evidence of a higher rate of recurrent sepsis associated with the prescription of high‐D2 affinity antipsychotics (compared with low‐D2 affinity antipsychotics) by 1 year of follow‐up in adult sepsis survivors with intensive care unit admission.
The Impact of Fine Particulate Matters (PM10, PM2.5) from Incense Smokes on the Various Organ Systems: A Review of an Invisible Killer
Authors: Yadav Virendra Kumar , Bijekar Sangha , Gacem Amel , Alkahtani Abdullah M , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Alreshidi Maha Awjan , Kumar Pankaj , Ghosh Tathagata , Verma Rakesh Kumar , Mishra Sunidhi , Patel Ashish , Choudhary Nisha
Published: December 2023

The drastic increase in industrialization has led to numerous adverse effects on the environment and human health. Respiratory tract disorders are one of the major emerging global health issues that lead to a high mortality rate every year. The quality of indoor and outdoor air has lowered in the last decade.The quality of indoor air has deteriorated by cooking, smoking, and burning incense sticks or smoke. The smoke released from incense and incense sticks contains gaseous products (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxide of sulfur), particular matter (PM10, PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These toxic components released from various incense sources pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. The inhalation and exposure of smoke from various incenses is hazardous to health as it inevitably culminates in deadly organ‐related diseases. With such insights, the present review article focuses on the characteristic attributes of particulate matter released from incense and other sources emphasizing healthcare and environmental concerns.