bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concomitant Therapy with Anxiolytics or Hypnotics and Maintenance of Initial SSRI Therapy
Authors: Shields Shelly A. , Gregor Karl J. , Young Christopher H. , James Steven P.
Published: October 2023

We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the relationship between anxiolytic or hypnotic therapy and maintenance of therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Subjects were 654 patients who received anxiolytics or hypnotics early in SSRI therapy (study group) and 15,172 patients who did not (controls). Maintenance of SSRI therapy was evaluated during the 6 months after start of therapy and included days of initial SSRI therapy and rates of discontinuation, defined as a break of more than 30 days. Rates of discontinuation in study and control groups (84% and 77%, p=0.001) and average days of initial SSRI therapy (77 and 94 days, p<0.0001) were statistically different. Thus patients receiving anxiolytic or hypnotics in the first 60 days of therapy were less likely to continue initial SSRI therapy.
Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells: Enabling Outpatient Transplantation
Authors: McGuire Timothy R. , Tarantolo Stefano , Reed Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) are becoming the stem cell source of choice for rescuing patients from marrow aplasia after high‐dose chemotherapy. Their advantages over bone marrow include avoidance of general anesthesia and more rapid hematologic recovery after transplantation. More rapid engraftment can reduce the risks associated with transplantation and shorten the hospital stay or, under certain circumstances, eliminate it. The cost reductions associated with a shorter stay have made PBPC transplantation cost‐competitive with more conventional therapy. The move to outpatient transplantation requires increased patient and family involvement with posttransplantation care, as well as increased patient education and a multidisciplinary care team for the safe transition of patients between care sites. Improvements in outpatient transplantation may incorporate a cooperative care model with the intent of reducing readmission rates and extending this modality to most patients who undergo autologous transplantation.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Atenolol during and after Pregnancy
Authors: Hurst Agneta K. , Shotan Avraham , Hoffman Kristina , Johnson Janet , Goodwin T. Murphy , Koda Robert , Elkayam Uri
Published: October 2023

Study Objective. To evaluate changes due to pregnancy on atenolol's pharmacokinetics, response of maternal heart rate to atenolol, and the drug's effect on fetal heart rate.

Design. Prospective study.

Setting. Large university teaching hospital.

Patients. Fourteen pregnant women who were receiving oral atenolol for cardiac disease were enrolled and 10 completed the study.

Interventions. Patients were studied for 12 hours during the third trimester (TT) and again 6 weeks postpartum (PP).

Measurements and Main Results. Fetal heart rates, and maternal heart rates at rest and during exercise were recorded. Maternal plasma and urine atenolol concentrations were measured. Average resting heart rates (TT 68 ± 10, PP 62 ± 9 beats/min) and maximum heart rate during exercise (TT 100 ± 6, PP 87 ± 7 beats/min) were significantly higher in the third trimester than postpartum (p<0.05). The 12‐hour atenolol area under the curve (TT 0.208 ± 0.061, PP 0.215 ± 0.089 ng/ml/day) and maximum plasma concentrations during the time of exercise tests (TT 1.07 ± 0.39, PP 1.14 ± 0.53 mmol/L) were not significantly different. Individual and population pharmacokinetics did not differ significantly between study periods. The fetal heart rate did not correlate with maternal atenolol concentration.

Conclusion. Constant dosages of atenolol result in higher heart rates during pregnancy compared with the postpartum period. This lack of heart rate control is not due to significant changes in atenolol's pharmacokinetics or plasma concentrations.
Omeprazole‐Induced Exfoliative Dermatitis
Authors: Rebuck Jill A. , Rybak Michael J. , Ramos Daisy P , Weingarten Cindy M.
Published: October 2023

A 41‐year‐old man being treated for severe esophageal reflux disease developed red, exfoliative scaling on his back, trunk, and legs after taking omeprazole 20 mg twice/day for 3 months. He also had redness and extreme sloughing of the skin on his hands. Even after he discontinued omeprazole and after several courses of topical and systemic steroids, symptoms continued to occur 18 months after treatment, mostly localized to the hands. Exfoliative dermatitis is associated with many drugs, but omeprazole has been implicated only once before in the literature.
Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in Penile and Prostate Growth in the Rat During Sexual Maturation
Authors: GELMAN JOEL , GARBÁN HERMES , SHEN RUOQING , NG CHRIS , CAI LIPING , RAJFER JACOB , GONZALEZ‐CADAVID NESTOR F.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The goal of this study was to determine whether transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) may contribute to the arrest of penile growth and the down‐regulation of androgen receptors (AR) that occur during sexual maturation in the rat penis. For this purpose, body, penis, and prostate weights were obtained from male rats of increasing ages, and penis and prostate TGF‐β1 concentrations were determined by a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The cytosol fraction was obtained from the shafts and glandes of immature (19‐day‐old) and adult (90‐day‐old) rat penises, and ARs were measured by a western blot assay. The effect of exogenous TGF‐β1 on penile growth was examined in vivo in two groups of immature rats (21 and 27 days old) implanted with miniosmotic pumps delivering either human TGF‐β1 or vehicle only directly into the corpora cavernosa for 6 days. The penises, prostates, and testes were weighed, and the AR content was estimated by western blot. The growth rate of the penis declined after 8 weeks of age, whereas the ventral prostate growth rate increased until 14 weeks of age and then slowed down. The content of penile AR protein decreased seven‐fold in the adult rats compared to the immature animals. Penile TGF‐β1 concentration increased nearly three‐fold from the 19‐day‐old rats to a peak at 60 days of age and then decreased over the next 4 months to the initial levels. In contrast, TGF‐β1 concentration in the prostate was not significantly affected by age and remained below the lowest penile values in all age groups. Transforming growth factor‐β1 given locally to the penis reduced penile shaft weight by 38 and 22% in two groups of immature rats, while the weights of the penile glans, testis, and ventral prostate remained unaffected. Androgen receptor content was higher in the glans than in the shaft and was not changed by TGF‐β1 treatment. These results suggest that the increase of TGF‐β1 levels in the penis may reinforce growth arrest caused by the down‐regulation of penile ARs, whereas the maintenance of a high content of ARs and a low TGF‐β1 concentration may allow prostate growth to continue.
Contrin, the Human Homologue of a Germ‐Cell Y‐Box‐Binding Protein: Cloning, Expression, and Chromosomal Localization
Authors: TEKUR SESHADRI , PAWLAK ANDRÉ , GUELLAEN GEORGES , HECHT NORMAN B.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Inactivation of germ‐cell‐specific molecules essential for the production of functional spermatozoa could lead to attractive new means for male contraception. The mouse protein MSY2 is the mammalian homologue of a class of Xenopus DNA/RNA‐binding proteins needed for the transcription of testis‐specific genes and for translational repression (masking) of paternal mRNAs. In this report, we describe the human homologue for MSY2, Contrin. Sequence analysis of Contrin cDNAs predicts a protein highly similar to its mouse and Xenopus germ‐cell Y‐box protein homologues with a cold shock domain and four basic/ aromatic islands. Contrin is highly basic and is rich in the amino acids arginine and proline. It contains seven putative casein kinase 2 phosphorylation sites and three putative protein kinase C phosphorylation sites, suggesting that Contrin could be highly phosphorylated in vivo. The predicted protein sequence contains two nuclear localization signals, consistent with its predicted role of shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm. Contrin maps to human chromosome 17p11.2–13.1. By the criteria of northern and western blotting, Contrin appears to be testis specific and distinct from other mammalian Y‐box‐binding proteins. We predict that inactivation of Contrin function in mammalian germ cells would prevent the formation of functional male gametes.
Adhesion and Signaling Proteins Spatiotemporally Associated With Spermiation in the Rat
Authors: WINE ROBERT N. , CHAPIN ROBERT E.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Spermiation, the process by which late spermatids separate from the Sertoli cell, is disrupted by a number of toxicants. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify some of the proteins associated with the spermatid‐Sertoli junction. We confirmed the presence of tubulin, actin, and vinculin at the luminal edge of the seminiferous tubule, and we determined that paxillin is also present here. In other cell types, these proteins have been reported to colocalize with p integrins. Numerous attempts to identify 0 integrins by IHC and by use of Western blots were unsuccessful. Clear evidence was found for the presence of N‐cadherin and its associated intracellular proteins: β‐catenin, pp120, desmoglein, pp60src, and Csk. In addition, N‐cadherin and desmoglein were found around spermatids retained by the epithelium. From these data and previous literature reports, we propose a hypothetical model for spermatid adhesion and the control of that adhesion, thus providing a framework for hypotheses on the steps involved in the complex process of spermiation in rat testes.
Origin of an 84‐kDa Protein with ABH Blood‐Typing Antigen Activity in Human Seminal Plasma
Authors: SATO ITARU , NAKAMURA ARATA , YAMAZAKI KENTARO , SAKATA NORIAKI , ITO KAORU , ITO EMI , SAGI MORIHISA
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: In order to investigate the origin of an 84‐kDa protein with ABH blood‐typing antigen activity (p 84) and its concentration in human seminal plasma, a monoclonal antibody (mAb p 84) was produced. The protein was recognized in breast milk as well as in seminal plasma by an indirect, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using this mAb. mAb p 84 identified 84‐kDa and 83‐kDa forms of the protein in seminal plasma and breast milk, respectively, on immunoblotting. The mean concentration of p 84 in seminal plasma was 949 μg/ml (n = 54 subjects). There was no significant difference in the concentration of p 84 between individuals who secreted (Se) or did not secrete (non‐se) the ABH antigen into their seminal plasma, nor were there any significant correlations between the concentration of p 84 and the total seminal protein concentration. An immunohistochemical study using mAb p 84 with light microscopic detection showed that p 84 was located in the cytoplasm of the inner layer of pseudostratified cuboidal epithelial cells of the seminal vesicles, but no immunoreactivity was found in the prostate. These data indicate that p 84 originates from a single tissue, the seminal vesicles, and suggest that p 84 is an ABH epitope‐bearing protein that has not previously been identified but possesses some immunological properties similar to those of lactotransferrin.
Sustainability assessment of lignocellulosic biorefineries based on sequential pretreatments
Authors: Poveda‐Giraldo Jhonny Alejandro , Cardona Alzate Carlos Ariel
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Pretreatments are critical in biorefinery analysis, affecting further reactions and downstream processes. However, most pretreatments are studied and optimized as single‐step schemes, focusing on maximizing a side stream. Sequential pretreatments have been shown to improve the selective isolation of platforms for further valorization. However, pretreatment performance can consider not only technical but also economic, environmental, and social concerns. This work assessed the sustainability of sequential pretreatments in rice husk‐based biorefineries.

RESULTS

Four biorefinery scenarios were designed, simulated, and assessed considering dilute acid and wet air oxidation pretreatment technologies in sequential and single‐step schemes. Economic feasibility was demonstrated for sequential pretreatments when phenolic compounds are contemplated, generating gross incomes of 4.76 M‐USD yr−1. From an environmental perspective, the rice supply chain generated a carbon footprint of 2.17 kg CO2 eq kg−1 of rice husks, where the producer link is the largest contributor due to fertilizer use. Likewise, it was shown that supplying energy demands using black liquor as fuel relieves operating costs and reduces the carbon footprint. The social dimension showed that between 69 and 77 jobs could be generated annually along the value chain and the biorefinery schemes. However, biorefineries have a high risk due to the high volume of cooling water.

CONCLUSIONS

All dimensions were weighted to calculate a sustainability index, where it was concluded that sequential pretreatment biorefineries improved sustainability against the single‐step schemes. However, the scenario of valorization of the three fractions (Sc1) is the best scheme to be implemented as it has always demonstrated economic feasibility. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The six‐domain well‐being framework in oral health sciences: A pathway from theory to practice
Authors: Maragha Tala , Garcia Arnaldo Perez , Shuler Charles , von Bergmann HsingChi
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Well‐being is a complex and multifaceted construct that has gained popularity in oral health sciences education. Maintaining students’ well‐being is essential for their academic performance and quality of life. While many definitions and frameworks of well‐being exist, their applicability to oral health sciences education remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Feeney and Collins's framework of well‐being to oral health sciences education by exploring students’ perceptions and experiences in the University of British Columbia

Methods

An Interpretive Description approach was used to conduct semi‐structured interviews with dental and dental hygiene students. Interviews were transcribed, and transcripts were coded and analyzed with guidance from Feeney and Collins's well‐being and thriving framework using content analysis. Domains were inductively developed within and beyond the organizing categories of the chosen framework.

Results

Thirty‐one oral health sciences students participated in the study. Study data can largely be explained by the five well‐being domains suggested by Feeney and Collins: physical, psychological, eudaimonic, subjective, and social. Spirituality and gratitude emerged as an additional domain that contributes to students’ well‐being. Interdomain relationships were observed. The social domain seemed to contribute to all other well‐being domains; while the subjective domain seemed to be shaped by all other domains

Conclusions

Feeney and Collins's framework seemed to be useful to understand and conceptualize well‐being in oral health sciences education but needed to be expanded to include spirituality and gratitude. Further evidence is needed to explore the applicability of this framework in other health professional education disciplines.
The JAK2V617F mutation and the role of therapeutic agents in alleviating myeloproliferative neoplasm symptom burden
Authors: Orbell Lai Yee , Abutheraa Nouf , Duncombe Andrew S , McMullin Mary Frances , Mesa Ruben , McShane Charlene M , James Glen , Anderson Lesley A
Published: October 2023

Alleviating symptom burden in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is imperative to achieving optimal management. Research remains to elucidate the relationship between the JAK2V617F (Janus kinase 2) mutation present in many MPN patients, and the symptomatology they experience. This retrospective study analysed data collected from MPN patients included in the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: An In‐depth Case–Control (MOSAICC) pilot study. The MPN Symptom Assessment Form was administered, and median symptom scores were compared between JAK2V617F‐positive and JAK2V617F‐negative groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables. Overall, 106 MPN patients participated: 65.1% were JAK2V617F positive, 30.2% were JAK2V617F negative and 4.7% had an unknown status. Multivariate analysis revealed a low symptom burden for early satiety (p < 0.01), dizziness (p < 0.05), cough (p < 0.05) and bone pain (p < 0.01) in those receiving venesection alone. Interferon alpha was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with severe burden for 16 of the 27 symptoms. JAK2V617F‐positive females experienced a greater symptom burden than JAK2V617F‐positive males. There was no discernible relationship between the JAK2V617F mutation and symptom burden in MPN patients, unlike the therapeutic agents investigated. Larger studies are required to validate these results and identify mechanisms of symptom development and control in MPN patients.
Development of an MRI‐Based Comprehensive Model Fusing Clinical, Radiomics and Deep Learning Models for Preoperative Histological Stratification in Intracranial Solitary Fibrous Tumor
Authors: Liang Xiaohong , Tang Kaiqiang , Ke Xiaoai , Jiang Jian , Li Shenglin , Xue Caiqiang , Deng Juan , Liu Xianwang , Yan Cheng , Gao Mingzi , Zhou Junlin , Zhao Liqin
Published: October 2023

Background

Accurate preoperative histological stratification (HS) of intracranial solitary fibrous tumors (ISFTs) can help predict patient outcomes and develop personalized treatment plans. However, the role of a comprehensive model based on clinical, radiomics and deep learning (CRDL) features in preoperative HS of ISFT remains unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of a CRDL model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative HS in ISFT.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Three hundred and ninety‐eight patients from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University (primary training cohort) and 49 patients from Lanzhou University Second Hospital (external validation cohort) with ISFT based on histopathological findings (237 World Health Organization [WHO] tumor grade 1 or 2, and 210 WHO tumor grade 3).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/T1‐weighted imaging (T1) by using spin echo sequence, T2‐weighted imaging (T2) by using fast spin echo sequence, and T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced imaging (T1C) by using two‐dimensional fast spin echo sequence.

Assessment

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the performance of the CRDL model and a clinical model (CM) in preoperative HS in the external validation cohort. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical net benefit provided by the CRDL model.

Statistical Tests

Cohen's kappa, intra‐/inter‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs), Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, Student's t‐test, AUC, DCA, calibration curves, DeLong test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The CRDL model had significantly better discrimination ability than the CM (AUC [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.895 [0.807–0.912] vs. 0.810 [0.745–0.874], respectively) in the external validation cohort. The CRDL model can provide a clinical net benefit for preoperative HS at a threshold probability >20%.

Data Conclusion

The proposed CRDL model holds promise for preoperative HS in ISFT, which is important for predicting patient outcomes and developing personalized treatment plans.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Data sharing decisions: Perceptions and intentions in healthcare
Authors: Kharlamov A. , Hohmann R. , Parry G.
Published: October 2023

This article aimed to capture and understand individual's intentions to share data, focusing on data individuals perceive as most sensitive: healthcare data. The study reviews literature related to the decision‐making process with regard to sharing personal data. The context is the UK National Health Service, and measures from literature are used to analyze individual's intention to share healthcare data. A scale is developed and applied to evaluate the decision to share healthcare data. Measurement constructs include intention to disclose, perceived protection, benefits, risk, subjective norms, and perception of use. Analysis draws on data from 129 survey respondents. Though numerous measurements are reported in literature and used in this study, two predictors dominate intention to disclose healthcare data: perceived information risk (PIR) and perceived societal benefit (PSB), and both are significant. PIR contributes negatively, whereas PSB contributes positively to predict intention. For personal healthcare, the privacy paradox applies as though risk may outweigh benefit people rarely opt out of data sharing. Individuals consciously or unconsciously consider their perception of the risk and broader benefits of data sharing. Both risk and benefit are both significant and important; perceived risk carries more weight than perceived benefits. Organizations need to develop campaigns to very clearly explain risks and benefits of personal data sharing to ensure that individuals can make truly informed decisions.
Fast and sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for quantification of cannabinoids and their metabolites in plasma of cattle fed hemp
Authors: Xu Xin , Murphy Lisa A.
Published: October 2023

Hemp‐based materials have gained interest as alternative feed ingredients for livestock. However, safety concerns arise regarding the transfer of cannabinoids from the plant to the animals. Addressing these concerns requires the use of methods capable of detecting and quantifying cannabinoids in livestock. In this study, a fast and sensitive method was developed for quantification of cannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites in cattle plasma using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The extraction of cannabinoids from the plasma matrix was achieved by combining the Captiva Enhanced Matrix Removal‐Lipid clean‐up and salting‐out assisted liquid–liquid extraction procedure. The developed method underwent validation using various analytical parameters, and the results demonstrated good accuracy, precision, specificity, and high sensitivity. The method was applied to real plasma samples obtained from cattle fed hemp for 2 weeks, and successfully detected various cannabinoids, including delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol. Furthermore, the study revealed that 7‐carboxy cannabidiol, a metabolite of cannabidiol, was the predominant cannabinoid present in the cattle plasma throughout the feeding period, which could remain detectable for weeks after the hemp feeding had ended.
Eustachian Tube Function Symptoms in Palatal Surgeries for OSA: 3‐Month Postoperative Analysis
Authors: Gul Fatih , Kocak Ozgenur , Babademez Mehmet A.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To assess the influence of different soft palate surgeries for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on eustachian tube function symptoms, considering various potential factors.

Methods

A prospective, cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent isolated palatal surgeries for OSA at a single academic medical center between 2017 and 2022. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ‐7) were assessed at baseline, 1‐month, 2‐month, and 3‐month time points. Patients with retropalatal obstruction underwent tailored surgeries: anterior palatoplasty (AP), expansion sphincter palatoplasty (ESP), or barbed palatoplasty (BP). Baseline OSA severity between baseline and follow‐up time points were also examined.

Results

In this study, 96 patients with OSA were enrolled and allocated to three surgical groups: AP (n = 30), ESP (n = 32), and BP (n = 34). The mean age was 44.3 ± 10.2 years, with 86% male participants. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age, sex, and BMI. A two‐way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time on ETDQ‐7 scores (p < 0.001), but no significant main effect of groups (p = 0.109) or interaction between time and groups (p = 0.082). Subgroup analysis showed a significant interaction for the 3‐month change in ETDQ‐7 scores by OSA severity (p = 0.046). In post hoc analysis, the BP group exhibited a higher mean ETDQ‐7 score compared with the AP group at the 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of considering individual patient factors, such as OSA severity and eustachian tube function symptoms, when selecting the most appropriate surgical treatment to optimize outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2471–2477, 2024
Finite element analysis of time‐fractional integro‐differential equation of Kirchhoff type for non‐homogeneous materials
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Sista Sivaji Ganesh , Sreenadh Konijeti
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study a time‐fractional initial‐boundary value problem of Kirchhoff type involving memory term for non‐homogeneous materials. As a consequence of energy argument, we derive
bound as well as
bound on the solution of the considered problem by defining two new discrete Laplacian operators. Using these a priori bounds, existence and uniqueness of the weak solution to the considered problem are established. Further, we study semi discrete formulation of the problem by discretizing the space domain using a conforming finite element method (FEM) and keeping the time variable continuous. The semi discrete error analysis is carried out by modifying the standard Ritz‐Volterra projection operator in such a way that it reduces the complexities arising from the Kirchhoff type nonlinearity. Finally, we develop a new linearized L1 Galerkin FEM to obtain numerical solution of the problem under consideration. This method has a convergence rate of
, where
is the fractional derivative exponent and
and
are the discretization parameters in the space and time directions, respectively. This convergence rate is further improved to second order in the time direction by proposing a novel linearized L2‐1
Galerkin FEM. We conduct a numerical experiment to validate our theoretical claims.
Results on relative controllability for nonlinear system with multi‐delays in control
Authors: Vinodkumar Arumugam , Hemalatha Senthilkumar
Published: October 2023

This study uses a delayed matrix exponential to illustrate the solution of both linear and nonlinear delay problems using permutable matrices. We outline several prerequisites that are necessary to ensure the exponential stability of the trivial solution of delay systems. The conditions that are necessary and sufficient for the linear system to possess relative controllability are established by introducing a delayed Grammian matrix‐like criterion. A sufficient condition is obtained by Krasnoselskii's fixed point theorem for the relative controllability of nonlinear systems. Numerical examples provided at the end of the paper demonstrate the validity of our theoretical findings.
Adherence to Sulfur Microbial Diet and Ovarian Cancer Survival: Evidence from a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cui Qi , Gong Ting‐Ting , Liu Fang‐Hua , Xu He‐Li , Zheng Gang , Yan Shi , Gao Song , Tan Xiao‐Ling , Wu Qi‐Jun
Published: October 2023

Scope

The study aims to investigate the role of the sulfur microbial diet in the survival of ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods and results

A prospective cohort study is conducted with 703 patients diagnosed with OC between 2015 and 2020. Diet information is collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Deaths are ascertained up to March 31, 2021, via the death registry linkage. During the follow‐up period (median: 37.2 months, interquartile range: 24.7–50.2 months), 130 deaths are observed. A higher sulfur microbial diet score is significantly associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality among OC patients (tertile 3 vs tertile 1: HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.11–3.35). Each 1‐standard deviation increment in the sulfur microbial diet score increases the all‐cause mortality risk by 33% (95% CI = 1.04–1.71). Stratified analysis shows that significant associations are found in OC patients diagnosed over 50 years of age, with body mass index ≥24  kg m−2, who changed their diet after diagnosis, or without residual lesions.

Conclusions

Adherence to the sulfur microbial diet, characterized by high intakes of red meats and processed meats, and low intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is associated with poor survival in OC patients.
Two cases of skeletal fluorosis from the historic cemetery at Zhangwan, Henan Province, China
Authors: Zhou Yawei , Liu Kailu , Yan Fei , Berger Elizabeth
Published: October 2023

Skeletal fluorosis is a systemic chronic disease caused by long‐term intake of excessive fluoride, which accumulates in bone tissue and causes changes to the bone and periosteal tissue. Skeletal fluorosis is rarely considered in paleopathological analyses, but in areas with relatively high fluoride in the environment, it may be an important cause of bone hyperplasia. In this study, we observed pathological lesions consistent with fluorosis on two human skeletons from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE) excavated from a cemetery in western Henan Province. By using an electron microprobe to measure the fluoride content in the teeth, and by considering the living conditions in the area during the Ming Dynasty, we conclude that the remains show evidence of skeletal fluorosis. We also consider the content of fluoride in the local groundwater, the local way of life, and other factors, to identify potential causes of skeletal fluorosis in this population and demonstrate that environmental factors were the main cause. This offers insight into the relationship between humans and their environments in China, especially western Henan Province, in the historical past. It also demonstrates the unique contributions bioarchaeology can make to environmental health studies and studies of the history of health.
Optimization of polydopamine coating process for poly lactic acid‐based 3D printed bone plates using machine learning approaches
Authors: Sharma Shrutika , Gupta Vishal , Mudgal Deepa , Srivastava Vishal
Published: October 2023

The three‐dimensional (3D) printed poly lactic acid (PLA) bone plates lack mechanical strength, resulting in premature failure. Coating these plates with polydopamine (PDM) forms covalent bonds with the PLA molecular structure, enhancing their mechanical properties. The mechanical strength of the coated bone plates is influenced by infill density, submersion time, shaker speed, and coating solution concentration. However, conducting experiments for each parameter value to achieve maximum biomechanical tensile strength (BTS) and biomechanical flexural strength (BFS) is time‐consuming and costly. Overall, the combination of response surface methodology (RSM) and machine learning (ML) enables determination of the best printing parameters, leading to reduced material waste, personalized bone plates tailored to individual anatomy, improved implant fit, and functionality. Moreover, this approach has the potential to reduce the need for additional surgeries and overall costs. To optimize coating parameters, this study employs RSM and ML techniques, including genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), random search optimization (RSO), and differential evolution (DE). Experimental validation of the optimized process parameters and their corresponding fitness values is carried out using both RSM and ML approaches. The results demonstrate that GA has the closest relationship between experimental and fitness values, followed by DE, RSM, PSO, and RSO.

Highlights

Direct immersion coating of polydopamine on 3D printed PLA bone plates.

Evaluating mechanical strength for bone plates coated at varying parameters.

Statistical modeling and optimization of mechanical strength using RSM.

Mechanical strength optimization and convergence properties for ML models.

Experimental validation of RSM and ML‐based optimization algorithms.
Is hyperemesis gravidarum a neuropsychiatric disorder?
Authors: Nicholson Simon D
Published: October 2023

Hyperemesis gravidarum occurs in up to 2 % of pregnancies. It is customary to regard the condition as purely an obstetric issue. However, there are reasonable grounds for reframing it as a neuropsychiatric state dependent upon genetic factors and involving peptides active within the central nervous system. Neurological abnormalities can also arise due to Wernicke's encephalopathy and the electrolyte abnormalities of refeeding syndrome. Aside from rehydration and antiemetic drugs, the condition can respond well to certain psychotropic medications and to psychological interventions, it may therefore be reasonable to regard hyperemesis of pregnancy as requiring both psychiatric and medical expertise for comprehensive management.
Using pharmacogenetic analysis in clinical management with clozapine
Authors: Nasrine Nilema , Stevens Chloe , Tam Hoi‐Ying , Sivasanker Vimal
Published: October 2023

A limited response to clozapine treatment is a familiar clinical scenario in patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. Here, the authors present a case where pharmacogenetic analysis was able to guide clinical management, and the discussion is expanded into the role of clinic genomics in personalised medicine.
Longitudinal assessment of lung function in Swiss childhood cancer survivors—A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kasteler Rahel , Otth Maria , Halbeisen Florian S. , Mader Luzius , Singer Florian , Rössler Jochen , von der Weid Nicolas X. , Ansari Marc , Kuehni Claudia E.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Childhood cancer survivors are at risk for pulmonary morbidity due to exposure to lung‐toxic treatments, including specific chemotherapeutics, radiotherapy, and surgery. Longitudinal data on lung function and its change over time are scarce. We investigated lung function trajectories in survivors over time and the association with lung‐toxic treatments.

Methods

This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included Swiss survivors diagnosed between 1990 and 2013 and exposed to lung‐toxic chemotherapeutics or thoracic radiotherapy. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including forced expiration volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, total lung capacity,  and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, were obtained from hospital charts. We calculated z‐scores and percentage predicted, described lung function over time, and determined risk factors for change in FEV1 and FVC using multivariable linear regression.

Results

We included 790 PFTs from 183 survivors, with a median age of 12 years at diagnosis and 5.5 years of follow‐up. Most common diagnosis was lymphoma (55%). Half (49%) of survivors had at least one abnormal pulmonary function parameter, mainly restrictive (22%). Trajectories of FEV1 and FVC started at z‐scores of −1.5 at diagnosis and remained low throughout follow‐up. Survivors treated with thoracic surgery started particularly low, with an FEV1 of −1.08 z‐scores (−2.02 to −0.15) and an FVC of −1.42 z‐scores (−2.27 to −0.57) compared to those without surgery.

Conclusion

Reduced pulmonary function was frequent but mainly of mild to moderate severity. Nevertheless, more research and long‐term surveillance of this vulnerable population is needed.
Do variations in anomalous mortality in Europe in fall and winter of 2019–2020 tell us anything on the timing of SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak?
Authors: Śleszyński Przemysław , Kurek Sławomir , Krzysztofik Robert , Owsiński Jan W.
Published: October 2023

The present study makes a part of the already ample discussion on the subject of identification of the beginnings of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) coronavirus pandemics in the world and considers the following question: do the anomalies in death rates in the earlier periods bring any new knowledge of the subject? With the ultimate purpose of answering this question, spatial differences are analysed of excess mortality for the first time at such a detailed spatial scale in Europe. As it is known, according to current knowledge, a strong increase in coronavirus disease‐2019 mortality occurred in Lombardy, Italy, from about mid‐March (Week 11–12 of 2020), followed by Spain and Belgium. It was decided, in the context of the present study, to see if similarly strong mortality anomalies, not assigned to this factor, were not present earlier. This could constitute circumstantial evidence that SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus was present in Europe on a much larger scale earlier than it is commonly believed. The study, therefore, looks at whether there were local outbreaks of elevated deaths between November 2019 and March 2020. The analysis used available Eurostat data for 34 European countries according to the NUTS1, NUTS2 and NUTS3 divisions based on 918 units with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The number of deaths was analysed over consecutive 24 weeks of autumn–winter (7 October 2019–22 March 2020, i.e., W41‐2019 to W12‐2020) and were compared with the respective data for the 3‐year reference period 2016–2018. The method used identifies geographically concentrated areas with excess deaths over short periods relative to the reference period. It was shown that 44 regions between W41‐2019 and W08‐2020 (i.e., before February 23) had elevated mortality (115% or more relative to the reference period). In the 44 NUTS3 regions mentioned, excess deaths during the autumn–winter period amounted to 96,000–126,000 when compared with the 2016–2018 baseline period (mainly in Spain, France, Italy, United Kingdom). It cannot be excluded that to some extent this could have been due to SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus infections. To confirm or deny this more clearly, detailed studies of the recorded causes of death in the indicated 44 regions are needed.
Impact of the 2023 armed conflict on Sudan's healthcare system
Authors: Khogali Alhadi , Homeida Anmar
Published: October 2023

The armed conflict in Sudan erupted in mid‐April 2023, resulting in many casualties, internal displacement, and refugees. Sudan's health system was severely affected by multiple attacks on healthcare facilities and workers, closure of hospitals, and occupation of medical facilities by armed groups. Critical services such as immunization, nutrition, and emergency care have been suspended, disrupting health services in conflict states and increasing strain on neighboring states' healthcare facilities. The conflict also caused shortages of essential medical supplies, looting of healthcare facilities and humanitarian supplies, and destruction of infrastructure, affecting the supply chain and availability of healthcare resources. The deployment and distribution of the health workforce have become challenging and may lead to a further brain drain of healthcare professionals. The financial challenges in healthcare financing are expected to worsen due to the conflict's economic impact on fiscal space and fiscal capacity. The health system's governance has been affected by a leadership vacuum, and decision‐making may shift to the state level. The conflict has also exacerbated the burden of diseases, including communicable diseases, malnutrition, and mental health issues, with potential outbreaks of dengue fever, measles, and spikes of gender‐based violence reported. In response to the conflict, the restoration and maintenance the health system is pivotal via coordinating efforts between the Sudanese Ministry of Health and international partners. The safety of healthcare workers and the delivery of essential supplies need to be restored via strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law, pooling of funds, and services at primary care level. This commentary discusses the impact of the 2023 conflict on Sudan's health and health system, particularly on different building blocks of Sudan's health system as well as the burden of disease and humanitarian response priorities.
Cluster consensus for inherently nonlinear cooperative networks
Authors: Develer Ümit , Cihan Onur , Akar Mehmet
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the cluster consensus problem for inherently nonlinear cooperative networks with first and second‐order system dynamics. For a first order multi‐agent network evolving over a directed graph, not necessarily containing a spanning tree, a sufficient condition based on Lyapunov theory is derived on the single controller parameter so that the system achieves cluster consensus. These stability results are extended to second‐order nonlinear systems that utilize two parameters in the distributed control law. Furthermore, the total number of clusters and members of each cluster are explicitly computed from the primary and secondary layer subgraphs of the underlying directed graph. The results are the first in the literature to address the cluster consensus problem for inherently nonlinear cooperative networks evolving over directed graphs that do not contain a spanning tree.
Evaluation of two miniaturized FT‐NIR spectrometers for rapid soil property analysis
Authors: Sorenson Preston T. , Bulmer David , Peak Derek
Published: October 2023

Utilizing reflectance spectroscopy to generate the necessary soil data to drive innovations in precision agriculture and soil management is an increasing focus of agronomic research. One of the key limitations for widespread practical adoption of reflectance spectroscopy is hardware cost, and lower cost hardware is actively being developed. This study evaluated two inexpensive nano Fourier‐transform near infrared spectrometers in the laboratory. One was a laboratory‐based analyzer (LabFlow) and the second was a field portable analyzer (Field Probe). Soil spectra were collected in the shortwave infrared range and processed using wavelet transforms and machine learning models. The optimal wavelet transforms and machine learning model were selected using cross validation on the training dataset, and performance of the optimal model was evaluated using an independent testing dataset. The Field Probe configuration total nitrogen model had the best performance when compared to the LabFlow laboratory analyzer with an R2 of 0.91, a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.95, and an root mean square error of 0.03. Soil inorganic carbon did not perform as well with an R2 of 0.65. However, performance was likely limited by a large number of low values and a limited range in the training dataset. Overall, these results highlight the potential for lower cost spectrometers to provide useful soil data for soil management applications.
Dopant‐Free Polymeric Hole Transport Materials with a DA’D–A Backbone for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Bolin , Yang Jie , Liao Qiaogan , Ji Xiaofei , Wang Yimei , Yang Jin , Liu Bin , Liang Qiming , Wang Zhaojin , Li Henan , Wang Kai , Sun Huiliang , Niu Li , Guo Xugang
Published: October 2023

Dopant‐free hole transport layers (HTLs) play a crucial role in achieving high‐efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, only a limited number of these HTLs have demonstrated power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) surpassing 21%. Herein, the design and synthesis of two polymeric HTLs with a novel DA’D–A backbone are presented. The incorporation of two A units (benzothiazole and imide functionalized aromatics) in the polymer imparts a rigid backbone, high mobility, appropriate film morphology, excellent thermal stability, and a deeper highest occupied molecular orbital energy level, crucial for achieving a more suitable energy‐level alignment between HTL and perovskite layer. Notably, the champion PSC based on our HTLs exhibits a remarkable PCE of 22.02% with minimal hysteresis and excellent thermal stability, surpassing the performance of devices based on the benchmark polymeric HTL PTAA under identical conditions. These findings underscore the immense potential of our DA’D‐A backbone strategy in developing high‐performance dopant‐free polymer HTLs for enhancing the PCE of PSCs.
The importance of digital evidence strategies
Authors: Horsman Graeme
Published: October 2023

As the complexity of digital forensic work continues to grow, and the demands and pressures placed on practitioners to complete their investigatory commitments remain, methods for conducting effective and efficient work are of paramount importance. To combat examination challenges any investigating team requires two fundamental and linked components; those conducting DF examinations should develop (1) a digital evidence strategy (DES) that outlines an effective investigative approach, and, (2) deploy it using appropriate tools and techniques. While these should be considered as a pair, arguably as tools have become more comprehensive and more akin to “suites,” there is a real risk that tools themselves are being considered an “examination strategy,” bypassing the need for investigative forethought. Given this concern, through the vehicle of an example deconstructed hypothetical forensic examination process, this work discusses the relationship between DESs and digital forensic tools, and the importance of both.

This article is categorized under:

Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation
The influence of surface effects on axisymmetric vibration of graded porous Mindlin circular nanoplate in a temperature field
Authors: Li Qinglu , Zhang Haikun , Wang Siyao , Zhang Jinghua
Published: October 2023

The surface effect significantly affects the mechanical response of nanoscale materials. In this work, we introduce Gurtin‐Murdoch surface elasticity theory into Mindlin plate theory to study the axisymmetric vibration characteristic of graded porous circular nanoplate in a temperature field. The main structure is a porous graded material with uniform or non‐uniform porosity distribution in its thickness. The numerical shooting technique was applied to solve the governing differential equations derived from Hamilton's principle. Responses for the vibration characteristic of the graded porous nanoplate for both clamped and simply supported boundary conditions were obtained. The numerical results show that when the surface effect is removed, the classical results of Mindlin circular plate will be obtained. Natural frequencies and mode shapes varying with thermal and porosity coefficients were present graphically. And then the effects of surface material properties on the axisymmetric vibration characteristic of the nanoplates were discussed in detail. The parametric study examined the influence of porosity coefficient, porosity distribution mode, surface elastic parameters, and residual surface stress on the vibration characteristics of porous circular nanoplates.
The Vascular Flora of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Brown Gary , Feulner Gary R.
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses the flora of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on various aspects of the individual plant species. A brief overview of salient features of the flora is given in terms of species number and families, followed by a short discussion regarding some of the taxonomic problems surrounding the naming and identification of species. With respect to biogeographical aspects, it is emphasised that the current flora of the nation represents a distinct snapshot in time that has been shaped by a diversity of events in the past, all of which continue to operate on different spatio-temporal scales. After a brief discussion of keystone and foundation species in the UAE desert, autecological aspects are examined, as these are fundamental to understanding the response of plants to a changing environment. Following on from this topic, the concepts of life forms, plant functional groups and plant strategies are touched upon. In the final section, some remarkable features of the reproductive biology of desert plants are described. Chapter 5 examines the typical plant communities and also looks at the main threats to the flora and vegetation of the country.