bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the distribution pattern of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Cenococcum geophilum under climate change using the optimized MaxEnt model
Authors: Zheng Yexu , Yuan Chao , Matsushita Norihisa , Lian Chunlan , Geng Qifang
Published: September 2023

Cenococcum geophilum (C. geophilum) is a widely distributed ectomycorrhizal fungus that plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems worldwide. However, the specific ecological factors influencing its global distribution and how climate change will affect its range are still relatively unknown. In this study, we used the MaxEnt model optimized with the kuenm package to simulate changes in the distribution pattern of C. geophilum from the Last Glacial Maximum to the future based on 164 global distribution records and 17 environmental variables and investigated the key environmental factors influencing its distribution. We employed the optimal parameter combination of RM = 4 and FC = QPH, resulting in a highly accurate predictive model. Our study clearly shows that the mean temperature of the coldest quarter and annual precipitation are the key environmental factors influencing the suitable habitats of C. geophilum. Currently, appropriate habitats of C. geophilum are mainly distributed in eastern Asia, west‐central Europe, the western seaboard and eastern regions of North America, and southeastern Australia, covering a total area of approximately 36,578,300 km2 globally. During the Last Glacial Maximum and the mid‐Holocene, C. geophilum had a much smaller distribution area, being mainly concentrated in the Qinling‐Huaihe Line region of China and eastern Peninsular Malaysia. As global warming continues, the future suitable habitat for C. geophilum is projected to shift northward, leading to an expected expansion of the suitable area from 9.21% to 21.02%. This study provides a theoretical foundation for global conservation efforts and biogeographic understanding of C. geophilum, offering new insights into its distribution patterns and evolutionary trends.
Subgrouping of facilitatory or inhibitory conditioned pain modulation responses in patients with chronic knee pain. Explorative analysis from a multicentre trial
Authors: Larsen J. B. , Madeleine P. , Sørensen L. B. , Sachau J. , Otto J. C. , Baron R. , Arendt‐Nielsen L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Facilitatory and inhibitory conditioned pain modulation (CPM) responses are observed in healthy volunteers and chronic pain patients, but the clinical implications for phenotyping are unknown. This study aimed to subgroup and compare chronic knee pain patients according to their CPM responses.

Methods

This explorative, cross‐sectional study included 127 patients with chronic knee pain (osteoarthritis or following total knee arthroplasty). Individual CPM responses were categorized as facilitatory (test stimuli pain intensity increased when conditioning stimuli were applied), as inhibitory (test stimuli pain intensity decreased) or as no change (defined as less than 5.3% change in pain intensity). Outcomes were clinical pain intensities, temporal summation, widespread pain, self‐reported physical function, PainDETECT questionnaire and Pain Quality Assessment Scale. Data were analysed as comparisons between the inhibitory and the facilitatory groups and using multivariate linear regression models.

Results

Fifty‐four patients had facilitatory CPM responses, 49 had inhibitory CPM responses, and 24 showed no change in CPM response. A between‐group difference was observed for self‐reported physical function, with the facilitatory CPM group reporting better function (54.4 vs. 46.0, p = 0.028) and the facilitatory CPM group reported more deep pain sensations (3.2 vs. 2.0, p = 0.021). The remaining outcomes showed no between‐group differences. Higher clinical pain intensity and facilitated temporal summation were associated in the facilitated CPM group but not in the inhibitory CPM group.

Conclusion

These explorative findings indicated that quantitative clinical and experimental differences exist between facilitatory or inhibitory CPM responses in a chronic knee pain patient population. Differences in patients’ CPM responses should be further investigated to unravel possible clinical importance.

Significance

Our findings confirm that conditioned pain modulation consist of inhibitory and facilitatory responders among a patient population with chronic knee pain. This explorative study indicates that patients with either facilitatory or inhibitory conditioned pain modulation could exhibit differences in pain outcomes. Subgrouping of chronic pain patients depending on individual conditioned pain modulation responses could be considered in phenotyping patients prior to inclusion in clinical trials or used for personalizing the management regime.
EEG‐based spatiotemporal dynamics of fast ripple networks and hubs in infantile epileptic spasms
Authors: Samfira Ioana M. A. , Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Nariai Hiroki , Gursky Jonathan M. , Moshé Solomon L. , Bardakjian Berj L.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Infantile epileptic spasms (IS) are epileptic seizures that are associated with increased risk for developmental impairments, adult epilepsies, and mortality. Here, we investigated coherence‐based network dynamics in scalp EEG of infants with IS to identify frequency‐dependent networks associated with spasms. We hypothesized that there is a network of increased fast ripple connectivity during the electrographic onset of clinical spasms, which is distinct from controls.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed peri‐ictal and interictal EEG recordings of 14 IS patients. The data was compared with 9 age‐matched controls. Wavelet phase coherence (WPC) was computed between 0.2 and 400 Hz. Frequency‐ and time‐dependent brain networks were constructed using this coherence as the strength of connection between two EEG channels, based on graph theory principles. Connectivity was evaluated through global efficiency (GE) and channel‐based closeness centrality (CC), over frequency and time.

Results

GE in the fast ripple band (251–400 Hz) was significantly greater following the onset of spasms in all patients (P < 0.05). Fast ripple networks during the first 10s from spasm onset show enhanced anteroposterior gradient in connectivity (posterior > central > anterior, Kruskal‐Wallis P < 0.001), with maximum CC over the centroparietal channels in 10/14 patients. Additionally, this anteroposterior gradient in CC connectivity is observed during spasms but not during the interictal awake or asleep states of infants with IS. In controls, anteroposterior gradient in fast ripple CC was noted during arousals and wakefulness but not during sleep. There was also a simultaneous decrease in GE in the 5–8 Hz range after the onset of spasms (P < 0.05), of unclear biological significance.

Significance

We identified an anteroposterior gradient in the CC connectivity of fast ripple hubs during spasms. This anteroposterior gradient observed during spasms is similar to the anteroposterior gradient in the CC connectivity observed in wakefulness or arousals in controls, suggesting that this state change is related to arousal networks.
Baby, children, and adult biscuits. Differences in nutritional quality and naturalness
Authors: Klerks Michelle , Román Sergio , Sánchez‐Siles Luisma
Published: September 2023

This study examined and compared the nutritional quality and degree of naturalness between baby biscuits (<3 years), children biscuits (>3 years), and adult biscuits. Mintel's Global New Products Database was searched for “Baby Biscuits & Rusks” and “Sweet Biscuits/Cookies” (re)launched between July 2019 and July 2022 in four European countries (Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom), which resulted in 1280 products to be analyzed. Nutritional quality was measured by means of nutrient values per 100 g, and baby biscuits were assessed for compliance with the World Health Organization's latest Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM). Degree of naturalness was measured using the food naturalness index (FNI). Baby biscuits had the best nutritional quality and were the most natural as compared to children and adult biscuits, but their energy density and sugar content require further attention. Nutritional quality was comparably poor in children and adult biscuits, and children biscuits were the least natural of the three groups. The NPPM requirements of not adding any free sugar at all to baby biscuits may drive parents to purchase alternative sweeter biscuits originally formulated and meant for children and adults. Reasonable regulations are needed to support product (re)formulations and to improve the current market food offer for babies and children.
What we learn from nexus between greener growth and energy‐related emissions: Sustainability perspective evidence in context of financial globalization
Authors: Chen Yahan , Zhou Yi , Raza Syed Ali , Sarwar Suleman
Published: September 2023

With gradually increasing global climate issues, the Energy Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes emission reduction measures at the national and international levels. Financial globalization and green innovation are considered a solution to the low‐income problem through internalization and specialization of markets and bring technological progress and innovation through open market access. The developed nations have been using financial globalization as the main driver of economic progress. This study examines the effects of financial globalization and green innovation on energy‐related greenhouse gas emissions for G7 countries. Unlike the literature that considered carbon and overall greenhouse gas emissions, this study is novel as it specifically focuses on energy‐related emissions in developed economies. The authors use the panel data of G7 economies from 1990 to 2020. To estimate the individual effects of each explanatory variable on emissions despite the nonlinear data distribution, this study uses the novel method of moment quantile regression (MMQR) approach. The results suggested that financial globalization, income, eco‐innovation, financial risk and human capital significantly influence greenhouse gas emissions in G7 countries, where economic growth and human capital are the leading drivers of energy‐related emissions. However, green technology, financial globalization and financial risk significantly help improve the environmental quality of the region. The results suggested fruitful implications, including increased participation in global economic activities, investment in green innovation, human capital and efficient financial risk management to attain sustainable development.
β‐Silylacrylate as a Multipurpose Reagent in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Ghosh Sunil K.
Published: September 2023

Acrylates are well known electrophilic alkenes having multitude of applications in organic synthesis. They are very good acceptors in Michael addition reactions and are good enophile/dienophile/dipolarophile partners in cycloaddition reactions. Replacing the β‐alkyl/aryl groups in acrylates by a silicon group would be interesting. In addition to the conventional reactions displayed by acrylates, β‐silylacrylates (β‐SAs) can show reactivity specifically related to the silicon group. Many conventional organic reactions such as hydrodimerization, organocatalytic asymmetric Michael additions, inter‐ and intra‐molecular Diels–Alder reactions, and asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions have been used to generate the complex chemical entities from β‐SAs. Some of the reaction outcomes were vastly influenced by the silicon substituent. This review describes the practical synthesis β‐SAs and their use as starting point in complex molecule generation including total synthesis of some natural products/bioactive molecules.
Knowledge and attitude of students of medical sciences universities regarding health tourism: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shaygani Fatemeh , Ahmadi Marzaleh Milad , Gheibi Zahra
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Health tourism is already one of the most important sources of revenue for many countries all over the world, but it appears that it has not progressed as much in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes of students of Iranian medical sciences universities about this subject, which could have a great impact on the future of this industry in Iran.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, the students of medical sciences universities in Iran were selected through convenience sampling; they filled out an online 36‐item self‐administrated questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25). Descriptive statistics of knowledge and attitude were provided. Also, independent samples t‐test and analysis of variance were used as statistical tests and p value <0.05 was considered as the significant level.

Results

Overall, 390 students with a mean age of 24 ± 1.5 years and a female‐to‐male ratio of 1.9 participated in this study. The respondents answered 38% of the questions correctly in the knowledge section. Age, ethnicity, education level, job experience, experience of a health tourism‐related job, participation in health tourism courses, and geographical region of the province of residence showed a significant association with the participants' knowledge. Also, most participants had an almost positive attitude regarding the potential for development of the industry.

Conclusion

According to the results obtained, the students' knowledge about health tourism was not desirable; however, their attitudes were almost positive. Therefore, educational interventions are highly recommended to be conducted in this regard.
The prevalence of menstrual disorders and their association with psychological stress in Syrian students enrolled at health‐related schools: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kahal Fares , Alshayeb Sarah , Torbey André , Al Helwani Omar , Kadri Saeed , Helwani Ahmad , Al‐Habal Sedra , Moufti Mayssa , Johari Massa , Aldarra Ahmad , Alswaedan Ghufran , Albaghajati Sara , Sarraj Hala , Ataya Sham , Mansour Mazenh , Sakka Kanaan
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Menstrual disorders are among the most prevalent health issues among young female students studying in health science faculties. This study aimed to provide insights into the menstrual patterns among medical faculty students and determine whether stress can be a risk factor for its various disorders.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy at the Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria, between October and November 2022. A total of 980 female students anonymously completed the identification of menstrual problems and the perceived stress scale (PSS) questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS‐25.

Results

The mean age of students was 21.52 ± 2.06 years. The most common menstrual disorders in this study were dysmenorrhea (88%), and premenstrual syndrome (87%). A total of 82% had mild to moderate stress, 10% had high stress, and 8% had low stress. Moderate to high perceived stress was associated with an increased risk of PMS (OR = 1.79, P = 0.0037).

Conclusion

These findings stress the importance of universities, especially health science faculties, establishing protocols for early detection and intervention in students with stress and menstrual disorders. Implementing stress reduction education and timely counseling, along with preventive measures, is crucial for students' well‐being. Further research is needed to refine interventions for this group.
Exact analysis of two‐branch SC receiver over α$$ \alpha $$‐κ$$ \kappa $$‐μ$$ \mu $$ fading
Authors: Chatterjee Sharmistha , Dixit Dharmendra , Kumar Nagendra , Verma P. K. , Pandey Prashant
Published: September 2023

We analyze the exact and generalized performance of two‐receiving antennas‐aided selection combining (SC) receivers over ‐‐ faded propagation medium. Especially, we have derived exact new expressions for the average bit/symbol error rate (ABER/ASER), and average channel capacity (ACC) for the considered system. The cumulative distribution function‐based method and probability density function‐based method are employed to derive ABER/ASER, and ACC expressions, respectively. Further, asymptotic ABER/ASER expressions are presented to examine diversity order which depends only on and . The change of fading parameters , , and are highlighted in the system's performance. Further, the correctness of all derived expressions is confirmed through simulations.
Mechanisms of CH4 activation over oxygen‐preadsorbed transition metals by ReaxFF and AIMD simulations
Authors: Wang Jie , Wang Gui‐Chang
Published: September 2023

The chemisorbed oxygen usually promotes the CH bond activation over less active metals like IB group metals but has no effect or even an inhibition effect over more active metals like Pd based on the static electronic structure study. However, the understanding in terms of dynamics knowledge is far from complete. In the present work, methane dissociation on the oxygen‐preadsorbed transition metals including Au, Cu, Ni, Pt, and Pd is systemically studied by reactive force field (ReaxFF). The ReaxFF simulation results indicate that CH4 molecules mainly undergo the direct dissociation on Ni, Pt, and Pd surfaces, while undergo the oxygen‐assisted dissociation on Au and Cu surfaces. Additionally, the ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations with the umbrella sampling are employed to study the free‐energy changes of CH4 dissociation, and the results further support the CH4 dissociation pathway during the ReaxFF simulations. The present results based on ReaxFF and AIMD will provide a deeper dynamic understanding of the effects of pre‐adsorbed oxygen species on the CH bond activation compared to that of static DFT.
Decreased Alu methylation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients increases HbA1c levels
Authors: Thongsroy Jirapan , Mutirangura Apiwat
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Alu hypomethylation is a common epigenetic process that promotes genomic instability with aging phenotypes, which leads to type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). Previously, our results showed significantly decreased Alu methylation levels in type 2 DM patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the longitudinal changes in Alu methylation levels in these patients.

Results

We observed significantly decreased Alu methylation levels in type 2 DM patients compared with normal (p = 0.0462). Moreover, our findings demonstrated changes in Alu hypomethylation over a follow‐up period within the same individuals (p < 0.0001). A reduction in Alu methylation was found in patients with increasing HbA1c levels (p = 0.0013) and directly correlated with increased HbA1c levels in type 2 DM patients (r = −0.2273, p = 0.0387).

Conclusions

Alu methylation in type 2 DM patients progressively decreases with increasing HbA1c levels. This observation suggests a potential association between Alu hypomethylation and the underlying molecular mechanisms of elevated blood glucose. Furthermore, monitoring Alu methylation levels may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing the clinical outcomes of type 2 DM.
Mechanisms regulating wound healing: Functional changes in biology mediated by lactate and histone lactylation
Authors: Wu Huiting , Liang Wei , Han Meng , Zhen Yonghuan , Chen Lixia , Li Hua , An Yang
Published: September 2023

The high incidence, low healing rate and huge economic burden of wounds (especially chronic wounds) worldwide remain a great challenge for clinical staff and patients. The various stages of wound healing are regulated by paracrine or autocrine cytokines and growth factors, and the study of their intrinsic mechanisms is a prerequisite for better wound treatment. Lactate, the end product of glycolysis, plays a role in all stages of wound healing, and recent studies have identified lactate as an epigenetic regulator that regulates gene expression through histone lysine lactylation and stimulates posttranslational modifications to regulate related gene expression, thereby causing a series of biological functional changes. This article reviews the progress of research on lactate and lactylation during wound healing or in related diseases, including its involvement in immune regulation, inflammation control, and proliferative remodeling, and finally describes the prospects for lactate therapy regarding wound healing.
Let's speculate about it: When and why consumers want to discuss mystery products
Authors: Kovacheva Aleksandra , Wiener Hillary J. D.
Published: September 2023

Research suggests that mystery products can be appealing to consumers and can motivate interest and purchase. In this paper, we examine a different benefit of these offerings—their effect on driving conversation. We propose that such products can prompt a conversation due to their ability to motivate joint speculation, or the process of thinking about possible resolutions of the uncertainty with others. We define this novel driver of conversation, delineate it from related constructs, and situate it in the literature. We then provide initial evidence for the proposed theory in seven studies (n = 2835), demonstrating that mystery products increase the desire for conversation (Studies 1, 3–4, Supplemental Studies A–C) and generate joint speculation (Studies 2–4, Supplemental Study B–C). We also rule out alternative explanations (such as information acquisition and savouring, Study 3; novelty, Supplemental Study B). These effects, however, are attenuated for closed‐minded consumers (Study 4), who are less open to considering multiple perspectives and thereby less interested in joint speculation. We conclude with directions for future research and implications for marketers.
Genetic counseling processes and strategies for racially and ethnically diverse populations: A systematic review
Authors: Shete Mrunmayee , Kocher Megan , Pratt Rebekah , Lee Heewon , Zierhut Heather
Published: September 2023

Genetic counseling outcomes are influenced by the processes and strategies used by counselors, yet little is known about how these strategies directly impact patients and populations. In particular, tailoring genetic counseling consultations to best meet the needs of cultural, racial, and ethnically diverse populations has been explored. This review aims to identify genetic counseling strategies tailored for a diversity of racial and ethnic populations with the goal to find ways to improve genetic counseling outcomes. Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases were searched for original research articles published in English that employed genetic counseling processes and strategies to improve genetic counseling outcomes, specifically for participants from ethnically or racially diverse populations. A review of 5300 titles and abstracts resulted in the identification of 36 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged: (1) community involvement in culturally tailoring genetic counseling, (2) creation and use of culturally tailored resources, and (3) modifications to the genetic counseling process. The effectiveness of genetic counseling strategies could not be evaluated due to lack of consistent outcome measures in the articles. The involvement of diverse ethnic and racial populations in developing inclusive genetic counseling tools and practices will help the profession provide better patient care in the future. More research connecting genetic counseling processes and outcomes will help to assess how well these modified approaches meet the needs of diverse populations.
Promotores' perspectives on the virtual adaptation of a hereditary breast cancer education program
Authors: Perez Fabian , Hernandez Miriam , Martinez Alejandra , Castaneda Patricia , Ponce Raquel , Gonzalez Maria , Martinez Cindia , Perez Angelica , Quino Juanita Elizabeth , Robles Garibay Eric , Zavala Valentina A. , Huang Xiaosong , Neuhausen Susan L. , Ziv Elad , Carvajal‐Carmona Luis , Duron Ysabel , Fejerman Laura
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States (U.S.) and the leading cause of cancer related death among U.S. Hispanics/Latinas (H/Ls). H/Ls have lower rates of screening and longer time to follow up after an abnormal mammogram. We developed a comprehensive community health educator (promotores)‐led education and risk identification program for Spanish‐speaking H/Ls in California to increase mammography screening, genetic testing, and the understanding of the impact of family history on cancer risk. Due to COVID‐19, we adapted the program to a virtual platform. The experience of transforming the program to a virtual platform provided unique opportunities for collaboration between researchers, community partners, and participants. Promotores are major partners in community based participatory research and in the provision of health care services, but their voices are often excluded from scientific reports. This commentary is an effort to provide a platform for promotores to share their experiences and for the readers to understand their approach in bridging the gap between health care services and communities.
Sensitivity analysis for the interactive effects of internal bias and publication bias in meta‐analyses
Authors: Mathur Maya B.
Published: September 2023

Meta‐analyses can be compromised by studies' internal biases (e.g., confounding in nonrandomized studies) as well as publication bias. These biases often operate nonadditively: publication bias that favors significant, positive results selects indirectly for studies with more internal bias. We propose sensitivity analyses that address two questions: (1) “For a given severity of internal bias across studies and of publication bias, how much could the results change?”; and (2) “For a given severity of publication bias, how severe would internal bias have to be, hypothetically, to attenuate the results to the null or by a given amount?” These methods consider the average internal bias across studies, obviating specifying the bias in each study individually. The analyst can assume that internal bias affects all studies, or alternatively that it only affects a known subset (e.g., nonrandomized studies). The internal bias can be of unknown origin or, for certain types of bias in causal estimates, can be bounded analytically. The analyst can specify the severity of publication bias or, alternatively, consider a “worst‐case” form of publication bias. Robust estimation methods accommodate non‐normal effects, small meta‐analyses, and clustered estimates. As we illustrate by re‐analyzing published meta‐analyses, the methods can provide insights that are not captured by simply considering each bias in turn. An R package implementing the methods is available (multibiasmeta).
Serial Passaging Affects Stromal Cell Mechanosensitivity on Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels
Authors: Sumey Jenna L. , Harrell Abigail M. , Johnston Peyton C. , Caliari Steven R.
Published: September 2023

There is a tremendous interest in developing hydrogels as tunable in vitro cell culture platforms to study cell response to mechanical cues in a controlled manner. However, little is known about how common cell culture techniques, such as serial expansion on tissue culture plastic, affect subsequent cell behavior when cultured on hydrogels. In this work, a methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel platform is leveraged to study stromal cell mechanotransduction. Hydrogels are first formed through thiol‐Michael addition to model normal soft tissue (e.g., lung) stiffness (E ≈ 1 kPa). Secondary cross‐linking via radical photopolymerization of unconsumed methacrylates allows matching of early‐ (E ≈ 6 kPa) and late‐stage fibrotic tissue (E ≈ 50 kPa). Early passage (P1) human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) display increased spreading, myocardin‐related transcription factor‐A (MRTF‐A) nuclear localization, and focal adhesion size with increasing hydrogel stiffness. However, late passage (P5) hMSCs show reduced sensitivity to substrate mechanics with lower MRTF‐A nuclear translocation and smaller focal adhesions on stiffer hydrogels compared to early passage hMSCs. Similar trends are observed in an immortalized human lung fibroblast line. Overall, this work highlights the implications of standard cell culture practices on investigating cell response to mechanical signals using in vitro hydrogel models.
Effect of a surface treatment consisting of electron beam remelting and gas nitriding on the corrosion resistance of cast iron
Authors: Holst Anja , Biermann Horst , Buchwalder Anja
Published: September 2023

Commercially available gray‐solidified cast iron exhibits reduced load‐carrying capacity under locally concentrated pressure with simultaneous sliding stress. Electron beam remelting dissolves the graphite near the surface, and the surface layer solidifies according to the metastable system. During subsequent gas nitriding, a dense compound layer forms on this white‐solidified, hard surface layer. The phase composition of the compound layer depends not only on the gas nitriding conditions, but also on the chemical composition of the cast iron. The effect of the individual processes of remelting and gas nitriding and their combination on the corrosion behavior of one ferritic and one pearlitic cast iron with different copper contents is investigated using potentiodynamic polarization measurements in 5% sodium chloride solution at room temperature. The remelted and nitrided surface layers exhibit the highest corrosion resistance. The proportion of iron carbonitrides γ' and ε contained in the compound layer influences the corrosion behavior.
Singular CR structures of constant Webster curvature and applications
Authors: Guidi Chiara , Maalaoui Ali , Martino Vittorio
Published: September 2023

We consider the sphere equipped with its standard contact form. In this paper, we construct explicit contact forms on , which are conformal to the standard one and whose related Webster metrics have constant Webster curvature; in particular, it is positive if . As main applications, we provide two perturbative results. In the first one, we prove the existence of infinitely many contact forms on conformal to the standard one and having constant Webster curvature, where is a small perturbation of . In the second application, we show that there exist infinitely many bifurcating branches of periodic solutions to the CR Yamabe problem on having constant Webster curvature.
Protective efficacy of a universal influenza mRNA vaccine against the challenge of H1 and H5 influenza A viruses in mice
Authors: Li Yulei , Wang Xi , Zeng Xi , Ren Wenbo , Liao Pu , Zhu Baoli
Published: September 2023

Current influenza vaccines need to be updated annually owing to constant antigenic drift in the globular head of the viral surface hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein. The immunogenic subdominant stem domain of HA is highly conserved and can be recognized by antibodies capable of binding multiple HA subtypes. Therefore, the HA stem antigen is a promising target for the design of universal influenza vaccines. On the basis of an established lipid nanoparticle‐encapsulated mRNA vaccine platform, we designed and developed a novel universal influenza mRNA vaccine (mHAs) encoding the HA stem antigen of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. We tested the efficacy of the mHAs vaccine using a mouse model. The vaccine induced robust humoral and specific cellular immune responses against the stem region of HA. Importantly, two doses of the mHAs vaccine fully protected mice from lethal challenges of the heterologous H1N1 and heterosubtypic H5N8 influenza viruses. Vaccinated mice had less pathological lung damage and lower viral titers than control mice. These results suggest that an mRNA vaccine using the conserved stem region of HA may provide effective protection against seasonal and other possible influenza variants.
Dual functions: A coumarin–chalcone conjugate inhibits cyclic‐di‐GMP and quorum‐sensing signaling to reduce biofilm formation and virulence of pathogens
Authors: Zhang Yu , Bhasme Pramod , Reddy Dinesh S. , Liu Dejian , Yu Zhaoxiao , Zhao Tianhu , Zheng Yaqian , Kumar Amit , Yu Haiying , Ma Luyan Z.
Published: September 2023

Antibiotic resistance or tolerance of pathogens is one of the most serious global public health threats. Bacteria in biofilms show extreme tolerance to almost all antibiotic classes. Thus, use of antibiofilm drugs without bacterial‐killing effects is one of the strategies to combat antibiotic tolerance. In this study, we discovered a coumarin–chalcone conjugate C9, which can inhibit the biofilm formation of three common pathogens that cause nosocomial infections, namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with the best antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa. Further investigations indicate that C9 decreases the synthesis of the key biofilm matrix exopolysaccharide Psl and bacterial second messenger cyclic‐di‐GMP. Meanwhile, C9 can interfere with the regulation of the quorum sensing (QS) system to reduce the virulence of P. aeruginosa. C9 treatment enhances the sensitivity of biofilm to several antibiotics and reduces the survival rate of P. aeruginosa under starvation or oxidative stress conditions, indicating its excellent potential for use as an antibiofilm‐forming and anti‐QS drug.
Effects of parental holding on pain response in young children during cystometry: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Jieun , Lee Hyejung , Han Sang Won , Choi Eun Kyoung
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Cystometry is essential for evaluating bladder function. However, children may react negatively to the physical pain of urethral catheterization or anxiety and fear of an unfamiliar environment. These pain responses during the cystometry procedure may interfere with the cystometry procedure and make it difficult to interpret the cystometry result. In this regard, the International Children's Continence Society has advised performing cystometry while holding infants as an effective nonpharmacological pain management method, but there is insufficient evidence to support this.

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the effect of parental holding on reducing pain in children during cystometry.

Methods

This was an experimental study in a randomized controlled pre–post test design. A total of 64 participants aged 6–18 months were recruited. During cystometry, the participants in the experimental group were placed on the parent's laps and held in the parents' arms. The participants in the control group were laid down on the examination table. During the procedure, both groups of parents were allowed to touch their children in all ways except holding them and to use the pacifier if they wished. The behavioral (face, leg, activity, cry, consolability scale) and physiological (oxygen saturation and heart rate) pain responses were measured at three‐time points (immediately, 3, and 10 min after urethral catheter insertion).

Results

Comparing the two groups, in the experimental group, the behavioral pain response at 3 min after urethral catheter insertion (t = −2.165, p = 0.034) and 10 min after (t = −3.155, p = 0.002) was decreased compared with that immediately after urethral catheter insertion. In addition, oxygen saturation increased more (t = 2.021, p = 0.048), and the heart rate decreased more (t = −2.033, p = 0.047) at 10 min than at 3 min after urethral catheter insertion in the experimental group.

Conclusions

This study revealed that parental holding could reduce pain responses during cystometry in children. Further research is required to confirm the applicability and usefulness of parental holding during cystometry.
Efficacy and safety of desmopressin in nocturia and nocturnal polyuria control of neurological patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Darvishi Afra , HajEbrahimi Reyhaneh , Asadi Nazli , Jafari Shendi Zahra , Asiaban Negar , Naseri Amirreza , Sadeghi‐Ghyassi Fatemeh , Mostafaei Hadi , Salehi‐Pourmehr Hanieh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Evidence on the efficacy of desmopressin in nocturia in patients with neurological diseases is still very limited except for multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of desmopressin treatment on nocturia in patients with underlying neurological diseases.

Methods

Studies were identified by electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases. Studies were considered if they provided information on the effectiveness and safety of desmopressin (1‐desamino‐8‐d‐arginine vasopressin, or DDAVP) in the treatment of nocturia and their participants had acquired neurological pathology. Two researchers independently extracted the articles using specified datasets, such as quality‐of‐study indicators. Statistical meta‐analysis was carried out using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 statistical software (Cochrane Collaboration).

Results

Of a total of 1042 articles in the initial search, 14 studies were included. Most of the published papers were related to MS (n = 7), two were on spinal cord injury, and other conditions were neural tube defect, myelodysplasia, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and multiple system atrophy. Overall, a total of 200 patients (mostly females) were enrolled. Thirteen studies evaluated the intranasal formulation of desmopressin and one study evaluated oral desmopressin. A significant decrease in nocturia episodes was reported in seven studies evaluating this topic. An increase in the maximum hours of uninterrupted sleep was reported in the three studies in which this outcome was assessed. A significant reduction in the volume of nocturnal incontinence was found in one study. Three studies were eligible to include in the meta‐analysis. The results showed that desmopressin compared to placebo, significantly reduced nighttime urination (mean difference: −0.75, 95% CI: −1.10 to −0.41; p < 0.00001). The rate of adverse events ranged from 0% to 68.42%. The critical appraisal results for all trials showed that most of the studies had low or moderate quality.

Conclusions

Our results emphasized desmopressin's safety and efficacy in reducing nocturia episodes, with transient adverse effects on neurological patients. However, the data were achieved from low or medium‐quality trials, and further well‐designed randomized controlled trials are needed.
Transfer learning of recurrent neural network‐based plasticity models
Authors: Heidenreich Julian N. , Bonatti Colin , Mohr Dirk
Published: September 2023

Mechanics‐specific recurrent neural network (RNN) models are known for their ability to describe the complex three‐dimensional stress–strain response of elasto‐plastic solids for arbitrary loading paths. To apply RNN models to real materials, it is crucial to identify a strategy that allows for their training from small datasets that could be obtained from robot‐assisted experiments. It is demonstrated that regular training with datasets comprising random walks (RWs) in strain space yield a significantly higher generalization ability than the same number of sequences for smooth loading paths. Moreover, it is found that transfer learning, that is, initializing the weights and biases with the parameters from an already trained material, improves the convergence rates and reduces the required number of stress–strain sequences for training. When leveraging the experience gained for multiple materials through ensemble transfer learning, even more substantial improvements are obtained. For example, the same model accuracy and generalization ability is obtained from training with 400 smooth stress–strain sequences after ensemble transfer as from training with 10,000 RW sequences after regular training.
Predictors of care burden among caregivers of patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Janatolmakan Maryam , Naghipour Armin , Rezaeian Shahab , Khatony Alireza
Published: September 2023

Aim

To explore predictors of care burden among the caregivers of patients with COVID‐19.

Design

The findings of this cross‐sectional study were presented in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement.

Methods

The samples included 172 caregivers in Imam Reza and Farabi Hospitals, located in Kermanshah, Iran, who were enrolled in the study using convenience sampling. A demographic information form and the Caregiver Burden Inventory were administered. The data were collected between 13 May 202 and 20 August 2021.

Results

Of the caregivers, 62.8% (n = 108) were male and 71.5% (n = 123) were over 40 years old. Furthermore, 66.3% (n = 114) of caregivers had severe and very severe care burden, with a mean care burden of 78.9 ± 20.4 out of 120. A statistically significant difference was found between care burden and the variables of monthly income, health status, number of patients under care and residence status (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The caregivers experienced a high care burden, which can have harmful effects on them. Therefore, it is necessary to provide them with various forms of economic, psychological and social support.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Educational Services in Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Stephens Erika M. , Eltawil Yasmin , Khalsa Inderpreet Kaur , Manjarrez Leslie , Stephans Jihyun , Chan Dylan K.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Examine the association between sociodemographic factors and Individualized Education Program (IEP) establishment.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Participants included deaf or hard‐of‐hearing children who were eligible for an IEP with “deafness” or “hard of hearing” as a primary or secondary disability. Primary outcome measures were time intervals between initial referral for services and parental consent; parental consent to determination of eligibility; and initial referral to eligibility (the sum of the previous 2 intervals). Student's t tests and linear regression were used to examine the association between sociodemographic factors and the primary outcome variables.

Results

Of the 88 participants, 51 (58%) were male, 45 (51%) were from underrepresented minority (URM) groups, 35 (40%) spoke a primary language other than English, and 53 (60%) utilized public insurance. IEP establishment was significantly delayed in participants who required an English‐language interpreter. Most of the delay occurred in the time between the initial referral and parental consent (mean: 115 vs 37 days, P = .02). There were also significant delays from the time of referral for services to eligibility in URM participants (mean: 159 vs 85 days, P = .04). Significant delays were also associated with Minority Status and Language within social vulnerability index percentile rankings.

Conclusion

This study found that IEP establishment was delayed in both URM participants and those who required an English‐language interpreter. These results highlight the importance of clear communication between the school system and caregivers in the IEP establishment process, particularly with families who require an English‐language interpreter or identify as URM.
Characteristics and outcomes of pregnancies in the Maternal Outcomes Masterset real‐world database
Authors: Gibbs Liza R. , Ali Ayad K. , Albright Dawn G. , Rubinstein Emily R. , Klesh Reyna , Zimmerman Ruth , Garry Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Describe patient characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among all pregnant patients, and additionally describe infant outcomes among the subset with linked infants in the Maternal Outcomes Masterset (MOM).

Methods

We used closed claims within the MOM data to identify publicly and privately insured patients at the first record of pregnancy January 1, 2018–December 1, 2021, with ≥180 days baseline enrollment. We described characteristics during baseline and follow‐up (until an observed pregnancy endpoint, disenrollment, or 42‐week maximum). We described maternal and infant characteristics overall and by infant linkage and contextualized them within national statistics.

Results

Among the 1 438 861 pregnant patients meeting the study criteria, the most common pregnancy endpoint recorded was live birth (42%) followed by spontaneous abortion (14%). Among 602 721 patients with a live birth, 99% had a week‐specific gestational age recorded and 35% had at least one linked infant. Patients with infant linkage and sufficient follow‐up (N = 155 621) had similar baseline comorbidities, pregnancy complications, and gestational age at delivery as those without any linkage. However, more patients with linkage had commercial coverage (70% vs. 31%), and were therefore older (50% vs. 31% aged ≥30 years) and more likely to have an unknown race (57% vs. 34%).

Conclusions

In this large sample of pregnant patients, maternal and infant characteristics generally align with national statistics, providing confidence in the use of this data source for pregnancy research. Further, confirmation that the subset of patients with infant linkage is similar to the overall pregnancy cohort provides assurance that this subset can be considered representative.
Use of molnupiravir: A Danish nationwide drug utilization study
Authors: Ladebo Louise , Rasmussen Lotte , Jensen Peter Bjødstrup , Lindahl Mette , Øvrehus Anne , Hallas Jesper , Reilev Mette
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To describe utilization patterns, characteristics of users and prescribers of the new oral antiviral medication, molnupiravir, indicated for mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19.

Methods

Using nationwide registries, we identified all Danish adults who filled a prescription for molnupiravir from December 16th, 2021, to August 31st, 2022. We described weekly incidence rates and patient characteristics over time, prescriber characteristics as well as time between molnupiravir initiation and a positive SARs‐CoV‐2 test. Patient characteristics were compared to matched, untreated SARS‐CoV‐2 positive reference groups.

Results

By August 31st, 2022, 5847 individuals had filled a prescription for molnupiravir. The incidence rate gradually increased to 16 weekly prescriptions per 1000 RT‐PCR SARS‐CoV‐2 positives. Users of molnupiravir were most often men (55% vs. 45% women). The majority (81%) had a positive RT‐PCR SARS‐CoV‐2 test and few (2.9%) redeemed molnupiravir outside the recommended window of 5 days from the positive test result. Compared to matched, untreated SARS‐CoV‐2 positive reference groups, users of molnupiravir had a median age of 74 years versus 49 years, a higher proportion resided in a nursing home (12% vs. 1.5%) and had a higher number of comorbidities (median of 3 vs. 0); most commonly hypertension (38%), chronic lung disease (35%), diabetes (20%) and mood disorders (20%). General practitioners were the primary prescribers of molnupiravir (91%).

Conclusions

Molnupiravir was mainly prescribed by general practitioners to RT‐PCR SARS‐CoV‐2 positive individuals who had a potentially increased risk of severe COVID‐19. Though some off‐label prescribing occurred, our study indicates a high level of adherence to contemporary guidelines.
Preserving health, protecting economies: Mitigating the impact of forest fires on healthcare expenditure and environmental sustainability
Authors: Soontha Laxita , Bhat Mohammad Younus
Published: September 2023

Forest fires release harmful pollutants, endangering public health and incurring substantial healthcare costs. This study empirically investigates the environment‐health‐economy relationship, utilizing a robust MM‐QR approach. Findings divulge that economic growth, urbanization, and tourism drive healthcare expenditure, while environmental factors like forest fires, resource depletion, species extinction, and environmental policy stringency also increase health spending. Conversely, renewable energy consumption lowers healthcare costs, while coal extraction raises them. Empirical estimates reveal that increase in forest fires raises health spending by , socioeconomic indicators by , and environmental factors by . Conversely, a rise in renewable energy usage cuts healthcare expenses by . This study underscores the urgency of addressing environmental degradation, especially forest fires, to mitigate their impacts on human well‐being.