bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease and excessive alcohol consumption are both independent risk factors for mortality
Authors: van Kleef Laurens A. , de Knegt Robert J. , Brouwer Willem Pieter
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

MAFLD often cooccurs with excessive alcohol consumption, while its prognostic value in this group remains unclear. We aimed to study the mortality risk of MAFLD in relation to excessive alcohol consumption and its potential interactions.

Approach and Results:

We analyzed persons 25–74 years old enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III cohort with available steatosis and alcohol data. Participants with viral hepatitis, body mass index < 18.5, and missing data on age or follow‐up were excluded, leaving 12,656 participants for analysis with a median follow‐up of 22.9 [20.9–24.8] years. MAFLD was defined as steatosis on ultrasound in the presence of metabolic dysfunction. Daily alcohol intake of ≥10 g in females and ≥20 g in males was considered excessive alcohol consumption. We quantified mortality risk with multivariate Cox regression for MAFLD and excessive alcohol consumption. Models were adjusted for age, age squared, sex, race, marital status, education, and smoking. MAFLD was present in 31% and excessive alcohol consumption in 13% and were both independently and simultaneously associated with increased mortality risk in fully adjusted models (adjusted HR [aHR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13–1.30 and aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04–1.26, respectively). Similarly, MAFLD was associated with increased mortality risk in participants with and without excessive alcohol consumption. Participants with both MAFLD and excessive alcohol consumption (4.0%) expressed the highest mortality risk (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.28–1.71). Results were consistent using the initial 10 years of follow‐up, a stringent definition of excessive alcohol, and propensity score weighting.

Conclusions:

MAFLD increases mortality risk independent of excessive alcohol consumption. This underscores the importance of MAFLD, even in patients with excessive alcohol consumption.
Mitohormesis and mitochondrial dynamics in the regulation of stem cell fate
Authors: Barzegari Abolfazl , Aaboulhassanzadeh Sobhan , Landon Rebecca , Gueguen Virginie , Meddahi‐Pellé Anne , Parvizpour Sepideh , Anagnostou Fani , Pavon‐Djavid Graciela
Published: July 2022

The ability of stem cells for self‐renewing, differentiation, and regeneration of injured tissues is believed to occur via the hormetic modulation of nuclear/mitochondrial signal transductions. The evidence now indicates that in damaged tissues, the mitochondria set off the alarm under oxidative stress conditions, hence they are the central regulators of stem cell fate decisions. This review aimed to provide an update to a broader concept of stem cell fate in stress conditions of damaged tissues, and insights for the mitochondrial hormesis (mitohormesis), including the integrated stress response (ISR), mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondria uncoupling, unfolded protein response, and mitokines, with implications for the control of stem cells programing in a successful clinical cell therapy.
Amelioration of inflammatory myopathies by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist via suppressing muscle fibre necroptosis
Authors: Kamiya Mari , Mizoguchi Fumitaka , Yasuda Shinsuke
Published: July 2022

Background

As glucocorticoids induce muscle atrophy during the treatment course of polymyositis (PM), novel therapeutic strategy is awaited that suppresses muscle inflammation but retains muscle strength. We recently found that injured muscle fibres in PM undergo FASLG‐mediated necroptosis, a form of regulated cell death accompanied by release of pro‐inflammatory mediators, contributes to accelerate muscle inflammation and muscle weakness. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists have pleiotropic actions including anti‐inflammatory effects, prevention of muscle atrophy, and inhibition of cell death, in addition to anti‐diabetic effect. We aimed in this study to examine the role of GLP‐1R in PM and the effect of a GLP‐1R agonist on in vivo and in vitro models of PM.

Methods

Muscle specimens of PM patients and a murine model of PM, C protein‐induced myositis (CIM), were examined for the expression of GLP‐1R. The effect of PF1801, a GLP‐1R agonist, on CIM was evaluated in monotherapy or in combination with prednisolone (PSL). As an in vitro model of PM, C2C12‐derived myotubes were treated with FASLG to induce necroptosis. The effect of PF1801 on this model was analysed.

Results

GLP‐1R was expressed on the inflamed muscle fibres of PM and CIM. The treatment of CIM with PF1801 in monotherapy (PF) or in combination with PSL (PF + PSL) suppressed CIM‐induced muscle weakness (grip strength, mean ± SD (g); PF 227 ± 6.0 (P < 0.01), PF + PSL 224 ± 8.5 (P < 0.01), Vehicle 162 ± 6.0) and decrease in cross‐sectional area of muscle fibres (mean ± SD (μm2); PF 1896 ± 144 (P < 0.05), PF + PSL 2018 ± 445 (P < 0.01), Vehicle 1349 ± 199) as well as the severity of histological inflammation scores (median, interquartile range; PF 0.0, 0.0–0.5 (P < 0.05), PF + PSL 0.0, 0.0–0.0 (P < 0.01), Vehicle 1.9, 1.3–3.3). PF1801 decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators such as TNFα, IL‐6, and HMGB1 in the serum of CIM. PF1801 inhibited necroptosis of the myotubes in an AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)‐dependent manner. PF1801 activated AMPK and decreased the expression of PGAM5, a mitochondrial protein, which was crucial for necroptosis of the myotubes. PF1801 promoted the degradation of PGAM5 through ubiquitin‐proteasome activity. Furthermore, PF1801 suppressed FASLG‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in myotubes, also crucial for the execution of necroptosis, thorough up‐regulating the antioxidant molecules including Nfe2l2, Hmox1, Gclm, and Nqo1.

Conclusions

GLP‐1R agonist could be a novel therapy for PM that recovers muscle weakness and suppresses muscle inflammation through inhi biting muscle fibre necroptosis.
Role of catalyst supports in biocatalysis
Authors: Manikandan Soumya Koippully , Giannakoudakis Dimitrios A. , Prekodravac Jovana R , Nair Vaishakh , Colmenares Juan Carlos
Published: July 2022

Biocatalysis utilizes enzymes and microbial cells as catalysts for a wide range of applications in biotechnology. Immobilization of biocatalysts on various materials has several advantages, including the capacity for reuse, quick reaction termination, easy biocatalyst recovery and operational stability. The present article focuses on the use of material supports for developing immobilized biocatalysts in applications related to energy, environment and chemical synthesis. The work provides a comprehensive overview of a broad class of materials, including organic, inorganic and composites, that have been shown to be prosperous candidates to support the immobilization of enzymes and microbial cells. It also highlights the properties of nanomaterial support such as large surface area and comfort compartment for immobilization. The availability of different types of materials as catalyst support provides an opportunity to understand and develop efficient biocatalytic systems. The choice of selecting a catalyst support will mostly depend on the interaction of the material with the enzyme or microbial cell. Finally, potential challenges, future approaches in developing immobilized biocatalytic systems for various applications and novel material supports are suggested. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
HIV drug resistance in a community‐randomized trial of universal testing and treatment: HPTN 071 (PopART)
Authors: Fogel Jessica M. , Wilson Ethan A. , Piwowar‐Manning Estelle , Breaud Autumn , Clarke William , Petropoulos Christos , Moore Ayana , Fraser Christophe , Kosloff Barry , Shanaube Kwame , van Zyl Gert , Scheepers Michelle , Floyd Sian , Bock Peter , Ayles Helen , Fidler Sarah , Hayes Richard , Donnell Deborah , Eshleman Susan H. ,   for the HPTN 071 (PopART) Study Team
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Universal HIV testing and treatment (UTT) has individual and public health benefits. HPTN 071 (PopART), a community‐randomized trial in Zambia and South Africa, demonstrated that UTT decreased HIV incidence. This endpoint was assessed in a cohort of >48,000 randomly selected adults in the study communities. We evaluated the impact of UTT on HIV drug resistance in this cohort and compared other resistance‐related outcomes in participants with recent versus non‐recent HIV infection.

Methods

Two years after the start of HPTN 071 (2016–2017), 6259 participants were HIV positive and 1902 were viremic (viral load >400 copies/ml). HIV genotyping and antiretroviral (ARV) drug testing were performed for viremic participants in three groups: seroconverters (infected <1 year), non‐seroconverters (infected >1 year, random subset) and participants with unknown duration of infection (random subset). A two‐stage cluster‐based approach was used to assess the impact of the study intervention on drug resistance. Treatment failure was defined as being viremic with ARV drugs detected. Participants were classified as ARV naïve based on self‐report and ARV drug testing.

Results

Genotyping results were obtained for 758 participants (143 seroconverters; 534 non‐seroconverters; and 81 unknown duration of infection). The estimated prevalence of resistance in the study communities was 37% for all viremic persons and 11% for all HIV‐positive persons. There was no association between UTT and drug resistance. Resistance was detected in 14.0% of seroconverters and 40.8% of non‐seroconverters (non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance: 14.0% and 39.9%; nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance: 0.7% and 15.5%; protease inhibitor resistance: 0% and 1.9%; multi‐class resistance: 0.7% and 16.1%, respectively). ARV drugs were detected in 2/139 (1.4%) of seroconverters and 94/534 (17.6%) of non‐seroconverters tested. These participants were classified as failing ART; 88 (93.6%) of the non‐seroconverters failing ART had resistance. Mutations used for surveillance of transmitted drug resistance were detected in 10.5% of seroconverters and 15.1% of non‐seroconverters who were ARV naive.

Conclusions

UTT was not associated with an increase in drug resistance in this cohort. Higher rates of drug resistance and multi‐class resistance were observed in non‐seroconverters compared to seroconverters.
What Factors Influence Children's Creative Artistic Orientation? The NovelChildren's Creative Orientation Test: Artistic
Authors: Simner Julia , Smees Rebecca , Rinaldi Louisa J. , Carmichael Duncan A. , McDonald Toby J.
Published: July 2022

Creative orientation is the extent to which different individuals are drawn toward creative activities (e.g., art, music). We know relatively little about child‐level creative orientation given certain testing limitations. Adult tools often measure time spent engaged in creative pursuits, but this method is unsuitable for children because their free time is often dictated by parents. To overcome this, we devised an entirely novel measure of creative orientation, theChildren's Creative Orientation Test: Artistic (C‐COT: Artistic). This short task, suitable for children as young as 6, elicits children's creative urges toward artistic pursuits independently of parental influence and provides quantitative scoring. We applied our measure to over 3000 children aged 6–10 years, where it showed robust reliability, suggesting that creative orientation is a stable trait over time. We show that creative orientation is also influenced by classroom cohort, age, and gender but is unaffected by socio‐economic status or seasonal changes (autumn vs. spring testing). We showed too that creative orientation converges with creative thinking (divergent thinking), creative personality (openness to experiences, especially the aesthetics subtrait), and creative engagements in the home. We present our test here in full, as a simple, fast, and robust measure of creative artistic orientation in children.
Associations among civilian mild traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, posttraumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories, and structural brain volumetric data
Authors: Kosaraju Siddhartha , Galatzer‐Levy Isaac , Schultebraucks Katharina , Winters Sterling , Hinrichs Rebecca , Reddi Preethi J. , Maples‐Keller Jessica L. , Hudak Lauren , Michopoulos Vasiliki , Jovanovic Tanja , Ressler Kerry J. , Allen Jason W. , Stevens Jennifer S.
Published: July 2022

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent and associated with significant morbidity. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) concurrent with psychiatric trauma may be associated with PTSD. Prior studies of PTSD‐related structural brain alterations have focused on military populations. The current study examined correlations between PTSD, acute mTBI, and structural brain alterations longitudinally in civilian patients (N = 504) who experienced a recent Criterion A traumatic event. Participants who reported loss of consciousness (LOC) were characterized as having mTBI; all others were included in the control group. PTSD symptoms were assessed at enrollment and over the following year; a subset of participants (n = 89) underwent volumetric brain MRI (M = 53 days posttrauma). Classes of PTSD symptom trajectories were modeled using latent growth mixture modeling. Associations between PTSD symptom trajectories and cortical thicknesses or subcortical volumes were assessed using a moderator‐based regression. mTBI with LOC during trauma was positively correlated with the likelihood of developing a chronic PTSD symptom trajectory. mTBI showed significant interactions with cortical thickness in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) in predicting PTSD symptoms, r = .461–.463. Bilateral rACC thickness positively predicted PTSD symptoms but only among participants who endorsed LOC, p < .001. The results demonstrate positive correlations between mTBI with LOC and PTSD symptom trajectories, and findings related to mTBI with LOC and rACC thickness interactions in predicting subsequent chronic PTSD symptoms suggest the importance of further understanding the role of mTBI in the context of PTSD to inform intervention and risk stratification.
Incoherent Optoelectronic Differentiation Based on Optimized Multilayer Films
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Bai Benfeng , Sun Hong‐Bo , Jin Guofan , Valentine Jason
Published: July 2022

Fourier‐based optical computing operations, such as spatial differentiation, have recently been realized in compact form factors using flat optics. Experimental demonstrations, however, have been limited to coherent light requiring laser illumination and leading to speckle noise and unwanted interference fringes. Here, the use of an optimized multilayer film, combined with dual color image subtraction, is demonstrated to realize differentiation with unpolarized incoherent light. Global optimization is achieved by employing neural networks combined with the reconciled level set method to optimize the optical transfer function of a multilayer film at wavelengths of 532 and 633 nm. Spatial differentiation is then achieved by subtracting the normalized incoherent images at these two wavelengths. The optimized multilayer film is experimentally demonstrated to achieve incoherent differentiation with a resolution of 6.2 m. The use of a multilayer film allows for scalable lithography‐free fabrication and results in a system that could open the door to high‐speed processing for a wide variety of incoherent, and coherent, imaging systems.
How self‐kindness can help our patients
Authors: Greaney Thomas M.
Published: July 2022

It is well established by research that the prefrontal cortex of the brain goes “offline” when persons with post‐traumatic stress (PTS) become vulnerable to remembrances of their trauma. The most challenging manifestation of this is a full‐blown, often physically and emotionally debilitating panic attack, perhaps resulting in hospitalization. This agitated state can also prompt the use of mind‐altering substances to “re‐regulate” one's emotional state in an effort at homeostasis. But there are more subtle impingements, which also affect the health and well‐being of individuals with PTS.
The use of the chimeric conjoint flap technique for complex defects reconstruction throughout the body: Clinical experience with 28 cases
Authors: Scaglioni Mario F. , Meroni Matteo , Fuchs Bruno , Knobe Matthias , Fritsche Elmar
Published: July 2022

Background

Large soft tissue defects reconstruction represents a frequent and complex challenge in plastic surgery. A critical point regards the equilibrium between the need of large amount of tissue, while minimizing donor site morbidity. This is a common issue that plastic surgeons face in their clinical practice. In this context, the chimeric conjoint flap technique can be a valuable option, allowing to better exploit many well‐known procedures. The purpose of the present work is to show the reconstructive efficacy and reliability of this technique resorting to many different well‐known flaps. No such a comprehensive collection of cases is available so far dealing with this procedure.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐eight patients presenting large defects throughout the body were treated by means of different flaps, designed according to the chimeric conjoint flap concept. Patients' mean age was 61.9 years old (range 18–82 years), 20 were males and 8 females. The size of the defects ranged from 7 cm × 6 cm to 25 cm × 18 and presented shapes or localizations that were complex to be covered with a regular flap. The defects were located in 11 cases in the lower limbs, in 9 cases in the head and neck region, in 5 cases in the groin, and in 2 cases in the thorax. Cause of the defect was tumor resection in 20 cases, trauma‐induced necrosis in 5 cases, Fournier's gangrene in 2 cases, and a chronic ulcer in 1 case. Fourteen flaps were free flaps while 14 were pedicled flaps. The chimeric conjoint flap technique consists in splitting the skin paddle a flap into two smaller island that can be rearranged in order to match the particular requirements of the recipient site. Different flaps were employed: the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap was used in 19 cases, latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap in 4 cases, deep inferior epigastric (DIEP) in 3 cases, medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) in 1 case, free radial forearm flap (RFFF) in 1 case.

Results

All the 28 patients were successfully treated. In 6 cases minor complications were encountered, 5 at recipient site and 1 at donor site, who were all managed conservatively. No second procedures were required. The mean follow‐up period was 8.4 months (range 3–12 months). At the last follow‐up evaluation all the patients reached an acceptable cosmetic result and, when limbs were affected, complete range of motion restoration.

Conclusions

The present case series provide promising evidence regarding the reliability and versatility of the chimeric conjoint flap technique for large and delicate defect reconstructions throughout the body.
A novel perspective to the local fractional Zakharov–Kuznetsov‐modified equal width dynamical model on Cantor sets
Authors: Wang KangLe
Published: July 2022

In this work, the local fractional Zakharov–Kuznetsov‐modified equal width dynamical (LFZKMEWD) model is investigated on Cantor sets by using the local fractional derivative (LFD). The fractal variational wave method (FVWM) is employed to obtain the exact traveling wave solutions of the nondifferentiable type for the LFZKMEW model. The numerical example illustrates the FVWM is efficient and straightforward. The properties of exact traveling wave solutions are also elaborated by some figures.
The effects of Pilates exercise in comparison to other forms of exercise on pain and disability in individuals with chronic non‐specific low back pain: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Wong Chi Ming , Rugg Bradley , Geere Jo‐Anne
Published: July 2022

Objective

To compare the effects of Pilates exercise (PE) with other forms of exercise on pain and disability in individuals with chronic non‐specific low back pain (CNSLBP) and to inform clinical practice and future research.

Study design

Systematic review with meta‐analysis conducted and reported in line the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐analysis.

Literature search

Six electronic databases were searched from inception to April 2021.

Study selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of PE with other forms of exercise for adults with CNSLBP on pain and disability.

Data synthesis

Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias of the trials, guided by the Cochrane RoB2 tool. Available data were extracted for meta‐analysis with subgroup analysis. Pilates exercise was compared to general exercise (GE), direction‐specific exercise (DSE) and spinal stabilisation exercise (SSE). Certainty of evidence was interpreted following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Results

Eleven RCTs were included. A low certainty of evidence supported PE was more effective than GE in pain reduction [Effect size (ES) 0.44]. Moreover, very low levels of certainty were revealed for effectiveness of PE compared with DSE for pain reduction (ES 0.65) and equivalence of PE and SSE for pain and disability.

Conclusions

This review found no strong evidence for using one type of exercise intervention over another when managing patients with CNSLBP. Existing evidence does not allow this review to draw definitive recommendations. In the absence of a superior exercise form clinicians should work collaboratively with the patient, using the individual's goals and preferences to guide exercise selection. Further appropriately designed research is warranted to explore this topic further.
On the design and manufacturing of miniaturized microstripline power splitters for driving multicoil transmit arrays with arbitrary ratios at 7 T
Authors: Sappo Charlotte R. , Gallego Gabriela L. , Grissom William A. , Yan Xinqiang
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the current study was to implement unequal microstrip power splitters for parallel transmission at 7 T that are optimized for size and loss and that can be configured for a wide range of power ratios. The splitters will enable the use of more transmit coils without a corresponding increase in the number of transmit channels or amplifiers to control specific absorption rate, shorten RF pulses, and shim inhomogeneous RF fields. Wilkinson unequal power splitters based on a novel microstrip network design were optimized to minimize their size under 8 cm in length and 9 cm in width, enabling them to be included in coil housing or cascaded in multiple stages. Splitters were designed and constructed for a wide range of output power ratios at 298 MHz. Simulations and bench tests were performed for each ratio, and a methodology was established to adapt the designs to other ratios and frequencies. The designs and code are open source and can be reproduced as is or reconfigured. The single‐stage designs achieved good matches and isolations between output ports (worst isolation −15.9 dB, worst match −15.1 dB). A two‐stage cascaded (one input to four outputs) power splitter with 1:2.5, 1:10, 1:3, and 1:6 ratio outputs was constructed. The worst isolation between output ports was −19.7 dB in simulation and the worst match of the three ports was −17.8 dB. The measured ratios for one‐ and two‐stage boards were within 10% of the theoretical ratios. The power‐handling capability of the smallest trace was approximately 70 W. Power loss for the one‐ and two‐stage boards ranged from 1% to 3% in simulation compared with 5.1% to 7.2% on the bench. It was concluded that Wilkinson unequal microstrip power splitters can be implemented with a small board size (low height) and low loss, and across a wide range of output power ratios. The splitters can be cascaded in multiple stages while maintaining the expected ratios and low loss. This will enable the construction of large fixed transmit array‐compression matrices with low loss.
Opportunities for organizational learning and innovation: A nonprofit case study duringCOVID‐19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Chui Cheryl Hiu‐kwan
Published: July 2022

COVID‐19 has created unprecedented challenges and uncertainty for the nonprofit sector. Drawing from a case study of a community‐based service delivery nonprofit organization in Hong Kong, this research note examines the impact of COVID‐19 on this organization's daily operations, identifies its organizational coping strategies in response to the challenges it faced, and outlines key organizational learning resulting from its experience of dealing with the pandemic. With reference to the narrative development process framework, this study found that the customary social service delivery model was inadequate in meeting the emergent needs identified in the community. This realization served as a catalyst for the organization to employ socially innovative coping strategies to continue safeguarding the well‐being of vulnerable population groups. As a result, a new paradigm of service delivery leveraging on neighborhood support networks and cross‐sector collaborations was developed. Factors that would enable nonprofits to enhance their adaptive capacity in the face of future public health crises are discussed, with particular attention drawn to the usefulness of adopting a narrative development process in guiding organizations' collective actions.
Kinesiophobia and self‐management behaviour related to physical activity in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease: The mediating role of self‐efficacy
Authors: Zhang Siai , Wang Zhangyi , Lin Xinyu , Li Yawen , Xue Yuanyuan , Ban Junkun , Li Ge , Fa Tiane
Published: July 2022

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship among kinesiophobia, self‐efficacy and self‐management behaviour related to physical activity (SMBPA) in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) and the mediating role of self‐efficacy between kinesiophobia and SMBPA in Chinese patients with CHD.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From March to July 2021, 540 Chinese patients with CHD were investigated with three scales using convenient sampling method. The data were analysed with Pearson correlation, univariate analysis, multivariate linear regression and the PROCESS macro.

Results

509 valid questionnaires were collected (effective response rate: 94.2%). Low kinesiophobia and high self‐efficacy were related to high‐levels of SMBPA (all p < .01). Besides, the effect of kinesiophobia on SMBPA was partially mediated by self‐efficacy, and the mediation effect accounted for 35.59% of the total effect.
Development and acceptability of a decision aid for major depressive disorder considering discontinuation of antidepressant treatment after remission
Authors: Aoki Yumi , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Baba Hajime , Iga Jun‐ichi , Hori Hikaru , Inoue Takeshi , Mishima Kazuo , Tajika Aran , Kato Masaki
Published: July 2022

Aim

While evidence‐based antidepressant treatment is available for major depressive disorder, standard approaches for discontinuation of antidepressants after remission have not yet been established. Decision aids are structured clinical tools that facilitate shared decision‐making between patients and healthcare providers. This study aimed to describe the development process and acceptability of decision aids for major depressive disorder following discontinuation of antidepressant treatment after remission.

Methods

We systematically developed a decision aids according to the International Patient Decision Aid Standards. First, a decision aids prototype was created using the results of a systematic review and meta‐analysis previously conducted to identify the consequences of continuing and discontinuing antidepressant treatment. Second, a mixed‐methods questionnaire (alpha acceptability testing) was administered to patients and healthcare providers to improve the decision aids prototype and develop it into a final version acceptable for clinical settings.

Results

Our decision aids consisted of a description of major depressive disorder, the option to continue or discontinue antidepressant treatment, the advantages and disadvantages of each option, the consequences of each option, and value clarification exercises for each option. The patients (n = 22) reported that the decision aids had acceptable language (91%), adequate information (91%), and a well‐balanced presentation (95%). Healthcare providers (n = 20) provided favorable feedback. The final decision aids fulfilled all six International Patient Decision Aid Standards qualifying criteria.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a decision aids for discontinuation of antidepressant treatment after remission, which could be used during the shared decision‐making process. Further studies are needed to verify the effects of using the decision aids during the shared decision‐making process.
Early menarche and adult major depressive disorder among Japanese women: The role of childhood traumatic experience and socioeconomic conditions in young adulthood
Authors: Umeda Maki , Kawakami Norito , Shimoda Haruki , Miyamoto Karin , Ishikawa Hanako , Tachimori Hisateru , Takeshima Tadashi
Published: July 2022

Aim

The aim of this study is to examine the long‐term impact of early menarche with adult depression, and to assess whether this association was explained by childhood traumatic experience and socioeconomic condition in early adulthood.

Methods

The data were derived from World Mental Health Survey Japan Second, a cross‐sectional survey conducted among Japanese community residents between 2013 and 2015. We used the data of female respondents aged 20–75 years (N = 1171). Hazard ratio (HR) of the onset of major depression up to 40 years was calculated for an early‐menarche group and a non‐early‐menarche group, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curve and log–rank statistics were used to examine the difference in failure. Cox proportional hazard models were administered for the association of major depression with early‐menarche and early‐life psychosocial factors.

Results

Risk for major depressive disorders were three to four times higher in an early‐menarche group, and the differences in survival functions were significant (p < 0.001). HR of early menarche was 2.79 (95% CI = 1.29–6.02), and was slightly changed when childhood traumatic experience and socioeconomic conditions in young adulthood were added in the model (HR = 2.88, 95% CI = 1.30–6.38; HR = 3.19, 95% CI = 1.41–7.21).

Conclusion

Early menarche was significantly associated with increased risk for depression by the age of 40 years. Childhood trauma and socioeconomic hardship in early adulthood did not account for the association. Both physical and psychosocial risk factors in early life need to be addressed for preventing women's depression.
Phosphoprotein network analysis of corneal epithelium of keratoconus patients
Authors: Amit Chatterjee , Ghose Vivek , Narayanan Jankiraman , Padmanabhan Prema , Sathe Gajanan , Elchuri Sailaja
Published: July 2022

Keratoconus (KC) is non‐inflammatory, bilateral progressive corneal ectasia, and a disease of established biomechanical instability. The etiology of KC is believed to be multifactorial. Although previous studies gained insight into the understanding of the disease, little is known thus far on global protein phosphorylation changes in keratoconus. We performed phosphoproteome analysis of corneal epithelium from control (N = 5) and KC patients. Tandem mass tag (TMT) multiplexing technology along with immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) were used for the phosphopeptides enrichment and quantitation. Enriched peptides were analyzed on Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer. This leads to the identification of 2939 unique phosphopeptides derived from 1270 proteins. We observed significant differential phosphorylation of 591 phosphopeptides corresponding to 375 proteins. Our results provide first phosphoproteomic signature of the keratoconus disease and identified dysregulated signaling pathways that can be targeted for therapy in future studies.
Diagnostic tests and subtypes of dysfunctional breathing in children with unexplained exertional dyspnea
Authors: Peiffer Claudine , Pautrat Jade , Benzouid Chérine , Fuchs‐Climent Deborah , Buridans‐Travier Nellie , Houdouin Véronique , Bokov Plamen , Delclaux Christophe
Published: July 2022

Background

Inappropriate hyperventilation during exercise may be a specific subtype of dysfunctional breathing (DB).

Objective

To assess whether Nijmegen questionnaire and hyperventilation provocation test (HVPT) are able to differentiate inappropriate hyperventilation from other DB subtypes in children with unexplained exertional dyspnea, and normal spirometry and echocardiography.

Methods

The results were compared between a subgroup of 25 children with inappropriate hyperventilation (increased V'E/V'CO2 slope during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)) and an age and sex matched subgroup of 25 children with DB without hyperventilation (median age, 13.5 years; 36 girls). Anxiety was evaluated using State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children questionnaire.

Results

All children were normocapnic (at rest and peak exercise) and the children with hyperventilation had lower tidal volume/vital capacity on peak exercise (shallow breathing). The Nijmegen score correlated positively with dyspnea during the CPET and the HVPT (p = 0.001 and 0.010, respectively) and with anxiety score (p = 0.022). The proportion of children with a positive Nijmegen score (≥19) did not differ between hyperventilation (13/25) and no hyperventilation (14/25) groups (p = 0.777). Fractional end‐tidal CO2 (FETCO2) at 5‐min recovery of the HVPT was < 90% baseline in all children (25/25) of both subgroups. Likewise, there was no significant difference between the two subgroups for other indices of HVPT (FETCO2 at 3‐min recovery and symptoms during the test).

Conclusion

The validity of the Nijmegen questionnaire and the HVPT to discriminate specific subtypes of dysfunctional breathing, as well as the relevance of the inappropriate hyperventilation subtype itself may both be questioned.
Long‐term pulmonary sequelae in adolescents post‐SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Palacios Sabrina , Krivchenia Katelyn , Eisner Mariah , Young Bailey , Ramilo Octavio , Mejias Asuncion , Lee Simon , Kopp Benjamin T.
Published: July 2022

Rationale

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes long‐term pulmonary sequelae in adults, but little is known about pulmonary outcomes in pediatrics.

Objective(s)

The aim of this study was to describe long‐term subjective and objective pulmonary abnormalities after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pediatric populations.

Methods

Single‐center, retrospective cohort of patients seen in post‐coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pulmonary clinic in 2021. Subjects evaluated had persistent pulmonary symptoms 4 weeks or more after initial infection. Clinical testing included a 6‐min walk test (6MWT), chest X‐ray, pre‐ and postbronchodilator spirometry, plethysmography, and diffusion capacity. Patients were followed 2‐to‐3‐months after the initial visit with repeat testing. The primary outcome was the presence of abnormal pulmonary function testing. Secondary measures included variables associated with pulmonary outcomes.

Results

Eighty‐two adolescents were seen at a median of 3.5 months postinfection, with approximately 80% reporting two or more symptoms at clinic presentation (cough, chest pain, dyspnea at rest, and exertional dyspnea). At follow‐up (~6.5 months) exertional dyspnea persisted for most (67%). Spirometry was normal in 77% of patients, but 31% had a positive bronchodilator response. No abnormalities were noted on plethysmography or diffusion capacity. Clinical phenotypes identified included inhaled corticosteroid responsiveness, paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder, deconditioning, and dysautonomia. Multivariable modeling demonstrated that obesity, anxiety, and resting dyspnea were associated with reduced 6MWT, while female sex and resting dyspnea were associated with higher Borg Dyspnea and Fatigues scores.

Conclusions

This is the largest study to date of pediatric patients with long‐term pulmonary sequelae post‐COVID‐19. Identified clinical phenotypes and risk factors warrant further study and treatment.
Towards a Deep Insight Into Thermal and Moisture Aging of Silicon‐Based Pyrotechnic Delay Composition Through a Combination of Spectroscopic Techniques – Principal Component Analysis Approaches
Authors: Abdelaziz Amir , Bekhouche Slimane , Tarchoun Ahmed Fouzi , Mezroua Abderahmane , Trache Djalal
Published: July 2022

The aging of pyrotechnics is heavily influenced by temperature and humidity during their long‐term storage. The investigation of the aging mechanisms of such composites is of great interest for their safe storage and use in weapon systems, hence avoiding any unexpected phenomenon or decrease in performance. This study is aimed at understanding the aging effects related to temperature and moisture on pyrotechnic delays composed of silicon as fuel and lead oxide (Pb3O4) and barium chromate (BaCrO4) as oxidizers. The aged samples were considered for spectroscopic analysis using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and surface morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results obtained showed that temperature and moisture induce distinct structural and morphological modifications on the composition. The thermal aging causes thermal decomposition of the lead oxide, followed by the oxidation of the fuel particles to form silicon dioxide (SiO2). On the other hand, under moisture, the lead oxide is stable and does not participate in the aging process and the barium chromate is converted to chromium oxide molecules Cr2O3. At the same time, Si is oxidized to SiO2 and orthosilicic acid Si(OH)4 in the presence of humidity. The SEM images revealed that the surface of the aged samples tended to be rough in addition to the formation of surface cracks. At low aging periods of 20, 40, and 60 days, no chemical alterations have been noticed, whereas, beyond 80 days, the changes become more apparent. By coupling the above analytical techniques with principal component analysis (PCA), it was possible to accurately differentiate the aged samples according to their aging time and to detect any compositional change within the powder even at low aging periods.
Molecular network‐guided chemical profile and mass spectrometry, volatile compounds, and antimicrobial activity of Scaptotrigona depilis propolis
Authors: Souza Edineide Cristina A. , Silva Beatriz Paes , Porto Carla , Pilau Eduardo Jorge , Menezes Cristiano , Flach Adriana
Published: July 2022

Rationale

Propolis has a great diversity in its composition due to numerous factors; therefore, each study is an important contribution to the knoFwledge of its composition and biological action. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical profile and biological activity of propolis produced by Scaptotrigona depilis.

Methods

Extracts with 70% ethanol (EPE70) and with cereal alcohol (CAPE) were elaborated, and then characterized using UHPLC‐ESI(+)‐MS/MS. Volatile compounds were extracted and then characterized using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In addition, antimicrobial activities were verified against resistant strains.

Results

The volatile compounds of propolis predominantly consist of sesquiterpenes. Using the exploratory metabolomic approach, compounds of different classes were putatively identified in the ethanolic extracts, of which the most representative were terpenes, and some of the sesquiterpenes identified among the volatiles were also detected. The extracts were shown to be active against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 and 1.0 mg mL−1, respectively.

Conclusions

The molecular network approach proved to be determining the chemical profile of S. depilis propolis rapidly and accurately, and led to the identification of lipophilic compounds. The identification of compounds using GC–MS and UHPLC‐ESI(+)‐MS/MS is complementary and useful for the characterization of propolis.
Detection of respiratory viruses directly from clinical samples using next‐generation sequencing: A literature review of recent advances and potential for routine clinical use
Authors: Wang Xinye , Stelzer‐Braid Sacha , Scotch Matthew , Rawlinson William D.
Published: July 2022

Acute respiratory infection is the third most frequent cause of mortality worldwide, causing over 4.25 million deaths annually. Although most diagnosed acute respiratory infections are thought to be of viral origin, the aetiology often remains unclear. The advent of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionised the field of virus discovery and identification, particularly in the detection of unknown respiratory viruses. We systematically reviewed the application of NGS technologies for detecting respiratory viruses from clinical samples and outline potential barriers to the routine clinical introduction of NGS. The five databases searched for studies published in English from 01 January 2010 to 01 February 2021, which led to the inclusion of 52 studies. A total of 14 different models of NGS platforms were summarised from included studies. Among these models, second‐generation sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina sequencers) were used in the majority of studies (41/52, 79%). Moreover, NGS platforms have proven successful in detecting a variety of respiratory viruses, including influenza A/B viruses (9/52, 17%), SARS‐CoV‐2 (21/52, 40%), parainfluenza virus (3/52, 6%), respiratory syncytial virus (1/52, 2%), human metapneumovirus (2/52, 4%), or a viral panel including other respiratory viruses (16/52, 31%). The review of NGS technologies used in previous studies indicates the advantages of NGS technologies in novel virus detection, virus typing, mutation identification, and infection cluster assessment. Although there remain some technical and ethical challenges associated with NGS use in clinical laboratories, NGS is a promising future tool to improve understanding of respiratory viruses and provide a more accurate diagnosis with simultaneous virus characterisation.
Bayesian local exchangeability design for phase II basket trials
Authors: Liu Yilin , Kane Michael , Esserman Denise , Blaha Ondrej , Zelterman Daniel , Wei Wei
Published: July 2022

We propose an information borrowing strategy for the design and monitoring of phase II basket trials based on the local multisource exchangeability assumption between baskets (disease types). In our proposed local‐MEM framework, information borrowing is only allowed to occur locally, that is, among baskets with similar response rate and the amount of information borrowing is determined by the level of similarity in response rate, whereas baskets not considered similar are not allowed to share information. We construct a two‐stage design for phase II basket trials using the proposed strategy. The proposed method is compared to competing Bayesian methods and Simon's two‐stage design in a variety of simulation scenarios. We demonstrate the proposed method is able to maintain the family‐wise type I error rate at a reasonable level and has desirable basket‐wise power compared to Simon's two‐stage design. In addition, our method is computationally efficient compared to existing Bayesian methods in that the posterior profiles of interest can be derived explicitly without the need for sampling algorithms. R scripts to implement the proposed method are available athttps://github.com/yilinyl/Bayesian‐localMEM.
Physicochemical Studies on the Effect of Hexamine Addition and Ratio on the Properties of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Composites
Authors: Badr Magd M. , Keshawy Mohamed , El‐mesallamy Salwa M. , Ibrahim F. A. , El‐Shafie M. , Hasan Abdulrahiem M. A.
Published: July 2022

The effect of hexamine (HA) addition on the morphological, thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites has been considered. In this regard, HA was composited with NBR in different part percentages. The prepared formulations were characterized by using ATR‐FTIR and mapped with AFM for their topographical features which revealed multiple protrusions and showed that HA was distributed in the form of clustered crystals on the rubber surface and within the rubber matrix. The investigated data revealed that the tensile strength, elongation, and shore A hardness were improved with addition and increasing HA ratio till 50 phr then reneged. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a graduated decreasing effect on the thermal stability by addition of HA. Moreover, upon increasing the proportion of HA in the composite, the electrical resistivity was dropped by several orders of magnitude at a critical filler concentration. The conductivity through composite material is described as a transport mechanism that involves electrons tunneling through the gaps founded in between of the two discontinuous conducting elements and a continuous conducting network forming. Experimental and calculated values of electrical resistivity showed close similarity only at higher HA loading ratios.
Aryloxy Alkyl Theophylline Derivatives as Antifungal Agents: Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Computational Studies
Authors: Faghih Zeinab , Emami Leila , Zomoridian Kamiar , Sabet Razieh , Bargebid Rahele , Mansourian Ali , Zeinali Behnam , Rostami Zohre , Khabnadideh Soghra
Published: July 2022

Infectious diseases are still one of the leading causes of death and disability in human society. Synthetic antimicrobial agents have recently emerged as promising candidates against drug‐resistant pathogens. Here we described an efficient procedure for synthesis of aryloxyalkyl theophylline analouges as novel antimicrobial agents. Fourtheen new compounds were synthesized (5 a–5 n) and their chemical structures were approved by different spectroscopic methods. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activities by broth micro dilution method as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Molecular docking studies were also performed to forecast their binding modes against cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α‐demethylase as a main target. The results represented appropriate correlation between molecular docking and antimicrobial activity of the compounds. Based on biological results and in silico ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) predictions, compound 5 g can be considered as an ideal antimicrobial agent for the future studies.