bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of patient safety culture among healthcare providers in tertiary hospitals in Malaysia—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sok May Cheong , Sivanandy Palanisamy , Ingle Pravinkumar V. , Manirajan Priya
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

Patient safety culture is crucial for every health care institution, as a lack of it may harm patients seeking treatment. The current study aimed to identify the level of safety culture and assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of patient safety culture among healthcare providers (HCPs') in tertiary hospital settings.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among HCPs from two private tertiary hospitals in Johor and Selangor. A structured validated questionnaire, including the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture, was used to assess the level of patient safety culture in these hospitals.

Results

In this study, the calculated sample size was 320, and all 550 eligible participants from both hospitals were approached to participate. However, only 158 responded, resulting in a response rate of 49.38%. The majority of the HCPs (n = 110; 69%) rated their hospital as very good or excellent in maintaining an overall patient safety culture. The study revealed that communication about the errors (PRR = 80) and organizational learning and continuous improvement (PRR = 74) were good in their hospital settings. However, staffing and work pace (PRR = 28), response to errors (PRR = 40), reporting patient safety events (PRR = 48), and handoffs and information exchange (PRR = 39) were inadequate. These findings indicate the negative attitudes among HCPs and the need for further improvement to maintain a culture of patient safety.

Conclusion

HCPs in the study settings had optimal knowledge but negative attitudes towards the culture of patient safety in their organization. Inadequate staffing, work pace, and a lack of response to mistakes were commonly observed, which may increase the chances of errors and pose health threats to patients that need to be addressed immediately. Every healthcare organization is urged to address the issue of patient safety culture as a matter of urgency.
Internet‐based third‐wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for reducing stress in parents of children and adolescents with chronic conditions: Systematic review and meta‐analysis protocol
Authors: Davey Maria , Fried Leanne , Chih Hui Jun , Rooney Rosanna , Roberts Alison
Published: October 2024

Background

Parents of children and adolescents with chronic conditions have an increased risk of stress‐related mental health problems, and reduced quality of life. Third wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions have been shown to reduce stress in this parent population. Studies demonstrate that this efficacy endures when these therapies are delivered online. The aim of this protocol is to describe the methodology and methods that will be employed for a systematic review and meta‐analysis that investigates the effectiveness of internet‐based third‐wave CBT interventions for parents of children and adolescents with chronic conditions, and their potential to reduce stress for parents.

Methods/Design

This systematic review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) approach. A search of peer‐reviewed journal articles published from January 1970 to December 2022 will be undertaken in the following databases: CINHAHL, EMBASE, EMCARE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO. Title and abstract screening together with data extraction will be completed by two reviewers, and will be arbitrated by a third reviewer, should there be any discrepancies. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data related to the primary outcome (i.e. reduction of stress in parents) will be extracted for analysis.

Results

This Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis plans to provide a conclusive overview of the available evidence on the effectiveness of internet‐based third‐wave parent interventions and their ability to reduce stress in parents of children and adolescents with chronic conditions. If the results of this analysis prove positive, further research can be undertaken to support this vulnerable parent population. The findings of the review will be published in a peer‐reviewed journal.

Discussion

Third‐wave internet‐based approaches may show great promise in supporting parents to cope with the stress/distress associated with parenting a child with a chronic condition. This protocol will guide a systematic literature review of the evidence for internet‐based third‐wave interventions for this parent population.

Registration

This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO on 24th June, 2022 (Registration: CRD42022337334).
Impact of Brownian motion and thermophoresis in magnetohydrodynamic dissipative: Radiative flow of chemically reactive nanoliquid thin films on an unsteady expandable sheet in a composite media
Authors: Pal Dulal , Chatterjee Debranjan
Published: October 2024

This study comprehensively examines magnetohydrodynamic heat transport characteristics within a thin nanofluid film on a stretchable sheet embedded in a composite medium. By considering factors such as the unsteady nature of sheet velocity, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, thermally radiative heat, irregular heat generation/sink, chemical reactions, and dissipation due to viscous fluid, the research provides valuable insights into the variations in fluid velocity, temperature, and nanoparticles concentration. The computational solution utilizes the efficient numerical method that enables accurate predictions of system behavior under varying conditions. Notable findings include the influence of Schmidt numbers on nanoparticle concentration distribution, the opposing impact of thermophoresis parameter values, and the influence of Brownian motion and heat source/sink on temperature profiles in thin nanofluid film. Also, nanoliquid film thickness is reduced by enhancing the porous parameter values and Hartmann number values. The nanoliquid film becomes thinner when the space‐dependent heat source/sink parameter is considered compared to the temperature‐dependent heat source/sink coefficient. In space‐dependent and temperature‐dependent cases, the increase in these parameters leads to a decrease in the temperature gradient. Furthermore, it is observed that higher thermophoresis values correspond to reduced nanoparticle concentration gradient profiles. Also, enhancement in the chemical reaction values leads to an expansion in the solutal boundary region surrounding nanoparticles, and as a consequence, the concentration gradient of nanoparticles is enhanced. This research has significant potential for optimizing heat performance and advancing innovation in industrial and engineering processes.
AlN as interlayer for effective thermal dissipation from gallium nitride to CVD diamond using nanocrystalline diamond seeding
Authors: Sang Liwen , Liao Meiyong , Shen Bo
Published: October 2024

With the increasing power density achieved in gallium nitride (GaN) electronic devices, the thermal dissipation becomes a key issue that restricts their ultimate performances. However, the effective thermal boundary resistance (TBReff) between GaN and their heat spreader usually dominates the heat concentration. Here we introduce a super‐thin AlN interlayer with nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) seeding as the nucleation for the polycrystalline diamond (PCD) film growth on the GaN films. A thermal conductivity approaching 250 W/mK for the 1.2 μm‐thick PCD film is obtained. The TBReff between GaN and PCD films is estimated to be 5 m2K/GW, which is much smaller than that of the typical SiNx interlayer. Since AlN can be deposited simultaneously with the device structure, this work is promising to achieve the full potential of using diamond as the heat spreader for GaN‐based transistors.
Nestings of BIBDs with block size four
Authors: Buratti Marco , Kreher Donald L. , Stinson Douglas R.
Published: October 2024

In a nesting of a balanced incomplete block design (or BIBD), we wish to add a point (the nested point) to every block of a ‐BIBD in such a way that we end up with a partial ‐BIBD. In the case where the partial ‐BIBD is in fact a ‐BIBD, we have a perfect nesting. We show that a nesting is perfect if and only if . Perfect nestings were previously known to exist in the case of Steiner triple systems (i.e., ‐BIBDs) when , as well as for some symmetric BIBDs. Here we study nestings of ‐BIBDs, which are not perfect nestings. We prove that there is a nested ‐BIBD if and only if , . This is accomplished by a variety of direct and recursive constructions.
Taurine reduces glycolysis of pig skeletal muscle by inhibiting HIF‐1α signaling
Authors: Chen Xiaoling , Wenting An , Zhiqing Huang , Jia Gang , Zhao Hua
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of taurine on skeletal muscle glycolysis in pigs. The results showed that dietary supplementation of taurine significantly reduced the activities of hexokinase (HK), phosphofructose kinase (PFK), and pyruvate kinase (PK) in finishing pigs. Meanwhile, taurine reduced the protein and mRNA expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) and the mRNA expression of glycolytic enzyme related genes (such as HK type II, HK Ⅱ; pyruvate kinase M2, PKM2; lactate dehydrogenase A, LDHA). In addition, taurine reduced the expression of HIF‐1α, lactate content, and the expression of glycolysis related genes in porcine myotubes. These results suggest that taurine may regulate glycolysis in skeletal muscle of finishing pigs through the HIF‐1α signaling pathway. To further investigate the mechanism by which taurine affects skeletal glycolysis, HIF‐1α activator dimethyloxalyl glycine (DMOG) was used to treat porcine myotubes, our results showed that DMOG significantly increased the protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF‐1α, lactate content, and glycolytic enzyme (HK, PFK, PK, and LDH) activity, but taurine treatment significantly inhibited this effect. Taken together, these results of in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that taurine reduces skeletal muscle glycolysis by inhibiting HIF‐1α signaling.
A public, cross‐reactive glycoprotein epitope confounds Ebola virus serology
Authors: Kainulainen Markus H. , Harmon Jessica R. , Karaaslan Elif , Kyondo Jackson , Whitesell Amy , Twongyeirwe Sam , Malenfant Jason H. , Baluku Jimmy , Kofman Aaron , Bergeron Éric , Waltenburg Michelle A. , Nyakarahuka Luke , Balinandi Stephen , Cossaboom Caitlin M. , Choi Mary J. , Shoemaker Trevor R. , Montgomery Joel M. , Spiropoulou Christina F.
Published: October 2024

Ebola disease (EBOD) in humans is a severe disease caused by at least four related viruses in the genus Orthoebolavirus, most often by the eponymous Ebola virus. Due to human‐to‐human transmission and incomplete success in treating cases despite promising therapeutic development, EBOD is a high priority in public health research. Yet despite almost 50 years since EBOD was first described, the sources of these viruses remain undefined and much remains to be understood about the disease epidemiology and virus emergence and spread. One important approach to improve our understanding is detection of antibodies that can reveal past human infections. However, serosurveys routinely describe seroprevalences that imply infection rates much higher than those clinically observed. Proposed hypotheses to explain this difference include existence of common but less pathogenic strains or relatives of these viruses, misidentification of EBOD as something else, and a higher proportion of subclinical infections than currently appreciated. The work presented here maps B‐cell epitopes in the spike protein of Ebola virus and describes a single epitope that is cross‐reactive with an antigen seemingly unrelated to orthoebolaviruses. Antibodies against this epitope appear to explain most of the unexpected reactivity towards the spike, arguing against common but unidentified infections in the population. Importantly, antibodies of cross‐reactive donors from within and outside the known EBOD geographic range bound the same epitope. In light of this finding, it is plausible that epitope mapping enables broadly applicable specificity improvements in the field of serology.
Seroprevalence of enterovirus D68 in Yamagata, Japan, between 1976 and 2019
Authors: Itagaki Tsutomu , Komabayashi Kenichi , Sasaki Mika , Ogawa Naomi , Seto Junji , Aoki Yoko , Ikeda Tatsuya , Matsuzaki Yoko , Mizuta Katsumi
Published: October 2024

To clarify the epidemiology of enterovirus D68 (EV‐D68), an enterovirus rarely identified in the 20th century, we performed seroepidemiological analysis against EV‐D68 using sera collected in 1976, 1985, 1990, 1999, 2009, and 2019, as well as Yamagata isolate (EVD68/Yamagata.JPN/2023‐89), in Yamagata, Japan. The neutralizing antibody (Ab)‐positive rates for those under 20 years old were 61.0%, 82.5%, 84.3%, 46.7%, 50.5%, and 67.9%, in each year, whereas the rates for those above 20 years old were between 93.4% and 99.1%. Generally, geometric mean titers (GMTs）increased with age among children and the total GMT in each year was 25.4, 49.2, 37.2, 30.8, 29.5, and 33.9, from 1976 to 2019, respectively. The findings in this Yamagata‐based study showed that the seroprevalence of EV‐D68 over the last four decades has increased with age among children, as a susceptible group, and then reaches a plateau of over approximately 80% among adults. This study clearly revealed that EV‐D68 was stably transmitted among children in the 20th century, when EV‐D68 detection was quite rare.
Does Workplace Spirituality Enhance Employee Well‐Being? The Mediating Role of Workplace Happiness
Authors: Koul Surabhi
Published: October 2024

Workplace spirituality and employee well‐being are significant aspects of organizational behavior that greatly influence the success of an organization. While numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of workplace spirituality on employee performance, few have delved into its correlation with workplace happiness (WPH). The present research seeks to investigate the direct and indirect effects of workplace spirituality on workplace engagement and employee well‐being, with WPH serving as a mediator. The groundwork for the proposed conceptual model was laid by conducting a survey with 473 working professionals from Indian organizations, employing the structural equation modeling (SEM) method. Results reveal that employees with a strong sense of workplace spirituality tend to have greater attachment to the workplace. WPH, in turn, acts as a mediator in the relationship between workplace attachment (WPA) and employee well‐being. This study sheds light on the significant relationship between workplace spirituality, WPA, and employee well‐being. It underscores the importance for organizations to prioritize WPH of employees which in turn, would enhance their well‐being within the workplace. The study also discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings, offering suggestions about directions for future research.
Exploring production of social and economic value in social enterprises through a business model framework
Authors: Green Elizabeth , Bradley Peter , Parry Glenn
Published: October 2024

This study explores how social enterprises create social and economic value through business models that support ex‐offenders. The work was motivated by a request for help from an entrepreneur wishing to establish a business that supports ex‐offender rehabilitation. The research explored five case organisations that already provided such support, analysing them through a business model framework. The case studies investigated the dual propositions of social and economic value created using various organisational forms, including private companies, charities, and a government body. Findings demonstrate how each organisation utilised under‐valued human resources to address social challenges while maintaining economic viability. The research contributes to social enterprise literature and practice, showing the integration of social and economic value creation, exploring the role of Mission, and explaining the reluctance of some organisations to engage in social value measurement. The findings offer insights to entrepreneurs seeking to sustainably deliver social impact.
Bioactive compounds from food‐grade Bacillus
Authors: Raphel Steji , Halami Prakash Motiram
Published: October 2024

Bacillus species have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their potential for producing various bioactive compounds with diverse functional properties. This review highlights bioactive substances from food‐grade Bacillus strains and their applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. The metabolic capacities of Bacillus species have allowed them to generate a wide range of bioactive substances, including vitamins, enzymes, anti‐microbial peptides, and other non‐ribosomal peptides. These substances have a variety of positive effects, including potential cholesterol‐lowering and immune‐modulatory qualities in addition to anti‐oxidant and anti‐bacterial actions. The uses and mechanisms of action of these bioactive chemicals can be used to improve the functional qualities and nutritional profile of food products. Examples include the use of anti‐microbial peptides to increase safety and shelf life, as well as the use of Bacillus‐derived enzymes in food processing to improve digestibility and sensory qualities. The exploitation of bioactive compounds from food‐grade Bacillus strains presents a promising frontier in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals with enhanced health benefits. Due to their wide range of activity and applications, they are considered as important resources for the development of novel medications, agricultural biocontrol agents, and industrial enzymes. Ongoing research into the biosynthetic pathways, functional properties, and applications of these compounds is essential to fully realize their potential in the food industry. This review underscores the significance of various bioactive compounds generated from Bacillus in tackling global issues like environmental sustainability, sustainable agriculture, and antibiotic resistance. Future developments in microbiology and biotechnology will enable us to fully utilize the potential of these amazing microbes, resulting in novel approaches to industry, agriculture, and health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Florida sandhill crane survival along a wildland‐to‐urban land use gradient
Authors: Dellinger Timothy A. , Sylvia Andrea L. , Bankovich Brittany A. , Bielefeld Ronald R.
Published: October 2024

The Florida sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis pratensis) is a state‐threatened non‐migratory subspecies. Our understanding of adult crane survival in Florida, USA, is unclear, as it relies on decades‐old unpublished data of birds residing in natural areas. Since that time, the loss of natural habitat precipitated cranes using urbanized areas such as suburban lawns and roadside verges for foraging and loafing. Contemporary studies are needed to properly guide crane management and conservation efforts. We addressed this knowledge gap by estimating the annual survival rate for sandhill cranes in 12 central Florida counties. We used a live‐dead capture‐recapture multistate model, monitoring 118 adult cranes from June 2017 to May 2023; 76 were color‐banded and 42 were tagged with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) transmitters. Fifteen cranes died during the study, with vehicle strikes (n = 9) being the most prevalent identified source of mortality. Overall, the annual survival probability was estimated at 0.79 (95% credibility interval = 0.75–0.84). Using the subset of GSM‐tagged cranes, we observed no influence of urbanization on annual survival rate (βurbanization gradient = 0.007, 95% credibility interval = −0.008, 0.022). The adult survival rates we observed are lower than reported for other populations of sandhill cranes in North America that are considered stable or growing.
Atmospheric chemistry of (Z)‐CF2HCF=CHCl: Kinetics and products of reaction with Cl atoms and OH radicals
Authors: Sulbaek Andersen Mads Peter , Borcher Josefine Ellerup , Nielsen Ole John
Published: October 2024

Long path length FTIR‐smog chamber techniques were used to study the title reactions in 650 Torr of N2, oxygen, or air diluent at 296 ± 3 K. Values of k(Cl + (Z)‐CF2HCF = CHCl)═(6.6 ± 0.7) × 10−11 and k(OH + (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl)═(4.1 ± 0.7) × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 were measured. The IR spectrum of (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl is reported. The atmospheric lifetime of (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl is determined by the reaction with OH and is approximately 2.8 days. Reaction of (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl with Cl atoms gives HC(O)Cl and CF2HC(O)F as major primary products. Under environmental conditions, the OH radical initiated oxidation gives CF2HC(O)F and HC(O)Cl in yields of (98 ± 8)% and (100 ± 4)%, respectively. Accounting for non‐uniform horizontal and vertical mixing leads to a 100‐year time‐horizon global warming potential value for (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl of essentially zero.
Multiplane Spectroscopic Whole‐Body Photoacoustic Computed Tomography of Small Animals In Vivo
Authors: Yang Jinge , Choi Seongwook , Kim Jiwoong , Lee Jihye , Kim Won Jong , Kim Chulhong
Published: October 2024

To understand complex biological process and disease progression, it is essential to comprehensively track biodynamics across entire organisms. The invaluable tracking tool, photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT), provides insights into structural, functional, and molecular aspects of living tissues. However, current small‐animal PACT systems suffer from low temporal/spatial resolution and a restricted field of view, and they are limited in the biological information they can provide, hindering research on whole‐body biodynamics. Here, it is demonstrated a continuous rotary‐scanning PACT system for rapid monitoring of various parameters within the relatively large torso of a small animal. In this PACT system, a hemispherical transducer array is continuously rotated at high speed, enabling a 3D scan of an entire mouse body in just 54 s, with a spatial resolution of 172–212 µm. The rapid rotary scanning allows us to not only image whole‐body structures but also to monitor pharmacokinetics and changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation in living animals. This approach holds great promise for advancing the understanding of in vivo biological dynamics, opening up a new avenue of preclinical research in areas such as metabolic diseases and drug delivery.
Synergistic Effect of Sn Doping in TiO2 Nanoparticles as an Additive in Anti‐Corrosion Coatings
Authors: Rahman Fariza Abdul , Basirun Wan Jefrey , Johan Mohd Rafie
Published: October 2024

Corrosion is a major problem and protective coatings offer an effective solution. However, organic coatings are often associated with microcracks caused by the evaporation of solvents during coating preparation. This study investigates the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as a coating additive to protect mild steel surfaces. Additionally, doping TiO2 with tin (Sn) is believed to enhance its properties due to the reduced size of the nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were synthesised using the sol–gel method and subjected to various analyses. The coated mild steel samples were prepared using the dip‐coating method and immersed in 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution for 30 days. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel polarisation showed that the Sn‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles as an additive improved the corrosion resistance, as evidenced by a positive shift in corrosion potential (Ecorr) and reduced corrosion current density (Icorr).
Social comparison and self‐determination in luxury consumption motivations
Authors: Petrescu Maria , Siqueira Jose Ribamar , Dobre Costinel , Mrad Selima Ben , Ciuta Anca‐Milovan , Kara Aycan
Published: October 2024

This study integrates social comparison theory) and self‐determination theory to examine the roles of escapism, conformity, and individual cultural values in shaping luxury brand attitudes. Concepts related to consumer upward and downward social comparison are complemented by aspects related to self‐determination and autonomy. Drawing on survey data from the United States and Colombia, the research employs partial least squares structural equation modeling and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the complex drivers of luxury consumption. The findings reveal that escapism and conformity, complementary motivations grounded in social comparison and self‐determination theories, positively influence luxury brand attitudes. Furthermore, individual cultural values, such as self‐enhancement and self‐transcendence, moderate the relationships between these consumer motivations and attitudes. The cross‐cultural comparison highlights differences in the influence of cultural values on luxury consumption between two distinct cultures. The fsQCA—results uncover distinct configurations of motivations and values sufficient for driving positive luxury attitudes, extending the understanding of the complex interplay of factors shaping luxury consumption. By integrating social comparison theory and self‐determination theory perspectives, examining cultural values, and employing advanced methodological approaches, this study contributes to the theoretical understanding of luxury consumption. It also offers valuable insights for luxury brand managers navigating the evolving global market. Future research directions emphasize the potential for further integrating these two theoretical frameworks in the luxury domain.
Outcomes of early‐treated infants with spinal muscular atrophy: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Goedeker Natalie L. , Rogers Amanda , Fisher Mark , Arya Kapil , Brandsema John F. , Farah Hiba , Farrar Michelle A. , Felker Marcia V. , Gibbons Melissa , Hamid Omer Abdul , Harmelink Matthew , Herbert Karen , Kichula Elizabeth , King Kiana , Lakhotia Arpita , Lee Bo Hoon , Kuntz Nancy L. , Parsons Julie , Rehborg Rebecca , Veerapaniyan Aravindhan , Zaidman Craig M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction/Aims

While prompt identification and treatment of infants with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can ameliorate outcomes, variability persists. This study assessed management and outcomes of early‐treated infants with SMA.

Methods

We analyzed retrospective data at 12 centers on infants with SMA treated at age ≤6 weeks from August 2018 to December 2023.

Results

Sixty‐six patients, 35 with two SMN2 copies and 31 with ≥3 SMN2 copies, were included. Twenty‐five (38%, 22 with two SMN2 copies), had SMA findings before initial treatment which was onasemnogene abeparvovec in 47 (71%) and nusinersen in 19 (29%). Thirty‐two received sequential or combination treatments, including 16 adding nusinersen or risdiplam due to SMA findings following onasemnogene abeparvovec. All sat independently. Compared to children with ≥3 SMN2 copies, those with two SMN2 copies were less likely to walk (23/34 [68%] vs. 31/31 [100%], p < .001) and less likely to walk on time (9/34 [26%] vs. 29/31 [94%], p < .001); one non‐ambulatory child was <18 months old and was excluded from this analysis. No patients required permanent ventilation or exclusively enteral nutrition; six required nocturnal non‐invasive ventilation and four utilized supplemental enteral nutrition, all with two SMN2 copies.

Discussion

Early treatment of infants with SMA can improve outcomes as indicated by our cohort, all of whom sat independently and are without permanent ventilation. However, our study demonstrates ongoing disability in most children with two SMN2 copies despite early monotherapy and emphasizes the need for additional research, including earlier monotherapy, initial combination therapy, prenatal treatment, and non‐SMN modifying treatments.
The spectrum of rippling muscle disease
Authors: Rashed Hebatallah R. , Milone Margherita
Published: October 2024

Rippling muscle disease (RMD) is a rare disorder of muscle hyperexcitability. It is characterized by rippling wave‐like muscle contractions induced by mechanical stretch or voluntary contraction followed by sudden stretch, painful muscle stiffness, percussion‐induced rapid muscle contraction (PIRC), and percussion‐induced muscle mounding (PIMM). RMD can be hereditary (hRMD) or immune‐mediated (iRMD). hRMD is caused by pathogenic variants in caveolin‐3 (CAV3) or caveolae‐associated protein 1/ polymerase I and transcript release factor (CAVIN1/PTRF). CAV3 pathogenic variants are autosomal dominant or less frequently recessive while CAVIN1/PTRF pathogenic variants are autosomal recessive. CAV3‐RMD manifests with a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes, ranging from asymptomatic creatine kinase elevation to severe muscle weakness. Overlapping phenotypes are common. Muscle caveolin‐3 immunoreactivity is often absent or diffusely reduced in CAV3‐RMD. CAVIN1/PTRF‐RMD is characterized by congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL, type 4) and often accompanied by several extra‐skeletal muscle manifestations. Muscle cavin‐1/PTRF immunoreactivity is absent or reduced while caveolin‐3 immunoreactivity is reduced, often in a patchy way, in CAVIN1/PTRF‐RMD. iRMD is often accompanied by other autoimmune disorders, including myasthenia gravis. Anti‐cavin‐4 antibodies are the serological marker while the mosaic expression of caveolin‐3 and cavin‐4 is the pathological feature of iRMD. Most patients with iRMD respond to immunotherapy. Rippling, PIRC, and PIMM are usually electrically silent. Different pathogenic mechanisms have been postulated to explain the disease mechanisms. In this article, we review the spectrum of hRMD and iRMD, including clinical phenotypes, electrophysiological characteristics, myopathological findings, and pathogenesis.
UroARC: A novel surgical risk calculator for older adults undergoing pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence surgery
Authors: Nik‐Ahd Farnoosh , Zhao Shoujun , Wang Lufan , Boscardin W. John , Covinsky Kenneth , Suskind Anne M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are commonly performed in older adults, many of whom are also frail. A surgical risk calculator for older adults undergoing POP/SUI surgeries that incorporates frailty, a factor known to increase the risk of surgical complications, would be helpful for preoperative counseling but currently does not exist.

Materials and Methods

Medicare Carrier, Outpatient, and MedPAR files were examined for beneficiaries undergoing POP and SUI surgery between 2014 and 2016. A total of 15 POP/SUI categories were examined. The Claims‐Based Frailty Index (CFI), a validated measure of frailty in Medicare data, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were deconstructed into their individual variables, and individual variables were entered into stepwise logistic regression models to determine which variables were most highly predictive of 30‐day complications and 1‐year mortality. To verify the prognostic accuracy for each model for surgical complications of interest, calibration curves and tests of model fit, including C‐statistic, Brier scores, and Spiegelhalter p values, were determined.

Results

In total, 108 479 beneficiaries were included. Among these, 4.7% had CFI scores consistent with mild to severe frailty (CFI≥0.25). A total of 13 prognostic variable categories were found to be most highly predictive of postoperative complications. Calibration curves for each outcome of interest showed models were well‐fit. Most models demonstrated high c‐statistic values (≥0.7) and high Spiegelhalter p values (≥0.9), indicating good model calibration and excellent discrimination, and low Brier scores (<0.02), indicating high model accuracy.

Conclusions

Urologic surgery for older Adults Risk Calculator serves as a novel surgical risk calculator that is readily accessible to both patients and clinicians that specifically factors in components of frailty. Furthermore, this calculator accounts for the heterogeneity of an aging population and can assist in individualized surgical decision‐making for these common procedures.
Is It Possible to Regenerate the Underactive Detrusor? Part 1 Molecular and Stem Cell Therapies Targeting the Urinary Bladder and Neural Axis ICI‐RS 2024
Authors: Sinha Sanjay , Cruz Francisco , Cuenca Esther Martinez , Przydacz Mikolaj , Kheir George Bou , Kanai Anthony J. , Van Huele Andries , Gajewski Jerzy B. , Tarcan Tufan , Lazar Jason M. , Weiss Jeffrey P. , Tyagi Pradeep , Abrams Paul , Wein Alan
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Detrusor muscle weakness is commonly noted on urodynamics in patients with refractory voiding difficulty. No approved therapies have been proven to augment the strength of a detrusor voiding contraction.

Methods

This subject was discussed by a think‐tank at the International Consultation on Incontinence‐ Research Society (ICI‐RS) meeting held in Bristol, June 2024. The discussions of the think‐tank are being published in two parts. This first part discusses molecular and stem cell therapies targeting the urinary bladder and the neural axis.

Results

Senescence of the urothelium and extracellular ATP acting through P2X3 receptors might be important in detrusor underactivity. Several molecules such as parasympathomimetics, acotiamide, ASP8302, neurokinin‐2 agonists have been explored but none has shown unequivocal clinical benefit. Different stem cell therapy approaches have been used, chiefly in neurogenic dysfunction, with some studies showing benefit. Molecular targets for the neural axis have included TRPV‐4, Bombesin, and serotoninergic receptors and TAC‐302 which induces neurite growth.

Conclusions

Several options are currently being pursued in the search for an elusive molecular or stem cell option for enhancing the power of the detrusor muscle. These encompass a wide range of approaches that target each aspect of the contraction mechanism including the urothelium of bladder and urethra, myocyte, and neural pathways. While none of these have shown unequivocal clinical utility, some appear promising. Lessons from other fields of medicine might prove instructive.

Clinical Trial Registration

Not necessary. Not a clinical trial.
Association of continuous BMI with health‐related quality of life in the United States by age and sex
Authors: Ward Zachary J. , Dupuis Roxanne , Long Michael W. , Gortmaker Steven L.
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to estimate health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) by continuous BMI by age, sex, and demographic group in the United States.

Methods

We estimated HRQoL (overall and by domain) by continuous BMI using SF‐6D (Short‐Form Six‐Dimension) data from 182,778 respondents ages 18 years and older from the repeated cross‐sectional Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) 2008 to 2016. We adjusted for BMI self‐report bias and for potential confounding between BMI and HRQoL.

Results

We found an inverse J‐shaped curve of HRQoL by BMI, with lower values for female individuals and the highest health utilities occurring at BMI of 20.4 kg/m2 (95% CI: 20.32–20.48) for female individuals and 26.5 kg/m2 (95% CI: 26.45–26.55) for male individuals. By BMI category, excess weight contributed to HRQoL loss of 0.0349 for obesity overall, rising to 0.0724 for class III obesity. By domain, pain was the largest cause of HRQoL loss for obesity (26%), followed by role limitations (22%).

Conclusions

HRQoL is lower for people with excess body weight across a broad range of ages and BMI levels, especially at high levels of BMI, with pain being the largest driver of HRQoL loss. These findings highlight the importance of promoting a healthy weight for the entire population while also targeting efforts to prevent extreme weight gain over the life course.
Engineering the novel azobenzene‐based molecular photoswitches for suppressing bacterial infection through dynamic regulation of biofilm formation
Authors: Zhang Tai‐Hong , Yang Yi‐Ke , Feng Yu‐Mei , Luo Zhi‐Jun , Wang Ming‐Wei , Qi Pu‐Ying , Zeng Dan , Liu Hong‐Wu , Liao Yan‐Mei , Meng Jiao , Zhou Xiang , Liu Li‐Wei , Yang Song
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Bacterial biofilm is a strong fortress for bacteria to resist harsh external environments, which can enhance their tolerance and exacerbate the drug/pesticide resistance risk. Currently, photopharmacology provides an advanced approach via precise spatiotemporal control for regulating biological activities by light‐controlling the molecular configurations, thereby having enormous potential in the development of drug/pesticides.

RESULTS

To further expand the photopharmacology application for discovering new antibiofilm agents, we prepared a series of light‐controlled azo‐active molecules and explored their photo isomerization, fatigue resistance, and anti‐biofilm performance. Furthermore, their mechanisms of inhibiting biofilm formation were systematically investigated. Overall, designed azo‐derivative A11 featured excellent anti‐Xoo activity with an half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 5.45 μg mL−1, and the EC50 value could be further elevated to 2.19 μg mL−1 after ultraviolet irradiation (converted as cis‐configuration). The photo‐switching behavior showed that A11 had outstanding anti‐fatigue properties. An in‐depth analysis of the action mechanism showed that A11 could effectively inhibit biofilm formation and the expression of relevant virulence factors. This performance could be dynamically regulated via loading with private light‐switch property.

CONCLUSION

In this work, designed light‐controlled azo molecules provide a new model for resisting bacterial infection via dynamic regulation of bacterial biofilm formation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Occurrence of a population of the root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, with low sensitivity to two major nematicides, fosthiazate and fluopyram, in Japan
Authors: Fujikawa Aoto , Perry Roland N. , Toyota Koki
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The root‐knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita, affects food production globally and nematicides, such as fosthiazate and fluopyram, are frequently used in Japan to control damage caused by RKN. In aboveground pests, the emergence of a population with developed resistance is frequently found after the continuous use of the same pesticides; however, there are few studies on changes in the sensitivity of plant‐parasitic nematodes, including RKN, to nematicides.

RESULTS

We compared the sensitivity of two populations of M. incognita to fosthiazate and fluopyram, one population with a history of exposure to fosthiazate and 1,3‐dichloropropene (Ibaraki population) and the other without nematicide use for decades (Aichi population). A concentration of fosthiazate and fluopyram causing 50% mortality at 24 h post‐treatment (LC50) was markedly higher in the Ibaraki population (5.4 and 2.3 mg L−1) than in the Aichi population (0.024 and 0.011 mg L−1 in fosthiazate and fluopyram, respectively), indicating the low sensitivity of the Ibaraki population to fosthiazate and fluopyram. Experiments using different enzyme inhibitors indicated the involvement of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is the target of fosthiazate, and glutathione S‐transferase (GST), a typical enzyme related to detoxification, in the low sensitivity mechanism. The activity of AChE was 33‐fold higher in the Ibaraki population than in the Aichi population and there were many differences in their nucleotide sequences. In addition, the gene expression level of GST was 239‐fold higher in the Ibaraki population than in the Aichi population.

CONCLUSION

These results revealed differences in the sensitivity to nematicides among RKN populations. Two factors were identified as related to the mechanism of low sensitivity in the Ibaraki population. This is the first report showing the difference in the sensitivity to fluopyram between populations of M. incognita. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Disenchanted comradery: The social process of persistent mistrust among North Korean refugees in the United Kingdom
Authors: Shin Hwajin , Son Inseo
Published: October 2024

Previous research on refugees demonstrates that low interpersonal trust impedes their social adaptation in host countries. However, a pervasive sense of low trust among refugees, particularly within their own communities, remains less understood. Using survey and interview data from North Korean refugees in London, United Kingdom, this study probes the social processes that foster mistrust towards their in‐group peers. The quantitative findings show that refugees have created a close‐knit, in‐group community bounded by strong emotional bonds that, counterintuitively, do not necessarily develop into mutual trust. The interviews show that the asylum‐seeking experiences and the cultural norms they bring from North Korea continue to shape how they perceive in‐group contacts as potential threats. Additionally, interactions with locals, especially South Korean immigrants, amplify perceptions of inferiority and mistrust towards in‐group members. These findings illuminate the complex social process through which mutual mistrust continues to persist among refugees, offering insights into the multifaceted challenges refugees face in resettlement.
Theoretical Study of the Co‐doping Effects at Sr and Fe Sites on the Magnetic and Optical Properties of SrFe12O19
Authors: Apostolova Iliana N. , Apostolov Angel T. , Wesselinowa Julia M.
Published: October 2024

For the first time, the magnetic and optical (bandgap) properties of co‐doped Mg/Dy, Al/Dy, and Mn/Nd (SFO) at Sr and Fe sites are investigated using a microscopic model and the Green's function theory. It is shown that the co‐doping at both Sr and Fe sites can change the behavior of the magnetization which decreases by transition metal or nonmagnetic ion doping at the Fe site (with doping ions larger than the host Fe ions), but by additive co‐doping at the Sr site with rare‐earth ion (which ionic radius is smaller than that of Sr) the magnetization increases with increasing the co‐doping concentration. The bandgap energy decreases in the co‐doped SFO. The mechanism of this co‐doping effect is explained on microscopic level. It is due to the changes of the spin‐exchange interaction constants at the doped sites caused by the appearance of different strain by the doping with two ions. The theoretical results are compared with the existing experimental data and are in good qualitative agreement.
Electronic Passivation of Crystalline Silicon Surfaces Using Spatial‐Atomic‐Layer‐Deposited HfO2 Films and HfO2/SiNx Stacks
Authors: Schmidt Jan , Winter Michael , Souren Floor , Bolding Jons , de Vries Hindrik
Published: October 2024

Spatial atomic layer deposition (SALD) is applied to the electronic passivation of moderately doped (≈1016 cm−3) p‐type crystalline silicon surfaces by thin layers of hafnium oxide (HfO2). For 10 nm thick HfO2 layers annealed at 400 °C, an effective surface recombination velocity Seff of 4 cm s−1 is achieved, which is below what has been reported before on moderately doped p‐type silicon. The one‐sun implied open‐circuit voltage amounts to iVoc = 727 mV. After firing at 700 °C peak temperature in a conveyor‐belt furnace, as applied in the production of solar cells, still a good level of surface passivation with an Seff of 21 cm s−1 is attained. Reducing the HfO2 thickness to 1 nm, the passivation virtually vanishes after firing (i.e., Seff > 1000 cm s−1). However, by adding a capping layer of plasma‐enhanced‐chemical‐vapor‐deposited hydrogen‐rich silicon nitride (SiNx) onto the 1 nm HfO2, a substantially improved firing stability is attained, as demonstrated by Seff values as low as 30 cm s−1 after firing, which is attributed to the hydrogenation of interface states. The presented study demonstrates that SALD‐deposited HfO2 layers and HfO2/SiNx stacks have the potential to evolve into an attractive surface passivation scheme for future solar cells.
An Experimental Approach for the Quantitative Assessment of Downstream Swimming Fish Behavior
Authors: Roth Márcio S. , Wagner Falko , Roessger Tom , Kopecki Ianina , Powalla Dennis , Stamm Juergen
Published: October 2024

Behavior of fish influences the mortality risk during turbine and pump passages. Knowledge about species‐specific behavior and its triggers is necessary for improving numerical models and the development of autonomous sensor probes to estimate fish mortality in turbines and pumps. A primary objective of the RETERO project is the study of fish behavior in hydraulic conditions similar to turbine and pump intakes in controlled conditions. For this purpose, an experimental conduit was constructed at the Hubert‐Engels Laboratory of the TUD Dresden University of Technology (Germany) equipped with a 3D camera infrared tracking system. The conduit was designed to model hydraulic conditions typical for turbine and pump intakes. In the experimental setup, the effects of flow velocities exceeding the maximum swim speed of fish, as well as spatial velocity gradients and illumination conditions on the fish behavior are studied. The data from brown trout (Salmo trutta) allow for an analysis of how these fish react to flow accelerations and velocities surpassing their sprint speed, using quantitative metrics for movement and activity. An initial evaluation of these experiments highlights the potential of this approach for further research.
Hydroxyl Defects‐Mediated Hydrolytic Activation of Peroxydisulfate Under Nanoconfinement: Role of Lewis Basic Sites for Altering the Photosensitized Species and Pathways
Authors: Tang Xiaofeng , Wang Yashuang , Zhu Yi , Jin Sijia , Bao Yingjian , Dong Feilong , Song Shuang , Zhang Haiyan , Zeng Tao
Published: October 2024

Herein, the pivotal mechanism of defect engineering‐mediated triazine‐based conjugated polymers (TCPs) is comprehensively elucidated for photosensitized activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS) under nanoconfinement by encapsulating the defective polymer framework into the nanochannel of SBA‐15 (d‐TCPs@SBA‐15). The incorporated hydroxyl defects (‐OH defects) substantially accelerate the accumulation of electrons at ‐OH defects, forming the Lewis basic sites. Due to the facilitated elongation of the S─O bond and reduced energy barrier of SO5* generation, the captured PDS undergo prehydrolysis process, oxidized into O2− and 1O2 by surrounding h+, thereby setting apart from the conventional reductive activation of SO4−/•OH generation occurred in pristine TCPs (p‐TCPs). Crucially, this work represents a pioneering effort in exploring the PDS activation pathway upon the defective polymer under the nanoconfinement to leverage kinetic merits of slow photon effect and reactive oxygen species (ROSs) enrichment, and the novel prehydrolysis activation mechanism involved may catalyze the rational design of photocatalysts featuring Lewis‐acid/base centers.