bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal relationship between telomere length and epilepsy: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Luo Xinxin , Ruan Zhichao , Liu Ling
Published: August 2023

Objective

Observational studies have suggested a link between telomere length (TL) and epilepsy, but the direction of the effect and whether it is causal or not is still being debated. The objective of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between TL and epilepsy using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

We performed a bidirectional two‐sample MR analysis using pooled statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of TL and epilepsy. Additionally, we conducted a replication analysis using data from another GWAS study on epilepsy to validate our findings. The final results were analyzed using five MR methods, with the inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary outcome. We applied methods such as radial MR, MR pleiotropy residual and outlier test and MR Steiger filters to exclude outliers. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy.

Results

Our analysis found no evidence of a causal relationship between epilepsy and TL (all p‐values >0.05). The sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of these results.

Significance

In summary, our study contradicts existing observational reports by not finding any evidence to support a causal relationship between epilepsy and TL. Further research is necessary to determine the underlying mechanism behind the association observed in observational studies.
Cenozoic tectonic reactivation and its implications for landscape transience in southeastern Brazil
Authors: dos Santos Jéssica Miranda , Salamuni Eduardo , Val Pedro , da Silva Clauzionor Lima , Morales Norberto , de Souza Iata Anderson , Sanches Emerson
Published: August 2023

Intraplate settings far from tectonic plate boundaries are normally thought to be tectonically inactive regions in which the landscape evolves via the slow downcutting of fluvial systems. When identified, tectonic reactivations are thought to be of too low an amplitude and not cause any change in the landscape. However, in the absence of datable markers of tectonic deformation, the landscape can be used as a passive marker of intraplate tectonic activity. In this study, we investigate the northern boundary of the Ponta Grossa Arch in the southeastern portion of the Brazilian passive margin. We mapped and studied the spatial and temporal (relative) relationships between brittle structures and geomorphic markers of base level changes. Drainage anomalies (knickpoints and high ksn values) are correlated with structural/tectonic lineaments in which we recognize strike‐slip and transtensional faults with right‐lateral and left‐lateral kinematics. Through mapping and analysis of structural data, we constrained the underlying structural framework. The fault data demonstrate the counterclockwise rotation of the maximum stress field, which moved from the NE–SW orientation (at the Cretaceous‐Paleogene boundary) to N‐S to reach the current WNW‐ESE position. Together, the data suggest that, though subtle and low‐magnitude, the evolution of intraplate stress field forms a dynamic forcing of intracontinental landscape change.
Effect of the surface water content on dry saltation cloud dynamics: A wind tunnel simulation with particle tracking velocimetry
Authors: O'Brien Patrick , Neuman Cheryl Mc Kenna
Published: August 2023

The mass transport rate of wind‐borne particles, and indeed the fluid stress required for their entrainment, is strongly governed by inter‐particle cohesion arising from water retained through adsorption and capillary force. This paper reports on a series of wind tunnel experiments in which high‐speed photography was used to record the motion of dry sand particles as they impinged on test beds of systematically varied target gravimetric pore water content (0% ≤ W ≤ 10%). The wind friction velocity was preset to 0.33 m s−1, sufficient to maintain a saltation cloud above an upwind strip of dry sand, which then was blown over the wetted surface. Discrete particle trajectories were identified in the camera images using expected particle area searching–particle tracking velocimetry (EPAS‐PTV). Adding progressively more water produced an exponential decrease in the normalized particle number density over the test surface. The largest response was achieved by wetting the bed surface to just 2%. To reduce the number of particles by a further 40%, it was necessary to add eight times more water, signifying a diminishing return regarding water use. Relative to particles either rebounding or splashed from a dry bed, the total particle velocity increased incrementally by a factor between 1.5 and 2 with increasing water content. Increasing amounts of pore water were associated with progressively higher saltation trajectories, reaching a plateau beyond W ~8%. The spatio‐temporal adjustment in the sand cloud was observed to be extremely rapid. There is no consensus in the literature on how to measure the water content that effectively governs aeolian transport. In this study, all approaches to sampling W produced strong correlation (R2 ≥ 0.85). Sampling the topmost grains, however, provided the most accurate prediction of the normalized number density over the full range of water content.
Biological activities, therapeutic potential, and pharmacological aspects of blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L): A comprehensive review
Authors: Ejaz Afaf , Waliat Sadaf , Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Ahmad Aftab , Din Ahmad , Ateeq Huda , Asghar Asma , Shah Yasir Abbas , Rafi Ahmad , Khan Mahbubur Rahman
Published: August 2023

Blackcurrant possesses various health‐endorsing attributes owing to its polyphenol profile. Recent studies have demonstrated its therapeutic potential against various health disorders. Various bioactives present in blackcurrants have different functional and pharmacological aspects including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The most dominant and important bioactive include anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Food formats derived from blackcurrants comprise pomace, juice, powder, and extracts. All these food formats have industrial, prebiotic, and pharmacological benefits. In the current article, the nutritional composition, industrial applications, and therapeutic potential are discussed in the recent literature. Moreover, novel extraction techniques for the extraction of bioactive compounds present in blackcurrants and their safety concerns have been elaborated.
Improving the structure and properties of whey protein emulsion gel using soluble interactions with xanthan and basil seed gum
Authors: Sarraf Mozhdeh , Naji‐Tabasi Sara , Beig‐Babaei Adel , Moros José E. , Sánchez M. Carmen , Franco José M. , Tenorio‐Alfonso Adrián
Published: August 2023

Applying hydrocolloids in the structure of protein emulsion gel can improve its properties. Interaction of whey protein concentrate (WPC) (5%) with xanthan gum (XG) and basil seed gum (BSG) at different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%) was investigated to improve mechanical and structural properties of emulsion gel. Results illustrated that gums created a stronger structure around the oil droplets, which confocal images approved it. Also, the particle size decreased and uniformed by cooperating 0.6% gum in comparison with WPC (46.87 μm). The lowest and highest hardness values were observed in emulsion gel formed by WPC (1.27 N) and 0.6BSG: WPC (3.03 N), respectively. Also, the increase of gum concentration had a positive on consistency parameter of texture, so the value was 11.48 N s in WPC emulsion gel and it reached 0.6BSG: WPC (25.71 N s) and 0.6XG: WPC (19.96 N s). Evaluating the stability of the treatments by centrifugation indicated that 0.6BSG: WPC (89.10%) and 0.6XG: WPC (74%) had the highest level of stability. Increasing gum concentration increased the consistency and viscosity. Also, the viscoelastic properties of emulsion gel improved by 0.6% BSG. The elastic modulus of the WPC, 0.6XG: WPC, and 0.6BSG: WPC emulsion gels at the same frequency (1 Hz) was 240.90, 894.59, and 1185.61 Pa, respectively. In general, the interaction of WPC solution with hydrocolloids, especially BSG, is suggested to prepare more stable and elastic emulsion gels.
Dietary patterns of Indian school‐aged children and associations with markers of chronic disease risk
Authors: Trilok‐Kumar Geeta , Malik Anku , Gusain Yamini , Millerot Eve , Pathak Renuka , Filteau Suzanne
Published: August 2023

There is an increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in India which may be related to changing dietary patterns. We aimed to assess dietary patterns in children since they have time to change unhealthy patterns before NCDs develop. Participants were 665 children, 9–12 years old, born with low birth weight and 77 similarly aged normal birth weight controls. We collected data on sociodemography, anthropometry, body composition, and markers of risk for NCDs: grip strength, long jump, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). A food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary data from which dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA). Fourteen food groups were included in the PCA analysis, resulting in three components: ‘fruits and vegetables’, ‘protein’, and ‘sugar and fat’. Higher socioeconomic status and maternal education were associated with lower adherence to the fruit and vegetable pattern and higher adherence to the protein and sugar and fat patterns. Adherence to the fruits and vegetables pattern was associated with lower height‐for‐age, whereas the fat and sugar pattern was associated with higher indicators of body fat. In linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, religion, socioeconomic status, maternal education, and season of data collection, adherence to the ‘fruits and vegetables’ pattern was associated with lower grip strength, shorter long jump, and lower HbA1c. Adherence to the other patterns was not associated with NCD risk factors. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, achievable even by poorer families in the cohort, may lower HbA1c, a risk factor for diabetes.
Social engagement and depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between age‐related hearing loss and cognitive status
Authors: Zhao Ivy Yan , Parial Laurence Lloyd , Montayre Jed , Golub Justin S. , Ng Janet Ho‐Yee , Sweetow Robert W. , Chan Engle Angela , Leung Angela Yee Man
Published: August 2023

Background and Objectives

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is the third leading cause of years lived with disability. Connections among ARHL, depressive symptoms, social engagement and cognitive status are increasingly reported but the underlying mechanisms leading to these relationships are largely unknown. Exploring these mechanisms is a worthy goal, especially in older adults. This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of social engagement and depressive symptoms on the relationship between ARHL and cognitive status.

Methods

Structural equation modeling (SEM) with path analysis were performed with data from a cross‐sectional study conducted in 11 community centers in 2021, which assessed older adults' intrinsic and sensory capacities using the WHO ICOPE framework. Demographic information, health profile, a binary measure of hearing capacity, depressive symptoms, social engagement, and cognitive status of participants were gathered.

Results

A total of 304 participants were included. ARHL was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β = 0.18, p = 0.009) and negatively related to social engagement (β = −0.13, p = 0.026). Social engagement was positively associated with cognitive status (β = 0.17, p = 0.005) and negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = −0.23, p < 0.001). Greater depressive symptoms were negatively associated with the participants' cognition (β = −0.13, p = 0.009). Both social engagement (β = −0.02, p = 0.029) and depressive symptoms (β = −0.02, p = 0.032) mediated the negative associations between ARHL and cognitive status.

Conclusions

Addressing hearing loss, depressive symptoms, and enhancing social engagement should be investigated as a potential means of minimizing cognitive decline. Well‐designed studies are needed to comprehensively inform the clinical practice development, particularly large prospective studies that will facilitate further elucidate possible causal mechanisms behind these observed associations.
Gaining access to unspoken narratives of people living with dementia on a hospital ward—A new methodology
Authors: Collins Pippa , Bridges Jackie , Bartlett Ruth
Published: August 2023

Background

This is a methodological paper that aims to advance the conceptualisation of participatory research by focusing on the value of capturing and understanding movement as a vital means of communication for older people with dementia in a general hospital ward. Qualitative research involving people with dementia tends to be word‐based and reliant upon verbal fluency. This article considers a method for capturing and understanding movement as a vital means of communication.

Method

This narrative enquiry is underpinned by the model of social citizenship that recognises people with dementia as citizens with narratives to share. The study focused on spontaneously produced conversations that were video recorded and analysed through a lens of mobility. This enabled each participant to share what was important to them in that moment of time without always using words.

Findings

The study findings showed that people with dementia have narratives to share, but these narratives do not fit the bio‐medically constructed model that is generally expected from patients. Utilising a mobilities lens enabled the narratives to be understood as containing layers of language. The first layer is the words; the second layer is gestures and movements that support the words; and the third layer is micro movements. These movements do not only support the words but in some cases tell a different story altogether.

Conclusion

This methodology brings attention to layers of communication that reveal narratives as a mobile process that require work from both the teller and the listener to share and receive. Movements are shown to be the physical manifestations of embodied language which when viewed through a lens of mobility enable a deeper understanding of the experience of living with dementia when an inpatient. Viewing narratives through a mobilities lens is important to the advancement of dementia and citizenship practices.
Role of T2 relaxometry in localization of mesial temporal sclerosis and the degree of hippocampal atrophy in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy: A cross sectional study
Authors: Sarkar Prasenjit , Sherwani Poonam , Dev Rahul , Tiwari Ashutosh
Published: August 2023

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is one of the most common causes of refractory epilepsy worldwide. A good percentage of patients do not have detectable hippocampal atrophy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The objective of this study is to evaluate whether T2 relaxometry can identify hippocampal pathology and lateralize the epileptic focus in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). T2 relaxometry can also be used to correlate the clinical severity of the disease with the relaxometry readings in those who have hippocampal atrophy as well as those who do not. Thirty two patients having clinical and electrophysiological features of TLE were enrolled and a MRI brain with T2 relaxometry was done. Hippocampal T2 relaxometry values were calculated in the head, body, and tail of the hippocampus and average T2 relaxometry values were calculated, and a comparison was done with the controls. For patients with unilateral involvement, the contralateral side was taken as control and in cases of bilateral involvement, controls were identified from normal subjects. T2 relaxometry is found to be superior to MR visual analysis in the early detection of cases of hippocampal sclerosis where there is no atrophy on visual analysis. Nine out of 32 patients (28%) were normal on MR visual analysis; however, showed increased values on T2 relaxometry, correlating with clinical and electrophysiological diagnosis. The rest of the patients with hippocampal atrophy showed a correlation of T2 relaxometry values with the degree of atrophy. The hippocampal T2 measurement is thus more sensitive and specific. The study was clinically significant (p < .0001). There was a mild female predilection of the disease and there was no significant correlation with comorbidities. There was a strong positive correlation with patients having a history of febrile seizures in childhood. T2 relaxometry may accurately lateralize the majority of patients with persistent TLE and offers evidence of hippocampus injury in those patients who do not show evidence of atrophy on MRI and also the T2 relaxometry values correlated with the degree of atrophy. Early identification of hippocampal sclerosis is crucial for prompt management which offers better outcomes.
Assessment of prescribing pattern and adverse drug reaction in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Vijayakumar Thangavel Mahalingam , Ananthathandavan Priyadharshini , Zago Basiru A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide as well as a major blockade to sustainable human development. It is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulants are among the most essential life‐saving drugs that are generally used in cardiology for the prevention and treatment of many CVD.

Objectives

To assess the prescribing pattern and adverse drug reaction (ADR) in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy for cardiac diseases.

Methodology

This was a Prospective Observational study conducted in the Department of Cardiology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center, Kattankulathur including 88 patients for 6 months.

Results

Out of the 88 patients, the majority were males (73%) compared to females (27%), and the prevalence of CVD was found to be higher in patients above 40 years of age. Various categories of drugs prescribed to the patients were antiplatelets (14.88%), anticoagulants (8.79%), antianginal (13.82%), antihypertensives (15.7%), antihyperlipidemic (7.83%), thrombolytics (0.68%), Ionotropic agents (2.13%), antibiotics (5.31%), and other miscellaneous drugs (36.61%). The anticoagulant dosage regimens prescribed to the patients were categorized into monotherapy (9%), combinational therapy with antiplatelets (38%), and triple therapy (53%). The most commonly prescribed anticoagulant to the patients was Heparin (93.41%), followed by Warfarin (5.49%) and lastly Rivaroxaban (1.10%) respectively. From the details of the prescriptions analyzed, the average number of drugs per patient (prescription) was found to be 11.7.

Conclusion

Heparin was found to be the most commonly used anticoagulant, Combination therapy of antiplatelets and antihypertensives was observed in most of the prescriptions, which is more effective than a single therapy. Polypharmacy was encountered in the study with an average number of 11.7 drugs per prescription. Several anticoagulant‐related drug interactions were identified and there were two adverse drug reactions with Heparin. The prescribing pattern can be improved by reducing the number of drugs prescribed.
Expectations, symptoms, and quality of life before and after 1 year of Pirfenidone treatment in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A single‐arm, open‐label nonrandomized study
Authors: Jastrzębski Dariusz , Kostorz‐Nosal Sabina , Galle Dagmara , Gałeczka‐Turkiewicz Alicja , Warzecha Joanna , Majewski Sebastian , Piotrowski Wojciech J. , Ziora Dariusz
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Antifibrotic therapies reduce lung function decline in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This single‐arm, open‐label, nonrandomized study aimed to determine the influence of antifibrotic treatment on patients' reported symptoms and expectations of the therapy.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with confirmed IPF at a mean age of 65 ± 8.63 years (73% male) completed the following surveys at baseline and after 12 months of Pirfenidone treatment: Short Form Healthy Survey (SF‐36), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Baseline Dyspnea Index (BDI), Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ), and Patient's Needs and Expectations Authors' Survey.

Results

The most important patients' needs were access to novel therapy, fast and easy access to health centers specializing in IPF treatment, and the improvement of the general condition or the maintenance of its level. These needs did not change with time, except for the significantly more important right of deciding on disease management after 12 months of treatment (p = 0.014). The quality of life per SF‐36, after 1 year of Pirfenidone treatment, significantly improved in the physical cumulative score (p = 0.004) and mental cumulative score (p = 0.003). Significant deteriorations were observed in bodily pain and vitality. For the remaining questionnaires (SGRQ, BDI, FAS, and LCQ), no significant changes in the course of the study were noticed. Around one in 10 patients subjected to Pirfenidone therapy had achieved general symptom improvement in all areas; that is, quality of life improvement as well as cough and dyspnea reduction.

Conclusions

One year of antifibrotic treatment resulted in a general improvement in the quality of life per the SF‐36 questionnaire. Patients' expectations of disease management did not change; also, access to novel therapies and easy access to health centers specializing in IPF management remained their top needs.
Real‐time impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on cutaneous leishmaniasis case finding and strategic planning, preventive interventions, control and epidemiology in a region with a high burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis and COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional descriptive study based on registry data in Ilam‐Iran
Authors: Shams Morteza , Rashidi Ayoub , Mohamadi Jasem , Moradi Mohamad , Pakzad Reza , Naserifar Razi , Abdi Jahangir , Ghelichi Fariba , Bozorgomid Arezoo , Maspi Nahid , Kenarkoohi Azra , Mohammadi Yasin , Abdoli Amir , Falahi Shahab
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a severe parasitic disease affecting people, mostly in underdeveloped nations. As a zoonotic infection yearly incidence of CL depends on several parameters such as demographic, epidemiological, and environmental factors as well as prevention and control measures. The sudden outbreak of pandemics such as SARS‐Corona‐Virus‐2 pandemic, can probably affect the incidence or reporting of other diseases, especially infectious diseases, in various ways such as pressure on health systems, providing sanitary services and its components, lockdowns and changes in people's living habits.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the COVID‐19 impact on the incidence and other epidemiological aspects as well as control measures of CL in Ilam Province‐Iran.

Methods

Required data was extracted from the CL registration system in Ilam from 2014 to 2021 to demonstrate the trend of CL incidence before and after COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Based on our results, a declining pattern of CL incidence was observed, accompanied by the advent and intensification of the viral pandemic in Iran and Ilam province. Although, this decreasing pattern was not integral in all areas, and even increase in CL detection was emphasized in some regions.

Conclusion

It may be inferred that the COVID‐19 pandemic may disrupt treatment programs of CL cases, rodent nest destruction, and fighting vector insects.
Effects of forest disturbance on water yield and peak flow in low‐relief glaciated catchments assessed with Bayesian parameter estimation
Authors: McEachran Zachary P. , Reese Gordon C. , Karwan Diana L. , Slesak Robert A. , Vogeler Jody
Published: August 2023

Empirical assessment of how forest disturbance affects streamflow has been traditionally limited to small, experimental catchments. However, larger catchments where landscape management occurs have emergent drivers of streamflow at scale, and thus may exhibit novel responses to land cover disturbance. We used statistical models of water yield and annual maximum peak streamflow for multiple large (> 50 km2) forested catchments in the low‐relief glaciated region of central North America to investigate how forest disturbance and climatic variability affect water yield and peak flows in similar landscapes. We used linear models, linear mixed effects models, and probabilistic flood‐frequency analysis with Bayesian parameter estimation in two case studies. These included: (1) a wildfire that burned ~30% of the 650 km2 wilderness Upper Kawishiwi catchment, and (2) 11 catchments within the St. Louis River Basin ranging from 56 to 8880 km2 with a patchwork disturbance regime wherein ~0.25% to 1% of the catchment is harvested or converted to non‐forest land use each year. We also assessed the most likely hydrological recovery year after forest disturbance, and the relative importance of stationary and nonstationary drivers of streamflow. We found forest disturbance correlated with declines in water yield for low‐level disturbance regimes in some catchments, but that water yield increased in response to the large‐scale wildfire. Positive and negative associations of forest disturbance with peak flows were observed. Hydrologic recovery time ranged from 5 to 13 years for water yield and peak flows following disturbance. Despite these effects of forest disturbance on streamflow, effects of climatic variability and stationary catchment size factors were more prominent streamflow drivers. Basins larger than ~50 km2 in low‐relief glaciated regions can be impacted by forest cover change even on <30% of basin area, but climatic variability and catchment spatial scale has a larger effect than forest disturbance.
Adaptation of a risk-based framework for evaluating indirect effects of dredging on sensitive habitats near federal navigation channels: An application of the framework to coral reefs at Honolulu Harbor, Hawai'i
Authors: Suedel Burton C. , Wilkens Justin L. , McQueen Andrew D. , Gailani Joseph Z. , Lackey Tahirih C. , Mays Nathan
Published: August 2023

In major harbors and ports in the United States and its territories, the US Army Corps of Engineers maintains federal navigation channels in proximity to coral reefs (e.g., Honolulu Harbor, HI; Miami Harbor, FL; Apra Harbor, Guam) and other sensitive habitats. To effectively predict potential adverse impacts from dredging activities near these sensitive habitats, a holistic approach to improve understanding of the pressures on these habitats is needed to foster a more complete prediction of risk drivers. To achieve this, risk-based frameworks that account for the full range of natural and anthropogenic impacts need to be adapted and applied specifically for assessing and managing indirect dredging impacts on sensitive environments. In this article, we address this need by incorporating a drivers–pressures–stressors–condition–response (DPSCR4) conceptual framework to broaden a comprehensive conceptual model of the coupled human–ecological system. To help understand these complex interactions, DPSCR4 was applied to evaluate dredging and other unrelated environmental pressures (e.g., terrestrial runoff) in a proof-of-concept dredging project in Honolulu Harbor, Hawai'i, USA, with a focus on the indirect effects of dredge plumes. Particle tracking models and risk-based tools were used to evaluate sediment resuspended during a hypothetical mechanical dredging activity near sensitive coral habitats. Stoplight indicators were developed to predict indirect sediment plume impacts on coral and then compared to exposure modeling results. The strengths and limitations of the approach are presented and the incorporation of the risk framework into environmental management decisions is discussed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:547–561. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Variations in the agreement of self‐reported cancer: A Danish nationwide study
Authors: Jensen Heidi Amalie Rosendahl , Horsbøl Trine Allerslev , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Davidsen Michael , Christensen Anne Illemann , Ekholm Ola
Published: August 2023

Previous studies show that the agreement between self‐reported and registry‐documented diseases varies across diseases. Few studies have addressed these challenges across site‐specific cancer diagnoses. The present study aimed to examine the sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of self‐reported cancer in a Danish nationwide survey among adults aged ≥16 years, using registry data as the criterion standard. Moreover, the influence of sociodemographic variables and time since diagnosis on sensitivity was explored using multiple logistic regression models. Self‐reported data on cancer history of any site were derived from the Danish National Health Survey 2017 (n = 183 372). Individual‐level survey data were linked to data from the Danish Cancer Registry on 10 site‐specific cancer diagnoses. NPV was consistently high ≥99.5% across the included cancer diagnoses. In contrast, sensitivity varied greatly and was lowest for cancer in brain/central nervous system (CNS) among both men (25.6%) and women (23.9%) and highest for rectal cancer among men (96.9%) and for breast cancer among women (98.9%). Sensitivity was also relatively low for nonmelanoma skin cancer (41.4% among men; 44.6% among women) and urinary tract cancer (60.0% among men; 60.4% among women). When restricting diagnostic definitions for cancer in brain/CNS and urinary tract cancer to include only malignant neoplasms, sensitivity increased. For several cancer diagnoses, sensitivity decreased with increasing age and lower educational level, whereas conflicting results were observed for time from diagnosis to self‐report. Future studies are encouraged to use self‐reported cancer history data with caution and for example, include questions on only site‐specific cancer diagnoses with high sensitivity.
The roles of parenting, resilience, and interpersonal relationships on adolescents' mental health and stress‐related growth during COVID‐19
Authors: Cheong Yeram , Zhu Qianyu , Wang Cixin , Patel Ami , Ye Yijun
Published: August 2023

Background

The present longitudinal study investigated parenting style as a precursor for Chinese adolescents' stress‐related growth and mental health difficulties during the COVID‐19 pandemic, as well as the mediating roles of intrapersonal resilience and interpersonal relationships (i.e., peer and parent−adolescent).

Methods

Chinese adolescents in a middle school (7th grade) and their parents in Beijing, China, were invited to complete a survey at two time points (T1: September 2020, T2: June 2021). A total of 206 adolescents (52.9% boys; Mage = 12.90 years, SDage = 0.33) and parents (17.5% fathers, 82.4% mothers; Mage = 43.50 years, SDage = 4.76 years) were included in this study.

Results

Results showed that Chinese parents' authoritarian, not authoritative parenting, predicted adolescents' mental health difficulties nine months later. In addition, parent−adolescent relationships, but not peer relationships nor resilience, mediated the relations between parenting style and stress‐related growth. Adolescents' resilience predicted fewer mental health difficulties.

Conclusion

It is important to target multiple ecologies (e.g., family) of adolescents for promoting positive adjustment.
Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol, Nonpsychotropic Cannabinoids, as Analgesics that Effectively Manage Bone Fracture Pain and Promote Healing in Mice
Authors: Khajuria Deepak Kumar , Karuppagounder Vengadeshprabhu , Nowak Irena , Sepulveda Diana E. , Lewis Gregory S. , Norbury Christopher C. , Raup-Konsavage Wesley M. , Vrana Kent E. , Kamal Fadia , Elbarbary Reyad A.
Published: August 2023

Bone fractures are among the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries, and pain management is an essential part of fracture treatment. Fractures heal through an early inflammatory phase, followed by repair and remodeling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not recommended for fracture pain control as they potently inhibit the inflammatory phase and, thus, impair the healing. Opioids do not provide a better alternative for several reasons, including abuse potential. Accordingly, there is an unmet clinical need for analgesics that effectively ameliorate postfracture pain without impeding the healing. Here, we investigated the analgesic efficacy of two nonpsychotropic cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), in a mouse model for tibial fracture. Mice with fractured tibiae exhibited increased sensitivity to mechanical, cold, and hot stimuli. Both CBD and CBG normalized pain sensitivity to all tested stimuli, and their analgesic effects were comparable to those of the NSAIDs. Interestingly, CBD and CBG promoted bone healing via multiple mechanisms during the early and late phases. During the early inflammatory phase, both cannabinoids increased the abundance of periosteal bone progenitors in the healing hematoma and promoted the osteogenic commitment of these progenitors. During the later phases of healing, CBD and CBG accelerated the fibrocartilaginous callus mineralization and enhanced the viability and proliferation of bone and bone-marrow cells. These effects culminated in higher bone volume fraction, higher bone mineral density, and improved mechanical quality of the newly formed bone. Together, our data suggest CBD and CBG as therapeutic agents that can replace NSAIDs in managing postfracture pain as both cannabinoids exert potent analgesic effects and, at the same time, promote bone healing. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Synthesis ofhigh‐performancemanganese oxide nanorod withZIF67as electrode material forlithium‐ionbatteries
Authors: Pal Raj Jeyakiruba , Annal Therese Helen
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The demands of the upcoming energy storage technologies are ideally suited for nanomaterials with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are porous materials formed from organic linkers and metal ions offering promising properties for various applications due to their ability to construct finely tunable and homogenous pore architectures.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to synthesize MnO2with zeolitic imidazole framework 67 (ZIF67) and investigate its electrochemical performance.

Methods

Nanocomposites of MnO2@ZIF67 were successfully synthesized using a two‐step process involving the hydrothermal method followed by the precipitation method. The synthesized MnO2@ZIF67 nanocomposites were characterized using spectroscopic and microscopy techniques, including x‐ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).

Results

The prepared nanocomposite exhibited an excellent specific capacity of 2629 mAh g−1during the first cycle, even at a high current rate of 1C (1000 mA g−1). After undergoing 100 cycles, the MnO2@ZIF67 demonstrated good stability and a reversible capacity of 147.3 mAh g−1at a 1C rate and a remarkable Coulombic efficiency of 96%.

Conclusion

The excellent electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite can be attributed to its unique composite structure, which combines porous 3D polyhedra with nanorods. Based on its greater specific capacity, superior cyclability, and improved rate performance, the MnO2@ZIF67 nanocomposite is an effective anode material for lithium‐ion batteries.
Frailty and heart failure: State‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Talha Khawaja M. , Pandey Ambarish , Fudim Marat , Butler Javed , Anker Stefan D. , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb
Published: August 2023

At least half of all patients with heart failure (HF) are affected by frailty, a syndrome that limits an individual ability to recover from acute stressors. While frailty affects up to 90% of patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, it is also seen in ~30–60% of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction, with ~26% higher prevalence in women compared with men. The relationship between frailty and HF is bidirectional, with both conditions exacerbating the other. Frailty is further complicated by a higher prevalence of sarcopenia (by ~20%) in HF patients compared with patients without HF, which negatively affects outcomes. Several frailty assessment methods have been employed historically including the Fried frailty phenotype and Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale to classify HF patients based on the severity of frailty; however, a validated HF‐specific frailty assessment tool does not currently exist. Frailty in HF is associated with a poor prognosis with a 1.5‐fold to 2‐fold higher risk of all‐cause death and hospitalizations compared to non‐frail patients. Frailty is also highly prevalent in patients with worsening HF, affecting >50% of patients hospitalized for HF. Such patients with multiple readmissions for decompensated HF have markedly poor outcomes compared to younger, non‐frail cohorts, and it is hypothesized that it may be due to major physical and functional limitations that limit recovery from an acute episode of worsening HF, a care aspect that has not been addressed in HF guidelines. Frail patients are thought to confer less benefit from therapeutic interventions due to an increased risk of perceived harm, resulting in lower adherence to HF interventions, which may worsen outcomes. Multiple studies report that <40% of frail patients are on guideline‐directed medical therapy for HF, of which most are on suboptimal doses of these medications. There is a lack of evidence generated from randomized trials in this incredibly vulnerable population, and most current practice is governed by post hoc analyses of trials, observational registry‐based data and providers' clinical judgement. The current body of evidence suggests that the treatment effect of most guideline‐based interventions, including medications, cardiac rehabilitation and device therapy, is consistent across all age groups and frailty subgroups and, in some cases, may be amplified in the older, more frail population. In this review, we discuss the characteristics, assessment tools, impact on prognosis and impact on therapeutic interventions of frailty in patients with HF.
Cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of a new rotary file on a rotary and reciprocating motion
Authors: Só Gabriel Barcelos , Siocheta Giovana , Calefi Pedro , Alcalde Murilo , Vivan Rodrigo Ricci , Duarte Marco Antônio H. , Só Marcus Vinicius Reis , da Rosa Ricardo Abreu
Published: August 2023

This study evaluated the cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of a new nickel‐titanium (Flat File 25.04) instrument on the continuous and reciprocating motion. Sixty instruments of the ProDesign Logic2 25.03 and 25.05 (Easy Equipamentos Odontológicos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil), and MK Flat File 25.04 (n = 20) (MK Life, Porto Alegre, Brazil) were used. For the cyclic fatigue test, an artificial stainless steel simulated canal with an angle of 60° and a radius of curvature of 5 mm located 5 mm from its tip was used. The torque and rotation angle at the instruments' failure on the torsional fatigue test was based on the ISO 3630‐1 protocol, in which the 3 mm tip of each instrument was fixed and connected to an electric motor and a load cell. The fractured surface of each fragment was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using a 1‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's test with a significance level of 5%. Flat File 25.04 had lower cyclic fatigue in both kinematics than the Logic instruments (p < .05). Reciprocating motion improved the cyclic fatigue of the tested instruments (p < .05). Flat File 25.04 had similar torque to Logic2 25.05 (p > .05), and both were superior to Logic2 25.03 (p < .05). The angular deflection values were different for the three tested instruments (p < .05), in the decreasing order: Logic2 25.03, 25.05, and Flat File 25.04. Flat File presented good resistance to cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance. Reciprocating motion improved the cyclic fatigue resistance of the instruments and can be considered when using programmable motors.

Research Highlights

Scanning electron microscopy evaluation of different endodontic rotary file and fatigue resistance tests.
Haplotype analysis and linkage disequilibrium of ApoB gene polymorphisms and its relationship with hyperlipidemia in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: AbdElneam Ahmed Ibrahim , Alhetheli Ghadah , Al‐Dhubaibi Mohammed Saleh , Bahaj Saleh Salem
Published: August 2023

Background

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit brought on by hormonal imbalance, excessive sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, inflammation and Cutibacterium acne. Acne patients are characterized by alteration of the lipid profile. Apolipoprotein B gene (ApoB) plays an essential role in lipoprotein biosynthesis and multiple single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ApoB are associated with dyslipidemia.

Aim

The aim of this study was to estimate the alteration of lipid profiles in AV, determine the genetic association with lipid profile alteration by studying the ApoB gene polymorphisms, and to identify the exact haplotypes associated with acne and lipid profile alteration.

Subjects and Methods

In a case–control study consisting of 63 non‐obese acne patients and 43 healthy controls, all participants underwent biochemical, anthropological assessments, and genetic analysis for ApoB polymorphisms.

Result

Our results indicate that serum ApoB and the lipid profile were higher in acne patients compared with healthy subject. The most common haplotypes in acne patients were rs562338 A/rs17240441 I/c.12669 A/rs1042034 G, whereas the most common haplotypes in healthy subjects were rs562338 G/rs17240441 D/c.12669 A/rs1042034 G. Patients with mild acne had higher serum ApoB levels p = 0.005. Also, the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) level was higher in mild acne compared with other acne groups, with a highly significant variation of p ≤ 0.001.

Conclusion

We found a significant variation between the acne group and healthy controls in serum ApoB, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL‐C. The most common haplotypes in acne patients are rs562338 A/, rs17240441 I/, c.12669 A/ and rs1042034 G, and there is a linkage disequilibrium between the four selected SNPs.
Luminescence enhancement by deuterium
Authors: Filer Crist N.
Published: August 2023

Created literally at the dawn of time, deuterium has been extremely valuable in so many chemistry roles. The subject of this review focuses on one deuterium application in particular: its enhancement of luminescence in many substances. After providing general overviews of both deuterium and luminescence, the early exploration of deuterium's effect on luminescence is described, followed by a number of specific topics. These sections include a discussion of deuterium‐influenced luminescence for dyes, proteins, singlet oxygen, and the lanthanide elements, as well as anomalous inverse deuterium luminescence effects. Future directions for this important research topic are also proposed, as well as a summary conclusion.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated Azadirachta indica extract and study of their characterization, molecular docking, and antibacterial activity
Authors: Gawai Ashish A. , Kharat Amol R. , Chorge Shivani S. , Dhawale Sachin A.
Published: August 2023

The green production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produces AgNPs with minimum influence on the environment by using plant components such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols as reducing agents. In the present investigation, Azadirachta indica leaf extract was used to form AgNPs from a 1 mM silver nitrate solution. The plan proved to be incredibly straightforward, cost‐effective, and effective. The production of the nanoparticles was observed visually, where the colorless fluid turns into a brown‐colored solution. Further research was carried out using x‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in addition to UV–visible spectroscopy. The size range of AgNPs determined by TEM was 10–30 nm. When the diffusion technique was employed to demonstrate the antibacterial effect of AgNPs on various pathogens, the zones of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli, when 50 g of AgNPs were used were 16, 12, and 17 mm, respectively. By examining the leakage of reducing sugars and proteins, the mechanism by which nanoparticle antibacterial properties were explored, showed that AgNPs were capable of lowering membrane permeability.
Development of a novel bispecific antibody GR1801 for rabies
Authors: Long Caifeng , Wang Wenbo , Hao Xiaobo , Yu Chuanfei , Feng Ye , Tu Changchun , Sun Sheng , Bian Lin , Liu Zhigang , Wang Lan
Published: August 2023

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease characterized by an almost 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear. However, it can be prevented through timely postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Currently, there is a growing trend to replace polyclonal rabies immune globulin (RIG) with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in rabies PEP. In this study, we developed a human bispecific antibody, GR1801, by combining two mAbs, A2 and B353, which target distinct epitopes. GR1801 is an asymmetric immunoglobulin G1 molecule, with one arm (A2 targeting epitope III) in fragment antigen‐binding (Fab) form and the other arm (B353 targeting epitope I) in single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) form, constructed using Knobs‐into‐Holes technology. GR1801 demonstrated the ability to neutralize 90 naturally occurring rabies virus (RABV) glycoprotein antigenic variants, 21 pseudotyped, and 18 live street RABVs, exhibiting broad‐spectrum neutralizing activity. In vivo, GR1801 provided protection equivalent to that of human RIG in golden hamsters challenged with lethal RABV. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the neutralization potency and breadth of GR1801, which can be a promising candidate drug for rabies PEP, and a comprehensive testing against a broad spectrum of Chinese prevalent RABVs will be investigated in great detail in the future for the in vitro and in vivo studies.