bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects of genistein in Staphylococcus aureus induced osteomyelitis in rats
Authors: Guo Xinyi
Published: February 2023

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a highly infectious Gram‐positive pathogen known to cause severe diseases such as endocarditis, food poisoning, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, and septicemia. MRSA is a major public health issue. Among these, osteomyelitis is inflammation of the bone caused by the invasion of the bacterial pathogen in the bones. Its prominent symptoms include fever, pain, and redness of bones. In the case of children, it affects the long bones of arms and legs, whereas in the case of adults it affects the hip, feet, and spine. Bacterial osteomyelitis can trigger pathological remodeling of bones and hence causes substantial morbidity and mortality. The present study aims to evaluate the isoflavone genistein's (5,7‐dihydroxy‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)−4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one,4′,5,7 trihydroxyisoflavone) antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory effects against osteomyelitis induced by MRSA in male Wistar rats. Classification of the animals was into the following: sham (Group I), osteomyelitis (Group II, control), genistein (25 mg/kg body weight, Group III), and genistein (50 mg/kg body weight, Group IV). The rats did not receive any treatment for 4 weeks after bacterial inoculation. Genistein was then administered twice daily for 2 weeks. Bacterial growth, mean body weight bone infection status, and side effects of genistein treatment were assessed. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, catalase, reduced GSH, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin (IL)‐6 were also determined. Two days after treatment, it was found that genistein significantly suppressed bacterial growth and reduced serum pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α and IL‐6. Therefore, the study suggests that genistein could be a promising lead against MRSA‐induced osteomyelitis.
Synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 modified graphene oxide composite and its application for lead removal
Authors: Ahmad Siti Zu Nurain , Salleh Wan Norharyati Wan , Yusop Mohd Zamri Mohd , Hamdan Rafidah , Aziz Farhana , Awang Nor Asikin , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The removal of lead ions (Pb2+) from industrial wastewater can be achieved using adsorption technology. Composites of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) and graphene oxide (GO) were prepared via room temperature synthesis (RTS) using RO water as the solvent and by mixing GO with separated parts of ZIF‐8 precursors before its combination. Three weight percentages of GO, 10wt%, 30wt% and 50wt%, were used to synthesize ZGH10, ZGH30 and ZGH50 to determine optimum preparation and application conditions.

Results

ZGH30 showed the most outstanding performance as an adsorbent for Pb2+ removal from aqueous solution. As captured by field emission scanning electron microscopy image, ZGH30 showed an adequate amount of ZIF‐8 grown on all surfaces of thr GO sheet, with an appropriate exposure of GO sheet layers for further Pb2+ interaction. The Pb2+ adsorption test revealed that ZGH30 obtained the optimum operating values between pH 5 and 6, using 10 mg dosage and it could remove ≤97% of 100 mg L−1 Pb2+. Additionally, ZGH30 achieved the most rapid equilibrium time within 10 min, similar to ZGH50, as compared to their individual components, ZIF‐8 (240 min) and GO (300 min). The mechanism of Pb2+ adsorption fitted well with a Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacities obtained through Langmuir isotherm were 200, 454.55, 476.19, 555.56 and 454.55 mg g−1, for GO, ZH, ZGH10, ZGH30 and ZGH50, respectively.

Conclusions

Therefore, ZGH30 hybrid successfully unleashed its potential as the adsorbent for wastewater treatment technology with improved performance after modification. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
経カテーテル動脈塞栓術にて止血を得た後に胆嚢摘出術を施行した十二指腸潰瘍胆嚢動脈穿通の1例(A case of duodenal ulcer eroding into the cystic artery underwent cholecystectomy after treating with transcatheter artery embolization)
Authors: 太一朗 上田 , 一樹 益子 , 比呂志 安松 , 裕 船木 , 真梨子 山本 , 義明 原 , 將司 横堀
Published: February 2023

出血性十二指腸潰瘍の主たる責任動脈は，胃十二指腸動脈および上腸間膜動脈から分枝する膵十二指腸動脈系である。今回我々は，十二指腸潰瘍が胆嚢動脈へ穿通し，血管内治療を要した稀な1例を経験したため報告する。症例は70歳代の男性。遠位胆管癌による閉塞性黄疸のため前医入院中に，出血性十二指腸潰瘍と急性腎不全を併発し集中治療目的に当院へ紹介となった。前医で十二指腸球部の露出血管に内視鏡的クリッピング術が施行されていたが，完全な止血は得られていなかった。当院搬入後の緊急内視鏡でも多量の血餅の存在から視野が確保できず，血管造影を施行した。上腸間膜動脈，胃十二指腸動脈造影では血管外漏出像を認めず，胆嚢動脈造影で十二指腸内腔まで造影される血管外漏出像を認め，NBCAを用いて塞栓し止血を得た。凝固障害を呈しており，止血術と輸血により凝固能を改善させた後，第2病日に胆嚢摘出術および十二指腸潰瘍部穿孔に対する大網充填術を施行した。術後全身状態の安定化を得た後に，遠位胆管癌に対する加療目的に第19病日に消化器外科へ転科した。本症例の責任病変は十二指腸の栄養血管ではなく，隣接する胆嚢の栄養血管であった。胆嚢動脈が出血性十二指腸潰瘍の責任動脈であることは稀である。胆嚢動脈からの出血は内視鏡止血が困難であり，血管内治療と手術を前提とした治療戦略の構築が有用である。
ドクターヘリの機内環境でMRSAを認めるか？(Can methicillin–resistant Staphylococcus aureus be found in the environment of a physician–staffed helicopter emergency medical service?)
Authors: 治郎 高橋 , 紳語 世良 , 貴博 井上 , 聡美 宮本 , 太輔 上野 , 祐樹 稲吉 , 泰和 椎野
Published: February 2023

【目的】ドクターヘリは数多くの患者を搬送し，限られた空間に患者，資機材を載せるため接触感染の可能性が高い環境であるにも関わらず，機内での細菌学的環境調査の報告はない。今回，ドクターヘリ機内で院内感染の主要な原因菌かつ接触感染であるmethicillin–resistant Staphylococcus aureus（MRSA）を対象とした高頻度接触表面の環境調査を行った。【対象】2020年5月から2021年4月の間で，当施設で使用するドクターヘリ機内の高頻度接触箇所を中心に2回に分けて合計86か所の擦過検体を採取し，細菌培養を行った。【結果】ドクターヘリ機内からBacillus属，Arthrobacter属，Flavimonas属，Pantoea属，Pseudomonas属などの環境菌や土壌菌を中心とした菌を検出したがMRSAは検出されなかった。MRSAは医療スタッフの靴底1検体のみから検出した。【結語】現在行っている環境消毒の一定の効果が示唆された。ドクターヘリで搬送した患者の安全確保のためには，病院内と同様に接触感染予防に努める必要があると考えられる。
周産期の危機的病態にVA–ECMOを導入し良好な結果を得た3例(Three peripartum patients in critical condition successfully treated with extracorporeal circulation)
Authors: 広一 大西 , 恒 鹿野 , 千世佳 小齊平 , 薫 戸田 , 隆嗣 前田 , 正人 上塘 , 秀明 吉原
Published: February 2023

周産期において急激に循環虚脱へ陥った産科救急3例に対して体外循環を導入し良好な結果を得た。3例はそれぞれ肺血栓塞栓症による呼吸循環不全，羊水塞栓症による肺水腫，周産期心筋症による心不全であった。うち1例は帝王切開後の子宮出血が止まらないなかでvenoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation（VA–ECMO）を使用し，子宮摘出術を行った。もう1例はVA–ECMO導入後に緊急帝王切開を行った。3例とも危機的病態であったにもかかわらず神経学的異常はほとんどなく母児ともに良好な転帰を得ることができたが，うち2例の体外循環は標準的な妊産婦の蘇生治療ではないため今後の症例の集積が待たれる。急変した妊産婦の救命ならびに神経学的転帰の改善のためには，カンファレンスやシミュレーションによる母体救命システムについての意思統一が有効である。さらには，地域の産婦人科医，周産期センターと救命救急センターが日頃から産科救急に柔軟に協働し，必要に応じて循環虚脱や重症呼吸不全に対して迅速に体外循環を導入できる体制が重要である。
RSV‐CLASS —Clinical Assessment Severity Score: An easy‐to‐use clinical disease severity score for respiratory syncytial virus infection in hospitalized children
Authors: Gsenger Julia , Bruckner Thomas , Ihling Clara Marlene , Rehbein Rebecca Marie , Schnee Sarah Valerie , Hoos Johannes , Manuel Britta , Pfeil Johannes , Schnitzler Paul , Tabatabai Julia
Published: February 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute respiratory tract infection in infants and young children often leading to severe disease requiring hospitalization. However, validated tools for systematic assessment of disease severity are lacking. This study aimed at creating and validating a standardized, simple‐to‐use disease severity score for RSV infection in children—the RSV‐CLASS (Clinical Assessment Severity Score). Therefore, data from over 700 RSV‐infected children over six winter seasons (2014–2020) was analyzed using univariate and multiple regression analyses for the prediction of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) as a proxy for a severe course of the disease. Testing a broad range of respiratory symptoms, they eventually yielded seven items. Performing stepwise selection, these were reduced to the final four items: cough, tachypnea, rales, and wheezing, each receiving one point in the proposed score named RSV‐CLASS. The score was calculated for children in two cohorts A and B, one for development and one for validation, with an area under the curve of 0.90 and 0.87, respectively. With a score value of 3 or 4, 97.8% and 100% of the children, respectively, were admitted with LRTI and classified correctly. The RSV‐CLASS is a disease severity score based on a neutral, analytical approach using prospective data from a large study cohort. It will contribute to systematically assessing the disease severity of RSV infection and can be used for evidence‐based clinical decision‐making as well as for research settings.
Social support and treatment utilization for posttraumatic stress disorder: Examining reciprocal relations among active duty service members
Authors: Jaffe Anna E. , Walton Thomas O. , Walker Denise D. , Kaysen Debra L.
Published: February 2023

Evidence‐based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are underutilized by active duty service members in the United States. Social support may help service members overcome avoidance and facilitate treatment utilization. In turn, treatment utilization may improve social support. To evaluate these possibilities, the aim of the current study was to examine potential reciprocal associations between social support and treatment utilization among service members. Secondary analyses were conducted on a randomized controlled trial of 161 U.S. military service members with PTSD. Participants completed assessments of perceived social support and attendance at individual therapy sessions at baseline and 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups. To determine reciprocal relations between social support and treatment utilization, a Bayesian approach was used to estimate a random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model with a two‐part variable for treatment utilization (i.e., any therapy, and if so, dose). There were no between‐person associations between average social support and treatment utilization. One prospective cross‐lagged within‐person association emerged as significant: social support at 3 months was negatively associated with any therapy use at 6 months; the model explained 26.1% of the variance in this observed variable. The findings revealed that low social support promoted subsequent treatment utilization, but such treatment did not lead to changes in social support. This suggests service members with PTSD may have been motivated to attend individual therapy in pursuit of social connection and support. Future research is needed to determine if reciprocal associations between various forms of social support and therapy utilization differ by treatment modality.
Response of heterotrophic respiration to vegetation restoration in a karst area of SW China
Authors: Li Dandan , Li Xingchun , Du Xianyuan , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Jing , Dungait Jennifer A. J. , Quine Timothy A. , Green Sophie M. , Wen Xuefa , Yang Yang , Guo Zhiming
Published: February 2023

The Grain‐for‐Green Program in China aims to restore sloping karst cropland severely degraded by intensive agriculture to secondary forest. Heterotrophic respiration (Rh) is a major process of carbon release from soils and is associated with the sequestration of soil organic carbon (SOC). However, we still do not have a comprehensive understanding of Rh and what drives it along soil profile horizons during the natural vegetative recovery process in typical karst soils. We investigated the responses of Rh (C release per gram of soil) and specific Rh (C release per gram of SOC) in soil horizons from the soil surface to bedrock at the different vegetation recovery stages in a karst region. Coincident soil microbial properties (e.g., bacterial and fungal abundance, total microbial biomass, potential enzyme activities) and physicochemical properties were quantified. Vegetation restoration after cropland abandonment significantly increased Rh rates due to increased soil nutrients and microbial biomass, bacterial abundances, and hydrolase activities (all, p < 0.05). The rates of Rh enhanced in sloping cropland (SC) from the soil surface to bedrock but reduced in the recovering stages (ASC: abandoned sloping cropland and SF: secondary forest) and primary forest (PF). The specific Rh between SF (1.34 mg CO2‐C g−1 SOC d−1) and PF (1.32 mg CO2‐C g−1 SOC d−1) were not significantly different but both of them were greater than those in SC (0.79 mg CO2‐C g−1 SOC d−1) and ASC (0.8 mg CO2‐C g−1 SOC d−1). Soil physicochemical properties and microbial properties explained approximately 48% and 22% of the variations in Rh along vegetation recovery, respectively. Nitrogen to phosphorus stoichiometry exerted the most direct and positive effects on Rh, suggesting the importance of managing soil nutrient status to regulate carbon decomposition during vegetation recovery in karst soils. The increased microbial biomass was the most important microbial factor regulating Rh in later vegetation recovery phases. Our results provide scientific insight into the impact of vegetation restoration on Rh in degraded ecosystems, which is important for reducing carbon loss in karst soils.
Nonlinear trends of vegetation changes in different geomorphologic zones and land use types of the Yangtze River basin, China
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Liu Huiyu , Wang Kelin , Chen Yu , Ren Yujia , Yue Yuemin , Deng Zhenhua , Zhang Chunhua
Published: February 2023

How land use changes and geomorphologic zones impact on vegetation nonlinear trends remains unclear in economically developed areas with complicated terrain. This paper explores the nonlinear trends of vegetation changes with normalized vegetation index (NDVI) in the Yangtze River basin, China, and further analyzes the effect of geomorphologic zones and land use changes on the nonlinear trend. The results show that: (1) Although monotonic increasing is the main trend type of vegetation NDVI (32.46%), reversal trends from decreasing to increasing and from increasing to decreasing account for 11.87% and 24.95%, respectively. (2) The vegetation change is mainly monotonically increasing in low altitude and relief zones, while that is mainly a reversal trend in high altitude and relief zones, indicating an increased risk of vegetation degradation with altitude and relief increasing. (3) The trends in most land use types are mainly monotonically increasing, but those in urban, forest, and grassland are mainly from increasing to decreasing, with area percentages as high as 32.29%, 27.25%, and 35.97%, indicating degradation risk. (4) The conversion of cropland and wetland to forestland has greatly promoted the vegetation restoration. However, a risk of vegetation degradation exists in land conversions between grassland and other land use types, especially the afforestation of grassland. Over all, considering the effects of both geomorphic zones and land use changes can help us better explore the driving of the nonlinear trends of vegetation changes and understand the process of vegetation dynamics.
Thickness Determination of Ultrathin 2D Materials Empowered by Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Mao Yu , Wang Lei , Chen Chenduan , Yang Zhan , Wang Jun
Published: February 2023

The number of layers of 2D materials is of great significance for regulating the performance of nanoelectronic devices and optoelectronic devices, where the optimal thickness of the target sample should be determined before further physical research or device manufacturing steps. At present, a variety of different optical technologies have been proposed to determine the thickness of samples by using the relationship between the number of layers and optical properties, including optical contrast, optical imaging, Raman spectra, photoluminescence spectra, nonlinear spectra, near‐field optical imaging, ellipsometry spectra, and hyperspectral imaging. In the past decade, the rapidly growing number of 2D materials and their heterostructures has exceeded the capacity of traditional experimental and computational methods. In recent years, machine learning (ML) is emerging as a powerful tool to support such traditional methods, which brings new opportunities to tap the potential of optical technology in a more perspicacious way. The application of optical technology has greatly facilitated the acquisition of optical information of materials, while ML algorithms provide a fast, high‐throughput, and intelligent way to complete back‐end data processing and inference. A profound integration of conventional optical technologies and ML algorithms significantly helps 2D materials progress in basic studies and practical applications and further promotes industrial manufacturing.
Non‐Isocyanate Polyurethanes by Alcoholysis of Alkyl Bisurea with Li Salt‐Assisted Melting: Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Yang Yiyin , Xie Kangzhou , Tang Donglin
Published: February 2023

Alcoholysis of bisureas (BUs) would be of great potential among the non‐isocyanate routes for preparing polyurethanes, if the issue of the high melting temperature and the poor solubility for BUs can be solved. In this study, it is proposed to introduce Li salt to assist the melting of BUs via a eutectic system. It is found that the melting point of BUs indeed can be reduced to 170 °C or even lower by adding 40 mol% of LiCl or LiBr. In the polymerizations of BUs with diols, it is found that ZnO nanoparticles (30 ± 10 nm) are the most efficient catalyst in the catalyst screening study. Four polyurethanes are successfully synthesized and the glass transition temperature of them is detected to be 34–45 °C. PU1010 is tougher than other polymers so that it is able to be molded. The Young's modulus of PU1010 is 195.1 MPa, while the strength and the elongation at break are 36.4 MPa and 280%, respectively. The toughness calculated is 67.3 J cm−3. This Li salt‐assisted melting strategy not only realizes the synthesis of polyurethanes through alcoholysis of BUs, but can also be extended to the synthesis of other high performance polymers.
Proline‐rich 11 (PRR11) promotes the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by activating the EGFR signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Shengbang , Zhang Xiu , Lei Hao , Song Liumei , Huang Yingjian , Kang Tong , Zhang Mengdi , Wang Ning , Yang Pengju , Feng Shuo , Wang Jingping , Bai Ruimin , Wang Nan , Wang Wei , Zheng Yan
Published: February 2023

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common skin malignancies, and its incidence rate is increasing worldwide. Proline‐rich 11 (PRR11) has been reported to be involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors. However, the role of PRR11 in cSCC remains unknown. In the present study, we observed upregulated expression of PRR11 in cSCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of PRR11 in the cSCC cell lines A431 and SCL‐1 inhibited cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest during the G1/S phase transition, promoted cell apoptosis, and reduced cell migration and invasion in vitro. Conversely, overexpression of PRR11 promoted cell proliferation, decreased cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell migration and invasion. PRR11 knockdown also inhibited cSCC tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Mechanistic investigations by RNA sequencing revealed that 891 genes were differentially expressed genes between cells with PRR11 knockdown and control cells. Enrichment analysis of different genes showed that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway was the top enriched pathway. We further validated that PRR11 induced EGFR pathway activity, which contributed to cSCC progression. These data suggest that PRR11 may serve as a novel therapeutic target in cSCC.
Bicarbonate transporter SLC4A7 promotes EMT and metastasis of HNSCC by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Junli , Li Guo , Liu Zhifeng , Ma Huiling , Yuan Wenhui , Lu Zhaoyi , Zhang Diekuo , Ling Hang , Zhang Fengyu , Liu Yong , Liu Chao , Qiu Yuanzheng
Published: February 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Currently, therapeutic modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy are being used to treat HNSCC. However, the treatment outcomes of most patients are dismal because they are already in middle or advanced stage by the time of diagnosis and poorly responsive to treatments. It is therefore of great interest to clarify mechanisms that contribute to the metastasis of cells to identify possible targets for therapy. In this study, we identified the Na+‐coupled bicarbonate transporter, SLC4A7, play essential roles in the metastasis of HNSCC. Our results showed that the relative expression of SLC4A7 messenger RNA was highly expressed in HNSCCs samples from TCGA, and compared with precancerous cells of human oral mucosa (DOK), SLC4A7 was highly expressed in HNSCC cell lines. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that dysregulation of SLC4A7 had minor influence on the proliferation of HNSCC but impacted HNSCC's migration and invasion. Meanwhile, SLC4A7 could promote epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HNSCC. RNA‐seq, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis and Western blot further revealed that downregulation of SLC4A7 in HNSCC cells inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings were further validated via rescue experiments using a small molecule inhibitor of PI3K/mTOR (GDC‐0980). Our findings suggest that SLC4A7 promotes EMT and metastasis of HNSCC through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which may be a valuable predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target in HNSCC.
The relationship between childhood leukaemia and childhood asthma: A pharmacoepidemiological study from the Netherlands
Authors: Atmaj Elias , Schuiling‐Veninga Catharina C. M. , van Tuinen Eline L. , Bos Jens H. J. , de Vries Tjalling W.
Published: February 2023

Background

It has been suggested that childhood asthma lowers the risk of childhood leukaemia. Studies have found an inverse association between these conditions. However, most studies on this relationship are based on questionnaires and telephone interviews, introducing recall bias. Therefore, we conducted a matched case–control study based on drug prescription data to assess the relationship between both conditions.

Methods

In a large database, covering more than one million individuals, we identified cases of children who had been prescribed 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP). This drug is used in the outpatient maintenance therapy of childhood leukaemia. We matched every child with leukaemia on sex and age (±6 months) to children without leukaemia (controls). The variable of having had asthma was defined as receiving at least two prescriptions for an inhaled corticosteroid within 12 months.

Results

We identified 59 children aged 2–18 who had been prescribed 6‐MP (cases), and they were matched to 21,918 controls. Of the children with childhood leukaemia, three (5%) had childhood asthma, whereas in the control group 4889 (22%) had childhood asthma (odds ratio [OR] 0.19; 95% confidence interval 0.06–0.60).

Conclusion

In this study on the relationship between childhood asthma and childhood leukaemia, we found a strong inverse association.
Perioperative risk factors of preterm delivery after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Yamamoto Rumiko , Yamada Takuma , Yamamoto Ryo , Wagata Maiko , Hayashi Shusaku , Ishii Keisuke
Published: February 2023

Objective

To identify risk factors for preterm delivery (PTD) in patients who received fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) of placental anastomoses for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study prospectively analyzed and recorded perioperative data in a cohort of patients who had FLP for TTTS, identifying perioperative risk factors for PTD using a Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

Of 304 patients included, 26 (8.6%) delivered within 4 weeks of FLP. Independent predictors of delivery within 4 weeks of FLP were a history of PTD (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.21–28.82, p = 0.03), vaginal bleeding in the second trimester (HR: 6.62, 95% CI: 1.76–24.90, p < 0.01), and amnioreduction ≥1715 mL (HR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.11–9.05, p < 0.03).

Conclusion

Patients with a history of PTD, preoperative vaginal bleeding, and amnioreduction ≥1715 mL were more likely to deliver prematurely.
Health inequalities and diabetes
Authors: Kilvert Anne , Fox Charles
Published: February 2023

Inequalities in health care exist in many countries in the world. In 2008 the then UK Secretary of State for Health commissioned the Marmot review, ‘Fair Society, Healthy Lives’, to propose strategies to address health inequalities in the UK. Most of Marmot's proposals were not acted upon and in 2020, 10 years after the initial recommendations were published, Marmot found that there had been no improvement and some things were worse.

In diabetes care inequalities are widespread, impacting on prevention, treatment, access to technology, screening for complications, risk of complications, morbidity and mortality. Ethnicity is a major risk factor, starkly demonstrated by the increased COVID‐19 related mortality in people from minority ethnic groups with diabetes. Disadvantaged groups include, but are not limited to, those with social deprivation, intellectual and physical disabilities and severe mental illness.

The decision to shelve the long‐awaited white paper on tackling health inequalities, taken recently by the last Secretary of State for Health amid protests from a coalition of medical organisations, makes it unlikely that the government will take the actions proposed by Marmot. In the absence of a national strategy, responsibility to recognise and address inequalities in diabetes care falls on health care professionals, in teams and as individuals. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
Pharmacokinetic parameters over time during sepsis and the association of target attainment and outcomes in critically ill children and young adults receiving ceftriaxone
Authors: Tang Girdwood Sonya , Tang Peter , Fenchel Matthew , Dong Min , Stoneman Erin , Jones Rhonda , Ostermeier Austin , Curry Calise , Forton Melissa , Hail Traci , Mullaney Randi , Diseroad Emily , Punt Nieko , Kaplan Jennifer , Vinks Alexander A.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Early sepsis results in pharmacokinetic (PK) changes due to physiologic alterations. PK changes can lead to suboptimal drug target attainment, risking inadequate coverage from antibiotics like ceftriaxone. Little is known about how ceftriaxone PK and target attainment quantitatively change over time in patients with sepsis or the association between target attainment and outcomes in critically ill children and young adults.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospective study was conducted in a single‐center pediatric intensive care unit. Septic patients given at least one ceftriaxone dose (commonly as 50 mg/kg every 12 h) and who had blood obtained in both the first 48 h of therapy (early) and afterwards (late) were included. Normalized clearance and central volume were estimated and compared in both sepsis phases. We evaluated target attainment, defined as concentrations above 1× or 4× the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 100% of dosing intervals, and investigated the association between target attainment and clinical outcomes.

Results

Fifty‐five septic patients (median age: 7.5 years) were included. Normalized clearance and central volume were similar in both phases (6.18 ± 1.48 L/h/70 kg early vs. 6.10 ± 1.61 L/h/70 kg late, p = 0.60; 26.6 [IQR 22.3, 31.3] L/70 kg early vs. 24.5 [IQR 22.0, 29.4] L/70 kg late, p = 0.18). Individual percent differences in normalized clearance and central volume between sepsis phases ranged from −39% to 276% and −51% to 212% (reference, late sepsis), respectively. Fewer patients attained the 1× MIC target in late sepsis (82% late vs. 96% early, p = 0.013), which was associated with transition to once daily dosing, typically done due to transfer from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to a lower acuity unit. Failure to attain either target in late sepsis was associated with antibiotic broadening.

Conclusion

Ceftriaxone PK parameters were similar between early and late sepsis, but there were large individual differences. Fewer patients attained MIC targets in late sepsis and all who did not attain the less stringent target received once daily dosing during this period. The failure to attain targets in late sepsis was associated with antibiotic broadening and could be an area for antibiotic stewardship intervention.
The global state of play: A study of the demographic characteristics of disability golfers
Authors: Guillaume Stanley , Bennett Tony , Allen Peter M. , Morrison Andrew , Hawkes Roger , Jayabalan Prakash
Published: February 2023

Background

Golf is a moderate‐intensity physical activity that provides positive physical and mental health benefits. However, the inclusiveness of the sport for individuals with disabilities globally is unknown.

Objective

To characterize the demographics and disability characteristics of individuals engaging in disability golf globally. It was hypothesized that the majority of participants would be middle‐aged, male, and from countries with higher gross domestic product, similar to the nondisabled population.

Design

Descriptive, cross‐sectional analysis using European Disability Golf Association (EDGA) database.

Setting

Various international golf tournaments.

Participants

Golfers (n = 1734) with disability from 44 countries registered with the EDGA (2017–2021).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcomes

Descriptive analyses of frequencies, distributions, and means differences of demographic characteristics (age, gender, type of disability, level of handicap, golf cart use, and country of origin) of golfers with disability were performed. Data provided analysis of the association between number of participants and a country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Results

Individuals had a mean age of 52.5 (±15.6) years: 1589 (91.6%) male and 145 (8.4%) female. Twenty‐three countries had female participation. The most commonly reported primary disability diagnoses were neurologic (24.8%), orthopedic (21.4%), and amputation below the knee (14.4%). Neurologic impairments (24.7%) were most common in men and orthopedic impairments (29.7%) were most common in women. Individuals with neurological impairments (27.4%) most frequently required golf carts to play. The GDP of a country had a positive correlation (r = 0.68) with the number of registered golfers with disability.

Conclusion

Golf is played by individuals with a variety of disabilities and provides numerous benefits. However, there is an underrepresentation of youth, women, and individuals with certain impairments and from lower‐income countries. These are the potential areas of opportunity to improve engagement and inclusiveness of golf.
Prehabilitation for spine surgery: A scoping review
Authors: Eubanks James E. , Carlesso Cristiane , Sundaram Meenakshi , Bejarano Geronimo , Smeets Rob J. E. M. , Skolasky Richard , Vanushkina Maria , Turner Rose , Schneider Michael J.
Published: February 2023

We aimed to identify and describe the current interventions used in preoperative programs (“prehabilitation”) for spine surgery. Knowledge gaps in approaches, feasibility, timing, patient experience, clinical outcomes, and health care costs were explored while describing their potential benefits on physical and psychological outcomes. An electronic search was conducted from January 2004 to February 2022 in Ovid Medline, Embase, EBSCO CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PEDro to identify studies in English evaluating adults enrolled in prehabilitation before undergoing elective spine surgeries. Studies were uploaded into DistillerSR for systematic screening after removing duplicates. Four reviewers screened nested references for inclusion based on titles and abstracts, followed by their full‐text review. Two reviewers subsequently extracted data and summarized the results. The results were reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Studies were rated for quality using National Health and Medical Research Council criteria. Out of 18,879 potential studies, a total of 23 studies (0.12%) met the eligibility criteria and were included in this scoping review. The prehabilitation programs included general education (n = 6, 26%), exercise (n = 6, 26%), cognitive behavioral therapy (n = 3, 13%), pain neuroscience education (n = 3, 13%), health behavior counseling (n = 3, 13%), and mindfulness (n = 2, 9%). Additional studies are needed to identify optimal patient characteristics, intervention dosage, and whether multimodal approaches using a combination of physical and psychological strategies lead to more favorable outcomes. Although studies on prehabilitation for spine surgery are limited, they seem to demonstrate that prehabilitation programs are feasible, reduce medical expenditures, and improve patients' postoperative pain, disability, self‐efficacy, psychological behaviors, and satisfaction with surgical outcomes. The available literature suggests there is an opportunity to improve patient experience, clinical outcomes and reduce medical costs with the use of prehabilitation in spine surgery.
Overexpression of a beta‐1,6‐glucanase gene GluM in transgenic rice confers high resistance to rice blast, sheath blight and false smut
Authors: Shen Enlong , Wang Xingchao , Lu Zhaoxi , Zhou Fei , Ma Weihua , Cui Zhongli , Li Zhoukun , Li Changyan , Lin Yongjun
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Frequent fungal diseases tend to lead to severe losses in rice production. As a main component of the fungal cell wall, glucan plays an important role in the growth and development of fungi. Glucanase can inhibit the growth of fungi by breaking glycosidic bonds, and may be a promising target for developing rice varieties with broad‐spectrum disease resistance.

RESULTS

We transferred a codon‐optimized β‐1,6‐glucanase gene (GluM) from myxobacteria into the japonica rice variety Zhonghua11 (ZH11), and obtained a large number of individual transgenic plants with GluM overexpression. Based on molecular analysis, three single‐copy homozygous lines with GluM overexpression were selected for assessment of fungal disease resistance at the T3 generation. Compared with that of the recipient cultivar ZH11, the area of rice blast lesion in transgenic rice was reduced by 82.71%; that of sheath blight lesion was decreased by 35.76%–43.67%; the sheath blight resistance in the field was enhanced by an average of 0.75 grade over 3 years; and the incidence of diseased panicles due to rice false smut was decreased by 65.79%. More importantly, there was no obvious loss of yield (without a significant effect on agronomic traits). Furthermore, plants overexpressing a β‐1,6‐glucanase gene showed higher disease resistance than rice plants overexpressing a β‐1,3‐glucanase gene derived from tobacco.

CONCLUSION

The β‐1,6‐glucanase gene GluM can confer broad‐spectrum disease resistance to rice, providing an environmentally friendly alternative way to effectively manage fungal pathogens in rice production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Combining visual cues and pheromone blends for monitoring and management of the tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae)
Authors: George Justin , Reddy Gadi V P , Little Nathan , Arnold Sarah E J , Hall David R
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) is considered the most damaging pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the mid‐southern United States. Previous studies have reported the role of different ratios of volatile metathoracic gland components such as hexyl butyrate, (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate and (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal in eliciting low‐level attraction of L. lineolaris. In this study, we tested different visual cues (colored sticky cards) in combination with olfactory cues (pheromone blends) to optimize the attraction and capture of L. lineolaris in the field.

RESULTS

Red‐colored sticky cards were more attractive to L. lineolaris adults than white, blue or yellow cards. Red sticky cards combined with blends of three potential pheromone components attracted significantly more L. lineolaris adults than sticky cards without a blend added. Traps baited with a blend of hexyl butyrate, (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate and (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal in 4:10:7 ratio, respectively, caught a significantly higher number of L. lineolaris than those baited with 10:4:2 or 7:10:4 blends or an unbaited control in the first week of the experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining visual cues (red color) with olfactory cues (pheromone blends) significantly increased the capture of L. lineolaris in the field. This device or a future iteration could contribute towards sustainable and environmentally appropriate early‐season monitoring and management of L. lineolaris in the field. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
A Comparative Study on Self‐Aligned Top‐Gate Thin‐Film Transistors with Silicon Nitride as the Interlayer
Authors: Chen Yankai , Peng Junbiao , Li Min , Xu Miao , Xu Hua , Cai Wei
Published: February 2023

Thin‐film transistors (TFTs) with self‐aligned top‐gate structure are fabricated, in which the source/drain region is pretreated to be highly conductive during the deposition of silicon nitride as the interlayer. Without deteriorating the properties of the device's channel layer, the basic performance of TFTs can be simply controlled by altering the SiH4 flow rate during the deposition of silicon nitride film. Furthermore, the diffusion of hydrogen dissociated from SiH4 precursor, which can passivate the electron traps at the interface between the channel and dielectric layer or in the bulk of the dielectric layer, can significantly improve the positive bias temperature stress stability. The charge trapping mechanism is verified using the stretched‐exponential model, and the rising values of the fitting parameters (ΔVth0 and τ) show that the TFTs stability improves as the flow rate of SiH4 rises. This approach can reduce the cost and simplify the manufacturing of thin‐film transistors.
Modeling Reset, Set, and Read Operations in Nanoscale Ge2Sb2Te5 Phase‐Change Memory Devices Using Electric Field‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Material Properties
Authors: Kashem Md Tashfiq Bin , Scoggin Jake , Woods Zachary , Silva Helena , Gokirmak Ali
Published: February 2023

Herein, a finite element simulation framework for phase‐change memory devices that simultaneously solves for current continuity, electrothermal heating, and crystallization–amorphization dynamics using electrothermal models and dynamic material parameters that are functions of electric field and temperature is described. In this latest model, an electric field‐ and temperature‐dependent electrical conductivity model of stable amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) obtained from experiments performed on GST line cells to study Read, Reset, and Set operations of mushroom cells is incorporated. The effects of current polarity, heater height, Reset pulse rise and fall times, access device configuration, and ambient temperature are analyzed. The simulation results predict a 2x change in Reset current requirements with different current polarity due to thermoelectric effects. Heater height plays a significant role in thermal losses; ≈16% decrease in Reset current for 4x increase in the heater height is obtained. Increase in the ambient temperature results in a linear decrease in the Reset power required to achieve the same Reset/Set resistance contrast.
Kaempferol has potential anti‐coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) targets based on bioinformatics analyses and pharmacological effects on endotoxin‐induced cytokine storm
Authors: Sun Yaoxiang , Tao Qing , Cao Yang , Yang Tingting , Zhang Ling , Luo Yifeng , Wang Lei
Published: February 2023

COVID‐19 has infected 272 million patients and caused 5.33 million deaths around the world, and it remains the main global threat. Previous studies revealed that Chinese traditional medicine is an effective treatment for COVID‐19 infection. This study aims to reveal the pharmacological effects of kaempferol, which is the active component of Radix Bupleuri and Tripterygii Radix, and potential mechanisms for the treatment of COVID‐19. Here, we employed the bioinformatics methods to filter the anti‐COVID‐19 candidate genes of kaempferol, which mainly enriched in inflammation (TNF, JUN, etc.) and virus infection (AKT1, JNK, etc.). The Transcription levels of AKT1, JNK and JUN were significantly reduced by kaempferol treatment in the LPS‐activated macrophages. In addition, kaempferol reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors by LPS‐stimulated macrophages, inhibited MAPK/NF‐κB signaling and regulated macrophage polarization to M2 type in vitro, and suppressed endotoxin‐induced cytokine storm and improved survival in mice. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that kaempferol was probable to bind the COVID‐19 protein 5R84 and formatted hydrogen bond with the residues, the free binding energy of which was lower than the original ligand. In summary, our current work indicates that kaempferol has anti‐COVID‐19 potential through the reduction of COVID‐19‐induced body dysfunction and molecule–protein interaction, and bioinformatics results clarify that some of these key target genes might serve as potential molecular markers for detecting COVID‐19.
Green tea extract ameliorates macrophage‐driven emphysematous lesions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by cigarette smoke condensate
Authors: Kim Jin‐Hwa , Kim Jeong‐Won , Kim Chang‐Yeop , Jeong Ji‐Soo , Ko Je‐Won , Kim Tae‐Won
Published: February 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important lung disease characterized by complicated symptoms including emphysema. We aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of green tea extract (GTE) on cigarette smoke condensate (CSC)‐induced emphysema by demonstrating the reduction of macrophage‐induced protease expression through GTE treatment in vivo and in vitro. Mice were intranasally administered 50 mg/kg CSC once a week for 4 weeks, and doses of 100 or 300 mg/kg GTE were administered orally once daily for 4 weeks. GTE significantly reduced macrophage counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and emphysematous lesions in lung tissues in CSC‐exposed mice. In addition, GTE suppressed CSC‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/activator protein (AP)‐1 phosphorylation followed by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐9 expression as revealed by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and zymography in CSC‐instilled mice. These underlying mechanisms related to reduced protease expression were confirmed in NCI‐H292 cells stimulated by CSC. Taken together, GTE effectively inhibits macrophage‐driven emphysematous lesions induced by CSC treatment, and these protective effects of GTE are closely related to the ERK/AP‐1 signaling pathway, followed by a reduced protease/antiprotease imbalance. These results suggest that GTE can be used as a supplementary agent for the prevention of emphysema progression in COPD patients.
Multiphoton Resonance Band and Bloch–Siegert Shift in a Bichromatically Driven Qubit
Authors: Yan Yiying , Lü Zhiguo , Chen Lipeng , Zheng Hang
Published: February 2023

The resonance and dynamics of a qubit exposed to a strong aperiodic bichromatic field are studied by using a periodic counter‐rotating hybridized rotating wave (CHRW) Hamiltonian, which is derived from the original Hamiltonian with the unitary transformations under a reasonable approximation and enables the application of the Floquet theory. It is found that the consistency between the CHRW results and numerically exact generalized‐Floquet‐theory (GFT) results in the valid regime of the former while the widely used rotating‐wave approximation breaks down. It is illustrated that the resonance exhibits band structure and the Bloch–Siegert shifts induced by the counter‐rotating couplings of the bichromatic field become notable at the multiphoton resonance band. In addition, the CHRW method is found to have a great advantage of efficiency over the GFT approach particularly in the low beat‐frequency case where the latter converges very slowly. The present CHRW method provides a highly efficient way to calculate the resonance frequency incorporating the Bloch–Siegert shift and provides insights into the effects of the counter‐rotating couplings of the bichromatic field in the strong‐driving regimes.
Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema complicating a patient with a lung abscess
Authors: Chan Christopher , Ngai Jenny C. L. , Chan Ken K. P. , Ng Joyce K. C. , Hui David S. C.
Published: February 2023

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are conditions that carry significant morbidity. They are uncommonly seen as complications of lung abscess formation and prompt recognition and treatment is necessary. We present a 59‐year‐old male patient who complained of shortness of breath and chest pain for 2 weeks. Computed tomography (CT) of the thorax showed a left lower lobe lung abscess. This was associated with leucocytosis and raised C‐reactive protein. Ultrasound‐guided drainage revealed viscous pus requiring manual aspiration for adequate drainage. The patient later developed extensive pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema involving the pretracheal space, without evidence of pneumothorax. Left lower lobectomy was performed to control sepsis. The patient achieved a complete recovery following his surgery and antibiotic treatment, with interval resolution of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. We present the radiological and clinical features leading to the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema.
Real‐time visualization of lung malignancy with needle‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy during shape‐sensing robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy
Authors: Diaz‐Churion Fabiana , Yu Lee‐Mateus Alejandra , Abia‐Trujillo David , Johnson Margaret M. , Khoor Andras , Patel Neal M. , Reisenauer Janani , Fernandez‐Bussy Sebastian
Published: February 2023

Robotic‐assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) improves endoscopic diagnostic yield of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN). Needle‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE) is an emerging technology that allows high‐resolution, in‐vivo, real‐time assessment of living tissues at a cellular and subcellular level. Their combined use has been scarcely reported. We used them simultaneously in three patients with SPNs. For each, the nodule was evaluated with nCLE and sampled for pathology, followed by mediastinal staging. Median age was 77 years (67% male). Median nodule minimum size was 1.8 cm and maximum was 2.1 cm. nCLE detected abnormal patterns suggestive of malignancy for all nodules and pathology confirmed primary lung adenocarcinomas in two patients and lung primary squamous cell carcinoma in the other. The combined use of RAB with nCLE may potentially enhance the differentiation of malignant cells in real‐time and increase sample adequacy, accuracy, and diagnostic yield when biopsying a suspicious pulmonary lesion.
The immune paradox of SARS‐CoV‐2: Lymphocytopenia and autoimmunity evoking features in COVID‐19 and possible treatment modalities
Authors: Gerlach Joachim , Baig Abdul Mannan , Fabrowski Mark , Viduto Valentina
Published: February 2023

SARS‐CoV‐2 causes multiorgan damage to vital organs and tissue that are known to be due to a combination of tissue tropisms and cytokine‐mediated damage that it can incite in COVID‐19. The effects of SARS‐Co‐2 on the lymphocytes and therefore on the immune response have attracted attention recently in COVID‐19 to understand its effects in causing a chronic state of ongoing infection with Long‐COVID. The associated lymphopaenia and autoimmune disease state, which is an apparent paradox, needs to be researched to dissect possible mechanisms underlying this state. This paper attempts to unravel the aforesaid immune paradox effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the lymphocytes and discusses appropriate treatment modalities with antiviral drugs and nutraceuticals which could prove virucidal in SARS‐CoV‐2 seeding monocytes and lymphocytes in patients with COVID‐19 and Long‐COVID. Importantly it proposes a new in vitro treatment modality of immune regulating cells that can help patients fight the lymphopaenia associated with COVID‐19 and Long‐COVID.