bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Cannabis-Attributable Hospitalizations Following Nonmedical Cannabis Legalization in Canada
Authors: Myran Daniel T. , Gaudreault Adrienne , Konikoff Lauren , Talarico Robert , Liccardo Pacula Rosalie
Published: October 2023

Importance

The impact of adult-use cannabis legalization and subsequent commercialization (ie, increasing store and product access) on hospitalizations in Canada is unclear.

Objectives

To examine changes in overall and subtypes of hospitalizations due to cannabis and associated factors following legalization in Canada and to compare changes between provinces.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This repeated cross-sectional analysis included all acute hospitalizations for individuals aged 15 to 105 years in Canada’s 4 most populous provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, population 26.9 million individuals in 2018). Data were obtained from routinely collected health administrative databases. Immediate and gradual changes in the age- and sex-standardized rates of hospitalizations due to cannabis were compared using an interrupted time series design over 3 time periods: prelegalization (January 2015 to September 2018), legalization with product and store restrictions (October 2018 to February 2020), and commercialization, which overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Rates of hospitalizations due to cannabis per 100 000 individuals and per 1000 all-cause hospital admissions.

Results

There were 105 203 hospitalizations due to cannabis over the 7-year study period, 69 192 of which (65.8%) were among male individuals, and 34 678 (33%) of which were among individuals aged 15 to 24 years. Overall, the age- and sex-standardized rate of hospitalizations increased 1.62 times between January 2015 (3.99 per 100 000 individuals) and March 2021 (6.46 per 100 000 individuals). The largest relative increase in hospitalizations was for cannabis-induced psychosis (rate ratio, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.47 during the commercialization period relative to the prelegalization period). Nationally, legalization with restrictions was associated with a gradual monthly decrease of −0.06 (95% CI −0.08 to −0.03) in hospitalizations due to cannabis per 100 000 individuals. Commercialization and the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with an immediate increase of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.30 to 1.30) hospitalizations due to cannabis per 100 000 individuals. There was provincial variation in changes, with provinces with less mature legal markets experiencing the greatest declines immediately following legalization.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study found that legalization with restrictions was not associated with an increase in hospitalizations due to cannabis but commercialization was. The findings suggest that commercialization of cannabis may be associated with increases in cannabis-related health harms, including cannabis-induced psychosis.
Simulation of New York City’s Ventilator Allocation Guideline During the Spring 2020 COVID-19 Surge
Authors: Walsh B. Corbett , Zhu Jianan , Feng Yang , Berkowitz Kenneth A. , Betensky Rebecca A. , Nunnally Mark E. , Pradhan Deepak R.
Published: October 2023

Importance

The spring 2020 surge of COVID-19 unprecedentedly strained ventilator supply in New York City, with many hospitals nearly exhausting available ventilators and subsequently seriously considering enacting crisis standards of care and implementing New York State Ventilator Allocation Guidelines (NYVAG). However, there is little evidence as to how NYVAG would perform if implemented.

Objectives

To evaluate the performance and potential improvement of NYVAG during a surge of patients with respect to the length of rationing, overall mortality, and worsening health disparities.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included intubated patients in a single health system in New York City from March through July 2020. A total of 20 000 simulations were conducted of ventilator triage (10 000 following NYVAG and 10 000 following a proposed improved NYVAG) during a crisis period, defined as the point at which the prepandemic ventilator supply was 95% utilized.

Exposures

The NYVAG protocol for triage ventilators.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Comparison of observed survival rates with simulations of scenarios requiring NYVAG ventilator rationing.

Results

The total cohort included 1671 patients; of these, 674 intubated patients (mean [SD] age, 63.7 [13.8] years; 465 male [69.9%]) were included in the crisis period, with 571 (84.7%) testing positive for COVID-19. Simulated ventilator rationing occurred for 163.9 patients over 15.0 days, 44.4% (95% CI, 38.3%-50.0%) of whom would have survived if provided a ventilator while only 34.8% (95% CI, 28.5%-40.0%) of those newly intubated patients receiving a reallocated ventilator survived. While triage categorization at the time of intubation exhibited partial prognostic differentiation, 94.8% of all ventilator rationing occurred after a time trial. Within this subset, 43.1% were intubated for 7 or more days with a favorable SOFA score that had not improved. An estimated 60.6% of these patients would have survived if sustained on a ventilator. Revising triage subcategorization, proposed improved NYVAG, would have improved this alarming ventilator allocation inefficiency (25.3% [95% CI, 22.1%-28.4%] of those selected for ventilator rationing would have survived if provided a ventilator). NYVAG ventilator rationing did not exacerbate existing health disparities.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of intubated patients experiencing simulated ventilator rationing during the apex of the New York City COVID-19 2020 surge, NYVAG diverted ventilators from patients with a higher chance of survival to those with a lower chance of survival. Future efforts should be focused on triage subcategorization, which improved this triage inefficiency, and ventilator rationing after a time trial, when most ventilator rationing occurred.
Structural Diversity of Single‐Walled Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanotubes Grown via Template Reaction
Authors: Nakanishi Yusuke , Furusawa Shinpei , Sato Yuta , Tanaka Takumi , Yomogida Yohei , Yanagi Kazuhiro , Zhang Wenjin , Nakajo Hiroshi , Aoki Soma , Kato Toshiaki , Suenaga Kazu , Miyata Yasumitsu
Published: October 2023

Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are an ideal 2D platform for studying a wide variety of electronic properties and potential applications due to their chemical diversity. Similarly, single‐walled TMD nanotubes (SW‐TMDNTs)—seamless cylinders of rolled‐up TMD monolayers—are 1D materials that can exhibit tunable electronic properties depending on both their chirality and composition. However, much less has been explored about their geometrical structures and chemical variations due to their instability under ambient conditions. Here, the structural diversity of SW‐TMDNTs templated by boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) is reported. The outer surfaces and inner cavities of the BNNTs promote and stabilize the coaxial growth of SW‐TMDNTs with various diameters, including few‐nanometers‐wide species. The chiral indices (n,m) of individual SW‐MoS2NTs are assigned by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, and statistical analyses reveals a broad chirality distribution ranging from zigzag to armchair configurations. Furthermore, this methodology can be applied to the synthesis of various TMDNTs, such as selenides and alloyed Mo1−xWxS2. Comprehensive microscopic and spectroscopic analyses also suggest the partial formation of Janus MoS2(1−x)Se2x nanotubes. The BNNT‐templated reaction provides a universal platform to characterize the chirality‐dependent properties of 1D nanotubes with various electronic structures.
PT‐Symmetry Enabled Spintronic Thermal Diodes and Logic Gates
Authors: Wang Xi‐guang , Guo Guang‐hua , Berakdar Jamal
Published: October 2023

Devices for performing computation and logic operations with low‐energy consumption are of key importance for environmentally friendly data processing and information technology. Here, a design for magnetic elements that use excess heat to perform logic operations is presented. The basic information channel is coupled non‐conductive magnetic stripes with a normal metal spacer. The thermal information signal is embodied in magnetic excitations and it can be transported, locally enhanced, and controllably steered by virtue of charge current pulses in the spacer. Functionality of essential thermal logic gates is demonstrated by material‐specific simulations. The operation principle takes advantage of the special material architecture with a balanced gain/loss mechanism for magnetic excitation which renders the circuit parity‐time symmetric with exceptional points tunable by the current strength in the spacer. Heat flow at these points can be enhanced, be non‐reciprocal, or may oscillate between the information channels enabling controlled thermal diode and thermal gate operations. The findings point to a new route for exploiting heat for useful work on the nanoscale.
Stabilized urea for maize grown on an Amazonian Cerrado soil
Authors: Castro Thaís Santiago , Rocha Paulo Roberto Ribeiro , Barreto Glauber Ferreira , Maia Sonicley da Silva , Uchôa Sandra Cátia Pereira , Melo Valdinar Ferreira , Batista Karine Dias
Published: October 2023

Urea splitting and the use of stabilized ureas in corn (Zea mays L.) crops are management strategies that increase urea efficiency and reduce nitrogen (N) losses by volatilization and leaching. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of urea stabilized with urease inhibitor (UI) and nitrification inhibitor (NI) compared to conventional urea applied at three different schedules, on corn grain yield and the dynamics of inorganic nitrogen on an Amazonian Cerrado soil, Brazil. Two experiments were carried out, one in 2019 and the other one in 2021, in a randomized block design with four replications. Treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme (3 × 3), with three types of urea (urea, U; UI; and NI) and three application schedules (100% at planting, 30% at planting and 70% as topdressing, and 30% at planting and two topdressings with 35% N). In 2019, compared to U and UI, NI increased corn yield when 100% of urea was applied at planting. Regardless of the splitting management, NI ensured the same yields. In 2021, urea splitting was required to improve corn yields, and UI promoted higher yield in all urea application schedule. In 2019 and 2021, both NI and UI, respectively, ensured higher inorganic N levels in the soil, especially after the first topdressing. These N contents are reflected in yield gains. Urea with nitrification or urease inhibitor may be a relevant option for managing nitrogen fertilization in corn crops in the Amazonian Cerrado.
Phosphorylation of NIR‐II emitting Au nanoclusters for targeted bone imaging and improved rheumatoid arthritis therapy
Authors: Yang Ge , Liu Kang , Wang Yaru , Pan Xinxin , Ye Jingrun , Li Yue , Du Fanglin , Feng Ting , Yuan Xun
Published: October 2023

Designing a theranostic probe for noninvasive bone imaging and bone disease therapy is both challenging and desirable. Herein, an ultrasmall Au nanocluster (NC, <2 nm)‐based theranostic probe is developed to achieve highly temporospatial in vivo bone‐targeted photoluminescence (PL) imaging in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II) and enhanced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. The key design of the probe involves the surface phosphorylation of atomically precise NIR‐II emitting Au44 NCs. This phosphorylation enhances the bone‐targeting ability of the probe due to the highly concentrated phosphate groups, allowing the probe to realize in vivo bone‐targeted NIR‐II PL imaging. Moreover, benefiting from the enhanced bone‐targeting ability, ultrasmall hydrodynamic diameter, and excellent anti‐inflammation and immunomodulatory effects, the probe not only demonstrates superior therapeutic efficacy for RA rats, effectively restoring the destructed cartilage to nearly normal but also exhibits good renal clearance and benign biocompatibility. These favorable attributes cannot be achieved by commercial methotrexate used for RA treatment. This study presents a new design paradigm for metal NC‐based theranostic probes, offering the potential for high‐resolution bone‐targeted PL imaging and improved RA therapy.
Changes in diaphyseal cross‐sectional properties with age in macaques
Authors: Llera Martín Catherine J. , Ruff Christopher B.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The present study seeks to quantify changes in long bone cross‐sectional properties in a colony of semi‐free‐ranging rhesus macaques and compare observed aging patterns to those of other primates, including humans.

Methods

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to obtain midshaft cross sections of the femora, tibiae, humeri, and radii of 115 macaque specimens ranging from 7 to 31 years of age. Linear regressions of cross‐sectional properties on age were analyzed. An analysis of covariance was conducted to quantify differences in rates of change between males and females.

Results

Results show that medullary area increases while cortical area decreases with age in both sexes. The polar section modulus and the polar strain‐strength index, measuring torsional and bending strength, show no decline in most sections but decrease significantly with age in the hindlimb elements of female macaques. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) also decreases with age in both male and female macaques; however, the cumulative change in vBMD over the adult lifespan is relatively small, equivalent to a less than 10% decrease in material strength. An analysis of covariance shows no differences between males and females in the rate of change of properties with age.

Discussion

Overall, this study shows that there are some similarities in the skeletal aging patterns of macaques and those of other primates, including humans, but also some differences, with greater losses of bone found in human females as a result of an extended post‐reproductive period that is generally not found among wild or semi‐wild macaques.
Sterisch erlaubte Supramolekulare Polymerisationen des H‐Typs
Authors: Manha Veedu Rasitha , Niemeyer Niklas , Bäumer Nils , Kartha Kalathil Krishnan , Neugebauer Johannes , Fernández Gustavo
Published: October 2023

Die Funktionalisierung von π‐konjugierten Gerüsten mit sterisch anspruchsvollen Substituenten ist eine weit verbreitete Technik zur Unterdrückung von kofazialen (H‐Typ) Stapelwechselwirkungen, die sogar die Selbstorganisation hemmen kann. Entgegen den Erwartungen zeigen wir hier, dass eine Erhöhung des sterischen Anspruchs zu einer verbesserten thermodynamischen Stabilität von supramolekularen Polymeren des H‐Typs führen kann. In unserem Ansatz haben wir zwei Bor‐Dipyrromethen‐Farbstoffe (BODIPY) mit sperrigen Phenyl (2) und Mesityl‐ (3) meso‐Substituenten untersucht und ihre Selbstorganisation in unpolaren Medien mit derjenigen eines meso‐methyl BODIPY‐Derivats (1) ohne sperrige Gruppen verglichen. Während der erhöhte sterische Anspruch zu Pfadwegkomplexität führt, lässt sich die überlegene thermodynamische Stabilität der H‐Typ‐Pfade mit einem zusätzlichen enthalpischen Gewinn erklären, der sich aus den intermolekularen C−H⋅⋅⋅F−B‐Wechselwirkungen der orthogonal angeordneten aromatischen Substituenten ergibt, die ihre sterische Hinderung übersteigt. Unsere Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Bedeutung des Gleichgewichts konkurrierender nicht‐kovalenter Wechselwirkungen bei der Selbstorganisation.
Sterically Allowed H‐type Supramolecular Polymerizations
Authors: Manha Veedu Rasitha , Niemeyer Niklas , Bäumer Nils , Kartha Kalathil Krishnan , Neugebauer Johannes , Fernández Gustavo
Published: October 2023

The functionalization of π‐conjugated scaffolds with sterically demanding substituents is a widely used tactic to suppress cofacial (H‐type) stacking interactions, which may even inhibit self‐assembly. Contrary to expectations, we demonstrate herein that increasing steric effects can result in an enhanced thermodynamic stability of H‐type supramolecular polymers. In our approach, we have investigated two boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes with bulky phenyl (2) and mesityl (3) meso‐substituents and compared their self‐assembly in nonpolar media with that of a parent meso‐methyl BODIPY 1 lacking bulky groups. While the enhanced steric demand induces pathway complexity, the superior thermodynamic stability of the H‐type pathways can be rationalized in terms of additional enthalpic gain arising from intermolecular C−H⋅⋅⋅F−B interactions of the orthogonally arranged aromatic substituents, which overrule their inherent steric demand. Our findings underline the importance of balancing competing non‐covalent interactions in self‐assembly.
Validation of the social communication questionnaire amongst Nigerian adolescents
Authors: Nwokolo Eziafakaku Uchechukwu , Murphy Glynis H. , Langdon Peter E.
Published: October 2023

Few autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening tools have been developed and validated in Africa. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) when used with Nigerian adolescents. Parents and caregivers of two hundred and five adolescents completed the SCQ Lifetime form while the adolescents were assessed for ASD using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS‐2). Factor structure and convergent and discriminative validity were examined, along with the sensitivity and specificity of the SCQ in identifying participants with an autism spectrum disorder. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure, while logistic regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to examine the validities. The SCQ had good internal consistency, discriminative, and convergent validity. A cut‐off score of 10 revealed sensitivity = 0.81 and specificity = 0.88 for the identification of autism spectrum disorder. AUC was 0.83, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.77, 0.90]. The results of this study provide evidence to support the retention of the original four factors of the SCQ. The SCQ has good psychometric properties when used with Nigerian adolescents.
Analgesic nanomedicines for the treatment of chronic pain
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhuang Hongjun , Wang Ya , Cheng Yuen Yee , Chen Feixiang , Chen Jian , Song Xinglei , Zhang Run , Liu Yanyan , Bu Wenbo
Published: October 2023

Chronic pain is a major cause of suffering that often accompanies diseases and therapies, affecting approximately 20% of individuals at some point in their lives. However, current treatment modalities, such as anesthetic and antipyretic analgesics, have limitations in terms of efficacy and side effects. Nanomedical technology offers a promising avenue to overcome these challenges and introduce new therapeutic mechanisms. This article reviews the recent research on nanomedicine analgesics, integrating analyses of neuroplasticity changes in neurons and pathways related to the transition from acute to chronic pain. Furthermore, it explores potential future strategies using nanomaterials, aiming to provide a roadmap for new analgesic development and improved clinical pain management. By leveraging nanotechnology, these approaches hold the potential to revolutionize pain treatment by delivering targeted and effective relief while minimizing side effects.
Relationship between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk and alcohol‐related ALDH2 and ADH1B polymorphisms: Evidence from a meta‐analysis and Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhang Biao , Peng Yu‐Hui , Luo Yun , Hong Chao‐Qun , Lin Yi‐Wei , Zhang Yu‐Ling , Xu Yi‐Wei , Su Xue‐Fen , Wu Fang‐Cai
Published: October 2023

Background

Previous studies have shown that ALDH2 and ADH1B genes may be associated with alcohol metabolism and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), with inconsistent results. This meta‐analysis aimed at comprehensively assessing the associations between ALDH2 and ADH1B polymorphisms and the risk of ESCC to synthesize and clarify the evidence.

Methods

We calculated summary estimates of the associations between four genetic variants (rs671 and rs674 in ALDH2, and rs1229984 and rs1042026 in ADH1B) and the ESCC risk across 23 publications in the additive model and allelic model. Venice criteria, Bayesian false discovery probability (BFDP), and false‐positive reporting probability (FPRP) were used to assess the strength of epidemiological evidence. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by using the Higgin's I2 statistic, and publication bias was assessed by using funnel plots and Begg's test. A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to determine the causal association between alcohol intake and esophageal cancer risk. Data from the HaploReg v4.1 and PolyPhen‐2 were analyzed for functional annotations.

Results

Of the four genetic variants, rs671 of ALDH2 was associated with a significantly reduced risk of ESCC (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50–0.73), whereas rs1229984 of ADH1B was associated with a significantly increased risk (2.50, 95% CI: 1.70–3.69) in the additive model. In the allelic model, the variant rs1229984 of ADH1B also increased the risk of ESCC (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.21–1.87). The result for the variant rs671 was considered as strong epidemiological evidence. Functional annotations identified that the four variants were related to the enhancer histone marks and motif changes. The other two variants were not associated with the ESCC risk (rs674 of ALDH2 OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.71–2.12; rs1042026 of ADH1B OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 0.52–3.14) in the additive model. The MR analysis did not find a causal effect of alcohol on the esophageal cancer risk.

Conclusions

The results showed that ADH1B rs1229984 was significantly associated with an increased the risk of ESCC.
Salivary microbiome in kidney diseases: A narrative review
Authors: Ramanathan Kumaresan , Padmanabhan Giri , Gulilat Henok , Malik Tabarak
Published: October 2023

Many research has been conducted since the microbiota's discovery that have focused on the role it plays in health and disease. Microbiota can be divided into categories like intestinal, oral, respiratory, and skin microbiota based on the specific localized areas. To maintain homeostasis and control immunological response, the microbial populations live in symbiosis with the host. On the other hand, dysbiosis of the microbiota can cause diseases including kidney diseases and the deregulation of body functioning. We discuss the current understanding of how various kidney diseases are caused by the salivary microbiome (SM) in this overview. First, we review the studies on the salivary microbiota in diverse clinical situations. The importance of the SM in diabetic kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, membranous nephropathy, and IgA nephropathy is next highlighted. We conclude that the characteristics of the SM of patients with various kidney diseases have revealed the potential of salivary microbial markers as noninvasive tool for the detection of various kidney diseases.
Extensive but minimally symptomatic deep vein thrombosis in duplicated femoral veins
Authors: Chan Joel Ern Zher , Podorozhnyy Dmytro
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Duplicated femoral veins predispose to venous thrombosis, but patients may present with minimal/no symptoms. The required length of treatment is unclear, but periodic ultrasound surveillance may play a role in the absence of definitive treatment options.
Reversible Electrochemical Conversion Reaction for Selective Ion Removal and Recovery
Authors: Yang Yilong , Miao Jiaming , Zhang Kan
Published: October 2023

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a green and pollution‐free emerging technology that can be used for ions removal and recovery from water. However, the traditional electro‐adsorption process to achieve ions removal faces the challenges of non‐selectivity, low efficiency and difficult ion recovery. In recent years, the conversion reaction has attracted wide attention due to its high selectivity, reversibility and excellent desalination ability for ions removal and recovery. This concept article will focus on the connotation and representative applications of conversion reactions that can be used for ion‐selective removal and recovery and put forward the perspectives and outlooks of conversion reactions.
Fast and artifact‐free circular dichroism measurement of solid‐state structural changes
Authors: Kuroda Reiko , Harada Takunori , Takahashi Hiromi
Published: October 2023

A novel chiroptical spectrophotometer, Multichannel (MC)‐circular dichroism (CD), which does not require a wavelength scan and provides artifact‐free CD spectra in seconds, was developed by solving the incompatibility problem between data acquisition and modulation timescales. The design and instrumentation are compared with the Universal Chiroptical Spectrophotometer (UCS)‐1, which can measure artifact‐free CD spectra in the solid state. Enantiomeric single crystals composed of achiral components, α‐Ni(H2O)6・SO4, and achiral films with substantial macroscopic anisotropies were measured on both MC‐CD and UCS‐1 and compared.
Chemical Biology Perspectives on STING Agonists as Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Xuan Chenyuan , Hu Rong
Published: October 2023

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a crucial adaptor protein in the innate immune response. STING activation triggers cytokine secretion, including type I interferon and initiates T cell‐mediated adaptive immunity. The activated immune system converts “cold tumors” into “hot tumors” that are highly responsive to T cells by recruiting them to the tumor microenvironment, ultimately leading to potent and long‐lasting antitumor effects. Unlike most immune checkpoint inhibitors, STING agonists represent a groundbreaking class of innate immune agonists that hold great potential for effectively targeting various cancer populations and are poised to become a blockbuster in tumor immunotherapy. This review will focus on the correlation between the STING signaling pathway and tumor immunity, as well as explore the impact of STING activation on other biological processes. Ultimately, we will summarize the development and optimization of STING agonists from a medicinal chemistry perspective, evaluate their potential in cancer therapy, and identify possible challenges for future advancement.
The influence of bone model geometries on the determination of skull acoustic properties
Authors: Marchant Joshua K. , Clinard Samuel R. , Odéen Henrik , Parker Dennis L. , Christensen Douglas A.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated the impact of various simulated skull bone geometries on the determination of skull speed of sound and acoustic attenuation values via optimization using transmitted pressure amplitudes beyond the bone. Using the hybrid angular spectrum method (HAS), we simulated ultrasound transmission through four model sets of different geometries involving sandwiched layers of diploë and cortical bone in addition to three models generated from CT images of ex‐vivo human skull‐bones. We characterized cost‐function solution spaces for each model and, using optimization, found that when a model possessed appreciable variations in resolvable layer thickness, the predefined attenuation coefficients could be found with low error (RMSE < 0.01 Np/cm). However, we identified a spatial frequency cutoff in the models' geometry beyond which the accuracy of the property determination begins to fail, depending on the frequency of the ultrasound source. There was a large increase in error of the attenuation coefficients determined by the optimization when the variations in layer thickness were above the identified spatial frequency cutoffs, or when the lateral variations across the model were relatively low in amplitude. For our limited sample of three CT‐image derived bone models, the attenuation coefficients were determined successfully. The speed of sound values were determined with low error for all models (including the CT‐image derived models) that were tested (RMSE < 0.4 m/s). These results illustrate that it is possible to determine the acoustic properties of two‐component models when the internal bone structure is taken into account and the structure satisfies the spatial frequency constraints discussed.
Shock‐Induced Microstructural Evolution, Phase Transformation, Sintering of Al‐Ni Dissimilar Nanoparticles: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Jiang Jun , Sun Weifu , Luo Ning
Published: October 2023

Molecular dynamic simulations have been performed to explore contact behavior, microstructure evolution and sintering mechanism of Al−Ni dissimilar nanoparticles under high‐velocity impact. We confirmed that the simulated contact stress, contact radius, and contact force under low‐velocity impact are in good agreement with the predicted results of the Hertz model. However, with increasing the impact velocity, the simulated results gradually deviate from the predicted results of the Hertz model due to the elastic‐plastic transition and atomic discrete structure. The normalized contact radius versus strain exhibits a weak dependence on nanosphere diameter. Below a critical velocity, there are very few HCP atoms in the nanospheres after thermal equilibrium. There are two different sintering mechanisms: under low‐velocity impact, the sintering process relies mainly on the dislocation slip of Al nanospheres, while the dislocation slip of Ni nanospheres and the atomic diffusion of Al nanospheres predominate under high‐velocity impact.
Early monitoring‐to‐warning Internet of Things system for emerging infectious diseases via networking of light‐triggered point‐of‐care testing devices
Authors: Fu Yu , Liu Yan , Song Wenlu , Yang Delong , Wu Wenjie , Lin Jingyan , Yang Xiongtiao , Zeng Jian , Rong Lingzhi , Xia Jiaojiao , Lei Hongyi , Yang Ronghua , Zhang Mingxia , Liao Yuhui
Published: October 2023

Early monitoring and warning arrangements are effective ways to distinguish infectious agents and control the spread of epidemic diseases. Current testing technologies, which cannot achieve rapid detection in the field, have a risk of slowing down the response time to the disease. In addition, there is still no epidemic surveillance system, implementing prevention and control measures is slow and inefficient. Motivated by these clinical needs, a sample‐to‐answer genetic diagnosis platform based on light‐controlled capillary modified with a photocleavable linker is first developed, which could perform nucleic acid separation and release by light irradiation in less than 30 seconds. Then, on site polymerase chain reaction was performed in a handheld closed‐loop convective system. Test reports are available within 20 min. Because this method is portable, rapid, and easy to operate, it has great potential for point‐of‐care testing. Additionally, through multiple device networking, a real‐time artificial intelligence monitoring system for pathogens was developed on a cloud server. Through data reception, analysis, and visualization, the system can send early warning signals for disease control and prevention. Thus, anti‐epidemic measures can be implemented effectively, and deploying and running this system can improve the capabilities for the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
Colibactin mutational signatures in NTHL1 tumor syndrome and MUTYH associated polyposis patients
Authors: Terlouw D. , Boot A. , Ducarmon Q. R. , Nooij S. , Jessurun M. A. , van Leerdam M. E. , Tops C. M. , Langers A. M. J. , Morreau H. , van Wezel T. , Nielsen M.
Published: October 2023

Polyketide synthase (pks) island harboring Escherichia coli are, under the right circumstances, able to produce the genotoxin colibactin. Colibactin is a risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer and associated with mutational signatures SBS88 and ID18. This study explores colibactin‐associated mutational signatures in biallelic NTHL1 and MUTYH patients. Targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed on colorectal adenomas and carcinomas of one biallelic NTHL and 12 biallelic MUTYH patients. Additional fecal metagenomics and genome sequencing followed by mutational signature analysis was conducted for the NTHL1 patient. Targeted NGS of the NTHL1 patient showed somatic APC variants fitting SBS88 which was confirmed using WGS. Furthermore, fecal metagenomics revealed pks genes. Also, in 1 out of 11 MUTYH patient a somatic variant was detected fitting SBS88. This report shows that colibactin may influence development of colorectal neoplasms in predisposed patients.
Challenges and opportunities of big data analytics in healthcare
Authors: Goyal Priyanshi , Malviya Rishabha
Published: October 2023

Data science is an interdisciplinary discipline that employs big data, machine learning algorithms, data mining techniques, and scientific methodologies to extract insights and information from massive amounts of structured and unstructured data. The healthcare industry constantly creates large, important databases on patient demographics, treatment plans, results of medical exams, insurance coverage, and more. The data that IoT (Internet of Things) devices collect is of interest to data scientists. Data science can help with the healthcare industry's massive amounts of disparate, structured, and unstructured data by processing, managing, analyzing, and integrating it. To get reliable findings from this data, proper management and analysis are essential. This article provides a comprehensive study and discussion of process data analysis as it pertains to healthcare applications. The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using big data analytics (BDA) in the medical industry. The insights offered by BDA, which can also aid in making strategic decisions, can assist the healthcare system.
Measuring skin color inequality in women's health in Northeast Brazil: Evidence from the PCSVDFMulher survey
Authors: de Oliveira Victor Hugo , Carvalho José Raimundo
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we investigate whether skin color is a source of inequality in women's health by exploring the longitudinal framework of the PCSVDFMulher survey in Northeast Brazil. Specifically, we measure the skin color gradient in women's general and mental health, as well as in showing health risk behavior. We find that darker‐skinned women show poorer mental health outcomes and a higher likelihood of drinking and smoking more frequently than their lighter‐skinned counterparts. The skin color gradient is persistent and systematic, even when modeling different sources of unobserved heterogeneity and accounting for the existing socioeconomic inequalities and racial identity. We also find that racial identity is an important source of heterogeneous responses of women's health to skin tone.
The prevalence and risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome (PRIBS study) among adults in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Arnaout Ahmad Y. , Nerabani Yaman , Douba Zain , Kassem Luma H. , Arnaout Khaled , Shabouk Muhammad B. , Zayat Hussein , Mayo Wafik , Bezo Yamen , Arnaout Ibrahim , Yousef Ahmad , Zeina Mohamed B. , Aljarad Ziad ,   PRIBS Study Team
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Because of the plenty and abundance of risk factors and the expected increase in the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the world in general and in low‐ and middle‐income countries in particular, this international cross‐sectional study was conducted in 15 low‐ and middle‐income countries according to our previous protocol, NCT05340400.

Methods

Participants were recruited in the period from April 22, 2022 to June 14, 2022. The diagnosis of IBS was according to ROME IV. We determined the physical activity, daily stress, and fatigue of the participants. A large number of collaborators were chosen from different regions and institutions within each country to achieve diversity within the sample and reduce the probability of bias.

Results

The prevalence of IBS appears to be higher in low‐ and middle‐income countries (mean = 25.2%, range [6.2%–44.2%]) than in high‐income countries, with a higher prevalence among Africans than Caucasians and Asians. The prevalence of IBS increased in the fourth decade by 32.1% and in the fifth decade by 31.1% (p‐value < 0.001). In addition to the previously known risk factors for IBS such as female sex, smoking, psychological stress, and chronic fatigue, other risk factors were discovered such as chronic diseases, including high blood pressure and diabetes, allergies to some substances, previous infection with COVID‐19, and the participant having a first‐degree relative with a patient. There are also some other modifiable risk factors, such as an abnormal body mass index (whether high or low), smoking, a protein‐ or fat‐rich diet, drinking caffeine‐containing beverages, and poor physical activity.

Conclusions

Highlighting the prevalence and increasing risk factors of IBS in developing countries should draw the attention of those responsible for health care in these countries and reduce the risk factors.
Investigating the relationship between liver enzymes and incidence of hypertension: A population‐based cohort study in Kharameh, a city in the South of Iran
Authors: Baeradeh Najibullah , Seif Mozhgan , Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Hosseini Seyed Vahid
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Hypertension and abnormal liver enzymes are common health issues that frequently coexist, and recent research has suggested a possible association between them, warranting further investigation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the relationship between liver enzymes and hypertension.

Methods

This prospective cohort study utilized data from the Kharameh cohort study, which is a branch of the Prospective Epidemiological Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) database. The study included 7710 participants aged between 40 and 70 years. Hypertension was defined in accordance with the European guidelines for hypertension management, and the association between liver enzymes and hypertension was modeled and predicted using Firth logistic regression.

Results

This study investigated the association between liver enzymes and hypertension risk in a cohort of 7710 individuals aged 40–70 years. The results showed that higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were associated with an increased risk of hypertension, and this relationship remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Additionally, separate analyses within age subgroups revealed a significant association between ALP concentration and high blood pressure in certain age ranges.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a significant association between high levels of ALT, GGT, and ALP and an increased risk of hypertension, regardless of other risk factors. These results suggest that monitoring liver enzymes, specifically ALT, GGT, and ALP, could serve as a useful tool to predict hypertension risk and identify individuals who could benefit from early intervention. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of monitoring liver function in preventing and managing hypertension.
Explaining barriers to childbearing using the risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategy: Based on action research
Authors: NeJhaddadgar Nazila , Ziapour Arash , Jafarzadeh Mohammad , Ezzati Farahnaz , Rezaei Farshid , Darabi Fatemeh
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Reluctance to childbearing and then the reduction of the total fertility rate are common experiences of developed countries and many developing countries, including Iran, therefore, the purpose of this study was explaining barriers to childbearing using the risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategy.

Methods

The study was conducted by action research and according to RCCE during 9 months in Ardabil city. The statistical population consisted of 41 married women aged 15–54 who were eligible for childbearing, these women were purposefully selected from among the people covered by Ardabil health centers and interviewed. Data were collected using open and in‐depth interviews by the researcher and analyzed by content analysis.

Results

The results of data analysis led to the extraction of three main categories, personal, familial, and social barriers. The “personal barriers” category was classified into three subcategories, namely mental, belief, and awareness barriers, the “familial barriers” category was classified into two subcategories, namely social and financial barriers, and the “social barriers” category was classified into two subcategories, political and managerial barriers.

Conclusions

According to the results, a set of personal, familial, and social factors could affect childbearing among married women. Identification of these factors can play an effective role in designing educational and managerial programs.
Effect of age in women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: A retrospective study
Authors: Malekzadeh Maral , Ramirez‐Caban Laura , Garcia‐Ruiz Nuria , Ossin David A. , Hurtado Eric A.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To determine whether elderly women (≥65 years) have an increased risk of complications and lower success when undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) compared with younger women (<65 years).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all LSC procedures performed from August 2014 to February 2021 by a single urogynecologic surgeon in an academic affiliated hospital system. Charts were identified through procedure codes. Patient demographics, clinical, surgical, and postoperative data were collected. The primary outcome of this study was to compare complications associated with LSC, including intraoperative and postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included subjective, objective, and composite success.

Results

In total, 312 participants met the criteria. The mean age of the group who were younger than 65 years was 55.7 years (±6.5) and of the group aged 65 years or older was 69.3 years (±3.5). Racial demographics revealed no differences between the two groups. Patients aged 65 years or older had a statistically significant lower body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), a higher rate of hypertension, smaller genital hiatus, and a larger anterior vaginal wall prolapse compared with the younger cohort. They also less often underwent a posterior repair. No statistically significant differences were found with regards to intraoperative and postoperative complications, including 30‐day re‐admission, between the two age groups. Both groups had high anatomic success rates, with no significant difference (<65 = 96.3%; ≥65 = 98.4%; P = 0.326). Those aged younger than 65 years compared with those aged 65 years or older had lower subjective success that was not significantly different (<65 = 62.8%; ≥65 = 71.0; P = 0.134). Composite success was noted to reach the threshold of a statistically significant difference in the group aged younger than 65 years compared with those aged 65 years or older (60.1% vs 71.0%; P = 0.0499).

Conclusion

In this study, elderly patients did not have increased intraoperative and postoperative complications after undergoing LSC. Similar rates of anatomic and subjective success were also found with younger patients having a lower composite success. Proper candidates for LSC should not be excluded based upon age.
Perceived social support mitigates the associations among household chaos and health and well‐being in rural early adolescents
Authors: Mei Kehan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Jiatian , Ming Hua , Jiang Ying , Huang Silin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Previous studies have demonstrated that early adolescents residing in chaotic households experience adverse health and well‐being outcomes. However, the potential protective factors that mitigate the relationship between household chaos and early adolescents' health and well‐being remain unknown. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate whether perceived social support moderates the link between household chaos and the health and well‐being among Chinese rural early adolescents.

Methods

Physical health difficulties were assessed using two measures: general health and allostatic load (AL). Mental health difficulties were measured by depression. Well‐being was reflected by life satisfaction. Specifically, this study included early adolescents (N = 337; Mage = 10.88 ± 1.36 years) from rural counties in China who reported their household chaos, perceived social support, general health, depression, and life satisfaction. AL scores were determined based on six physiological indices.

Results

Household chaos exhibited a negative relationship with the general health and life satisfaction while a positive correlation with depression. Moreover, perceived social support was found to moderate the association between household chaos and these health and well‐being indicators of early adolescents. Specifically, early adolescents who reported higher levels of perceived social support exhibited weaker negative connections among household chaos and their general health, depression, and life satisfaction. Furthermore, no significant relationships were observed between the adolescents' AL and household chaos, perceived social support, or their interactions.

Conclusions

Household chaos poses a significant risk to health and well‐being. Furthermore, the findings indicate that perceived social support can mitigate these negative effects.
Regulation of cholesterol metabolism: New players for an old physiological process
Authors: Parente Martina , Tonini Claudia , Segatto Marco , Pallottini Valentina
Published: October 2023

Identified more than two centuries ago, cholesterol plays a pivotal role in human physiology. Since cholesterol metabolism is a physiologically significant process, it is not surprising that its alterations are associated with several pathologies. The discovery of new molecular targets or compounds able to modulate this sophisticated metabolism has been capturing the attention of research groups worldwide since many years. Endogenous and exogenous compounds are known to regulate cellular cholesterol synthesis and uptake, or reduce cholesterol absorption at the intestinal level, thereby regulating cholesterol homeostasis. However, there is a great need of new modulators and diverse new pathways have been uncovered. Here, after illustrating cholesterol metabolism and its well‐known regulators, some new players of this important physiological process are also described.