bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of approval of home use of misoprostol in England on access to medical abortion: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Lewandowska Maria , Carter Daniel J. , Gasparrini Antonio , Lohr Patricia A. , Wellings Kaye
Published: August 2023

Objective

In 2018, the Department of Health and Social Care in England approved the use of misoprostol at home for early medical abortions, following administration of mifepristone at clinic. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of the approval of home administration of misoprostol in England on access to medical abortion, assessed through proxy measures of the proportion of all abortions that were medical and gestational age.

Methods

This study uses the clinical data from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service on abortions in England in years 2018–2019, containing demographic and procedure characteristics of patients. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to establish the differences before and after the approval in access to medical abortion, measured by the proportion of all abortions that were medical, and gestational age. The analysis also examined whether these changes were equitable, with focus on area‐level deprivation.

Results

The analysis of the data (145 529 abortions) suggested that there was an increase in the proportion of medical abortions and decrease in gestational age of abortions after the approval. Compared with the situation if former trends had continued, the actual proportion of early medical abortions was 4.2% higher in December 2019, and the mean gestational age 3.4 days lower. We found that the acceleration of existing trends in increase in proportion of medical abortions and decrease in gestational age were larger in the most deprived quintiles and in those reporting a disability, but not equal across ethnic groups, with Black and Black British women experiencing little change in trajectories post‐approval.

Conclusion

The approval of home use of misoprostol as part of an early medical abortion regimen in England was associated with material and equitable improvements in abortion access. Pre‐approval trends toward greater uptake of medical abortion and declining gestational age were accelerated post‐approval and were greatest in the most deprived areas of England, but not across all racial/ethnic groups. The present findings strongly support the continuation or introduction of home management of medical abortions.
Interconnection between reproductive and migrant health rights
Authors: Bellizzi Saverio , Nivoli Alessandra
Published: August 2023

Synopsis

Critical policies are needed, in line with the universal health coverage agenda, for the inclusion of migrant women recently impacted by restrictions in accessing abortion care.
Determination of tacrolimus in human whole blood in kidney transplant recipients using a rapid and specific LC–MS/MS method
Authors: Hieu Tran Ba , Dung Nguyen Manh , Toan Pham Quoc , Kien Truong Quy , Van Duc Nguyen , Thang Le Viet , Van Tran Pham , Hop Vu Quang , Phuong Nguyen Minh , Ben Nguyen Huu , Van Khoi Nguyen , Nghia Tran Trung , Dung Vu Dinh , Van Thinh Nguyen , Hang Dinh Thi Thu , Van Men Chu , Long Dao Duc , Su Hoang Xuan
Published: August 2023

Objective

To develop and validate an LC‐M/SMS method for the determination of tacrolimus in human whole blood.

Method

The LC–MS/MS method for the determination of tacrolimus in whole blood was developed and validated according to the guidelines. Concentrations of TAC in 100 kidney transplant patients measured by LC–MS/MS were compared with CMIA using correlation analysis and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

The method had a total chromatographic run time of 5 min. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.5–100.0 ng/mL with a lower limit of quantification of 1 ng/mL. The intra‐ and interday accuracy was within the range of 93.3%–109.2% and 96.0%–108.4%, respectively, with precision ranging from 0.8 to 9.4%. The mean extraction recoveries of TAC ranged from 102.6 to 107.8%. The mean concentrations of TAC in whole blood of kidney transplant patients measured by the two assays were different at 1, 3 months and all time points (p < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed at 6 months (p = 0.094). The correlation of data was good with the correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.7581, 0.8811, 0.8777, and 0.8077, respectively. Passing–Bablok regression analysis demonstrated good correlations with r2 values higher than 0.88 between TAC levels measured by LC–MS/MS and CMIA. Using Bland–Altman plots yielded average biases of 1.29, 0.79, 0.11, and 0.65 ng/mL at 1, 3, and 6 months and all time points.

Conclusion

The LC–MS/MS method was validated for the accurate determination of TAC in human whole blood. The comparison of tacrolimus concentrations measured by the LC–MS/MS with CMIA showed a good correlation and agreement of two methods, suggesting LC–MS/MS should be used routinely to monitor TAC concentrations in kidney transplant patients.
Heterogeneity in the trajectories of psychological distress among late adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gouin Jean‐Philippe , de la Torre‐Luque Alejandro , Sánchez‐Carro Yolanda , Geoffroy Marie‐Claude , Essau Cecilia
Published: August 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has constrained opportunities in social, educational and professional domains, leading to developmental challenges for adolescents initiating their transition to adulthood. Meta‐analysis indicated that there was a small increase in psychological distress during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, significant heterogeneity in the psychological response to the COVID‐19 pandemic was noted. Developmental antecedents as well as social processes may account for such heterogeneity. The goal of this study was to characterize trajectories of psychological distress in late adolescence during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

5014 late adolescents born between 2000 and 2002 from the UK Millennium Cohort Study completed online self‐reported assessments at three occasions during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic (May 2020, September/October 2020 and February/March 2021). These surveys assessed psychological distress, loneliness, social support, family conflict, as well as other pandemic stressors. Information on developmental antecedents were obtained when cohort members were 17 years of age.

Results

Four distinct trajectories class were identified. Normative class (52.13%) experienced low and decreasing levels of psychological distress, while moderately increasing class (31.84%) experienced a small, but significant increase in distress over time and increasing class (8.75%) exhibited a larger increase in distress after the first wave of the pandemic. Inverted U‐shaped class (7.29%) experienced elevated psychological distress during the first wave of the pandemic, followed by a decrease in distress in subsequent waves of the pandemic. Larger longitudinal increases in loneliness were noted among individuals in the elevated distress trajectory, compared to other trajectories. Pre‐pandemic psychopathology was associated with elevated distress early in the pandemic.

Conclusions

The largest trajectory showed low and declining psychological distress, highlighting the resilience of the majority of late adolescents. However, a subgroup of adolescents experienced large increases in psychological distress, identifying a group of individuals more vulnerable to pandemic‐related stress.
Critical gaps in understanding treatment outcomes in adolescents and young adults with lymphoma: A review of current data
Authors: Pophali Priyanka A. , Morton Lindsay M. , Parsons Susan K. , Hodgson David , Thanarajasingam Gita , Thompson Carrie , Habermann Thomas M. , Savage Kerry J.
Published: August 2023

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with lymphoma experience treatment‐related effects in the short and long term that impact their quality of life and survivorship experience. The effort to improve outcomes for AYA lymphoma survivors requires understanding the available literature, identifying current knowledge deficits, designing better clinical trials incorporating the patient perspective, using novel tools to bridge data gaps and building survivorship guidelines that translate research to clinical practice. This review article summarizes the current state of lymphoma treatment‐related outcomes in AYAs and provides future direction.
Long‐term SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody level prediction using multimodal deep learning: A prospective cohort study on longitudinal data in Wuhan, China
Authors: Fang Cong , Yan Weiming , Chen Yuying , Dou Zhiyong , Liu Tingting , Luo Fengning , Chen Weiwei , Li Xitang , Chen Yajie , Wu Wenhui , Yuan Zhize , Niu Yuxin , Wang Peng , Zhu Wenzhen , Luo Xiaoping , Chen Tao , Bai Xiang , Wang Xiaojing , Ning Qin
Published: August 2023

The ongoing epidemic of SARS‐CoV‐2 is taking a substantial financial and health toll on people worldwide. Assessing the level and duration of SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody (Nab) would provide key information for government to make sound healthcare policies. Assessed at 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐month postdischarge, we described the temporal change of IgG levels in 450 individuals with moderate to critical COVID‐19 infection. Moreover, a data imputation framework combined with a novel deep learning model was implemented to predict the long‐term Nab and IgG levels in these patients. Demographic characteristics, inspection reports, and CT scans during hospitalization were used in this model. Interpretability of the model was further validated with Shapely Additive exPlanation (SHAP) and Gradient‐weighted Class Activation Mapping (GradCAM). IgG levels peaked at 3 months and remained stable in 12 months postdischarge, followed by a significant decline in 18 months postdischarge. However, the Nab levels declined from 6 months postdischarge. By training on the cohort of 450 patients, our long‐term antibody prediction (LTAP) model could predict long‐term IgG levels with relatively high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐score, which far exceeds the performance achievable by commonly used models. Several prognostic factors including FDP levels, the percentages of T cells, B cells and natural killer cells, older age, sex, underlying diseases, and so forth, served as important indicators for IgG prediction. Based on these top 15 prognostic factors identified in IgG prediction, a simplified LTAP model for Nab level prediction was established and achieved an AUC of 0.828, which was 8.9% higher than MLP and 6.6% higher than LSTM. The close correlation between IgG and Nab levels making it possible to predict long‐term Nab levels based on the factors selected by our LTAP model. Furthermore, our model identified that coagulation disorders and excessive immune response, which indicate disease severity, are closely related to the production of IgG and Nab. This universal model can be used as routine discharge tests to identify virus‐infected individuals at risk for recurrent infection and determine the optimal timing of vaccination for general populations.
Nasal discharge: A unique enhanced alternative for the detection of respiratory pathogens in adults
Authors: Fourie Elandri , Bording Eva S. , Euser Sjoerd M. , Badoux Paul , Haverkort Mildred E. , van Houten Marlies A.
Published: August 2023

Upper respiratory tract infections are a significant cause of social‐ and disease burden worldwide. Currently, invasive and uncomfortable molecular detection methods are used for respiratory pathogen detection. We aimed to assess the ability and bearability of a rhinorrhea swab (RS) to detect respiratory pathogens in comparison to the combined nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab (NP/OP). This study was performed at a Public Health Service severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) testing facility between November and December 2022 in the Netherlands. Adults aged 16 years and older, being subjected to a standard of care NP/OP swab with nasal discharge, were included and received an additional RS. Respiratory pathogen detection was evaluated using SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) PCR. Bearability was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) scores and a questionnaire. A total of 100 adults with a mean age ± SD of 46 ± 16 years were included. The NP/OP swab detected 104 pathogens, the RS 83 pathogens (p < 0.001), and in total 108 respiratory pathogens were identified in 89 adults (89%). The ability to detect respiratory pathogens compared between the RS and the combined NP/OP swab revealed a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI 73%–89%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI 72%–100%). RS were significantly more bearable than the combined NP/OP swab (p value < 0.001). Therefore, nasal discharge found in adults can be used as an adequate reliable medium for respiratory pathogen detection using SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR and MLPA PCR.
Four conserved amino acids on human papillomavirus E6 predict clinical high‐risk types
Authors: Niiya Akari , Hamaguchi Yo , Mishima Hiroyuki , Miura Shoko , Komatsu Nahoko , Nagata Koh , Hasegawa Yuri , Miura Kiyonori , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro
Published: August 2023

Human papillomavirus (HPV) types included in the genus alpha papillomavirus (alpha‐HPVs) are subdivided into high‐ and low‐risk HPVs associated with tumorigenicity. According to conventional risk classification, over 30 alpha‐HPVs remain unclassified and HPV groups phylogenetically classified using the L1 gene do not exactly correspond to the conventional risk classification groups. Here, we propose a novel cervical lesion progression risk classification strategy. Using four E6 risk distinguishable amino acids (E6‐RDAAs), we successfully expanded the conventional classification to encompass alpha‐HPVs and resolve discrepancies. We validated our classification system using alpha‐HPV‐targeted sequence data of 325 cervical swab specimens from participants in Japan. Clinical outcomes significantly correlated with the E6‐RDAA classification. Four of five HPV types in the data set that were not conventionally classified (HPV30, 34, 67, and 69) were high‐risk according to our classification criteria. This report sheds light on the carcinogenicity of rare genital HPV types using a novel risk classification strategy.
Testing a medicine information needs identification tool (MINI‐Q) with hospital inpatients in New Zealand
Authors: Aspden Trudi , Honey Michelle , Sneyd Sarah , Brackley Kim , Cavadino Alana , Chang Rosalie , Chan Amy HY
Published: August 2023

Background

Determining an individual's medicines information preferences and needs could enable health professionals to deliver more effective medicines information and help build patients' health literacy and ability to self‐manage their health.

Aim

This descriptive, cross‐sectional study aimed to test a new information needs assessment tool, the Medicine Information Needs for Individuals – Questionnaire (MINI‐Q), which elicits what individuals want to know about their medicines. This study aimed to explore the face validity, acceptability, and feasibility of using the tool in a hospital inpatient setting.

Method

Ethical approval was obtained from Health and Disability Ethics Committees (Reference no: 18/NTA/137). Following ethical approval, adult hospital inpatients from two service divisions in one large urban hospital in New Zealand were invited to self‐assess their medicines information needs using the 23‐item MINI‐Q via a tablet or on paper. Descriptive statistics were generated from the quantitative data and responses to a free‐text question were inductively analysed.

Results

The MINI‐Q was completed by 228 inpatients, 137 (60%) of whom used a tablet. Participants requested information on 80.6% of the possible topics. The most common topic that participants wanted information about was possible side effects (92%). No additional topics to include in the MINI‐Q were identified from the free‐text responses. The median completion time of the tablet version was 9.2 min (interquartile range 6.7–14.6).

Conclusion

The MINI‐Q shows promise to efficiently identify an individual's medicines information needs in an inpatient setting. The findings reinforce that most people want to know all the basic information about their medicines, with side effects being particularly important.
Predicting synkinesis caused by Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome using machine learning‐based logistic regression
Authors: Kishimoto‐Urata Megumi , Urata Shinji , Nishijima Hironobu , Baba Shintaro , Fujimaki Yoko , Kondo Kenji , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate whether machine learning (ML)‐based algorithms, namely logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), k‐nearest neighbor (k‐NN), and gradient‐boosting decision tree (GBDT), utilizing early post‐onset parameters can predict facial synkinesis resulting from Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome more accurately than the conventional statistics‐based LR.

Methods

This retrospective study included 362 patients who presented to a facial palsy outpatient clinic. Median follow‐up of synkinesis‐positive and ‐negative patients was 388 (range, 177–1922) and 198 (range, 190–3021) days, respectively. Electrophysiological examinations were performed, and the rate of synkinesis in Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome was evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity were assessed using statistics‐based LR; and electroneurography (ENoG) value, the difference in the nerve excitability test (NET), and scores of the subjective Yanagihara scaling system were evaluated using early post‐onset parameters with ML‐based LR, RF, k‐NN, and GBDT.

Results

Synkinesis rate in Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome was 20.2% (53/262) and 40.0% (40/100), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity obtained with statistics‐based LR were 0.796 and 0.806, respectively, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.87. AUCs measured using ML‐based LR of “ENoG,” “difference in NET,” “Yanagihara,” and all three components (“all”) were 0.910, 0.834, 0.711, and 0.901, respectively.

Conclusion

ML‐based LR model shows potential in predicting facial synkinesis probability resulting from Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome and has comparable reliability to the conventional statistics‐based LR.

Level of Evidence

3.
Spatiotemporal variability of dissolved inorganic macronutrients along the northern Antarctic Peninsula (1996–2019)
Authors: Monteiro Thiago , Henley Sian F. , Pollery Ricardo César Gonçalves , Mendes Carlos Rafael Borges , Mata Mauricio , Tavano Virginia Maria , Garcia Carlos Alberto Eiras , Kerr Rodrigo
Published: August 2023

The northern Antarctic Peninsula is a key region of the Southern Ocean due to its complex ocean dynamics, distinct water mass sources, and the climate‐driven changes taking place in the region. Despite the importance of macronutrients in supporting strong biological carbon uptake and storage, little is known about their spatiotemporal variability along the northern Antarctic Peninsula. Hence, we explored for the first time a 24‐year time series (1996–2019) in this region to understand the processes involved in the spatial and interannual variability of macronutrients. We found high macronutrient concentrations, even in surface waters and during strong phytoplankton blooms. Minimum concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN; 16 μmol kg−1), phosphate (0.7 μmol kg−1), and silicic acid (40 μmol kg−1) in surface waters are higher than those recorded in surrounding regions. The main source of macronutrients is the intrusions of Circumpolar Deep Water and its modified variety, while local sources (organic matter remineralization, water mass mixing, and mesoscale structures) can enhance their spatiotemporal variability. However, we identified a depletion in silicic acid due to the influence of Dense Shelf Water from the Weddell Sea. Macronutrient concentrations show substantial interannual variability driven by the balance between the intrusions of modified Circumpolar Deep Water and advection of Dense Shelf Water, which is largely modulated by the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and to some extent by El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These findings are critical to improving our understanding of the natural variability of this Southern Ocean ecosystem and how it is responding to climate changes.
Broadband Up‐Conversion Mid‐Infrared Time‐Stretch Spectroscopy
Authors: Wen Zhaoyang , Peng Bo , Yan Ming , Zheng Tingting , Wen Qi , Liu Tingting , Ren Xinyi , Huang Kun , Zeng Heping
Published: August 2023

Time‐stretch spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying transient and nonrepetitive physical events. Its extension to the fundamental molecular fingerprint region is promising for chemical and biological research but encounters difficulties in mid‐infrared photodetection and strong attenuation of aqueous environments. Here, mid‐infrared time‐stretch spectroscopy via coincidently‐pumped nonlinear frequency conversion for efficient mid‐infrared generation and detection is demonstrated. Broadband (≈200 cm−1) mid‐infrared spectra at 77.5 Mspectra s−1 with high signal‐to‐noise ratio are recorded. The single‐shot signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) measured within 2 ns exceeds 200. The method reveals fast spectral dynamics in a laser‐induced liquid evaporation process with a temporal resolution of 12.9 ns. Furthermore, probing transient spectra during evaporation opens up a new opportunity for interrogating chemicals inside or behind a thick water layer. Integrating high speed, broad bandwidth, high SNR, and the potential for operating under an aqueous environment, this method will benefit many applications including molecular dynamics, chemical reactions, and biological diagnostics.
Structure and Mechanical Behavior of Fully Substituted Acid Starch Esters
Authors: David Adelina , Stoclet Grégory , Joly Nicolas , Ribeiro Cédric , Descamps Nicolas , Lourdin Denis , Gaucher Valérie
Published: August 2023

This study deals with the evolution of structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of a series of fully substituted fatty acid starch esters (FASEs) according to side chain length (from 2 (C2) up to 16 (C16) Carbons). FASEs with C2 to C12 side chains are fully amorphous with a glass transition temperature depending on chain length while in the case of FASE with C16 side chains, a part of side chains is able to crystallize. Thermomechanical behavior depends strongly on both the alkyl chain length and crystallinity of samples. In particular, for FASE‐C16, the presence of crystals leads to a brittle behavior. During stretching, no macromolecular orientation is evidenced for short‐chain FASEs (<C8), whereas, for long‐chain starch ester from C8 to C16 length, an orientation of starch backbone in the drawing direction is observed.
Tailoring the Architecture of Molecular Bottlebrushes via Click Grafting‐Onto Strategy
Authors: Shi Yi , Hou Wangmeng , Li Zheqi , Chen Yongming
Published: August 2023

Molecular bottlebrush (MBB) refer to a synthetic macromolecule, in which a mass of polymeric side chains (SCs) are covalently connected to a macromolecular backbone densely, representing an important type of unimolecular nanomaterial. The chemical composition, size, shape, and surface property of MBB can be precisely tailored by varying the backbones and SCs as well as the grafting density (Gdst). Meanwhile, the topological structure of backbones and SCs can also significantly affect the chemical and physical properties of MBBs. For the past few years, by combining the structure features of MBB, the polymers with diverse architectures using MBB as building block are synthesized, including linear, branched, and cyclic MBB etc. These promising architectural features will bring MBBs with diverse architectures and lots of applications in advanced materials. For this reason, this work is interested in giving a briefly summary of the recent progress on tailor of well‐defined MBBs with diverse architectures using grafting‐onto strategy combined with controlled polymerization technique.
Deep learning based correction of RF field induced inhomogeneities for T2w prostate imaging at 7 T
Authors: Harrevelt Seb D. , Meliado Ettore F. M. , van Lier Astrid L. H. M. W. , Reesink Daan , Meijer Richard P. , Pluim Josien P. W. , Raaijmakers Alexander J. E.
Published: August 2023

At ultrahigh field strengths images of the body are hampered by B1‐field inhomogeneities. These present themselves as inhomogeneous signal intensity and contrast, which is regarded as a “bias field” to the ideal image. Current bias field correction methods, such as the N4 algorithm, assume a low frequency bias field, which is not sufficiently valid for T2w images at 7 T. In this work we propose a deep learning based bias field correction method to address this issue for T2w prostate images at 7 T. By combining simulated B1‐field distributions of a multi‐transmit setup at 7 T with T2w prostate images at 1.5 T, we generated artificial 7 T images for which the homogeneous counterpart was available. Using these paired data, we trained a neural network to correct the bias field. We predicted either a homogeneous image (t‐Image neural network) or the bias field (t‐Biasf neural network). In addition, we experimented with the single‐channel images of the receive array and the corresponding sum of magnitudes of this array as the input image. Testing was carried out on four datasets: the test split of the synthetic training dataset, volunteer and patient images at 7 T, and patient images at 3 T. For the test split, the performance was evaluated using the structural similarity index measure, Wasserstein distance, and root mean squared error. For all other test data, the features Homogeneity and Energy derived from the gray level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) were used to quantify the improvement. For each test dataset, the proposed method was compared with the current gold standard: the N4 algorithm. Additionally, a questionnaire was filled out by two clinical experts to assess the homogeneity and contrast preservation of the 7 T datasets. All four proposed neural networks were able to substantially reduce the B1‐field induced inhomogeneities in T2w 7 T prostate images. By visual inspection, the images clearly look more homogeneous, which is confirmed by the increase in Homogeneity and Energy in the GLCM, and the questionnaire scores from two clinical experts. Occasionally, changes in contrast within the prostate were observed, although much less for the t‐Biasf network than for the t‐Image network. Further, results on the 3 T dataset demonstrate that the proposed learning based approach is on par with the N4 algorithm. The results demonstrate that the trained networks were capable of reducing the B1‐field induced inhomogeneities for prostate imaging at 7 T. The quantitative evaluation showed that all proposed learning based correction techniques outperformed the N4 algorithm. Of the investigated methods, the single‐channel t‐Biasf neural network proves most reliable for bias field correction.
Rapid infant weight gain or point‐in‐time weight status: Which is the best predictor of later obesity and body composition?
Authors: Taylor Rachael W. , Haszard Jillian J. , Meredith‐Jones Kim A. , Heath Anne‐Louise M. , Galland Barbara C. , Gray Andrew R. , Fortune Sarah , Sullivan Trudy , Adebowale Taiwo , Taylor Barry J.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine which growth indicator (weight, weight‐for‐length, BMI) and time frame (6‐ or 12‐month intervals between 0 and 24 months) of rapid infant weight gain (RIWG) best predicted obesity risk and body composition at 11 years of age.

Methods

RIWG (increase ≥0.67 z scores between two time points) was calculated from weight and length/height at birth, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 years. The predictive value of each measure and time frame was calculated in relation to obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) and body fat (fat mass index [FMI], dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan) at 11 years.

Results

The sensitivity (1.5% to 62.1%) and positive predictive value (12.5% to 33.3%) of RIWG to predict obesity varied considerably. Having obesity at any time point appeared a stronger risk factor than any indicator of RIWG for obesity at 11 years. Obesity at any age during infancy consistently predicted a greater FMI of around 1.1 to 1.5 kg/m2 at 11 years, whereas differences for RIWG were inconsistent.

Conclusions

A simple measure of obesity status at a single time point between 6 and 24 months of age appeared a stronger risk factor for later obesity and FMI than RIWG assessed by any indicator, over any time frame.
Utilization of Transcriptomic Profiling to Identify Molecular Markers Predicting Successful Recovery Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Renteria Axel E. , Maniakas Anastasios , Pelletier Audrey , Filali‐Mouhim Ali , Brochiero Emmanuelle , Valera Fabiana C.P. , Adam Damien , Mfuna Leandra Endam , Desrosiers Martin
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Successful recovery from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can be characterized by minimal presence of symptoms and absence of disease on endoscopy. However, molecular markers of surgical success remain to be characterized. These could allow for better tailoring of perioperative therapy. This study aims to identify novel molecular markers associated with surgery responsive patient.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Single academic hospital center.

Method

One hundred eighteen consecutive patients with CRS at high risk of recurrence after surgery were followed prospectively following ESS in an academic medical center. Symptomatic and endoscopic outcomes were assessed at 4 months, with success rigorously defined subjectively as minimal or no symptoms (no symptom greater than 1 on an ordinal scale of 0‐3) and objectively by the absence of nasal polyposis on sinus cavity endoscopy and Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic edema score no greater than 1. Samples were obtained at the time of surgery and at 4‐month postoperatively. Changes associated with surgery were determined by gene expression profiling using Affymetrix's Clariom S Human HT arrays.

Results

Successful ESS was characterized by a mild upregulation in Type 1 inflammation, upregulation of cell cycle progression, and epithelial barrier and proliferation‐associated genes and pathways. ESS failure was associated to very high levels of Type 1 inflammation along with downregulation of epithelial barrier function and regeneration genes and pathways.

Conclusion

Successful recovery from ESS involves restoration of epithelial function and regulated activation of Type 1 inflammation. Excessively elevated Type 1 inflammation is associated with epithelial barrier dysfunction.
Lateral crashing response of thin‐walled composite structures filled with carbon nanopowder
Authors: Hegazy Dalia A. , Awd Allah Mahmoud M. , Alshahrani Hassan , A. Sebaey Tamer , Abd El‐Baky Marwa A.
Published: August 2023

In this article, the performance of transversely loaded glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GFRE) tubular components containing carbon nanopowder (CNP) in terms of crashworthiness was investigated. The wet‐wrapping by hand lay‐up procedures were used to make GFRE tubes that included 0, 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt% of CNP. For the laterally loaded tubes, the crashing load and total absorbed energy (TAE) versus displacement responses were displayed. The histories of deformation were tracked in addition. As part of the crashworthiness analysis, the TAE and specific absorbed energy (SEA) were evaluated. Overall results demonstrated that CNP enhances both TAE and SEA up to 0.50 wt% of CNP; after that, a significant deterioration was noticed. CNP, at very low wt%, is considered a great choice for enhancing the crashworthiness performance of composite structures.

Highlights

The designed tubes, that is, GFRE tubes filled with 0, 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt% of CNP, were created using wet‐wrapping by hand lay‐up techniques.

The fabricated tubes were subjected to lateral compression loads to investigate their crashworthiness behavior.

The crashing load and absorbed energy versus displacement responses for the laterally loaded tubes were exposed. The history of deformation for each specimen was also examined.

The experimental results were analyzed and discussed.
Clinical epidemiology and disease burden of adenoviral encephalitis in hospitalized children in China: A nationwide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tian Jiao , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Linlin , Li Qi , Feng Guoshuang , Zeng Yueping , Wang Ran , Xie Zhengde
Published: August 2023

Importance

Adenovirus encephalitis is a significant infectious disease of the central nervous system that commonly affects children under the age of 5 and has a profound impact on the health of infants and young children throughout China. National multicenter epidemiological studies have significant public health implications.

Objective

This study aims to report the epidemiology of adenovirus encephalitis in hospitalized children in China, providing valuable guidance for clinicians.

Methods

The data utilized in this study were extracted from the comprehensive Futang Update Medical Records database, which comprises discharge medical records collected by 27 tertiary children's hospitals between January 2016 and December 2018 in China. Specifically, the face sheet of discharge medical records encompassed critical sociodemographic variables and basic medical care details.

Results

In this database, a total of 544 children were hospitalized due to adenoviral encephalitis. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.62:1, with more boys being affected across different age groups and places of residence. Of the children hospitalized, the highest number of hospitalizations occurred in the 1–3‐year age group and the number of hospitalizations decreased each year from 2016 to 2018. The disease exhibits seasonal characteristics with a pronounced peak in the summer months of June and July. While most children (58%) did not have any significant complications, one‐third of them developed respiratory complications, including pneumonia and acute bronchitis. The median length of stay for adenoviral encephalitis was 7 days, and the median cost of hospitalization was 2145.56 US dollars.

Interpretation

This study highlights the prevalence of adenovirus encephalitis in hospitalized children in China. Children aged 1–3 years were found to be the main demographic hospitalized due to this condition, with boys being significantly more affected than girls. The seasonal variations of adenovirus encephalitis were also found to be significant. Fortunately, the fatality rate associated with this condition was low, and the prognosis was generally favorable.
Site‐specific relaxation of peptide bond planarity induced by electrically attracted proton/deuteron observed by neutron crystallography
Authors: Chiba Kaori , Matsui Takuro , Chatake Toshiyuki , Ohhara Takashi , Tanaka Ichiro , Yutani Katsuhide , Niimura Nobuo
Published: August 2023

In structural biology, peptide bonds, fundamental linkages between hundreds of amino acids, of which a protein molecule is composed, have been commonly treated as a plane structure just as Linus Pauling et al. proposed. In this paper, a site‐specific peptide bond relaxation mechanism by deuterons whose localization has been suggested by neutron crystallography is proposed. Such deuteron was observed as an arm of neutron scattering length density protruding from the carbonyl oxygen atoms in the main chain in the omit map drawn by neutron crystallography of human lysozyme. Our comprehensive study using x‐ray and neutron diffraction and 15N chemical shifts of individual amide nitrogen atoms within the same peptide bond strongly suggests the relaxation of the electronic resonance structure because of site‐specific modulation by protons/deuterons localized on the electron orbital of the carbonyl oxygen. All experimental data used in this examination were obtained at room temperature, which is preferable for enzymatic activity. Such a close interaction between the electron resonance structure of a peptide bond and the exchangeable protons/deuterons well agreed with that observed in an intermediate state in an amide hydrolytic reaction simulated by the ab‐initio calculation including water molecules.
Is prostatic adenocarcinoma with cribriform architecture more difficult to detect on prostate MRI?
Authors: Belue Mason J. , Blake Zoë , Yilmaz Enis C. , Lin Yue , Harmon Stephanie A. , Nemirovsky Daniel R. , Enders Jacob J. , Kenigsberg Alexander P. , Mendhiratta Neil , Rothberg Michael , Toubaji Antoun , Merino Maria J. , Gurram Sandeep , Wood Bradford J. , Choyke Peter L. , Turkbey Baris , Pinto Peter A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Cribriform (CBFM) pattern on prostate biopsy has been implicated as a predictor for high‐risk features, potentially leading to adverse outcomes after definitive treatment. This study aims to investigate whether the CBFM pattern containing prostate cancers (PCa) were associated with false negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and determine the association between MRI and histopathological disease burden.

Methods

Patients who underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), combined 12‐core transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided systematic (SB) and MRI/US fusion‐guided biopsy were retrospectively queried for the presence of CBFM pattern at biopsy. Biopsy cores and lesions were categorized as follows: C0 = benign, C1 = PCa with no CBFM pattern, C2 = PCa with CBFM pattern. Correlation between cancer core length (CCL) and measured MRI lesion dimension were assessed using a modified Pearson correlation test for clustered data. Differences between the biopsy core groups were assessed with the Wilcoxon‐signed rank test with clustering.

Results

Between 2015 and 2022, a total of 131 consecutive patients with CBFM pattern on prostate biopsy and pre‐biopsy mpMRI were included. Clinical feature analysis included 1572 systematic biopsy cores (1149 C0, 272 C1, 151 C2) and 736 MRI‐targeted biopsy cores (253 C0, 272 C1, 211 C2). Of the 131 patients with confirmed CBFM pathology, targeted biopsy (TBx) alone identified CBFM in 76.3% (100/131) of patients and detected PCa in 97.7% (128/131) patients. SBx biopsy alone detected CBFM in 61.1% (80/131) of patients and PCa in 90.8% (119/131) patients. TBx and SBx had equivalent detection in patients with smaller prostates (p = 0.045). For both PCa lesion groups there was a positive and significant correlation between maximum MRI lesion dimension and CCL (C1 lesions: p < 0.01, C2 lesions: p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in CCL between C1 and C2 lesions for T2 scores of 3 and 5 (p ≤ 0.01, p ≤ 0.01, respectively) and PI‐RADS 5 lesions (p ≤ 0.01), with C2 lesions having larger CCL, despite no significant difference in MRI lesion dimension.

Conclusions

The extent of disease for CBFM‐containing tumors is difficult to capture on mpMRI. When comparing MRI lesions of similar dimensions and PIRADS scores, CBFM‐containing tumors appear to have larger cancer yield on biopsy. Proper staging and planning of therapeutic interventions is reliant on accurate mpMRI estimation. Special considerations should be taken for patients with CBFM pattern on prostate biopsy.
Assessing the potential of biopesticides to control the cabbage stem flea beetle Psylliodes chrysocephala
Authors: Price Claire Stéphanie Véronique , Campbell Heather , Pope Tom William
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) is an economically important pest of oilseed rape crops in Europe that was effectively controlled by neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments until they were banned by the European Union in 2013. Since then, CSFB has been a difficult pest to control effectively, in part due to many populations having developed resistance to pyrethroids, the only authorized insecticides used to control this pest in many countries. Alternative solutions are therefore necessary, such as biopesticides. We tested an entomopathogenic fungus, three entomopathogenic bacteria isolates, two fatty acids and azadirachtin against CSFB adults under laboratory conditions. We also tested the efficacy of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda‐cyhalothrin.

RESULTS

Fatty acids were effective, with up to 100% CSFB mortality after 24 h. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana resulted in up to 56% mortality 14 days after treatment. Entomopathogenic bacteria formulations and azadirachtin were not effective (<50% and <40% mortality, respectively). Results from a bioassay using lambda‐cyhalothrin indicated that the CSFB used in this study were resistant to this insecticide.

CONCLUSION

Entomopathogenic fungi and fatty acids could potentially be used to control CSFB as part of an integrated pest management programme. This study is the first to investigate the efficacy of different biopesticides to control CSFB under laboratory conditions. As such, these biopesticides require further testing to optimise the formulation and application methods, and to assess the impact on nontarget organisms. Finally, efficacy under field conditions must be determined to understand the influence of environmental variables. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Space Charge Region beyond the Abrupt Approximation
Authors: Grundmann Marius
Published: August 2023

The problem of the potential, electrical field and charge density in a space charge region is revisited. Within the Boltzmann approximation, the asymptotic solution is found analytically. The exact solution everywhere can be found from numerically integrating an analytical function. The solution is compared to the popular abrupt (or depletion) approximation and an analytical approximation is given.
Targeting the programmed cell death (PCD) signaling mechanism with natural substances for the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Authors: Xuan Xiaoyu , Zhang Shiliang
Published: August 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the severe complications of diabetes, characterized by structural and functional abnormalities in the hearts of diabetic patients without hypertension, coronary heart disease, or valvular heart disease. DCM can progress to heart failure, which is a significant cause of death in diabetic patients, but currently, there is no effective treatment available. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically regulated form of cell death that includes apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. PCD is essential for tissue homeostasis and normal development of the body. DCM is a complex condition, and abnormalities in the cascade of PCD signaling have been observed in its pathological process, suggesting that targeting PCD could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Studies have shown that natural substances can effectively modulate PCD to intervene in the treatment of DCM, and their use is safe. This review explores the role of different forms of PCD in the pathogenesis of DCM and summarizes the research progress in targeting PCD with natural substances to treat DCM. It can serve as a basis for further research and drug development to provide new treatment strategies for DCM patients.
An Economical and Eco‐Efficient Ammonium Chloride Promoted Friedländer Condensation: A Study of Microwave‐Assisted Versus Conventional Heating.
Authors: Chaudhary Gyanendra , Brijesh  , Lal Kanhaya , Dhwaz Amar , Prabhakar Amit , Verma Deepti
Published: August 2023

A new approach to Friedländer hetero‐annulations reaction is presented here for the synthesis of polysubstituted quinolines and polycyclic quinolines by the use of an inexpensive, nontoxic and readily available NH4Cl promoter. As a promoter, it shows good compatibility with various substrates, its easy removal, no side product, enhances the atom economy and makes the reaction eco‐friendly. Both microwave irradiation and conventional heating accomplished the reaction. The present method provides a comparative study of microwave irradiation versus conventional heating.
How the interplay of late retirement, health care, economic insecurity, and electronic social contact affects the mental health amongst older workers?
Authors: Yuan Bocong
Published: August 2023

The delayed retirement initiative has become increasingly emphasised to cope with the population ageing. Based on the social‐ecological model, this study explores the interplay of late retirement, health care, economic insecurity, and electronic social contact on mental health of older workers. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (wave 8), results show that the late retirement, health care quality, and electronic social contact are all negatively associated with the mental health problems among older workers. Besides, the influence of health care quality and electronic social contact on mental health problems are buffered by the economic insecurity respectively. It is concluded that more targeted policy response is in need to achieve better health outcomes among older workers.
Improved Light Utilization Efficiency for an ITO‐Free Semitransparent Organic Solar Cell Using a Multilayer Silver Back Electrode as Infrared Mirror
Authors: Pap Leonie , Schirmacher Bertolt , Bloch Esther , Bogati Shankar , Viehmann Philipp , Scheel Arnulf , Müller David , List Mathias , Zimmermann Birger , Würfel Uli
Published: August 2023

Semitransparent organic solar cells (STOSCs) exhibit promising application as power‐generating windows in buildings and agricultural greenhouses. Due to unique optical properties of organic semiconductors, they can efficiently absorb near‐infrared light while maintaining a high degree semitransparency in the visible range. Since power conversion efficiency (PCE) and average visible transmission (AVT) frequently stand in a trade‐off relationship, a major challenge in improving the overall performance of STOSCs is maximizing the product of both, called light utilization efficiency (AVT × PCE = LUE). Herein, using multiple layers of aluminium‐doped ZnO (AZO) and silver as an infrared reflecting back electrode, in order to increase current generation while maintaining high visible transparency, is proposed. Using optical modeling, the optimal layer thickness of the AZO layer sandwiched between two Ag layers is determined, leading to an increased photocurrent generation of up to 10%. Simultaneously, experimental findings show that the fill factor decreases with an increasing AZO layer thickness. By adjusting the thickness of the photoactive layer, the blend concentration, and improving the top electrode material the thus‐far highest reported LUE for indium tin oxide‐free STOSCs is attained, reaching 4.0% with a PCE of 8.7% and an AVT of 46.3%.