bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Safety in Term Infants Fed Reduced‐Protein Formula with Added Bovine Alpha‐Lactalbumin
Authors: Lien Eric L. , Davis Anne M. , Euler Arthur R. ,   Multicenter Study Group
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess growth, tolerance, and biochemical measures of protein status in term infants fed an experimental formula with reduced total protein concentration and enriched in bovine alpha‐lactalbumin prepared from an alpha‐lactalbumin dominant bovine whey.

Methods

Healthy, term, exclusively formula‐fed infants ≤14 days postnatal age, between 10th and 90th percentiles in weight and length for age were studied in this randomized, masked, multicenter study. Infants received ad libitum feedings of either experimental or control formula for 12 weeks. Adverse events and acceptability of formulas were assessed every 2 weeks. Weight, length, and head circumference were measured at baseline and every 4 weeks. Serum creatinine, albumin, and blood urea nitrogen were assessed at baseline and study completion. Anthropometric measures were compared to Centers for Disease Control reference ranges using Z scores.

Results

One hundred ninety‐three infants were enrolled. One hundred thirty‐four completed the protocol. Seventy‐two received experimental formula, and 62 received control formula. The mean baseline body weight was higher in infants fed experimental formula (P = 0.042), so baseline weight was used as a covariate in statistical analyses. There were no differences between groups in gains in weight, length, or head circumference during the study. Mean serum albumin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were similar at study initiation. At study completion, serum albumin levels were the same in both groups, whereas BUN was significantly higher in infants fed control formula (P = 0.0016). More infants fed control (n = 20) than experimental (n = 15) formula discontinued the study because of adverse events. There were no differences in the adverse event profiles of the groups completing the study. Most of the adverse events were mild and resolved without treatment or sequelae. Acceptability and tolerance of the experimental formula was greater than the control formula, except at 2 weeks. Unacceptable ratings ranged from 0% to 10% (mean, 4.1%) in the experimental formula group and from 1.6% to 14.1% (mean, 7.0%) in the control formula group.

Conclusions

Growth and serum albumin were comparable in infants fed experimental and control formulas for the first 12 weeks of life, suggesting adequate protein nutrition from the alpha‐lactalbumin–rich formula, despite its lower total protein content. Growth and adverse events data support the safety of the experimental formula. Fewer discontinuations and unsatisfactory ratings among infants fed the experimental formula suggest that it is better tolerated than control formula.
Patchy Villous Atrophy of the Duodenum in Childhood Celiac Disease
Authors: Bonamico Margherita , Mariani Paolo , Thanasi Enina , Ferri Mirella , Nenna Raffaella , Tiberti Claudio , Mora Barbara , Mazzilli Maria Cristina , Magliocca Fabio Massimo
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Patchy villous atrophy of the duodenal mucosa has been described in adults with untreated celiac disease (CD) but not in children. The authors evaluated the presence and the distribution of villous atrophy in children with celiac disease to see whether this histologic pattern exists in children.

Methods

We studied 95 children at diagnosis (Group 1) and seven during gluten challenge (Group 2). We measured anti‐endomysium antibodies (EMA) by immunofluorescence on monkey esophagus, antihuman‐tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (anti‐tTG Abs) by radioimmunoprecipitation, and HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 heterodimers by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers. During upper intestinal endoscopy, at least five duodenal biopsy samples were obtained, one from the duodenal bulb and four from the distal duodenum.

Results

Thirteen of 95 (13.7%) patients in Group 1 and in 3 of 7 (42.9%) in Group 2 had patchy villous atrophy of the duodenum. In all 16 patients, villous atrophy of the bulb was present. In four children from Group 1, villous atrophy was observed only in the bulb samples. EMA, anti‐tTG Abs, and HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 heterodimers were present in all patients. Fourteen of 16 had symptomatic CD, and two were silent, detected during screening in subjects at risk for CD.

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating that children with CD may have patchy villous atrophy of the duodenum. The bulb mucosa may be the only duodenal area involved, both at diagnosis and after gluten challenge. Therefore, multiple endoscopic biopsies should always be performed, not only in the distal duodenum, but also in the bulb.
Bone Mineral Assessment by Dual Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Evaluation by Age or Bone Area
Authors: Ahmed S. F. , Horrocks I. A. , Patterson T. , Zaidi S. , Ling S. C. , McGrogan P. , Weaver L. T.
Published: January 2024

Background

Abnormal linear growth and deficient bone mineral acquisition may coexist in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Traditionally, bone mineral assessment by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) involves comparison to age‐ and gender‐matched reference ranges, and these studies in children with IBD show a high prevalence of osteopenia.

Aims

To compare the prevalence of osteopenia using two methods of interpretation; one adjusted for age and gender and the other adjusted for bone size and gender.

Patients

Forty‐seven patients with Crohn disease (CD) and 26 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) with a median age of 13.5 years (range, 5.5–18.2 years) were evaluated.

Methods

Lumbar spine (LS) and total body (TB) bone mineral content (BMC) were measured by DXA and converted to bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) corresponding to BMC divided by the bone area. Age and gender‐matched BMD standard deviation scores (SDS) were based on reference data providing age‐ and gender‐matched BMC and bone area. These data also allowed calculation of percentage of predicted bone area for age and gender (ppBone Area) and percentage of predicted BMC for Bone Area (ppBMC).

Results

Patients with CD were shorter than those with UC (median height, SDS, −0.9 v 0, P < 0.05). Median ppBone Area for LS and TB for the whole group was 85% (10th centile, 68; 90th centile 99) and 81% (10th centile 66; 90th centile, 97), respectively. The ppBone Area at both sites was directly related to height SDS and BMI SDS (r > 0.5; P < 0.005). Median BMD SDS for LS and TB was −1.6 (10th centile −3.6; 90th centile, −0.2) and −0.9 (10th centile, −2.4; 90th centile, 0.4), respectively. Median ppBMC for LS and TB was 98% (10th centile, 84%; 90th centile, 113%) and 101% (10th centile 94%; 90th centile, 107%), respectively. The ppBMC showed no relationship to ppBone Area (r = 0.1, NS). Failure to account for bone area led to a label of moderate or severe osteopenia in 65% of cases. After adjustment for bone area, the proportion of children with osteopenia fell to 22%.

Conclusions

The data suggest that children with IBD often have small bones for age because they have growth retardation. When DXA data are interpreted with adjustment for bone size, most children were found to have adequate bone mass. Correct interpretation of DXA is important for identifying children who may be at a real risk of osteoporosis.
The Hygiene Hypothesis of Atopic Disease—An Extended Version
Authors: Rautava Samuli , Ruuskanen Olli , Ouwehand Arthur , Salminen Seppo , Isolauri Erika
Published: January 2024

The hygiene hypothesis of atopic disease suggests that environmental changes in the industrialized world have lead to reduced microbial contact at an early age and thus resulted in the growing epidemic of atopic eczema, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and asthma. The epidemiological findings have been combined with the Th1/Th2 paradigm of immune responsiveness to provide a coherent theory. Recent advances in epidemiology and immunology demonstrate, however, that the hygiene hypothesis may need to be extended in three respects. First, the importance of infections in causing immune deviance may be outweighed by other sources of microbial stimulation, perhaps most importantly by the indigenous intestinal microbiota. Second, immunomodulatory and suppressive immune responses complement the Th1/Th2 paradigm. Third, in addition to protection against atopy, protection against infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases may also depend upon healthy host‐microbe interactions implicated in the hygiene hypothesis.
Stool Antigen Test for Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children With Symptomatic Disease: A Prospective Study
Authors: Elitsur Yoram , Lawrence Zandra , Hill Ivor
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Noninvasive tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in children are limited by low accuracy rates and lack of validation. Existing studies indicate that the stool antigen test (HpSA) has an acceptable level of accuracy for the diagnosis of Hp infection in adults but not children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the HpSA test for the detection of Hp infection in U.S. children.

Methods:

Children requiring upper endoscopic procedures were prospectively recruited from two pediatric gastroenterology clinics. Stool samples were collected from each participant before endoscopy. The presence of Hp infection was determined by positive histologic findings and positive rapid urease test (RUT). The presence of Hp organisms in stool was determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using a commercially available polyclonal antibody kit (Meridian Diagnostics, Cincinnati, OH, U.S.A.). Results of the stool antigen test were compared with histology findings and RUT results.

Results:

One hundred twenty‐one children (mean age, 10.1 ± 3.7 years) participated, of whom 9 (7.4%) had Hp infection. Histologic findings and RUT results were concordant in 95% of the children. Per study protocol, HpSA had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy rate of 67%, 99%, 86%, 97%, and 96.5%, respectively.

Conclusion:

HpSA, a polyclonal antibody test, had a low sensitivity for infection in children in the United States and at present cannot replace histologic findings as the gold standard for the diagnosis of Hp infection in the pediatric population.
Data‐driven coordinated attention deep learning for high‐fidelity brain imaging denoising and inpainting
Authors: Luo Chenggui , Pang Wen , Shen Binglin , Zhao Zewei , Wang Shiqi , Hu Rui , Qu Junle , Gu Bobo , Liu Liwei
Published: January 2024

Deep learning offers promise in enhancing low‐quality images by addressing weak fluorescence signals, especially in deep in vivo mouse brain imaging. However, current methods struggle with photon scarcity and noise within in vivo deep mouse brains, and often neglecting tissue preservation. In this study, we propose an innovative in vivo cortical fluorescence image restoration approach, combining signal enhancement, denoising, and inpainting. We curated a deep brain cortical image dataset and developed a novel deep brain coordinate attention restoration network (DeepCAR), integrating coordinate attention with optimized residual networks. Our method swiftly and accurately restores deep cortex images exceeding 800 μm, preserving small‐scale tissue structures. It boosts the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) by 6.94 dB for weak signals and 11.22 dB for large noisy images. Crucially, we validate the effectiveness on external datasets with diverse noise distributions, structural features compared to those in our training data, showcasing real‐time high‐performance image restoration capabilities.
Dexpanthenol exhibits antiapoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effects against nicotine‐induced liver damage by modulating Bax/Bcl‐xL, Caspase‐3/9, and Akt/NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Üremiş Nuray , Aslan Meral , Taşlidere Elif , Gürel Elif
Published: January 2024

Chronic tobacco use can lead to liver damage and inflammation due to the accumulation of various toxins in the body. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the molecular mechanisms of nicotine‐induced liver injury, the caspase cascade, and the Akt/NF‐κB signaling pathway, as well as the protective effects of dexpanthenol (DEX). Male rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of nicotine at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg/day and/or DEX at a concentration of 500 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. After the treatment period, liver function tests were conducted on serum samples, and tissue samples were analyzed for protein levels of Akt, NF‐κB, Bax, Bcl‐xL, Caspase‐3, and Caspase‐9, along with histopathological changes. Additionally, assessments of oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines were carried out. Nicotine administration led to elevated levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, MDA, TOS, and oxidative stress index, accompanied by decreased TAS levels. Moreover, nicotine exposure reduced the p‐Akt/Akt ratio, increased NF‐κB, Bax, Caspase‐3, and Caspase‐9 protein levels, and decreased the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐xL levels. DEX treatment significantly mitigated these effects, restoring the parameters to levels comparable to those of the control group. Nicotine‐induced liver injury resulted in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, mediated by Bax/Bcl‐xL, Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, and Akt/NF‐κB pathways. Conversely, DEX effectively attenuated nicotine‐induced liver injury by modulating apoptosis through NF‐κB, Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, Bax inhibition, and Bcl‐xL activation.
Spectroscopic, computational, cytotoxicity, and docking studies of 6‐bromobenzimidazole as anti‐breast cancer agent
Authors: Kunjumol V. S. , Jeyavijayan S. , Sumathi S. , Karthik N.
Published: January 2024

6‐Bromobenzimidazole (6BBZ) has been calculated in this study utilizing the 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set and the Becke‐3‐Lee‐Yang‐Parr density functional approaches. The basic frequencies and geometric optimization are known. FTIR, FT‐Raman, and UV–Vis spectra of the substance are compared between its computed and observed values. The energy gap between highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and molecule electrostatic potentials has been represented by charge density distributions that may be associated with the biological response. Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations in the gas phase and dimethyl sulfoxide were carried out to ascertain the electronic properties and energy gap values using the same basis set. Molecular orbital contributions are investigated using the overlap population, partial, and total densities of states. Natural bond analysis was found to have strong electron delocalization by means of π(C4–C9) → π*(C5–C6), LP (N1) → π*(C7–C8), and LP(Br12) → π*(C5–C6) interactions. The Fukui function and Mulliken analysis have been explored on the atomic charges of the molecule. The nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts for 1H and 13C have been computed using the gauge‐independent atomic orbital technique. With the highest binding affinity (−6.2 kcal mol−1) against estrogen sulfotransferase receptor (PDB ID: 1AQU) and low IC50 value of 17.23 μg/mL, 6BBZ demonstrated potent action against the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. Studies on the antibacterial activity and ADMET prediction of the molecule have also been carried out.
Cardiac T1ρ Mapping Values Affected by Age and Sex in a Healthy Chinese Cohort
Authors: Deng Wei , Wang Zhen , Jia Zhuoran , Liu Fang , Wu Jian , Yang Jinxiu , An Shutian , Yu Yongqiang , Han Yuchi , Zhao Ren , Li Xiaohu
Published: January 2024

Background

To facilitate the clinical use of cardiac T1ρ, it is important to understand the impact of age and sex on T1ρ values of the myocardium.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of age and gender on myocardial T1ρ values.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional.

Population

Two hundred ten healthy Han Chinese volunteers without cardiovascular risk factors (85 males, mean age 34.4 ± 12.5 years; 125 females, mean age 37.9 ± 14.8 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T; T1ρ‐prepared steady‐state free precession (T1ρ mapping) sequence.

Assessment

Basal, mid, and apical short‐axis left ventricular T1ρ maps were acquired. T1ρ maps acquired with spin‐lock frequencies of 5 and 400 Hz were subtracted to create a myocardial fibrosis index (mFI) map. T1ρ and mFI values across different age decades, sex, and slice locations were compared.

Statistical Tests

Shapiro–Wilk test, Student's t test, Mann–Whitney U test, linear regression analysis, one‐way analysis of variance and intraclass correlation coefficient. Significance: P value <0.05.

Results

Women had significantly higher T1ρ and mFI values than men (50.3 ± 2.0 msec vs. 47.7 ± 2.4 msec and 4.7 ± 1.0 msec vs. 4.3 ± 1.1 msec, respectively). Additionally, in males and females combined, there was a significant positive but weak correlation between T1ρ values and age (r = 0.27), while no correlation was observed between the mFI values and age (P = 0.969).

Data Conclusion

We report potential reference values for cardiac T1ρ by sex, age distribution, and slice location in a Chinese population. T1ρ was significantly correlated with age and sex, while mFI was only associated with sex.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Assessment of dietary interventions including low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols diet as management for fructose intolerance
Authors: Lin Henry C. , Batiuk Elizabeth , Hunter Anna K.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Abdominal pain remains one of the most common referral reasons to pediatric gastroenterology. Dietary intolerances are often considered but due to various factors are hardly pursued. We observed that diet review in large number of children with abdominal pain was high in sugary foods which led to food intolerance investigation and dietary intervention.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of patients presenting with abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting and negative GI evaluation, who underwent fructose breath testing. Patients younger than 20 years old who were seen between June 1, 2018 and March 1, 2021 were included. Statistical analysis was performed in R.

Results

There were 110 pediatric patients during the study period who underwent fructose breath testing, with 31% male and 69% female. The average age was 12.14 ± 4.01 years, and the average BMI was 21.21 ± 6.12. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting symptom (74.5%) followed by diarrhea and vomiting. Seventy‐seven patients (70%) had a positive fructose breath test and were diagnosed with dietary intolerance to fructose. The 56 (67.5%) of those patients experienced symptoms during the breath test. Forty‐three patients improved with dietary intervention. Twenty‐seven on low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols diet and 16 on other diets.

Conclusions

Based on analysis of our cohort of children with abdominal pain and high incidence of fructose intolerance as well as improvement in symptoms, following dietary changes, this condition should be considered and treated. Further investigation is needed to improve diagnostic testing but also into understanding mechanisms behind symptom presentation in this population.
Clinical outcomes of derotational femoral osteotomy combined with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in patients with patellar dislocation and increased femoral anteversion unaffected by the pattern of distribution of femoral torsion
Authors: Fan Chongyi , Niu Yingzhen , Hao Kuo , Kong Lingce , Huo Zhenhui , Lin Wei , Wang Fei
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of derotational femoral osteotomy combined with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellar dislocation and the effect of the distribution of femoral torsion at different segments on postoperative function.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with patellar dislocation who underwent derotational femoral osteotomy from 2017 to 2021 were retrospectively analysed. All patients received computed tomography scans from the hip to the knee to evaluate correction of the femoral anteversion (FA) angle, patellar tilt angle (PTA) and congruence angle (CA) after derotational femoral osteotomy. Subjective scores, such as the Kujala, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, were used to evaluate knee function before and after the operation. Patients with supracondylar torsion > distal torsion were categorized into the supracondylar torsion group and patients with distal torsion > supracondylar torsion were categorized into the distal torsion group. Subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

No presentation of redislocation occurred in these patients at the minimum 2‐year follow‐up visit. The mean preoperative FA angle in the supracondylar torsion group was 30.2° ± 4.2°, and the mean postoperative FA angle was 14.5° ± 2.5° (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative FA angle was 26.7° ± 1.4° and the mean postoperative FA angle was 14.1° ± 1.4° in the distal torsion group. In addition, postoperative PTA and CA were significantly corrected in both groups (p < 0.001). The postoperative Kujala, Lysholm, IKDC, Tegner and VAS scores were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed a higher preoperative FA in the supracondylar torsion group and a higher occurrence of high‐grade trochlear dysplasia in the distal torsion group. However, there was no significant difference in their postoperative clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Through a minimum of 2‐year follow‐up visits of patients with patellar dislocation and increased FA, it was found that derotational femoral osteotomy could significantly reduce FA and improve subjective knee function. The pattern of torsion distribution did not significantly affect the clinical outcomes of derotational femoral osteotomy. These findings readvised orthopaedic surgeons that derotational femoral osteotomy remains the preferred procedure for correcting rotational malalignment, but that they should be more cautious about its indications.

Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Economic evaluation of high tibial osteotomy: Closing wedge is more cost‐effective than open wedge technique when analysing the KOOS‐12 improvement
Authors: Ferrer‐Rivero Robert , Pujol Oriol , Ferrer‐Rivero Josep , De Maria Prieto Jose Manuel , Oliver Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the cost‐effectiveness of two techniques for performing a knee valgus osteotomy: opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OW‐HTO) vs closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (CW‐HTO).

Methods

In this economic evaluation study, a cost‐effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Spanish public healthcare system was performed, comparing OW‐HTO with CW‐HTO. All patients with medial knee osteoarthritis who underwent one of these procedures between 2018 and 2020 in our institution were included. The cost analysis included operating room, implant, graft and hospital admission costs. Functional outcomes (KOOS‐12, Tegner activity scale, pain and satisfaction) and radiological outcomes (hip‐knee‐ankle angle, medial proximal tibial angle, tibial slope and patellar height) were analysed. The cost‐effectiveness ratio was obtained by calculating the cost of improving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of KOOS‐12 for each procedure. All costs are expressed in 2020 euros.

Results

Fifty‐one patients met the inclusion criteria (27 OW‐HTO and 24 CW‐HTO). Good to excellent functional outcomes, significant pain reduction (>6 points) and high patient satisfaction (>9/10) were observed in both groups. Both techniques yielded excellent radiological outcomes. N.s. differences in functional or radiological outcomes improvements between both procedures were found. However, the OW‐HTO group presented a higher total cost than the CW‐HTO group (4612.1 ± 765.6€ vs. 1827.1 ± 701.9€; p < 0.001). The cost‐effectiveness ratio was 818.1 ± 46.8 €/MCID for the CW‐HTO procedure and 2414.3 ± 115.2 €/MCID for the OW‐HTO procedure (p = 0.025).

Conclusion

The CW‐HTO procedure presented a cost‐effectiveness ratio almost three times lower than the OW‐HTO procedure. Both techniques allowed to achieve of good to excellent functional outcomes, significant pain reduction and high patient satisfaction while correcting the varus limb malalignment and the metaphyseal tibial varus in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis.

Level of Evidence

Level III; economic study.
Maximum spherical mean value filtering for whole‐brain QSM
Authors: Roberts Alexandra G. , Romano Dominick J. , Şişman Mert , Dimov Alexey V. , Nguyen Thanh D. , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Gauthier Susan A. , Wang Yi , Spincemaille Pascal
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To develop a tissue field‐filtering algorithm, called maximum spherical mean value (mSMV), for reducing shadow artifacts in QSM of the brain without requiring brain‐tissue erosion.

Theory and Methods

Residual background field is a major source of shadow artifacts in QSM. The mSMV algorithm filters large field‐magnitude values near the border, where the maximum value of the harmonic background field is located. The effectiveness of mSMV for artifact removal was evaluated by comparing existing QSM algorithms in numerical brain simulation as well as using in vivo human data acquired from 11 healthy volunteers and 93 patients.

Results

Numerical simulation showed that mSMV reduces shadow artifacts and improves QSM accuracy. Better shadow reduction, as demonstrated by lower QSM variation in the gray matter and higher QSM image quality score, was also observed in healthy subjects and in patients with hemorrhages, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

Conclusion

The mSMV algorithm allows QSM maps that are substantially equivalent to those obtained using SMV‐filtered dipole inversion without eroding the volume of interest.
Surface Reconstruction of the Pediatric Larynx via Structure from Motion Photogrammetry: A Pilot Study
Authors: Barbour Michael C. , Amin Shaunak N. , Friedman Seth D. , Perez Francisco A. , Bly Randall A. , Johnson Kaalan E. , Parikh Sanjay R. , Richardson Clare M. , Dahl John P. , Aliseda Alberto
Published: January 2024

Endoscopy is the gold standard for characterizing pediatric airway disorders, however, it is limited for quantitative analysis due to lack of three‐dimensional (3D) vision and poor stereotactic depth perception. We utilize structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry, to reconstruct 3D surfaces of pathologic and healthy pediatric larynges from monocular two‐dimensional (2D) endoscopy. Models of pediatric subglottic stenosis were 3D printed and airway endoscopies were simulated. 3D surfaces were successfully reconstructed from endoscopic videos of all models using an SfM analysis toolkit. Average subglottic surface error between SfM reconstructed surfaces and 3D printed models was 0.65 mm as measured by Modified Hausdorff Distance. Average volumetric similarity between SfM surfaces and printed models was 0.82 as measured by Jaccard Index. SfM can be used to accurately reconstruct 3D surface renderings of the larynx from 2D endoscopy video. This technique has immense potential for use in quantitative analysis of airway geometry and virtual surgical planning.
Complications After Pediatric Temporal Bone Fractures by Classification System: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Poupore Nicolas S. , Britt Annie F. , Nguyen Shaun A. , White David R.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To analyze the rates of complications after pediatric temporal bone fractures (TBF) and the utility of the longitudinal, transverse, and mixed versus the otic capsule sparing (OCS) and otic capsule violating (OCV) classification systems in predicting these complications.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL.

Review Methods

Per PRISMA guidelines, studies of children with TBFs were included. Meta‐analyses of proportions were performed.

Results

A total of 22 studies with 1376 TBFs were included. Children with TBF had higher rates of conductive hearing loss (CHL) than sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) (31.3% [95% confidence interval [CI] 23.2‐40.1] vs 12.9% [95% CI 8.9‐17.5]). No differences in both CHL and SNHL were seen between longitudinal and transverse TBFs; however, OCV TBFs had higher rates of SNHL than OCS TBFs (59.3% [95% CI 27.8‐87.0] vs 4.9% [95% CI 1.5‐10.1]). Of all patients, 9.9% [95% CI 7.2‐13.1] experienced facial nerve (FN) paresis/paralysis, and 13.4% [95% CI 5.9‐23.2] experienced cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea. Transverse TBFs had higher rates of FN paresis/paralysis than longitudinal (27.7% [95% CI 17.4‐40.0] vs 8.6% [95% CI 5.2‐12.8]), but rates were similar between OCS and OCV TBFs.

Conclusion

CHL was the most common complication after TBF in children; however, neither classification system was superior in identifying CHL. The traditional system was more effective at identifying FN injuries, and the new system was more robust at identifying SNHL. While these results suggest that both classification systems might have utility in evaluating pediatric TBFs, these analyses were limited by sample size. Future research on outcomes of pediatric TBFs stratified by type of fracture, mainly focusing on long‐term outcomes, is needed.
Non‐material contributions of nature expressed by former tourists of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Pearson Jasmine , Gross Milena , Hofmann Johanna
Published: January 2024

Nature‐based tourism provides an outlet for people to experience non‐material nature's contributions to people (NCP) and can even promote care for nature. Yet, the literature on NCP is still dominated by studies on regulating and material NCP, with limited research on non‐material contributions.

Semi‐structured interviews and photo‐elicitation methods were conducted online with 38 former tourists who have hiked Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, to investigate NCP experiences during their hiking journey. Drawing on the guiding principles of the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), an interwoven approach was used to link context‐specific NCP expressed by tourists to the generalizing perspective.

Ten context‐specific non‐material NCP emerged including Aesthetic experiences; Learning and life‐changing perspectives; New and unique experiences; and Social cohesion and bonding. All context‐specific NCP were linked back to the generalizing perspective, with most NCP falling under the generalizing category of Physical and psychological experiences.

This paper reveals the unique and diverse ways that nature contributes to people's lives, promoting the visibility of multiple perspectives and their incorporation into biodiversity conservation and sustainable management strategies. Through an interwoven approach, NCP can be compared on a universal scale while respecting the context‐specificity of human–nature interactions across different social‐ecological contexts.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Recent landscape and trends for industry‐sponsored pediatric clinical trials in China from 2013 to 2022
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Yi , Ou Ling , Qi Yuenan , Zhang Jianmin
Published: January 2024

Importance

Pediatric medication is a challenging issue globally. Promoting trials of medications for children and implementing measures to encourage innovation for addressing unmet medical and health needs are important.

Objective

To explore the recent landscape of pediatric clinical trials of new investigational drugs conducted by pharmaceutical enterprises in China from 2013 to 2022 to provide insight into pediatric drug development in the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory policy formulation.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional observational investigation of pediatric clinical trials registered from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022, on the Registration and Information Disclosure Platform for Drug Clinical Trials, the official registration platform established in 2013 for trials of new investigational drugs initiated by biopharmaceutical enterprises. Trials that included pediatric participants (under 18 years old) were retrieved, and their relevant characteristics were extracted and analyzed.

Results

In total, 895 pediatric clinical trials were collected, accounting for 5.1% of the total registered clinical trials initiated prior to January 1, 2023. The overall average annual growth rate for the number of pediatric clinical trials was 12% (P < 0.001). Phase III trials accounted for the highest proportion (49.1%, 439). Of the 895 trials included, 736 (82.2%) were domestic trials, and 159 (17.8%) were international multicenter trials. In terms of tested drugs, investigations of biological products accounted for the largest proportion of trials (67.4%, 603). Among pediatric clinical trials, studies of vaccines accounted for the largest proportion of trials (41.0%, 367), followed by trials for rare diseases (17.2%, 154). Furthermore, geographical distribution analysis revealed that the largest and smallest numbers of trials were conducted in North China (35.7%, 320) and Northeast China (0.8%, 7), respectively.

Interpretation

The growth trends for industry‐sponsored clinical trials involving children illustrate the progress and increasing capability of pediatric drug development achieved in China since 2013. Current challenges and potential areas of focus for policymakers and stakeholders include investigating orphan drugs for rare diseases according to the unique epidemiological characteristics of Chinese children, expanding the scope of pediatric clinical trials, and improving the uneven geographical distribution of leading research centers.
Octonionic Magical Supergravity, Niemeier Lattices, and Exceptional & Hilbert Modular Forms
Authors: Günaydin Murat , Kidambi Abhiram
Published: January 2024

The quantum degeneracies of Bogomolny‐Prasad‐Sommerfield (BPS) black holes of octonionic magical supergravity in five dimensions are studied. Quantum degeneracy is defined purely number theoretically as the number of distinct states in charge space with a given set of invariant labels. Quantum degeneracies of spherically symmetric stationary BPS black holes are given by the Fourier coefficients of modular forms of exceptional group . Their charges take values in the lattice defined by the exceptional Jordan algebra over integral octonions. The quantum degeneracies of rank 1 and rank 2 BPS black holes are given by the Fourier coefficients of singular modular forms and . The rank 3 (large) BPS black holes will be studied elsewhere. Following the work of N. Elkies and B. Gross on embeddings of cubic rings A into the exceptional Jordan algebra we show that the quantum degeneracies of rank 1 black holes described by such embeddings are given by the Fourier coefficients of the Hilbert modular forms (HMFs) of . If the discriminant of the cubic ring A is with p a prime number then the isotropic lines in the 24 dimensional orthogonal complement of A define a pair of Niemeier lattices which can be taken as charge lattices of some BPS black holes. The current status of the searches for the M/superstring theoretic origins of the octonionic magical supergravity is also reviewed.
Role of dietary supplements in the continuous battle against COVID‐19
Authors: Zaman Rahela , Ravichandran Vignesh , Tan Chung Keat
Published: January 2024

A sudden outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic was a big blow to the world community on every level. Created by a novel coronavirus, SARS‐CoV‐2, which was previously unknown to the human immune system. The expert opinion almost immediately united on the fact that the most effective way of fighting the pandemic would be by building immunity artificially via a mass immunization program. However, it took about a year for the approval of the first vaccine against COVID‐19. In the meantime, a big part of the general population started adapting nutritious diet plans and dietary supplements to boost natural immunity as a potential prophylactic strategy against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Whether they originate from mainstream medicine, such as synthetic supplements, or traditional herbal remedies in the form of single or poly‐herbs, these supplements may comprise various components that exhibit immunomodulatory, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial characteristics. There is a substantial body of predictions and expert opinions suggesting that enhancing one's diet with dietary supplements containing additional nutrients and bioactive compounds like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, phytochemicals, and probiotics can enhance the immune system's ability to develop resistance against COVID‐19, although none of them have any conclusive evidence nor officially recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The current review critically acclaims the gap between public perception‐based preference and real evidence‐based study to weigh the actual benefit of dietary supplements in relation to COVID‐19 prevention and management.
Finite‐time stabilization for a class of more general p‐normal nonlinear systems with input and output nonlinearities
Authors: Zhang Jiao‐Jun , Song Zhibao , Li Ying
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the global finite‐time state feedback stabilization for a class of more general p‐normal nonlinear systems subjects to input time‐delay and uncertain output function under rational powers. A novel control input compensation signal comprising a finite integral of previous control values is presented, and an equivalent system with control input dependent‐free time delay is obtained by introducing a variable transformation technique that includes the compensation signal. A suitable controller is designed in line with the homogeneous domination method to ensure the globally finite‐time stability of the closed‐loop system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified through a numerical simulation and an induction heater circuit system.
Unleashing the dynamic linkages among natural resources, economic complexity, and sustainable economic growth: Evidence from G‐20 countries
Authors: Zhang Can , Waris Umra , Qian Leren , Irfan Muhammad , Rehman Mubeen Abdur
Published: January 2024

This research delves into whether access to natural resources is a blessing or a curse, a matter of contention within contemporary literature. Lacking conclusive evidence, particularly within the G‐20 countries, this study endeavors to establish the intricate linkages between economic development, natural resources, and economic complexity. A subset of G‐20 economies from 1990 to 2021 was used to analyze the results of the second‐generation CS‐ARDL model. After accounting for variables like corruption, total labor force, gross capital formation, trade openness, and inflow of foreign direct investment, we find that natural resources, economic complexity, corruption and gross capital formation are significant and adverse predictors of economic growth. Natural resource dependence is susceptible to price fluctuations and sustainability concerns, economic complexity may introduce market volatility challenges, corruption erodes trust and transparency, and excessive gross capital formation can lead to economic imbalances. On the other hand, economic growth is positively impacted by the additional effects of the control variables, including foreign direct investment, trade openness and labor force. In crafting its policy recommendations, this study artfully weaves a tapestry that resonates with the core principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These strategic imperatives include the adept stewardship of resources, the cultivation of economic diversity, the seamless facilitation of trade, the fortification against corruption, and a harmonious symphony that underscores financial stability and the nurturing of human capital, ultimately painting a vivid portrait of sustainable economic growth.
L‐lysine Janus Dendrimer Conjugate with Naproxen and Mefenamic Acid and its Anticancer Activity
Authors: Castillo‐Rodríguez Irving Osiel , Saavedra‐González Ilse , Ramírez‐Ápan Teresa , Martínez‐García Marcos
Published: January 2024

Dendritic architectures have potential use as excellent carriers for drug delivery due to their multifunctionality, biopermeability, and biodegradability properties. Furthermore, their conjugation with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) results in a synergetic effect improving their anticancer activity. Here we report the synthesis and cytotoxic activity of novel Janus dendrimer conjugates with naproxen and mefenamic acid moieties at the periphery. Diethanolamine dendrons were convergently synthesized through a protection‐deprotection sequence with naproxen as a terminal group and finally coupled to triethylene glycol as a linker. On the other hand, mefenamic acid was covalently joined to the L‐lysine. The dendron and dendrimer‐conjugates with naproxen and mefenamic acid showed high inhibition and selectivity against PC‐3 (human prostatic adenocarcinoma), and K‐562 (human chronic myelogenous leukemia) cell lines, but low cytotoxicity against normal cell lines. To explain the molecular mechanisms involved in the anticancer activity of dendrimer conjugates, our research will be continued.
PVP−I Catalyzed Oxidation of N‐substituted Benzylamines to Benzamides
Authors: Lu Guangying , Yuan Xinxin , Wang Jian , Sun Xue‐Qin , Cao Fu‐Rong , Ren Jiangmeng , Ke Yanxiong , Mu Xin , Zeng Bu‐Bing
Published: January 2024

An oxidative transformation from N‐substituted benzylamine into the corresponding benzamides was developed here using the oxidative system combined from the catalytic amount of PVP−I (polyinyl pyrrolidone) with TBHP. This newly developed method had the advantages of mild reaction conditions and broad substrate scope. The key intermediate of Enzalutamide as androgen receptor inhibitors was prepared using this catalytic condition starting from commercial available 2‐fluoro‐4‐nitrobenzaldehyde with the yield of 78.5 % for three‐step reactions.
An Unprecedented Reaction of BOPHY: Fluorimetric Chemosensing of Amines by Tetrabrominated BOPHY
Authors: Tunca Erol , Teknikel Efdal , Unaleroglu Canan
Published: January 2024

In this study, we present an unprecedented reaction of BOPHY. Although tetrabrominated BOPHY (BrBPH) is known to give a substitution reaction with amines, we found that this reaction proceeds through an addition mechanism in the dilute medium. Upon this reaction, the absorption and fluorescence bands of BrBPH decrease dramatically. We used this newly presented reaction for the fluorimetric detection and quantification of amines. BrBPH‐adsorbed TLC plates were also utilized for the determination of food spoilage.
Synthesis and Optical Properties of Anion‐Responsive X‐shaped π‐Electronic System
Authors: Morii Kazuki , Nabeta Hiroyuki , Yanbe Takahiro , Watanabe Kaho , Sumikoshi Shunsuke , Chiba Takayuki , Yamakado Ryohei , Okada Shuji
Published: January 2024

The properties of donor‐π‐acceptor molecules are strongly influenced by the electron density and configuration of both donor and acceptor moieties. In particular, X‐shaped molecules, where two linear π‐conjugation systems ended by donors and/or acceptors are crossed in their middle, are well‐known to separate frontier molecular orbitals, and the donor and acceptor strongly influence the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), respectively. A novel X‐shaped molecule, containing a diphenylamino group as the donor and a dimesitylboryl group as the acceptor, was synthesized to modulate the optical properties via anion complex formation. The X‐shaped molecule formed [1+1]‐ and [1+2]‐type anion complexes in solution, and a negative cooperative effect for the formation of the [1+2]‐type anion complex was observed. UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopy reveled the changes in the optical properties by the formation of anion complexes, with the spectral changes upon anion addition were consistent with the theoretical spectra obtained from time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, the X‐shaped molecule, which exhibits remarkable luminescence properties even in the solid state, demonstrated electroluminescent behavior.
ZnSe/SnSe Heterostructure Incorporated with Selenium/Nitrogen Co‐Doped Carbon Nanofiber Skeleton for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yingmeng , Cheng Lele , Li Liheng , Lin Yihan , Li Shaojun , Li Yongliang , Ren Xiangzhong , Zhang Peixin , Sun Lingna
Published: January 2024

Effective strategies toward building exquisite nanostructures with enhanced structural integrity and improved reaction kinetics will carry forward the practical application of alloy‐based materials as anodes in batteries. Herein, a free‐standing 3D carbon nanofiber (CNF) skeleton incorporated with heterostructured binary metal selenides (ZnSe/SnSe) nanoboxes is developed for Na‐ion storage anodes, which can facilitate Na+ ion migration, improve structure integrity, and enhance the electrochemical reaction kinetics. During the carbonization and selenization process, selenium/nitrogen (Se/N) is co‐doped into the 3D CNF skeleton, which can improve the conductivity and wettability of the CNF matrices. More importantly, the ZnSe/SnSe heterostructures and the Se/N co‐doping CNFs can have a synergistic interfacial coupling effect and built‐in electric field in the heterogeneous interfaces of ZnSe/SnSe hetero‐boundaries as well as the interfaces between the CNF matrix and the selenide heterostructures, which can enable fast ion/electron transport and accelerate surface/internal reaction kinetics for Na‐ion storage. The ZnSe/SnSe@Se,N‐CNFs exhibit superior Na‐ion storage performance than the comparative ZnSe/SnSe, ZnSe and SnSe powders, which deliver an excellent rate performance (882.0, 773.6, 695.7, 634.2, and 559.0 mAh g−1 at current rates of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and 2 A g−1) and long‐life cycling stability of 587.5 mAh g−1 for 3500 cycles at 2 A g−1.
Proactive river corridor definition: Recommendations for a process‐based width optimization approach illustrated in the context of the coastal Pacific Northwest
Authors: Nelson Andrew D. , Collins Vaughn D. , Payne Jeremy S. , Abbe Tim B.
Published: January 2024

We propose a holistic approach to define a river corridor as the minimum space needed to sustain key river functions based on an understanding of the desired functions of that corridor and the processes governing channel and floodplain formation. Giving such space is a fundamental nature‐based solution to river management, as it allows the river to use its own energy to maintain flood conveyance and habitat function. The review of existing river corridor concepts shows that these often focus on one or two potential functions of a river corridor and may not be well suited as tools to optimize eco‐geomorphic river function. We argue that evaluating the effects of river corridor width on multiple processes can provide an objective means to optimize delineation in areas where development encroaches onto floodplains and channel migration zones. Key processes are linked to channel migration and include floodplain rejuvenation, emergence of a dynamic patch mosaic of riparian habitat that sustains a functioning large wood cycle, and effects of constriction and confinement on channel dynamics and morphology. Quantification of these processes for an example river shows the most rapid gains for habitat and flood protection values up to the threshold for planform‐controlled conditions and an asymptotically reducing rate of gain in function above that threshold. For the example river, the threshold width approaching that asymptote is substantially more than its constrained condition but much less than the width of the floodplain and channel migration zone, offering a compromise for managing rivers with developed floodplains.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness