bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant platinum versus capecitabine for residual, invasive, triple‐negative breast cancer: Patient‐reported outcomes in ECOG‐ACRIN EA1131
Authors: Smith Karen L. , Zhao Fengmin , Mayer Ingrid A. , Tevaarwerk Amye J. , Garcia Sofia F. , Arteaga Carlos L. , Symmans William F. , Park Ben H. , Burnette Brian L. , Makower Della F. , Block Margaret , Morley Kimberly A. , Jani Chirag R. , Mescher Craig , Dewani Shabana J. , Brown‐Glaberman Ursa , Flaum Lisa E. , Mayer Erica L. , Sikov William M. , Rodler Eve T. , DeMichele Angela M. , Sparano Joseph A. , Wolff Antonio C. , Miller Kathy D. , Wagner Lynne I.
Published: January 2024

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are a better tool for evaluating the experiences of patients who have symptomatic, treatment‐associated adverse events (AEs) compared with clinician‐rated AEs. The authors present PROs assessing health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment‐related neurotoxicity for adjuvant capecitabine versus platinum on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group‐American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ECOG‐ACRIN) EA1131 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02445391).

Methods

Participants completed the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast Cancer Symptom Index (NFBSI‐16) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Gynecologic Oncology Group neurotoxicity subscale (platinum arm only) at baseline, cycle 3 day 1 (C3D1), 6 months, and 15 months. Because of early termination, power was insufficient to test the hypothesis that HRQoL, as assessed by the NFBSI‐16 treatment side‐effect (TSE) subscale, would be better at 6 and 15 months in the capecitabine arm; all analyses were exploratory. Means were compared by using t‐tests or the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, and proportions were compared by using the χ2 test.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐six of 330 eligible patients provided PROs. The mean NFBSI‐16 TSE subscale score was lower for the platinum arm at baseline (p = .02; absolute difference, 0.6 points) and for the capecitabine arm at C3D1 (p = .04; absolute difference, 0.5 points), but it did not differ at other times. The mean change in TSE subscale scores differed between the arms from baseline to C3D1 (platinum arm, 0.15; capecitabine arm, −0.72; p = .03), but not from baseline to later time points. The mean decline in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Gynecologic Oncology Group neurotoxicity subscale scores exceeded the minimal meaningful change (1.38 points) from baseline to each subsequent time point (all p < .05).

Conclusions

Despite the similar frequency of clinician‐rated AEs, PROs identified greater on‐treatment symptom burden with capecitabine and complemented clinician‐rated AEs by characterizing patients’ experiences during chemotherapy.
An LSTM‐based novel near‐real‐time multiclass network intrusion detection system for complex cloud environments
Authors: Vibhute Amol D. , Khan Minhaj , Kanade Anuradha , Patil Chandrashekhar H. , Gaikwad Sandeep V. , Patel Kanubhai K. , Saini Jatinderkumar R.
Published: January 2024

The Internet is connected with everyone for sharing and monitoring digital information. However, securing network resources from malicious activities is critical for several applications. Numerous studies have recently used deep learning‐based models in detecting intrusions and received relatively robust recognition outcomes. Nevertheless, most investigations have operated old datasets, so they could not detect the most delinquent attack information. Therefore, the current research proposes the long short‐term memory (LSTM)‐based near real‐time multiclass network intrusion detection system (NIDS) utilizing complex cloud CSE‐CICIDSS2018 datasets to secure and detect the network anomalous. The proposed strategy utilizes a random forest algorithm for dimensionality reduction and feature selection. In addition, the selected best suitable features were used in a deep learning‐based LSTM model developed for detecting network intrusions. The experimental outcomes reveal that the presented LSTM model obtained 99.66% testing accuracy with 0.12% loss. Thus, the suggested approach can detect network intrusions with the highest precision and lowest rate over the earlier designs.
Experience of discrimination reported during pregnancy and infant's emerging effortful control
Authors: Rivera Kenia M. , D'Anna‐Hernandez Kimberly L. , Hankin Benjamin L. , Davis Elysia Poggi , Doom Jenalee R.
Published: January 2024

Discrimination reported during pregnancy is associated with poorer offspring emotional outcomes. Links with effortful control have yet to be examined. This study investigated whether pregnant individuals’ reports of lifetime racial/ethnic discrimination and everyday discrimination (including but not specific to race/ethnicity) reported during pregnancy were associated with offspring emerging effortful control at 6 months of age. Pregnant individuals (N = 174) and their offspring (93 female infants) participated. During pregnancy, participants completed two discrimination measures: (1) lifetime experience of racial/ethnic discrimination, and (2) everyday discrimination (not specific to race/ethnicity). Parents completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire—Revised when infants were 6 months old to assess orienting/regulation, a measure of emerging effortful control. Analyses were conducted in a subsample with racially/ethnically marginalized participants and then everyday discrimination analyses were repeated in the full sample. For racially/ethnically marginalized participants, greater everyday discrimination (β = −.27, p = .01) but not greater lifetime experience of racial/ethnic discrimination (β = −.21, p = .06) was associated with poorer infant emerging effortful control. In the full sample, greater everyday discrimination was associated with poorer infant emerging effortful control (β = −.24, p = .002). Greater perceived stress, but not depressive symptoms, at 2 months postnatal mediated the association between everyday discrimination and emerging effortful control. Further research should examine additional biological and behavioral mechanisms by which discrimination reported during pregnancy may affect offspring emerging effortful control.
Real‐world glycaemic outcomes in patients with type 1 diabetes using glucose sensors—Experience from a single centre in Dublin
Authors: Lyons Robert E. , Abdul Wahab Roshaida , Goh Sue Yee , Breen Cathy , Rhynehart Amanda , O'Scannail Mary , Kelly Hannah Jade , Neff Karl , O'Shea Donal , Canavan Ronan , Wan Mahmood Wan Aizad
Published: January 2024

Aims

To evaluate changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and sensor‐based glycaemic metrics after glucose sensor commencement in adults with T1D.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational single‐centre study on HbA1c, and sensor‐based glycaemic data following the initiation of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in adults with T1D (n = 209).

Results

We observed an overall improvement in HbA1c from 66 (59–78) mmol/mol [8.2 (7.5–9.3)%] pre‐sensor to 60 (53–71) mmol/mol [7.6 (7.0–8.6)%] on‐sensor (p < .001). The pre‐sensor HbA1c improved from 66 (57–74) mmol/mol [8.2 (7.4–8.9)%] to 62 (54–71) mmol/mol [7.8 (7.1–8.7)%] within the first year of usage to 60 (53–69) mmol/mol [7.6 (7.0–8.4)%] in the following year (n = 121, p < .001). RT‐CGM‐user had a significant improvement in HbA1c (Dexcom G6; p < .001, r = 0.33 and Guardian 3; p < .001, r = 0.59) while a non‐significant reduction was seen in FGM‐user (Libre 1; p = .279). Both MDI (p < .001, r = 0.33) and CSII group (p < .001, r = 0.41) also demonstrated significant HbA1c improvement. Patients with pre‐sensor HbA1c of ≥64 mmol/mol [8.0%] (n = 125), had attenuation of pre‐sensor HbA1c from 75 (68–83) mmol/mol [9.0 (8.4–9.7)%] to 67 (59–75) mmol/mol [8.2 (7.6–9.0)%] (p < .001, r = 0.44). Altogether, 25.8% of patients achieved the recommended HbA1c goal of ≤53 mmol/mol and 16.7% attained the recommended ≥70% time in range (3.9–10.0 mmol/L).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that minimally invasive glucose sensor technology in adults with T1D is associated with improvement in glycaemic outcomes. However, despite significant improvements in HbA1c, achieving the recommended goals for all glycaemic metrics remained challenging.
Can right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy predict left ventricular fibrosis beforehand in dilated cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Amemiya Kisaki , Matsuyama Taka‐aki , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Morita Yoshiaki , Matsumoto Manabu , Ohta‐Ogo Keiko , Ikeda Yoshihiko , Tsukamoto Yasumasa , Fukushima Norihide , Fukushima Satsuki , Fujita Tomoyuki , Hatakeyama Kinta
Published: January 2024

Aims

Myocardial fibrosis of the left ventricle (LV) is a prognostic factor in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study aims to evaluate whether fibrosis of right ventricular (RV) endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) can predict the degree of LV fibrosis beforehand in DCM.

Methods and results

Fibrosis extent in 70 RV‐EMB specimens of DCM diagnosis was compared with that in the whole cross‐sectional LV of excised hearts in the same patients (52 explanted hearts for transplant and 18 autopsied hearts). The median interval between biopsy and excision was 4.1 (0.13–19.3) years. The fibrosis area ratio of the EMBs and excised hearts were evaluated via image analysis. The distribution of cardiovascular magnetic resonance–late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the intraventricular septum was classified into four quartile categories. The fibrosis area ratio in RV‐EMB correlated significantly with that in the short‐axis cut of the LV of excised hearts (r = 0.82, P < 0.0001) and with a diffuse pattern of LGE (r = 0.71, P = 0.003). In a multivariate model, after adjusting for the interval between biopsy performance and heart excision, the fibrosis area ratio in RV‐EMB was associated with that in LV‐excised heart (regression coefficient, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.95; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The fibrosis observed in RV‐EMB positively correlated with the extent of fibrosis in the LV of excised hearts in patients with DCM. The study findings may help predict LV fibrosis, considered a prognostic factor of DCM through relatively accessible biopsy techniques.
LncRNA SNHG1 alleviates myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury by regulating the miR‐137‐3p/KLF4/TRPV1 axis
Authors: Tang Ruo‐Fu , Li Wen‐Jing , Lu Yun , Wang Xuan‐Xuan , Gao Su‐Yu
Published: January 2024

Aims

Myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) contributes to serious myocardial injury and even death. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play pivotal roles in the occurrence and development of MIRI. Here, the detailed molecular mechanism of lncRNA SNHG1 in MIRI was explored.

Methods and results

A cell model of MIRI was established through hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation. Cell viability and pyroptosis were evaluated utilizing MTT, PI staining, and flow cytometry. Interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 secretion levels were examined by ELISA. The gene and protein expression were detected by RT‐qPCR and western blot, respectively. Dual luciferase reporter gene, RIP and ChIP assays were performed to analyse the molecular interactions. The results showed that lncRNA SNHG1 overexpression alleviated H/R‐induced HL‐1 cell pyroptosis (all P < 0.05). LncRNA SNHG1 promoted KLF4 expression by sponging miR‐137‐3p. miR‐137‐3p silencing alleviated H/R‐induced pyroptosis in HL‐1 cells (all P < 0.05), which was abolished by KLF4 knockdown (all P < 0.05). KLF4 activated the AKT pathway by transcriptionally activating TRPV1 in HL‐1 cells (all P < 0.05). TRPV1 knockdown reversed the alleviation of SNHG1 upregulation on H/R‐induced pyroptosis in HL‐1 cells (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results showed that lncRNA SNHG1 assuaged cardiomyocyte pyroptosis during MIRI progression by regulating the KLF4/TRPV1/AKT axis through sponging miR‐137‐3p. Our findings may provide novel therapeutic targets for MIRI.
Identification of heart failure hospitalization from NHS Digital data: comparison with expert adjudication
Authors: Soltani Fardad , Bradley Joshua , Bonandi Antonio , Black Nicholas , Farrant John P. , Pailing Adam , Orsborne Christopher , Williams Simon G. , Schelbert Erik B. , Dodd Susanna , Williams Richard , Peek Niels , Schmitt Matthias , McDonagh Theresa , Miller Christopher A.
Published: January 2024

Aims

Population‐wide, person‐level, linked electronic health record data are increasingly used to estimate epidemiology, guide resource allocation, and identify events in clinical trials. The accuracy of data from NHS Digital (now part of NHS England) for identifying hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), a key HF standard, is not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of NHS Digital data for identifying HHF.

Methods and results

Patients experiencing at least one HHF, as determined by NHS Digital data, and age‐ and sex‐matched patients not experiencing HHF, were identified from a prospective cohort study and underwent expert adjudication. Three code sets commonly used to identify HHF were applied to the data and compared with expert adjudication (I50: International Classification of Diseases‐10 codes beginning I50; OIS: Clinical Commissioning Groups Outcomes Indicator Set; and NICOR: National Institute for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research, used as the basis for the National Heart Failure Audit in England and Wales). Five hundred four patients underwent expert adjudication, of which 10 (2%) were adjudicated to have experienced HHF. Specificity was high across all three code sets in the first diagnosis position {I50: 96.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 94.1–97.7%]; NICOR: 93.3% [CI 90.8–95.4%]; OIS: 95.6% [CI 93.3–97.2%]} but decreased substantially as the number of diagnosis positions expanded. Sensitivity [40.0% (CI 12.2–73.8%)] and positive predictive value (PPV) [highest with I50: 17.4% (CI 8.1–33.6%)] were low in the first diagnosis position for all coding sets. PPV was higher for the National Heart Failure Audit criteria, albeit modestly [36.4% (CI 16.6–62.2%)].

Conclusions

NHS Digital data were not able to accurately identify HHF and should not be used in isolation for this purpose.
The effect of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on left cardiac remodelling in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Usman Muhammad Shariq , Januzzi James L. , Anker Stefan D. , Salman Ali , Parikh Puja B. , Adamo Marianna , Filippatos Gerasimos , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Lala Anuradha , Verma Subodh , Metra Marco , Butler Javed
Published: January 2024

Aims

The therapeutic mechanism of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on left cardiac remodelling in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is not well‐established. This study meta‐analysed the impact of SGLT2i on left cardiac structure and function in patients with HFrEF.

Methods and results

Online databases were queried up to April 2023 for trials reporting indicators of left cardiac structure and function in patients with HFrEF treated with SGLT2i. Data from studies were pooled using a random‐effects model to derive weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Six trials were included (n = 555). Compared with control, SGLT2i significantly improved left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV; WMD: −17.07 ml [−23.84, −10.31]; p < 0.001), LVEDV index (WMD: −5.62 ml/m2 [−10.28, −0.97]; p = 0.02), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV; WMD: −15.63 ml [−26.15, −5.12]; p = 0.004), LVESV index (WMD: −6.90 ml/m2 [−10.68, −3.11]; p = 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (WMD: 2.71% [0.70, 4.72]; p = 0.008), and left atrial volume index (WMD: −2.19 ml/m2 [−4.26, −0.11]; p = 0.04) in patients with HFrEF. SGLT2i use was associated with a non‐significant trend towards a reduction in left ventricular mass index (WMD: −6.25 g/m2 [−12.79, 0.28]; p = 0.06). No significant impact on left ventricular global longitudinal strain was noted (WMD: 0.21% [−0.25, 0.67]; p = 0.38).

Conclusions

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors improve cardiac structure and function in patients with HFrEF.
A maximally preorganized tetra‐pyridyl ligand. Rigid five‐membered chelate rings enhance selectivity for large metal ions, such as Th(IV), UO22+ and Lanthanides. A DFT and Thermodynamic study
Authors: Uritis Stuart , Thummel Randolph P. , Jones S. Bart , Lee Hee‐Seung , Hancock Robert D.
Published: January 2024

Size‐based selectivity for metal ions based on highly preorganized five‐membered chelate rings is discussed. Metal ion complexation by the tetra‐pyridyl ligand EBIP ((8,9‐dihydro‐diquino[8,7‐b:7′,8′‐j][1,10]phenanthroline) is investigated, Formation constants (log K1) are reported for EBIP with 28 metal ions in 50 % CH3OH/H2O (v/v). The shift in size‐selectivity toward large metal ions and against small metal is demonstrated. Log K1 for the EBIP complexes shows a steady increase from La(III) to Lu(III), with a strong local maximum at Sm(III), and strong local minimum at Gd(III). This difference in log K1 between Sm(III) and Gd(III) for the tetra‐pyridyls is shown to depend largely on the level of preorganization of the ligand, being at a maximum for EBIP and a minimum for quaterpyridine. Log K1 for the Y(III) complex is invariably lower than for the similarly‐sized Ho(III) for all ligands that contain any nitrogen donors. Lower log K values for Y(III) are due to stabilization of the Ln(III) complexes with nitrogen donors by participation of the 5d orbitals, and to a lesser extent the 4 f orbitals, of the Ln(III) ions in M−L bonding. A DFT analysis of selectivity of tetra‐pyridyls for metal ions shows that Y(III) complexes should be less stable than similarly‐sized Ho(III) complexes.
Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Carbon‐Supported β‐Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets for Miniaturized Nickel–Metal Hydride Batteries
Authors: Fujita Sho , Baranton Stève , Coutanceau Christophe , Jerkiewicz Gregory
Published: January 2024

Carbon‐supported β‐Ni(OH)2 nanosheets are prepared for miniaturized nickel–metal hydride batteries. The nanomaterial consists of thin and unfolded nanosheets, which possess a hexagonal crystallographic structure. Its unique structure gives rise to a remarkable specific capability, with 81.5% of the nanomaterial being used in electrical energy storage. Repetitive charge–discharge cycling between charge and discharge cut‐off potentials (Ecut‐off,ch = 1.50 or 1.65 V and Ecut‐off,dis = 1.20 V) in aqueous NaOH solution is performed to examine the nanomaterial's specific charge and stability. The results show that the specific capacity gradually decreases upon repetitive charge–discharge cycling but still maintains a significant percentage of its initial value, 54% for Ecut‐off,ch = 1.50 V and 43% for Ecut‐off,ch = 1.65 V. A transmission electron microscopy analysis of the nanomaterial after the charge–discharge cycling demonstrates that the β‐Ni(OH)2 nanosheets are less‐organized and distorted. The structural and morphological changes give rise to new features in cyclic voltammetry profiles and charge–discharge curves, and a decrease in the specific capacity of the nanomaterial. The degradation of the specific capacity is attributed to a loss of the initial structure, a reduction of the number of anchoring sites, and weakening of the bond between the β‐Ni(OH)2 nanosheets and the carbon support.
Long‐term effectiveness and tolerability of ketogenic diet therapy in patients with genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy onset within the first 6 months of life
Authors: Song Tianyu , Deng Jie , Chen Chunhong , Wang Xiaohui , Han Tongli , Wang Xu , Fang Tie , Tian Xiaojuan , Fang Fang
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) associated with genetic etiology which onset within the first 6 months of life, and to explore the association between response to KDT and genotype/clinical parameters.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with genetic DEE who started KDT at Beijing Children's Hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021.

Results

A total of 32 patients were included, involving 14 pathogenic or likely pathogenic single genes, and 16 (50.0%) patients had sodium/potassium channel gene variants. The median age at onset of epilepsy was 1.0 (IQR: 0.1, 3.0) months. The median age at initiation of KDT was 10.0 (IQR: 5.3, 13.8) months and the median duration of maintenance was 14.0 (IQR: 7.0, 26.5) months, with a mean blood β‐hydroxybutyrate of 2.49 ± 0.62 mmol/L. During the maintenance period of KDT, 26 (81.3%) patients had a ≥50% reduction of seizure frequency, of which 12 (37.5%) patients achieved seizure freedom. Better responses were observed in patients with STXBP1 variants, with four out of five patients achieving seizure freedom. There were no statistically differences in the age of onset, duration of epilepsy before KDT, blood ketone values, or the presence of ion channel gene variants between the seizure‐free patients and the others. The most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal side effects, which occurred in 21 patients (65.6%), but all were mild and easily corrected. Only one patient discontinued KDT due to nephrolithiasis.

Significance

KDT is effective in treating early onset genetic DEE, and no statistically significant relationship has been found between genotype and effectiveness in this study. KDT is well tolerated in most young patients, with mild and reversible gastrointestinal side effects being the most common, but usually not the reason to discontinue KDT.

Plain Language Summary

This study evaluated the response and side effects of ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) in patients who had seizures within the first 6 months of life, and were diagnosed with genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), a type of severe epilepsy with developmental delay caused by gene variants. Thirty‐two patients involving 14 gene variants who started KDT at Beijing Children's Hospital between were included. KDT was effective in treating early onset genetic DEE in this cohort, and patients with STXBP1 variants responded better; however, no statistically significant relationship was found between gene variant and response. Most young patients tolerated KDT well, with mild and reversible gastrointestinal side effects being the most common.
Online estimation of lithium battery SOC based on fractional order FOUKF‐FOMIUKF algorithm with multiple time scales
Authors: Xing Likun , Ren Hengqi , Luo Wenfei , Zhang Zhenyun , Song Yangwanhao
Published: January 2024

Aiming at the matter of poor precision in predicting the charge of lithium battery by applying conventional integer‐order models and offline parameter identification, this paper proposes a joint fractional‐order multi‐innovations unscented Kalman filter (FOUKF‐FOMIUKF) algorithm for predicting the cells' state of charge (SOC) online and uses the theory of singular‐value decomposition to tackle the issue of failure of the traceless transformation. Initially, the circuitry model of fractional order is built. The parameters of the model are recognized online by fractional‐order unscented Kalman filtering (FOUKF), and the obtained parameters are then transmitted to the method known as the fractional order multi‐innovations unscented Kalman filter (FOMIUKF) to calculate the SOC of the cell. The algorithm was validated under four working conditions such as FUDS (US Federal Urban Driving Distance), BJDST (Beijing Dynamic Stress Test), DST (Dynamic Stress Test), and US06 (Highway Driving Distance Test), respectively, and compared with the FOMIUKF, MIUKF, and FOUKF algorithms for offline identification. The conclusions demonstrate that the SOC estimated by the FOUKF‐FOMIUKF method is controlled within 0.5% of the mean absolute error under the four conditions and the root‐mean‐square error is controlled within 0.8%. It is not difficult to find that the FOUKF‐FOMIUKF algorithm estimates SOC with higher accuracy and robustness.
Bio‐based phase change material for enhanced building energy efficiency: A study of beech and thermally modified beech wood for wall structures
Authors: Grzybek Jakub , Nazari Meysam , Jebrane Mohamed , Terziev Nasko , Tippner Jan , Petutschnigg Alexander , Schnabel Thomas
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the impregnation of beech and thermally modified beech (TMB) with a ternary mixture of capric acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid as a bio‐based phase change material (BPCM). Finite element method (FEM) was used to complement the experimental analysis by providing new insights into computational methods for simulating the behavior of BPCMs in untreated and TMB. The analyzed specimens namely beech and TMB were impregnated with BPCM; the TMB achieved 54% weight percentage gain (WPG) while untreated beech got 37%. Accordingly, a greater increase in the latent heat was obtained for TMB up to 90 J/g, while for untreated beech with BPCM up to 75 J/g. Impregnated specimens absorbed less moisture at relative humidity of air above 50%, likely caused by the high uptake and hydrophobic nature of the BPCM. The study highlights the research gap in performing mathematical simulations on wood samples with BPCM using material thermal properties derived from differential scanning calorimetry or T‐History analysis. It shows that the direct use of these values for simulations leads to unacceptable outputs that result in high errors. The root mean square error for untreated and TMB samples impregnated with BPCM was in the range from 1.06 to 3.1 while that for untreated samples was in the range from 0.57 to 0.87, indicating that the main challenge in simulating and characterizing the samples is due to the interaction of the phase change material with the wood structure.
Density forecast combinations: The real‐time dimension
Authors: McAdam Peter , Warne Anders
Published: January 2024

Euro area real‐time density forecasts from three dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) and three Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR) models are compared with six combination methods over the sample 2001Q1–2019Q4. The terms information and observation lag are introduced to distinguish time shifts between data vintages and actuals used to compute model weights and compare the forecast, respectively. Bounds for finite mixture combinations are presented, allowing for benchmarking them given the models. Empirically, combinations with limited weight variation often improve upon the individual models for the output and the joint forecasts with inflation. This reflects overconfident BVAR forecasts before the Great Recession. For inflation, a BVAR model typically performs best.
Association of dietary inflammatory index with constipation: Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Chunxiang , Guo Zheng , Li Rui , Wang Yuchao , Dong Caixia , Sun Daqing
Published: January 2024

The association of dietary inflammatory index (DII) with constipation has not been well studied in general population. Therefore, the aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate whether DII is associated with constipation in a large representative sample of the US population. Data were obtained from the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 12,308 participants aged ≥20 years were included in the analysis. DII was calculated based on a single 24‐h dietary recall, and constipation was defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week by the questionnaire on bowel health. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between DII score and constipation, with each unit increase in DII score associated with a 20% increase in constipation risk (95% CI: 1.13–1.28). Subgroup analysis revealed high odds ratios (ORs) among individuals classified as “Other Race” (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12–1.80) and “Non‐Hispanic White” (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12–1.54). In addition, RCS analysis indicated a nonlinear relationship between DII and constipation among individuals with a BMI less than 25 (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07–1.28), while the overall trend remained positive correlation (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10–1.31). Briefly, our study suggests that there may be a link between DII and constipation, which has implications for the development of dietary interventions aimed at preventing and managing constipation. However, this association was complex and variable depending on individual factors such as BMI and racial background and needed to establish longitudinal studies to confirm the underlying mechanisms between DII and constipation.
Effect of radiation and viscous dissipation using the Galerkin method over a vertical porous plate with variation in temperature
Authors: Mangamma Ch. , Appidi Lakshmi , Malga Bala Siddulu , Kumar P. Pramod , Matta Sweta
Published: January 2024

In the presence of viscous dissipation and radiation effects, a numerical analysis is performed for an unsteady‐free convective, radiative, chemically reactive, radiation absorption, viscous, incompressible, and electrically conducting fluid passing through an exponentially accelerating vertical porous plate. Numerical methods are used to solve the collection of nondimensional governing equations and their boundary conditions. Graphs are used to study the effects of different physical characteristics on flow quantities. Tables are used to study the differences in skin friction, the Sherwood number, and the Nusselt number for the physical interest. The analysis and explanation of the fluctuation in radiation and flow parameters on velocity and temperature gradient profiles through graphs using the Galerkin technique is the novelty of this work. For the magnetic, Prandtl, heat sink, radiation, Schmidt, and chemical reaction parameters, skin friction is significantly higher; however, for the Grashof, modified Grashof, permeability, radiation absorption, Dufour, and Soret numbers, skin friction has the opposite tendency.
Maternal and fetal factors associated with stillbirth in singleton pregnancies in 13 hospitals across six states in India: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Boo Yebeen Ysabelle , Bora Amrit K. , Chhabra Shakuntala , Choudhury Saswati S. , Deka Gitanjali , Kakoty Swapna , Kumar Pramod , Mahanta Pranabika , Minz Bina , Rani Anjali , Rao Sereesha , Roy Indrani , Solomi V. Carolin , Verma Ashok , Zahir Farzana , Deka Rupanjali , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Nair Manisha ,   the MaatHRI collaborators
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for stillbirth in an Indian population.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of a hospital‐based cohort from the Maternal and Perinatal Health Research collaboration, India (MaatHRI), including pregnant women who gave birth between October 2018–September 2023. Data from 9823 singleton pregnancies recruited from 13 hospitals across six Indian states were included. Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression analysis were performed to examine the relationship between stillbirth and potential risk factors. Model prediction was assessed using the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic (AUROC) curve.

Results

There were 216 stillbirths (48 antepartum and 168 intrapartum) in the study population, representing an overall stillbirth rate of 22.0 per 1000 total births (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.2–25.1). Modifiable risk factors for stillbirth were: receiving less than four antenatal check‐ups (adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.25–2.47), not taking any iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy (aRR: 7.23, 95% CI: 2.12–45.33) and having severe anemia in the third trimester (aRR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.97–6.11). Having pregnancy/fetal complications such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aRR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.03–2.36), preterm birth (aRR: 4.41, 95% CI: 3.21–6.08) and birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age (aRR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02–1.79) were also associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Identified risk factors explained 78.2% (95% CI: 75.0%–81.4%) of the risk of stillbirth in the population.

Conclusion

Addressing potentially modifiable antenatal factors could reduce the risk of stillbirths in India.
Accuracy of Dare's formula in estimating fetal birth weight in pregnant women
Authors: Kumari Vinita , Singh Abha
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of Dare's formula in estimating fetal birth weight in pregnant women.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi after institutional ethical committee clearance. In all, 175 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies of 37 weeks or more were included. The aim was to assess fetal birth weight by Dare's formula and ultrasonography. This estimated fetal weight (EFW) was compared with actual birth weight (ABW) of newborn.

Results

Estimated fetal birth weight by Dare's formula was within 10% of ABW in 77 (44.00%) cases. Meanwhile in the majority (98; 56.00%), EFW by Dare's formula was not within 10% of ABW. The proportion of EFW by ultrasonography within 10% and not within 10% of ABW were comparable (50.29% [88] and 49.71% [87], respectively).

Conclusion

Dare's formula can be used by medical personnel as a clinical method in routine prenatal care to estimate fetal weight, for better management of women in labor to decrease the maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity.
Association between earthquakes and perinatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wada Yoshimitsu , Watanabe Jun , Yamamoto Norio , Kubota Takafumi , Kamijo Kyosuke , Hirano Daishi , Takahashi Hironori , Fujiwara Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

Background

Evidence for the association between earthquakes and adverse perinatal outcomes is limited.

Objectives

To evaluate the association between earthquakes and perinatal outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight.

Search Strategy

We searched studies using MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov on February 9, 2023.

Selection Criteria

We included before‐and‐after studies that evaluated the associations between earthquakes and perinatal outcomes in women living in affected areas.

Data Collection and Analysis

Two independent reviewers extracted data. We calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) with the random‐effects model. We analyzed outcomes in subgroups of Asians and others. We evaluated the certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

Main Results

We included 2 607 405 women in 13 studies. Earthquakes may not increase preterm birth (nine studies, 1 761 760 participants: OR 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–1.24, low certainty of evidence) or low birth weight (seven studies, 1 753 891 participants: OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.94–1.28, low certainty of evidence). Subgroup analyses showed that earthquakes may be associated with an increase of preterm birth among populations in Asia (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.07–1.95), but this was not evident in others (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.83–1.05).

Conclusions

Perinatal outcomes might not change after earthquakes. Further research on the association between earthquakes and perinatal outcomes, combined with an assessment of the characteristics of the region, is needed.
Assessment and cost analysis of mycoremediated textile effluent for irrigation
Authors: Rajhans Geetanjali , Sen Sudip Kumar , Pallavi Preeti , Raut Sangeeta
Published: January 2024

In the current study, mycoremediated textile effluents were used for irrigation in a cultivation system to promote resource recycling and cost‐effective spinach production. The raw textile effluents from two different textile mills were decolorized by 93.2 and 94.5%, respectively, as well as mineralized by the immobilized novel fungus Geotrichum candidum. Subsequently, both the treated effluents, treated textile effluent 1 (TTE1) and treated textile effluent 2 (TTE2), were used to cultivate spinach. The results indicated that irrigation with TTE1 and TTE2 resulted in ~9% higher spinach yields compared with the control. Moreover, the water use efficiency with the TTE1 and TTE2 treatments was ~1.2 times better than that with the control. The need for fertilizers in the case of spinach cultivation with treated effluents was compensated by the textile effluents as a result of the breakdown and mineralization of the effluent by immobilized G. candidum. Notably, the energy content, dietary fiber and protein content of spinach irrigated with mycoremediated textile effluent were substantially elevated, with values of 34 kcal/100 g−1, 3.4 g 100 g−1 and 6.92 g 100 g−1, respectively. The preliminary cost analysis indicated that the costs of the whole process (from treatment to irrigation) were approximately US$0.35‐0.38 m−3 (INR 28.22–30.45 m−3) of textile effluent. The study concluded that the mycoremediated textile effluent could be efficiently applied for agronomic usages.
An economic analysis of the “Buy Local” trend
Authors: Ray Susweta , Giannakas Konstantinos
Published: January 2024

This study develops a novel framework of heterogeneous consumers and producers to analyze the market and welfare impacts of the “Buy Local” trend. Analytical results show that the trend's impacts depend on the size and type of the locality; that is, whether the locality is an exporter or an importer of the relevant products. For instance, while the trend benefits both consumers and producers of large localities, it leaves producers of small exporting localities unaffected. The presence of the trend in large localities affects also outside consumers and producers with the welfare impact depending on the type of locality.
Adolescents' effort in vocational education and training and upper secondary general education: Analyses of stability, determinants, and group differences
Authors: Neuenschwander Markus P. , Ramseier Lukas , Hofmann Jan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The effort adolescents make determines the risk for dropping out of vocational education and training (VET) early and their chances of graduating upper secondary education. Studies have shown that adolescents' efforts decrease during the transition to upper secondary general education and increases for the transition to VET. In this study, we examined adolescent self‐efficacy in lower secondary education, adolescent‐instructor relationship (AIR) in VET and general education, and perceived person–environment fit (PEF) as predictors of adolescent effort.

Method

We calculated two longitudinal multigroup structural equation models. Group 1 comprised 1266 (mean age in T1 = 15.7 years; female: 44%) lower secondary education graduates who moved on to VET with two learning contexts, company and vocational school in Switzerland. Group 2 included 517 (mean age in T1 = 15.7 years; female: 44%) lower secondary education graduates who moved on to upper secondary general education and thus stayed in a school. Adolescents' survey data was collected in 2016 and 2017.

Results

Self‐efficacy in lower secondary education and AIR in upper secondary education indirectly predicted effort in upper secondary education via PEF, controlling for effort in lower secondary education. Findings were similar for general education and vocational school. However, the effects differed between company and general education (moderation). The positive effect of AIR on PEF was statistically significantly weaker for adolescents in general education than for adolescents in VET and their company learning context.

Conclusion

We discuss strategies to enhance adolescents' efforts in upper secondary education.
Overcoming challenges associated with identifying FBN1 deep intronic variants through whole‐genome sequencing
Authors: Kim Jee Ah , Jang Mi‐Ae , Jang Shin Yi , Kim Duk‐Kyung , Kim Young‐gon , Kim Jong‐Won , Park Taek Kyu , Jang Ja‐Hyun
Published: January 2024

Background

Marfan syndrome (MFS), caused by pathogenic variants of FBN1 (fibrillin‐1), is a systemic connective tissue disorder with variable phenotypes and treatment responsiveness depending on the variant. However, a significant number of individuals with MFS remain genetically unexplained. In this study, we report novel pathogenic intronic variants in FBN1 in two unrelated families with MFS.

Methods

We evaluated subjects with suspected MFS from two unrelated families using Sanger sequencing or multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification of FBN1 and/or panel‐based next‐generation sequencing. As no pathogenic variants were identified, whole‐genome sequencing was performed. Identified variants were analyzed by reverse transcription‐PCR and targeted sequencing of FBN1 mRNA harvested from peripheral blood or skin fibroblasts obtained from affected probands.

Results

We found causative deep intronic variants, c.6163+1484A>T and c.5788+36C>A, in FBN1. The splicing analysis revealed an insertion of in‐frame or out‐of‐frame intronic sequences of the FBN1 transcript predicted to alter function of calcium‐binding epidermal growth factor protein domain. Family members carrying c.6163+1484A>T had high systemic scores including prominent skeletal features and aortic dissection with lesser aortic dilatation. Family members carrying c.5788+36C>A had more severe aortic root dilatation without aortic dissection. Both families had ectopia lentis.

Conclusion

Variable penetrance of the phenotype and negative genetic testing in MFS families should raise the possibility of deep intronic FBN1 variants and the need for additional molecular studies. This study expands the mutation spectrum of FBN1 and points out the importance of intronic sequence analysis and the need for integrative functional studies in MFS diagnosis.
Empathy rules, maps and paths: A qualitative exploration of the factors that facilitate or inhibit empathy and prosocial responding among youth
Authors: Silke Charlotte , Brady Bernadine , Dolan Pat , Boylan Ciara
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to explore young people's perspectives on the factors that facilitate or inhibit empathy and prosocial responding among youth. Qualitative focus groups (n = 29) were undertaken with Irish young people aged 13–17 years relating to their views on the factors that facilitate or inhibit the expression of empathy. Parents, friends, and social media were found to be key influences, whereas barriers identified included societal norms, gender norms, lack of skill, or knowledge and target characteristics. This research provides important insights into adolescents’ perceptions of the social correlates of empathy. Concepts from the sociology of empathy, such as empathy maps and paths, are helpful in drawing out the implications for future research and practice.
Optimal conditions for 2‐phenylethanol production from l‐phenylalanine by Acinetobacter soli ANG344B
Authors: Bernardino Ana RS , Torres Cristiana AV , Grosso Filipa , Peixe Luísa , Reis Maria AM
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

2‐Phenylethanol (2‐PE) is a valuable flavor compound renowned for its rose‐like scent and widespread application in the cosmetic, perfume and food industries. While it can be naturally sourced from plants, the majority is currently produced through chemical synthesis, leading to environmental concerns. As an ecofriendly alternative, biotechnological production of 2‐PE presents a promising solution, yielding a natural product.

RESULTS

In this work, the newly isolated bacterium Acinetobacter soli ANG344B was used to produce 2‐PE from l‐phenylalanine (L‐Phe), using glucose as carbon source, aiming to determine the best conditions for cellular growth and aroma production. The optimal conditions for Acinetobacter cultivation and 2‐PE production were 30 °C and pH 7. Further, yeast extract proved to be a key element for 2‐PE production. The concentration of L‐Phe that maximizes 2‐PE volumetric productivity was found to be 5 g L−1, present in the cultivation media from the beginning of the cultivation. Under these conditions 2.14 ± 0.18 g L−1 of the aroma compound was produced, which is the highest concentration obtained for a wild‐type bacterium. The toxicity of 2‐PE was also evaluated, revealing that cellular growth of A. soli ANG344B was adversely affected at concentrations above 1 g L−1, and beyond 4 g L−1 no cellular growth was observed.

CONCLUSION

By elucidating the crucial factors affecting 2‐PE production by A. soli ANG344B, we pave the way for the development of biotechnological strategies to harness its potential as a natural and sustainable aroma compound. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Identification of stable reference genes for relative quantification of long RNA expression in urinary extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Xiao , Shen An‐Ran , Li Ning , Feng Song‐Tao , Tang Tao‐Tao , Zhang Yue , Jing Jing , Zhong Xin , Xie Li‐Jun , Huang Sheng‐Lin , Liu Bi‐Cheng , Lv Lin‐Li
Published: January 2024

Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) are rich in valuable biomolecule information which are increasingly recognized as potential biomarkers for various diseases. uEV long RNAs are among the critical cargos capable of providing unique transcriptome information of the source cells. However, consensus regarding ideal reference genes for relative long RNAs quantification in uEVs is not available as of date. Here we explored stable reference genes through profiling the long RNA expression by RNA‐seq following unsupervised analysis and validation studies. Candidate reference genes were identified using four algorithms: NormFinder, GeNorm, BestKeeper and the Delta Ct method, followed by validation. RNA profile showed uEVs contained abundant long RNAs information and the core transcriptome was related to cellular structures, especially ribosome which functions mainly as translation, protein and RNA binding molecules. Analysis of RNA‐seq data identified RPL18A, RPL11, RPL27, RACK1, RPSA, RPL41, H1‐2, RPL4, GAPDH, RPS27A as candidate reference genes. RT‐qPCR validation revealed that RPL41, RPSA and RPL18A were reliable reference genes for long RNA quantification in uEVs from patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), diabetic nephropathy (DN), IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and prostate cancer (PCA). Interestingly, RPL41 also outperformed traditional reference genes in renal tissues of DN and IgAN, as well as in plasma EVs of several types of cancers. The stable reference genes identified in this study may facilitate development of uEVs as novel biomarkers and increase the accuracy and comparability of biomarker studies.
Export stability and adolescent fertility rate
Authors: Huang Lili , Gao Qingyi , Fan Jiachen , Zhu Jingwen , Hong Zhenmu
Published: January 2024

This paper studies the effect of export stability on the adolescent fertility rate. The test results show that the improvement of export stability will decrease the adolescent fertility rate of exporting countries through four mechanisms: raising female labour income, increasing health expenditure, promoting urbanization and strengthening female education empowerment. Compared to developed or high‐income countries, the impact of export stability in developing or low‐income countries is more substantial. The increase in export scale will strengthen the impact of export stability on adolescent fertility rates. The findings of this article can help countries to govern the adolescent fertility rate further.
From expanding financial services to tackling poverty in West African Economic and Monetary Union: The accelerating role of mobile money
Authors: Senou Melain Modeste , Houensou Denis Acclassato
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to assess the accelerating role of digital technology in fighting poverty through financial inclusion in the countries of West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Based on a sample of the adult population from the World Bank's Findex database, we estimate a recursive bivariate probit model that addresses endogeneity. The findings show that the regular usage of mobile money as well as the purpose of mobile money usage including saving, borrowing, remittance and their combinations increase diversely and significantly the probability of short‐term poverty alleviation in WAEMU. In addition, the change in poverty status can be indirectly due to certain driving factors of mobile money usage including mainly the ownership of mobile phones.