bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To what extent do disparities in economic development and healthcare availability explain between‐province health inequalities among older people in China?
Authors: Richardson Sol , Li Zhihui
Published: March 2023

Background

Uneven economic development has led to substantial health inequalities between Chinese provinces. The extent of, and factors underlying, between‐province health inequalities have received little attention.

Methods

Data from 15,278 respondents in Wave 2 (2013) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were used to investigate inequalities among people aged ≥50 years in five health outcomes between 27 Chinese province‐level administrative units. After characterizing the between‐province differences and the relevance of province effects, proportional change in variance between unadjusted and adjusted models was calculated to determine the percentage of between‐province variance in health outcomes explained by province‐level variables including measures of economic development and healthcare availability.

Results

Although province effects explained <10% of overall variance in health outcomes, they underpinned large between‐province inequalities among people aged ≥50 years. Gross Regional Product per capita was more important than doctor density in explaining between‐province variance in health outcomes, particularly depression symptoms and instrumental activities of daily living impairment.

Conclusion

Policy efforts, including more equal distribution of healthcare personnel, may be warranted to reduce between‐province health inequalities.
Non‐invasive prediction of overall survival time for glioblastoma multiforme patients based on multimodal MRI radiomics
Authors: Zhu Jingyu , Ye Jianming , Dong Leshui , Ma Xiaofei , Tang Na , Xu Peng , Jin Wei , Li Ruipeng , Yang Guang , Lai Xiaobo
Published: March 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly primary malignant brain tumor. As GBM tumor is aggressive and shows high biological heterogeneity, the overall survival (OS) time is extremely low even with the most aggressive treatment. If the OS time can be predicted before surgery, developing personalized treatment plans for GBM patients will be beneficial. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a commonly used diagnostic tool for brain tumors with high‐resolution and sound imaging effects. However, in clinical practice, doctors mainly rely on manually segmenting the tumor regions in MRI and predicting the OS time of GBM patients, which is time‐consuming, subjective and repetitive, limiting the effectiveness of clinical diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to segment the brain tumor regions in MRI, and an accurate pre‐operative prediction of OS time for personalized treatment is highly desired. In this study, we present a multimodal MRI radiomics‐based automatic framework for non‐invasive prediction of the OS time for GBM patients. A modified 3D‐UNet model is built to segment tumor subregions in MRI of GBM patients; then, the radiomic features in the tumor subregions are extracted and combined with the clinical features input into the Support Vector Regression (SVR) model to predict the OS time. In the experiments, the BraTS2020, BraTS2019 and BraTS2018 datasets are used to evaluate our framework. Our model achieves competitive OS time prediction accuracy compared to most typical approaches.
Irrigation and conservation agricultural practices improve crop yield, water productivity and energetics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Vertisols of central India
Authors: Sawant Chetankumar Prakash , Singh Krishna Pratap , Singh Radhe Shyam , Lakaria Brij Lal , Nandeha Nirjharnee , Patel Anurag , Gupta Ajita , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Mukesh , Vishwakarma Anand Kumar , Pandey Himanshu Shekhar , Singh Dushyant , Khadatkar Abhijit , Babu V. Bhushana , Magar Ajit Pralhad , Mandal Sandip
Published: March 2023

The identification of suitable conservation agricultural (CA) practices plays a significant role in global food security. A 3‐year (2018–2020) field experiment was conducted in Vertisols of the semi‐arid tropics of central India to investigate the effects of CA practices and irrigation methods on the yield, water productivity (WP) and energetics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). A split–split plot design was used with three treatments, namely, two irrigation methods (sprinkler and furrow), three residue loads (30%, 60% and 100%) and three planting methods (broad‐bed shaper‐cum‐planter [BBSP], zero‐till planter and seed‐cum‐fertilizer drill) with three replications each. Sprinkler irrigation significantly improved chickpea seed yield by 2% and 5% in the second (1566 kg ha−1) and third years (1555 kg ha−1) compared to furrow irrigation. During the three experimental years, the WP of chickpeas under sprinkler irrigation was significantly higher (p < 0.05) by 31%, 34% and 35% compared to that under furrow irrigation. Irrigation (6027 MJ ha−1), fertilization (1805 MJ ha−1) and planting (1615 MJ ha−1) accounted for 63%–68% of the total energy input in chickpea production. Under CA practices, it is recommended that higher returns be achieved using BBSP and a 100% residue load with sprinkler irrigation.
Corrosion caused by fertigation with urea and potassium chloride solutions resembles that generated by irrigation
Authors: Corrêa Flávia Vilela , Lima Luiz Antonio , Thebaldi Michael Silveira , Rodrigues Karina Vilela
Published: March 2023

Corrosion is a common problem in irrigation systems consisting of metal parts. Fertigation can aggravate this phenomenon because fertilizers, once dissolved in water, usually tend to be corrosive. In this study, the effects of corrosion resulting from fertigation with solutions of white potassium chloride (10 g L−1) and urea (10 g L−1) on galvanized steel and AISI 304 stainless steel specimens, materials similar to the centre pivots and injection pumps, were evaluated by simulation tests. During the experiment, the mass loss, corrosion penetration rate, thickness loss and estimated useful life of the specimens were calculated. The results showed that the variation in the fertilizer source as well as the type of metal influenced the corrosion effects. Furthermore, the useful life expectancy of steels intended for irrigation in systems that practice fertigation practically does not differ from the systems where only irrigation is practiced. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is significantly higher than that of galvanized steel, so its use should be considered in irrigation systems. In addition, it is interesting that the Zn coating on the galvanized steel pipes used for irrigation presents at least twice the thickness to ensure greater protection of the steel substrate.
Assessment of the bioaccumulation potential of four commonly used phenolic benzotriazoles based on in silico and experimental in vivo data
Authors: Leubner Nadine , Pawlowski Sascha , Salinas Edward R. , Wigh Adriana , Dammann Martina , Preibisch Alina , Schmitt Christian
Published: March 2023

Phenolic benzotriazoles (BTZs) are used globally as light stabilizers in various plastic products to protect them from photooxidative degradation. The same physical–chemical properties that confer their functionality, like a sufficient photostability and a high octanol–water partition coefficient, also raise concerns on their potential for environmental persistence and bioaccumulation based on in silico predictive tools. To evaluate their bioaccumulation potential in aquatic organisms, standardized fish bioaccumulation studies according to OECD TG 305 were conducted with four of the most commonly used BTZs: UV 234, UV 329, UV P, and UV 326. The resulting growth‐ and lipid‐corrected BCF values revealed that UV 234, UV 329, and UV P were below the bioaccumulation threshold (BCF ≤ 2000), but UV 326 is considered very bioaccumulative (BCF ≥ 5000) with respect to the bioaccumulation criteria under REACH. Comparing these experimentally derived data with quantitative structure activity related or other calculated values using a logarithmic partitioning coefficient octanol–water (log Pow) driven mathematical formula revealed significant discrepancies demonstrating the weakness of current in silico approaches for this group of substances. Furthermore, available environmental monitoring data demonstrate that these rudimentary in silico approaches can lead to unreliable bioaccumulation estimates for this chemical class due to considerable uncertainties in underlying assumptions (e.g., concentration and route of exposure). However, using more sophisticated in silico methods (i.e., CATALOGIC base‐line model), the derived BCF values were better aligned with the experimentally derived ones.
Recombinant perlecan domain V covalently immobilized on silk biomaterials via plasma immersion ion implantation supports the formation of functional endothelium
Authors: Lau Kieran , Fu Lu , Zhang Anyu , Akhavan Behnam , Whitelock John , Bilek Marcela M. , Lord Megan S. , Rnjak‐Kovacina Jelena
Published: March 2023

Strategies to promote rapid formation of functional endothelium are required to maintain blood fluidity and regulate smooth muscle cell proliferation in synthetic vascular conduits. In this work, we explored the biofunctionalization of silk biomaterials with recombinantly expressed domain V of human perlecan (rDV) to promote endothelial cell interactions and the formation of functional endothelium. Perlecan is essential in vascular development and homeostasis and rDV has been shown to uniquely support endothelial cell, while inhibiting smooth muscle cell and platelet interactions, both key contributors of vascular graft failure. rDV was covalently immobilized on silk using plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII), a simple one‐step surface treatment process which enables strong immobilization in the absence of chemical cross‐linkers. rDV immobilization on surface‐modified silk was assessed for amount, orientation, and bio‐functionality in terms of endothelial cell interactions and functional endothelial layer formation. rDV immobilized on PIII‐treated silk (rDV‐PIII‐silk) supported rapid endothelial cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation to form functional endothelium, as evidenced by the expression of vinculin and VE‐cadherin markers. Taken together, the results provide evidence for the potential of rDV‐PIII‐silk as a biomimetic vascular graft material.
Does corporate social responsibility play a moderating role in trading silence prior to bad news earnings announcements?
Authors: Chakraborty Atreya , Gao Lucia Silva , Kim Sangwan , Liu Rongbing
Published: March 2023

We examine whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays a role in moderating trading silence prior to bad news earnings announcements. Unusually low trading volume before the public release of negative earnings information constrains price discovery. We find that unusually low trading volume prior to earnings announcements is less pronounced for firms with a high level of CSR activities. We also find that this effect is stronger before bad news earnings announcements than good news earnings announcements. These findings are robust to various alternative research design choices and to the endogeneity concern between CSR and trading activity. Taken together, our study demonstrates that CSR plays a moderating role in trading silence by improving firms’ pre‐disclosure business and information environments.
Enhanced excretion of recombinant cyclodextrin glucanotransferase and cell stability of immobilized recombinant Escherichia coli by reducing tryptone concentration
Authors: Man Rohaida Che , Manas Nor Hasmaliana Abdul , Illias Rosli Md , Mudalip Siti Kholijah Abdul , Sulaiman Siti Zubaidah , Masngut Nasratun
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Recombinant protein excretion has become a mainstream strategy in reducing downstream processing costs. However, recombinant protein excretion is often bottlenecked by cell lysis and plasmid stability. In the present study, recombinant Escherichia coli cell immobilization was performed on a hollow fiber membrane. Tryptone concentration in the expression medium (Super Optimal Broth), which was used as a nitrogen source, was varied between 5 and 20 g L−1 to enhance the excretion of recombinant cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase), plasmid stability, and resistance of cell lysis.

RESULTS

The immobilized cells with 5 g L−1 concentration of tryptone improved the plasmid stability with 119% improvement and 69% reduction of cell lysis without remarkably altering the excretion of CGTase compared with the tryptone concentration of 20 g L−1. The immobilized cells showed a 2‐fold increase in excretion of CGTase, a 45% reduction in cell lysis, and a 172% gain in plasmid stability in comparison with the free cells. Moreover, the doubling time increased to 58 and 5 h for the immobilized and free cells, respectively. The immobilized cells recorded 2301.62 U mL−1 of cumulative CGTase activity through seven fermentation cycles using the untreated membrane, marking their excellent reusability.

CONCLUSION

This new technique of recombinant protein expression utilizing an immobilized cell system under low tryptone concentration is an outstanding approach to improve recombinant CGTase excretion and plasmid stability with low cell lysis. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Accessorizing development: Fundraising bracelets for International Development as a New Development Responsibility
Authors: Hill‐Tout Kimberly N. , Hawkins Roberta
Published: March 2023

Individuals in the Global North wishing to support people in the Global South can purchase a fundraising bracelet in order to ‘change lives’. This article examines the use of fundraising bracelets for International Development (FBID) as a form of ‘New Development Responsibility’. We illustrate through a database and critical discourse analysis that FBID campaigns are a distinctly feminized version of ID aid where women are engaged as consumers, campaign founders and artisans. Our analysis of these different roles suggest that FBID represent a specifically feminized version of the ‘White Saviour Complex’ requiring further exploration, particularly around the ‘accessorization’ of ID.
Long‐term follow‐up in preschool children after radiofrequency catheter ablation of arrhythmias
Authors: Svintsova Liliya I. , Krivolapov Sergey N. , Dzhaffarova Olga Y. , Plotnikova Irina V.
Published: March 2023

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the standard method of treatment for tachyarrhythmias in school children, and it leads to complete recovery in children without structural heart disease. However, RFA in young children is limited by the risk of complications and unstudied remote effects of radiofrequency lesions.

Objective

To present the experience of RFA of arrhythmias and the results of follow‐up of younger children.

Materials and Methods

RFA procedures (n = 255) were performed in 209 children with arrhythmias from 0 to 7 years old. The arrhythmias were presented with atrioventricular reentry tachycardia with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome (56%), atrial ectopic tachycardia (21.5%), atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (4.8%), and ventricular arrhythmia (17.2%).

Results

The overall effectiveness of RFA, considering the repeated procedures performed due to the primary ineffectiveness and recurrencies, was 94.7%. There was no mortality associated with RFA in patients, including young patients. All cases of “major” complications are associated with RFA of the left‐sided accessory pathway and tachycardia foci and are represented by the mitral valve damage in three patients (1.4%). Tachycardia and preexcitation recurred in 44 (21%) patients. There was a correlation between recurrences and parameters of RFA (odds ratio 0.894; 95% confidence interval: 0.804–0.994; p = .039). Reducing the maximum power of effective applications in our study increased the risk of recurrence.

Conclusion

The use of the minimum effective parameters of RFA in children reduces the risk of complications, but increases arrhythmia recurrence rate.
Micro‐structural study of crystals and glassy matrix of black glazed wares from Jian kilns, China (Song Dynasty, AD 960–1279)
Authors: Qian Cheng , Li Qiang , Wang Fen , Zhu Jianfen , Zhao Jing , Yang Chi , Wang Tian
Published: March 2023

Black glazed wares (Wujin wares) and hare fur's decorated black glazed wares (HF wares) are ones of typical production of Jian kilns, China during Song Dynasty. In this work, Wujin wares and HF wares excavated in Jian kiln complex (Yulinting kilns, Daluhoumen kilns and Luhuaping kilns) were systematically analyzed by optical microscope, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and micro‐Raman spectroscopy. The results show that the index of glassy polymerization (Ip) of Wujin wares is smaller than black areas of HF wares, indicating the higher firing temperature used for HF wares. Several pseudobrookite, rutile, hematite and quartz crystals were detected in glazes of Wujin wares while a great number of ɛ‐Fe2O3 crystals was observed in brown stripes of HF wares. Besides, wares in different kiln sites present obviously differences in bubble distribution and glassy structure, indicating a lower firing temperature used for Yulinting kilns than those of Daluhoumen kilns and Luhuaping kilns.
Pitfalls in Carotid Doppler Interpretation and How to Avoid Them
Authors: Gunabushanam Gowthaman , Kent Risa H. , Scoutt Leslie M.
Published: March 2023

Imaging pitfalls commonly occur in carotid Doppler ultrasound and may lead to false positive diagnosis of stenosis, missed diagnosis of stenosis, and errors in grading stenosis severity. These pitfalls may result from suboptimal technique and/or patient‐specific factors including coexisting cardiovascular pathology, contralateral high‐grade stenosis/occlusion, tortuous vessels, tandem lesions, long‐segment stenosis, nearly occlusive stenosis, and heavily calcified plaque. Awareness of these pitfalls and careful assessment of the extent of plaque on grayscale and color Doppler as well as analysis of the spectral Doppler waveforms can help avoid misinterpretation of the carotid Doppler examination.
Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: Outcomes Analysis Based Upon Hospital Volume
Authors: Adil Eelam A. , Francisco Sarah , Morgan Ella , Kawai Kosuke , Cunningham Michael J.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the management of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) from a national perspective with outcomes comparison based on hospital volume.

Study Design

Ten‐year Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) data analysis.

Methods

The PHIS database was queried for the diagnosis of JNA. Data regarding demographics, surgical approach, embolization, length of stay, charges, readmission, and revision surgery was collected and analyzed. Hospitals were classified as low volume if fewer than 10 cases and high volume if greater than or equal to 10 cases during the study period. A random effects model compared outcomes based on hospital volume.

Results

A total of 287 JNA patients were identified with a mean age of 13.8 (± 2.7) years. Nine hospitals were classified as high volume, accounting for a total of 121 patients. The mean length of hospitalization, blood transfusion rate, and 30‐day readmissions did not differ significantly by hospital volume. Patients cared for at high‐volume institutions were less likely to require postoperative mechanical ventilation (8.3% vs. 25.0%; adjusted RR = 0.32; 95% CI 0.14–0.73; p < 0.01) or return to the operating room for residual disease than patients admitted to low‐volume hospitals (7.4% vs. 20.5%; adjusted RR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.18–0.79; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

The management of JNA is complex from both an operative and perioperative management standpoint. Over the past decade, nearly half (42.2%) of JNA patients have been managed at nine institutions in the United States. These centers have significantly lower rates of postoperative mechanical ventilation and the need for revision surgery.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3216–3220, 2023
Discharge Disposition After Head and Neck Reconstruction: Effect on Adjuvant Therapy and Outcomes
Authors: Dang Sophia , Patel Terral , Lao Isabella , Sridharan Shaum S. , Solari Mario G. , Kim Seungwon , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Ferris Robert , Kubik Mark
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Head and neck cancer patients that require major reconstruction often have advanced‐stage disease. Discharge disposition of patients can vary and impact time to adjuvant treatment. We sought to examine outcomes in patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNF) compared to those discharged home, including the impact on adjuvant therapy initiation and treatment package time (TPT).

Methods

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with surgical resection and microvascular free flap reconstruction from 2019 to 2022 were included. Retrospective review was conducted to evaluate the impact of disposition on time to radiation (RT) and TPT.

Results

230 patients were included, with 165 (71.7%) discharged to home and 65 (28.3%) discharged to SNF. 79.1% of patients were recommended adjuvant therapy. Average time to RT was 59 days for patients discharged to home compared to 70.1 days for patients discharged to SNF. Disposition was an independent risk factor for delays to starting RT (p = 0.03). TPT was 101.7 days for patients discharged to home versus 112.3 days for those who discharged to SNF. Patients discharged to SNF had higher rates of readmission (p < 0.005) compared to patients discharged home in an adjusted multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusions

Patients discharged to an SNF had significantly delayed time to initiation of adjuvant treatment and higher rates of readmission. Timeliness to adjuvant treatment has recently been established as a quality measure, thus identifying delays to adjuvant treatment initiation should be a priority.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2977–2983, 2023
The Effects of Nasal Surgery on Pulmonary Function: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Baharmand Iman , Sheikh‐Oleslami Sara , Pascual Rodríguez Athenea , Hernaiz‐Leonardo Juan Carlos , Alim Bader M. , Javer Amin R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

A deviated nasal septum (DNS) can result in an anatomical obstruction and impact lung function through prolonged suboptimal inspiration. Given the improvements in respiration reported by patients following septoplasty or septorhinoplasty (with or without inferior turbinate reduction), our study investigated the effect of these procedures on pulmonary function through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Databases, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

Review Methods

The review was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42022316309]. The study population was composed of adult patients (18–65) who were symptomatic with confirmed DNS. Extracted outcomes (pre‐operative versus postoperative) included the six‐minute walk test (6MWT) and pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEF25‐75, PEF). Meta‐analyses were performed using a random‐effects model.

Results

Three studies included measures of the 6MWT in meters and all three found a statistically significant increase in the distance walked after surgery with a mean difference of 62.40 m (95% CI 24.79–100.00). Statistically significant improvements in PFT outcomes were observed with a standard mean difference of 0.72 for FEV1 (95% CI 0.31–1.13), 0.63 for FVC (95% CI 0.26–1.00), and 0.64 for PEF (95% CI 0.47–0.82). Of the twelve studies which measured PFT outcomes, six showed statistically significant improvements, three studies showed mixed results, and three studies found no difference in PFT outcomes between pre‐and post‐surgery testing.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that pulmonary function does improve after nasal surgery for DNS, but the high heterogeneity observed in the meta‐analyses indicates that the evidence supporting this conclusion is low. Laryngoscope, 133:2837–2845, 2023
Association Between Hearing Impairment and Incident Depression: A Nationwide Follow‐up Study
Authors: Kim Hye Jun , Jeong Seogsong , Roh Kyung Jin , Oh Yun Hwan , Suh Michelle J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that hearing impairment is associated with the onset of depression. However, large‐scale epidemiological studies are required to define this association more clearly. We aimed to investigate the risk of new‐onset depression in Korean older adults with and without hearing impairment.

Methods

From the National Health Insurance Service‐Senior Cohort, which is a retrospective‐prospective hybrid database, we analyzed data for 254,466 older adults enrolled in the Korea National Health Insurance Service‐Senior Cohort who underwent at least one health screening between 2003 and 2019. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the association between hearing impairment and the risk of incident depression, which was presented as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All participants were followed up until the date of incident depression, death, or December 31, 2019.

Results

During 3,417,682 person‐years of follow‐up investigation, hearing impairment was associated with a higher risk of incident depression (vs. no hearing impairment) in the final adjusted model (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01–1.21; p = 0.033). Stratified analyses revealed a significant interaction among age, hearing impairment, and the risk of depression. Participants aged <65 years had a higher risk of depression (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.12–1.50; p < 0.001) than those aged 65 or above (aHR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01–1.30; p = 0.032).

Conclusions

Hearing impairment is independently associated with a higher risk of depression among older adults. The prevention and treatment of hearing impairment may aid in mitigating the risk of incident depression.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 133:3144–3151, 2023
Enhanced Cell Penetration and Pluripotency Maintenance of hiPSCs in 3D Natural Chitosan Scaffolds
Authors: Tang Yuanzhang , Zhou Yang , Lin Guanyou , Zhang Miqin
Published: March 2023

Human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) cultured in 3D matrices hold great promise in disease modeling, drug discovery, and tissue regeneration. Uniform cell distribution in a 3D structure is critical to the growth and function of hiPSCs, yet cell seeding in 3D matrices often remains superficial, leading to limited cell proliferation and compromised pluripotency. Here, an approach to improve cell penetration depth of hiPSCs in 3D scaffolds modified with hiPSCs conditioned medium (CM) is reported. It is shown that extracellular matrix components are successfully deposited onto the scaffold wall surface after CM treatment and promoted homogeneous cell adhesion during initial seeding. Compared to plain, unmodified scaffolds, the CM treated scaffold improves spatial cell distribution uniformity and upregulates pluripotency markers. Notably, the expression of 29 genes associated with 11 signaling pathways participated in the pluripotency maintenance of hiPSCs exhibits >2‐fold change in hiPSCs grown in the CM treated scaffolds than 2D counterparts, demonstrating that CM treated scaffolds can support a more primitive and undifferentiated phenotype of hiPSCs. This study introduces a simple and effective method to enhance cell penetration and maintain cell pluripotency in 3D matrices.
How Is Functional Neurological Disorder Managed in Australian Hospitals? A Multi‐Site Study Conducted on Acute Inpatient and Inpatient Rehabilitation Wards
Authors: Petrie Dharsha , Lehn Alexander , Barratt Jessica , Hughes Amy , Roberts Kathryn , Fitzhenry Sarah , Gane Elise
Published: March 2023

Background

Successful management for functional neurological disorder (FND) requires multidisciplinary involvement starting with providing a definitive diagnosis.

Objectives

To observe clinical management of patients with FND during hospital admission.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted over six Australian hospitals over a 4‐month period. Data collected included patient demographics, communication of the diagnosis of FND, access to the multidisciplinary team, hospital length of stay (LOS), and emergency department (ED) presentations.

Results

A total of 113 patients were included. Median LOS was 6 (interquartile range, 3–14) days. Thirty‐five (31%) presented to ED with 9 (8%) re‐presenting two or more times after hospital discharge. Total hospital utilization cost was AUD$3.5million. A new diagnosis was made in 82 (73%) patients. Inpatient referrals were made to neurology (81, 72%), psychology (29, 26%), psychiatry (27, 24%), and physiotherapy (100, 88%). Forty‐four (54%) were not told of the diagnosis. Twenty (24%) did not have their diagnosis documented in their medical record. Of the 19 (23%) not reviewed by neurology on non‐neurosciences wards, 17 (89%) did not have their diagnosis communicated and 11 (58%) did not have it documented. Twenty‐five (42%) referred to neurology were not provided with a diagnosis.

Conclusions

Current gaps in service provision during inpatient hospital admissions in Australia include low rates of communication of a diagnosis, particularly when patients are not located on a neurosciences ward, and limited and variable access to inpatient multidisciplinary teams. Specialized services are needed to improve education, clinical pathways, communication, and health outcomes while reducing healthcare system costs.
Augmenting MH treatment can help older adults with TRD
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

Observing that many people with clinical depression don't respond to medications used to treat the condition, new research — conducted as a two‐step clinical trial — found that adding antidepressant treatment to their current depression medication regimen helped older adult patients with treatment‐resistant depression (TRD) experience greater mood improvements.
Immediate‐delayed lymphatic reconstruction after axillary lymph nodes dissection for locally advanced breast cancer‐related lymphedema prevention: Report of two cases
Authors: Brahma Bayu , Yamamoto Takumi , Agdelina Clarissa , Adella Devina , Putri Rizky Ifandriani , Hanifah Wardah , Sundah Vincentius Henry , Perdana Adhitya Bayu , Putra Mohammad Reka Ananda , Taher Akmal , Panigoro Sonar Soni
Published: March 2023

Approximately 60%–70% of breast cancer patients in Indonesia are diagnosed in the locally advanced stage. The stage carries a higher risk of lymph node metastasis which increases susceptibility to lymph obstruction. Hence, breast cancer‐related lymphedema (BCRL) could present before axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The purpose of this case report is to describe immediate‐delayed lymphatic reconstructions with lymphaticovenous anastomosis in two subclinical lymphedema cases that present before ALND. There were 51 and 58 years old breast cancer patients with stage IIIC and IIIB, respectively. Both had no arm lymphedema symptoms, but arm lymphatic vessel abnormalities were found during preoperative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography. Mastectomy and ALND were performed and proceeded with lymphaticovenous anastomoses (LVA) in both cases. One LVA at the axilla (isotopic) was done in the first patient. On the second patient, 3 LVAs at the affected arm (ectopic) and 3 isotopic LVAs were created. The patients were discharged on the second day without complications during the follow‐up. The intensity of dermal backflow was reduced, and no subclinical lymphedema progression occurred during 11 and 9 months follow‐up, respectively. Based on these cases, BCRL screening might be recommended for the locally advanced stage before cancer treatment. Once diagnosed, immediate lymphatic reconstruction after ALND should be recommended to cure or prevent BCRL progression.
Mitochondrial dysfunction caused by SIRT3 inhibition drives proinflammatory macrophage polarization in obesity
Authors: Zhou Qing , Wang Yuyan , Lu Zongshi , Wang Bowen , Li Li , You Mei , Wang Lijuan , Cao Tingbing , Zhao Yu , Li Qiang , Mou Aidi , Shu Wentao , He Hongbo , Zhao Zhigang , Liu Daoyan , Zhu Zhiming , Gao Peng , Yan Zhencheng
Published: March 2023

Objective

Metabolic reprogramming is a main feature of proinflammatory macrophage polarization, a process that leads to inflammation in dysfunctional adipose tissue. Therefore, the study aim was to explore whether sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial deacetylase, participates in this pathophysiological process.

Methods

Macrophage‐specific Sirt3 knockout (Sirt3‐MKO) mice and wild‐type littermates were treated with a high‐fat diet. Body weight, glucose tolerance, and inflammation were evaluated. Bone marrow–derived macrophages and RAW264.7 cells were treated with palmitic acid to explore the mechanism of SIRT3 on inflammation.

Results

The expression of SIRT3 was significantly repressed in both bone marrow–derived macrophages and adipose tissue macrophages in mice fed with a high‐fat diet. Sirt3‐MKO mice exhibited accelerated body weight and severe inflammation, accompanied with reduced energy expenditure and worsened glucose metabolism. In vitro experiments showed that SIRT3 inhibition or knockdown exacerbated palmitic acid–induced proinflammatory macrophage polarization, whereas SIRT3 restoration displayed opposite effects. Mechanistically, SIRT3 deficiency resulted in hyperacetylation of succinate dehydrogenase that led to succinate accumulation, which suppressed the transcription of Kruppel‐like factor 4 via increasing histone methylation on its promoter, thus evoking proinflammatory macrophages.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes an important preventive role of SIRT3 in macrophage polarization and implies that SIRT3 is a promising therapeutic target for obesity.
Preparation of high‐strength, high‐modulus PVA fiber by synthesis of syndiotacticity‐rich high molecular weight PVA polymers with VAc and VBz via emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization
Authors: Wang Huajun , He Junwei , Zou Liming , Wang Chao , Li Yan Vivian
Published: March 2023

Different vinyl acetate (VAc) and vinyl benzoate (VBz) monomer ratios have been chosen as monomers to create high polymerization degree (Pn) and high syndiotacticity‐diad content (S‐diad) poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymers via emulsifier‐free polymerization in order to address the problem of limited mechanical capabilities of PVA fibers prepared with low Pn and low S‐diad polymer. The variations in hydrogen bonding, Pn, S‐diad, and viscosity of different PVA polymers were investigated and evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, and a viscosity tester. Moreover, various PVA fibers with high strength and modulus have been manufactured using a synthetic polymer as the raw material for dry‐wet spinning. The effect of Pn and S‐diad on the mechanical and thermal characteristics of PVA fibers is evaluated using a variety of characterization techniques, such as the scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyzer, X‐ray diffraction, and tensile tester. As the ratio of VBz monomer increased, the results suggested that VBz may have a considerable impact on the Pn and S‐diad of PVA polymers, the OH vibration absorption peak reduced from 3491 to 3442 cm−1; the Pn increased from 2112 to 17,704; and the S‐diad rose from 51.2% to 60.1%. In addition to the fact that Pn and S‐diad significantly increased the fibers' strength and modulus, the crystallinity increased from 41.8% to 51.7%, and the orientation degree rose from 87.5% to 91.7%, as Pn and S‐diad increased; the tensile strength and highest elastic modulus increased from 9.71 ± 0.3 cN/dtex to 12.74 ± 0.5 cN/dtex (increased of 31.2%) and 264.52 ± 9.3 cN/dtex to 338.41 ± 8.6 cN/dtex (increased of 27.9%); the elongation at break decreased from 5.63 ± 0.3% to 2.92 ± 0.2%.
Intrusive parenting in early childhood: A review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Zixin , Liang Xi , Wang Zhengyan , Lin Yige , Zhang Linlin
Published: March 2023

This systematic review and meta‐analysis examines similarities and differences in intrusive parenting between mothers and fathers and relations between intrusive parenting and early childhood development. The authors integrated 55 studies and differentiated cognitive skills and socio‐emotional problems as developmental outcomes. The present study employs three‐level meta‐analyses to reliably estimate effect sizes and examine a range of moderators. It finds a moderate effect size of similarities in intrusive parenting within a family (r = 0.256, confidence interval [CI] = [0.180, 0.329]). No significant differences were observed in intrusiveness level between mothers and fathers (g = 0.035, CI = [−0.034, 0.103]). Intrusive parenting had a significant positive association with children's socio‐emotional problems (rmother = 0.098, CImother = [0.051, 0.145]; rfather = 0.094, CI father = [0.032, 0.154]) but was not related to cognitive skills. Moderator analyses suggest that East Asian mothers exhibit higher intrusiveness levels than fathers, whereas Western parents display no significant differences. Overall, these results reveal more similarities than differences in intrusive parenting and that culture likely plays a role in shaping gender‐specific parenting behaviors.
Reliability analysis of heat source layout temperature field prediction considering uncertainty in deep neural network surrogate models
Authors: Xia Yufeng , Yao Wen , Zheng Xiaohu , Gong Zhiqiang
Published: March 2023

In engineering systems such as energy systems and electronic devices, thermal reliability analysis of the heat source component area is critical to ensure the proper functioning of these components. Previous methods, due to the high data dimensionality of the temperature field of the whole heat source area, face high computational cost when analyzing the reliability. To solve the problem of high computational cost, reliability analysis methods based on deep neural network surrogate models are receiving more and more attention. However, the uncertainty of deep neural networks is rarely considered in reliability problems, leading to unreasonable or imperfect reliability analysis. Therefore, we propose a reliability analysis method for heat source layout temperature field prediction, considering the uncertainty of deep neural network surrogate models. The method uses the information on the standard deviation of temperature field prediction provided by the model uncertainty to obtain the interval prediction of the temperature field. Then, the temperature field reliability interval of the layout area can be obtained by combining the temperature field interval prediction and Monte Carlo sampling. Further, we propose a strategy for selecting the heat source layout scheme based on the reliability interval in the late engineering design stage. Finally, the method's validity is verified using some examples, which provides an important reference basis for engineers.
Effects of COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and maternal and neonatal outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rahmati Masoud , Yon Dong Keon , Lee Seung Won , Butler Laurie , Koyanagi Ai , Jacob Louis , Shin Jae Il , Smith Lee
Published: March 2023

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, but no systematic synthesis of evidence on COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy against these outcomes has been undertaken. Thus, we aimed to assess the collective evidence on the effects of COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes. PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE were systematically searched for articles published up to 1 November 2022. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to calculate pooled effects size and 95% confidence interval (CI). We evaluated 30 studies involving 862,272 individuals (308,428 vaccinated and 553,844 unvaccinated). Overall pooled analyses in pregnant women during pregnancy showed reduced risks of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by 60% (41%–73%), COVID‐19 hospitalisation during pregnancy by 53% (31%–69%), and COVID‐19 intensive care unit (ICU) admission by 82% (12%–99%). Neonates of vaccinated women were 1.78 folds more likely to acquire SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the first 2, 4 and 6 months of life during the Omicron period. The risk of stillbirth was reduced by 45% (17%–63%) in association with vaccination (vs. no vaccination) in pregnancy. A decrease of 15% (3%–25%), 33% (14%–48%), and 33% (17%–46%) in the odds of preterm births before 37, 32 and 28 weeks' gestation were associated with vaccination (vs. no vaccination) in pregnancy, respectively. The risk of neonatal ICU admission was significantly lower by 20% following COVID‐19 vaccination in pregnancy (16%–24%). There was no evidence of a higher risk of adverse outcomes including miscarriage, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, cardiac problems, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, unassisted vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, postpartum haemorrhage, gestational age at delivery, placental abruption, Apgar score at 5 min below 7, low birthweight (<2500 g), very low birthweight (<1500 g), small for gestational age, and neonatal foetal abnormalities. COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and highly effective in preventing maternal SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pregnancy, without increasing the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, and is associated with a reduction in stillbirth, preterm births, and neonatal ICU admission. Importantly, maternal vaccination did not reduce the risk of neonatal SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the first 6 months of life during the Omicron period.
Atypical Granular Cell Tumour in a Child: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Kitahara Yuma , Hook Catherine Elizabeth , Miyagi Kana , Burrows Nigel P.
Published: March 2023

We report an atypical granular cell tumour (GCT) presenting in a 6-year-old boy. GCTs are of neural origin and most cases arise in patients between the ages of 40 and 60. There are few reported cases in children, in whom malignant presentations are exceptionally rare. This patient presented with a 1 year history of a slowly enlarging nodule on the right anterior abdomen. Examination revealed a firm, nodular dermal skin lesion, which was fully excised. Histology revealed an atypical GCT.
Structural, Optical, Magnetic and Photocatalytic Properties of Zn Doped CoFe2O4Decorated Bentonite Nanocomposites
Authors: Keles Guner Eda
Published: March 2023

The bentonite‐Zn doped CoFe2O4photocatalysts were successfully synthesized for the first time by decorating magnetic ZnxCo1−xFe2O4nanoparticles onto the bentonite surface in order to enhance the photocatalytic performance of Zn doped CoFe2O4nanoparticles. We tried to thoroughly investigate how changes in Zn2+concentration affected the particle size, shape, magnetic properties, optical band gap, and photocatalytic activities of B‐ZnxCo1−xFe2O4nanocomposites. The photodegradation of crystal violet (CV), a model reaction under visible light irradiations, was used to assess the photocatalytic activities of the samples. Compared to other samples, the B‐ZnxCo1−xFe2O4(x=0.5) showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which is best matched to the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic. According to investigations using reactive species capture, the superoxide radicals have the main role in the degrading process, while the hydroxyl radicals and holes have a secondary and minimal effect, respectively.
Cell‐Like Capsules with “Smart” Compartments
Authors: Ahn So Hyun , Borden Leah K. , Bentley William E. , Raghavan Srinivasa R.
Published: March 2023

Eukaryotic cells have inner compartments (organelles), each with distinct properties and functions. One mimic of this architecture, based on biopolymers, is the multicompartment capsule (MCC). Here, MCCs in which the inner compartments are chemically unique and “smart,” i.e., responsive to distinct stimuli in an orthogonal manner are created. Specifically, one compartment alone is induced to degrade when the MCC is contacted with an enzyme while other compartments remain unaffected. Similarly, just one compartment gets degraded upon contact with reactive oxygen species generated from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). And thirdly, one compartment alone is degraded by an external, physical stimulus, namely, by irradiating the MCC with ultraviolet (UV) light. All these specific responses are achieved without resorting to complicated chemistry to create the compartments: the multivalent cation used to crosslink the biopolymer alginate (Alg) is simply altered. Compartments of Alg crosslinked by Ca2+ are shown to be sensitive to enzymes (alginate lyases) but not to H2O2 or UV, whereas the reverse is the case with Alg/Fe3+ compartments. These results imply the ability to selectively burst open a compartment in an MCC “on‐demand” (i.e., as and when needed) and using biologically relevant stimuli. The results are then extended to a sequential degradation, where compartments in an MCC are degraded one after another, leaving behind an empty MCC lumen. Collectively, this work advances the MCC as a platform that not only emulates key features of cellular architecture, but can also begin to capture rudimentary cell‐like behaviors.
Over 2 A cm−2 CO2‐to‐Ethanol Conversion by Alkali‐Metal Cation Induced Copper With Dominant (200) Facets
Authors: Peng Chen , Yang Songtao , Luo Gan , Yan Shuai , Shakouri Mohsen , Zhang Junbo , Chen Yangshen , Wang Zhiqiang , Wei Wei , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Zheng Gengfeng
Published: March 2023

The high‐rate ethanol electrosynthesis from CO2 is challenging due to the low selectivity and poor activity, which requires the competition with other reduction products and H2. Here, the electrochemical reconstruction of Cs3Cu2Cl5 perovskite to form surface Cl‐bonded, low‐coordinated Cs modified Cu(200) nanocubes (CuClCs), is demonstrated. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the CuClCs structure possesses low Bader charges and a large coordination capacity; and thus, can promote the CO2‐to‐ethanol pathway via stabilizing C−O bond in oxygenate intermediates. The CuClCs catalyst exhibits outstanding partial current densities for producing ethanol (up to 2124 ± 54 mA cm−2) as one of the highest reported values in the electrochemical CO2 or CO reduction. This work suggests an attractive strategy with surface alkali‐metal cations for ampere‐level CO2‐to‐ethanol electrosynthesis.
Super‐Photothermal Effect‐Mediated Fast Reaction Kinetic in S‐Scheme Organic/Inorganic Heterojunction Hollow Spheres Toward Optimized Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Xiao Yawei , Yao Bo , Cao Minhua , Wang Yude
Published: March 2023

Using full solar spectrum for energy conversion and environmental remediation is a major challenge, and solar‐driven photothermal chemistry is a promising route to achieve this goal. Herein, this work reports a photothermal nano‐constrained reactor based on hollow structured g‐C3N4@ZnIn2S4 core–shell S‐scheme heterojunction, where the synergistic effect of super‐photothermal effect and S‐scheme heterostructure significantly improve the photocatalytic performance of g‐C3N4. The formation mechanism of g‐C3N4@ZnIn2S4 is predicted in advance by theoretical calculations and advanced techniques, and the super‐photothermal effect of g‐C3N4@ZnIn2S4 and its contribution to the near‐field chemical reaction is confirmed by numerical simulations and infrared thermography. Consequently, the photocatalytic degradation rate of g‐C3N4@ZnIn2S4 for tetracycline hydrochloride is 99.3%, and the photocatalytic hydrogen production is up to 4075.65 µmol h−1 g−1, which are 6.94 and 30.87 times those of pure g‐C3N4, respectively. The combination of S‐scheme heterojunction and thermal synergism provides a promising insight for the design of an efficient photocatalytic reaction platform.