bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterización clínico epidemiológica de las cardiopatías congénitas en niños. Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social
Authors: Bonilla Medina Paola Sophia , Breuillet Barrera Christian Leonel , Guerrero Manueles Juan Rafael
Published: October 2016

Antecedentes: Las malformaciones congénitas que más frecuentemente determinan malformaciones infantiles son las cardiopatías, producen 30% de las muertes en pacientes pediátricos. Desde que en 1939 Robert Gross realizó la primera intervención quirúrgica de un paciente con cardiopatía congénita (CC), éstas han cobrado gran importancia para la medicina y la salud pública.Objetivo: del estudio fue caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente los pacientes que presentaron cardiopatías congénitas en la consulta externa de cardiología del Hospital Regional del Norte- Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social (HRNIHSS) durante el período de enero a octubre del 2015.Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, descriptivo transversal en la consulta externa HRN-IHSS, la población fue de 859 pacientes atendidos y la muestra 551 pacientes en quienes se confirmó la presencia de cardiopatía. Los datos se obtuvieron de los informes de atenciones diarias entre los meses de enero a octubre del 2015.Resultados: Se obtuvieron 551 pacientes con cardiopatías congénitas. 294 (53.35%) de los pacientes eran del género masculino y 257 (46.65%) del género femenino. 265(48.1%) estaban en edades comprendidas entre 1-2 años. 191 (34.66%) de los niños tenían comunicación interauricular (CIA).Conclusiones: El género masculino y los lactantes fueron los más afectados por cardiopatías congénitas.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 1 Abril 2015 a Septiembre 2015: 415-420
Enfermedad de Orina Olor a Jarabe de Arce: presentación de caso clínico
Authors: Licona Rivera Tania Soledad , Banegas Pineda Linda Yajeira
Published: October 2016

Antecedentes: La enfermedad de orina olor a jarabe de arce (EOJA) es un error congénito del metabolismo de herencia autosómica recesiva, causado por la actividad defectuosa del complejo enzimático deshidrogenasa de _-cetoácidos, ocasionando que los aminoácidos de cadena ramificada; valina, leucina e isoleucina no puedan catabolizarse completamente.Se trata de lactante menor, tres meses de edad, con antecedente de vómitos frecuentes y rechazo a la alimentación desde la primera semana de vida, tratado por alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca y reflujo gastroesofágico grado IV, con varios cambios de formula en su alimentación. Trasladado al Instituto Hondureño del Seguro Social, Hospital Regional del Norte (IHSS-HRN) con historia de cinco días de tos, fiebre y aproximadamente nueve horas de dificultad respiratoria. Tres horas más tarde presenta convulsiones tónicas y choque, por lo que se trasladado a sala de cuidados intensivos pediátricos, acoplándose a ventilador mecánico. Laboratorialmente: acidosis metabólica persistente que se logró controlar a las 48 horas, Anión Gap: 17, cetonuria, IRM con importante atrofia cortical. Se encontró elevación de los metabolitos de aminoácidos de cadena ramificada; 2-OH isovalerico, 2- OH isocaproico, 2-ceto-3 methylvalerico, 2 cetoisocaproico consistentes con EOJA y elevación del ácido láctico y alfa cetoglutarato; que podrían indicar defectos en la subunidad E3 de la enzima deshidrogenasa.Conclusiones: Los errores innatos del metabolismo son más frecuentemente diagnosticados cada día, y deben sospecharse en los niños con vómitos frecuentes.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 1 Abril 2015 a Septiembre 2015: 423-429
Retraso Puberal. Reporte de Caso
Authors: Campos Elba , Ponce Carlos Felipe
Published: October 2016

La pubertad ocurre generalmente entre los 7 y 13 años de edad en las niñas, y entre los 9 y 15 años en los niños, se considera retraso puberal cuando no ha comenzado su desarrollo luego de esta edad. El crecimiento es el proceso fisiológico más característico de la infancia y la adolescencia, determinado genéticamente en algunos casos y en otros dependerá de la compleja interacción de factores ambientales; un retraso en el diagnóstico puede ocasionar el detrimento no solo de la talla y maduración sexual final sino de su salud integral por la falta de un tratamiento oportuno. El presente caso trató de un paciente masculino de 18 años de edad con antecedente de desnutrición y diarrea crónica más síndrome convulsivo secundaria a hiponatremia, por el cual fue referido; sin embargo desde el punto de vista de crecimiento y desarrollo presentaba peso, talla e IMC por debajo del percentil 3 para su edad y características sexuales secundarias no desarrolladas, durante su hospitalización se realizó pruebas hormonales LH:1.49 mlU/ml, FSH: 8.51 mlU/ml, Testosterona: 0.22 ng/ml, Factor de Crecimiento insulinico tipo 1: 87.30 ng/ml e imágenes Rx de mano y muñeca izquierda que mostró edad ósea de 12 años con 2 meses +/- 2 años DE, los cuales fueron necesarios para definir la enfermedad de base, el diagnóstico clínico de un hipogonadismo y retraso puberal en el adulto no son habituales en la práctica médica, hecho en el cual radica la relevancia del caso presentado.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 1 Abril 2015 a Septiembre 2015: 430-437
Síndrome de Rett. Reporte de dos casos
Authors: Godoy Salgado Celenia , Zaldívar Pascua Gelder
Published: October 2016

El Síndrome de Rett es un trastorno severo del neurodesarrollo, caracterizado por un desarrollo psicomotor aparentemente normal hasta los primeros 6 meses de vida seguido por el estancamiento y regresión del crecimiento, sistema motor, lenguaje y habilidades sociales posteriores, no asociado a una injuria cerebral por trauma, desordenes metabólicos o infecciones severas. A menudo se observa un comportamiento autista en etapas tempranas: otros síntomas que acompañan este trastorno incluyen convulsiones, alteraciones respiratorias como la hiperventilación, apnea y aerofagia, ataxia y estereotipas con las manos. Representa la segunda causa de discapacidad intelectual en las mujeres. Es causado por una mutación ligada a X que codifica a la proteína ligadora de metil CpG-2 (MECP2). A continuación se presentan dos casos de pacientes con síndrome de Rett una de ellas con estudio molecular positivo.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 1 Abril 2015 a Septiembre 2015: 438-443
Aberrant left main coronary artery induced asymptomatic heart failure
Authors: Patel Bankim , Jeyarajasingam Aravindan , Patel Kunal , Patel Rupen , Benatar Daniel
Published: October 2016

We report a case of a malignant course of left main coronary artery in a patient presenting with sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient is a 44-year-old African American male with a past medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2 as well as dyslipidemia presented to the emergency department with non-exertional chest pain radiating to the left arm and shortness of breath. A coronary angiography and CT angiography (CTA) of heart was performed and it demonstrated an aberrant malignant course of the left main coronary artery coming from the right coronary ostium and coursing between the aorta and pulmonary artery. The left ventricular dysfunction was thought to be a consequence of this malignant course. Cardiothoracic surgery was consulted which determined the need for CABG. The incidence of coronary anomalies and patterns in a series of 1,950 angiograms was determined to be 5.64% with the left main coronary artery (LMCA) arising from the right sinus in 0.15% of the angiograms Diagnostic approach for malignant coronary arteries involves coronary angiography and cardiac CT. A widely accepted treatment approach for left main coronary arteries originating from the right sinus is through surgical repair. Our case urges the clinician to expand the differential diagnosis in young to middle age patient presenting with chest pain. In addition, our case reinforces the concept of the detrimental impact of malignant left coronary arteries on cardiac function. This should prompt the physician to consider coronary anomalies as a possible differential diagnosis as part of the evaluation and management of these patients.
Geochemical Distribution, Enrichment, and Potential Toxicity of Trace Metals in the Surface Sediments of Okinawa Mangrove, Southwest Japan
Authors: Diallo Ibrahima M Bemba , Ishiga Hiroaki
Published: October 2016

Surface sediments along the coast of Okinawa Island were analyzed to determine their geochemical compositions, and to assess sediment quality and the potential for ecological harm, based on comparison with established international sediment quality guidelines. The Contamination factor (CF) and the geoaccumualtion index (Igeo) of As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr were computed to determine the pollution status of the mangrove and foreshore sediments. The lowest effect level (LEL) and the severe effect level (SEL) established by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), and the threshold effect level (TEL) value and the probable effect level (PEL) developed by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) were the benchmarks applied to assess the potential for ecological harm. Among the sampling set, the highest average concentration of Pb (22 mg/kg), Zn (82 mg/kg), Ni (26 mg/kg), and Cr (81 mg/kg) occurred in the Ohura mangrove sediments, that of As (17 mg/kg) in the Gesashi mangrove, and that of Cu (22 mg/kg) in the suspended solids. The loss on ignition values of the foreshore sediments (20.32%) are nearly two and three times greater than that of the Gesashi mangrove and the Ohura mangrove, respectively. On average, the CFs of As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr in the suspended solids, those of Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr in the Gesashi mangrove and foreshore sediments, and those of Ni and Cr in the Ohura mangrove display low contamination (CF<=1), whereas the average CF of As in the three sampling areas show moderate enrichment (CF:1-3). The average Igeo values indicate that among the selected trace metals, only As in the Gesashi and Ohura mangroves show significant values, but even these are rated as unpolluted to moderately polluted (Igeo:0-1). The average concentrations of As in the Gesashi and Ohura mangroves and the foreshore sediments exceed both the LEL and TEL, but fall below the SEL and PEL, suggesting that this metal may moderately impact biota health. This is also the case for Cu and Ni in the Ohura mangrove and the suspended solids, and for Cr in the Ohura mangrove.
An Evaluation of the Decision-Making Capacity Assessment Model
Authors: Bremault-Phillips Suzette C. , Parmar Jasneet , Friesen Steven , Rogers Laura G. , Pike Ashley
Published: October 2016

BackgroundThe Decision-Making Capacity Assessment (DMCA) Model includes a best-practice process and tools to assess DMCA, and implementation strategies at the organizational and assessor levels to support provision of DMCAs across the care continuum. A Developmental Evaluation of the DMCA Model was conducted.MethodsA mixed methods approach was used. Survey (N = 126) and focus group (N = 49) data were collected from practitioners utilizing the Model.ResultsStrengths of the Model include its best-practice and implementation approach, applicability to independent practitioners and inter-professional teams, focus on training/mentoring to enhance knowledge/skills, and provision of tools/processes. Post-training, participants agreed that they followed the Model’s guiding principles (90%), used problem-solving (92%), understood discipline-specific roles (87%), were confident in their knowledge of DMCAs (75%) and pertinent legislation (72%), accessed consultative services (88%), and received management support (64%). Model implementation is impeded when role clarity, physician engagement, inter professional buy-in, accountability, dedicated resources, information sharing systems, and remuneration are lacking. Dedicated resources, job descriptions inclusive of DMCAs, ongoing education/mentoring supports, access to consultative services, and appropriate remuneration would support implementation.ConclusionsThe DMCA Model offers practitioners, inter-professional teams, and organizations a best-practice and implementation approach to DMCAs. Addressing barriers and further contextualizing the Model would be warranted.
Frailty and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: a Scoping Review
Authors: McKenzie Katherine , Martin Lynn , Ouellette-Kuntz Hélène
Published: October 2016

BackgroundIndividuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are both living longer than in previous generations and experiencing premature aging. Improved understanding of frailty in this aging population may inform community supports and avoid negative outcomes.MethodsThe objective of this study was to review the literature on frailty and IDD and determine areas for future research and application. The methodological framework for a scoping review as developed by H. Arksey and L. O’Malley was applied to identify and select original studies published since 2000.ResultsSeventeen studies were identified; these were based on the work of researchers from four research programs. The studies utilized six measures of frailty, including two frailty indices, the VFQ-ID(-R), the frailty phenotype, and the frailty marker. Frailty was equally studied as an outcome and as predictor for other outcomes (e.g., mobility, falls, care intensity, institutionalization, and survival).ConclusionsThere is evidence of a growing interest in the measurement of frailty in aging adults with IDD. As in the general population, frailty in this group is associated with many negative outcomes. While a few measures have emerged, more work is required to replicate results, validate tools, and test the feasibility of applying frailty measures in practice and to inform policy.
Care Transitions: Using Narratives to Assess Continuity of Care Provided to Older Patients after Hospital Discharge
Authors: Wong Carolyn , Hogan David B.
Published: October 2016

BackgroundA common scenario that may pose challenges to primary care providers is when an older patient has been discharged from hospital. The aim of this pilot project is to examine the experiences of patients’ admission to hospital through to discharge back home, using analysis of patient narratives to inform the strengths and weaknesses of the process.MethodsFor this qualitative study, we interviewed eight subjects from the Sheldon M. Chumir Central Teaching Clinic (CTC). Interviews were analyzed for recurring themes and phenomena. Two physicians and two resident learners employed at the CTC were recruited as a focus group to review the narrative transcripts.ResultsNarratives generally demonstrated moderate satisfaction among interviewees with respect to their hospitalization and follow-up care in the community. However, the residual effects of their hospitalization surprised five patients, and five were uncertain about their post-discharge management plan.ConclusionBoth secondary and primary care providers can improve on communicating the likely course of recovery and follow-up plans to patients at the time of hospital discharge. Our findings add to the growing body of research advocating for the implementation of quality improvement measures to standardize the discharge process.
Preconception HbA1c Levels in Adolescents and Young Adults and Adverse Birth Outcomes
Authors: McCarthy Katharine J. , Liu Shelley H. , Kennedy Joseph , Chan Hiu Tai , Howell Frances , Boychuk Natalie , Mayer Victoria L. , Vieira Luciana , Tabaei Bahman , Seil Kacie , Van Wye Gretchen , Janevic Teresa
Published: September 2024

Importance

Subclinical hyperglycemia before pregnancy may be associated with the likelihood of maternal morbidity but is understudied among young people.

Objective

To explore the association of preconception hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels among adolescents and young adults with risk of gestational diabetes at first live birth.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used linked 2009 to 2017 birth registry, hospital discharge, and New York City Department of Health A1C Registry data for birthing individuals aged 10 to 24 years with no history of diabetes and at least 1 preconception HbA1c test in New York, New York. Statistical analysis was performed from August to November 2022.

Exposure

Preconception HbA1c values categorized as no diabetes (HbA1c <5.7%) or prediabetes (HbA1c ≥5.7% to <6.5%).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was gestational diabetes at first birth. Secondary outcomes included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and macrosomia. Log binomial regression was used to estimate the relative risk (RR) of gestational diabetes at first birth by preconception HbA1c level, adjusting for prepregnancy characteristics. The optimal HbA1c threshold for gestational diabetes was examined using receiver operating curve regression.

Results

A total of 14 302 individuals (mean [SD] age, 22.10 [1.55] years) met study eligibility criteria. Of these, 5896 (41.0%) were Hispanic, 4149 (29.0%) were Black, 2583 (18.1%) were White, 1516 (10.6%) were Asian, and 185 (1.3%) had other or unknown race and ethnicity. Most (11 407 individuals [79.7%]) had normoglycemia before pregnancy, and 2895 individuals (20.2%) had prediabetes. Adjusting for prepregnancy characteristics, those with preconception prediabetes had more than twice the risk of gestational diabetes vs those with normoglycemia (adjusted RR [aRR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.91-2.56). Preconception prediabetes was associated with small increases in the likelihood of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (aRR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.35) and preterm delivery (aRR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.37). The aRRs for cesarean delivery (aRR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.99-1.20) and macrosomia (aRR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.93-1.37) were increased but not statistically significant. The optimal HbA1c threshold to identify gestational diabetes among adolescents and young adults was 5.6%. The threshold did not vary by obesity status but was slightly lower among Hispanic individuals (HbA1c of 5.5%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of adolescents and young adults with at least 1 preconception HbA1c test, prediabetes was associated with increased likelihood of maternal cardiometabolic morbidity at first birth. Efforts to optimize cardiometabolic health before pregnancy may avert excess maternal risk.
Assessing Methotrexate Adherence in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Using Electronic Health Record–Linked Pharmacy Dispensing Data
Authors: Abel Dori , Anderson David , Kallan Michael J. , Utidjian Levon , Burnham Jon M. , Chang Joyce C. , Kenyon Chén C. , Gmuca Sabrina
Published: September 2024

Objective

We linked pharmacy dispensing data to clinical data in the electronic health record (EHR) to (1) identify characteristics associated with adherence to methotrexate (MTX) and (2) determine the association between adherence and disease activity in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study of incident MTX recipients with JIA treated between January 2016 and September 2023 for ≥12 months. Using pharmacy dispensing data, complemented by EHR data, we estimated adherence using medication possession ratios (MPRs) over the first 365 days of treatment. We used Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests to compare patient characteristics between adherent (MPR ≥80%) and nonadherent (MPR <80%) groups and multivariable linear regression to investigate associations between MPR and active joint count.

Results

Among 224 patients, 81 (36.2%) were classified as nonadherent. In bivariate analysis, patients of younger age, of Black race, and from areas with lower child opportunity index were more likely to be classified as nonadherent. In multivariable analysis, active joint count changed from baseline to 12‐month follow‐up by −0.38 joints in the adherent compared to nonadherent group (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.74 to −0.01) and by −1.18 joints in patients with polyarticular course (95% CI −2.23 to −0.13).

Conclusion

Linking dispense data to clinical EHR data offers a novel, objective method for evaluating adherence to chronic medications. We identified demographic and area‐level determinants of adherence, along with small but statistically significant differences in JIA disease activity measures by adherence status. Future work is needed to evaluate adherence as a potential mediator of known outcome disparities for socially disadvantaged populations.
Response of Lanthanide Sesquioxides to High‐Energy Ball Milling
Authors: O’Quinn Eric C. , Solomon Alexandre P. , Corbridge Casey , Overstreet Cale , Tracy Cameron , Fuentes Antonio F. , Sprouster David J. , Lang Maik K.
Published: September 2024

Sesquioxides (M2O3) exhibit rich polymorphism with distinct phases that form over broad compositional, pressure, and temperature ranges. This makes these materials an ideal model system for studying the effects of high‐energy ball milling and the far‐from‐equilibrium conditions induced by complex mechanical interactions. Polycrystalline bixbyite‐structured binary sesquioxides (M2O3, M = Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, and Y) were processed by high‐energy ball milling and the resulting structural modifications were characterized by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. Ball milling drives the initial cubic structure (“C‐type”) in each oxide to the monoclinic, “B‐type” structure, with the rate of formation and maximum attainable phase fraction dependent on the cation size. The B‐type phase fraction increases with milling time for each sesquioxide, but reaches steady‐state behavior below unity, which contrasts with previous studies that induced a complete transformation by exposure to temperature, pressure, or ion radiation. This behavior suggests a complex interaction regime within a planetary ball mill characterized by transient processes, which exert simultaneous 1) driving forces to form the B‐type phase and 2) kinetic pathways to partially recover the C‐type phase. We show that these two processes are correlated with the effects of pressure and temperature during mechanical interactions between the sample and milling tools.
Stabilizing Distorted Ductile Semiconductors for Excellent Ductility and Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Wang Yumeng , Chen Qiyong , Qiu Pengfei , Gao Zhiqiang , Yang Shiqi , Xi Lili , Yang Jiong , Shi Xun
Published: September 2024

Element doping/alloying is a common strategy to tune the electrical and thermal transports of thermoelectric (TE) materials, but the doping/alloying limit of foreign elements in many TE materials is usually very low, bringing a great challenge to improve the TE performance. In this work, beyond the classic principle of “like dissolves like,” it is found that choosing the compound with a severely distorted lattice and diversified chemical bonding as the matrix also facilitates achieving a high doping/alloying limit. Taking ductile semiconductors as an example, this work shows that gold (Au) element is nearly immiscible in Ag2S and Ag2Te, but has a relatively high alloying limit in complex Ag2S0.5Te0.5 meta‐phase. Au in Ag2S0.5Te0.5 significantly decreases the carrier concentration and improves the TE performance, but scarcely changes the mechanical properties. Consequently, Ag1.99Au0.01S0.5Te0.5 demonstrates both a high figure‐or‐merit of 0.95 at 550 K and extraordinary room‐temperature ductility. This work offers an effective and general strategy to develop stabilized doped/alloyed TE materials.
Cross‐Institutional Prediction System for Estimating Patient‐Specific Organ Dose from Chest CT Scans without Segmenting Internal Organs
Authors: Shao Wencheng , Wan Zhenfa , Yang Ke , Lin Xin , Qu Liangyong , Zhuo Weihai , Liu Haikuan
Published: September 2024

This study aims to establish and validate a cross‐institutional prediction system for estimating patient‐specific organ doses from chest CT scans. By collaborating across multiple institutions, the study seeks to develop models that allow rapid online estimation of organ doses, eliminating the need for complex organ segmentation. Researchers delineate skin outlines from chest CT images obtained from two different institutions. Radiomics features are extracted from the chest CT data and skin contours. Organ doses are computed using Monte Carlo simulations as reference organ doses. Single‐ and cross‐institutional support vector regression (SVR) models are trained with radiomics features to predict organ doses from chest CT scans. Model performance is assessed using metrics like maean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and R‐squared (R2). For chest organs (lungs, heart, spinal cord, trachea, and esophagus), single‐institutional SVR models achieve MAPE values ranging from 4.72% to 15.31% and R2 values from 0.73 to 0.93. Cross‐institutional models have MAPE values in the range of 2.16–7.49% and R2 values from 0.84 to 0.99. SVR models trained with radiomics features from skin outlines can reliably estimate organ doses from chest CT scans. The proposed method is applicable across different institutions, and cross‐institutional models enhance predictive accuracy, generality, and robustness.
A PDMS/Silicon Adhesion Control Method at Millimeter‐Scale Based on Microvibration
Authors: Yi Jiawei , Haouas Wissem , Gauthier Michaël , Rabenorosoa Kanty
Published: September 2024

Switchable surface adhesion at a small scale is crucial for robot end‐effector design, allowing the manipulation of small objects such as semiconductors, optical lenses, and precision mechanical parts. In this work, a detailed characterization of a millimeter‐scale (1–5 mm) adhesion modulation method is performed, demonstrating its effectiveness for switching adhesion on small, lightweight objects with smooth surfaces. This modulation phenomenon arises from the viscoelastic behavior when PDMS interacts with a rigid surface and is controlled via microvibration. A maximum apparent adhesion enhancement of 2400% and a reduction of 50% are achieved with a 1 mm‐diameter PDMS hemisphere vibrating at a 30 μm amplitude and a 700 Hz frequency. The effects of different parameters, including size, actuation amplitude/frequency, surface roughness, and material properties, on adhesion performance are carefully measured and analyzed. A monotonic increase in maximum adhesion is observed with increased device size and surface smoothness, while nonlinear relationships of other factors are generalized with a numerical model. A long working lifespan and high endurance are also observed during the characterization. This work serves as a practical reference for the further design of small‐scale soft grippers, highlighting its continuous, large modulation range, simple structure, and flexible control.
Real‐time augmentation of diagnostic nasal endoscopy video using AI‐enabled edge computing
Authors: Bidwell Jonathan , Gyawali Dipesh , Morse Jonathan , Ganeshan Vinayak , Nguyen Thinh , McCoul Edward D.
Published: September 2024

Key points

AI‐enabled augmentation of nasal endoscopy video images is feasible in the clinical setting.

Edge computing hardware can interface with existing nasal endoscopy equipment.

Real‐time AI performance can achieve an acceptable balance of accuracy and efficiency.
Synergize Strong and Reactive Metal‐Support Interactions to Construct Sub‐2 nm Metal Phosphide Cluster for Enhanced Selective Hydrogenation Activities
Authors: Chen Zemin , Li Xinyu , Xu Guangyue , Xiao Tianci , Wang Dechen , Wang Chufei , Zhang Kaihang , Li Jiong , Pan Yang , Qiao Yan , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2024

Strong metal‐support interactions (SMSI) are crucial for stabilizing sub‐2 nm metal sites, e.g. single atom (M1) or cluster (Mn). However, further optimizing sub‐2 nm sites to break the activity–stability trade‐off due to excessive interactions remains significant challenges. Accordingly, for the first time, we propose synergizing SMSI with reactive metal‐support interactions (RMSI). Comprehensive characterization confirms that the SMSI stabilizes the metal and regulates the aggregation of Ni1 into Nin site within sub‐2 nm. Meanwhile, RMSI modulates Nin through sufficiently activating P in the support and eventually generates sub‐2 nm metal phosphide Ni2P cluster (Ni2Pn). The synergetic metal‐support interactions triggered the adaptive coordination and electronic structure optimization of Ni2Pn, leading to the desired substrate adsorption‐desorption kinetics. Consequently, the activity of Ni2Pn site greatly enhanced towards the selective hydrogenations of p‐chloronitrobenzene and alkynyl alcohol. The formation rates of target products are up to 20.2 and 3.0 times greater than that of Ni1 and Nin site, respectively. This work may open a new direction for metal‐support interactions and promote innovation and application of active sites below 2 nm.
A strategic framework for sustainable quality management in the waste textile recycling industry within the context of the circular economy
Authors: Wei Yaru , Liu Yumin , Siraj Ahsan , Xu Jichao , Taneja Shilpa , Wang Ning
Published: September 2024

In the era of the circular economy (CE), the pursuit of sustainability in the textile recycling industry offers organizations a significant competitive edge in the global competitive marketplace. Sustainable quality management practices (SQMP) have long been focal point of interest among companies. However, there has been limited research on achieving CE objectives in the textile sector, particularly within emerging economies like China. A gap remains in exploring SQMP within the context of CE goals, specifically in providing a comprehensive evaluation of the challenges to achieving sustainable operational practices. This study aims to integrate theories from quality management (QM) and the resource‐based view with corporate environmental objectives in the waste textile recycling industry, to identify key challenges in implementing SQMP. A robust analytic approach combining the integrated cloud model, blind number theory, Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), and interpretative structure modeling (ISM) was used to analyze expert scoring results and to establish contextual and hierarchical relationships between the identified barriers, leading to the development of a framework model. The results show that workforce diversity has the highest correlation with other barriers and is a critical trigger point for integrating SQMP into organizations. These insights will assist practitioners in prioritizing strategic measures to foster sustainable QM. Furthermore, this investigation holds important policy implications for stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable CE through the recycling and utilization of waste textiles.
Real‐world assessment of comprehensive genome profiling impact on clinical outcomes: A single‐institution study in Japan
Authors: Kunimasa Kei , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Yamasaki Tomoyuki , Kukita Yoji , Fujisawa Fumie , Inoue Tazuko , Yamaguchi Yuko , Kitasaka Mitsuko , Sakai Daisuke , Honma Keiichiro , Wakamatsu Toru , Yamamoto Sachiko , Hayashi Takuji , Mabuchi Seiji , Okuno Jun , Kawamura Takahisa , Kai Yugo , Urabe Makiko , Nishimura Kazuo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Comprehensive genome profiling (CGP) has revolutionized healthcare by offering personalized medicine opportunities. However, its real‐world utility and impact remain incompletely understood. This study examined the extent to which CGP leads to genomically matched therapy and its effectiveness.

Methods

We analyzed data from advanced solid tumor patients who underwent CGP panel between December 2019 and May 2023 at the Osaka International Cancer Institute. Patient demographics, specimen details, and expert panel assessments were collected. Turnaround time (TAT) and genomically matched therapy outcomes were analyzed. Gene alterations and their co‐occurrence patterns were also assessed.

Results

Among 1437 patients, 1096 results were available for analysis. The median TAT was 63 [28–182] days. There were 667 (60.9%) cases wherein recommended clinical trials were presented and there were 12 (1.1%) cases that could be enrolled in the trial and 25 (2.3%) cases that could lead to therapies under insurance reimbursement. The median progression free survival of the trial treatment was 1.58 months (95% CI: 0.66–4.37) in clinical trials and 3.66 months (95% CI: 2.14–7.13) in treatment under insurance. Pathologic germline variants were confirmed in 15 patients (1.3%). Co‐alteration of CDKN2A, CDKN2B, and MTAP was significantly observed in overall population.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of the genomically matched therapy based on the CGP panel was unsatisfactory. Expansion of clinical trials and utilization of remote clinical trials are required to ensure that the results of the CGP panel can be fully returned to patients.
Effects of salt stress on the rhizosphere soil microbial communities of Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall. in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Zhang Yumiao , Wang Huan , Zhang Xinhan , Feng Ziqi , Liu Junhua , Wang Yan , Shang Shuai , Xu Jikun , Liu Tao , Liu Longxiang
Published: September 2024

Studies have shown that the microbiome of saline‐tolerant plants plays a significant role in promoting salt stress in non‐saline‐tolerant plants, but the microorganisms are still unclear. In the present study, the microbial diversity changes in Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall. in the Yellow River Delta region were investigated. In the bacterial community, the dominant bacteria in the rhizosphere soil of the low‐saline soil (YDL), moderate‐saline soil (YDM), and high‐saline soil (YDH) groups were Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteriota (at the phylum level), while Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant fungi in the fungal community. At the family level, with the increase of salinity, the relative abundance of Rhodobacteraceae (bacterial community), Thermoascaceae, and Phaffomycetaceae (fungal community) gradually increased; and to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on the relationship between Thermoascaceae and Phaffomycetaceae families with salt stress. At the genus level, Salinimicrobium (bacterial community) was the dominant bacterium in the rhizosphere soil of the YDL, YDM, and YDH groups, while with the increase of salinity, the relative abundance of Byssochlamys and Wickerhamomyces (fungal community) gradually increased, and to the best of our knowledge there are no reports on the relationship between Byssochlamys and salt stress. Salinity mainly affected the bacterial community abundance, but it had little effect on the fungi community abundance. The bacterial community of the YDH group was dominated by bacteria of unknown origin (52.76%), while bacteria of unknown origin accounted for 26.46% and 20.78% of the bacterial communities in the YDM and YDL groups, respectively. The fungi community of the YDH group was dominated by YDL group fungi (relative abundance of 44.44%), followed by YDM group fungi (29.42%) and fungi of unknown origin (26.14%). These results provide a better understanding of the rhizosphere microbial diversity of saline–alkali‐tolerant plants, laying a foundation for developing a saline–alkali‐tolerant plant microbiome.
Association of environmental and behavioural factors with cardiovascular disease mortality
Authors: Açıktepe Bahadır , Esirgun Sevval Nil , Kocak Mehmet
Published: September 2024

Aims

Recognizing the rising concern of environmental impacts on health, the study aims to explore how specific environmental factors such as air pollution, humidity, and temperature variations contribute to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, emphasizing the role of air quality, climate variables, and lifestyle factors in the disease mortality specifically.

Methods and results

Analysis of province‐level data on CVD mortality in Turkey from 2010 to 2019, assessing the correlations with environmental and lifestyle factors like particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, meteorological variables, and smoking and alcohol consumption. The study employs the SAS TRAJ procedure and Ordinal Logistic Regression for statistical analysis. The multiplicity correction was done through Benjamini–Hoechberg false discovery rate (FDR) approach. As expected, both smoking and alcohol consumption were found to be significantly associated with CVD mortality (odds ratio (OR): 1.10, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.11, P‐value < 0.0001). While median Air Pressure and Humidity were among the most significant markers with OR of 1.10 indicating an increasing CVD mortality, their variability metrics such as coefficient of variation (CV) showed significant protective effects with OR of 0.37 and 0.89, respectively. Temperature and its variability seemed to be protective overall.

Conclusions

Our research highlights the significant influence of environmental factors on cardiovascular health, especially air pressure and humidity, beyond the known factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. These findings suggest the need for comprehensive public health strategies that address both environmental and lifestyle risk factors to effectively reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
Sex differences in cardiac structure and function following acute myocardial infarction: Insights from the PARADISE‐MI echocardiographic substudy
Authors: Wang Xiaowen , Pabon Maria A. , Cikes Maja , Jering Karola , Mullens Wilfried , Kober Lars , Jhund Pardeep S. , Kovacs Attila , Merkely Bela , Zhou Yinong , McMurray John J.V. , Shah Amil M. , Hegde Sheila M. , Claggett Brian , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: September 2024

Aims

The incidence of heart failure hospitalization is higher in women than in men after myocardial infarction (MI). Sex‐related differences in left ventricular (LV) remodelling may contribute to the differences in post‐MI outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in echocardiographic parameters post‐MI, and whether the relationship between echocardiographic parameters and clinical outcomes differs by sex.

Methods and results

In the PARADISE‐MI trial, patients were randomized to sacubitril/valsartan or ramipril within 0.5 to 7 days of high‐risk MI. In the pre‐specified echocardiographic substudy, 544 patients underwent echocardiography at the time of randomization and after 8 months. We compared key echocardiographic parameters in men and women and their association with primary composite outcome (cardiovascular death or incident heart failure). At baseline, women had higher LV ejection fraction (LVEF), lower LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) index, LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) index, and LV mass index. After adjusting for baseline clinical differences, changes in these echocardiographic parameters from baseline to 8 months were not significantly different in women versus men. Lower LVEF, higher LVEDV, LVESV, left atrial volume index, and average E/e' were associated with a higher risk of the primary composite outcome. Sex did not modify the relationship between echocardiographic parameters and clinical outcome.

Conclusions

Despite baseline differences in measures of cardiac function between men and women following acute high‐risk MI, there were no significant sex‐related changes in chamber size or LV function. Sex did not modify the association between echocardiographic parameters and clinical outcome.
Bridging the gap in early career teachers' STEM pedagogy: Exploring micro‐credentials as a possible creative solution
Authors: Solano Gina , Ramanathan Gurupriya
Published: September 2024

This exploratory study sought to address the gap in strengthening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teacher preparation in elementary and secondary teacher education programs. Integrated STEM education is attracting increased attention and gaining momentum from educators, politicians, STEM industries, and the media across the nation. Many state and national organizations have called for a new workforce of problem solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self‐reliant and able to think logically, also suggesting that creating such capacity is one of the critical foundations that drive innovative capacity in the nation. A key to developing these skills is STEM competencies and career goals in every K‐12 student. To do this, teachers must be educated on how to connect STEM careers and integrate STEM content into their curriculum. Providing integrated STEM micro‐credentials for preservice and in‐service teachers can be a flexible solution for providing teachers a method to learn how to improve their content knowledge and pedagogy (Digital Promise, 2019). Participants were a combination of undergraduate preservice teachers and graduate early‐career teachers who were asked about their STEM preparation. The majority of the participants received very little to no integrated STEM preparation. As a possible solution for this, participants were asked about their preferred type of professional development (PD) and if participating in a micro‐credential course would be a possibility. Nearly all of the participants agreed that a self‐paced micro‐credential that blended online and in‐person instruction would be something they would do to learn how to integrate STEM more effectively into their pedagogy. Micro‐credentials could be a successful solution for educator PD.
Completion of the Central Italy daily precipitation instrumental data series from 1951 to 2019
Authors: Abouzied Gamal AbdElNasser Allam , Tang Guoqiang , Papalexiou Simon Michael , Clark Martyn P. , Aruffo Eleonora , Di Carlo Piero
Published: September 2024

Precipitation is a critical part of the global hydrological cycle that determines the distribution of water resources. It is also an essential meteorological variable used as input for hydroclimatic models and projections. However, precipitation data frequently lack complete series, especially at daily and sub‐daily precipitation stations, which are usually large, bulky, and complex. To address this, gap filling is commonly used to produce complete hydrometeorological data series without missing values. Several gap‐filling methods have been developed and improved. This study seeks to fill the gaps of 201 daily precipitation time series in Central Italy by localizing the approach used to generate the Serially Complete dataset for the Planet Earth (SC‐Earth). This method combines the outcome of 15 strategies based on four various gap‐filling techniques (quantile mapping, spatial interpolation, machine learning, and multi‐strategy merging). These strategies employ the daily dataset of the neighbouring stations and the matched ERA5 data to estimate missing values at the target stations. Both raw data and the final serially complete station datasets (SCDs) underwent comprehensive quality control. Many accuracy indicators have been utilized to evaluate the performance of the strategies' estimations and the final SCD, such as Correlation Coefficient (CC), Root mean square error (RMSE), Relative bias (Bias %), and Kling‐Gupta efficiency (KGE″). Multi‐strategy merging strategy based on the Modified Kling‐Gupta efficiency (MS1) shows the highest performance as an individual precipitation gap‐filling strategy. However, the machine learning strategy using random forest (ML3) has the most outstanding share in the final estimates among all other strategies. In the end, the temporal–spatial performance of the final SCD is promising and depends on the pattern of the missing values (MV%). The mean values of KGE″, CC, variability (α), and bias term (β) are 0.9, 0.93, 1.064, and 4.98 × 10−7, respectively.
Effectiveness of a single dose of JYNNEOS vaccine in real world: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Taha Amira Mohamed , Mahmoud Abdelrahman Mohamed , Abouelmagd Khaled , Saed Sara Adel Abdelkader , Khalefa Basma Badrawy , Shah Sangam , Satapathy Prakasini , Shamim Muhammad Aaqib , Sah Sanjit , Serhan Hashem Abu , Donovan Suzanne , Sah Ranjit , Barboza Joshuan J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Mpox infection is a zoonotic illness that resembles smallpox. Vaccination is widely regarded as a vital effective method of preventing mpox, however, there is lack of consensus of effectiveness of a single dose of mpox vaccine in the current 2022–2023 outbreak. We pooled data from real‐world studies to evaluate the efficacy of the JYNNEOS vaccination given as a single dosage.

Method

We carried out a thorough literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus up until August 2023. We estimated the pooled vaccine effectiveness (VE) for mpox using inverse variance method in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. We expressed the results as VE, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and 95% prediction interval (95% PI) using R v4.3.0. We assessed influence, heterogeneity contribution, and influence of studies using several tests and conducted sensitivity analysis accordingly. We used Doi plot and Luis Furuya‐Kanamori (LFK) index to evaluate publication bias.

Results

With a total sample size of 35,326 individuals, we involved 11 studies in the meta‐analysis. The VE of a single dose of JYNNEOS vaccine was 78.23% (95% CI: 62.79%–87.27%) by pooling data of 24,784 individuals over seven studies. The findings were heterogenous with a 95% PI of −32.14% to 96.41% depicting the expected range of VE in similar settings. Notably, VE increased to 83.02% (74.62%–88.64%) with a prediction interval of (44.67%–94.79) after sensitivity analysis by leaving out outliers. The results were robust in light of several sensitivity analyses. An asymmetric Doi plot with LFK index of −2.25 showed potential publication bias. Pooled prevalence of mpox infection among vaccinated individuals (breakthrough infection) in six studies was 2.19% (0.37%–5.32%).

Conclusion

The present findings provide compelling evidence that a single dose of JUNNEOS vaccine can protect recipients from mpox infection. With a 78.23% estimated efficacy rate, the vaccine is thought to be a useful tool in preventing further spread of mpox. However, more research and ongoing surveillance are required to fully understand the reasons behind breakthrough infections and to improve immunization strategies for better protection against mpox.
Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms of cytokines and hepatitis B virus‐related liver cirrhosis: A case‐control study
Authors: Li Yijun , Zhou Haowei , Wu Weikang , Zhang Wenhua , Ye Yancheng , Jia Wenling , Liang Chunhui , Tang Haitao , Wang Fengmei , Shao Zhongjun , Yuan Xiaojie , Zhang Weilu
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Various inflammatory and immune cytokines play key roles in the progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related liver cirrhosis (LC). This study explored the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokines with the combined effect of polymorphisms and gender‐polymorphisms interaction and LC risk.

Methods

In this study, a case–control design was used, samples were selected from 45 patients with hepatitis B‐related cirrhosis and 45 age‐gender‐matched chronic HBV‐infected patients without cirrhosis attending the tumor hospital of Wuwei Academy of Medical Sciences. Fifteen SNPs were examined using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction allelic discrimination system. Logistic regression was utilized to assess cytokine‐associated SNPs and the association between SNPs and LC progression in HBV‐infected patients.

Results

The multivariate‐adjusted logistic model revealed that the GG/AG dominant model (OR, 16.38; 95% CI, 1.13–236.70) and G allele (OR, 5.93; 95% CI, 0.98–36.01) of rs1800896 were associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis in CHB patients. Instead, rs2227306 CT presented a reduced cirrhosis risk (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.04–1.38). Rs2055979 AA/AC was negatively associated with the risk of cirrhosis, potentially reversed in males (p = 0.021). Rs1799964 CC/CT was positively related to the risk of cirrhosis but reduced the risk of cirrhosis in males (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.022–0.808; p = 0.028). Both rs1799964 TT and rs1799724 CT/TT genotype showed a synergistic effect in reducing the risk of cirrhosis with rs1800896 AA (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01–1.43 and OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.01–2.21).

Conclusion

Polymorphisms rs1800896 and rs2227306 are potentially associated with the risk of cirrhosis. For the first time, the study highlights that the rs2055979 AA/AC and rs1799964 CC/CT polymorphism interact with gender and its potential reversal of cirrhosis risk in males. Furthermore, rs1800896 AA showed a synergistic effect with rs1799964 TT and rs1799724 CT/TT to prevent the progression of HBV infection to cirrhosis.