bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of T cell subsets to different food allergic diseases
Authors: Hung Lisa , Zientara Brianna , Berin M. Cecilia
Published: July 2024

Food allergies occur due to a lack of tolerance to the proteins found in foods. While IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐mediated food allergies have different clinical manifestations, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management, they share dysregulated T cell responses. Recent studies have shed light on the contributions of different T cell subsets to the development and persistence of different food allergic diseases. This review discusses the role of T cells in both IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐mediated food allergies and considers the potential future investigations in this context.
Association between molar–incisor hypomineralisation and dental anomalies
Authors: Fernandes Eloisa Cesario , Santos Patrícia Bittencourt
Published: July 2024

Background

Common etiological factors have been reported in the development of molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) and dental anomalies (DA).

Aim

To assess the association between MIH and DAs.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was performed to evaluate the presence of MIH and other six DAs in a sample of 415 pretreatment records from patients aged 9–18 years. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regressions.

Results

There was statistically significant association between the prevalence of DAs and MIH (CI: 1.43–2.43, φ‐coefficient: 0.204, PR: 1.87). Higher percentage of tooth agenesis (CI: 1.37–1.68, φ‐coefficient: 0.271, PR: 1.50), maxillary premolar agenesis (CI: 1.70–3.65, φ‐coefficient: 0.125, PR: 2.49), mandibular second premolar agenesis (CI: 1.68–3.16, φ‐coefficient: 0.172, PR: 2.30) and distoangulation of the mandibular second premolars (CI: 1.31–3.47, φ‐coefficient: 0.103, PR: 2.13) was observed among children who had MIH‐affected teeth. Individuals with MIH had a 2.95 times greater chance of having DAs (R2 = .153). The number of patients with DAs was higher when the first molar showed severe defects (OR = 4.47; R2 = .149).

Conclusion

There is a weak association between MIH and DAs. Patients with severe MIH lesions have a slightly higher risk of presenting DAs.
Adaptive feasible and infeasible evolutionary search for the knapsack problem with forfeits
Authors: Zhou Qing , Hao Jin‐Kao , Jiang Zhong‐Zhong , Wu Qinghua
Published: July 2024

The knapsack problem (KP) with forfeits is a generalized KP that aims to select some items, among a set of candidate items, to maximize a profit function without exceeding the knapsack capacity. Moreover, a forfeit cost is incurred and deducted from the profit function when both incompatible items are placed in the knapsack. This problem is a relevant model for a number of applications and is however computationally challenging. We present a hybrid heuristic method for tackling this problem that combines the evolutionary search with adaptive feasible and infeasible search to find high‐quality solutions. A streamlining technique is designed to accelerate the evaluation of candidate solutions, which increases significantly the computational efficiency of the algorithm. We assess the algorithm on 120 test instances and demonstrate its dominance over the best performing approaches in the literature. Particularly, we show 94 improved lower bounds. We investigate the essential algorithmic components to understand their roles.
Development and validation of a predictive score for diagnosing prostate cancer in primary care
Authors: Lapi Francesco , Marconi Ettore , Cricelli Iacopo , Sobrero Alberto , Salvetti Andrea , Campo Salvatore , Cricelli Claudio
Published: July 2024

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the fifth cause of death in the male population worldwide. The prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) test demonstrated poor accuracy to assess the presence of PCa. Thus, the PSA testing paradigm should be moved from the systematic screening approach to the early identification of men who are harbouring clinically significant disease. Accurate clinical‐based tools to predict PCa should therefore be developed for general practice. We derived and validated a PCa predictive score using a primary care data source.

Methods

Using the Italian Health Search Database, we formed a cohort of men aged 45–90 years in the period between 2002 and 2015. These patients were followed up until 31 December 2022. Those with less than a 5‐year follow‐up were excluded. The cohort was randomly divided into ‘derivation’ and ‘validation’ samples in a 1:1 ratio. Along with the demographic and clinical determinants forming the score, we investigated the role of PSA kinetics in the prediction accuracy.

Results

In a cohort of 529,082 men aged 45+ years, we identified 14,524 cases of PCa (incidence rate = 2.71 per 1000 person‐years; 95% confidence interval = 2.67–2.80). The prediction accuracy of the PCa‐HScore featured an explained variation of 12% and a discrimination power of 70%. The calibration slope was almost equal to 1 (p = 0.951, tested for equivalence against the ‘perfect’ slope) and the PSA kinetics did not improve the prediction accuracy.

Conclusions

The PCa‐HScore might guide the prescription of PSA and/or other clinical strategies in those men reporting certain levels of risk. A related decision support system could therefore be implemented in primary care.
High‐risk medication use among older adults with cognitive impairment living alone in the United States
Authors: Growdon Matthew E. , Jing Bocheng , Yaffe Kristine , Karliner Leah S. , Possin Katherine L. , Portacolone Elena , Boscardin W. John , Harrison Krista L. , Steinman Michael A.
Published: July 2024

Background

More than one‐fourth of older adults with cognitive impairment (CI) live alone; these individuals often lack support for medication management and face a high risk of adverse drug events. We characterized the frequency and types of high‐risk medications used by older adults with CI living alone and, for context, compared patterns with those in older adults with CI living with others.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) data and Medicare claims (2015–2017). We ascertained cognitive status from NHATS and medication use with Part D claims. We compared high‐risk medication use (those with adverse cognitive effects or low tolerance for misuse) among older adults with CI living alone versus living with others using logistic regression models adjusted for demographic/clinical factors.

Results

The unweighted sample included 1569 older adults with CI, of whom 491 (weighted national estimate, 31%) were living alone. In the living‐alone group, the mean age was 79.9 years and 66% were female, 64% reported managing medications on their own without difficulty, 14% reported managing medications on their own with difficulty, and 18% received total support with medication management. Older adults with CI living alone used a median of 5 medications (IQR, 3–8), 16% took ≥10 medications, and 46% took ≥1 high‐risk medication (anticholinergic/sedating: 24%; opioid: 13%; anticoagulant: 10%; sulfonylurea: 10%; insulin: 9%). Compared with those living with others, the use of high‐risk medications was similar (p > 0.05 for unadjusted/adjusted comparisons). Those living alone were more likely both to take at least one high‐risk medication and not receive help with medication management: 34% in those living alone versus 23% living with others (p < 0.05 for unadjusted/adjusted comparisons).

Conclusions

Older adults with CI living alone use many medications; nearly half use high‐risk medications. Our findings can inform medication optimization interventions supporting this vulnerable population.
The Medicare annual wellness visit: An opportunity to improve health system identification of hearing loss?
Authors: Powell Danielle S. , Wu Mingche M. J. , Nothelle Stephanie , Smith Jamie M. , Gleason Kelly , Oh Esther S. , Lum Hillary D. , Reed Nicholas S. , Wolff Jennifer L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Hearing loss is prevalent and consequential but under‐diagnosed and managed. The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) health risk assessment elicits patient‐reported hearing concerns but whether such information affects documentation, diagnosis, or referral is unknown.

Methods

We use 5 years of electronic medical record (EMR) data (2017–2022) for a sample of 13,776 older primary care patients. We identify the first (index) AWV indication of hearing concerns and existing and subsequent hearing loss EMR diagnoses (visit diagnoses or problem list diagnoses) and audiology referrals. For a 20% random sample of AWV notes (n = 474) we compared hearing loss EMR diagnoses to documentation of (1) hearing concerns, (2) hearing loss/aid use, and (3) referrals for hearing care.

Results

Of 3845 (27.9%) older adults who identified hearing concerns (mean age 79.1 years, 57% female, 75% white) 24% had an existing hearing diagnosis recorded. Among 474 patients with AWV clinical notes reviewed, 90 (19%) had an existing hearing loss diagnosis. Clinicians were more likely to document hearing concerns or hearing loss/aid use for those with (vs. without) an existing EMR diagnosis (50.6% vs. 35.9%, p = 0.01; 68.9% vs. 37.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). EMR diagnoses of hearing loss were recorded for no more than 40% of those with indicated hearing concerns. Among those without prior diagnosis 38 (9.9%) received a hearing care referral within 1 month. Subgroup analysis suggest greater likelihood of documenting hearing concerns for patients age 80+ (OR:1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 2.19) and decreased likelihood of documenting known hearing loss among patients with more chronic conditions (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.9), with no differences observed by race.

Conclusion

Documentation of hearing loss in EMR and AWV clinical notes is limited among older adults with subjective hearing concerns. Systematic support and incorporation of hearing into EMR and clinical notes may increase hearing loss visibility by care teams.
The evolution of nutritional care in preterm infants with a focus on the extreme preterm infant
Authors: Mustapha Moriam , Blair Hester , Leake Nadia , Johnson Vanessa , van den Akker Chris H. P. , Embleton Nicholas D.
Published: July 2024

The evolution of nutritional care in preterm infants, particularly those classified as extremely preterm, has undergone significant advancements in recent years. These infants, born at less than 28 weeks of gestation, face unique challenges related to their elevated nutrient requirements, underdeveloped organ systems and minimal reserves, posing a need for timely and specialised nutritional strategies. Historically, the nutritional management of preterm infants focussed on short‐term goals to promote survival. In recent years, the focus has shifted to the quality of nutrient provision to optimise neurodevelopment and longer‐term health outcomes. This review highlights the shift from a generalised nutritional approach to a robust, evidence‐based approach for preterm infants, acknowledging the intricate interplay between nutrition, holistic care and developmental outcomes. As neonatal care continues to evolve, ongoing research will refine nutritional interventions, optimise growth and enhance the long‐term health outcomes of these vulnerable infants.
Disparities in Screening and Treatment Patterns for Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy: An Integrative Review
Authors: Eakley Rachel , Lyndon Audrey
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Symptoms of untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy are associated with serious adverse effects for the pregnant person, birth outcomes, and child development. However, pregnant persons are less likely to be screened and treated compared with nonpregnant people. In this systematic review, we aimed to explore individual, provider, and systems factors that impact screening, identification, and treatment patterns for depression and anxiety during pregnancy.

Methods

Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were conducted within the United States and published in English between January 2012 and January 2023. Each study included analysis that compared rates of screening, identification, or treatment engagement and explicitly discussed disparities or health equity in marginalized groups. Fifteen articles met full inclusion criteria.

Results

Results demonstrated variation in the screening, identification, and treatment of depression and anxiety during pregnancy among diverse groups of patients. Screening rates ranged from 51.3% in Puerto Rico to 90.7% in Alaska. Among specific clinical populations, rates were as low as 2.0%. Fewer than half of patients were referred to treatment when indicated by screening or diagnoses. Patient characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic and health factors, mental health history, and obesity were associated with variation in the rates of screening, diagnoses, or treatment engagement. Language factors were the most common factor associated with lower rates of screening and treatment access.

Discussion

Results suggest that many pregnant people are being overlooked and lack appropriate referrals or resources to access treatment. Results are consistent with previous findings that role confusion and lack of time, provider training, and interest contribute to low rates of screening and treatment. Future research must focus on system level factors to address perceived barriers to screening and treating depression and anxiety during pregnancy in a systematic and equitable way.
Sleep is associated with telomere shortening: A population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Tempaku Priscila Farias , D'Almeida Vânia , Andersen Monica Levy , Tufik Sergio
Published: July 2024

As the chronological age increases, there is a decrease in the telomere length (TL). Associations between TL and age‐related diseases have been described. Since the major pathophysiological factors related to inadequate sleep (including sleep complaints and sleep disorders) contribute to the exacerbation of inflammation and oxidative stress, an association of sleep and TL has been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sleep‐related variables with TL in a longitudinal framework. We used data derived from the EPISONO cohort, which was followed over 8 years. All individuals answered sleep‐related questionnaires, underwent a full‐night polysomnography (PSG), and had their blood collected for DNA extraction. The TL was measured through a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity status, and the 10 principal components (ancestry estimate) were considered covariables. Of the 1042 individuals in the EPISONO cohort, 68.3% agreed to participate in the follow‐up study (n = 712). Baseline SpO2 (ß = 0.008, p = 0.007), medium SpO2 (ß = 0.013, p = 0.013), and total sleep time <90% (ß = −0.122, p = 0.012) had an effect on TL from the follow‐up. The 8 year TL attrition was inversely associated with total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep architecture variables, wake after sleep onset, arousal index, oxygen‐related variables baseline, and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We conclude that individuals with worse sleep quality, alterations in sleep architecture, and OSA had greater TL attrition over the 8 years. Using a longitudinal approach, these findings confirm previous cross‐sectional evidence linking sleep with accelerated biological ageing.
Culmination phenomena across languages
Authors: Kardos Éva
Published: July 2024

This article examines culmination phenomena from a cross‐linguistic perspective. It provides an overview of various (non‐)culmination readings that sentences in different languages may receive in light of much prior literature on this topic, especially from the past 2 decades. An important goal is to showcase facts of defeasible versus entailed culmination and discuss how scholars have dealt with these facts in recent analyses. Although (non‐)culmination phenomena are often approached from a semantic perspective in the literature, in the second part of the paper, I also address questions of syntactic representation regarding verbal predicates associated with maximal versus non‐maximal event interpretations. This survey of the empirical landscape ultimately shows that, despite the plethora of works on event culmination, there are still numerous puzzles in need of explanation, especially when culmination is examined from a cross‐linguistic angle.
A distinct protein posttranslational modifications‐linked OsATL32‐OsPPKL2‐OsGSK2 loop modulates rice immunity against blast disease
Authors: Yan Yuqing , Wang Hui , Bi Yan , Wang Jiajing , Li Dayong , Song Fengming
Published: July 2024

Protein posttranslational modifications play crucial roles in plant immunity through modulating a complicated signaling network mediated by different hormones. We previously demonstrated that OsATL32, an ATL‐type E3 ligase, negatively contributes to rice immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae.

Here, we show that OsATL32 forms a loop with OsPPKL2 and OsGSK2 through distinct protein posttranslational modifications to modulate rice immunity.

OsATL32 ubiquitinates OsPPKL2, a protein phosphatase with Kelch‐like repeat domains that exerts positive roles in regulating rice immunity against M. oryzae and chitin‐triggered immune responses, for degradation. The glycogen synthase kinase 2 (OsGSK2), which acts as a negative regulator of rice immunity against M. oryzae and chitin‐triggered immune responses, phosphorylates OsATL32 to elevate its protein stability and E3 ligase activity on OsPPKL2. Moreover, OsPPKL2 directly dephosphorylates OsGSK2, affecting its kinase activity on substrates including OsATL32 for phosphorylation. Like OsGSK2 as a BR signaling repressor, OsATL32 negatively regulates BR signaling; conversely, OsPPKL2 plays a positive role in BR signaling.

These findings provide a molecular mechanism in which OsATL32 serves as a node connecting BR signaling and immunity by associating with OsPPKL2 and OsGSK2, assembling into a distinct protein posttranslational modifications‐linked loop that functions in rice BR signaling and immunity.
Overcoming underestimation of the association of excess weight with pancreatic cancer due to prediagnostic weight loss: Umbrella review of systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, and pooled‐analyses
Authors: Mandic Marko , Pulte Dianne , Safizadeh Fatemeh , Niedermaier Tobias , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: July 2024

Elevated body mass index (BMI) is linked to increased pancreatic cancer (PC) risk. Cancer‐associated weight loss can occur years before the malignancy is diagnosed. This might have led to underestimation of the BMI‐PC association. However, it is unknown if and to what extent this issue has been considered in previous epidemiological studies. We searched two databases through February 19, 2024 for systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, and pooled analyses examining the BMI‐PC association. We extracted information on study design with a special focus on the article's examination of prediagnostic weight loss as a potential source of bias, as well as how included cohort studies addressed this concern. Thirteen review articles, meta‐analyses, and pooled analyses were identified. Only five (four pooled analyses, one systematic review) considered prediagnostic weight loss in their analyses. Twenty‐four of 32 identified cohort studies reported having excluded initial years of follow‐up. However, only 13 studies reported results after such exclusions, and effect estimates generally increased with longer periods of exclusion. We conclude that the association of overweight and obesity with PC risk is likely larger than suggested by published epidemiological evidence. Future studies should pay careful attention to avoid or minimize potential bias resulting from prediagnostic weight loss.
Association between preconception body mass index and fertility in adult female: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Jixing , Zhang Yi , Teng Yuzhu , Dou Lianjie , Chen Huiru , Tao Fangbiao , Huang Kun
Published: July 2024

Obesity potentially reduces fertility, but systematic reviews are lacking to summarize the existing literature. Therefore, we systematically summarized the association between preconception body mass index (BMI) and fertility in adult female based on existing reports. Up to September 2023, we conducted literature retrievals in different databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Wiley, and ScienceDirect. Finally, 18 studies were included. Female with overweight/obesity (FOR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80, 0.90), obesity (FOR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.83), and overweight (FOR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99) was associated with the significant time‐to‐pregnancy (TTP) prolongation (reduced fecundability). Interestingly, underweight was moderately associated with prolonged TTP in females (FOR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91, 0.99). Female overweight/obesity was associated with an increased risk of subfecundity (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.72) and infertility (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.31–1.94). The findings emphasize the importance of considering appropriate preconception BMI at the population level for female fertility outcomes. In particular, prepregnancy obesity in females is strongly associated with prolonged TTP and increased risk of subfecundity. Scientific management of preconception BMI may improve fertility.
Habitat quality drives the species–area relationship of plants and soil microbes in an ocean archipelago
Authors: Zhou Shurong , Qin Hao , Liao Renfu , Cheng Yikang
Published: July 2024

While the positive species–area relationship on islands is frequently observed, the mechanisms underlying this pattern remain poorly studied. By analyzing insular community diversity across spatial scales and the soil properties within the islands, we were able to explore potential mechanisms leading to the island species–area relationship of plants, as well as associated soil bacteria and fungi, from a tropical archipelago. We found that both plant and soil microbial communities showed similar positive species–area relationships across scales and the greater taxonomic diversity on larger islands was mainly driven by the higher richness within samples. These patterns arose primarily due to shifting habitat quality with island area, rather than spatial processes generally attributed to species–area relationships. Specifically, for plants, changes in soil total phosphorus content with island area were most explanatory, while changes in soil pH appeared to play the most important role in shaping soil bacteria and fungi patterns. By contrast, we found little evidence for the role of spatial processes (i.e. dispersal limitation or soil heterogeneity) within the island. Overall, this study highlights the importance of dissecting potential mechanisms underlying multi‐trophic community dynamics to explain patterns of biodiversity and its variation on islands.
Sources of resistance to witches' broom disease in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.): Progress update and perspectives
Authors: Pereira Jocilene dos Santos , Santos Ariana Silva , Luz Edna Dora Martins Newman , Corrêa Ronan Xavier
Published: July 2024

Sources of resistance are an important control measure for witches' broom disease in cacao. Their identification through quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genetic diversity analysis would assist breeding programs to develop new cultivars with improved resistance traits. We conducted a systematic review that compiles the main advances in the search for resistance to witches' broom disease. The systematic review on Scopus, Springer Link, PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science databases followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines using the State of the Art through Systematic Review (StArt) software. We identified genotypes exhibiting the most significant resistance in phenotypic analysis, along with combinations of crosses that are promising for future studies and cultivar development. Data on genetic diversity indicate a wide possibility of benefits from heterozygosis. Genetic mapping and association studies revealed eight QTLs associated with resistance and several candidate genes with known and unknown biological functions. More comprehensive research of the various sources of resistance to witches' broom disease is crucial for the advance of cacao breeding programs.
The Crucial Role of Empowerment in Engaging Adolescents and Young Adults for Independence: Essential Strategies and Skills for a Successful Transition
Authors: Vittorio Jennifer , Kosmach‐Park Beverly , King Lindsay
Published: July 2024

Background

An increasing number of pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are surviving into adolescence and young adulthood. The transition from pediatric to adult‐oriented care occurs during a unique and vulnerable period.

Methods

Presented here is a structured approach to healthcare transition (HCT) for adolescent and young adult SOT recipients aimed at optimizing independence in order to assist young patients with adherence, self‐management, and improved quality of life.

Results

Close attention must be paid to neurocognitive development, mental well‐being, and social determinants of health.

Conclusions

These efforts require a multidisciplinary team approach as well as collaboration between pediatric and adult providers in order to achieve these goals and patient longevity.
Is the change in longitudinal cognitive function in older adults with diabetes affected by trajectory classes of depressive symptoms?
Authors: Kang Gyeong A , Yoon Ju Young
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to identify classes based on the trajectory of depressive symptoms and to examine the impact of trajectory classes of depressive symptoms on longitudinal changes in cognitive function in older adults with diabetes.

Methods

This is a secondary data analysis of 572 older adults with diabetes using data from the 5th (2014) to 8th (2020) wave of the Korean longitudinal study of aging. Analysis of latent class growth and the effect of trajectories of depressive symptoms on cognitive function was examined using a latent growth curve model. This analysis has been found to be functional in change trajectories and in describing the direction of the trajectory.

Results

The trajectory of depressive symptoms was classified into four classes: low‐stable (36.89%), high‐decreasing (20.28%), low‐increasing (18.71%), and high‐persistent (24.13%). Compared with the high‐persistent class, higher initial levels of cognitive function were observed in the high‐decreasing and low‐stable classes. Compared with the high‐persistent class, a slower rate of cognitive decline was observed in the low‐stable class (B = 0.410, p = .021).

Conclusions

Continuous monitoring of depressive symptoms and early management of depressive symptoms for community‐dwelling older adults with diabetes can help prevent the cognitive decline and delay the deterioration of cognitive function.
Health inequalities and their relationship with socioeconomic indicators in the Maresme region (Catalonia): A cross‐sectional ecological study
Authors: Ruiz Maria Carmen , Serra‐Prat Mateu , Palomera Elisabet , Yildirim Meltem , Valls Jordi
Published: July 2024

Objective

Health inequalities are universal, but their magnitude and determinants vary according to geographic areas, and understanding variations is essential to designing and implementing preventive and corrective policies. Our objective was to evaluate health inequalities in the Maresme region (Catalonia, Spain) and the relationship with socioeconomic indicators.

Design

Cross‐sectional ecological study (2017).

Site

Maresme region.

Participants

Population assigned to any of the Maresme's 21 basic health areas (BHAs).

Measures

Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, health, and health resource use indicators published by the Catalan Health Service's Information and Knowledge Unit.

Results

Differences observed between BHAs were 49% in mortality, 266% in diabetes incidence, 348% in stroke incidence, and 89% in hospitalizations. In the most compared to the least disadvantaged BHAs, socioeconomic deprivation, as measured by the socioeconomic index (SEI), was 4.6 times greater and the percentage population with low educational attainment (EA) was 3.7 times higher. Greater deprivation was associated with greater prevalence of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and high blood pressure, and greater incidence of diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and cancer. Likewise, a greater percentage population with low EA was associated with higher premature mortality and avoidable hospitalizations.

Conclusion

Great variation exists in socioeconomic, health, and health resource use between the different Maresme BHAs. Socioeconomic deprivation is strongly correlated with the prevalence and incidence of certain chronic diseases, and low EA is correlated with premature mortality and avoidable hospitalizations. Our findings point to the urgency of taking health inequalities into account in designing and implementing healthcare strategies, programs, and policies.
Impact of smoking on cost‐effectiveness of 10–48 years of periodontal care
Authors: Ravidà Andrea , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Ghassib Iya H. , Qazi Musa , Kumar Purnima S. , Wang Hom‐Lay , Eke Paul I. , Borgnakke Wenche S.
Published: July 2024

The study aims were (1) to explore whether “periodontal treatment” consisting of surgical therapy (flap, resective, or regenerative) or scaling and root planing treatment with long‐term periodontal maintenance treatment, is cost‐effective in terms of preventing periodontitis‐attributable tooth extraction and replacement by implant‐supported crowns (“extraction/replacement”); (2) to assess the effect of cigarette smoking on this cost‐effectiveness. Data for this observational retrospective study were collected from dental charts of patients who had received periodontal therapy and at least annual follow‐up visits for >10 years were analyzed by linear regression generalized estimating equations and generalized linear models. Among 399 adults (199 males, 200 females), those with the least mean annual treatment cost experienced the greatest mean annual costs for extraction/replacement, indicating general cost‐effectiveness. Cigarette smoking adversely impacted this cost‐effectiveness, with current heavy smokers experiencing no cost‐effectiveness. Former smokers with Grade C periodontitis benefitted most, whereas smoking did not influence cost‐effectiveness for Grade B periodontitis. Assessed by mean annual costs of “extraction/replacement,” periodontal treatment was cost‐effective, which decreased in a dose–response manner by former and current smoking intensity. Cigarette smoking should be factored into treatment planning and cost‐effective analyses of periodontal treatment. Smoking cessation should be encouraged.
Rural–Urban/Suburban Differences in the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Delinquency☆
Authors: Jones Melissa S. , Hoffmann John P. , Wheelock Benjamin T.
Published: July 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are recognized as significant precursors to delinquency. However, to date, no studies have explicitly examined the interconnectedness of ACEs, residency in rural or urban/suburban areas, and delinquent behavior to discern potential variations among youths residing in these distinct areas. This study aims to address this important gap in existing literature. Data from the 2022 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS), comprising a statewide representative sample of students enrolled in public high schools in Florida (N = 23,078), were analyzed using negative binominal regression models. Our findings demonstrate a significant correlation between ACEs and delinquent behavior, with notable variations in this association among youths residing in rural versus urban/suburban environments. In particular, the impact of ACEs on the anticipated frequency of delinquent behaviors appears to be marginally greater among adolescents residing in urban/suburban locales compared to their counterparts in rural areas. Implications are provided.
Slavery's absence from histories of moral and political philosophy
Authors: Bernasconi Robert
Published: July 2024

At a time when many institutions of higher learning are reflecting on their past complicity with chattel slavery, either in terms of the sources of their funding or their use of slave labor, philosophy as an academic discipline has been largely silent about its own complicity. Questions surrounding the legitimacy and practice of slavery were a regular part of moral philosophy courses at universities from the sixteenth century until its abolition. However, the discussions of slavery found in the dominant textbooks tended to be deeply conservative judged even by the standards of those times. This partly explains why after emancipation the many moral questions posed by slavery are barely mentioned in survey histories of ethics or of political philosophy today: this is a context in which academic philosophy does not show itself to its best advantage. The present article explores what academic philosophers need to do to redress the discipline's past failures, including its virtual silence about slavery since the Civil War. Given today's political environment, academic philosophers need to reflect on how the discipline in its institutional form functions within a system governed by the legacy of slavery and its aftermath.
Comparison of Monte Carlo Tools for Displacement Calculations for Protons and Heavy Ions Irradiation on Iron and EUROFER97
Authors: Cozzarizza Davide , Corniani Enrico , D'Agata Elio , Ciolini Riccardo , Giusti Valerio
Published: July 2024

Ion irradiation of structural materials for the current and future generation nuclear reactors is a widespread technique used to simulate neutron irradiation in the context of material science research. During the designing phase of irradiation experiments Monte Carlo transport codes are often employed to quantify the radiation exposure, by estimating the displacements per atom (dpa) quantity. From the available displacement calculation codes, four popular choices were selected: cern-fluka, mcnp, phits, and srim. These codes will be used to simulate the irradiation effects of proton and Fe ions on pure iron (G379) and EUROFER97 alloy (a common material in fusion applications) targets. Results coming from the different software are presented in the form of damage profiles and of number of displacements as a function of the primary beam energy. This study identifies discrepancies between the codes' outputs and provides optimized simulation setup parameters.
Stability and Energy Balance Analysis of Axisymmetric Boundary Layer: Effects of Oblique Nonuniform Suction and Injection
Authors: Thummar Mayank , Bhoraniya Ramesh , Narayanan Vinod
Published: July 2024

This paper discusses the modal global stability analysis of the boundary layer (BL) formed over a circular cylinder subjected to oblique nonuniform suction and injection. The linearized stability equations governing the system are obtained using a standard procedure in the cylindrical coordinate system, followed by discretization using the spectral method. The discretized equations, accompanied by suitable boundary conditions, constitute an eigenvalue problem (EVP) that is solved using the arpack with a shift-and-invert approach. The stability computations are performed for different inclination angles (θ = 30 deg,60 deg,90 deg,120 deg, and 150 deg), transpiration velocities (I=0.5%, 1.5%, and 2.5% of U∞), Reynolds numbers (Reδ*=195,285, and 411), and different azimuthal wavenumbers (N=0−10) for both uniform and nonuniform profiles of suction and injection. The results reveal that instability modes, such as Tollmien–Schlichting (T–S) waves, are damped due to suction and amplified due to injection. The T–S branch of the eigenspectra shifts toward the damped region as the suction angle increases, while it moves toward the upper half-plane as injection angle increases, specifically from θ=0 deg to 90 deg. The uniform suction profile is found to be modally more stable than the nonuniform profiles, while nonuniform injection profiles are found to be more stable than the uniform profile. The energy balance analysis is also performed corresponding to leading nonstationary eigenmodes, and the results reveal that suction has a strong damping viscous dissipation (VD) effect, while injection has a strong amplifying energy production effect.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Electrofuel as a Shipping Fuel
Authors: Tassew Fasil Ayelegn , Brinks Hendrik , Tvete Hans Anton
Published: July 2024

In this study, we aim to evaluate the technical and economic requirements of electrofuel production through Fischer–Tropsch synthesis using green hydrogen and CO2. We find that a plant with a 1000-barrel/day capacity necessitates 60 tH2 and 424 tCO2 daily, achieving a 36% hydrogen-to-electrofuel conversion rate. The initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) is projected at 295 million USD, with an additional 139 million USD for electrolyzer replacement. The hydrogen production unit accounts for 61% of the CAPEX, followed by the direct air capture unit at 22%. The annual operating expense (OPEX) is estimated at 49.3 million USD, with hydrogen production and direct air capture constituting 58% and 25% of this expense, respectively, largely due to substantial electricity requirements. The synthesis and refining units comprise 17% of the OPEX. The levelized cost of electrofuel is calculated at 1881 USD/t, which is 2.5 times the cost of marine gas oil and 3.8 times that of very low sulfur fuel oil. However, electrofuels emission factor is found to be significantly lower, nearly 14 times less carbon-intensive than traditional fuels. We conclude that electrofuels cost competitiveness with fossil fuels depends on favorable conditions such as low electricity costs, low discount rates, and high carbon prices. While the European Union's emission trading system inclusion for maritime transport will lessen the cost disparity, it is unlikely to make electrofuels cost-competitive given the current carbon prices.
An Elementary Approach to Evaluating the Thermal Self-Sufficiency of Residential Buildings With Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Lüchinger Richard , Duran Adroher Núria , Worlitschek Jörg , Walter Heimo , Schuetz Philipp
Published: July 2024

Thermal energy storage (TES) plays a pivotal role in integrating renewable energy. Nevertheless, there are major challenges in the diffusion of TES such as selection of the optimum system size, system integration, and optimization. A key target for using TES is to increase the thermal self-sufficiency of a building or an entire district. Thermal self-sufficiency, unlike total energy self-sufficiency, concerns space heating and domestic hot water exclusively. Thus, it measures the ability of a system to meet its heating demand from local renewable energy sources. Thermal self-sufficiency is an important metric for practitioners and researchers in the design, optimization, and evaluation of energy systems, especially when considering TES. Unfortunately, no comprehensive method exists in the literature for determining thermal self-sufficiency with TES. Energy profiles and simulations are required to determine it. This article aims to close this gap and presents a new method for evaluating thermal self-sufficiency for a building with a TES. Using this approach, the upper and lower limits of the building thermal self-sufficiency are derived for various heat storage capacities and annual heat demands, demonstrating the impact of a TES on the system. A mathematical model applied to a case study of a single-family house illustrates the effect of different TES capacities on the thermal self-sufficiency: small TES significantly improves the thermal self-sufficiency, with a 20-kWh TES reaching 50% thermal self-sufficiency, while higher thermal self-sufficiency values require exponentially larger storage capacities.
Fetal hypoplastic lungs have multilineage inflammation that is reversed by amniotic fluid stem cell extracellular vesicle treatment
Authors: Antounians Lina , Figueira Rebeca Lopes , Kukreja Bharti , Litvack Michael L. , Zani-Ruttenstock Elke , Khalaj Kasra , Montalva Louise , Doktor Fabian , Obed Mikal , Blundell Matisse , Wu Taiyi , Chan Cadia , Wagner Richard , Lacher Martin , Wilson Michael D. , Post Martin , Kalish Brian T. , Zani Augusto
Published: July 2024

Antenatal administration of extracellular vesicles from amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC-EVs) reverses features of pulmonary hypoplasia in models of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, it remains unknown which lung cellular compartments and biological pathways are affected by AFSC-EV therapy. Herein, we conducted single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on rat fetal CDH lungs treated with vehicle or AFSC-EVs. We identified that intra-amniotically injected AFSC-EVs reach the fetal lung in rats with CDH, where they promote lung branching morphogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation. Moreover, snRNA-seq revealed that rat fetal CDH lungs have a multilineage inflammatory signature with macrophage enrichment, which is reversed by AFSC-EV treatment. Macrophage enrichment in CDH fetal rat lungs was confirmed by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and inhibition studies with GW2580. Moreover, we validated macrophage enrichment in human fetal CDH lung autopsy samples. Together, this study advances knowledge on the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia and further evidence on the value of an EV-based therapy for CDH fetuses.
Artificial mucus layer formed in response to ROS for the oral treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhang Guangshuai , Song Dandan , Ma Ruilong , Li Mo , Liu Bingyang , He Zhonggui , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2024

The artificial mucus layer, such as hydrogels, used to repair the damaged intestinal barrier, is a promising treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the currently reported hydrogel-based artificial barriers are administered via rectal injection, causing unnecessary discomfort to patients. Herein, we report an oral hydrogel precursor solution based on thiol-modified hyaluronic acid (HASH). Owing to the reactive oxygen species (ROS)–responsive gelling behavior, our precursor solution formed an artificial mucus coating over the inflamed regions of the intestines, blocking microbial invasion and reducing abnormally activated immune responses. Notably, HASH also modulated the gut microbiota, including increasing the diversity and enhancing the abundance of short-chain fatty acid–associated bacteria, which play a key role in gut homeostasis. We believe that the ROS-responsive artificial mucus layer is a promising strategy for the oral treatment of IBD.
Pre-sensor computing with compact multilayer optical neural network
Authors: Huang Zheng , Shi Wanxin , Wu Shukai , Wang Yaode , Yang Sigang , Chen Hongwei
Published: July 2024

Moving computation units closer to sensors is becoming a promising approach to addressing bottlenecks in computing speed, power consumption, and data storage. Pre-sensor computing with optical neural networks (ONNs) allows extensive processing. However, the lack of nonlinear activation and dependence on laser input limits the computational capacity, practicality, and scalability. A compact and passive multilayer ONN (MONN) is proposed, which has two convolution layers and an inserted nonlinear layer, performing pre-sensor computations with designed passive masks and a quantum dot film for incoherent light. MONN has an optical length as short as 5 millimeters, two orders of magnitude smaller than state-of-the-art lens-based ONNs. MONN outperforms linear single-layer ONN across various vision tasks, off-loading up to 95% of computationally expensive operations into optics from electronics. Motivated by MONN, a paradigm is emerging for mobile vision, fulfilling the demands for practicality, miniaturization, and low power consumption.
The Emu Bay Shale: A unique early Cambrian Lagerstätte from a tectonically active basin
Authors: Gaines Robert R. , García-Bellido Diego C. , Jago James B. , Myrow Paul M. , Paterson John R.
Published: July 2024

The Emu Bay Shale (EBS) of South Australia is anomalous among Cambrian Lagerstätten because it captures anatomical information that is rare in Burgess Shale–type fossils, and because of its inferred nearshore setting, the nature of which has remained controversial. Intensive study, combining outcrop and borehole data with a compilation of >25,000 fossil specimens, reveals that the EBS biota inhabited a fan delta complex within a tectonically active basin. Preservation of soft-bodied organisms in this setting is unexpected and further underscores differences between the EBS and other Cambrian Lagerstätten. Environmental conditions, including oxygen fluctuations, slope instability, high suspended sediment concentrations, and episodic high-energy events, inhibited colonization of the lower prodelta by all but a few specialist species but favored downslope transportation and preservation of other largely endemic, shallow-water benthos. The EBS provides extraordinary insight into early Cambrian animal diversity from Gondwana. These results demonstrate how environmental factors determined community composition and provide a framework for understanding this unique Konservat-Lagerstätte.
RETRACTED: A Single Molecular Spin Valve
Authors: Schön J. H. , Emberly E. G. , Kirczenow G.
Published: July 2024

The charge transport through a single benzene-1,4-dithiolate molecule embedded in an inert matrix of insulating alkanethiol molecules and sandwiched between ferromagnetic electrodes is studied as a function of magnetic field. Electronic transport through the device structure shows a pronounced spin valve behavior and a giant magnetoresistive effect exceeding 30% at room temperature. The result demonstrates the possibility of using the spin degree of freedom in molecular-based devices.
Pbp4 provides transpeptidase activity to the FtsW-PbpB peptidoglycan synthase to drive cephalosporin resistance in
Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Nelson Madison E. , Little Jaime L. , Kristich Christopher J.
Published: July 2024

Enterococci exhibit intrinsic resistance to cephalosporins, mediated in part by the class B penicillin-binding protein (bPBP) Pbp4 that exhibits low reactivity toward cephalosporins and thus can continue crosslinking peptidoglycan despite exposure to cephalosporins. bPBPs partner with cognate SEDS (shape, elongation, division, and sporulation) glycosyltransferases to form the core catalytic complex of peptidoglycan synthases that synthesize peptidoglycan at discrete cellular locations, although the SEDS partner for Pbp4 is unknown. SEDS-bPBP peptidoglycan synthases of enterococci have not been studied, but some SEDS-bPBP pairs can be predicted based on sequence similarity. For example, FtsW (SEDS)-PbpB (bPBP) is predicted to form the catalytic core of the peptidoglycan synthase that functions at the division septum (the divisome). However, PbpB is readily inactivated by cephalosporins, raising the question—how could the FtsW-PbpB synthase continue functioning to enable growth in the presence of cephalosporins? In this work, we report that the FtsW-PbpB peptidoglycan synthase is required for cephalosporin resistance of
Enterococcus faecalis
, despite the fact that PbpB is inactivated by cephalosporins. Moreover, Pbp4 associates with the FtsW-PbpB synthase and the TPase activity of Pbp4 is required to enable growth in the presence of cephalosporins in an FtsW-PbpB-synthase-dependent manner. Overall, our results implicate a model in which Pbp4 directly interacts with the FtsW-PbpB peptidoglycan synthase to provide TPase activity during cephalosporin treatment, thereby maintaining the divisome SEDS-bPBP peptidoglycan synthase in a functional state competent to synthesize crosslinked peptidoglycan. These results suggest that two bPBPs coordinate within the FtsW-PbpB peptidoglycan synthase to drive cephalosporin resistance in
E. faecalis
.