bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive gliadin electrospinning loaded with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil: Improves antimicrobial activity and release modeling behavior
Authors: Bahrami Zohreh , Pedram‐Nia Ahmad , Saeidi‐Asl Mohammadreza , Armin Mohammad , Heydari‐Majd Mojtaba
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to produce electrospun gliadin nanofibers containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) (5, 10, and 15% w/w), thereby developing active, sustained‐release antimicrobial mats. By increasing the level of the ZMEO, the zeta potential and electrical conductivity increased, but the viscosity and consistency index decreased. All feed solutions demonstrated shear‐thinning behavior, and the power law model was the best model. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images proved that the gliadin nanofibers showed a uniform, beaded‐free structure at different levels of ZMEO, with an average diameter of between 403.87 ± 15.29 and 522.19 ± 11.23 nm. Increments in the level of ZMEO decreased the mats' tensile strength and Young's modulus but increased their elongation at break. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that the ZMEO was well loaded within these structures, augmenting its thermal stability. The studied Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were more resistant to the ZMEO than the Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus). The Peleg model was the most suitable model for describing the ZMEO release behavior, the mechanism of which was primarily Fickian diffusion.
Effect on percolation threshold of catalytic layer: Pt/N‐Doped graphene shell onto SWCNT for ORR electrode
Authors: Dechojarassri Duangkamol , Wang Xiaoyang , Chae Sangwoo , Sawada Yasuyuki , Hashimoto Takeshi , Saito Nagahiro
Published: November 2022

A high‐rate oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is necessary for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). In this work, by using a solution plasma technique, Pt catalytic particles coated with N‐doped graphene (Pt‐NG) were effectively produced at 25°C. According to transmission electron microscope images, the average diameter of Pt particles was 4 nm, while the graphene layer thickness was less than 1 nm. A catalytic layer of Pt‐NG supported on single‐walled carbon nanotubes (Pt‐NG/SWCNT) was synthesized. Cyclic voltammetry was used to assess the ORR characteristics of Pt‐NG/SWCNT catalytic layers. Only at a density of SWCNT to solvent ratio of 0.75 mg ml−1 were the ORR peaks clearly visible. Because of the high resistivity of SWCNT layers, the ORR peaks in other ranges, 0.4 mg ml−1 to 2.0 mg ml−1, were not clearly observed. The effect of SWCNT concentration on conductivity was proven to follow the basic concept of the percolation threshold.
Graphene‐based dual‐function acoustic transducers for machine learning‐assisted human–robot interfaces
Authors: Sun Hao , Gao Xin , Guo Liang‐Yan , Tao Lu‐Qi , Guo Zi Hao , Shao Yangshi , Cui Tianrui , Yang Yi , Pu Xiong , Ren Tian‐Ling
Published: November 2022

Human–robot interface (HRI) electronics are critical for realizing robotic intelligence. Here, we report graphene‐based dual‐function acoustic transducers for machine learning‐assisted human–robot interfaces (GHRI). The GHRI functions both an artificial ear through the triboelectric acoustic sensing mechanism and an artificial mouth through the thermoacoustic sound emission mechanism. The success of the integrated device is also attributed to the multifunctional laser‐induced graphene, as either triboelectric materials, electrodes, or thermoacoustic sources. By systematically optimizing the structure parameters, the GHRI achieves high sensitivity (4500 mV Pa–1) and operating durability (1 000 000 cycles and 60 days), capable of recognizing speech identities, emotions, content, and other information in the human speech. With the assistance of machine learning, 30 speech categories are trained by a convolutional neural network, and the accuracy reaches 99.66% and 96.63% in training datasets and test datasets. Furthermore, GHRI is used for artificial intelligence communication based on recognized speech features. Our work shows broad prospects for the development of robotic intelligence.

image
Forward guidance and expectation formation: A narrative approach
Authors: Sutherland Christopher S.
Published: November 2022

How forward guidance influences expectations is not fully understood. To study this, I construct central bank data that includes forward guidance and its attributes, central bank projections, and quantitative easing, which I combine with survey data. I describe how, when, and where forward guidance has worked. I estimate that forecasters revised their interest rate forecasts in the intended direction by five basis points on average following a forward guidance change. I provide estimates for The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, Bank of Canada, Reserve Bank of Australia, Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Sveriges Riksbank, and Norges Bank.
Acute High Dietary Phosphorus Following Low‐Phosphorus Diet Acclimation Does Not Enhance Intestinal Fractional Phosphorus Absorption in Nephrectomized Male Rats
Authors: Burstad Kendal M , Cladis Dennis P , Vorland Colby J , Wastney Meryl E , Biruete Annabel , Dominguez James M , O'Neill Kalisha D , Chen Neal X , Moe Sharon M , Hill Gallant Kathleen M
Published: November 2022

Dietary phosphorus restriction and phosphorus binders are commonly prescribed for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, occurrences of non‐adherence to these interventions are common. As low‐phosphorus (LP) diets have been consistently experimentally shown in vitro to increase intestinal phosphorus absorption efficiency, a bout of non‐adherence to diet or binders may cause an unintended consequence of enhanced intestinal phosphorus absorption. Thus, we aimed to determine the effect of a single bout of high‐phosphorus (HP) intake after acclimation to a LP diet. Male Sprague Dawley rats with 5/6 nephrectomy (n = 36) or sham operation (n = 36) were block‐randomized to 1 of 3 diets: LP (0.1% P w/w), HP (1.2%), or LP followed by acute HP (LPHP 0.1% then 1.2%). Phosphorus absorption tests were conducted using 33P radioisotope administrated by oral gavage or intravenously (iv). Although the overall two‐way ANCOVA model for intestinal fractional phosphorus absorption was non‐significant, exploratory comparisons showed intestinal fractional phosphorus absorption efficiency tended to be higher in rats in the LP compared with HP or LPHP groups. Rats in the HP or LPHP groups had higher plasma phosphorus compared with rats in the LP group, but the LPHP group was not different from the HP group. Gene expression of the major intestinal phosphate transporter, NaPi‐2b, was lower in the jejunum of rats in the LPHP group compared with rats in the HP group but not different in the duodenum. These results demonstrate that an acute HP load after acclimation to a LP diet does not lead to enhanced intestinal fractional phosphorus absorption efficiency in 5/6 nephrectomized male rats. These data provide evidence against the notion that dietary phosphorus restriction or binder use adversely increases absorption efficiency after a single instance of dietary or binder non‐adherence. However, other adverse consequences of fluctuating dietary phosphorus intake cannot be ruled out. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Endoscopy training in Australia during COVID‐19: Efficacy and knowledge assessment of gastroenterology and general surgery trainees
Authors: Zorron Cheng Tao Pu Leonardo , Cox Daniel R A , Be Kim H , Ng Jonathan , Yeaman Fiona , Gilhotra Rajit A , Efthymiou Marios , Vaughan Rhys , Nestel Debra , Perini Marcos V , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan , Chandran Sujievvan
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

During COVID‐19, restrictions to elective endoscopy were introduced worldwide. A reduction in procedures may impact trainees' endoscopy learning. This study aims to assess Australian advanced gastroenterology and general surgery trainees' self‐perceived efficacy and knowledge in endoscopy during the pandemic.

Methods

All Australian gastroenterology and general surgery trainees in their last 2 years of accredited training were invited to participate through email (2020–2021 and 2021–2022 training cycles). The primary outcome was to assess trainees' self‐efficacy and knowledge regarding gastrointestinal endoscopy. Secondary outcomes included subgroup analysis between gastroenterology and general surgery trainees. Self‐perceived efficacy was assessed with Likert‐scale questions on 20 endoscopy procedures and knowledge was assessed through 21 endoscopy‐related multiple choice questions.

Results

Eighty‐one trainees responded to a self‐efficacy questionnaire and 77 responded to the knowledge questionnaire. Over 90% of the trainees were confident or extremely confident in diagnostic endoscopy, but only half demonstrated similar efficacy for therapeutic endoscopy. The efficacy for basic endoscopy procedures was higher for gastroenterology trainees (64.0% vs 51.1%, P < 0.001). Last‐year trainee achievement of conjoint committee requirements for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was achieved in 95.8% of gastroenterology trainees versus 22.2% of surgical trainees (P < 0.001). The median score on the knowledge questionnaire was also higher for the gastroenterology subset (90.5% vs 71.4%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

During COVID‐19, endoscopy trainees' self‐efficacy in endoscopic diagnostic procedures was achieved for most trainees. The differences in self‐perceived efficacy and knowledge between gastroenterology and surgical trainees may be reflective of the different opportunities for learning between the two groups.
Assessment of Antarctic sea ice area and concentration in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and Phase 6 models
Authors: Casagrande Fernanda , Stachelski Letícia , de Souza Ronald Buss
Published: November 2022

Sea ice is an important and complex component of the Earth system and is considered a sensitive indicator of climate change. The seasonal sea ice cycle regulates the exchange of heat and salinity, altering the energy balance between high and low latitudes as well as the ocean and atmospheric circulation. The accurate representation of Antarctic sea ice has been considered a hot topic in the climate modelling community and lacks conclusive answers. In this paper, we evaluated the ability of 11 climate models from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) and Phase 6 (CMIP6) to simulate the sea ice seasonal cycle in Antarctica in terms of area (SIA) and concentration (SIC), as well as the improvements in the most recent models' version, submitted to CMIP6. The results indicated that all models are able to accurately capture the seasonal cycle of the Antarctic SIA, with the minimum (maximum) occurring in February (September). In the Weddell Sea, Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, and the Ross Sea, the simulated sea ice concentration revealed a large and systematic bias in February when compared to observations. In September, a large and systematic bias was found nearby the Southern Ocean's northern limit in the Polar Front. Several CMIP6 models exhibited slight improvements on the SIA and SIC estimate over the previous version (CMIP5). All models indicated a significant sea ice loss in the coming years as a response to CO2 forcing. Despite the advancements in the sea ice representation, our findings show that the models are still unable to accurately represent the regional sea ice changes
Using a machine learning algorithm to predict outcome of primary cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Piedimonte Sabrina , Erdman Lauren , So Delvin , Bernardini Marcus Q. , Ferguson Sarah E. , Laframboise Stephane , Bouchard Fortier Genevieve , Cybulska Paulina , May Taymaa , Hogen Liat
Published: November 2022

Objective

To develop a machine learning (ML) algorithm to predict outcome of primary cytoreductive surgery (PCS) in patients with advanced ovarian cancer (AOC)

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with AOC undergoing PCS between January 2017 and February 2021. Using radiologic criteria, patient factors (age, CA‐125, performance status, BRCA) and surgical complexity scores, we trained a random forest model to predict the dichotomous outcome of optimal cytoreduction (<1 cm) and no gross residual (RD = 0 mm) using JMP‐Pro 15 (SAS). This model is available at https://ipm-ml.ccm.sickkids.ca.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐one patients underwent PCS and randomly assigned to train (n = 92), validate (n = 30), or test (n = 29) the model. The median age was 58 (27–83). Patients with suboptimal cytoreduction were more likely to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 3–4 (11% vs. 0.75%, p = 0.004), lower albumin (38 vs. 41, p = 0.02), and higher CA125 (1126 vs. 388, p = 0.012) than patients with optimal cytoreduction (n = 133). There were no significant differences in age, histology, stage, or BRCA status between groups. The bootstrap random forest model had AUCs of 99.8% (training), 89.6%(validation), and 89.0% (test). The top five contributors were CA125, albumin, diaphragmatic disease, age, and ascites. For RD = 0 mm, the AUCs were 94.4%, 52%, and 84%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our ML algorithm demonstrated high accuracy in predicting optimal cytoreduction in patients with AOC selected for PCS and may assist decision‐making.
Posttraumatic stress response following the loss of significant close others in the Great East Japan Earthquake: Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Harigane Mayumi , Nakajima Satomi , Takebayashi Yui , Maeda Masaharu , Nakano Hironori , Yasumura Seiji , Yabe Hirooki , Ohira Tetsuya , Kamiya Kenji ,   Mental Health Group of the Fukushima Health Management Survey*
Published: November 2022

During the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people experienced the loss of family and friends, among other traumatic events. This study sought to clarify the impact of the loss of significant close others on posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), as well as the factors associated with PTSS, among individuals who experienced the loss of significant close others (i.e., bereaved group). Self‐administered questionnaires were mailed to men and women (N = 180,604) aged 16 years and older living in municipalities that included evacuated areas surrounding the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, which was significantly damaged following an earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, causing subsequent radiation leakage; this mailing yielded a 40.7% response rate, with 57,388 valid responses, in 2012. We used the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist–Specific (PCL‐S) to measure PTSS as the outcome variable. Loss of significant close others in the disaster and respondents’ relationship with the deceased constituted the explanatory variables. Basic characteristics and disaster‐related factors were the confounding variables. Data were analyzed using chi‐square tests and logistic regression analyses. The bereaved group showed more severe PTSS than the nonbereaved group, aOR = 1.58, 95% CI [1.50, 1.67]. The risk of developing PTSS increased if the deceased was a respondent's spouse, aOR = 1.67, 95% CI [1.22, 2.29]; child, 1.51 [1.01, 2.25]; or friend, 1.33 [1.16, 1.53]. Individuals who lose significant close others, including both family and friends, in disasters require close mental health care and, if necessary, should be referred for psychiatric treatment.
Laser therapy as a treatment for chronic radiation fibrosis
Authors: Wilson Britney , Shah Rohan , Menzer Christian , Aleisa Abdullah , Rossi Anthony
Published: November 2022

Background

Chronic radiation fibrosis (CRF) is a long‐term sequala of radiation therapy that has a significant impact on patient quality of life. There is no standard of care or single therapeutic modality that has been found to be consistently effective.

Objective

To describe our experience using fractional 10,600 nm carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy and vascular laser therapy in a series of patients with CRF.

Methods

Patients presenting to the dermatology service for CRF were evaluated for laser therapy eligibility. Patients were eligible if they had a clinical diagnosis of CRF confirmed by physical examination.

Results

We identified five patients with CRF treated with fractional ablative CO2 laser and vascular laser. Patients were a median age of 57 years old, and the amount of time between the initiation of radiotherapy and laser treatment ranged between 3 months and 40 years. The satisfactory response was achieved in all cases.

Limitations

Lack of standardized laser protocol, small sample size, lack of a control group, different anatomical locations

Conclusion

Fractional ablative and vascular laser therapy may serve as an additional treatment for CRF, leading to functional improvements.
The Interindividual Variability of Phytofluene Bioavailability is Associated with a Combination of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Zumaraga Mark Pretzel , Borel Patrick , Bott Romain , Nowicki Marion , Lairon Denis , Desmarchelier Charles
Published: November 2022

Scope

Phytofluene is a colorless carotenoid with potential health benefits that displays a higher bioavailability compared to carotenoids such as lutein, β‐carotene or lycopene. Several studies suggest its bioavailability displays an elevated interindividual variability. The aim of this work is to investigate whether a combination of SNPs is associated with this variability.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐seven healthy adult males consume a test meal that provides phytofluene from a tomato puree. Phytofluene concentrations are measured at fast and in chylomicrons at regular time intervals after meal intake. Identification of the combination of SNPs that best explained the interindividual variability of the phytofluene response is assessed by partial least squares regression. There is a large interindividual variability in the phytofluene response, with CV = 88%. Phytofluene bioavailability is positively correlated with fasting plasma phytofluene concentration (r = 0.57; p = 2 × 10−4). A robust partial least squares regression model comprising 14 SNPs near or within 11 genes (ABCA1‐rs2487059, rs2515629, and rs4149316, APOC1‐rs445925, CD36‐rs3211881, ELOVL5‐rs6941533, FABP1‐rs10185660, FADS3‐rs1000778, ISX‐rs130461, and rs17748559, LIPC‐rs17240713, LPL‐rs7005359, LYPLAL1‐rs1351472, SETD7‐rs11936429) explains 51% (adjusted R2) of the interindividual variability in phytofluene bioavailability.

Conclusions

This study reports a
combination of SNPs that is associated with a significant part of the interindividual variability of phytofluene bioavailability in a healthy male adult population.
T1 relaxation time of ISMRM/NIST T1 phantom spheres at 7 T
Authors: Yen Yi‐Fen , Stupic Karl F. , Janicke Michael T. , Greve Douglas N. , Mareyam Azma , Stockmann Jason , Polimeni Jonathan R. , van der Kouwe Andre , Keenan Kathryn E.
Published: November 2022

T1 relaxation times of the 14 T1 phantom spheres that make up the standard International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM)/National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) system phantom are reported at 7 T. T1 values of six of the 14 T1 spheres at 7 T (with T1 > 270 ms) have been reported previously, but, to the best of our knowledge, not all of the T1s of the 14 T1 spheres at 7 T have been reported before. Given the increasing number of 7‐T MRI systems in clinical settings and the increasing need for T1 phantoms that cover a wide range of T1 relaxation times to evaluate rapid T1 mapping techniques at 7 T, it is of high interest to obtain accurate T1 values for all the ISMRM/NIST T1 spheres at 7 T. In this work, T1 relaxation time was measured on a 7‐T MRI scanner using an inversion‐recovery spin‐echo pulse sequence and derived by curve fitting to a signal equation that exhibits insensitivity to
inhomogeneity. Day‐to‐day reproducibility was within 0.4% and differences between two different RF coils within 1.5%. T1s of a subset of the 14 spheres were also measured by NMR at 7 T for comparison, and the T1 results were consistent between the MRI and NMR measurements. T1 measurements performed at 3 T on the same 14 spheres using the same sequence and fitting method yielded good agreement (mean percentage difference of −0.4%) with the reference T1 values available from the NIST, reflecting the accuracy of the reported technique despite being without the standard phantom housing. We found that the T1 values of all 14 NiCl2 spheres are consistently lower at 7 T than at 3 T. Although our results were well reproduced, this study represents initial work to quantify the 7‐T T1 values of all 14 NIST T1 spheres outside of the standard housing and does not warrant reproducibility of the ISMRM/NIST system phantom as a whole. A future study to assess the T1 values of a version of the ISMRM/NIST system phantom that fits inside typical commercial coils at 7 T will be very helpful. Nonetheless, the details on our acquisition and curve‐fitting methods reported here allow the T1 measurements to be reproduced elsewhere. The T1 values of all 14 spheres reported here will be valuable for the development of quantitative MR fingerprinting and rapid T1 mapping for a large variety of research projects, not only in neuroimaging but also in body MRI, musculoskeletal MRI, and gadolinium contrast‐enhanced MRI, each of which is concerned with much shortened T1.
A case report of an alcoholic with delirium tremens diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer: Psychiatrists played important roles in the smooth diagnosis and treatments
Authors: Ishida Tetsuro , Murayama Tomonori , Kobayashi Seiju
Published: November 2022

Background

Alcohol use increases the risk of developing several types of cancer. Of these, hypopharyngeal cancer has one of the worst prognoses. Moreover, treating an alcoholic patient with hypopharyngeal cancer is often difficult. There are various treatments for hypopharyngeal cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, depending on the state of the cancer and the patient's quality of life. Patients need physical, psychological, and social support in decision‐making and post‐treatment follow‐up. This is especially true for alcoholic patients.

Case Presentation

A 59‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital with complaints of fatigue, loss of appetite, and tremor of the upper limbs. He was single, alcoholic, and had no family. After treatment for delirium tremens, he complained of throat pain. After endoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, and examination with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 A (T2 N2c M0) hypopharyngeal cancer. The psychiatrist and otolaryngologist discussed the patient's decision‐making capacity and the various risks associated with treatment. Shared decision‐making with the patient was considered most important in determining the treatment strategy. As a result, the patient decided to receive endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery in combination with lymphadenectomy, a challenging surgical treatment. The operation was successful, and the patient is now ready for a new life after discharge.

Conclusion

Psychiatrists have a significant role to play in the oncological treatment of patients with alcoholism and other psychiatric disorders.
From eligibility assessment to intervention for students with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Goldstein Sam , Sellars Tiffany , Velez Alexandro
Published: November 2022

The mean age of identification for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) occurs during the months before children enter kindergarten. The incidence and prevalence of “autistic behaviors” in the general population are not fully understood, however, census‐matched studies of these behaviors have yielded important new data. As children presenting with behaviors characteristic of ASD enter school, school psychologists are increasingly faced with the assessment and determination of individuals with disabilities improvement act (IDEIA) eligibility, often with students yet to be formally diagnosed with ASD. In many US states, a clinical diagnosis of ASD is not required for a child's eligibility to be served under the category of other health impaired as autism. Nor does a diagnosis of ASD automatically qualify a student as eligible under IDEIA. Eligibility hinges on educational impact. This article briefly reviews the current state of knowledge as it relates to understanding and evaluating children with suspected ASD in the schools, offers a framework for assessment, and discusses a set of proposed guidelines to assist in effectively utilizing assessment data in the development of individualized education plan goals.
Higher mortality rates associated with Clostridioides difficile infection in hospitalized children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Santhanam Prathipa , Egberg Matthew , Kappelman Michael D.
Published: November 2022

Objective(s)

To determine the association of Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) with in‐hospital mortality, Length of Stay (LOS), and hospital charges among pediatric Cystic Fibrosis (CF) hospitalizations using a large nationally representative pediatric hospital database.

Study design

We identified Cystic Fibrosis‐related hospitalizations during the years 1997 to 2016 in the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) and compared in‐hospital mortality, LOS, and hospital charges among hospitalizations with and without a coexisting diagnosis of C. difficile using logistic regression models for mortality and general linear models with gamma distribution and logarithmic transformation for LOS and hospital charges. We also evaluated temporal trends in the proportion of CF hospitalizations with concomitant CDI using data published triennially

Results

We analyzed 21,616 pediatric CF hospitalizations between the years 1997 to 2016 and found a total of 240 (1.1%) hospitalizations with concurrent CDI diagnosis. Adjusted analyses demonstrated an association of CDI with increased mortality (OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.5–10.7), longer LOS (46.5% increment, 95% CI 36.0–57.1), and higher charges (65.8% increment, 95% CI 53.5–78.1) for all comparisons. The proportion of CF hospitalizations with CDI increased over time from 0.64% in 1997 to 1.73% in 2016 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion(s)

As CDI is associated with excess mortality, LOS, and cost in children hospitalized for CF, a healthy level of suspicion for CDI may be needed in patients with CF in the appropriate clinical context. Efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat CDI may improve hospital outcomes among children with CF.
The usefulness of modified distress thermometer in screening adolescents with COVID‐19 for psychological distress: A prospective study
Authors: Gamal Yasser , Mohamed Sherif , Raheem Yaser F. Abdel , Abo Elela Mohamed G. M. , Badawy Ahlam
Published: November 2022

Background

Children and adolescents are more vulnerable than other age groups to the psychosocial effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The modified distress thermometer (m‐DT) was recently utilized for measuring the prevalence of psychological distress among adult COVID‐19 patients. In the current study, we aimed to test the utilization of this m‐DT in screening adolescent patients with COVID‐19 for psychological distress.

Methods

Egyptian adolescent subjects with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID‐19 at a University Hospital were enrolled. Binary logistic regression tests were conducted to explore the association between the m‐DT cutoff scores of 4 and the clinical variables.

Results

A total of 48% (87/182) of the study subjects experienced significant (m‐DT score ≥4) COVID‐19‐related distress. There were substantial differences between those with and without considerable distress regarding the length of quarantine, underlying medical disorders, and the presence of chronic respiratory conditions. Length of quarantine time, chronic respiratory disease, worry, and fever were independent factors associated with significant distress in COVID‐19 adolescent patients.

Conclusions

Almost half of the enrolled Egyptian adolescents with COVID‐19 experienced significant psychological distress. The m‐DT was helpful, as the current study had identified length of quarantine time, presence of chronic respiratory disease, worry, and fever as independent factors associated with significant distress in COVID‐19 adolescents. Further studies are needed.
Alveolar dead space fraction is not associated with early RV systolic dysfunction in pediatric ARDS
Authors: Chilcote Daniel , Mercer‐Rosa Laura , Wang Yan , Kawut Steven M. , Berg Robert A. , Yehya Nadir , Himebauch Adam S.
Published: November 2022

Primary Hypothesis

We hypothesized that higher alveolar dead space fraction (AVDSf) at pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) onset would be associated with right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction within the first 24 h of PARDS.

Study Design and Methods

We performed a retrospective single‐center cohort study of PARDS patients with clinically obtained echocardiograms within 24 h. Primary exposure was AVDSf at PARDS onset. Primary outcome was RV systolic dysfunction as defined by RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (>−18%). Secondary outcomes included pulmonary hypertension (PH) and RV systolic dysfunction as defined by other echocardiogram parameters, and measures of oxygenation. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic and linear regression were used to investigate AVDSf associations with outcomes.

Results

Ninety‐one patients were included: median age 6.2 years, 46% female, and 65% with moderate or severe PARDS. Median AVDSf was 0.2 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.0‐0.3), 33% had RV dysfunction, and 21% had PH. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression showed no association between AVDSf and RV systolic dysfunction or PH by any echocardiographic measure, but unadjusted and adjusted linear regression did show an association between AVDSf and PaO2/FiO2.

Conclusion

AVDSf at PARDS onset was not associated with RV systolic dysfunction or PH within 24 h but was associated with PaO2/FiO2 ratio and may be more reflective of pulmonary causes of ventilation‐perfusion mismatch. Future investigations should focus on clarifying the clinical utility of AVDSf in relation to existing metrics throughout the course of PARDS.
From neonatal lung function to lung function and respiratory morbidity at 6‐year follow‐up
Authors: Goth Fanny E. M. , Green Kent , Hansen Bo M. , Agertoft Lone , Jørgensen Inger M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Lung function is traceable from infancy to adulthood. Only a few studies have examined lung function from birth to childhood longitudinally in children born moderate to late preterm. We aimed to investigate how prematurity and lung function in the neonatal period are related to lung function and respiratory morbidity at age 6 in former moderate to late preterm children compared with children born at term.

Methods

Lung function was measured in a cohort of moderately to late preterm (n = 48) and term‐born (n = 53) infants in the neonatal period by FeNO, and tidal breathing flow‐volume loops (TBFVL) and at age 6 (n = 52) by spirometry, whole‐body plethysmograph and impulse oscillation combined with a respiratory symptom questionnaire.

Results

Moderate to late preterm children had a higher TPEF/TE ratio neonatally (42.6% vs. 33.7%, p = 0.02) and a lower % predicted orced expiratory volume in the first second at age 6 (94.4% vs. 101.9%, p = 0.01) compared to term‐born children. We found a significant association between the variability of neonatal tidal volume and effective airway resistance at age 6 (β = −0.34, p = 0.03). No association between neonatal FeNO or TBFVL and respiratory morbidity at 6‐year follow‐up was shown.

Conclusion

Children born moderate to late preterm had lower lung function at age 6 than term‐born children. We did not find evidence for the use of neonatal tidal breathing parameters as a predictor for subsequent respiratory morbidity or lung function, however sample size was small.
Integrated glycomics strategy for galactosylated‐N‐glycans recognized by Bandeiraea Simplicifolia Lectin I in salivary proteins associated with lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xie Mingyuan , Tang Zhen , Xie Hailong , Yue Lixin , Wang Xilong , Yang Jiajun , Chen Yanhua , Li Zheng
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, mainly due to late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Saliva is an important source for discovering biomarkers and contains an abundance of biological information. The purpose of this study was to determine whether galactosylation levels of salivary proteins are associated with LC.

Experimental design

First, we analyzed the alterations of the glycopatterns recognized by Bandeiraea Simplicifolia Lectin I (BS‐I) in five groups (healthy volunteers [HV]: 28, benign pulmonary disease [BPD]: 27, lung adenocarcinoma [ADC]: 39, squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]: 28, small‐cell lung cancer [SCLC]: 22) of 144 saliva samples using lectin microarrays. Pooled samples from each group were subsequently validated by the lectin blotting technique. Finally, the N‐glycan profiles of their salivary glycoproteins isolated by the BS‐I‐magnetic particle conjugates from pooled samples for each group were analyzed by MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS.

Results

The results showed that the expression level of galactosylated glycans recognized by BS‐I was significantly increased in patients with LC compared with BPD and HV. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that the levels of salivary glycopattern recognized by BS‐I could discriminate lung disease (BPD, ADC, SCC, and SCLC) and HV with an AUC of 0.700 (95% CI: 0.589–0.812), and discriminate LC and BPD with an AUC of 0.860 (95% CI: 0.763–0.956). Also, the proportion of galactosylated N‐glycans in ADC (38.4%), SCC (43.1%), and SCLC (39.5%) increased compared to HV (30.1%) and BPD (33.7%), and two galactosylated N‐glycan peaks (m/z 1828.683, 2418.853) could be identified only in the LC groups (ADC, SCC, and SCLC).

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These findings could provide crucial information on galactosylated N‐linked glycans associated with LC and facilitate the study of LC biomarkers based on precise alterations of galactosylated N‐glycans in saliva.
Comparing the Movement Assessment Battery for Children with the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency in adolescents with and without schizophrenia
Authors: Byrial Pernille , Clausen Loa , Nyboe Lene
Published: November 2022

Background

As motor impairments have implications for health and functioning, they need to be addressed early, not only in childhood but also in adolescence, the period in which mental disorders as schizophrenia, typically develops. Further, the possible prognostic value of motor impairments in schizophrenia highlights the importance. The Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT‐2) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC‐2) assess adolescent motor performance. However, MABC‐2 is not valid past age 16 and has no sex‐norms. Further, while the concurrent validity between the tests and their ability to distinguish between clinical and non‐clinical groups has been established in children, however they have not been established in adolescence.

Purpose

To compare the ability of MABC‐2 and BOT‐2 to distinguish between adolescents with and without schizophrenia, to examine the concurrent validity between tests, to examine the agreement between tests in classifying adolescents “at risk” or scoring “below average” and to examine the influence of age and sex on MABC‐2.

Method

Motor performance assessed by BOT‐2 and MABC‐2 was compared in 25 adolescents with schizophrenia (14–18) and age‐ and sex‐matched controls using t‐test, Cohen's D and false discovery rate's q‐value. The associations between tests were assessed using Pearson's correlation and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. The Kappa coefficient was used to assess the agreement between tests in classifying “risk/below average” and linear regression was adopted to assess the influence of age/sex on MABC‐2.

Results

MABC‐2 and BOT‐2 significantly distinguished adolescents with schizophrenia from controls with large effect size. A strong association (p > 0.001) was found between the tests. The tests revealed moderate agreement in identifying “risk” or scoring “below average”. Only sex influenced MABC‐2 scores.

Conclusion

MABC‐2 and BOT‐2 are both useful for assessing motor performance and distinguishing between adolescents with and without schizophrenia, although BOT‐2 provides a more detailed picture of the challenges in adolescent with schizophrenia.
Insight into the regulation of the Nrf2 pathway in response to ascovirus infection in Spodoptera exigua
Authors: Jin Ruoheng , Xiao Zhengkun , Nakai Madoka , Huang Guo‐Hua
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Ascoviruses are a type of entomopathogenic microorganism with high biological pest control potential and are expected to contribute to the natural control of lepidopteran pests. However, knowledge of the molecular mechanism underlying the biocidal activity of ascovirus on its host insects remains limited.

RESULTS

In this study, the relative enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, as well as the expression level of Spodoptera exigua peroxidase (SePOD), were found to be significantly increased at 6 h post infection with Heliothis virescens ascovirus 3h (HvAV‐3h). H2O2 accumulation and enhanced expression of NADPH Oxidase (SeNOX) were also observed. In addition, Nuclear Factor erythroid 2‐Related Factor 2 (SeNrf2) and muscle aponeurosis fibromatosis (SeMaf) were overexpressed following infection with HvAV‐3h. Silencing of SeNrf2 decreased the expression of SePOD, whereas the mortality of SeNrf2‐silenced larvae and viral genome copy number also increased. Further RNA interference of SeNOX significantly decreased expression of SeNrf2 and SePOD and therefore increased the mortality and viral genome copy number of the ascovirus‐infected host.

CONCLUSION

The HvAV‐3h activated Nrf2/ARE pathway of S. exigua and reactive oxygen species were found to respond to ascovirus infection by regulating alterations in antioxidant enzyme genes mediated by the host Nrf2/ARE pathway. These findings enhance our knowledge of ascovirus–host interactions and lay the foundation for the application of ascoviruses in biological pest control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dichotomous role of integrin‐β5 in lung endothelial cells
Authors: Blanchard Neil , Link Patrick A. , Farkas Daniela , Harmon Brennan , Hudson Jaylen , Bogamuwa Srimathi , Piper Bryce , Authelet Kayla , Cool Carlyne D. , Heise Rebecca L. , Freishtat Robert , Farkas Laszlo
Published: November 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, devastating disease, and its main histological manifestation is an occlusive pulmonary arteriopathy. One important functional component of PAH is aberrant endothelial cell (EC) function including apoptosis‐resistance, unchecked proliferation, and impaired migration. The mechanisms leading to and maintaining physiologic and aberrant EC function are not fully understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that in PAH, ECs have increased expression of the transmembrane protein integrin‐β5, which contributes to migration and survival under physiologic and pathological conditions, but also to endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EnMT). We found that elevated integrin‐β5 expression in pulmonary artery lesions and lung tissue from PAH patients and rats with PH induced by chronic hypoxia and injection of CD117+ rat lung EC clones. These EC clones exhibited elevated expression of integrin‐β5 and its heterodimerization partner integrin‐αν and showed accelerated barrier formation. Inhibition of integrin‐ανβ5 in vitro partially blocked transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐induced EnMT gene expression in rat lung control ECs and less in rat lung EC clones and human lung microvascular ECs. Inhibition of integrin‐ανβ5 promoted endothelial dysfunction as shown by reduced migration in a scratch assay and increased apoptosis in synergism with TGF‐β1. In vivo, blocking of integrin‐ανβ5 exaggerated PH induced by chronic hypoxia and CD117+ EC clones in rats. In summary, we found a role for integrin‐ανβ5 in lung endothelial survival and migration, but also a partial contribution to TGF‐β1‐induced EnMT gene expression. Our results suggest that integrin‐ανβ5 is required for physiologic function of ECs and lung vascular homeostasis.
Granulomatous tracheo‐bronchitis from Crohn's disease
Authors: Alwakeel Amr J. , Beaudoin Stéphane
Published: November 2022

Tracheo‐bronchitis is an uncommon but important extra‐intestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease. Our case demonstrates radiological and bronchoscopic evidence of tracheo‐bronchitis secondary to Crohn's disease with pathology‐proven granulomatous inflammation. This case highlights the importance of investigating airway involvement in patients with Crohn's disease and new respiratory symptoms.
Cutaneous Angiosarcoma Treated with Taxane-Based Chemoradiotherapy: A Multicenter Study of 90 Japanese Cases
Authors: Fujimura Taku , Furudate Sadanori , Maekawa Takeo , Kato Hiroshi , Ito Takamichi , Matsushita Shigeto , Yoshino Koji , Hashimoto Akira , Muto Yusuke , Ohuchi Kentaro , Amagai Ryo , Kambayashi Yumi , Fujisawa Yasuhiro
Published: November 2022

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is rare and most previous studies of CAS have been small case series, and randomized, phase II studies of CAS are limited. Since treatment options for CAS are controversial, and because only paclitaxel should be recommended based on high-level evidence, it is important to evaluate the efficacy of another taxane-derived agents, docetaxel, in real-world practice. The efficacy and safety profiles of chemoradiotherapy using taxane-based agents, docetaxel and paclitaxel, were retrospectively examined in the maintenance setting in 90 Japanese CAS patients, including 35 docetaxel-treated cases and 55 paclitaxel-treated cases. Overall survival and dose duration time of the patient group treated with docetaxel was equivalent to that with paclitaxel, even in the cohorts with metastasis. Adverse events due to docetaxel and paclitaxel were observed in 77.1% and 69.1% of cases, respectively. The incidence ratio of total severe adverse events tended to be higher in the docetaxel-treated group (40.0%) than in the paclitaxel-treated group (23.6%). Peripheral neuropathy occurred only in the paclitaxel-treated group, whereas high-grade interstitial pneumonia developed only in the docetaxel-treated group. In addition, we also evaluate 19 patients selected other taxanes, 17 patients selected eribulin methylate, 11 patients pazopanib, and 2 patients selected nivolumab as second-line chemotherapy. The efficacy of a monthly docetaxel regimen is equivalent to a three-weekly paclitaxel regimen evaluated by Overall survival and DDT, even in the cohorts with metastasis, and it is a tolerable protocol for CAS as a maintenance therapy in the Japanese population.
Spatially Confined Fabrication of Polar Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Nanotubes
Authors: Hou Chunyue , Zhang Wenxian , Dai Xiying , Qiu Jieshan , Russell Thomas P. , Sun Xiaoli , Yan Shouke
Published: November 2022

Polar poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanotubes have attracted significant attention due to their excellent piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, yet a tunable fabrication of homogeneous polar PVDF nanotubes remains a challenge. Here, a simple method is reported to fabricate polar PVDF nanotubes using anodize aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes as templates that are removed by etching in a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and then ageing at room temperature. PVDF nanotubes originally crystallized in the AAO membrane are pure α‐crystals with very low crystallinity, yet after being released from the templates, the crystallinity of the nanotubes markedly increases with ageing at room temperature, leading to the formation of β‐PVDF crystals in a very short time, with the formation of γ crystals after longer ageing times. A large amount of γ crystals formed when the released PVDF nanotubes are heated to ≈130 °C. The formation of polar PVDF nanotubes released from the AAO templates treated with higher concentrations of alkaline solution results from the reaction of the surface of the PVDF nanotubes with the alkaline solution and structure reorganization under confined conditions. This large‐scale preparation of β‐ and γ‐PVDF opens a new pathway to produce polar PVDF nanomaterials.
The Rising Star Scaffolding Guide: Supporting Young Children's Early Spelling Skills
Authors: Copp Stefanie B. , Cabell Sonia Q. , Gabas Clariebelle , Slik Debbie , Todd Jennifer
Published: November 2022

Supporting early writing skills in pre‐kindergarten lays an important foundation for later writing achievement as well as reading achievement. Specifically, encouraging children to write affords teachers the opportunity to provide scaffolds to improve spelling development. Teachers, however, tend to provide more support than necessary to guide children's early spelling, which may stifle children's opportunities to engage in important thinking that helps them to grow in their literacy knowledge. In this article, we introduce the Rising Star Scaffolding Decision Guide, a step‐by‐step framework for teachers to use when selecting instructional moves to support spelling development while engaging in one‐on‐one writing interactions with children. We describe the types of scaffolds that teachers can use with children, with an emphasis on low‐support scaffolds (RISE) and high‐support scaffolds (STAR). We include examples of teacher–child interactions to illustrate specific scaffolding techniques based on children's writing attempts.
Regulating photochemical properties of carbon dots for theranostic applications
Authors: Wang Qin , Pang E , Tan Qiuxia , Zhao Shaojing , Yi Jianing , Zeng Jie , Lan Minhuan
Published: November 2022

As a new zero‐dimensional carbon‐based material, carbon dots (CDs) have attracted extensive attention owing to their advantages such as easy preparation and surface modification, good biocompatibility and water solubility, and tunable photochemical properties. CDs have become one of the most promising nanomaterials in the field of fluorescent sensing, bioimaging, and cancer therapy. How to precisely regulate the photochemical properties, especially the absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence, reactive oxygen species generation, and photothermal conversion of the CDs, is the key to developing highly efficient phototheranostics for cancer treatment. Although many studies on cancer therapy using CDs have been published, no review has focused on the regulation of photochemical properties of CDs for phototheranostic applications. In this review, we summarized the strategies such as the selection of suitable carbon source, heteroatomic doping, optimum reaction conditions, surface modification, and assembly strategy to efficiently regulate the photochemical properties of the CDs to meet the requirements of different practical applications. This review might provide some valuable insight and new ideas for the development of CDs with excellent phototheranostic performance.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging