bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment indications and potential off‐label use of antidepressants among older adults: A population‐based descriptive study in Denmark
Authors: Ishtiak‐Ahmed Kazi , Liu Xiaoqin , Christensen Kaj Sparle , Gasse Christiane
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Off‐label prescriptions of antidepressants may be of special concern in older‐adults. We aimed to study the potential off‐label use of antidepressants among adults ≥65 years by describing the patterns, trends, and factors associated with missing and unspecified treatment indications.

Methods

We used registry data to describe indications of all antidepressant prescriptions (N = 13.8 million) redeemed by older‐adults in 2006–2019. We investigated factors associated with off‐label use by considering prescriptions with missing and unspecified indications of the first antidepressant prescription using a multinomial logistic regression with the ‘depression’ indication as a reference category and reported odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Overall, 18.1% of all antidepressant prescriptions had missing indications, and 9.9% had unspecified indications. The proportion of potential off‐label use based on missing and unspecified prescriptions remained mostly consistent during 2006–2019. We identified similar associations in user characteristics whether considering missing or unspecified first prescription. ORs with 95% CI were raised in non‐western ethnicity (vs. Danish, 1.12 (0.99–1.26) for missing indication and 1.28 (1.11–1.48) for unspecified indication) and female sex (vs. male, 1.05 (1.02–1.07) and 1.05 (1.02–1.07) respectively). ORs were reduced for shorter educational attainment (vs. long, 0.90 (0.87–0.94) and 0.92 (0.88–0.96)), older age (≥81 vs. 67–70 years, 0.66 (0.65–0.71) and 0.73 (0.70–0.76)) and hospital psychiatric diagnosis (per diagnosis 0.76 (0.73–0.78) and 0.88 (0.86–0.91)).

Conclusions

Nearly one‐third of all antidepressant prescriptions redeemed by older‐adults in Denmark had either missing or unspecified treatment indications. Whether these prescriptions were actual off‐label use needs to be validated. Clinicians should pay special attention to patients' characteristics linking missing and unspecified indications and maintain adequate documentation while prescribing medication.
Novel stapler‐assisted technique for closure of persistent tracheoesophageal puncture fistula
Authors: Buncke Michelle , Andersen Peter , Connelly Christopher , Clayburgh Daniel
Published: November 2022

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) is a reliable method to restore voice and is an important part of voice rehabilitation following laryngectomy. However, complications following this procedure, including peri‐prosthetic leakage and resulting aspiration pneumonia, may necessitate surgical closure. In this study, we present an effective and reliable method for TEP closure using a stapler‐assisted technique. Case series study for patients who underwent stapler‐assisted TEP closure reviewed from 2017 to 2021. All five patients had successful closure of their TEP tract without further leakage. No postoperative bleeding, wound infection, or esophageal stenosis occurred. One patient had postoperative stomal stenosis. The stapler‐assisted technique for TEP closure is easy, quick, and effective. The reliability and quick return to oral intake post‐operatively make it a preferable option over previous techniques.
Impact of time between faecal immunochemical tests in colorectal cancer screening on screening results: A natural experiment
Authors: Ribe Sara G. , Botteri Edoardo , Løberg Magnus , Randel Kristin R. , Kalager Mette , Nilsen Jens Aksel , Gulichsen Elisabeth H. , Holme Øyvind
Published: November 2022

Repeated rounds of faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) for occult blood is a common method for screening for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the time interval between FIT rounds is not thoroughly investigated. In a CRC screening trial in South‐Eastern Norway, individuals were invited for biennial FIT between 2012 and 2019. The positivity threshold was >15 mcg haemoglobin/g faeces (mcg/g). Due to organizational challenges, the interval between screening rounds randomly varied between 1.5 and 3.5 years, forming a natural experiment. We investigated the detection rate of CRC and advanced neoplasia (AN: CRC or advanced adenoma) at the subsequent round (FIT2), according to the faecal haemoglobin concentration (f‐Hb) at the initial screening round (FIT1), and time between the two screening rounds. 18 522 individuals with negative FIT1 who attended FIT2 were included in this study. 245 AN were detected at FIT2, of which 34 were CRC. The CRC detection rate at FIT2 for participants with FIT1 = 0 mcg/g was 0.09% while it was 0.28% for participant with 0 > FIT1 ≤ 15 mcg/g; odds ratio (OR) 3.22, 95% CI 1.49‐6.95. For each 3 months' increment between FITs, the OR for detecting CRC was 1.33 (95% CI 0.98‐1.79), while the OR was 1.13 (1.02‐1.26) for AN. Individuals with FIT1‐value of 0 mcg/g, had a lower AN detection rate compared with participants with 0 > FIT1 ≤ 15 mcg/g, irrespective of time between tests. Although CRC and AN detection rates increase with increasing time interval between FITs, individuals with undetectable f‐Hb at first screen have substantially lower risk of CRC at the next screening round compared with individuals with detectable f‐Hb.
PREDICT‐GTN1: Can we improve theFIGOscoring system in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia?
Authors: Parker Victoria L. , Winter Matthew C. , Tidy John A. , Hancock Barry W. , Palmer Julia E. , Sarwar Naveed , Kaur Baljeet , McDonald Katie , Aguiar Xianne , Singh Kamaljit , Unsworth Nick , Jabbar Imran , Pacey Allan A. , Harrison Robert F. , Seckl Michael J.
Published: November 2022

Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) patients are treated according to the eight‐variable International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) scoring system, that aims to predict first‐line single‐agent chemotherapy resistance. FIGO is imperfect with one‐third of low‐risk patients developing disease resistance to first‐line single‐agent chemotherapy. We aimed to generate simplified models that improve upon FIGO. Logistic regression (LR) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) modelling (n = 4191) generated six models (M1‐6). M1, all eight FIGO variables (scored data); M2, all eight FIGO variables (scored and raw data); M3, nonimaging variables (scored data); M4, nonimaging variables (scored and raw data); M5, imaging variables (scored data); and M6, pretreatment hCG (raw data) + imaging variables (scored data). Performance was compared to FIGO using true and false positive rates, positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic odds ratio, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, Bland‐Altman calibration plots, decision curve analysis and contingency tables. M1‐6 were calibrated and outperformed FIGO on true positive rate and positive predictive value. Using LR and MLP, M1, M2 and M4 generated small improvements to the ROC curve and decision curve analysis. M3, M5 and M6 matched FIGO or performed less well. Compared to FIGO, most (excluding LR M4 and MLP M5) had significant discordance in patient classification (McNemar's testP < .05); 55‐112 undertreated, 46‐206 overtreated. Statistical modelling yielded only small gains over FIGO performance, arising through recategorisation of treatment‐resistant patients, with a significant proportion of under/overtreatment as the available data have been used a priori to allocate primary chemotherapy. Streamlining FIGO should now be the focus.
A regressed germ cell tumor discovered secondary to azoospermia
Authors: Tsujioka Hiroki , Uemura Keiichiro , Iwahata Toshiyuki , Inoue Yasuyuki , Inoue Minoru , Osaka Akiyoshi , Nakayama Akinori , Okada Hiroshi , Saito Kazutaka
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Regressed germ cell tumors are a rare disease commonly diagnosed with metastatic symptoms without local symptoms in the testis.

Case presentation

A 33‐year‐old man with azoospermia was referred to our hospital. His right testis was slightly swollen, and ultrasonography revealed hypoechogenicity of the right testis with decreased blood flow. Right high orchiectomy was performed. Pathologically, the seminiferous tubules were absent or highly atrophied with vitrification degeneration; however, no neoplastic lesion was confirmed. One‐month post‐surgery, the patient noticed a mass in the left supraclavicular fossa, of which a biopsy revealed seminoma. The patient was diagnosed with a regressed germ cell tumor and underwent systemic chemotherapy.

Conclusion

We reported the first case of a regressed germ cell tumor discovered due to complaints of azoospermia.
Parental conditional regard: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Haines Jolene E. , Schutte Nicola S.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Parental conditional regard involves parents giving or withdrawing affection and approval, depending on children's and adolescents' compliance with parental expectations, to shape behaviors and traits. Research grounded in self‐determination theory suggests parental conditional regard harms psychological development. Using self‐determination theory as a theoretical foundation for investigating outcomes associated with parental conditional regard, the present study consolidated meta‐analytic associations between parental conditional regard and four theoretically important individual difference correlates: introjected self‐regulation, contingent self‐esteem, depressive symptoms, and relatedness.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted using the PsycINFO, ProQuest, and EBSCO databases for English‐language, peer‐reviewed published studies and unpublished studies. Eligible studies reported an association between parental conditional regard and the four theoretically derived correlates or another correlate of interest in pre‐adolescent children, adolescents, or young adults. The results were based on a random‐effects model for meta‐analyses and the Q statistic for moderator analyses.

Results

Across 31 samples in total, greater parental conditional regard was significantly associated with more introjected regulation (r = .33), contingent self‐esteem (r = .29), and level of depressive symptoms (r = .22); and less relatedness (r = −.24). Moderator results for parental conditional regard type found parental conditional regard's association with introjected regulation was significantly stronger for studies measuring giving regard (parental conditional positive regard) than withdrawing regard (parental conditional negative regard). The association of parental conditional regard with depressive symptoms was significantly stronger for studies measuring parental conditional negative regard than parental conditional positive regard.

Conclusions

The meta‐analytic results provide theoretical and empirical support for the connections between self‐determination and the impact of parental conditional regard.
Internet impropriety: Moral identity, moral disengagement, and antisocial online behavior within an early adolescent to young adult sample
Authors: Saulnier Luc , Krettenauer Tobias
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are the most popular medium for social communication amongst adolescents and young adults. However, there is growing concern surrounding heightened ICT use and the activation of influential social constructs such as moral identity and moral disengagement. The importance of moral ideals to oneself (i.e., moral identity) and the distancing of oneself from these moral ideals (i.e., moral disengagement) are often contextual and were tested for differences in online domains compared to face‐to‐face interactions.

Methods

Three hundred and ninety‐two early adolescent to young adult participants (Mage = 19.54 years, SD = 4.48) completed self‐report questionnaires that assessed online and face‐to‐face behavior in this cross‐sectional study.

Results

Moral identity in an online context was significantly lower when compared to family and friend contexts. Further, moral disengagement was significantly higher in an online context when compared to face‐to‐face contexts and online moral disengagement significantly mediated the relationship between online moral identity and antisocial online behaviors (i.e., pirating, trolling, and hacking, etc.,). Both of these contextual differences remained stable across early adolescence to young adulthood.

Conclusion

Moral identity and moral disengagement exhibit sociocognitive effects within online contexts across ages of early developmental importance. These results may account for high prevalence rates of antisocial online behavior such as trolling, pirating, and hacking within this sample. As social interaction for younger demographics continues to gravitate online, these results highlight that online contexts can influence important personality constructs.
How does cross‐sectional sampling bias our understanding of adolescent romantic relationships?: An agent‐based simulation
Authors: Darling Nancy , Burns Ian R. D.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Adolescent romantic relationships are developmentally significant, but relatively brief and often disrupted by changes in context. Large individual differences and age‐related change make sampling complex. Most adolescents have multiple romantic relationships. Which should we sample? To better understand the issues involved, this study used a simulation – an agent‐based computational model – to generate model worlds, each following the relationships formed and dissolved over 5 years. Cross‐sectional sample estimates of the number, duration, and type of relationships were compared to population parameters of all relationships formed within the 5 years. Computational models can provide useful insight into sampling bias because (1) the processes producing the results are explicit, (2) results can be replicated to reduce sample idiosyncrasies, and (3) sample statistics can be compared to known population parameters.

Methods

1000 iterations were run of an agent‐based model following 1000 individuals interacting for 60 “months.” The model included three types of individuals differing in relationship duration. Two sets of 1000 cross‐sectional samples were drawn from the 60,000 cross‐sectional “months.” Sample statistics were compared to the population parameters.

Results

Cross‐sectional samples systematically over‐represented longer relationships. The ability to detect individual differences in the duration and number of partners varied with time. These results suggest that cross‐sectional survey and observational studies may be time sensitive and systematically distort our understanding of adolescent romantic relationships by oversampling longer‐term relationships. Results also illustrate how computational models can provide insight into complex phenomena.
Evaluation of the circumferential location of mild reflux esophagitis (Grade A and B) in the lower esophagus
Authors: Yamada Akiyoshi , Hoshihara Yoshio , Hoshikawa Yoshimasa , Momma Eri , Koeda Mai , Hoshino Shintaro , Kawami Noriyuki , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

Discrepancies have been reported in the circumferential locations of mild mucosal breaks. We investigated their locations using a new method.

Methods

This is a retrospective study. Eighty patients (Grade A/B: 53/27) with mild mucosal breaks in the lower esophagus were examined. Since the 3 o'clock position corresponded to the right wall of the lower esophagus using our method with sufficient accuracy, the circumferential locations of mucosal breaks were identified as times on a clock face, which were changed to circular data to calculate the mean direction. The circumferential distribution of mucosal breaks was evaluated in the single lesion group (single group) and multiple lesion group (multiple group).

Results

Forty‐eight of 80 patients had 1 mucosal break, while 32 had ≥2 mucosal breaks. Circumferential locations markedly differed between the single and multiple groups. In the single group, mucosal breaks were exclusively distributed between 2 and 7 o'clock, with 50% in the 3 o'clock direction (right wall). In the multiple group, 81 mucosal breaks were distributed circumferentially, not uniformly; however, at least 1 lesion was located between 2 and 7 o'clock in 91% of subjects. Therefore, a factor for the development of mucosal breaks from the right to posterior wall was present in both groups.

Conclusion

In the single group, mucosal breaks were localized from the right to posterior wall, mainly in the right wall. In the multiple group, mucosal breaks were located circumferentially, but often between the right lateral and posterior wall. These two distributions significantly differed.

Clinical trial registration: This is a retrospective study, so it was not registered.
The power within: Mass media, scientific entertainment, and the introduction of psychical research into China, 1900–1920
Authors: Junqueira Luis Fernando Bernardi
Published: November 2022

How did a new science initially promoted by only a few individuals eventually become a widespread cultural phenomenon practiced and known by thousands of people? Following a transnational approach, this article traces the introduction of psychical research into China during the first two decades of the 20th century. Known in the Republican period (1912–1949) as Spiritual Science (xinling kexueorxinling yanjiu), psychical research flourished between the 1920s and 1930s, playing a key role in the popularization of applied psychology and mind‐cure across China. This article takes a step back from the heyday of Spiritual Science by looking at the period that immediately preceded and helped define it. Focused on wide‐circulation newspapers, popular manuals, and stage performances, it teases out the ways in which Chinese popular culture translated European, American, and Japanese psychical research to local Chinese audiences in the midst of China's search for modernity. By naturalizing the reality of psychic powers, spiritual scientists blurred the boundaries between science and superstition in a period when these were posited as diametrically opposed.
Disparities in access to specialty care and emergency department use after hospital discharge to a skilled nursing facility
Authors: Krickus Casey , Aysola Jaya , Ryskina Kira
Published: November 2022

Background

Patterns in access to specialists among patients in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have not been previously described.

Objective

To measure access to outpatient specialty follow‐up and subsequent emergency department (ED) visits by patient characteristics, including race/ethnicity and those who received specialty care during the hospitalization that preceded the SNF stay.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used the minimum data set and 100% Medicare fee‐for‐service claims for beneficiaries admitted to an SNF between 2012 and 2014. Hospital stays for surgical procedures were excluded. Main Outcome and Measures: The associations between ED visits, follow‐up, and race/ethnicity were measured using logistic and linear regression, adjusting for patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

The sample included 1,117,632 hospitalizations by Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 with a consult by a medical subspecialist followed by discharge to SNF. Of the sample, 85.4% were non‐Hispanic White (NHW) and 14.6% were Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), according to Medicare beneficiary records. During the SNF stay, BIPOC patients had lower odds of specialty follow‐up compared to NHW patients (odds ratio [OR]: 0.96, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.94–0.99, p = .004). BIPOC patients had higher rates of ED visits compared to NHW patients (with follow‐up: 24.1% vs. 23.4%, and without follow‐up: 27.4% vs. 25.9%, p < .001). Lack of follow‐up was associated with a 0.8 percentage point difference in ED visits between BIPOC and NHW patients (95% CI: 0.3–1.3, p = .003).

Conclusions

There is a racial/ethnic disparity in subspecialty follow‐up after hospital discharge to SNF that is associated with a higher rate of subsequent ED visits by BIPOC patients.
Morphological and transcriptomic analysis revealing morphological variations and genetic clues in one Lentinula edodes abnormal browning strain
Authors: Hussain Mubashar , Wu Ting , Lv Pengtao , Zhang Zhenyu , Li Jie , Xu Zhangyi
Published: November 2022

Strain abnormal browning is a common problem during cultivation of Lentinula edodes. In this study, the L. edodes strain mycelia isolated from Le‐WB and cultured on MYG (Le‐WP) isolated from an abnormal browning bag was compared with its normal control mycelia isolated from Le‐BB and cultured on MYG (Le‐BP). The aerial hyphae of Le‐WP were white, and the hyphal growth was significantly reduced. Morphological observation of Le‐WP under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed abnormal organelle structures. Through transcriptomic analysis, more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were expressed in the metabolic process and catalytic activity in Le‐WP than Le‐BP. Two Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways named pentose and glucorunate interconversions, and starch and sucrose metabolism were found to be enriched in Le‐WP. The gene expression profiles involved in these two pathways were further analyzed and 12 key genes were selected to be verified by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), and the results showed that most of these genes were upregulated in Le‐WP. Additionally, the content of 1,3‐beta‐glucan in Le‐WP was also significantly higher than in other samples. This research suggests that abnormal strains may be related to the abnormal synthesis of 1,3‐beta‐glucan, and it needs further research. This research exhibits possible morphological and genetic clues of Le‐WP and lays the foundation for understanding the degeneration of L. edodes strains.
Combination of a 755‐nm picosecond laser and hydroquinone 2% cream versus hydroquinone 2% cream alone for the treatment of melasma: A randomized, split‐face, and controlled trial
Authors: Manuskiatti Woraphong , Yan Chadakan , Gulfan Ma. Christina Banate , Techapichetvanich Thanya , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima
Published: November 2022

Background

While combined laser and topical treatments are currently a common approach to melasma treatment, data on the efficacy and safety of this combined therapy remain scarce, with studies showing varied results.

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of hydroquinone (HQ) cream alone versus HQ cream combined with 755‐nm picosecond (PS) laser in the treatment of melasma.

Method

Twenty subjects presenting with mixed‐type melasma were enrolled in the study. All patients were instructed to apply 2% HQ cream to both sides of the face for 4 weeks. Randomly assigned hemifaces of all patients thereafter received 5 biweekly PS laser treatments. Objective (measurement of average melanin content and melanin index) and subjective (grading of modified melasma area and severity index [mMASI] score and global percentage of pigment clearance) assessments of melasma clearance, and occurrence of adverse effects were evaluated at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐months after the final laser treatment.

Results

mMASI scores were significantly improved from baseline for both sides (p = 0.006 HQ alone, p < 0.001 HQ + PS laser), with no statistically significant difference when comparing HQ alone versus HQ + PS laser. Objective assessments (measurements of average melanin content and melanin index) of melasma clearance corresponded to the clinical evaluation using mMASI score. Mild postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in 15% of the patients on the laser‐treated side, while no adverse effects were reported on the HQ monotherapy side.

Conclusions

Adjunctive treatment with a 755‐nm PS laser does not provide additional benefit to topical HQ in the treatment of melasma. ClinicalTrail.gov PRS. number: NCT04597203.
The capital structure–firm performance nexus: The role of judicial efficiency
Authors: Sarpong‐Danquah Beatrice , Adusei Michael , Frimpong Joseph Magnus
Published: November 2022

We apply the two‐step system generalized method of moments technique to data from 408 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in 73 countries to investigate the effect of capital structure on the financial performance of MFIs and to examine whether judicial efficiency interacts with capital structure to drive the financial performance of MFIs. The results generally show that leverage hurts the financial performance of MFIs. The results also show that judicial inefficiency deepens the negative effect of capital structure on the financial performance of MFIs. We conclude that judicial efficiency matters for the capital structure–firm performance nexus in the microfinance industry.
A multi‐group SEIRI epidemic model with logistic population growth under discrete Markov switching: Extinction, persistence, and positive recurrence
Authors: Shi Zhenfeng , Jiang Daqing , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: November 2022

This paper is concerned with the stochastic dynamics of a multi‐group stochastic SEIRI epidemic model with logistic population growth, standard incidence rate, and Markovian switching. For this purpose, we first show that the solution of the stochastic system is positive and global. Then we obtain sufficient conditions for the extinction of disease. In addition, the persistence in the mean of disease is proved. Specifically, by constructing suitable stochastic Lyapunov functions, we find a domain that is positive recurrence for the solution of stochastic system. Finally, numerical simulations are employed to verify our analytical results.
Cross‐engine transformation‐based fast dose calculation for MRI‐Linac online treatment planning
Authors: Song Ting , Zhou Linghong , Li Yongbao
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To propose a novel magnetic field dose calculation method based on transformation from pencil beam (PB) to Monte Carlo (MC) distribution for MRI‐Linac online treatment planning.

Methods

The novel magnetic field dose calculation algorithm was established by a PB dose engine and a magnetic field with tissue inhomogeneity influence correction network. The correction network was constructed with a Res‐UNet framework, including residual modules and an encoding–decoding path, by inputting three‐dimensional PB dose and patient electron density map, and outputting transformed dose distribution. The influences of magnetic fields and tissue heterogeneity were considered and corrected simultaneously in the correction model. A total of 110 clinically treated static beam IMRT plans were collected, including plans for brain, head‐and‐neck, lung, and rectum cases. A total of 90 cases were used and enhanced to train and validate the model, and the other 20 cases were for test. By comparing the proposed pipeline‐generated dose distribution with original input PB dose and corresponding MC dose, the feasibility and effectiveness of the method was evaluated.

Results

Results on both beam dose and plan dose accuracy comparisons on all investigated four tumor sites show great consistency between the cross‐dose‐engine transformation generations and the MC results, with averaged plan mean absolute error of 0.90% ± 0.13% for the voxel‐wise dose difference and 98.33% ± 1.07% gamma passing rate at the 2%/2 mm criteria. The whole PB calculation and transformation process can be completed within second.

Conclusions

We have successfully developed a fast novel magnetic field dose calculation pipeline based on transformation from PB distribution to MC distribution for MRI‐Linac online treatment planning.
Real‐time image‐guided treatment of mobile tumors in proton therapy by a library of treatment plans: a simulation study
Authors: Hamaide Valentin , Souris Kevin , Dasnoy Damien , Glineur François , Macq Benoît
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To improve target coverage and reduce the dose in the surrounding organs‐at‐risks (OARs), we developed an image‐guided treatment method based on a precomputed library of treatment plans controlled and delivered in real‐time.

Methods

A library of treatment plans is constructed by optimizing a plan for each breathing phase of a four dimensional computed tomography (4DCT). Treatments are delivered by simulation on a continuous sequence of synthetic computed tomographies (CTs) generated from real magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. During treatment, the plans for which the tumor are at a close distance to the current tumor position are selected to deliver their spots. The study is conducted on five liver cases.

Results

We tested our approach under imperfect knowledge of the tumor positions with a 2 mm distance error. On average, compared to a 4D robustly optimized treatment plan, our approach led to a dose homogeneity increase of 5% (defined as ) in the target and a mean liver dose decrease of 23%. The treatment time was roughly increased by a factor of 2 but remained below 4 min on average.

Conclusions

Our image‐guided treatment framework outperforms state‐of‐the‐art 4D‐robust plans for all patients in this study on both target coverage and OARs sparing, with an acceptable increase in treatment time under the current accuracy of the tumor tracking technology.
A data‐informed approach using individualised dispensing patterns to estimate medicine exposure periods and dose from pharmaceutical claims data
Authors: Bharat Chrianna , Degenhardt Louisa , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Buizen Luke , Wilson Andrew , Dobbins Timothy , Gisev Natasa
Published: November 2022

Pharmaceutical claims data are often used as the primary information source to define medicine exposure periods in pharmacoepidemiological studies. However, often critical information on directions for use and the intended duration of medicine supply are not available. In the absence of this information, alternative approaches are needed to support the assignment of exposure periods. This study summarises the key methods commonly used to estimate medicine exposure periods and dose from pharmaceutical claims data; and describes a method using individualised dispensing patterns to define time‐dependent estimates of medicine exposure and dose. This method extends on important features of existing methods and also accounts for recent changes in an individual's medicine use. Specifically, this method constructs medicine exposure periods and estimates the dose used by considering characteristics from an individual's prior dispensings, accounting for the time between prior dispensings and the amount supplied at prior dispensings. Guidance on the practical applications of this method is also provided. Although developed primarily for application to databases, which do not contain duration of supply or dose information, use of this method may also facilitate investigations when such information is available and there is a need to consider individualised and/or changing dosing regimens. By shifting the reliance on prescribed duration and dose to determine exposure and dose estimates, individualised dispensing information is used to estimate patterns of exposure and dose for an individual. Reflecting real‐world individualised use of medicines with complex and variable dosing regimens, this method offers a pragmatic approach that can be applied to all medicine classes.
Design of moxifloxacin encapsulated network hydrogel wound dressings: Evaluation of polymer‐drug, polymer‐blood, and polymer‐bio membrane interactions
Authors: Singh Baljit , Sharma Vikrant , Ram Kaka
Published: November 2022

It is an exploration of the inherent wound‐healing tendency of Azadirachta indica gum (AIG) or neem gum polysaccharides to develop the hydrogel wound dressings with enhanced potential during wound management. Herein this research work, antibiotic moxifloxacin encapsulated AIG network copolymeric hydrogels were developed by functionalizing with carbapol and poly(acrylamide) [poly(AAm)] for better wound healing. The polymer‐drug, polymer‐blood, and polymer‐bio membrane interactions were evaluated in biomedical properties. The copolymeric network structure was confirmed by scanning electron micrographs (SEMs), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and 13C solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results confirmed sustained release of the moxifloxacin with diffusion by non‐Fickian process and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS). These interactions inferred the blood‐compatible (hemolytic index 3.41 ± 0.70%) and mucoadhesive nature (polymer‐biomembrane detachment force 0.09 ± 0.01 mN) of hydrogel dressing. The per gram of hydrogel dressings absorbed 10.22 ± 0.23 g of simulated wound fluid which is very useful to maintain moist wound environment for better wound healing. All these interactions and properties indicated the suitability of the hydrogel material for wound dressing applications for better wound care.
Clozapine and seizure risk: primary or secondary prophylaxis?
Authors: Yadav Devender Singh
Published: November 2022

Clozapine is licensed for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. Clozapine dosage is normally adjusted according to each patient's clinical response and the side‐effect profile, but caution is advocated when using clozapine, due to its association with potentially life‐threatening side‐effects. One such adverse reaction is the risk of seizures. There is much debate as to how to prevent clozapine‐induced seizures: some authors recommend primary and some, secondary prophylaxis with antiseizure drugs. This article highlights an interesting case study and explores various factors that must be considered before a decision is made to prescribe anticonvulsant medication.
A qualitative evaluation of a research champions initiative in an NHS Trust
Authors: Hepburn Zoë , Broomfield Katherine , Dowdeswell Nicola , Harvey Marelle , Lane Jessica , Walker Mark , Kuruvilla Tarun
Published: November 2022

Promoting research in NHS trusts is known to be beneficial for patient outcomes and clinicians’ attitudes towards research and recruitment to studies. Here the authors report their evaluation of a research champions initiative at a specialist mental health and community services trust.
Lung involvement in children with COVID‐19 multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Ghezzi Michele , Longoni Emma , Munari Alice , Raso Irene , Biganzoli Giacomo , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , D'Auria Enza
Published: November 2022

Since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) has been reported in increasing numbers, mostly focusing on cardiac dysfunction. Very few studies have evaluated lung involvement in terms of imaging findings, while data regarding pulmonary function in children with MIS‐C are not available. The purpose of our study was to evaluate lung involvement in MIS‐C by imaging and lung function by structured light plethysmography (SLP) at hospital admission and 6 months afterwards. Spirometry is the gold standard technique to evaluate lung function in children. However, SLP has the advantage of not requiring contact with the patient, offering an effective solution for the evaluation of lung function during the pandemic. To our knowledge this is the first study that aims to investigate pulmonary function by SLP in children with MIS‐C.
London's deportation apparatus: The ‘administrative removal’ of rough sleeping European Union citizens, 2010–17
Authors: Radziwinowiczówna Agnieszka , Morgan Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Brexit brought an end to the free‐movement rights of EU citizens in the United Kingdom, but the rights of the poorest Europeans were being actively curtailed even before that. From 2010, street homeless EU citizens were deported through a series of pilot schemes operating in London. In 2016, their ‘administrative removal’ was instituted as national policy. Using process‐tracing methodology, we have analysed publicly available documents and others obtained through Freedom of Information requests to assemble an account of how and why a range of ‘stakeholders’ worked together to deport rough‐sleeping EU citizens. Our paper addresses two research questions: (i) what actors contributed to these deportations and (ii) through the use of which analytic framework(s) can we begin to understand the deportation of street homeless foreigners? As we find, London's deportation apparatus involved national and local‐level state actors, homelessness NGOs and local businesses. The deportation of rough‐sleeping EU citizens was a racist biopolitical practice that reflected a concern for ‘hygiene’ at local and national scales, as well as the prevention of ‘harm’ to individual and social bodies.
Dispersive Spectra of Phonon Modes and Fröhlich Electron–Phonon Coupling Properties in AlGaN Quantum Rings: Wurzite versus Zinc‐Blende Structure
Authors: Zhang Li , Shao P. M. , Pang C.
Published: November 2022

The influence of crystal structure on the phonon modes and electron–phonon coupling properties in nitride quantum ring (QR) structures is investigated based on the macroscopic dielectric continuum model. It is found that three types of phonon modes including the surface optical (SO) phonon modes, the exact confined (EC) modes, and quasiconfined (QC) modes can coexist in the wurtzite nitride QR. However, only the SO modes and EC modes may appear in zinc‐blende nitride QR, and the QC modes cannot exist in zinc‐blende QRs in general. Numerical calculation on AlN QR shows that the SO modes of zinc‐blende QR are more dispersive than those of wurtzite QR. Furthermore, the degenerative behavior of QC modes to SO modes in wurtzite QRs is clearly observed. Moreover, the electron–phonon coupling functions in zinc‐blende QRs are larger than those in wurtzite QRs. These results reveal that the crystal structures greatly affect not only the type of phonon mode, but also the coupling strength of electron–phonon interaction. The present theoretical scheme and the numerical results are quite useful and important for further understanding and investigating the polaronic effect and related physical properties in wurtzite and zinc‐blende nitride QRs.
A greedy chip‐firing game
Authors: Li Rupert , Propp James
Published: November 2022

We introduce a deterministic analogue of Markov chains that we call the hunger game. Like rotor‐routing, the hunger game deterministically mimics the behavior of both recurrent Markov chains and absorbing Markov chains. In the case of recurrent Markov chains with finitely many states, hunger game simulation concentrates around the stationary distribution with discrepancy falling off like , where is the number of simulation steps; in the case of absorbing Markov chains with finitely many states, hunger game simulation also exhibits concentration for hitting measures and expected hitting times with discrepancy falling off like rather than . When transition probabilities in a finite Markov chain are rational, the game is eventually periodic; the period seems to be the same for all initial configurations and the basin of attraction appears to tile the configuration space (the set of hunger vectors) by translation, but we have not proved this.
Translating the 2030 Agenda into reality through stakeholder engagement
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Amor‐Esteban Víctor , Aibar‐Guzmán Cristina , Aibar‐Guzmán Beatriz
Published: November 2022

This paper analyses the current state and the dynamic evolution of corporate transparency practices in relation to the 2030 Agenda in the context of stakeholder engagement. Considering six key stakeholder groups and 53 information items related to business actions aligned with the 2030 Agenda, data from 5908 companies worldwide corresponding to the period 2015–2019 are analysed by using X‐STATIS to identify which stakeholder groups have a meaningful role in fostering business contribution to the 2030 Agenda. The results show a low level of corporate transparency in relation to business contribution to the 2030 Agenda. Companies are mainly focused on transparency practices aimed at investors and shareholders. Conversely, customers and the environment are the less considered stakeholder groups. European countries are the leaders in this regard, whereas countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar present the worst records in corporate transparency regarding the 2030 Agenda. The findings have a practical value by providing a picture of how companies use Sustainable Development Goal reporting to optimise relationships with key stakeholders.
Information and communication technologies role in alleviating poverty in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Impacts and transmission channels
Authors: Awad Atif
Published: November 2022

Research has continued to indicate that the proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has the potential to alleviate poverty in developing countries. While theoretically, there are several mechanisms through which ICT may reduce poverty, they have not been empirically tested sufficiently. The present study aimed to recognize the mechanisms through which ICT may reduce poverty for a sample of 37 economies in the Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) region during the period 2003–2019. Altering the income distribution, improving the ecological system, increasing the employment rate, increasing per capita income, and improving institutional quality were the assumed mechanisms through which ICT may reduce poverty. The results of the two‐step system GMM technique showed that while an increase in the per capita income and employment rate contributed positively to poverty reduction, improvement in the environmental quality increased the poverty rate. The causal mediation analysis findings showed that ICT strengthened the negative impact of worsening the quality of the environment on poverty. However, the strengthened positive impact of ICT on poverty through employment and per capita income was greater than the negative influence through the environmental mechanism. Thus, all national strategies or initiatives aimed at reducing poverty in SSA must incorporate pro‐poor ICT policies.
Defect Engineering Modulated Iron Single Atoms with Assist of Layered Clay for Enhanced Advanced Oxidation Processes
Authors: Zhang Xiangwei , Li Chunquan , Wang Xinlin , Yang Shanshan , Tan Ye , Yuan Fang , Zheng Shuilin , Dionysiou Dionysios D. , Sun Zhiming
Published: November 2022

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) feature maximum atomic utilization efficiency; however, the loading amount, dispersibility, synthesis cost, and regulation of the electronic structure are factors that need to be considered in water treatment. In this study, kaolinite, a natural layered clay mineral, is applied as the support for g‐C3N4 and single Fe atoms (FeSA‐NGK). The FeSA‐NGK composite exhibits an impressive degradation performance toward the target pollutant (>98% degradation rate in 10 min), and catalytic stability across consecutive runs (90% reactivity maintained after three runs in a fluidized‐bed catalytic unit) under peroxymonosulfate (PMS)/visible light (Vis) synergetic system. The introduction of kaolinite promotes the loading amount of single Fe atoms (2.57 wt.%), which is a 14.2% increase compared to using a bare catalyst without kaolinite, and improved the concentration of N vacancies, thereby optimizing the regulation of the electronic structure of the single Fe atoms. It is discovered that the single Fe atoms successfully occupied five coordinated N atoms and combined with a neighboring N vacancy. Consequently, this regulated the local electronic structure of single Fe atoms, which drives the electrons of N atoms to accumulate on the Fe centers. This study opens an avenue for the design of clay‐based SACs for water purification.
Targeted Suppression of Peptide Degradation in Ag‐Based Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectra by Depletion of Hot Carriers
Authors: Yao Xiaobin , Höppener Christiane , Schneidewind Henrik , Hoeppener Stephanie , Tang Zian , Buchholz Axel , König Annika , Mogavero Selene , Diegel Marco , Dellith Jan , Turchanin Andrey , Plass Winfried , Hube Bernhard , Deckert Volker
Published: November 2022

Sample degradation, in particular of biomolecules, frequently occurs in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) utilizing supported silver SERS substrates. Currently, thermal and/or photocatalytic effects are considered to cause sample degradation. This paper establishes the efficient inhibition of sample degradation using iodide which is demonstrated by a systematic SERS study of a small peptide in aqueous solution. Remarkably, a distinct charge separation‐induced surface potential difference is observed for SERS substrates under laser irradiation using Kelvin probe force microscopy. This directly unveils the photocatalytic effect of Ag‐SERS substrates. Based on the presented results, it is proposed that plasmonic photocatalysis dominates sample degradation in SERS experiments and the suppression of typical SERS sample degradation by iodide is discussed by means of the energy levels of the substrate under mild irradiation conditions. This approach paves the way toward more reliable and reproducible SERS studies of biomolecules under physiological conditions.
Large‐Area Periodic Arrays of Atomically Flat Single‐Crystal Gold Nanotriangles Formed Directly on Substrate Surfaces
Authors: Neal Robert D. , Lawson Zachary R. , Tuff Walker J. , Xu Kaikui , Kumar Vishal , Korsa Matiyas T. , Zhukovskyi Maksym , Rosenberger Matthew R. , Adam Jost , Hachtel Jordan A. , Camden Jon P. , Hughes Robert A. , Neretina Svetlana
Published: November 2022

The advancement of nanoenabled wafer‐based devices requires the establishment of core competencies related to the deterministic positioning of nanometric building blocks over large areas. Within this realm, plasmonic single‐crystal gold nanotriangles represent one of the most attractive nanoscale components but where the formation of addressable arrays at scale has heretofore proven impracticable. Herein, a benchtop process is presented for the formation of large‐area periodic arrays of gold nanotriangles. The devised growth pathway sees the formation of an array of defect‐laden seeds using lithographic and vapor‐phase assembly processes followed by their placement in a growth solution promoting planar growth and threefold symmetric side‐faceting. The nanotriangles formed in this high‐yield synthesis distinguish themselves in that they are epitaxially aligned with the underlying substrate, grown to thicknesses that are not readily obtainable in colloidal syntheses, and present atomically flat pristine surfaces exhibiting gold atoms with a close‐packed structure. As such, they express crisp and unambiguous plasmonic modes and form photoactive surfaces with highly tunable and readily modeled plasmon resonances. The devised methods, hence, advance the integration of single‐crystal gold nanotriangles into device platforms and provide an overall fabrication strategy that is adaptable to other nanomaterials.