bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An analysis of attitudes, knowledge, and willingness of Thai pharmacists as vaccinators: A nationwide survey study
Authors: Chumnumwat Supatat , Montakantikul Preecha , Wongpakwat Jangkanipa , Siriwannapha Napassorn , Pitaknitinun Kitti
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Despite the diverse roles of pharmacists in immunization, the vaccinator role remains uncharted for Thai pharmacists. This survey assesses pharmacist attitudes, knowledge, and willingness as vaccinators, providing insights to enhance their pivotal contribution to vaccination outcomes in Thailand.

Methods

The survey encompassed three sections: respondent characteristics, attitudes toward the vaccinator role, and vaccination knowledge. Disseminated via the Pharmacy Council of Thailand (PCT)'s email system, it received 400 valid responses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, including logistic regression to identify factors affecting willingness to become vaccinators (p < 0.05).

Results

The survey was conducted between January 19, 2023, and February 28, 2023. The respondents, with an average age of 39.8 ± 10.25 years, were predominantly female (54.5%) with bachelor's degrees (68%). Hospital (45%) and community (20.7%) pharmacists were prominent, primarily in the central region (51%). Notably, 12.3% received vaccination training from PCT. Of the respondents, 169 (42.25%) were willing to become vaccinators, while 231 (57.75%) were uncertain or uninterested. Factors driving willingness differed; knowledge and skills for vaccine administration (72.59%) were crucial for those not willing to become vaccinators, while public benefits (73.91%) influenced vaccinators. In multivariate analysis, longer experience (10–19 years) (odds ratio [OR] 2.317; p = 0.009) and vaccination training (OR = 1.926; p = 0.047) were significant factors supporting the decision to become vaccinators. Average vaccination knowledge scores were 5.68 ± 2.63 out of 12 points, slightly higher in the vaccinator group (6 ± 2.3) compared to non‐vaccinators (5.4 ± 2.8) with a significant difference (p = 0.034). Post‐vaccination counseling knowledge was high, but questions related to adverse events following immunization (AEFI) had low correct response rates (12.5%).

Conclusion

The study underscores substantial willingness among Thai pharmacists to assume the vaccinator role, revealing influential factors and knowledge gaps. This insight can guide training enhancements and implementation strategies to seamlessly expand pharmacist contributions to vaccination efforts.
Validating Fractalkine receptor as a target and identifying candidates for drug discovery against type 2 diabetes
Authors: Yadav Madhu , Akhter Yusuf
Published: December 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases employing abnormal levels of insulin. Enhancing the insulin production is greatly aided by the regulatory mechanisms of the Fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) system in islet β‐cell function. However, elements including a high‐fat diet, obesity, and ageing negatively impact the expression of CX3CR1 in islets. CX3CL1/CX3CR1 receptor−ligand complex is now recognized as a novel therapeutic target. It suggests that T2DM‐related β‐cell dysfunction may result from lower amount of these proteins. We analyzed the differential expression of CX3CR1 gene samples taken from persons with T2DM using data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Homology modeling enabled us to generate the three‐dimensional structure of CX3CR1 and a possible binding pocket. The optimized CX3CR1 structure was subjected to rigorous screening against a massive library of 693 million drug‐like molecules from the ZINC15 database. This screening process led to the identification of three compounds with strong binding affinity at the identified binding pocket of CX3CR1. To further evaluate the potential of these compounds, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted over a 50 ns time scale to assess the stability of the protein−ligand complexes. These simulations revealed that ZINC000032506419 emerged as the most promising drug‐like compound among the three potent molecules. The discovery of ZINC000032506419 holds exciting promise as a potential therapeutic agent for T2D and other related metabolic disorders. These findings pave the way for the development of effective medications to address the complexities of T2DM and its associated metabolic diseases.
The use of homework in emotion‐focused therapy for depression
Authors: Warwar Serine
Published: December 2023

Emotion‐focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported treatment of depression, and an integrative, transdiagnostic therapy approach focusing on transforming emotions that are the cause of a person's emotional pain and suffering. In‐session experiential work and two‐chair interventions are consolidated and expanded by between‐session homework which is viewed as a natural extension of in‐session work. As the focus on emotion in EFT necessitates the provision of a safe, attuned, empathic relationship and a good collaboration on the tasks and goals of therapy the use of homework is very well‐suited to this approach. An EFT case example is discussed to illustrate how homework can be an important ingredient to strengthen and facilitate change in treating a depressed client with a core underlying feeling of shame related to unresolved childhood trauma.
Treatment of long COVID complicated by postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome—Case series research
Authors: Tsuchida Tomoya , Ishibashi Yuki , Inoue Yoko , Ishizuka Kosuke , Katayama Kohta , Hirose Masanori , Nakagama Yu , Kido Yasutoshi , Akashi Yoshihiro , Otsubo Takehito , Matsuda Takahide , Ohira Yoshiyuki
Published: December 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) sequelae, also known as long COVID, can present with various symptoms. Among these symptoms, autonomic dysregulation, particularly postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), should be evaluated. However, previous studies on the treatment of POTS complicated by COVID‐19 are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the treatment course of long COVID complicated by POTS.

Methods

The medical records of patients who complained of fatigue and met the criteria for POTS diagnosis were reviewed. We evaluated the treatment days, methods and changes in fatigue score, changes in heart rate on the Schellong test, and social situation at the first and last visits.

Results

Thirty‐two patients with long COVID complicated by POTS were followed up (16 males; median age: 28 years). The follow‐up period was 159 days, and the interval between COVID‐19 onset and initial hospital attendance was 97 days. Some patients responded to β‐blocker therapy. Many patients had psychiatric symptoms that required psychiatric intervention and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor prescription. Changes in heart rate, performance status, and employment/education status improved from the first to the last visit. These outcomes were believed to be because of the effects of various treatment interventions and spontaneous improvements.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the condition of 94% of patients with POTS complicated by long COVID will improve within 159 days. Therefore, POTS evaluation should be considered when patients with long COVID complain of fatigue, and attention should be paid to psychological symptoms and the social context.
Regiospecific synthesis of novel spiro‐pyrimidobarbiturates with promising antibacterial activities
Authors: Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Moustafa Amr H.
Published: December 2023

In this work, a novel series of 9‐amino‐7‐aryl‐11‐imino‐2,4,8,10‐tetraazaspiro[5.5]undeca‐7,9‐diene‐1,3,5‐triones 3a‐l was synthesized via the treatment of cyanoguanidine 1 with respective arylidene barbituric acids 2a‐l in dry pyridine. The products were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus (+G), Staphylococcus aureus (+G), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (−G) and Escherichia coli (−G). The results showed that some of the tested products are promising antibacterial drugs.
Quantitative brain morphometry identifies cerebellar, cortical, and subcortical gray and white matter atrophy in late‐onset Tay‐Sachs disease
Authors: Májovská Jitka , Nestrašil Igor , Ahmed Alia , Bondy Monica T. , Klempíř Jiří , Jahnová Helena , Schneider Susanne A. , Horáková Dana , Krásenský Jan , Ješina Pavel , Vaneckova Manuela , Nascene David R. , Whitley Chester B. , Jarnes Jeanine R. , Magner Martin , Dušek Petr
Published: December 2023

Cerebellar atrophy is a characteristic sign of late‐onset Tay‐Sachs disease (LOTS). Other structural neuroimaging abnormalities are inconsistently reported. Our study aimed to perform a detailed whole‐brain analysis and quantitatively characterize morphometric changes in LOTS patients. Fourteen patients (8 M/6F) with LOTS from three centers were included in this retrospective study. For morphometric brain analyses, we used deformation‐based morphometry, voxel‐based morphometry, surface‐based morphometry, and spatially unbiased cerebellar atlas template. The quantitative whole‐brain morphometric analysis confirmed the finding of profound pontocerebellar atrophy with most affected cerebellar lobules V and VI in LOTS patients. Additionally, the atrophy of structures mainly involved in motor control, including bilateral ventral and lateral thalamic nuclei, primary motor and sensory cortex, supplementary motor area, and white matter regions containing corticospinal tract, was present. The atrophy of the right amygdala, hippocampus, and regions of occipital, parietal and temporal white matter was also observed in LOTS patients in contrast with controls (p < 0.05, FWE corrected). Patients with dysarthria and those initially presenting with ataxia had more severe cerebellar atrophy. Our results show predominant impairment of cerebellar regions responsible for speech and hand motor function in LOTS patients. Widespread morphological changes of motor cortical and subcortical regions and tracts in white matter indicate abnormalities in central motor circuits likely coresponsible for impaired speech and motor function.
Fixation strength of swelling copolymeric anchors in artificial bone
Authors: Taghvaei Moein , Taheri Mehrangiz , Sadighi Amirreza , Zegarski Ryan , Schaer Thomas P. , Palmese Giuseppe R. , Najafi Ahmad R. , Siegler Sorin
Published: December 2023

Fixation with suture anchors and metallic hardware for osteosynthesis is common in orthopedic surgeries. Most metallic commercial bone anchors achieve their fixation to bone through shear of the bone located between the threads. They have several deficiencies, including stress‐shielding due to mechanical properties mismatch, generation of acidic by‐products, poor osteointegration, low mechanical strength and catastrophic failure often associated with large bone defects that may be difficult to repair. To overcome these deficiencies, a swelling porous copolymeric material, to be used as bone anchors with osteointegration potential, was introduced. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fixation strength of these porous, swelling copolymeric bone anchors in artificial bone of various densities. The pull‐out and subsidence studies indicate an effective fixation mechanism based on friction including re‐fixation capabilities, and minimization of damage following complete failure. The study suggests that this swelling porous structure may provide an effective alternative to conventional bone anchors, particularly in low‐density bone.
Association of active oxygen‐releasing gel and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of residual periodontal pockets in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Cláudio Marina M. , Garcia Valdir G. , Freitas Rubens M. , Rodrigues João Victor S. , Wainwright Mark , Casarin Renato C. V. , Duque Cristiane , Theodoro Leticia H.
Published: December 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active oxygen‐releasing gel as an adjuvant, with and without antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), in the treatment of residual pockets in periodontal patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2).

Methods

Patients with residual pockets with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) were divided into the following groups: SI (n = 17)—subgingival instrumentation in a single session; BM (n = 17)—SI followed by local application of active oxygen‐releasing gel inside the periodontal pocket for 3 min; BM + aPDT (n = 17)—SI followed by application of BM for 3 min and pocket irrigation with methylene blue, and 660‐nm diode laser irradiation at 100 mW for 50 s. The periodontal clinical parameters, serum levels of glycated hemoglobin, and immunological analysis of crevicular fluid were evaluated. All data were submitted to statistical analysis (α = 5%).

Results

A significant reduction in BOP was verified at 90 and 180 days in the BM + aPDT group. The percentage of sites with PD ≥ 4 mm was significantly reduced at 90 days in BM + aPDT and BM, whereas after 180 days only BM showed a significant reduction. In the BM + aPDT group, there was a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor α levels at 90 days. There were no differences between the treatments.

Conclusion

The use of adjuvant active oxygen‐releasing gel, with or without aPDT, resulted in the same clinical benefits as SI in the treatment of residual pockets in poorly controlled DM2 patients.
Dermatology quality of life in renal transplant recipients in the West of Ireland
Authors: Griffin Laoise , Kehoe Holly , Murphy Marcus , Griffin Matthew , Laing Mary Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Background

Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) experience cutaneous symptoms, some due to immunosuppressive medications, which can affect their quality of life (QOL). Previous studies noted a higher impact on QOL of younger female recipients.

Objectives

We sought to examine current trends in dermatology QOL in Irish RTRs.

Methods

Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and dermatology conditions, past and present, were analysed in a cohort of RTRs in a single centre in the West of Ireland. Medical records were cross referenced.

Results

Sixty‐six RTRs participated, 70% male with a mean age 55 years ± SD13.6. Most participants (80%) described the presence of a skin condition. Despite this, many (71%) reported ‘no effect’ on their quality of life. Skin cancer, experienced by 26%, was associated with a small but significant effect on QOL. Biopsy proven actinic keratoses, on the other hand, was not. Cutaneous infections (bacterial and fungal) of the lower limb had the largest effect on QOL. Although not significant, male RTRs were more likely to report skin issues when asked and less likely to have seen dermatology for them. Unlike previous studies age or gender did not significant effect on QOL.

Conclusions

The findings of our study demonstrate a shift in trends of cutaneous complications of RTRs and highlights a need to consider foot care in this patient population. We illustrate a difference in health seeking behaviour of RTRs of different genders and a need for a focussed proactive skin cancer surveillance programme that targets not only early detection but also prevention in male organ recipients.
Association Between Smoking and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tan Claire Jing‐Wen , Leow Bryan Hao Wei , Tan Benjamin Kye Jyn , Tan Sean Fong‐Jun , Teo Neville Wei Yang , Charn Tze Choong
Published: December 2023

Objective

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory disease of the upper airway. The impact of smoking on CRS has not been clearly established. We aim to clarify the association between first‐hand cigarette smoking and the prevalence and prognoses of CRS.

Review Methods

PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception until May 15, 2022. Three blinded reviewers selected relevant studies, extracted data, and evaluated study bias following a PROSPERO‐registered protocol (CRD42022345585). We used random‐effects meta‐analyses to pool the prevalence of smoking in CRS, association between smoking status and CRS, and association of smoking with quality of life (QOL) before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). We also performed descriptive analyses of olfactory function, CT scores, and endoscopy scores before and after FESS.

Results

We included 23 cross‐sectional studies, 19 cohort studies, two case–control studies, and one prospective clinical trial. The pooled prevalence of ever‐smokers was 40% (95% CI = 0.30–0.51) and 33% (95% CI = 0.25–0.43) in patients with and without CRS. Compared to never‐smokers, active smokers and past smokers had 1.35 (95% CI = 1.18–1.55) and 1.23 (95% CI = 1.17–1.29) higher odds of having CRS. Among patients with CRS, non‐smokers reported higher initial QOL than smokers (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.11–0.35), although post‐FESS QOL was similar (SMD = 0.10, 95% CI = −0.30–0.51). Descriptive analysis found no significant correlations between smoking and post‐FESS olfactory function and endoscopy scores.

Conclusions

Cigarette smoking is associated with higher prevalence and odds of CRS. Clinicians should be aware that smoking predisposes to CRS, but does not negatively impact the rhinologic outcomes of FESS. Laryngoscope, 134:2513–2524, 2024
Fast 19F spectroscopic imaging with pseudo‐spiral k‐space sampling
Authors: Yildirim Muhammed , Kovalyk Xenia , Scholtz Patrick , Schütz Markus , Lindemeyer Johannes , Lamerichs Rolf , Grüll Holger , Isik Esin Ozturk
Published: December 2023

Fluorine MRI is finding wider acceptance in theranostics applications where imaging of 19F hotspots of fluorinated contrast material is central. The essence of such applications is to capture ghosting‐artifact‐free images of the inherently low MR response under clinically viable conditions. To serve this purpose, this work introduces the balanced spiral spectroscopic imaging (BaSSI) sequence, which is implemented on a 3.0 T clinical scanner and is capable of generating 19F hotspot images in an efficient manner. The sequence utilizes an all‐phase‐encoded pseudo‐spiral k‐space trajectory, enabling the acquisition of broadband (80 ppm) fluorine spectra free from chemical shift ghosting. BaSSI can acquire a 64 × 64 image with 1 mm × 1 mm voxels in just 14 s, significantly outperforming typical MRSI sequences used in 1H or 31P imaging. The study employed in silico characterization to verify essential design choices such as the excitation pulse, as well as to identify the boundaries of the parameter space explored for optimization. BaSSI's performance was further benchmarked against the 3D ultrashort‐echo‐time balanced steady‐state free precession (3D UTE BSSFP) sequence, a well established method used in 19F MRI, in vitro. Both sequences underwent extensive optimization through exploration of a wide parameter space on a small phantom containing 10 μL of non‐diluted bulk perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) prior to comparative experiments. Subsequent to optimization, BaSSI and 3D UTE BSSFP were employed to capture images of small non‐diluted bulk PFOB samples (0.10 and 0.05 μL), with variations in the number of signal averages, and thus the total scan time, in order to assess the detection sensitivities of the sequences. In these experiments, the detection sensitivity was evaluated using the Rose criterion (Rc), which provides a quantitative metric for assessing object visibility. The study further demonstrated BaSSI's utility as a (pre)clinical tool through postmortem imaging of polymer microspheres filled with PFOB in a BALB/c mouse. Anatomic localization of 19F hotspots was achieved by denoising raw data obtained with BaSSI using a filter based on the Rose criterion. These data were then successfully registered to 1H anatomical images. BaSSI demonstrated superior detection sensitivity in the benchmarking analysis, achieving Rc values approximately twice as high as those obtained with the 3D UTE BSSFP method. The technique successfully facilitated imaging and precise localization of 19F hotspots in postmortem experiments. However, it is important to highlight that imaging 10 mM PFOB in small mice postmortem, utilizing a 48 × 48 × 48 3D scan, demanded a substantial scan time of 1 h and 45 min. Further studies will explore accelerated imaging techniques, such as compressed sensing, to enhance BaSSI's clinical utility.
Effects of exercise on sleep in children with overweight/obesity: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Torres‐Lopez Lucia V. , Migueles Jairo H. , Cadenas‐Sanchez Cristina , Bendtsen Marcus , Henriksson Pontus , Mora‐Gonzalez Jose , Löf Marie , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the chronic effects of a 20‐week exercise training program on device‐assessed sleep and sleep‐disordered breathing; and to determine whether participating in a session of the exercise program had effects on device‐assessed sleep the subsequent night in children with overweight/obesity.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted from November 2014 to June 2016. A total of 109 children (age 8–11 years) with overweight/obesity were randomized into an exercise training or control group. The exercise program included aerobic and resistance training 3 to 5 days/week. The control group participants continued their usual lifestyle. Device‐assessed sleep outcomes were measured using wrist‐worn actigraphy at baseline, in the middle of the exercise program (10th week), and at postintervention for seven consecutive days (24 h/day), and sleep‐disordered breathing was measured via the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire.

Results

The exercise training program had a statistically significant effect on wake after sleep onset time (−10.8 min/day, −0.5 SDs, p = 0.040). No other chronic or acute effects (i.e., the subsequent night of attending a session of the exercise training program) were observed on the remaining sleep outcomes.

Conclusions

A 20‐week exercise training program reduced wake after sleep onset time in children with overweight/obesity. Future randomized trials that include a sample of children with poor sleep health at baseline are needed to better appreciate the role of exercise in sleep health.
Predicting risk of suicidal behavior from insurance claims data vs. linked data from insurance claims and electronic health records
Authors: Simon Gregory E. , Shortreed Susan M. , Johnson Eric , Yaseen Zimri S. , Stone Marc , Mosholder Andrew D. , Ahmedani Brian K. , Coleman Karen J. , Coley R. Yates , Penfold Robert B. , Toh Sengwee
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Observational studies assessing effects of medical products on suicidal behavior often rely on health record data to account for pre‐existing risk. We assess whether high‐dimensional models predicting suicide risk using data derived from insurance claims and electronic health records (EHRs) are superior to models using data from insurance claims alone.

Methods

Data were from seven large health systems identified outpatient mental health visits by patients aged 11 or older between 1/1/2009 and 9/30/2017. Data for the 5 years prior to each visit identified potential predictors of suicidal behavior typically available from insurance claims (e.g., mental health diagnoses, procedure codes, medication dispensings) and additional potential predictors available from EHRs (self‐reported race and ethnicity, responses to Patient Health Questionnaire or PHQ‐9 depression questionnaires). Nonfatal self‐harm events following each visit were identified from insurance claims data and fatal self‐harm events were identified by linkage to state mortality records. Random forest models predicting nonfatal or fatal self‐harm over 90 days following each visit were developed in a 70% random sample of visits and validated in a held‐out sample of 30%. Performance of models using linked claims and EHR data was compared to models using claims data only.

Results

Among 15 845 047 encounters by 1 574 612 patients, 99 098 (0.6%) were followed by a self‐harm event within 90 days. Overall classification performance did not differ between the best‐fitting model using all data (area under the receiver operating curve or AUC = 0.846, 95% CI 0.839–0.854) and the best‐fitting model limited to data available from insurance claims (AUC = 0.846, 95% CI 0.838–0.853). Competing models showed similar classification performance across a range of cut‐points and similar calibration performance across a range of risk strata. Results were similar when the sample was limited to health systems and time periods where PHQ‐9 depression questionnaires were recorded more frequently.

Conclusion

Investigators using health record data to account for pre‐existing risk in observational studies of suicidal behavior need not limit that research to databases including linked EHR data.
TurboID‐mediated proximity labeling for screening interacting proteins of FIP37 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Wei Yanping , Fei Qili , Fu Guilin , Gan Yu , Shi Chuanlin
Published: December 2023

Proximity labeling was recently developed to detect protein–protein interactions and members of subcellular multiprotein structures in living cells. Proximity labeling is conducted by fusing an engineered enzyme with catalytic activity, such as biotin ligase, to a protein of interest (bait protein) to biotinylate adjacent proteins. The biotinylated protein can be purified by streptavidin beads, and identified by mass spectrometry (MS). TurboID is an engineered biotin ligase with high catalytic efficiency, which is used for proximity labeling. Although TurboID‐based proximity labeling technology has been successfully established in mammals, its application in plant systems is limited. Here, we report the usage of TurboID for proximity labeling of FIP37, a core member of m6A methyltransferase complex, to identify FIP37 interacting proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana. By analyzing the MS data, we found 214 proteins biotinylated by GFP‐TurboID‐FIP37 fusion, including five components of m6A methyltransferase complex that have been previously confirmed. Therefore, the identified proteins may include potential proteins directly involved in the m6A pathway or functionally related to m6A‐coupled mRNA processing due to spatial proximity. Moreover, we demonstrated the feasibility of proximity labeling technology in plant epitranscriptomics study, thereby expanding the application of this technology to more subjects of plant research.
Breast cancer screening motivation and behaviours of women aged over 75 years
Authors: Dickson‐Swift Virginia , Adams Joanne , Spelten Evelien , Blackberry Irene , Wilson Carlene , Yuen Eva
Published: December 2023

Objective

In Australia, breast screening is offered free every two years to women aged 50–74 years. Women aged ≥75 are eligible to receive a free mammogram but do not receive an invitation. This study aimed to explore the motivations and behaviours of women living in Australia aged ≥75 years regarding ongoing breast cancer screening given the public health guidance.

Methods

Sixty women aged ≥75 were recruited from metropolitan, regional, and rural areas across Australia to participate in a descriptive qualitative study. Semi‐structured interviews were used to seek reflection on women's experience of screening, any advice they had received about screening beyond 75, their understanding of the value of screening and their intention to participate in the future. Thematic analysis of transcripts led to the development of themes.

Results

Themes resulting from the study included: reasons to continue and discontinue screening, importance of inclusivity in the health system and availability of information. Regular screeners overwhelmingly wished to continue screening and had strong beliefs in the benefits of screening. Women received limited information about the benefits or harms of screening beyond age 75 and very few had discussed screening with their Primary Healthcare Provider. No longer receiving an invitation to attend screening impacted many women's decision‐making.

Conclusion

More information via structured discussion with health professionals is required to inform women about the risks and benefits of ongoing screening. No longer being invited to attend screening left many women feeling confused and for some this led to feelings of discrimination.
Lyotropic Liquid Crystals of Colloidal Gibbsite Nanoplatelets: Phase Transition, Kinetic Characterization, and Confinement Effect
Authors: Trung Le Gia , Gwag Jin Seog , Kang Shin‐Woong
Published: December 2023

2D gibbsite nanoplatelets, [γ‐Al(OH)3], are widely used as an inorganic mineral platform for 2D lyotropic liquid crystal (LC) colloids. These particles are synthesized and enlarged using an improved hydrolysis method, resulting in highly crystalline (96.5%), low polydispersity (15.1%), and readily dispersible colloids in water. The aqueous mesomorphic system is characterized for the isotropic‐to‐nematic phase transition by analyzing number density and shear viscosity. Thermal stability is assessed through thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for 2D gibbsite nanoparticles are determined for the first time using three models (Coats‐Redfern, Friedman, and Kissinger). In particular, the activation and Gibbs free energies for the first dehydration stage of gibbsite yield ranges of 98‒128 kJ mol−1 and 135‒161 kJ mol−1, respectively. To investigate the confinement effect of colloidal gibbsite‐LCs, an isotropic gibbsite dispersion is introduced into a tube, leading to the uniform formation of gibbsite‐LC layers along two distinct pathways: tangential to the liquid‐air interface and as concentric circles along the tube walls. These findings offer valuable insights into potential applications, particularly in the domain of gas barrier inorganic films across various specialized fields.
An extended Bayesian semi‐mechanistic dose‐finding design for phase I oncology trials using pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information
Authors: Yang Chao , Li Yisheng
Published: December 2023

We propose a model‐based, semi‐mechanistic dose‐finding (SDF) design for phase I oncology trials that incorporates pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) information when modeling the dose‐toxicity relationship. This design is motivated by a phase Ib/II clinical trial of anti‐CD20/CD3 T cell therapy in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma patients; it extends a recently proposed SDF model framework by incorporating measurements of a PD biomarker relevant to the primary dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT). We propose joint Bayesian modeling of the PK, PD, and DLT outcomes. Our extensive simulation studies show that on average the proposed design outperforms some common phase I trial designs, including modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI) and Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) designs, the continual reassessment method (CRM), as well as an SDF design assuming a latent PD biomarker (SDF‐woPD), in terms of the percentage of correct selection of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and average number of patients allocated to MTD, under a variety of dose‐toxicity scenarios. When the working PK model and the class of link function between the cumulative PD effect and DLT probability is correctly specified, the proposed design also yields better estimated dose‐toxicity curves than CRM and SDF‐woPD. Our sensitivity analyses suggest that the design's performance is reasonably robust to prior specification for the parameter in the link function, as well as misspecification of the PK model and class of the link function.
Enhancing Zn2+ Storage Performance by Constructing the Interfaces Between VO2 and Co–N–C Layers
Authors: Yuan Guo‐Qiang , Wei Xing , Su Yi‐Chun , Zhou Tian‐Yu , Hu Jin‐Liang , An Yang , Zhou Song‐Lin , Zhao Wen‐Qiang , Xia Jun , Liu Yang‐Yi
Published: December 2023

Vanadium oxides have aroused attention as cathode materials in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their low cost and high safety. However, low ion diffusion and vanadium dissolution often lead to capacity decay and deteriorating stability during cycling. Herein, vanadium dioxides (VO2) nanobelts are coated with a single‐atom cobalt dispersed N‐doped carbon (Co–N–C) layer via a facile calcination strategy to form Co–N–C layer coated VO2 nanobelts (VO2@Co–N–C NBs) for cathodes in AZIBs. Various in‐/ex situ characterizations demonstrate the interfaces between VO2 layers and Co–N–C layers can protect the VO2 NBs from collapsing, increase ion diffusion, and enhance the Zn2+ storage performance. Additional density functional theory (DFT) simulations demonstrate that Co─O─V bonds between VO2 and Co–N–C layers can enhance interfacial Zn2+ storage. Moreover, the VO2@Co–N–C NBs provided an ultrahigh capacity (418.7 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1), outstanding long‐term stability (over 8000 cycles at 20 A g−1), and superior rate performance.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Ferrite–Austenite Stainless Steel Bimetals Fabricated via Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Wang Xinghua , Wu Yanming , Sun Lei , Hu Chenghui , Li Zhi , Liu Liming , Meng Wei
Published: December 2023

A bimetallic structure is implemented by wire arc additive manufacturing from 316L austenitic stainless steel to 430 ferritic stainless steel. Microstructure, interface characteristics, and tensile properties of 316L‐430 bimetals are investigated. In 316L/430 bimetals, defects like porosity and cracks are not present. The compositional distribution and microstructure evolution of 316L‐430 bimetallic deposition are significantly impacted by the deposition sequence and heat input. As heat input increases, microstructure evolution of 430 deposited layer is single F → F+ diffusely distributed (Cr, Fe)23C6 → F+ grain internal (Cr, Fe)23C6 → F + M, and 316L deposited layer presents typical austenite + skeletal δ ferrite. Microstructure of 430 deposited layers presents heterogeneous, grain coarsening, and martensite along grain boundaries, resulting in high‐temperature embrittlement. The highest hardness of 316L‐430 bimetals appears on 430 sides near the interface. The tensile strength of 430/316L bimetals is greater than that of 316L/430, and the tensile specimens exhibit brittle fracture.
Laparoscopic but not open surgical skills can be transferred to robot‐assisted surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schmidt Mona W. , Fan Carolyn , Köppinger Karl F. , Schmidt Leon P. , Brechter Anna , Limen Eldrige F. , Vey Johannes A. , Metz Matthes , Müller‐Stich Beat P. , Nickel Felix , Kowalewski Karl‐Friedrich
Published: December 2023

Background

With an increase in robot‐assisted surgery across all specialties, adequate training and credentialing strategies need to be identified to ensure patients safety. The meta‐analysis assesses the transferability of technical surgical skills between laparoscopic surgery, open surgery, and robot‐assisted surgery.

Design

A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. Outcomes were categorized into time, process, product, and composite outcome measures and pooled separately using Hedges'g (standardized mean difference [SMD]). Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the effect of study design, virtual reality platforms and task difficulty.

Results

Out of 14,120 screened studies, 30 were included in the qualitative synthesis and 26 in the quantitative synthesis. Technical surgical skill transfer was demonstrated from laparoscopic to robot‐assisted surgery (composite: SMD 0.40, 95%‐confidence interval [CI] [0.19; 0.62], time: SMD 0.62, CI [0.33; 0.91]) and vice versa (composite: SMD 0.66, CI [0.33; 0.99], time [basic skills]: SMD 0.36, CI [0.01; 0.72]). No skill transfer was seen from open to robot‐assisted surgery with limited available data.

Conclusion

Technical surgical skills can be transferred from laparoscopic to robot‐assisted surgery and vice versa. Robot‐assisted and laparoscopic surgical skills training and credentialing should not be regarded separately, but a reasonable combination could shorten overall training times and increase efficiency. Previous experience in open surgery should not be considered as an imperative prerequisite for training in robot‐assisted surgery. Recommendations for studies assessing skill transfer are proposed to increase comparability and significance of future studies.

PROSPERO Registration Number

PROSPERO CRD42018104507.
Long term survival outcomes of surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for perforated low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Han Zhenlong , Liu Xiaodong , Tian Yulong , Shen Shuai , Wang Hongbo , Hu Shuiqing , Wu Xudong , Yan Zhao , Lu Cunlong , Wang Peixin , Bai Yingcheng , Kong Ying , Wang Liankai , Cao Shougen , Li Zequn , Zhong Hao , Meng Cheng , Zhou Yanbing
Published: December 2023

Background

Low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) are very rare, accounting for approximately 0.2%–0.5% of gastrointestinal tumors. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study to explore the impact of different surgical procedures combined with HIPEC on the short‐term outcomes and long‐term survival of patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data of 91 LAMN perforation patients from 9 teaching hospitals over a 10‐year period, and divided them into HIPEC group and non‐HIPEC group based on whether or not underwent HIPEC.

Results

Of the 91 patients with LAMN, 52 were in the HIPEC group and 39 in the non‐HIPEC group. The Kaplan‐Meier method predicted that 52 patients in the HIPEC group had 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates of 82.7% and 76.9%, respectively, compared with predicted survival rates of 51.3% and 46.2% for the 39 patients in the non‐HIPEC group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ2 = 10.622, p = 0.001; χ2 = 10.995, p = 0.001). Compared to the 5‐year and 10‐year relapse‐free survival rates of 75.0% and 65.4% in the HIPEC group, respectively, the 5‐year and 10‐year relapse‐free survival rates of 48.7% and 46.2% in the non‐HIPEC group were significant different between the two outcomes (χ2 = 8.063, p = 0.005; χ2 = 6.775, p = 0.009). The incidence of postoperative electrolyte disturbances and hypoalbuminemia was significantly higher in the HIPEC group than in the non‐HIPEC group (p = 0.023; p = 0.044).

Conclusions

This study shows that surgery combined with HIPEC can significantly improve 5‐year and 10‐year overall survival rates and relapse‐free survival rates of LAMN perforation patients, without affecting their short‐term clinical outcomes.
Monitoring urban heat island intensity based on GNSS tomography technique
Authors: Xia Pengfei , Peng Wei , Yuan Peng , Ye Shirong
Published: December 2023

Monitoring urban heat island (UHI) effect is critical because it causes health problems and excessive energy consumption more energy when cooling buildings. In this study, we propose an approach for UHI monitoring by fusing data from ground-based global navigation satellite system (GNSS), space-based GNSS radio occultation (RO), and radiosonde. The idea of the approach is as follows: First, the first and second grid tops are defined based on historical RO and radiosonde observations. Next, the wet refractivities between the first and second grid tops are fitted to higher-order spherical harmonics and they are used as the inputs of GNSS tomography. Then, the temperature and water vapor partial pressure are estimated by using best search method based on the tomography-derived wet refractivity. In the end, the UHI intensity is evaluated by calculating the temperature difference between the urban regions and nearby rural regions. Feasibility of the UHI intensity monitoring approach was evaluated with GNSS RO and radiosonde data in 2010–2019, as well as ground-based GNSS data in 2020 in Hong Kong, China, by taking synoptic temperature data as reference. The result shows that the proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 1.2 K at a 95% confidence level.
Geometric Methods for Adjoint Systems
Authors: Tran Brian Kha , Leok Melvin
Published: December 2023

Adjoint systems are widely used to inform control, optimization, and design in systems described by ordinary differential equations or differential-algebraic equations. In this paper, we explore the geometric properties and develop methods for such adjoint systems. In particular, we utilize symplectic and presymplectic geometry to investigate the properties of adjoint systems associated with ordinary differential equations and differential-algebraic equations, respectively. We show that the adjoint variational quadratic conservation laws, which are key to adjoint sensitivity analysis, arise from (pre)symplecticity of such adjoint systems. We discuss various additional geometric properties of adjoint systems, such as symmetries and variational characterizations. For adjoint systems associated with a differential-algebraic equation, we relate the index of the differential-algebraic equation to the presymplectic constraint algorithm of Gotay et al. (J Math Phys 19(11):2388–2399, 1978). As an application of this geometric framework, we discuss how the adjoint variational quadratic conservation laws can be used to compute sensitivities of terminal or running cost functions. Furthermore, we develop structure-preserving numerical methods for such systems using Galerkin Hamiltonian variational integrators (Leok and Zhang in IMA J. Numer. Anal. 31(4):1497–1532, 2011) which admit discrete analogues of these quadratic conservation laws. We additionally show that such methods are natural, in the sense that reduction, forming the adjoint system, and discretization all commute, for suitable choices of these processes. We utilize this naturality to derive a variational error analysis result for the presymplectic variational integrator that we use to discretize the adjoint DAE system. Finally, we discuss the application of adjoint systems in the context of optimal control problems, where we prove a similar naturality result.
Decadal prediction of Northeast Asian winter precipitation with CMIP6 models
Authors: Xin Xiaoge , Wu Tongwen , Zheng Mengzhe , Fang Yongjie , Lu Yixiong , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2023

This study evaluates the decadal prediction skill of 13 forecast systems in predicting winter precipitation over Eurasia, contributing to the Decadal Climate Prediction Project of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6. Northeast Asia stands out as a region with improved decadal prediction skill for forecast years 2–5 due to the initialization. Observations show anticyclonic and cyclonic wind anomalies over the North Pacific and Northeast Asia, respectively, with southwesterly flow to the east of Northeast Asia. Ten forecast systems reproduce such circulation anomalies favoring abundant winter precipitation in Northeast Asia. The significant positive (negative) correlations between the detrended Northeast Asian precipitation (NEAP) and AMV (PDO-like) time series are reproduced by seven (nine) forecast systems. However, most forecast systems underestimate the correlation between the NEAP and the AMV, and have relatively low skill in predicting the PDO. Further improvements in these aspects will help to improve the decadal prediction skill of winter precipitation over Northeast Asia. The multi-model ensemble (MME) is able to reproduce both links of NEAP with AMV and PDO-like variability. The MME demonstrates significant skill and outperforms the individual forecast systems in predicting the NEAP for all 4-year averaged periods in the range of 1–8 years, demonstrating the benefits of using the ensemble mean of multiple models.
Apoptosis and its pathways as targets for intracellular pathogens to persist in cells
Authors: Rodríguez-González Jorge , Gutiérrez-Kobeh Laila
Published: December 2023

Apoptosis is a finely programmed process of cell death in which cells silently dismantle and actively participate in several operations such as immune response, differentiation, and cell growth. It can be initiated by three main pathways: the extrinsic, the perforin granzyme, and the intrinsic that culminate in the activation of several proteins in charge of tearing down the cell. On the other hand, apoptosis represents an ordeal for pathogens that live inside cells and maintain a strong dependency with them; thus, they have evolved multiple strategies to manipulate host cell apoptosis on their behalf. It has been widely documented that diverse intracellular bacteria, fungi, and parasites can interfere with most steps of the host cell apoptotic machinery to inhibit or induce apoptosis. Indeed, the inhibition of apoptosis is considered a virulence property shared by many intracellular pathogens to ensure productive replication. Some pathogens intervene at an early stage by interfering with the sensing of extracellular signals or transduction pathways. Others sense cellular stress or target the apoptosis regulator proteins of the Bcl-2 family or caspases. In many cases, the exact molecular mechanisms leading to the interference with the host cell apoptotic cascade are still unknown. However, intense research has been conducted to elucidate the strategies employed by intracellular pathogens to modulate host cell death. In this review, we summarize the main routes of activation of apoptosis and present several processes used by different bacteria, fungi, and parasites to modulate the apoptosis of their host cells.
When is a Planar Rod Configuration Infinitesimally Rigid?
Authors: Lundqvist Signe , Stokes Klara , Öhman Lars-Daniel
Published: December 2023

We investigate the rigidity properties of rod configurations. Rod configurations are realizations of rank two incidence geometries as points (joints) and straight lines (rods) in the Euclidean plane, such that the lines move as rigid bodies, connected at the points. Note that not all incidence geometries have such realizations. We show that under the assumptions that the rod configuration exists and is sufficiently generic, its infinitesimal rigidity is equivalent to the infinitesimal rigidity of generic frameworks of the graph defined by replacing each rod by a cone over its point set. To put this into context, the molecular conjecture states that the infinitesimal rigidity of rod configurations realizing 2-regular hypergraphs is determined by the rigidity of generic body and hinge frameworks realizing the same hypergraph. This conjecture was proven by Jackson and Jordán in the plane, and by Katoh and Tanigawa in arbitrary dimension. Whiteley proved a version of the molecular conjecture for hypergraphs of arbitrary degree that have realizations as independent body and joint frameworks. Our result extends his result to hypergraphs that do not necessarily have realizations as independent body and joint frameworks, under the assumptions listed above.