bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in the relationships between dietary phytosterols intake and prevalence of obesity in Chinese population
Authors: Guo Panpan , Feng Rennan , Li Zixiang , Han Ting
Published: October 2022

To investigate the associations between different phytosterols (PSs) intake and subtype of obesity in Chinese. Total 6073 adults aged ≥18 years was enrolled from China. General characteristics were completed by the validated dietary questionnaire. For total phytosterols intake, comparing Q4 with Q1 was inversely associated with the risks of overweight [odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82 (0.69, 0.96), p < .05]. The intake of stigmasterol, β‐sitosterol, β‐sitostanol and campestanol were associated with the lower risks of obesity, whereas no significant correlationss were found between campesterol intake and any subtype of obesity in the multivariable‐adjusted model. Interestingly, the stigmasterol intake was inversely related with the prevalence of central obesity in female, while the β‐sitostanol intake was found in male [OR 95% CI in Q3 of 0.78 (0.60–0.99) and 0.71 (0.56–0.91), respectively; p < .05]. The multiple linear regression models showed that fruits, vegetable‐oil, nuts and seeds may be important diet sources of PSs. The intake of total PSs, β‐sitosterol, stigmasterol, β‐sitostanol and campestanol were inversely associated with the prevalence of obesity. Moreover, the lower obesity risk for total PSs and PSs subgroups differed for the gender. The firm results deserve to be further verified in cohort studies.
To Assess Technologies, Bioethicists Must Take Off Their Blinkers
Authors: de Melo‐Martín Inmaculada
Published: October 2022

Assessing the safety of biomedical technologies is an essential aspect of any sound ethical assessment. It is, however, not sufficient. Technologies do significantly more than what they are designed to accomplish. Bioethicists should pay more attention to the many ways in which technologies transform our world and ourselves.
Errors in Converting Principles to Protocols: Where the Bioethics of U.S. Covid‐19 Vaccine Allocation Went Wrong
Authors: Parker William F. , Persad Govind , Peek Monica E.
Published: October 2022

For much of 2021, allocating the scarce supply of Covid‐19 vaccines was the world's most pressing bioethical challenge, and similar challenges may recur for novel therapies and future vaccines. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) identified three fundamental ethical principles to guide the process: maximize benefits, promote justice, and mitigate health inequities. We argue that critical components of the recommended protocol were internally inconsistent with these principles. Specifically, the ACIP violated its principles by recommending overly broad health care worker priority in phase 1a, using being at least seventy‐five years of age as the only criterion to identify individuals at high risk of death from Covid‐19 during phase 1b, failing to recommend place‐based vaccine distribution, and implicitly endorsing first‐come, first‐served allocation. More rigorous empirical work and the development of a complete ethical framework that recognizes trade‐offs between principles may have prevented these mistakes and saved lives.
On the Authority of Advance Euthanasia Directives for People with Severe Dementia: Reflections on a Dutch Case
Authors: Wijsbek Henri , Nys Thomas
Published: October 2022

In 2016, a Dutch physician complied with the advance euthanasia directive of a patient with severe dementia. In the ensuing lawsuit, the physician was charged principally with termination of life on request, with euthanasia, that is, and alternatively with murder. A district court acquitted her of both charges, a decision later upheld by the Dutch Supreme Court.

Euthanasia is still a criminal offense in the Netherlands, but in 2002, a new euthanasia act came into effect allowing a physician to perform euthanasia if she has fulfilled six due‐care criteria, the two most important of which are that she must be satisfied that the patient's request is voluntary and well considered and that the patient's suffering is unbearable, with no prospect of improvement. Neither of these two criteria is controversial; particular cases are controversial when it is disputed that these criteria were fulfilled. Other euthanasia cases, however, are controversial because they belong to a category that is contentious for independent reasons. One such disputed category is euthanasia performed on incompetent patients with an advance directive.

Since determining whether these criteria are fulfilled in a particular case depends on the particular circumstances, we describe this 2016 case in detail. We then focus on three general philosophical reasons for doubting the validity of advance euthanasia directives for incompetent patients: the someone else problem, the problem of response shift, and the problem of normative authority. These problems have been discussed before, but our primary aim is to show how they are connected. Taken together, we believe that our two lines of argument make a strong moral case for supporting the Dutch Supreme Court's decision.
Reevaluating the Ethical Issues in Porcine‐to‐Human Heart Xenotransplantation
Authors: Silverman Henry , Odonkor Patrick N.
Published: October 2022

A major limiting factor with heart allotransplantation remains the availability of organs from deceased donors. Porcine heart xenotransplantation could serve as an alternative source of organs for patients with terminal heart failure. A first‐in‐human porcine xenotransplantation that occurred in January 2022 at the University of Maryland Medical Center provided an opportunity to examine several ethical issues to guide selection criteria for future xenotransplantation clinical trials. In this article, the authors, who are clinicians at UMMC, discuss the appropriate balancing of risks and benefits and the significance, if any, of clinical equipoise. The authors also review the alleged role of the psychosocial evaluation in identifying patients at an elevated risk of posttransplant noncompliance, and they consider how the evaluation's implementation might enhance inequities among diverse populations. The authors argue that, based on the principle of reciprocity, psychosocial criteria should be used, not to exclude patients, but instead to identify patients who need additional support. Finally, the authors discuss the requirements for and the proper assessment of informed and voluntary consent from patients being considered for xenotransplantation.
Xenotransplantation Clinical Trials and the Need for Community Engagement
Authors: Gusmano Michael K.
Published: October 2022

There are several ethical concerns facing first‐in‐human clinical trials involving xenotransplantation. Who should participate in these trials? If we limit trial participation to those who have exhausted other treatment options, how can we avoid therapeutic misconception? How should we balance the desire for long‐term monitoring of trial participants against the well‐established principle that research participants have the right to withdraw from research? Finally, how should we balance concerns about equitable access to these trials with deep mistrust of the scientific community? In particular, should xenotransplant clinical trials attempt to address well‐known inequities in clinical trial participation by race and ethnicity? In this commentary, I argue that clinical investigators and regulators have an obligation to engage with underrepresented communities to develop answers to these questions.
COVID‐19‐associated transverse myelitis treated by therapeutic plasma exchange: A case report
Authors: Akçay Nihal , Menentoğlu Mehmet Emin , Oğur Mustafa , Tosun Demet , Palabıyık Figen Bakırtaş , Şevketoğlu Esra
Published: October 2022

Background

Transverse myelitis (TM) is a very uncommon condition in children which can be associated with viral infections. Acute TM cases have been reported after Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection during the pandemic.

Case Report

We report a child with TM related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, who was successfully treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Inability to walk and urinary retention were the central nervous system symptom. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed signal changes in the spinal cord. Her neurological symptoms worsened despite receiving IVIG and high–dose steroids for the first 3 d. We performed 10 TPE sessions with 5% albumin replacement and the neurological symptoms rapidly improved.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that a child diagnosed with acute TM related to COVID‐19 infection, was successfully treated with TPE.
Empathy, impulsiveness, and sensation seeking as mediators between primary psychopathic traits and driving behaviors in French driving offenders
Authors: Karras Marion , Csillik Antonia , Delhomme Patricia
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the links between primary psychopathic traits and driving behavior on the one hand, and driving anger expression on the other hand, through the specific contribution of empathy, impulsiveness, and sensation seeking, in a sample of French driving offenders.

Methods

One thousand six hundred and eighty‐six driving offenders completed a paper‐and‐pencil questionnaire during 110 drivers' rehabilitation programs.

Results

Primary psychopathic traits were positively associated with violations and aggressive driving anger expression, and negatively associated with prosocial driving behaviors. These associations were partially mediated by empathy, impulsiveness, and sensation seeking. In addition, the negative relation between primary psychopathic traits and adaptive anger expression was fully mediated by these three personal dispositions.

Conclusion

Low empathy, high impulsiveness and sensation seeking are important characteristics of driving offenders with high psychopathic traits. Our results provide a better understanding of French driving offenders' risky behaviors and the role of primary psychopathic traits.
Financial stress and debt in clinical psychology doctoral students
Authors: Szkody Erica , Hobaica Steven , Owens Sarah , Boland Jennifer , Washburn Jason J. , Bell Debora
Published: October 2022

Introdution

Few studies examine the financial burden of clinical psychology doctoral programs and its impact on achievements, stress, and mental health.

Objectives

The current study sought to better understand students' financial stress and debt, and how financial stress may impact their mental health and the attainment of personal and professional milestones.

Method

Students (N = 912) completed an online survey assessing demographics, sources of income and expenditures, mental health, and milestones.

Results

After accounting for yearly inflation, stipends have not kept pace with the average cost of living in the United States. Over one‐third of students indicated that they had no expendable pretax income after paying for their education and typical living expenses. Additionally, over 80% reported acquiring additional debt in graduate school to offset their living expenses. Financial concerns were associated with delays in major life milestones (e.g., buying a car/house, getting married/starting a family, having children), as well as avoiding medical (34.2%) or mental (41.4%) health care, with 17.5% of participants experiencing a health crisis they could not afford while in graduate school. Financial stress was associated with an increase in time spent thinking about finances, higher rates of depression and anxiety symptoms, and decreased sleep.

Conclusion

Many clinical psychology doctoral students experience financial stress and are often unable to afford basic educational, personal living, and health care expenses, likely worsening mental health. Academic programs and leadership are encouraged to increase student stipends, improve financial transparency, provide access to health care, and alleviate financial stress and debt
Biological processes of nitrogen removal and modeling oxygen diffusion in flocculent sludge and in granular sequencing batch reactors
Authors: Bucci Paula , Marin Juan C. Alzate , Zaritzky Noemí , Caravelli Alejandro
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous nitrification‐denitrification (SND) in biological wastewater treatment occurs under aerobic conditions in flocs and granules, exhibiting aerobic and internal anoxic zones; SND depends on dissolved oxygen concentration. Aerobic denitrification (AD) is an advantageous process because control of aeration is not required. In the present study, the effects of anoxic/aerobic conditions and size of microbial aggregates on the AD process were evaluated using sequencing batch reactors (SBR) with activated sludge (anoxic/aerobic SBRAS) or aerobic granules (SBRAG).

RESULTS

Nitrogen mass balances were used to estimate nitrogen assimilation, nitrification and denitrification. An oxygen diffusion model was proposed to evaluate oxygen profiles in the microbial aggregates determining the contribution of AD on nitrogen removal. At COD:N ratio = 100:10, fully aerobic biomass was predicted for all flocs in SBRASand for 82% of the granules in SBRAG. In SBRAS, intracellular carbon storage was favored in the anoxic phase; nitrification was followed by AD, achieving 67% inorganic nitrogen (Ni) removal. In SBRAG,SNDwas 55% andNiremoval 51%. For SBRAG, genomic analysis described microbial community and nitrogen metabolic pathways were proposed. Heterotrophic nitrification‐aerobic denitrification (HNAD) was proposed as the main nitrogen removal process. At COD:N = 100:15, 80% of the granules developed internal anoxic zones; anoxic denitrification predominated, allowing treatment of a higher nitrogen load with similarNiremoval.

CONCLUSIONS

Biological processes without oxygen control are simpler to operate. For anoxic/aerobic SBR, highNiremoval efficiency was achieved even with 3.5–5.4 mg O2 L−1at the center of the flocs, as predicted by the diffusion model. In aerobic granular systems,SNDcarried out by HNAD bacteria constitutes a promising approach for nitrogen removal. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Quantitative proteomics and biological activity of extracellular vesicles engineered to express SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein
Authors: Choi Dongsic , Khan Nargis , Montermini Laura , Tawil Nadim , Meehan Brian , Kim Dae‐Kyum , Roth Frederick P. , Divangahi Maziar , Rak Janusz
Published: October 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 viral infection led to the devastating COVID‐19 pandemic, where illness stemmed from interactions between virions and recipient host cells resulting in multi‐layered pathological consequences. The role of the infection portal is now understood to be the cellular angiotensin converting enzyme‐2 (ACE2) receptor, which binds to viral spike (S) protein initiating virion internalisation process. Since SARS‐CoV‐2 virions bear some resemblance to endogenously produced small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) we reasoned that EVs engineered to express S protein (viral mimics) may interfere with viral infection. Here, we report generation of HEK293T cells producing sEVs enriched for transmembrane S‐protein tagged with green fluorescent protein (S/GFP). Strikingly, S protein drove the GFP tag to the membrane of sEVs, while GFP alone was not efficiently included in the sEV cargo. High‐throughput quantitative proteomics revealed that S/GFP sEVs contained over 1000 proteins including canonical components of the exosomal pathway such as ALIX, syntenin‐1, and tetraspanins (CD81, CD9), but depleted for calnexin and cytochrome c. We found that 84 sEV proteins were significantly altered by the presence of S/GFP. S protein expressing EVs efficiently adhered to target cells in an ACE2‐dependent manner, but they were poorly internalised. Importantly, prolonged administration of S/GFP EV to K18‐hACE2 mice provided a significant protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Thus, the generation of sEV containing S protein can be considered as a novel therapeutic approach in reducing the transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2.
HIV testing among transgender and nonbinary persons in Michigan, United States: results of a community‐based survey
Authors: Lacombe‐Duncan Ashley , Kattari Leonardo , Kattari Shanna K. , Scheim Ayden I. , Alexander Flyn , Yonce Sophie , Misiolek Brayden A.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Transgender (trans) and nonbinary people (TNB) are disproportionately impacted by HIV. HIV testing is critical to engage TNB people in HIV prevention and care. Yet, scant literature has examined social and structural factors associated with HIV testing among TNB people of diverse genders and in geographies with potentially lower trans acceptance. We: (1) characterized the prevalence of never having been tested for HIV; and (2) identified associated factors, among TNB people in Michigan, United States.

Methods

Data were from a community‐based participatory cross‐sectional survey (n = 539 sexually experienced TNB people). The prevalence of never having had an HIV test was reported overall and compared across socio‐demographic, clinical, social and structural factors using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results and discussion

Approximately one‐quarter (26.2%) of participants had never had an HIV test (20.8% transfeminine; 30.0% transmasculine; 17.8% nonbinary assigned male at‐birth; and 32.0% nonbinary assigned female at‐birth). In a multivariable socio‐demographic model, older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for 1‐year increase: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.96, p<0.001) and Black/African American race (vs. White) (aOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.86, p<0.05) were associated with increased odds of HIV testing (aORs for never testing). In separate multivariable models controlling for socio‐demographics, ever experiencing sexual violence (aOR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.67, p<0.001), not accessed sexual/reproductive healthcare in the past 12 months (aOR: 4.46, 95% CI: 2.68, 7.43, p<0.001) and reporting a very/somewhat inclusive primary care provider (PCP) (aOR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.49, p<0.001) were associated with HIV testing (aORs for never testing).

Conclusions

Findings contribute to scant literature about gender‐based differences in HIV testing inclusive of transmasculine and nonbinary people. Lack of statistically significant gender differences suggests that broad TNB interventions may be warranted. These could include training healthcare providers in trans‐inclusive practices with sexual violence survivors and PCPs in trans‐inclusive HIV prevention and care. Findings showing Black participants were less likely to have never had an HIV test suggest the promise of culturally tailored services, though further investigation is needed. Findings identify social and structural factors associated with HIV testing and can inform multi‐level interventions to increase TNB person's HIV testing.
Factors associated with long‐term HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis engagement and adherence among transgender women in Brazil, Mexico and Peru: results from the ImPrEP study
Authors: Konda Kelika A. , Torres Thiago S. , Mariño Gabriela , Ramos Alessandra , Moreira Ronaldo I. , Leite Iuri C. , Cunha Marcelo , Jalil Emilia M. , Hoagland Brenda , Guanira Juan V. , Benedetti Marcos , Pimenta Cristina , Vermandere Heleen , Bautista‐Arredondo Sergio , Vega‐Ramirez Hamid , Veloso Valdilea G. , Caceres Carlos F. , Grinsztejn Beatriz ,   for the ImPrEP Study Group
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately impact Latin‐American transgender women (TGW). We assessed factors associated with long‐term pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement and adherence among TGW enrolled in the Implementation of PrEP (ImPrEP) study, the largest PrEP demonstration study in Latin America.

Methods

HIV‐negative TGW aged ≥18 years reporting 1+eligibility criteria in the 6 months prior to enrolment (e.g. sex partner known to be living with HIV, condomless anal sex [CAS], transactional sex or having a sexually transmitted infection [STI]) who could safely take PrEP were enrolled. Follow‐up visits were conducted at 4 weeks and then quarterly. We conducted logistic regression to identify factors associated with long‐term PrEP engagement (3+ follow‐up visits in 52 weeks) and complete self‐reported adherence (no missed pills in the past 30 days) during follow‐up. For both outcomes, we constructed multivariable models controlling for country, socio‐demographics, sexual behaviour, substance use, STIs and self‐reported adherence at 4 weeks (long‐term engagement outcome only).

Results

From March 2018 to June 2021, ImPrEP screened 519 TGW, enrolled 494 (Brazil: 190, Mexico: 66 and Peru: 238) and followed them for 52 weeks. At baseline, 27.5% of TGW were aged 18–24 years, 67.8% were mixed‐race and 31.6% had >secondary education. Most, 89.9% reported CAS, 61.9% had >10 sex partners and 71.9% reported transactional sex. HIV incidence was 1.82 cases per 100 person‐years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76–4.38). Almost half of TGW (48.6%) had long‐term PrEP engagement, which was positively associated with reporting complete adherence at week 4 (aOR:2.94 [95%CI:1.88–4.63]) and was inversely associated with reporting CAS with unknown‐HIV partner (aOR:0.52 [95%CI:0.34–0.81]), migration (aOR:0.54 [95%CI:0.34–0.84]), and being from Mexico (aOR:0.28 [95%CI:0.14–0.53]). Self‐reported adherence was associated with TGW aged >34 (aOR:1.61 [95%CI:1.10–2.34]) compared to those aged 25–34 and those with >secondary education (aOR:1.55 [95%CI:1.10–2.19]) and was lower among TGW from Peru (aOR:0.29 [95%CI:0.21–0.41]) or reporting PrEP‐related adverse effects (aOR:0.63 [95%CI:0.42–0.92]).

Conclusions

Although TGW were willing to enrol in ImPrEP, long‐term PrEP engagement and complete self‐reported adherence were limited, and HIV incidence remained relatively high. A successful HIV prevention agenda should include trans‐specific interventions supporting oral PrEP and exploring long‐acting PrEP strategies for TGW.
Sexual happiness and satisfaction with sexual safety among German trans men who have sex with men: results from EMIS‐2017
Authors: Appenroth Max Nicolai , Koppe Uwe , Hickson Ford , Schink Susanne , Hahne Alexander , Schmidt Axel J. , Weatherburn Peter , Marcus Ulrich
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The population of men‐who‐have‐sex‐with‐men (MSM) includes people who are on the masculine spectrum but were assigned female at birth (AFAB), that is trans MSM. This study aims to identify current circumstances regarding sexual happiness and safety among German trans MSM. To date, there is no health information about trans MSM in Germany, limiting the ability of MSM sexual health programmes to meet their needs.

Methods

Data were used from the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS‐2017), where people identifying as men and/or trans men were recruited through dating apps for MSM, community websites and social media to participate in an online survey. We analysed parameters on sexual happiness and satisfaction with sexual safety among Germany‐based trans MSM and compared those to outcomes of MSM assigned male at birth (cis MSM) living in Germany using descriptive methods and logistic regression models adjusting for age.

Results

In total, 23,001 participants from Germany were included, of which 122 (0.5%) indicated to be AFAB (i.e. trans MSM). Trans MSM were markedly younger than cis participants (median age: 28.5 vs. 39 years).

Trans MSM more often reported being unhappy with their current sex life (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.82, 95% CI 1.24–2.67), had higher odds of disagreeing with the statements “the sex I have is always as safe as I want” ([aOR] = 1.82, 95% CI 1.24–2.67) and “I find it easy to say no to sex that I don't want” ([aOR] = 1.80, 95% CI 1.18–2.77).

Trans MSM were more likely to not be living comfortably financially ([aOR] = 2.43, 95% CI 1.60–3.67) and to be living with severe anxiety and/or depression ([aOR] = 3.90, 95% CI 2.22–6.83). Trans MSM were less likely to have ever tested for HIV ([aOR] = 0.63, 95% CI 0.43–0.93).

Conclusions

Sexual happiness, control of sexual boundaries, satisfaction with sexual safety, financial security, mental wellbeing and HIV testing were all lower in German trans MSM compared with cis MSM. Tailored sexual health interventions, contextualized with regard to needs and vulnerabilities, could address this inequality.
The specific biopanning of single‐domain antibody against haptens based on a functionalized cryogel
Authors: Zhang Tianjiao , Liu Chang , Zheng Hongwei , Han Xiangning , Lin Hong , Cao Limin , Sui Jianxin
Published: October 2022

Phage display technology is commonly applied for high‐throughput screening of single‐domain antibodies (sdAbs), and the problem of non‐specific adsorption caused by carrier proteins seriously affects the biopanning of single‐domain antibodies specific to haptens. In this paper, enrofloxacin (ENR)‐functionalized cryogels were prepared by the ethylenediamine (EDA) and carbodiimide methods for application in the biopanning of ENR‐specific phages. To improve the efficiency of biopanning, double blocking, a wash solution flow rate of 1 mL/min, and phage pre‐incubation were applied to the biopanning process through single‐factor experiments. Results of flat colony counting showed that the phage output of AG‐ENR cryogels was 15 times higher than that of AG cryogels for the same input amount. And seven complete sequences of ENR‐specific shark sdAbs were obtained by monoclonal phage ELISA and sequence alignment. All these results indicate that functionalized cryogels could be used as a novel and efficient method for phage biopanning for single‐domain antibodies to haptens.
Long COVID following Omicron wave in Eastern India—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Arjun M. C. , Singh Arvind K. , Roy Payel , Ravichandran Mythry , Mandal Srijani , Pal Debkumar , Das Kajal , Gajjala Alekhya , Venkateshan Mahalingam , Mishra Baijayantimala , Patro Binod K. , Mohapatra Prasanta R. , Subba Sonu H.
Published: October 2022

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) or postacute sequelae of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) is widely reported but the data of long COVID after infection with the Omicron variant is limited. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence, characteristics of symptoms, and predictors of long COVID among COVID‐19 patients diagnosed during the Omicron wave in Eastern India. The cohort of COVID‐19 patients included were adults (≥18 years) diagnosed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive with Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction. After 28 days of diagnosis; participants were followed up with a telephonic interview to capture data on sociodemographic, clinical history, anthropometry, substance use, COVID‐19 vaccination status, acute COVID‐19 symptoms, and long COVID symptoms. The long COVID symptoms were self‐reported by the participants. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of long COVID. The median follow‐up of participants was 73 days (Interquartile range; 67–83). The final analysis had 524 participants' data; among them 8.2% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 6%–10.9%) self‐reported long COVID symptoms. Fatigue (34.9%) was the most common reported symptom followed by cough (27.9%). In multivariable logistic regression only two predictors were statistically significant—number of acute COVID‐19 symptoms ≥ five (Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.30–6.71) and past history of COVID‐19 (aOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.14–6.22). The proportion of self‐reported long COVID is considerably low among COVID‐19 patients diagnosed during the Omicron wave in Eastern India when compared with estimates during Delta wave in the same setting.
Large‐scale siting of sand dams: A participatory approach and application in Angolan drylands
Authors: Piemontese Luigi , Castelli Giulio , Limones Natalia , Grazio Alice , Bresci Elena
Published: October 2022

Sand dams are simple and effective structures built across ephemeral riverbeds in arid/ semiarid regions to harvest water within sand pores and increase water availability and quality for rural communities. The complex morphological, hydrological, social, and economic conditions that make sand dams a beneficial tool for water resilience are largely influenced by the siting phase. Proper location of a sand dam can reduce communities' travel time to water points, reduce water conflicts, and increase food security through expansion of irrigated agriculture. On the other hand, a misplacement of sand dams can, at worst, increase disparities in water access and increase local conflicts. To approach a viable siting of sand dams, most projects are developed and delivered with the community through a bottom‐up approach. However, in the case of large‐scale projects, remote sensing and biophysical analysis are the dominant approach, leaving the socio‐economic component at the margins of the siting strategy and eventually affecting the benefits to local communities. In this paper, we propose a large‐scale participatory methodology to sand dams siting, which draws on mixed‐methods connecting the conventional top‐down biophysical analysis with bottom‐up participatory research. We first describe the generic approach developed for sand dams siting in Namibe, a semi‐arid region of Southwest of Angola, then we draw on our case to propose a generic approach to large‐scale participatory siting beyond Namibe.
Three‐dimensional dose and LETD prediction in proton therapy using artificial neural networks
Authors: Pirlepesov Fakhriddin , Wilson Lydia , Moskvin Vadim P. , Breuer Alex , Parkins Franz , Lucas John T. , Merchant Thomas E. , Faught Austin M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Challenges in proton therapy include identifying patients most likely to benefit; ensuring consistent, high‐quality plans as its adoption becomes more widespread; and recognizing biological uncertainties that may be related to increased relative biologic effectiveness driven by linear energy transfer (LET). Knowledge‐based planning (KBP) is a domain that may help to address all three.

Methods

Artificial neural networks were trained using 117 unique treatment plans and associated dose and dose‐weighted LET (LETD) distributions. The data set was split into training (n = 82), validation (n = 17), and test (n = 18) sets. Model performance was evaluated on the test set using dose‐ and LETD‐volume metrics in the clinical target volume (CTV) and nearby organs at risk and Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) comparing predicted and planned isodose lines at 50%, 75%, and 95% of the prescription dose.

Results

Dose‐volume metrics significantly differed (α = 0.05) between predicted and planned dose distributions in only one dose‐volume metric, D2% to the CTV. The maximum observed root mean square (RMS) difference between corresponding metrics was 4.3 GyRBE (8% of prescription) for D1cc to optic chiasm. DSC were 0.90, 0.93, and 0.88 for the 50%, 75%, and 95% isodose lines, respectively. LETD‐volume metrics significantly differed in all but one metric, L0.1cc of the brainstem. The maximum observed difference in RMS differences for LETD metrics was 1.0 keV/μm for L0.1cc to brainstem.

Conclusions

We have devised the first three‐dimensional dose and LETD‐prediction model for cranial proton radiation therapy has been developed. Dose accuracy compared favorably with that of previously published models in other treatment sites. The agreement in LETD supports future investigations with biological doses in mind to enable the full potential of KBP in proton therapy.
Auto‐detection of necessity for MRI‐guided online adaptive replanning using a machine learning classifier
Authors: Parchur Abdul K. , Lim Sara , Nasief Haidy G. , Omari Eenas A. , Zhang Ying , Paulson Eric S. , Hall William A. , Erickson Beth , Li X. Allen
Published: October 2022

Purpose

MRI‐guided adaptive radiation therapy (MRgART), particularly daily online adaptive replanning (OLAR) can substantially improve radiation therapy delivery, however, it can be labor‐intensive and time‐consuming. Currently, the decision to perform OLAR for a treatment fraction is determined subjectively. In this work, we develop a machine learning algorithm based on structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and change in entropy to quickly and objectively determine whether OLAR is necessary for a daily MRI set.

Methods

A total of 109 daily MRI sets acquired on a 1.5T MR‐Linac during MRgART for 22 pancreatic cancer patients each treated with five fractions were retrospectively analyzed. For each daily MRI set, OLAR and reposition (No‐OLAR) plans were created and the superior plan with the daily fraction determined per clinical dose‐volume criteria. SSIM and entropy maps were extracted from each daily MRI set, with respect to its reference (e.g., dry‐run) MRI in the region enclosed by 50‐100% isodose surfaces. A total of six common features were extracted from SSIM maps. Pearson's rank correlation coefficient was utilized to rule out redundant SSIM features. A t‐test was used to determine significant SSIM features which were combined with the change in entropy to develop anensemble machine classifier with fivefold cross validation. The performance of the classifier was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

A machine learning classifier model using two SSIM features (mean and full width at half maximum) and change in entropy was determined to be able to significantly discriminate between No‐OLAR and OLAR groups. The obtained machine learning ensemble classifier can predict OLAR necessity with a cross validated AUC of 0.93. Misclassification was found primarily for No‐OLAR cases with dosimetric plan quality closely comparable to the corresponding OLAR plans, thus, are not a major practical concern.

Conclusion

A machine learning classifier based on simple first‐order image features, that is, SSIM features and change in entropy, was developed to determine when OLAR is necessary for a daily MRI set with practical acceptable prediction accuracy. This classifier may be implemented in the MRgART process to automatically and objectively determine if OLAR is required following daily MRI.
Computational NMR of carbohydrates: 1. Glucopyranoses
Authors: Fedorov Sergei V. , Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: October 2022

A high‐level calculation of 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of α‐ and β‐d‐glucopyranoses is carried out at the DFT level with taking into account their conformational composition to reveal the most effective computational protocols. A number of dedicated DFT functionals in combination with Jensen's pcS‐n (n = 0–4) family of basis sets were applied to evaluate the most reliable combination. It was found that BHandHLYP/pcS‐2 provided the most accurate and reliable computational protocol. Based on the performed calculations, the established computational protocol is generally recommended for the calculation of 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts of a wide series of carbohydrates.
Scalable and modular 8‐channel transmit and 8‐channel flexible receive coil array for 19F MRI of large animals
Authors: Özen Ali Caglar , Spreter Felix , Schimpf Waldemar , Fischer Johannes , Ilbey Serhat , Reiss Simon , Maier Alexander , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Heidt Timo , von zur Mühlen Constantin , Bock Michael
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To introduce an RF coil system consisting of an 8‐channel transmit (Tx) and 8‐channel receive (Rx) coil arrays for 19F MRI of large animals.

Methods

The Tx efficiency and homogeneity of the 8‐element loop coil array (loop size: 6 × 15 cm2) were simulated for two different pig models rendered from MR images. An 8‐channel Rx coil array consisting of a flexible 6‐channel posterior and a 2‐channel planar anterior array was designed to fit on the abdomen of an average‐sized pig in supine position. Measurements were performed in a grid phantom and ex vivo on a pig model with perfluoroctylbromide (PFOB)–filled tubes inserted in the thorax.

Results

Measured and simulated Tx efficiency and homogeneity for the 8‐channel and 5‐channel arrays were in good agreement: 1.87 ± 0.22μT/√kW versus 1.96 ± 0.29μT/√kW, and 2.29 ± 0.39μT/√kW versus 2.41 ± 0.37μT/√kW. An isolation of 38 ± 8 dB is achieved between the 19F Tx and Rx elements, and over 30 dB between the 1H and 19F elements. The PFOB‐filled vials could be clearly identified within the cadaver abdomen with an SNR of 275 ± 51 for a 3D gradient‐echo sequence with 2‐mm isotropic resolution and 12 averages, acquired in 9:52 min:s. Performance of the Tx array was robust against phase and amplitude mismatches at the input ports.

Conclusions

A modular and scalable Tx array offers improved Tx efficiency in 19F MRI of large animals with various sizes. Although conventional birdcage coils have superior Tx efficiency within the target region of interest, scalability of the Tx array to animal size is a major benefit. The described 19F coil provides homogeneous excitation and high sensitivity detection in large pig models.
Parental neglect, anxious attachment, perceived social support, and mental health among Chinese college students with left‐behind experience: A longitudinal study
Authors: Yu Si , Zhang Chunyang , Wang Yi , Liu Tianyuan , Chen Xiaoxi , Guo Jiaxin , Zhang Gaozheng , Xu Wei
Published: October 2022

The harm of childhood parental neglect to emerging adults' maladjustment has garnered empirical support. For college students who have left‐behind experience (LBE), this relationship is rarely discussed and the psychological process underlying this relationship is not well understood. Using a longitudinal study and guided by the Risky Families model, this study aimed to explore the mediating roles of anxious attachment and perceived social support in the link between parental neglect and maladjustment of LBE college students. We used two‐wave longitudinal data, with a time lag of 3 months, collected among Chinese college students with LBE in Chongqing (N = 391). The results revealed that parental neglect in wave one was positively associated with maladjustment (depression, anxiety, and stress) in wave two. Anxious attachment and perceived social support in wave two separately mediated the relationship between parental neglect in wave one and maladjustment in wave two. Anxious attachment and perceived social support in wave two only sequentially mediated the pathway from parental neglect to later depression. These findings emphasize the importance of anxious attachment and social support in resilience and have significant implications for LBE college students' social work practice in China.
The association between experience‐based risky choice and mathematical ability
Authors: Sheng Youyu , Yu Mingxin , Liu Pengfei , Wang Xiaozhuang , Bai Xuejun , Zhou Xinlin
Published: October 2022

Mathematical ability has always been considered an important influencing factor in description‐based risky choices. Experience‐based risky choices, which occur frequently in daily life, are very different from description‐based risky choices. The association between experience‐based risky choice and mathematical ability remains unknown. This study adopts the feedback paradigm for experience‐based risky choice to explore the association between multiple mathematical abilities and experience‐based risky choice. The results show that, in experience‐based risky choice, mathematical ability did not influence the decision to pursue higher expected value, but it did influence preference for risky. Thus, our study contributes to a more comprehensive view of mathematical ability and risky choice.
Elementary teacher occupational health outcomes across schools with varying resources and demographics
Authors: Mosley Kristen C. , McCarthy Christopher J. , Lambert Richard G. , Fitchett Paul G. , Dillard Jendayi B.
Published: October 2022

Equity for students includes access to a healthy teacher workforce across all school settings. This study sought to disentangle the role of racial/ethnic (in)congruence in teacher stress from school resources by using propensity score analysis to match Black, Hispanic, and White elementary teachers on individual, classroom, and school characteristics, and examining whether these matched teachers reported differences in stress outcomes when working in schools where the predominant student demography was either congruent or incongruent with their own. Data from the 2015−2016 National Teacher and Principal Survey was used to find propensity score matches among 7540 Black, Hispanic, and White elementary teachers. Black, Hispanic, and White teachers all reported stronger occupational health outcomes in higher‐resourced, majority‐White schools. Black and Hispanic teachers reported higher levels of occupational health outcomes than White teachers when teaching in under‐resourced, majority−minority schools. These findings suggest important implications for teacher training and support, such as considering increased training and reflection opportunities on culturally responsive teaching, broadening policies that homogeneously categorize and aim to uniformly support “teachers of color,” and examining the ways in which teacher identity uniquely informs their workplace experiences and may necessitate differentiated resources.
Data‐independent acquisition and quantification of extracellular matrix from human lung in chronic inflammation‐associated carcinomas
Authors: Bons Joanna , Pan Deng , Shah Samah , Bai Rosemary , Chen‐Tanyolac Chira , Wang Xianhong , Elliott Daffolyn R. Fels , Urisman Anatoly , O'Broin Amy , Basisty Nathan , Rose Jacob , Sangwan Veena , Camilleri‐Broët Sophie , Tankel James , Gascard Philippe , Ferri Lorenzo , Tlsty Thea D. , Schilling Birgit
Published: October 2022

Early events associated with chronic inflammation and cancer involve significant remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which greatly affects its composition and functional properties. Using lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), a chronic inflammation‐associated cancer (CIAC), we optimized a robust proteomic pipeline to discover potential biomarker signatures and protein changes specifically in the stroma. We combined ECM enrichment from fresh human tissues, data‐independent acquisition (DIA) strategies, and stringent statistical processing to analyze “Tumor” and matched adjacent histologically normal (“Matched Normal”) tissues from patients with LSCC. Overall, 1802 protein groups were quantified with at least two unique peptides, and 56% of those proteins were annotated as “extracellular.” Confirming dramatic ECM remodeling during CIAC progression, 529 proteins were significantly altered in the “Tumor” compared to “Matched Normal” tissues. The signature was typified by a coordinated loss of basement membrane proteins and small leucine‐rich proteins. The dramatic increase in the stromal levels of SERPINH1/heat shock protein 47, that was discovered using our ECM proteomic pipeline, was validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of “Tumor” and “Matched Normal” tissues, obtained from an independent cohort of LSCC patients. This integrated workflow provided novel insights into ECM remodeling during CIAC progression, and identified potential biomarker signatures and future therapeutic targets.
An ecological and evolutionary perspective of the historical US nursery flora
Authors: Kinlock Nicole L. , Adams Denise W. , van Kleunen Mark
Published: October 2022

Societal Impact Statement

The plants sold in nurseries directly influence urban landscapes by providing habitat that supports humans and other organisms and indirectly influence the natural landscape by acting as a major source of invasive species. We analyzed the ornamental plants sold in US nurseries from 1719 to 1946 and found broad patterns of increasing diversity occurring in step with an increase in species relatedness, a switch from native to alien species, and a decrease in regional distinctness. Patterns like these, which have been observed recently in urban areas, thus have a basis in cultivation/horticultural history.

Cultivated plants are foundational species in urban areas, where they simultaneously provide essential ecosystem services while posing a risk of invasion into natural communities. We sought to characterize the spatial and temporal patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of cultivated plants using historical data to better understand the origins of the patterns of diversity observed in present‐day human‐dominated landscapes.

Using records of 5098 ornamental vascular plant species available in 319 US nursery catalogs published from 1719 to 1946, we quantified the taxonomic and phylogenetic ‐diversity, phylogenetic structure, and ‐diversity of the historical US nursery flora in cultural regions, biomes, latitudinal bands, and longitudinal zones.

We showed a peaked increase in taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of the US nursery flora over time, concurrent with the proliferation of nurseries and the addition of new species to nursery offerings. However, standardized phylogenetic diversity showed a convex pattern, with a trough during a time of peak growth and connectivity in the nursery industry, and diversity actually decreased at the end of the time series. We also showed a pattern of increasing homogenization of regional nursery floras, as well as a shift from offering predominately native to predominately alien species.

Echos of the history of the US nursery industry can be found today in patterns with great ecological relevance. Previous reports of high alien plant diversity in urban areas, phylogenetic clustering and overdispersion among naturalized alien plants, and homogenization of urban plant communities are all consistent with the historical availability of these plants in the nursery flora.
Foreign body aspiration in Israeli children during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Golan‐Tripto Inbal , Tsabari Reuven , Picard Elie , Stafler Patrick , Armoni Domany Keren , Goldbart Aviv D. , Aviram Micha , Gatt Dvir , Bari Romi , Tsaregorodtsev Sergey , Peled Chilaf , Melnik Pesah , Bar‐Yoseph Ronen , Gut Guy
Published: October 2022

Background

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, there has been a decline in pediatric emergency department visits. Our aim was to assess the pattern of pediatric foreign body aspiration (FBA) during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, in comparison to the prior years.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter study, we compared the number of children who presented with FBA during the COVID‐19 year (March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021) to the annual average of the years 2016–2019. We also compared the lockdown periods to the postlockdown periods, and the percentage of missed FBA, proven FBA, and flexible bronchoscopy as the removal procedure.

Results

A total of 345 children with FBA from six centers were included, 276 in the pre‐COVID‐19 years (average 69 per year) and 69 in the COVID‐19 year. There was no difference in the prevalence of FBA between the COVID‐19 year and any of the prior 4 years. Examining the lockdown effect, the monthly incidence of FBA dropped from a pre‐COVID‐19 average of 5.75 cases to 5.1 cases during lockdown periods and increased to 6.3 cases in postlockdown periods. No difference in the percentage of missed FB or proven FB was observed. There was a significant rise in the usage of flexible bronchoscopy as the removal procedure (average of 15.4% vs. 30.4%,p = 0.001).

Conclusion

There were fewer cases of pediatric FBA during lockdown periods, compared to post‐lockdown periods, presumably related to better parental supervision, with no difference in the prevalence of FBA during the COVID‐19 year.