bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological changes and viability of Streptococcus mutans biofilm treated with erythrosine: A confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis
Authors: Paschoal Marco Aurélio Benini , Gonçalves Letícia Machado , Cavalcante Salma Ivanna Araújo , Andrade‐Maia Gabriele , Duarte Simone
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a‐PDT) is a modality that aims to induce microorganisms through visible light, a photosensitizer, and molecular oxygen. This therapy has shown promising results in controlling cariogenic biofilm in vitro and in vivo counterparts. This study investigated bacterial viability and morphological characterization of Streptococcus mutans mature biofilms after combination of erythrosine and a high potency dental curing light. Biofilms were formed on saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite disks in batch culture. The samples were performed in triplicates. Fresh medium was replaced daily for five days and treated using 40 μM of E activated by HL 288 J/cm2 and total dose of 226 J at 1200 mW/cm2. Phosphate buffer saline and 0.12% of chlorhexidine were used as negative and positive control, respectively. After treatment, biofilms were assessed for microbial viability and morphological characterization by means of bio‐volume and thickness. COMSTAT software was used for image analysis. Data were analyzed using two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey test with significance level 5%. The application of a‐PDT and CHX treatments decreased S. mutans bacterial viability. The image analysis showed more red cells on biofilms when compared to other groups, demonstrating photobacterial killing. Erythrosine irradiated with a high potency curing light can potentially act as an antimicrobial tool in the treatment of cariogenic biofilms. The morphology and viability of microorganisms were impacted after treatment. Treatment with photodynamic therapy may be able to reduce the bio‐volume and viability of bacteria present in biofilms.

Clinical Relevance and Research Highlights

The use of the a‐PDT technique has been applied in dentistry with satisfactory results. Some applications of this technique are in stomatology and endodontics. In the present study, we sought to understand the use of photodynamic therapy in the control of biofilm and the results found are compatible with the objective of microbiological control proposed by this technique, thus raising the alert for future studies in vivo using the combination of a‐PDT with erythrosine, since they are easily accessible materials for the dental surgeon and can be applied in clinical practice.
Development and validation of a new genotype–phenotype correlation for Niemann‐Pick disease type C1
Authors: Liang Huan , Zhan Xia , Wang Yu , Maegawa Gustavo H. B. , Zhang Huiwen
Published: December 2023

Hundreds of NPC1 variants cause highly heterogeneous phenotypes. This study aims to explore the genotype–phenotype correlation of NPC1, especially for missense variants. In a well‐characterized cohort, phenotypes are graded into three clinical forms: mild, intermediate, and severe. Missense residue structural location was stratified into three categories: surface, partially, and fully buried. The association of phenotypes with the topography of the amino acid substitution in the protein structure was investigated in our cohort and validated in two reported cohorts. One hundred six unrelated NPC1 patients were enrolled. A significant correlation of genotype–phenotype was found in 81 classified individuals with two or one (the second was null variant) missense variant (p < 0.001): of 25 patients with at least one missense variant of surface (group A), 19 (76%) mild, six (24%) intermediate, and none severe; of 31 cases with at least one missense variant of partially buried without surface variants (group B), 11 (35%) mild, 16 (52%) intermediate, and four (13%) severe; of the remaining 25 patients with two or one buried missense variants (group C), eight (32%) mild, nine (36%) intermediate, and eight (32%) severe. Additionally, 7‐ketocholesterol, the biomarker, was lower in group A than in group B (p = 0.024) and group C (p = 0.029). A model was proposed that accurately predicted phenotypes of 72 of 90 (80%), 73 of85 (86%), and 64 of 69 (93%) patients in our cohort, Italian, and UK cohort, respectively. This study proposed a novel genotype–phenotype correlation in NPC1, linking the underlying molecular pathophysiology with clinical phenotype and aiding genetic counseling and evaluation in clinical practice.
Eyewitness identifications based on biased or unbiased line‐up instructions after a realistic and violent hostage simulation
Authors: Nyman Thomas J. , Cappa Giulia , Zappalà Angelo , Santtila Pekka
Published: December 2023

Few earlier studies have investigated the effects of highly stressful, realistic, violent, and threatening scenarios on eyewitness identification accuracy in an ecologically valid setting. The majority of studies have relied on laboratory‐based simulated (videos/images) experiments. The present study investigated line‐up accuracy approximately 1 week after a hostage simulation event. We administered biased line‐up instructions to 50% of participants to investigate how this impacted choosing behaviour and accuracy. Based on 1030 line‐up decisions (N = 122), we found that average accuracy was 38% in target present (TP) and 54% in target absent (TA) line‐ups and that biased line‐up instructions decreased overall accuracy (vs. unbiased). The hit rate for TP line‐ups with biased instructions was 0.43 (unbiased instructions: 0.33), while the false alarm rate for TA line‐ups with biased instructions was 0.60 (unbiased instructions: 0.32). We found that high confidence was associated with correct identifications and that shorter response times were indicative of correct rejections. Our findings demonstrate, in a more realistic scenario than the majority of eyewitness identification studies, the effect that biased line‐up instructions lead to increased choosing and decreased accuracy.
Tumor Multiregional Mean Apparent Propagator (MAP) Features in Evaluating Gliomas—A Comparative Study With Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI)
Authors: Zeng Shanmei , Ma Hui , Xie Dingxiang , Huang Yingqian , Yang Jia , Lin Fangzeng , Ma Zuliwei , Wang Mengzhu , Yang Zhiyun , Zhao Jing , Chu Jianping
Published: December 2023

Background

Glioma classification affects treatment and prognosis. Reliable imaging methods for preoperatively evaluating gliomas are essential.

Purpose

To evaluate tumor multiregional mean apparent propagator (MAP) features in glioma diagnosis and to compare those with diffusion‐kurtosis imaging (DKI).

Study Type

Retrospective study.

Subjects

70 untreated glioma patients (31 LGGs (low‐grade gliomas), 34 women; mean age, 47 ± 12 years, training (60%, n = 42) and testing cohorts (40%, n = 28)).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, diffusion‐MRI using q‐space Cartesian grid sampling with 11 different b‐values.

Assessment

Tumor multiregional MAP (mean squared displacement (MSD); q‐space inverse variance (QIV); non‐Gaussianity (NG); axial/radial non‐Gaussianity (NGAx, NGRad); return‐to‐origin/axis/plane probability (RTOP, RTAP, and RTPP)); and DKI metrics (axial/mean/radial kurtosis (AK, MK, and RK)) on tumor parenchyma (TP) and peritumoral areas (PT) in histopathologically gliomas grading and genotyping were assessed.

Statistical Tests

Mann–Whitney U; Kruskal–Wallis; Benjamini–Hochberg; Bonferroni‐correction; receiver operating curve (ROC) and area under curve (AUC); DeLong's test; Random Forest (RF). P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant after multiple comparisons correction.

Results

Compared with LGGs, MSD, and QIV were significantly lower in TP, whereas NG, NGAx, NGRad, RTOP, RTAP, RTPP, and DKI metrics were significantly higher in HGGs (high‐grade gliomas) (P ≤ 0.007), as well as in isocitrate‐dehydrogenase (IDH)‐mutated than IDH‐wildtype gliomas (P ≤ 0.039). These trends were reversed for PT (tumor grades, P ≤ 0.011; IDH‐mutation status, P ≤ 0.012). ROC analysis showed that, in TP, DKI metrics performed best in TP (AUC 0.83), whereas in PT, RTPP performed best (AUC 0.77) in glioma grading. AK performed best in TP (AUC 0.77), whereas MSD and RTPP performed best in PT (AUC 0.73) in IDH genotyping. Further RF analysis with DKI and MAP demonstrated good performance in grading (AUC 0.91, Accuracy 82%) and IDH genotyping (AUC 0.87, Accuracy 79%).

Data Conclusion

Tumor multiregional MAP features could effectively evaluate gliomas. The performance of MAP may be similar to DKI in TP, while in PT, MAP may outperform DKI.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Seroepidemiology study of rubella virus antibodies among neonates and pregnant women at hospitals in Henan province, China
Authors: Wang Xiangpeng , Han Yu , Li Changhui , Wang Mengshi , Yang Beibei , Zhang Xiaoqin , Zhao Lijun
Published: December 2023

Rubella virus infection can cause vertical transmission to the fetus during pregnancy. In China's Henan province, rubella surveillance needs to be well‐established. In this research, a total of 1933 neonates and 2502 pregnant women were enrolled, and their sera for IgG and IgM antibodies against rubella were tested by chemiluminescence assay. Of 1933 neonates' sera tested, the seropositive of rubella IgG was 68.7%. The seroprevalence of rubella IgM in neonates was 0.4%. 30.9% of neonates had negative results for IgG and IgM antibodies. Two thousand five hundred and two pregnant women participated in the serosurvey, and 79.3% were rubella IgG positive. Rubella IgG seropositivity in pregnant women differed by age and number of births. 0.8% of the pregnant women had positive results for IgM against the rubella virus. The seronegative of rubella IgG and IgM antibodies in pregnant women was 19.8%. Due to the negative rubella‐specific IgG antibody, many neonates remain at risk of rubella virus infection. Rubella virus continues to spread since some neonates and pregnant women with rubella‐specific IgM antibody positive have been detected. Rubella vaccination may be introduced for childbearing‐age women to increase immunity levels against rubella with periodic sero‐surveillance.
Factors associated with prolonged viral shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant infection in Shanghai: A multicenter, retrospective, observational study
Authors: Liu Wenbin , Gong Fangchen , Zheng Xiangtao , Pei Lei , Wang Xiaofeng , Yang Song , Zhao Shanzhi , Yang Zhitao , Lin Jingsheng , Jing Feng , Shang Hanbing , Bi Yufang , Wei Dong , Chen Erzhen , Chen Ying
Published: December 2023

Shanghai has faced an unprecedented COVID‐19 pandemic with the BA.2.2 strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron infection. Comprehensive insights into its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and viral shedding dynamics are currently limited. This study encompasses 208373 COVID‐19 patients that were infected with the Omicron BA.2.2 sub‐lineage in Shanghai, China. Demographic information, clinical symptoms, vaccination status, isolation status, as well as viral shedding time (VST) were recorded. Among the COVID‐19 patients included in this study, 187124 were asymptomatic and 21249 exhibited mild symptoms. The median VST was 8.3 days. The common clinical symptoms included fever, persistent cough, phlegm, sore throat, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Factors such as advanced age, presence of comorbidities, mild symptomatology, and delayed isolation correlated with extended VST. Conversely, female gender and administration of two or three vaccine doses correlated with a reduction in VST. This investigation offers an in‐depth characterization and analytical perspective on Shanghai's recent COVID‐19 surge. Prolonged viral shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2 was observed in elderly, male, symptomatic patients, and those with comorbidity. Female, individuals with two or three vaccine doses, as well as those isolated early, shows an effective reduced VST.
Differential correlates of prolonged grief and depression after bereavement in a population‐based sample
Authors: Bağcaz Arda , Kılıç Cengiz
Published: December 2023

Bereavement can lead to prolonged grief disorder (PGD) as well as episodes of major depression. Studies on the prevalence of PGD and its differences from postbereavement depression have not been conclusive. This study compared the correlates of depression and prolonged grief (PG) symptoms in a population‐based random sample (N = 535) using the Beck Depression Inventory, Inventory of Complicated Grief–Revised, Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), and Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASAQ). Correlates of PG and depressive symptoms were examined using linear regression in 328 bereaved respondents. The prevalence of probable PGD based on PGD‐2009 criteria was 3.0% among bereaved respondents and 1.9% in the total sample. PG was related to bereavement‐related features including sex of the deceased, β = − .110, p = .026; time since loss, β = − .179, p = .001; the number of lifetime losses experienced, β = .157, p = .016; and perceived closeness with the deceased, β = .214, p < .001. Only lower income of the bereaved predicted depression, β = − .139, p = .018. In women, but not in men, the loss of a male family member (i.e., brother or son) was a significant predictor of PG symptoms, β = − .180, p = .006. The results confirm the qualitative distinction between depression and PG in a nonclinical sample and show that PG is mainly related to the intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of the deceased or of death, whereas depression relates only to the characteristics of the bereaved person.
Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography for in vivo visualization of morphological characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma in a murine model
Authors: Olesen Uffe H. , Foged Camilla , Jacobsen Kevin , Ortner Vinzent K. , Fredman Gabriella , Paasch Uwe , Haedersdal Merete
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Non‐invasive imaging with line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) can support the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) through visualization of morphological characteristics specific to skin cancer. We aimed to visualize prominent morphological characteristics of SCC using LC‐OCT in a well‐established murine SCC model.

Materials and Methods

Nine hairless mice were exposed to ultraviolet radiation three times weekly for 9 months to induce SCC development. Visible SCC tumors (n = 9) were imaged with LC‐OCT and the presence of 10 well‐described morphological characteristics of SCC were evaluated in the scans by two physicians with adjudication by a third.

Results

Overall, murine morphological characteristics resembled corresponding features previously reported in human SCCs. Interrupted dermal‐epidermal junction occurred in 100% of tumors. In epidermis, the most frequently observed characteristics were severe epidermal dysplasia (100%) and tumor budding (89%). Common dermal characteristics included broad strands (100%) and collagen alterations (78%).

Conclusion

LC‐OCT imaging can be used to non‐invasively visualize morphological characteristics specific to SCC in an in vivo preclinical model.
Geometric regularity criteria for the Navier–Stokes equations in terms of velocity direction
Authors: Skalak Zdenek
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we are inspired by a famous result by Constantin and Fefferman who proved that a simple geometrical assumption on the direction of the vorticity leads to the regularity of weak solutions of the 3D Navier–Stokes equations. We show that the same result can be achieved if the vorticity direction is replaced by the velocity direction. We further strengthen this result and prove that in fact it is not necessary to consider the velocity direction in all close space points but only in the points whose distance equals to a small positive number dependant on the data. In the second part of the paper, we extend a result by Berselli and C
rdoba concerning the role of the helicity for the regularity of the weak solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations.
Morphological design of PDVB‐based particles
Authors: Freese Silvia , Glasser Gunnar , Susewind Moritz , Lieberwirth Ingo , Hofe Thorsten , Jonas Ulrich
Published: December 2023

Polymeric microspheres with complex architectures find application as stationary phases for size exclusion separation, solid supports for surface reactions, catalysis, and delivery systems. The microparticles are commonly made from divinylbenzene by precipitation polymerization or template swelling. Upon combining both methods and applying photopolymerization, we discovered new morphological features that are not solely explicable by the individual processes. Firstly, three types of templates were synthesized by precipitation polymerization: noncrosslinked, slightly crosslinked, and slightly crosslinked with noncrosslinked polystyrene fractions. All template types were swollen with divinylbenzene, which was polymerized by photoinitiation, followed by template extraction. Changes in particle size were tracked by light microscopy, while SEM revealed submicron features like hollow cores, toluene‐insoluble walls, and surface grooves from the collapse upon drying of the toluene‐swollen corona. Our investigations indicated that the corona results from chain transfer and crosslinking of the template during photoinitiation. Higher precrosslinking of the template reduced the core cavity volume of the extracted particle, while more mobile polystyrene chains led to larger cavities. These architectures are promising model systems for fundamental studies of particle interactions, aggregation, and structure formation in the field of colloidal physics.
Favourite places for outdoor recreation: Weak correlations between perceived qualities and structural landscape characteristics in Swedish PPGIS study
Authors: Stoltz Jonathan , Lehto Carl , Hedblom Marcus
Published: December 2023

Connections between outdoor recreation and various health and well‐being benefits are well established. However, questions remain regarding which landscape characteristics that best predict places in the landscape that correspond to people's needs and preferences. The perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) model proposes eight basic perceived qualities that people commonly seek in outdoor environments to support complementary needs: a Natural, a Cultural, a Cohesive, a Diverse, a Sheltered, an Open, a Serene and a Social quality respectively.

These PSDs have increasingly been suggested as a tool for green space assessment and planning. How strongly they correlate with objective landscape characteristics is, however, still an open question. We surveyed recreationists in Sweden, tasking them with noting their favourite places on a map (n = 275), and to report the degree to which the PSDs were present. The qualities typically reported as most prominent at these places were Open, Serene and Sheltered, while the least prominent were Social and Cultural.

A cluster analysis further revealed that favourite places could be classified into two main groups regarding perceived qualities. One associated with presumably more restorative qualities, emphasising Natural and Serene settings, the other instead suggesting a more outward‐directed experience, strong in the perceived Social and Cultural dimensions.

Machine learning models, however, revealed weak links between objective landscape characteristics and perceived qualities, with stronger correlations found with attributes connected to personal characteristics, such as the degrees to which a person identifies as nature or urban oriented.

Although largely confirming the basic relations between the PSDs suggested by earlier studies, our results cast some doubt on the way they often have been understood and used, as describing an ‘objective’ truth of places, rather than representing qualities that largely emanate from the individual experience. Our results instead confirm previous reports of weak general links between objective landscape measures and perceived qualities.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Evaluation of ferroelectric profile of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) thin films by positive‐up–negative‐down and fatigue measurement
Authors: Jaffari G Hassnain , Aqeel Musfira
Published: December 2023

Organic polymers are of interest due to their numerous promising potential applications in the area of energy harvesting and sensing. In this context, piezoelectric and ferroelectric polymers are subject to intense research; however, it is challenging to understand polarization switching in such systems. The focus of the present study is to thoroughly evaluate the finer details of polarization reversal in poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE)) thin films. The intrinsic features arising from the true values of (switching) polarization and extrinsic features associated with the presence of non‐switching contributions, i.e. leakage current and linear dielectric component, have been investigated using the positive‐up–negative‐down technique. These contributions are quantified and discussed. Furthermore, fatigue endurance has been examined by repeated switching cycles. Increase in polarization increases is associated with the improved crystallinity and enhancement of the β‐phase. However, a higher degree of crystallinity, for extended numbers of repeated cycles of the bipolar electric field, resulted in degradation of the (switching) polarization. Fatigue significantly affects the leakage and ferroelectric components while the paraelectric contribution remains almost constant. The underlying mechanism of such trends are discussed in terms of hysteresis losses. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Study on selective emitter fabrication through an innovative pre‐diffusion process for enhanced efficiency in TOPCon solar cells
Authors: Chen Wenhao , Liu Weiqing , Yu Yuanyuan , Ke Yiping , Wan Yimao
Published: December 2023

TOPCon (tunnel oxide passivated contact) solar cell is the mainstream high‐efficiency crystalline silicon solar cell structure. However, the lack of efficient passivation contact mechanisms on the front surface restricts the electrical performance ability to improve further. Selective emitter (SE) technology, considered a potential solution, needs to be more mature. This work provides a unique thermal pre‐diffusion approach combined with laser treatment and post‐oxidation annealing to create SE structures in TOPCon solar cells. Times for the high‐temperature process are equivalent to those for a traditional homogenous emitter. The innovative thermal pre‐diffusion process created a unique boron doping profile, achieving a high surface concentration of nearly 1 × 1020 cm−3 with a shallow junction depth of approximately 0.25 μm. Laser treatment further activated boron and facilitated its diffusion, influenced by the boron silicate glass layer and surface boron atoms. Adjustments were made to improve the pre‐diffusion recipe, including an additional boron deposition step, increasing non‐activated boron atoms. Introducing larger pyramidal microstructures also improved the junction depth and surface concentration in the heavily doped region. Compared to homogeneous emitters, the SE structures exhibited lower surface concentration in the lightly doped region, reducing the recombination current density in the passivation region J0,pass values. The SE structures achieved higher junction depths, limiting metal atom diffusion and reducing the current recombination density in the metal contact region J0,metal values. The contact resistivity between metal and silicon was also decreased. Overall, introducing SE structures resulted in a batch‐average efficiency improvement of 0.26%, reaching an average efficiency of 25.22% for TOPCon solar cells, and has industrial mass‐producible.
Caregiver education before hospital discharge for children on home‐invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Zirek Fazılcan , Çobanoğlu Nazan
Published: December 2023

Children on home invasive mechanical ventilation necessitate specialized equipment, continuous monitoring, and multidisciplinary care. Transitioning these children from hospital to home care is complex, demanding careful planning. Guidelines and observational studies emphasize the importance of a standardized, comprehensive, and staged educational approach for caregiver education in discharge planning, yet program variations persist, lacking standardized checklists. This review aims to offer insights into crucial factors for a successful transition from hospital to home care for children using home‐invasive mechanical ventilation while also developing comprehensive caregiver checklists to ensure high‐quality care, taking into account families' socioeconomic status.
Lung ultrasound scores within the first 3 days of life to predict respiratory outcomes
Authors: Aliyev Ferid , Kayki Gozdem , Annakkaya Kocyigit Tutku , İyigun İrem , Yigit Sule
Published: December 2023

Backround

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a rapid and simple method to evaluate preterm babies with respiratory distress. Lately, LUS has also been reported as an accurate predictor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the LUS scores within the first 3 days of life and respiratory outcomes including the need and the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, and development of BPD.

Methods

It was a retrospective observational study. Preterm infants younger than 32 weeks were included at an academic tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 2018 and 2023. LUS was performed within the first 3 days. Each lung was divided into three regions and defined as a score of 0 to 3 points; the total score was obtained by adding the six regional scores. LUS scores were noted in two groups as the highest and lowest scores. Statistical analyses were done to predict respiratory outcomes.

Results

Total 218 patients were enrolled; 40, 17, and 18 infants had mild, moderate, and severe BPD, respectively. BPD did not develop in 143 patients. Within the first 3 days, the highest and lowest LUS scores significantly predicted moderate‐to‐severe BPD (p < .001) (area under receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve, 0.684–0.913; area under ROC curve 0.647–0.902; respectively). High LUS scores were also related with the need of mechanical ventilation (p < .001). There was not a significant correlation between the duration of mechanical ventilation and the LUS scores. Regression analysis revealed that the highest LUS scores within the first 3 days of life, sepsis, and the presence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) were significantly associated with the severity of BPD.

Conclusions

In preterm babies, the LUS scores were useful to predict BPD and the need of invasive ventilation in long term. However, it was not related with the length of invasive ventilation.
Interstitial lung disease as an indication for pediatric lung transplant
Authors: Kuklinski Cadence A. , Blatter Joshua A.
Published: December 2023

Interstitial lung disease can be an indication for lung transplant at any age, but it is a particularly common indication for lung transplant in infants. Nevertheless, not all interstitial lung diseases will lead to lung transplant in childhood. Genetic testing has aided the identification of these diseases in children. In severely affected patients, however, definitive diagnosis is not always necessary to consider referral to a transplant center. At experienced transplant centers, a multidisciplinary team educates patient families and aids in the transplant evaluation of children with interstitial lung disease. Children who have undergone transplant require lifetime immunosuppression and close surveillance, but can enjoy good quality of life for years following surgery.
The impact of maternal hyperemesis gravidarum on early childhood respiratory morbidity
Authors: Hazan Guy , Sheiner Eyal , Golan‐Tripto Inbal , Goldbart Aviv , Sergienko Ruslan , Wainstock Tamar
Published: December 2023

Background

Lung maldevelopment due to in‐utero events may potentially cause respiratory morbidity during childhood. Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy is critical for lung development. This study is contributing to the understanding of the interplay between maternal nutrition status during pregnancy, fetal lung development and the risk for respiratory diseases in early life.

Research Question

To investigate the association between maternal hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) during pregnancy and respiratory morbidity in the offspring's early childhood.

Study Design and Methods

This is a retrospective population‐based cohort study that included all singleton term deliveries at Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) between 1991 and 2021. Preterm deliveries (<37 gestational week), perinatal deaths, multiple gestations, and children with congenital malformations or chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. The main outcomes measured were offspring's hospitalizations due to pneumonia, acute bronchiolitis, asthma, or wheezing.

Results

Overall 232,476 deliveries were included in the study, of which 3227 women (1.4%) were diagnosed with HG. Offspring in the HG group exhibited significantly higher rates of respiratory morbidity, including asthma (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.22–1.36, p < .001), acute bronchiolitis (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.21–1.59, p < .001), and pneumonia (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.12–1.48, p < .001). An inverse correlation between multivariate adjusted‐hazard ratios for asthma and pneumonia with offspring's age was noted.

Interpretation

This study provides evidence of a potential association between maternal HG during pregnancy and increased risk of respiratory morbidity in offspring's early childhood. Maternal nutritional status during pregnancy plays a crucial role in lung development, affecting respiratory health in childhood.
Lung ultrasound: A potential tool in the diagnosis of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in pediatric intensive care units
Authors: Uguen Justine , Bouscaren Nicolas , Pastural Gaëlle , Darrieux Etienne , Lopes Anne‐Aurélie , Levy Yael , Peipoch Lise
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common healthcare‐associated infection in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), increasing mortality, antibiotics use and duration of ventilation and hospitalization. VAP diagnosis is based on clinical and chest X‐ray (CXR) signs defined by the 2018 Center for Disease Control (gold standard). However, CXR induces repetitive patients' irradiation and technical limitations. This study aimed to investigate if lung ultrasound (LUS) can substitute CXR in the VAP diagnosis.

Methods

A monocentric and prospective study was conducted in a French tertiary care hospital. Patients under 18‐year‐old admitted to PICU between November 2018 and July 2020 with invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h were included. The studied LUS signs were consolidations, dynamic air bronchogram, subpleural consolidations (SPC), B‐lines, and pleural effusion. The diagnostic values of each sign associated with clinical signs (cCDC) were compared to the gold standard approach. LUS, chest X‐ray, and clinical score were performed daily.

Results

Fifty‐seven patients were included. The median age was 8 [3–34] months. Nineteen (33%) children developed a VAP. In patients with VAP, B‐Lines, and consolidations were highly frequent (100 and 68.8%) and, associated with cCDC, were highly sensitive (100 [79–100] % and 88 [62–98] %, respectively) and specific (95.5 [92–98] % and 98 [95–99] %, respectively). Other studied signs, including SPC, showed high specificity (>97%) but low sensibility (<50%).

Conclusion

LUS seems to be a powerful tool for VAP diagnosis in children with a clinical suspicion, efficiently substituting CXR, and limiting children's exposure to ionizing radiations.
Management of neurological problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Sayar Yavuz , Yıldırım Miraç , Teber Serap
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV) has become a crucial long‐term respiratory support for children with neurological disorders, but requires advanced technological skills and 24‐h care. The increasing global population of children on HIMV is attributed to advancements in intensive care and improved survival rates.

Method

The manuscript will review the most common neurological problems encountered in children on HIMV.

Conclusion

The manuscript emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of managing these patients, involving pediatric pulmonologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatric intensivists, nurses, therapists, dietitians, psychologists, and caregivers. The manuscript outlines the challenges posed by neurological disorders, such as spinal muscular atrophy, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders, which may result in respiratory muscle weakness and impaired ventilation. The importance of individualized assessments, appropriate ventilator mode and equipment selection, training of caregivers, airway clearance techniques, nutritional support, regular follow‐up visits, psychological and educational support, and addressing specific neurological issues such as involuntary movement disorders, prolonged seizures, sleep disorders, pain, sialorrhea, and immobilization‐related complications are discussed. The treatment options for these specific challenges are outlined. This review highlights the complex nature of managing children with neurological disorders on HIMV and the importance of a collaborative approach among healthcare professionals and caregivers to optimize care and improve the quality of life for these children.
PrLZ regulates EMT and invasion in prostate cancer via the TGF‐β1/p‐smad2/miR‐200 family/ZEB1 axis
Authors: Xie Hongjun , Chen Jiaqi , Ma Zhenkun , Gao Yang , Zeng Jin , Chen Yule , Yang Zhao , Xu Shan
Published: December 2023

Background

Prostate leucine zipper (PrLZ) is a prostate‐specific protein, and our previous study demonstrated that PrLZ enhances the malignant progression of prostate cancer (Pca). However, the roles of PrLZ in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) remain unknown.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, and western blotting were used to analyze the expression of protein and genes level in human PCa cell lines. Invasion assay was used to examine the effect of PrLZ, miR‐200a, miR‐200b, miR‐200c, miR‐141, miR‐429, miR‐205, and ZEB1 on PCa cell line invasion in vitro. Prostate cancer metastasis animal model was designed to assess the effect of PrLZ on PCa cell line invasion in vivo.

Results

We proved that high PrLZ expression initiates EMT, which was shown by the downregulation of E‐cadherin and upregulation of vimentin in PC‐3/PrLZ and ARCaP‐E/PrLZ cells. Mechanistic analysis revealed that PrLZ regulates EMT by activating TGF‐β1/p‐smad2 signaling and further inhibiting the expression of miR‐200 family members, which negatively regulates ZEB1 expression and causes EMT in Pca. Moreover, using two of orthotopic mouse model and tail vein injection of human prostate cancer cells mouse model, we observed that PC‐3/PrLZ cells led to the development of distant organ metastases in vivo.

Conclusions

Our results show the mechanism by which PrLZ regulates EMT and metastasis and suggest that PrLZ may be a potential therapeutic target for Pca metastasis.
Effect of Gradient Nanotwins on Mechanical Properties of Ni–Co Alloy
Authors: Lu Xuefeng , Bai Zhiyuan , Ren Junqiang , Li Junchen , Xue Hongtao , Tang Fuling , Guo Xin
Published: December 2023

Gradient nanostructured metals have become one of the research hotspots in the field of materials science due to their excellent mechanical properties and unique deformation behavior. In our contributions, the nanotwin gradient was introduced into the nanocrystalline Ni–Co alloy, and the influence of the gradient structure on the shear properties and microscopic deformation behavior was studied in order to reveal the strengthening mechanism. The gradient nanotwin Ni–Co alloy has elastic deformation and work hardening at the initial shear stage. The stress decreases after reaching the stress limit, and the uniform plastic deformation is maintained at the later stage. The excellent stability of fine twin layer and its effective hindrance to dislocation nucleation and movement can improve the strength of the material. In addition, the yield and work hardening of nanotwin gradient Ni–Co alloy are easy to occur at low temperature, and the stress–strain curve fluctuates obviously. At high temperature, the alloy is prone to plastic deformation, and the strength is reduced macroscopically. The higher the temperature is, the more difficult it is to yield. The results provide a solid theoretical basis for the design of Ni‐based alloys.
Climate change quadruples flood‐causing extreme monsoon rainfall events in Bangladesh and northeast India
Authors: Fahad Abdullah A. , Hasan Mahdi , Sharmili Noshin , Islam Shammunul , Swenson Erik T. , Roxy M. K.
Published: December 2023

Bangladesh and northeast India are the most densely populated regions in the world where severe floods as a result of extreme rainfall events kill hundreds of people and cause socio‐economic losses regularly. Owing to local high topography, the moisture‐carrying monsoon winds converge near southeast Bangladesh (SEB) and northeast Bangladesh and India (NEBI), which produces significant extreme rainfall events from May to October. Using observed data, we find an increasing trend of 1‐day extreme event (150 mmday) frequency during 1950–2021. The extreme rainfall events quadrupled over western Meghalaya (affecting NEBI) and coastal SEB during this period. Composite analysis indicates that warm Bay of Bengal sea‐surface temperature intensifies the lower tropospheric moisture transport and flux through the low‐level jet (LLJ) to inland, where mountain‐forced moisture converges and precipitates as rainfall during extreme events. To understand the role of climate change, we use high‐resolution downscaled models from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). We find that the monsoon extreme event increase is ongoing and the region of quadrupled events further extends over the NEBI and SEB in the future (2050–2079) compared with historical simulations (1950–1979). A quadrupling of the intense daily moisture transport episodes due to increased LLJ instability, a northward shift of LLJ, and increased moisture contribute to the increased future extreme events. This dynamic process causes moisture to be transported to the NEBI from the southern Bay of Bengal, and the local thermodynamic response to climate change contributes to the increased extreme rainfall events. The CMIP6 projection indicates that more devastating flood‐causing extreme rainfall events will become more frequent in the future.
Experiences of robot assisted thrombectomy with 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Cheng Gong , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: December 2023

Background

No consensus has been reached on operative procedures since a limited case series of robot‐assisted inferior vena cava thrombectomy (RA‐IVCT) and robot‐assisted radical nephrectomy (RA‐RN) have been described.

Methods

The clinical data of 21 patients who underwent RA‐IVCT and RA‐RN were retrieved from the database. Preoperative preparation was used for assessment of the tumour. Surgical procedures were recorded, and operative skills were summarised.

Results

The median IVC clamping time was 23 min, and IVC wall invasion was pathologically found in 2 cases. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.4 days and most patients recovered to full ambulation and oral feeding on the fourth day. None of the patients had liver or kidney dysfunction at the last follow‐up (median, 24 months).

Conclusion

RA‐IVCT presents technical challenges to surgeons. IVC control is an important part of the surgical process and different sides require different techniques.
Harm‐reduction approach to drug education can save lives
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2023

BURLINGTON, VERMONT — What if, instead of only trying to find new ways to convince students to never use drugs, campuses implemented effective methods to reduce harm for those students who choose to experiment with or even regularly use drugs? That shift in thinking was discussed by panelists at the University of Vermont's Legal Issues in Higher Education annual conference.
Environmental effect of Chinese FDI in Africa: Evidence from pooled mean group
Authors: Oladipupo Sodiq Abiodun , Ajide Folorunsho M.
Published: December 2023

The growth of the China‐African economic relationship has received much attention among the scholars. Africa and China have experienced cooperation in the areas of foreign direct investment, cross‐border trade, and foreign aids. While this economic relationship has been viewed to contribute to the development of African nations, some scholars are of the opinion that it is a new practice in imperialism. Surprisingly, none of these scholars has examined the environmental effect of Chinese foreign direct investment (CFDI) in African regions. On this note, this study investigates how Chinese foreign direct investment (CFDI) has altered environmental conditions in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The study uses the pooled mean group panel estimation procedure to control for short‐run heterogeneity and long‐run homogeneity in the absence of cross‐sectional dependence for the period 2003–2020, focusing on 22 countries in the region that have seen a substantial increase in foreign investment from China. CFDI is shown to decrease CO2 emissions in the long term, lending credence to the pollution halo hypothesis. Furthermore, short‐term averages show that CFDI increases CO2 emissions, lending credence to the pollution haven hypothesis. However, the short‐term results showed substantial variation on how CFDI affects CO2 emissions. The research shows that short‐term CFDI is associated with reduction in CO2 emissions in Burundi and Rwanda but increases them in the Congo Republic, Gabon, and South Africa. Some policy suggestions based on the results are offered.
Elastomer Composites with High Damping and Low Thermal Resistance via Hierarchical Interactions and Regulating Filler
Authors: Zeng Xiangliang , Zhou Yu , Xia Xinnian , Fan Jianfeng , Rao Shipeng , Ren Linlin , Shen Xi , Sun Rong , Zeng Xiaoliang
Published: December 2023

Modern microelectronics and emerging technologies such as wearable electronics and soft robotics require elastomers to integrate high damping with low thermal resistance to avoid damage caused by vibrations and heat accumulation. However, the strong coupling between storage modulus and loss factor makes it generally challenging to simultaneously increase both thermal conductance and damping. Here, a strategy of introducing hierarchical interaction and regulating fillers in polybutadiene/spherical aluminum elastomer composites is reported to simultaneously achieve extraordinary damping ability of tan δ > 1.0 and low thermal resistance of 0.15 cm2 K W−1, which surpasses state‐of‐the‐art elastomers and their composites. The enhanced damping is attributed to increased energy dissipation via introducing the hierarchical hydrogen bond interactions in polybutadiene networks and the addition of spherical aluminum, which also functions as a thermally conductive filler to achieve low thermal resistance. As a proof of concept, the polybutadiene/spherical aluminum elastomer composites are used as thermal interface materials, showing effective heat dissipation for electronic devices in vibration scenarios. The combination of outstanding damping performance and extraordinary heat dissipation ability of the elastomer composites may create new opportunities for their applications in electronics.
Interfacial Modulation of Ti3C2Tx MXene by Cellulose Nanofibrils to Construct Hybrid Fibers with High Volumetric Specific Capacitance
Authors: Liang Qidi , Liu Kun , Xu Ting , Wang Yaxuan , Zhang Meng , Zhao Qingshuang , Zhong Weiren , Cai Xu‐Min , Zhao Zujin , Si Chuanling
Published: December 2023

The intrinsic poor rheological properties of MXene inks result in the MXene nanosheets in dried MXene microfibers prone to self‐stacking, which is not conducive to ion transport and diffusion, thus affecting the electrochemical performance of fiber‐based supercapacitors. Herein, robust cellulose nanofibrils (CNF)/MXene hybrid fibers with high electrical conductivity (916.0 S cm−1) and narrowly distributed mesopores are developed by wet spinning. The interfacial interaction between CNF and MXene can be enhanced by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction due to their rich surface functional groups. The interfacial modulation of MXene by CNF can not only regulate the rheology of MXene spinning dispersion, but also enhance the mechanical strength. Furthermore, the interlayer distance and self‐stacking effect of MXene nanosheets are also regulated. Thus, the ion transport path within the fiber material is optimized and ion transport is accelerated. In H2SO4 electrolyte, a volumetric specific capacitance of up to 1457.0 F cm−3 (1.5 A cm−3) and reversible charge/discharge stability are demonstrated. Intriguingly, the assembled supercapacitors exhibit a high‐volume energy density of 30.1 mWh cm−3 at 40.0 mW cm−3. Moreover, the device shows excellent flexibility and cycling stability, maintaining 83% of its initial capacitance after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. Practical energy supply applications (Power for LED and electronic watch) can be realized.
SnTe/SnSe Heterojunction Based Ammonia Sensors with Excellent Withstand to Ambient Humidities
Authors: Li Xinlei , Sun Shupeng , Wang Nan , Huang Baoyu , Li Xiaogan
Published: December 2023

Non‐invasive breath testing has gained increasing importance for early disease screening, spurring research into cheap sensors for detecting trace biomarkers such as ammonia. However, real‐life deployment of ammonia sensors remains hindered by susceptibility to humidity‐induced interference. The SnTe/SnSe heterojunction‐based chemiresistive‐type sensor demonstrates an excellent response/recovery to different concentrations of ammonia from 0.1 to 100 ppm at room temperature. The improved sensing properties of the heterojunctions‐based sensors compared to single‐phased SnTe or SnSe can be attributed to the stronger NH3 adsorptions, more Te vacancies, and hydrophobic surface induced by the formed SnTe/SnSe heterojunctions. The sensing mechanisms are investigated in detail by using in situ techniques such as diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), Kelvin probe, and a.c. impedance spectroscopy together with the Density‐Function‐Theory calculations. The formed heterojunctions boost the overall charge transfer efficiency between the ammonia and the sensing materials, thus leading to the desirable sensing features as well, with excellent resistance to ambient humidities.