bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The normal value and influencing factors of shear wave elastography in healthy tibial nerves: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shang Shiyao , Yan Wenxiao , Guo Yuping , Guo Hantao , Chen Rumin , Cong Shuzhen , Huang Chunwang
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Shear wave elastography is a potential method for evaluating peripheral neuropathy, but lacking reference values. The aim of this study was to measure tibial nerve stiffness in healthy individuals using shear wave elastography and to investigate the influencing factors of tibial nerve stiffness.

Methods

Shear wave elastography of bilateral tibial nerves was performed in 50 healthy individuals 4 cm proximal to the medial malleolus. Mean shear modulus data of tibial nerves were obtained and recorded. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Differences among groups (grouped by laterality, sex, age, and body mass index) were analyzed with independent‐samples t‐tests and paired t‐tests. Effect size (Cohen's d) was also calculated.

Results

The intra‐and interobserver agreement were moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.700–0.747) for all participants, and was poor (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.265–0.088) in very thin people (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2). The shear wave elastography measurements of the tibial nerve did not show a significant difference between legs, sexes, or different age groups. Higher values of tibial nerve stiffness were found in thinner participants.

Conclusions

Shear wave elastography is a method to evaluate the stiffness of peripheral nerves. The measurement results were likely influenced by body mass index of the participants.
Historical contamination with a current problem: Can mining tailings enhance coastal arsenic pollution?
Authors: do Nascimento Gisele B. , Longhini Cybelle M. , Cagnin Renata C. , Costa Eduardo S. , Silva Cesar A. , Neto Renato R. , Sá Fabian
Published: July 2023

The coast of Espírito Santo state (Southeast Brazil) is recognized for its environmental arsenic (As) enrichment and, over the years, mining operations have potentialized it. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Rio Doce discharge on As inputs and the role of iron ore tailings from the Fundão dam disaster in enhancing As contamination in the marine sediment. Two scenarios were evaluated: Predisaster and Postdisaster; dry and wet conditions were considered in each period. High As concentrations were found in the Predisaster (28.44 ± 13.53 µg g−1), but a significant increase in As was remarkable during the Postdisaster in the wet season, one year after the disaster (maximum of 58.39 µg g−1; geoaccumulation index (Igeo) Class 3, moderately severe pollution). On that occasion, iron (Fe) oxy-hydroxides from tailings were remobilized from the Rio Doce channel and deposited on the continental shelf bottom. Therefore, chemical interactions among Fe, As, and carbonates were enhanced, resulting in As and Fe coprecipitation and the trapping by carbonate adsorption. Rio Doce discharge seems to be the main factor in As inputs to the inner continental shelf when flooding do not occur previously in samplings, which allows further dispersion of contaminants, although this hypothesis should be tested further. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:159–168. © 2023 SETAC
Methods for estimating no-effect toxicity concentrations in ecotoxicology
Authors: Fisher Rebecca , Fox David R. , Negri Andrew P. , van Dam Joost , Flores Florita , Koppel Darren
Published: July 2023

A range of new statistical approaches is being developed and/or adopted in ecotoxicology that, when combined, can greatly improve the estimation of no-effect toxicity values from concentration–response (CR) experimental data. In particular, we compare the existing no-effect-concentration (NEC) threshold-based toxicity metric with an alternative no-significant-effect-concentration (NSEC) metric suitable for when CR data do not show evidence of a threshold effect. Using a model-averaging approach, these metrics can be combined to yield estimates of N(S)EC and of their uncertainty within a single analysis framework. The outcome is a framework for CR analysis that is robust to uncertainty in the model formulation, and for which resulting estimates can be confidently integrated into risk assessment frameworks, such as the species sensitivity distribution (SSD). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:279–293. © 2023 Commonwealth of Australia and The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Managing couples with recurrent miscarriage: A narrative review and practice recommendations
Authors: Ali Amanda , Elfituri Abdullatif , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. , Zini Mudiaga Eseajeberuo , Jan Haider , Ganapathy Ramesh , Divakar Hema , Hod Moshe , Shehata Hassan
Published: July 2023

There is significant variation in practice when managing couples with recurrent miscarriage (RM), with guidelines differing on the definition of RM, recommended investigations, and treatment options. In the absence of evidence‐based guidance, and following on from a paper by the authors—FIGO Good Practice Recommendations on the use of progesterone in the management of recurrent first‐trimester miscarriage—this narrative review aims to propose a global holistic approach. We present graded recommendations based on best available evidence.
Cervical sliding sign at second trimester in the prediction of early preterm birth in twin pregnancy
Authors: Tugrul Ersak Duygu , Oluklu Deniz , Beser Dilek Menekse , Hendem Derya Uyan , Tokalıoglu Eda Ozden , Kara Ozgur , Ayhan Sule Goncu , Sahin Dilek
Published: July 2023

Objective

To examine the cervical sliding sign (CSS) alongside cervical length (CL) in twin pregnancies to predict preterm birth (PB).

Methods

Twin pregnancies (n = 37) with no known risk factor for PB were included in this prospective study. CSS was defined as the ultrasonographic finding in which the anterior lip of the cervix slides over the posterior lip with gentle and continuous pressure application. The CSS and CL measurements were held in the second trimester. Early PB was defined as the birth of the fetus before 32 weeks of gestation. The patients were divided into two groups as CSS‐positive and CSS‐negative.

Results

Whereas 11 (29.7%) of the twin pregnancies were CSS‐positive, 26 (70.3%) were CSS‐negative. CSS positivity had a sensitivity of 75.0%, a specificity of 82.2%, a positive predictive value of 54.5%, and a negative predictive value of 92.3% to predict early PB. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that CSS positivity was the only significant independent factor related to early PB.

Conclusion

CSS was shown to be superior to CL in providing a better insight to predict early PB. CSS evaluation should be performed in twin pregnancies.
Real world effectiveness and feasibility of pharmacist‐led preemptive CMV treatment in high risk (CMV D+R−) liver transplant
Authors: Revollo Jane Y. , Gajurel Kiran , Noell Bennett C. , Cooper Kevin T. , Hames Heather , Aldag Erika , Russo Mark W. , Casingal Vincent P.
Published: July 2023

Background

Recent data have demonstrated a lower incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease utilizing preemptive CMV treatment compared to universal prophylaxis in CMV seronegative liver transplant recipients who receive allografts from CMV seropositive donors (donor‐positive [D+]recipient‐negative [R−]). However, there are little data on the feasibility and outcomes after switching transplant center protocols from universal CMV prophylaxis to preemptive treatment.

Methods

All D+R− adult liver transplant recipients underwent pharmacist‐led weekly monitoring of World Health Organization standardized quantitative plasma CMV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) after transplant for 6 months. Valganciclovir was started when plasma CMV viral load (VL) reached 100 IU/mL. All patients who were at least 12 months post‐liver transplant were retrospectively reviewed for incidence of CMV DNAemia and CMV disease in this cohort study.

Results

Among 30 CMV D+R− liver transplant recipients, 23 (77%) developed target CMV DNAemia (≥100 IU/mL) at a median of 26 (range: 10–37) days after transplant with a median peak CMV VL of 947 IU/mL. Valganciclovir was started promptly with a median lag time of 1 (range: 0–5) day. There were no differences in surgical or infectious complications and readmission rates between patients with and without CMV DNAemia. Two patients had possible CMV disease in the first 6 months. None developed CMV disease in 6–12 months posttransplant. Only two patients who developed CMV DNAemia had acute cellular rejection, and none had graft loss or death. Weekly CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was late on only three occasions for all patients before reaching the target CMV VL (<4%). Among those who remained nonviremic, 85% of scheduled weekly CMV PCR testing was completed in the first 3 months.

Conclusion

Preemptive CMV treatment in high‐risk liver transplant recipients is feasible and safe. There was a low rate of CMV disease in the first 12 months post‐liver transplant with a pharmacist‐led protocol.
Adolescent social capital: An intergenerational resource?
Authors: Tuominen Minna , Tikkanen Jenni
Published: July 2023

Introduction

There is abundant literature about the benefits of social capital in youth, but less is known of the origins of social capital. This study explores whether adolescents' social capital is shaped by their parents' social capital, their family's socioeconomic status (SES), and the socioeconomic profile of their neighborhood.

Methods

The study uses cross‐sectional survey data gathered from 12 to 13‐year‐old adolescents and their parents (n = 163) in Southwest Finland. For the analysis, adolescents' social capital was disaggregated into four dimensions: social networks, social trust, tendency to receive help, and tendency to provide help. Parents' social capital was measured both directly (parents' self‐reports) and indirectly (adolescents' perceptions of their parents' sociability). The associations with the hypothesized predictors were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Results

The results suggest that social capital is not directly intergenerationally transmissible the way some biologically heritable traits are. Yet, parents' social capital shapes youngsters' perception of their sociability, and that, in turn, predicts each dimension of adolescents' social capital. Family SES is positively related to young people's reciprocal tendency, but the pathway flows indirectly through parents' social capital and adolescents' perception of parents' sociability. Conversely, a disadvantaged socioeconomic neighborhood is directly negatively associated with adolescents' social trust and tendency to receive help.

Conclusions

This study suggests that, in the studied Finnish, relatively egalitarian context, social capital is (at least partly) transmissible from parents to children, not directly, but indirectly through the mechanism of social learning.
Necroptosis in apical periodontitis: A programmed cell death with multiple roles
Authors: Liu Hui , Fan Wei , Fan Bing
Published: July 2023

Programmed cell death (PCD) has been a research focus for decades and different mechanisms of cell death, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis have been discovered. Necroptosis, a form of inflammatory PCD, has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its critical role in disease progression and development. Unlike apoptosis, which is mediated by caspases and characterized by cell shrinkage and membrane blebbing, necroptosis is mediated by mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (MLKL) and characterized by cell enlargement and plasma membrane rupture. Necroptosis can be triggered by bacterial infection, which on the one hand represents a host defense mechanism against the infection, but on the other hand can facilitate bacterial escape and worsen inflammation. Despite its importance in various diseases, a comprehensive review on the involvement and roles of necroptosis in apical periodontitis is still lacking. In this review, we tried to provide an overview of recent progresses in necroptosis research, summarized the pathways involved in apical periodontitis (AP) activation, and discussed how bacterial pathogens induce and regulated necroptosis and how necroptosis would inhibit bacteria. Furthermore, the interplay between various types of cell death in AP and the potential treatment strategy for AP by targeting necroptosis were also discussed.
Development and applicability of modified weight loss grading system in cancer: a real‐world cohort study
Authors: Xie Hailun , Ruan Guotian , Wei Lishuang , Zhang Heyang , Ge Yizhong , Lin Shiqi , Song Mengmeng , Zhang Qi , Zhang Xi , Wang Ziwen , Liu Chenan , Shi Jinyu , Liu Xiaoyue , Yang Ming , Zheng Xin , Chen Yue , Zhang Xiaowei , Deng Li , Shi Hanping
Published: July 2023

Background

The original weight loss grading system (WLGS) was developed in western population, which did not perform effectively in cancer patients from China. This study aimed to develop and validate the modified WLGS (mWLGS) in the prognostic assessment of cancer patients in China.

Methods

A prospective multicentre real‐world cohort study involving 16 842 patients diagnosed with cancer was conducted. Cox regression was used to calculate the hazard ratios for overall survival. Logistic linear regression was used to assess the odds ratio for 90‐day outcomes.

Results

We calculated survival risks for the 25 mWLGS groups and clustered the approximate survival risks. Finally, we revised the prognostic grading system for mWLGS to include five grades of 0–4. Compared with the original WLGS, the mWLGS had a better prognostic differentiation effect in predicting the prognosis of patients with cancer. The survival rate gradually deteriorated with increasing grade of mWLGS, with the survival rate of grade 0 decreasing from 76.4% to 48.2% for grade 4 (76.4 vs. 72.8 vs. 66.1 vs. 57.0 vs. 48.2%, respectively). The mWLGS provides effective prognostic stratification for most site‐specific cancers, especially lung and gastrointestinal cancers. High‐grade mWLGS is independently associated with an increased risk of poor quality of life and adverse 90‐day outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the mWLGS was an independent prognostic factor for cancer patients in the validation cohorts.

Conclusions

Compared with the original WLGS, the mWLGS can better stratify the prognosis of cancer patients. mWLGS is a useful tool for predicting survival, 90‐day outcomes, and quality of life in patients with cancer. These analyses may provide new insights into the application of WLGS in cancer patients in China.
Exploring stressors and coping strategies among dental students during COVID‐19 pandemic in British Columbia
Authors: Ramachandran Swathi , Soheilipour Shimae , Ford Nancy L. , Brondani Mario A.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused stress among undergraduate dental students; coping mechanisms might be employed to deal with such stress. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to explore the coping strategies employed by dental students at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in response to their self‐perceived stressors during the pandemic.

Methods

An anonymous 35‐item survey was distributed to all four cohorts of UBC undergraduate dental students enrolled in the 2021–2022 academic year, 229 students in total. The survey gathered sociodemographic information, self‐perceived COVID‐19‐related stressor, and coping strategies via the Brief Cope Inventory. Adaptive and maladaptive coping were compared among the years of study, self‐perceived stressors, sex, ethnicity, and living situations.

Results

Of the 229 eligible students, 182 (79.5%) responded to the survey. Of the 171 students that reported a major self‐perceived stressor, 99 (57.9%) of them were stressed about clinical skill deficit due to the pandemic; fear of contraction was reported by 27 (15.8%). Acceptance, self‐distraction, and positive reframing were the most used coping strategies among all students. The one‐way ANOVA test revealed a significant difference in the adaptive coping scores among the four student cohorts (p = 0.001). Living alone was found to be a significant predictor for maladaptive coping (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The main cause of stress related to the COVID‐19 pandemic for dental students at UBC is their clinical skills being negatively affected. Coping strategies including acceptance and self‐distraction were identified. Continued mitigation efforts should be made to address students’ mental health concerns and create a supportive learning environment.
Repeated oral sucrose dosing after the second wind is unnecessary in patients with McArdle disease: Results from a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, cross‐over study
Authors: Løkken Nicoline , Khawajazada Tahmina , Slipsager Anna , Voermans Nicol C. , Vissing John
Published: July 2023

It is well‐established that oral sucrose ingested shortly before exercise improves early exercise tolerance in individuals with McArdle disease. This is by supplying blood‐borne glucose for muscle metabolism to compensate for the blocked glycogenolysis. The present study investigated if individuals with McArdle disease could benefit further from repeated sucrose ingestion during prolonged exercise. In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study, the participants were randomized to ingest either sucrose or placebo first and subsequently the opposite on two separate days. The participants ingested the drink 10 min before and thrice (after 10, 25, and 40 min) during a 60‐min submaximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. The primary outcome was exercise capacity as indicated by heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (PE) responses to exercise. Secondary outcomes included changes in blood metabolites, insulin and carbohydrate, and fatty acid oxidation rates during exercise. Nine participants with McArdle disease were included in the study. We confirmed improvement of exercise capacity with oral sucrose vs. placebo during early exercise (pre‐second wind) indicated by lower peak HR and PE (p < 0.02). We found no further beneficial effect with repeated sucrose versus placebo ingestion during prolonged exercise, as indicated by no difference in HR or PE post‐second wind (p > 0.05). Glucose, lactate, insulin, and carbohydrate oxidation rates increased, and fatty acid oxidation decreased with sucrose versus placebo (p ≤ 0.0002). We can conclude that repeated sucrose ingestion is not recommended during prolonged exercise. This finding can prevent excessive caloric intake and reduce the risk of obesity and insulin resistance.
Socioeconomic exposure to drought under climate warming and globalization: The importance of vegetation‐CO2 feedback
Authors: Wang Tingting , Sun Fubao
Published: July 2023

Climate change has intensified drought severity, duration, frequency, and the spatial extent, promoting considerable concern about the socioeconomic exposure to drought. Some previous studies have suggested the overestimation of drought indices and more drying due to neglecting the impact of vegetation response to CO2. Using models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 and the socioeconomic projections, we quantified the impact of vegetation‐CO2 feedback on extreme drought frequency and the corresponding exposure of population and GDP under SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585 scenarios. Results show that extreme drought frequency will increase significantly, affecting over 70% of global land by the 2050s. Along with rapid growth of socioeconomic factors, population and GDP exposure will increase by 26.90%–36.12% and 2.51–2.95 folds in the 2030s and 67.78%–78.72% and 3.41–5.94 folds in the 2050s. Underdeveloped countries are projected to face the most significant challenges, with substantial increases in population and GDP exposure to extreme drought. By incorporating the impact of vegetation‐CO2 feedback, we address biases of around 2% in extreme drought frequency, particularly in arid and semi‐arid regions, showing underestimations of more drying across around half of global land in the baseline period and the 2030s. The biases, however, shift to be overestimations globally in the 2050s. As a result, early underestimations of extreme drought frequency will lead to significant underestimations in exposed population and GDP by 5.25% and 6.07% in the baseline period, as well as in the 2030s. In contrast, later overestimations will lead to overestimations of exposed population by 3.16%–8.54% and exposed GDP by 2.82%–6.65% in the 2050s. This study provides a more accurate estimation of socioeconomic exposure to extreme drought and highlights the potential risks associated with global warming.
Prenyltransferase gene expression reveals an essential role of prenylation for the inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Diehl Daniel , Friedmann Anton , Bachmann Hagen S.
Published: July 2023

Background

Prenyltrasferases (PTases) are a class of enzymes known to be responsible for promoting posttranslational modification at the carboxyl terminus of proteins containing a so‐called CaaX‐motif. The process is responsible for proper membrane localization and the appropriate function of several intracellular signaling proteins. Current research demonstrating the pathomechanistic importance of prenylation in inflammatory illnesses emphasizes the requirement to ascertain the differential expression of PT genes under inflammatory settings, particularly in periodontal disease.

Methods

Telomerase‐immortalized human gingival fibroblasts (HGF‐hTert) were cultured and treated with either inhibitors of prenylation (PTI) lonafarnib, tipifarnib, zoledronic acid, or atorvastatin at concentrations of 10 μM in combination with or without 10 μg Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h. Prenyltransferase genes FNTB, FNTA, PGGT1B, RABGGTA, RABGGTB, and PTAR1 as well as inflammatory marker genes MMP1 and IL1B were detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Immunoblot and protein immunoassay were used to confirm the results on the protein level.

Results

RT‐qPCR experiments revealed significant upregulation of IL1B, MMP1, FNTA, and PGGT1B upon LPS treatment. PTase inhibitors caused significant downregulation of the inflammatory cytokine expression. Interestingly, FNTB expression was significantly upregulated in response to any PTase inhibitor in combination with LPS, but not upon LPS treatment only, indicating a vital role of protein farnesyltransferase in the proinflammatory signaling cascade.

Conclusions

In this study, distinct PTase gene expression patterns in pro‐inflammatory signaling were discovered. Moreover, PTase inhibiting drugs ameliorated inflammatory mediator expression by a significant margin, indicating that prenylation is a major pre‐requisite for innate immunity in periodontal cells.
Aromatic biomass (torch ginger) leaf‐derived three‐dimensional honeycomb‐like carbon to enhance gravimetric supercapacitor
Authors: Taer Erman , Yanti Novi , Padang Elfrida , Apriwandi Apriwandi , Zulkarnain Zulkarnain , Haryanti Ninis Hadi , Deraman Mohamad , Taslim Rika
Published: July 2023

Background

Porous carbon electrode (PCE) is identified as a highly suitable electrode material for commercial application due to its production process, which is characterized by simplicity, cost‐effectiveness and environmental friendliness. PCE was synthesized using torch ginger (Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M. Smith) leaves as the base material. The leaves were treated with different concentrations of ZnCl2, resulting in a supercapacitor cell electrode with unique honeycomb‐like three‐dimensional (3D) morphological pore structure. This PCE comprises nanofibers from lignin content and volatile compounds from aromatic biomass waste.

Results

From the characterization of physical properties, PCE‐0.3 had an impressive amorphous porosity, wettability and 3D honeycomb‐like structural morphology with a pore framework consisting of micropores and mesopores. According to the structural advantages of 3D hierarchical pores such as interconnected honeycombs, PCE‐0.3 as supercapacitor electrode had a high specific capacitance of up to 285.89 F g−1 at 1 A. Furthermore, the supercapacitor exhibited high energy and power density of 21.54 Wh kg−1 and 161.13 W kg−1, respectively, with a low internal resistance of 0.059 Ω.

Conclusion

The results indicated that 3D porous carbon materials such as interconnected honeycombs derived from the aromatic biomass of torch ginger leaves have significant potential for the development of sustainable energy storage devices. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Outcomes of Cochlear implantation in early‐deafened patients with Waardenburg syndrome: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Lovett Amy , Eastwood Michael , Metcalfe Chris , Muzaffar Jameel , Monksfield Peter , Bance Manohar
Published: July 2023

Objective

This systematic review aims to establish the expected hearing and speech outcomes following cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with profound congenital deafness secondary to Waardenburg syndrome (WS).

Methods

A systematic review of the literature and narrative synthesis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Databases searched: Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Collection, and ClinicalTrials.gov. No limits were placed on language or year of publication.

Results

Searches identified 186 abstracts and full texts. Of these, 16 studies met inclusion criteria reporting outcomes in 179 patients and at least 194 implants. Hearing outcomes of those receiving cochlear implantation were generally good. Five studies included genetic analysis of one or more of the participants. A total of 11 peri/post‐operative complications were reported. The methodological quality of included studies was modest, mainly comprising noncontrolled case series with small cohort size. All studies were OCEBM grade III–IV.

Conclusion

Cochlear implantation in congenitally deafened children with Waardenburg Syndrome is a well‐established intervention as a method of auditory rehabilitation. Due to the uncommon nature of the condition, there is a lack of large‐scale high‐quality studies examining the use of cochlear implantation in this patient group. However, overall outcomes following implantation are positive with the majority of patients demonstrating improved audiometry, speech perception and speech intelligibility supporting its use in appropriately selected cases.
Pulsed dye laser and adjuvant topical therapies for the treatment of port‐wine stains: A systematic review
Authors: Chou Margaret , Karim Maria , Josephs Joshua , Itzkowitz Tamar , Dreker Margaret R. , Labadie Jessica G.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The current gold standard treatment for port‐wine stains (PWS) is pulsed dye laser (PDL). However, multiple treatment sessions may be necessary and complete resolution is often not achieved. Neoangiogenesis can occur soon after treatment and is thought to be a major factor contributing to treatment failure. Adjuvant antiangiogenic topical therapies may therefore improve the efficacy of pulsed dye laser treatment of port‐wine stains.

Material and Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov using “port‐wine stain,” “nevus flammeus,” “capillary malformation,” “sturge weber,” and “pulsed dye laser” as keywords and medical subject heading (MeSH) terms. Articles were included if they (1) were a randomized controlled trial (RCT); (2) studied patients with PWS; and (3) investigated topical adjuvant therapies with PDL. Bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Randomized Controlled Trial Standard Checklist.

Results

1835 studies were identified, with six studies meeting inclusion criteria. The total number of patients studied was 103 (range: 9–23), with 8–36 week follow‐up. The average age ranged from 11 to 33.5 years old. Three studies examined adjuvant topical sirolimus (n = 52), two examined timolol (n = 29), and one studied imiquimod (n = 22). Two of three RCTs reported no improvement through colorimetric analysis with topical sirolimus; however, one of these studies did show a significant improvement through Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score. The last sirolimus study showed significant improvement through digital photographic image scoring (DPIA). Studies examining topical timolol reported no change in PWS appearance compared to placebo. The addition of 5% adjuvant imiquimod cream did lead to significant improvement. A variety of outcome measures were used. Imiquimod and sirolimus led to mild cutaneous adverse events, while timolol caused no side effects. None of the adverse events led to treatment discontinuation. Study quality was moderate in three, high in two, and low in one.

Conclusion

The efficacy of adjuvant topical therapy was unclear. Limitations included variation in concentration and duration of adjuvant therapies, differences in follow‐up time, and inconsistent outcome measure reporting. Given their potential clinical promise, larger prospective studies examining topical adjuvant therapies should be considered.
Cerium and aluminum molybdates as inhibitors of the aluminum AA1050 corrosion process in aqueous NaCl solutions
Authors: Byrne Christian E. , Quesada Cangahuala Nereida V. , D'Alessandro Oriana , Deyá Cecilia
Published: July 2023

Cerium molybdate and aluminum molybdate were synthesized by precipitation at controlled pH. The inhibitory properties of these solids on the corrosion process of aluminum in near‐neutral aqueous NaCl solutions were studied. Potentiodynamic polarization curves showed that both molybdates act as mixed‐type inhibitors. This is due to molybdate anion acts as an anodic inhibitor, while the trivalent cations Ce(III) and Al(III) have an inhibitory effect on the cathodic reaction. Linear polarization tests demonstrated a large increase in polarization resistance when these solids are added, resulting in an inhibition efficiency of 97% in both cases. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray energy dispersive microanalysis of the exposed surfaces revealed the formation of compact protective films rich in Mo and with no detectable Cl levels.
On the local well‐posedness of the 1D Green–Naghdi system on Sobolev spaces
Authors: İnci Hasan
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we consider the local well‐posedness of the 1D Green–Naghdi system. This system describes the evolution of water waves over an uneven bottom in the shallow water regime in terms of the water depth h and the horizontal velocity u. Using a Lagrangian formulation of this system on a Sobolev‐type diffeomorphism group, we prove local well‐posedness for in the Sobolev space , where is the parameterization of the bottom and where we assume that the water surface has an equilibrium at height 1. This improves the present local well‐posedness range by one degree.
Circ_0001589/miR‐1248/HMGB1 axis enhances EMT‐mediated metastasis and cisplatin resistance in cervical cancer
Authors: Ma Teng , Guo Jianxin , Han Jian , Li Lanfang , Ren Yifei , Huang Jie , Diao Ge , Zheng Xiuhui , Zheng Yingru
Published: July 2023

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignant tumors in female worldwide. Cirular RNAs (circRNA) represent a new class of regulatory RNA and play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis and development of tumors. However, their functions have not been fully elucidated in cervical cancer. In this study, we identified an upregulated circRNA, circ_0001589, both in fresh clinical samples and tissue microarray of cervical cancer. Transwell assay and cell apoptosis assay by flow cytometry demonstrated circ_0001589 promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐mediated cell migration and invasion, and enhanced cisplatin resistance in vitro. In addition, in nude mice model, circ_0001589 increased the number of lung metastases and recovered xenograft growth from cisplatin treatment in vivo. Mechanistically, RNA pull‐down assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual‐luciferase reporter assay disclosed that circ_0001589 function as an competing endogenous RNA to sponge miR‐1248, which directly target the 3′ untranslated region of high mobility group box‐B1 (HMGB1). Thereby, circ_0001589 upregulated HMGB1 protein expression and accelerate cervical cancer progression. The rescue experiments also revealed that miR‐1248 overexpression or HMGB1 knockdown partially reversed the regulatory functions of circ_0001589 on cell migration, invasion, and cisplatin resistance. In summary, our findings suggest the upregulation of circ_0001589 promoted EMT‐mediated cell migration and invasion, and enhanced cisplatin resistance via regulating miR‐1248/HMGB1 axis in cervical cancer. These results provided new evidence for understanding the carcinogenesis mechanism and finding new therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
A compact circularly polarized microstrip patch filtenna based on reusable dual‐mode substrate integrated waveguide cavity
Authors: Yan Dong , Yuan Kang‐Hong , Hu Kun‐Zhi , Chen Zhiyuan
Published: July 2023

In this letter, a compact circularly polarized (CP) microstrip patch filtenna designed by reusing dual‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity is proposed. The dual‐mode SIW cavity, operating at its TE120 and TE210 modes, can be used not only as the first stage resonator of the filtering network but also feeds the four microstrip patches working at their TM10 and TM01 modes. A pair of asymmetric perturbed posts is inserted in the SIW cavity to perturb the electric field distributions of TE120 and TE210 modes so as to achieve one axial ratio (AR) minima. The other AR minima is realized by sequentially exciting the four orthogonal microstrip patches via the four rectangular slots that are etched on the top surface of the SIW cavity. In addition, four metal posts penetrated the SIW cavity is employed to improve the impedance matching. For verification, a CP filtenna prototype centered at 5.13 GHz is designed, manufactured, and tested. The measured results agree well with the simulated ones, demonstrating a fractional impedance bandwidth of 6.9% (4.95–5.3 GHz), a 3 dB AR bandwidth of 4.2% (5–5.21 GHz), and a maximum boresight realized gain of 8.4 dBic.
Anal incontinence following obstetric anal sphincter injury: Is there a difference between subtypes? A systematic review
Authors: Zacchè Martino Maria , Ghosh Jayasish , Liapis Ilias , Chilaka Chioma , Latthe Pallavi , Toozs‐Hobson Philip
Published: July 2023

Aims

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is associated with long‐term anal incontinence (AI). We aimed to address the following questions: (a) are women with major OASI (grade 3c and 4) at higher risk of developing AI when compared to women with minor OASI (grade 3a and 3b)? (b) is a fourth‐degree tear more likely to cause AI over a third‐degree tear?

Methods

A systematic literature search from inception until September 2022. We considered prospective and retrospective cohort studies, cross‐sectional and case‐control studies without language restrictions. The quality was assessed by the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated to measure the effect of different grades of OASI.

Results

Out of 22 studies, 8 were prospective cohort, 8 were retrospective cohort, and 6 were cross‐sectional studies. Length of follow‐up ranged from 1 month to 23 years, with the majority of the reports (n = 16) analysing data within 12‐months postpartum. Third‐degree tears evaluated were 6454 versus 764 fourth‐degree tears. The risk of bias was low in 3, medium in 14 and high in 5 studies, respectively. Prospective studies showed that major tears are associated with a twofold risk of AI for major tears versus minor tears, while retrospective studies consistently showed a risk of fecal incontinence (FI) which was two‐ to fourfold higher. Prospective studies showed a trend toward worsening AI symptoms for fourth‐degree tears, but this failed to reach statistical significance. Cross‐sectional studies with long‐term (≥5 years) follow‐up showed that women with fourth‐degree tear were more likely to develop AI, with an RR ranging from 1.4 to 2.2. Out of 3, 2 retrospective studies showed similar findings, but the follow‐up was significantly shorter (≤1 year). Contrasting results were noted for FI rates, as only 5 out of 10 studies supported an association between fourth‐degree tear and FI.

Conclusions

Most studies investigate bowel symptoms within few months from delivery. Data heterogeneity hindered a meaningful synthesis. Prospective cohort studies with adequate power and long‐term follow‐up should be performed to evaluate the risk of AI for each OASI subtype.
The searchscape of fear: A global analysis of internet search trends for biophobias
Authors: Correia Ricardo A. , Mammola Stefano
Published: July 2023

Human relationships with nature may sometimes manifest through fear, disgust and other disease‐avoidance mechanisms. While there is an evolutionary utility to these so‐called ‘biophobias’, many people exhibit phobic responses towards organisms that pose no tangible threats, potentially leading to excessive anxiety and avoidance of interactions with nature. Understanding the drivers of the prevalence and spread of biophobias in modern societies is, therefore, a growing concern.

Here, we posit that online information‐seeking patterns may reveal general insights into biophobias. Using a culturomics approach, we gathered temporal (2004–2022) and country‐level data on the volume of internet searches for 25 biophobias, as well as 25 general phobias acting as a benchmark group. We explored temporal trends in the volume of search for each biophobias and modelled relationships between search volume for biophobias and five country‐level variables.

We observed a steady increase in online search volume for biophobias between 2004 and 2022. Yet, there were marked differences in individual trends, with 17 biophobias showing positive, three negative and five stationary temporal trends. Arachnophobia (fear of spiders) attracted the most interest, followed by mysophobia (fear of microbes) and parasitophobia (fear of parasites).

The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico and India recorded wide interest in most biophobias, whereas 49% of countries showed no search volume for any biophobia. Search patterns for biophobias were strongly associated with the percentage of urban population, urban population growth and the number of extant venomous species in a given country. Conversely, search patterns for biophobias were weakly correlated with the incidence of anxiety disorders in a country's population and the likelihood of encounters with venomous animals.

Our results provide quantitative support to the hypothesis that biophobias are broadly prevalent and possibly increasing as a result of widespread urbanisation and loss of experiences with nature. We suggest that people affected by biophobic disorders may be using the Internet as a key venue to seek relevant information to appraise their condition and identify coping mechanisms. These findings have broad ramifications for understanding and mitigating human–wildlife conflicts and the prevalence of widespread biophobic sentiments in modern societies.
Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Oberoi Sapna , Crane Jacquelyn N. , Haduong Josephine H. , Rudzinski Erin R. , Wolden Suzanne L. , Dasgupta Roshni , Linardic Corinne M. , Weiss Aaron R. , Venkatramani Rajkumar ,   the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Published: July 2023

In the United States, approximately 850–900 children and adolescents each year are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas (STS). STS are divided into rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and non‐rhabdomyosarcoma STS (NRSTS). RMS and NRSTS are risk stratified into low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐risk categories, with 5‐year survival rates of approximately 90%, 50%–70%, and 20%, respectively. Recent key achievements from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) STS Committee include the identification of new molecular prognostic factors for RMS, development and validation of a novel risk stratification system for NRSTS, successful completion of a collaborative NRSTS clinical trial with adult oncology consortia, and collaborative development of the INternational Soft Tissue SaRcoma ConsorTium (INSTRuCT). Current COG trials for RMS are prospectively evaluating a new risk stratification system that incorporates molecular findings, de‐intensification of therapy for a very low‐risk subgroup, and augmented therapy approaches for intermediate‐ and high‐risk RMS. Trials for NRSTS exploring novel targets and local control modalities are in development.
Enhancement of interfacial properties of HMCF composites by constructing of rigid‐flexible interphase through naphthalenediimide with different flexible chain lengths
Authors: Ling Hui , Zhen Ziting , Sun Yuhang , Li Gang , Wang Chao , Yang Xiaoping
Published: July 2023

Naphthalenediimide copolymers with long, middle and short flexible chain lengths (LN, MN and SN) were designed and used to construct rigid‐flexible interphase on high‐modulus carbon fiber (HMCF) surface, and the interfacial performance and interphase reinforcing mechanism of composites were explored. Compared with desized HMCF (HMCF‐desized), the surface activity and roughness of HMCF‐LN, HMCF‐MN and HMCF‐SN were gradually increased. In contrast to HMCF‐LN and HMCF‐MN composites, wider transit‐modulus platform and increased interphase thickness were detected in HMCF‐SN composites, the improved deformation and decreased thermal residual stress from rigid‐flexible interphase were obtained. The highest improvement of transverse fiber bundle test strength (TFBT) and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of HMCF‐SN composites were achieved, which was ascribed to the effective relaxation of interfacial stress and stronger chemical interaction of HMCF‐SN with matrix by the reduced flexible chain lengths and the increased functionality of SN copolymers.

Highlights

Rigid‐flexible interphase was constructed by naphthalenediimide copolymers.

Wider transit‐modulus platform was detected in HMCF‐SN composites.

Improved deformation and decreased residual stress of interphase were obtained.

The interfacial performance of HMCF‐SN composites were greatly improved.
Reaction‐induced morphology control in block copolymers
Authors: Robertson Mark , Dunn Carmen B , Qiang Zhe
Published: July 2023

Controlling the self‐assembly behaviors of block copolymers (BCPs) is a focal point of many research thrusts due to their broad use in various applications. While BCP molecular weight, volume fraction, and chemical identities are key thermodynamic parameters to determine their morphology, an emergent method in this area is through reaction‐induced changes to the characteristics of a BCP in situ, which provides access to multiple morphologies and domain sizes from a single parent polymer, as well as enabling the formation of metastable morphologies which may be difficult to attain otherwise. This work provides a focused review about the current state of reaction‐induced morphology control in BCPs in both solution and solid states. Furthermore, we provide a forward‐looking perspective on the future opportunities of understanding and employing reaction engineering to manipulate and advance BCP self‐assembly. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Biological control of Cimex lectularius with Beauveria bassiana: Effects of substrate, dosage, application strategy, and bed bug physiology
Authors: Aak Anders , Hage Morten , Rukke Bjørn Arne
Published: July 2023

Background

Cimex lectularius L. (bed bug) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) is a serious indoor pest worldwide, and this nuisance needs to be controlled using different methods in integrated pest management (IPM). Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) kills bed bugs, and insect pathogenic fungi may be utilized to control bed bugs in IPM. To increase knowledge of this methodology, forced exposure experiments were conducted with different formulations, doses, and substrates, using bed bugs in variable physiological states.

Results

Both oil‐ and water‐formulated fungal products showed significant improvement when conidial concentrations were raised in five steps from 0.02 to 2.0%. At low concentrations (0.02% in water) effects from substrate and application strategy were observed. Application on soft substrates (cotton and polyester) yielded significantly higher bed bug mortality rates than on harder substrates (paper, wood, and linoleum) with a final mortality of 35–63% against 8–10%. Multiple applications over time also improved B. bassiana's ability to kill bed bugs, and at low concentrations only a triple application on cotton showed 100% final mortality. Bed bug age and reproductive status significantly affected survival. Older and reproducing individuals showed higher mortality compared to newly emerged adults. Differences in feeding status also yielded differences in mortality timing, but only minor differences in final mortality rates. Egg production and hatching success were significantly reduced by some treatments.

Conclusion

B. bassiana appears to be an asset in the fight against bed bugs. Substrate, dosage, application strategy, and bed bug physiology are important factors to consider for optimal efficacy and safe indoor control with insect pathogenic fungi. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Extremely High Ferromagnetic Resonance Frequency Induced by Triclinic Lattice Distortion in Epitaxial FeCo/MgAl2O4 (001) Films
Authors: Ding Congying , Wang Le , Islam Rabiul , Zhang Shouheng , Wang Xia , Li Hongli , He Wa , Zhu Xingqi , Yao Zhao , Jin Zhejun , Zhao Guoxia , Peng Yong , Miao Guo-Xing , Li Shandong
Published: July 2023

Theoretically, tetragonal lattice distortion of FeCo epitaxial films can result in a very large in‐plane magnetic anisotropy field, leading to an extremely high ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency. Herein, thin films are epitaxially grown on (001) MgAl2O4 single‐crystal substrates. A triclinic lattice distortion with , instead of a tetragonal one, is found in the FeCo films. The cubic symmetry breaking leads to a deviation of easy axes from the directions, forming a distribution of magnetic moments with a strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) along the out‐of‐plane [001] directions and a deviation of the in‐plane components from the ([10 100]) directions. The effective field of the former is as high as 1.5–2.5 T, enough to overcome the thin film shape anisotropy, while that of the latter stays at a low value of around 0.05 T. The strain‐induced PMA gradually relaxes to in‐plane for thicker films with a strained sublayer remaining. As a result, an extremely high out‐of‐plane FMR frequency over 40 GHz is achieved, accompanied by a lower in‐plane FMR frequency around 8 GHz. This study provides a possible approach to prepare self‐biased soft magnetic films with extremely high‐resonance frequency for applications in microwave‐integrated circuits.