bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of constipation on readmission for heart failure in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Namiuchi Shigeto , Tanita Atsushi , Sunamura Shinichiro , Onodera Kenta , Ogata Tsuyoshi , Noda Kazuki , Takii Toru , Nitta Yoshio , Yoshida Seijiro
Published: December 2023

Aims

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disorder that is associated with a high cardiovascular event rate in the general population. Although constipation is common in patients with cardiovascular diseases, only a few studies have examined the relationship between constipation and the prognosis of patients with heart failure. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of constipation on the prognosis of patients with acute heart failure.

Methods and results

We investigated 397 patients admitted to our hospital from December 2020 to December 2022 with acute heart failure (mean age, 81 ± 13 years; 54% men). Patients with constipation were defined as those either taking laxatives regularly or diagnosed with constipation according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. During the follow‐up periods (median, 173 days), 35 patients died, and 74 experienced readmission due to heart failure. Kaplan–Meier analysis before and after propensity score matching using 14 variables revealed that the risk of readmission due to heart failure was significantly higher in patients with constipation than in those without (before: log‐rank P = 0.014, after: log‐rank P = 0.0027). The adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that the hazard ratio for readmission due to heart failure was 2.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.38–4.94, P = 0.0032). The risk of all‐cause death was not significantly different between the two groups (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–5.06; P = 0.30).

Conclusions

Constipation status was strongly associated with a higher risk of readmission for heart failure in patients with acute heart failure.
Identifying stories of ‘us’: A mixed‐method analysis of the meaning, contents and associations of national narratives constructed by Americans
Authors: Choi Sarah Y. , Liu James H.
Published: December 2023

How do lay individuals reconstruct, appropriate or resist culturally sanctioned narratives about their nation's past? The current study examined this question through an open‐ended survey administered to a US sample, stratified by age and gender (N = 399). We identified three major historical narratives that were popular among Americans. Specifically, we identified positive narratives of the nation's progress over time and glorifying narratives of American exceptionalism, alongside a popular counter‐narrative that was critical of the nation as reproducing ongoing cycles of injustice. Representations of national origins were significantly more salient for the narratives of Progress and Glorification, while more recent and lived events were salient for Critical narratives. Progress and Critical narratives were both associated with a constructive orientation to national identity, while Glorifying narratives were associated with blind patriotism. Critical and Glorifying narratives were consistently opposed in their associated political attitudes and in their patterns of endorsement across party affiliations. Overall, it appeared that narratives of progress were most popular and least polarised. We discuss the implications of these findings through the perspective that narratives provide dynamic content for identity construction as well as the means for articulating resistance to hegemony within specific historical and political contexts.
Associations of orientation to promote good in challenging situations with distress and well‐being: Multi‐study evidence from three non‐Western Longitudinal samples
Authors: Weziak‐Bialowolska Dorota , Cowden Richard G. , Cook Kaye V. , Bialowolski Piotr , Bechara Andrea Ortega , Chen Zhuo Job , Kurniati Ni Made Taganing , Suwartono Christiany , McNeely Eileen , VanderWeele Tyler J.
Published: December 2023

We examine whether an orientation to promote good serves as a potential buffer against distress and facilitator of well‐being outcomes in three non‐Western samples with a recent history of conflict (Indonesia, Colombia, Mexico) and across three different time frames (1, 4 and 12 months). Longitudinal surveys provided data for cross‐lagged panel modelling. A series of sensitivity analyses provided evidence for the robustness of results. Persons with an orientation to promote good reported greater well‐being 1 month and 4 months post‐assessment and reduced distress 1 month and 4 months post‐assessment. The effects, with larger effect sizes, were also found for reverse associations. We did not find evidence of associations assessed at the 12‐month interval with the exception of a negative association between an orientation to promote good and subsequent life satisfaction and happiness. Orientation to promote good may be relevant for population's mental health and well‐being over the short‐ and medium‐term.
Progress in MXene‐based catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Jieli , Gao Xiaohong , Li Jing , Kang Zhenye , Bai Juan , Wang Tianjiao , Yuan Yuliang , You Chenghang , Chen Yu , Xia Bao Yu , Tian Xinlong
Published: December 2023

Electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen generation is considered one of the most promising strategies for reducing the use of fossil fuels and storing renewable electricity in hydrogen fuel. However, the anodic oxygen evolution process remains a bottleneck due to the remarkably high overpotential of about 300 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. The key to solving this dilemma is the development of highly efficient catalysts with minimized overpotential, long‐term stability, and low cost. As a new 2D material, MXene has emerged as an intriguing material for future energy conversion technology due to its benefits, including superior conductivity, excellent hydrophilic properties, high surface area, versatile chemical composition, and ease of processing, which make it a potential constituent of the oxygen evolution catalyst layer. This review aims to summarize and discuss the recent development of oxygen evolution catalysts using MXene as a component, emphasizing the synthesis and synergistic effect of MXene‐based composite catalysts. Based on the discussions summarized in this review, we also provide future research directions regarding electronic interaction, stability, and structural evolution of MXene‐based oxygen evolution catalysts. We believe that a broader and deeper research in this area could accelerate the discovery of efficient catalysts for electrochemical oxygen evolution.
Pore characteristics and mechanical behaviors of autoclaved aerated concrete produced from coal bottom ash and tailings
Authors: Zhang Mingyuan , Yao Huayan , Liu Yuting , Gan Jiarui , Tang Lingxiao
Published: December 2023

The solid wastes such as coal bottom ash and tailings are currently widely used in various building materials, but further research on their application in autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is needed. To study the physical and mechanical properties of AAC produced from coal bottom ash and tailings, the pore characteristics of two different density grades of AAC were extracted and analyzed, and wave velocity and uniaxial compressive tests under water‐saturated and dry conditions were carried out. The results show that the AAC produced from solid waste has excellent performance. The specimen is anisotropic, and the pore size distribution of its cross‐section is mainly concentrated in the ranges of <0.1, 0.1–0.5, and 0.5–1.0 mm. The pore size perpendicular to the direction of rise is smaller and the pores number is greater. The wave velocity and uniaxial compressive strength of the test specimens in the water‐saturated state are significantly lower than those in the dry state. The strengths of specimens loaded perpendicular to the direction of rise are higher than those loaded parallel to the direction of rise whether water‐saturated or dry. The failure mode of the water‐saturated specimens are different from those of dry specimens, which is manifested in the act that there are fewer surface cracks when the specimens fail in the water‐saturated state, while there are more surface cracks in the dry specimens, and their morphology is irregular. The physicochemical effect between water and components and the mechanical effect of pore water are the reasons for the deterioration of AAC's mechanical properties. The results help to reveal the performance of AAC produced from solid waste and have good practical significance.
Advances and Applications of Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in Emerging Technologies: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Li Dongxiao , Yadav Anurag , Zhou Hong , Roy Kaustav , Thanasekaran Pounraj , Lee Chengkuo
Published: December 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) that are the wonder material of the 21st century consist of metal ions/clusters coordinated to organic ligands to form one‐ or more‐dimensional porous structures with unprecedented chemical and structural tunability, exceptional thermal stability, ultrahigh porosity, and a large surface area, making them an ideal candidate for numerous potential applications. In this work, the recent progress in the design and synthetic approaches of MOFs and explore their potential applications in the fields of gas storage and separation, catalysis, magnetism, drug delivery, chemical/biosensing, supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries and self‐powered wearable sensors based on piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators are summarized. Lastly, this work identifies present challenges and outlines future opportunities in this field, which can provide valuable references.
A panel vector autoregression analysis for the dynamics of medical and long‐term care expenditures
Authors: Sugawara Shinya , Ishihara Tsunehiro , Kunisawa Susumu , Goto Etsu , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: December 2023

Although medical and long‐term care expenditures for older adults are closely related, providing rigorous statistical analysis for their dynamic relationship is challenging. In this research, we propose a novel approach using the panel vector autoregression model to reveal the realized patterns of the interdependence. As an empirical application, we analyze monthly panel data on individuals in a city of Japan, where social insurance covers many formal services for long‐term care. Our estimation results indicate the existence of intertemporal transition from expensive acute medical care to reasonable at‐home medical care, then to at‐home long‐term care. Under this context, the enhancement of formal long‐term care sector in Japan might have played an important role in the suppression of the total care cost in spite for its rapid aging over the past 2 decades. Additionally, we find that daycare plays multiple roles in Japanese long‐term care, such as respite and rehabilitation, but there is no considerable transition from outpatient rehabilitation to daycare in the long‐term care sector.
Evaluating the utility and validity of a discrimination‐specific measure of shift‐&‐persist coping
Authors: Christophe N. Keita , Martin Romero Michelle Y. , Stein Gabriela L.
Published: December 2023

Shift‐&‐persist (S&P) coping has been shown to buffer against the effects of discrimination on psychosocial functioning in racially and ethnically minoritized youth. However, existing measures of S&P refer broadly to coping with stress and are not specifically tailored to the type of stressor individuals are coping with (e.g., discrimination). The current study evaluated the measurement properties, utility, and validity of a discrimination‐specific adapted measure of S&P relative to an existing, general measure among a sample of 327 minoritized youth (Mage = 18.80, SD = 1.28, 78.6% female, 50.5% Black) recruited from a large public minority‐serving institution in the southeastern United States. Contrary to our hypotheses, when the item stem was changed to refer to coping specifically with discrimination, the measurement properties of a validated S&P scale (Lam et al., 2018) were worse relative to the original measure. Overall, the general S&P measure produced larger main effects and explained two times more variance in depressive symptoms than discrimination‐specific S&P. Findings do not rule out the idea that context‐specific measures may better characterize coping with discrimination experiences than ‘trait‐like’ general coping measures. However, results highlight that small adaptations to current measures may not be sufficient and may compromise predictive validity. Coping with discrimination measurement recommendations is discussed.
UGT1A1 genotype‐guided irinotecan dosing during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: A prospective analysis of SN‐38 concentration
Authors: Jiang Pei‐Cheng , Wang Shuo‐Wen , Li Chao , Fan Jin , Zhu Ji
Published: December 2023

Irinotecan plays a crucial role in the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) of rectal cancer, but its optimal dosing is still unclear. In this study, we included 101 eligible patients with the UGT1A1*28 genotype of UGT1A1*1*1 (74.3%) and UGT1A1*1*28 (25.7%) and UGT1A1*6 genotypes of GG (63.4%), GA (32.7%), and AA (3.9%). All patients received preoperative radiotherapy (50 Gy/25 fractions) with concurrent irinotecan (UGT1A1*1*1: 80 mg/m2; UGT1A1*1*28: 65 mg/m2) and capecitabine (CapIri). SN‐38 concentrations were measured at 1.5, 24, and 49 h post‐administration. Patients were divided into four groups (Q1–Q4) based on the SN‐38 concentration. The complete‐response (CR) rate was the primary endpoint. The analysis demonstrated that the 49 h SN‐38 concentration was relatively optimal for predicting efficacy and toxicity. The Q4 group had a significantly higher CR rate than the Q1 group (p = .019), but also higher rates of adverse events (p = .009). We screened the recommended 49 h SN‐38, with a 0.5–1.0 ng/mL concentration range. We also validated the correlation between UGT1A1*6 polymorphism and SN‐38 concentration, along with the clinical efficacy of irinotecan. In conclusion, our study identified the relatively optimal timepoint and concentration range for monitoring SN38 concentrations and revealed the clinical significance of UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*28 polymorphisms in guiding irinotecan administration, offering meaningful insights for personalised irinotecan dosing.
Evaluating the efficacy and generality of a skill‐based approach for promoting universal behavioral readiness
Authors: Rahaman Javid A. , Luczynski Kevin C.
Published: December 2023

Behavioral readiness can take the form of communication and self‐control skills during challenging situations that are correlated with the development of problem behavior. A skill‐based approach can teach behavioral readiness using procedures that involve synthesized reinforcement, probabilistic reinforcement, and contingency‐based delays; however, this approach is commonly used to address severe behavior under specific situations. There is limited research evaluating a skill‐based approach to teaching behavioral readiness and addressing emerging problem behavior. Also, it is unclear whether teaching effects under specific situations transfer across other, functionally distinct, situations. We evaluated the generality of a skill‐based approach by teaching skills systematically across primary challenging situations involving the interruption of play, presentation of instructions, and removal of reinforcers. Teaching increased communication and self‐control skills, and most skills transferred to secondary challenging situations (treatment extension probes) and caregiver‐implemented sessions. We discuss challenging situations that required teaching, the generality of teaching, and procedural considerations.
miRNA‐211‐5p inhibition enhances the protective effect of hucMSC‐derived exosome in Aβ1‐40‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells by increasing NEP expression
Authors: Chen Huijing , Huang Zhongqin , Lei Aidi , Yu Xiaowen , Shen MeiLing , Wu Dan
Published: December 2023

Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) could alleviate Alzheimer's disease (AD) defects. Additionally, engineered exosomes are more effective in treating diseases. In this study, we established an in vitro model of AD by treating SH‐SY5Y cells with Aβ1‐40. We observed that incubation with hucMSC‐derived exosomes effectively protected SH‐S5Y5 cells from Aβ1‐40‐induced damage. Since NEP plays a central role in suppressing AD development, we screened NEP‐targeting miRNAs that are differentially expressed in control and AD patients. We identified miR‐211‐5p as a potent repressor of NEP expression. Exosomes purified from hucMSCs overexpressing miR‐211‐5p inhibitor exhibited significantly greater efficiency than control exosomes in mitigating the injury caused by Aβ1‐40 treatment. However, this enhanced protective effect was nullified by the knockdown of NEP. These observations demonstrate that inhibition of miR‐211‐5p has the potential to improve the efficacy of hucMSC‐derived exosomes in AD treatment by increasing NEP expression.
Andrographolide protect against lipopolysacharides induced vascular endothelium dysfunction by abrogation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Padhy Debiprasad , Sharma Satyam , Singh Sanjiv
Published: December 2023

The development of heart disease involves interconnected factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. Andrographolide (AG), known for its potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, has the potential to counteract lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced endothelial dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of AG on alleviating vascular endothelium dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation in an experimental model induced by LPS. To create chronic vascular endothelium dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, rats received weekly injections of LPS via their tail vein over a 6‐week period. The study evaluated the therapeutic effects of orally administered AG (50 mg/kg/day) on diseased conditions. We conducted aortic histology and measured nitric oxide (NO) thresholds, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, constitutive nitric oxide (cNOS) activity, and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) levels, alongside several inflammatory biomarkers. To evaluate endothelial dysfunction, we assessed endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent vasorelaxation in aortas through histopathological and various immunoassays examinations. Vascular Endothelial inflammatory activity was consequently enhanced in LPS groups animals when compared to normal control, also endothelial performance were dependently improved by AG therapy. IL‐1β and tumors necrosis factor levels in the aorta decreased in a dose‐dependent manner after exogenous AG delivery to LPS‐treated rats. However, in current research work aortic SOD activity, NO levels, and cNOS activity increased, whereas aortic malondialdehyde levels and iNOS activity decreased after the AG treatment. These findings suggest that long‐term AG therapy could be considered as a potential therapy to avoid vascular endothelial dysfunction and major nonobstructive coronary artery disease.
Recommendations for reproducibility of cerebrospinal fluid extracellular vesicle studies
Authors: Sandau Ursula S. , Magaña Setty M. , Costa Júlia , Nolan John P. , Ikezu Tsuneya , Vella Laura J. , Jackson Hannah K. , Moreira Lissette Retana , Palacio Paola Loreto , Hill Andrew F. , Quinn Joseph F. , Van Keuren‐Jensen Kendall R. , McFarland Trevor J. , Palade Joanna , Sribnick Eric A. , Su Huaqi , Vekrellis Kostas , Coyle Beth , Yang You , Falcón‐Perez Juan M. , Nieuwland Rienk , Saugstad Julie A. ,   International Society for Extracellular Vesicles Cerebrospinal Fluid Task Force
Published: December 2023

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, transparent fluid derived from blood plasma that protects the brain and spinal cord against mechanical shock, provides buoyancy, clears metabolic waste and transports extracellular components to remote sites in the brain. Given its contact with the brain and the spinal cord, CSF is the most informative biofluid for studies of the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to other components, CSF contains extracellular vesicles (EVs) that carry bioactive cargoes (e.g., lipids, nucleic acids, proteins), and that can have biological functions within and beyond the CNS. Thus, CSF EVs likely serve as both mediators of and contributors to communication in the CNS. Accordingly, their potential as biomarkers for CNS diseases has stimulated much excitement for and attention to CSF EV research. However, studies on CSF EVs present unique challenges relative to EV studies in other biofluids, including the invasive nature of CSF collection, limited CSF volumes and the low numbers of EVs in CSF as compared to plasma. Here, the objectives of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles CSF Task Force are to promote the reproducibility of CSF EV studies by providing current reporting and best practices, and recommendations and reporting guidelines, for CSF EV studies. To accomplish this, we created and distributed a world‐wide survey to ISEV members to assess methods considered ‘best practices’ for CSF EVs, then performed a detailed literature review for CSF EV publications that was used to curate methods and resources. Based on responses to the survey and curated information from publications, the CSF Task Force herein provides recommendations and reporting guidelines to promote the reproducibility of CSF EV studies in seven domains: (i) CSF Collection, Processing, and Storage; (ii) CSF EV Separation/Concentration; (iii) CSF EV Size and Number Measurements; (iv) CSF EV Protein Studies; (v) CSF EV RNA Studies; (vi) CSF EV Omics Studies and (vii) CSF EV Functional Studies.
The moment arms and lines of action of subscapularis after the Latarjet procedure
Authors: Fox Aaron , Ernstbrunner Lukas , Henze Janina , Page Richard S. , Ackland David C.
Published: December 2023

The Latarjet procedure is an established surgical treatment for recurrent glenohumeral joint instability with glenoid bone loss. Intraoperatively, the conjoint tendon and its attachement on the coracoid bone graft is routed through a split in subscapularis where the graft is fixed to and augments the anteroinferior glenoid. The objective of this in vitro study was to quantify the influence of glenohumeral joint position and conjoint tendon force on the lines of action and moment arms of subscapularis muscle sub‐regions after Latarjet surgery. Eight fresh‐frozen, entire upper extremities were mounted onto a testing apparatus, and a cable‐pulley system was used to apply physiological muscle loading to the major shoulder muscles. The lines of action and moment arms of four subregions of subscapularis (superior, mid‐superior, mid‐inferior, and inferior) were quantified radiographically with the conjoint tendon unloaded and loaded while the shoulder was in (i) 0° abduction (ii) 90° abduction (iii) 90° abduction and full external rotation (ABER), and (iv) the apprehension position, defined as ABER with 30° horizontal extension. Conjoint tendon loading after Latarjet surgery significantly increased the inferior inclination of the lines of action of the mid‐inferior and inferior subregions of subscapularis in the scapular plane in ABER and apprehension positions (p < 0.001), as well as decreased the horizontal flexion moment arm of the inferior subscapularis (p = 0.040). Increased subscapularis inferior inclination may ultimately increase inferior joint shear potential, while smaller horizontal flexion leverage may reduce joint flexion capacity. The findings have implications for Latarjet surgical planning and postoperative rehabilitation prescription.
The structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of mung bean protein hydrolysate of protamex induced by ultrasound
Authors: Bing Shu‐Jing , Liu Fen‐Fang , Li Ying‐Qiu , Sun Gui‐Jin , Wang Chen‐Ying , Liang Yan , Zhao Xiang‐Zhong , Hua Dong‐Liang , Chen Lei , Mo Hai‐Zhen
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

The limited physicochemical properties (such as low foaming and emulsifying capacity) of mung bean protein hydrolysate restrict its application in the food industry. Ultrasound treatment could change the structures of protein hydrolysate to accordingly affect its physicochemical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound treatment on the structural and physicochemical properties of mung bean protein hydrolysate of protamex (MBHP). The structural characteristics of MBHP were evaluated using tricine sodium dodecylsulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, laser scattering, fluorescence spectrometry, etc. Solubility, fat absorption capacity and foaming, emulsifying and thermal properties were determined to characterize the physicochemical properties of MBHP.

RESULTS

MBHP and ultrasonicated‐MBHPs (UT‐MBHPs) all contained five main bands of 25.8, 12.1, 5.6, 4.8 and 3.9 kDa, illustrating that ultrasound did not change the subunits of MBHP. Ultrasound treatment increased the contents of α‐helix, β‐sheet and random coil and enhanced the intrinsic fluorescence intensity of MBHP, but decreased the content of β‐turn, which demonstrated that ultrasound modified the secondary and tertiary structures of MBHP. UT‐MBHPs exhibited higher solubility, foaming capacity and emulsifying properties than MBHP, among which MBHP‐330 W had the highest solubility (97.32%), foaming capacity (200%), emulsification activity index (306.96 m2 g−1) and emulsion stability index (94.80%) at pH 9.0.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound treatment enhanced the physicochemical properties of MBHP, which could broaden its application as a vital ingredient in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nasal Vestibule: A Multi‐Centric Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Pirola Francesca , Di Santo Davide , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Chabrillac Emilien , Fradeani Dario , Sionis Sara , Carta Filippo , Lambertoni Alessia , Malvezzi Luca , Galli Andrea , Giordano Leone , Puxeddu Roberto , Castelnuovo Paolo , Mercante Giuseppe , Spriano Giuseppe , Ferreli Fabio
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (NV‐SCC) is a rare but challenging entity, due to the complex anatomy of the region. Consensus on the best treatment strategy is still lacking, as well as a dedicated staging system. Our aim was to analyze oncological outcomes of surgically treated patients and to investigate possible prognostic factors.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multi‐centric observational study including six Academic Hospitals over a 10‐year period, including only patients who underwent upfront surgery for primary NV‐SCC. Patients were staged according to all currently available staging systems. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compute overall, disease‐free, and disease‐specific survival. Logistic regression models were used to correlate between survival outcomes and clinical and pathological variables.

Results

Seventy‐one patients with a median follow‐up of 38 months were included in the study. Partial and total rhinectomy were the most commonly performed procedures, respectively, in 49.3% and 25.4% of cases. Neck dissection was performed on 31% of patients, and 45.1% of them underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Three years overall, disease‐specific and disease‐free survival were, respectively, 86.5%, 90.3%, and 74.2%. None of the currently available staging systems were able to effectively stratify survival outcomes. Factors predicting lower overall survival on multivariate analysis were age (p = 0.021) and perineural invasion (p = 0.059), whereas disease‐free survival was negatively affected by age (p = 0.033) and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Currently available staging systems cannot stratify prognosis for patients who underwent surgery for NV‐SCC.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:2634–2645, 2024
Why Do Cochlear Implant Candidates Defer Surgery? A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Kato Masanari G. , Kaul Vivian F. , Hallak Diana , Zhang Lisa , Moberly Aaron C. , Ren Yin
Published: December 2023

Objective(s)

Despite undergoing thorough cochlear implant (CI) candidacy evaluation and counseling, some patients ultimately elect against implantation. This study sought to identify patient‐related and socioeconomic factors predicting CI deferral.

Methods

A retrospective study of adult (≥18 years old) CI candidates presenting between 2007 and 2021 at a tertiary academic CI center was performed. The primary outcome was device implantation. Data collected included age, gender, hearing status, race, zip code of residence, median family income (MFI), distance traveled from the CI center, marital status, employment status, and insurance status. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of implantation.

Results

A total of 200 patients qualifying for CI were included, encompassing 77 adults deferring surgery (CI‐deferred) and 123 consecutive adults electing for surgery (CI‐pursued). Age, gender, hearing status, insurance type, employment status, distance from the implant center, and MFI were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05). Compared to CI‐pursued patients, CI‐deferred patients were more likely to be non‐Caucasian (24.7% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.015) and unmarried (55.8% vs. 38.2%, p = 0.015). On multivariable logistic regression, older age (OR 0.981, 0.964–0.998, p = 0.027), African American race (OR 0.227, 0.071–0.726, p = 0.012), and unmarried status (OR 0.505, 0.273–0.935, p = 0.030) were independent predictors of implant deferral.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that increasing age at evaluation, African American race, and unmarried status are predictors for deferring CI surgery despite being implant candidates. These patients may benefit from increased outreach in the form of counseling, education, and social support prior to undergoing CI surgery.

Level of Evidence

3 – retrospective study with internal control group Laryngoscope, 134:2857–2863, 2024
What kind of support can promote academic entrepreneurial intention: An analysis of the Qualitative Comparative Analysis configuration effect of multiple support
Authors: Luo Wei , Ran Qiaodan , Cheng Suiying
Published: December 2023

Through one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), it is found that monthly salary and academic entrepreneurial intention have a “U‐shaped” relationship. In qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), single‐factor necessity analysis found that self‐emotional support and family emotional support constitute the necessary conditions. Through multifactor configuration analysis, four paths are summarized as follows: “internal drive type,” “resource utilization type,” “relationship infection type,” and “opportunity capture type.” Through cross‐configuration comparative analysis, it is found that different support subjects have a substitution effect, the strong linkage relationship between self and family becomes a necessary condition, and emotional support is better than instrumental support.
An improved implementation of volumetric SBR for EM scattering of a large‐scale target coated with plasma
Authors: Cai Yufeng , Yang Wei , Gao Weizhi , He Ziyuan , Hu Haoquan , Lei Shiwen
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the volumetric shooting and bouncing rays method is proposed to investigate the electromagnetic (EM) scattering of the large‐scale target coated with plasma, which takes into account the EM rays propagating inside the interior of the plasma and fully captures the dominant scattering characteristics. Furthermore, an efficient graphics processing unit‐based implementation procedure with a ray management strategy is proposed to deal with the problem of the exponential increase of EM rays in plasma medium. The numerical results of a multilayer cuboid model and the RAM C‐II vehicle demonstrate the proposed method has a good computational efficiency and achieves a significant accuracy improvement compared to the traditional shooting and bouncing ray, with a root mean square error reduced from 13.29 dB to less than 4.96 dB. It indicates the proposed method has the potential to solve the EM scattering of the large‐scale target coated with plasma. Finally, some simulations of the RAM C‐II are performed at higher radar frequencies to illuminate that the plasma sheath causes complex scattering of the target of interest in terms of the flight speed, flight altitude, and radar frequency.
Design of resonant metasurface absorber using feed‐forward neural network
Authors: Abraray Abdelghafour , Baghel Amit , Maslovski Stanislav
Published: December 2023

In this work, an ultrathin ( mm) design of a frequency‐selective metamaterial absorber (MTA) is proposed. An absorption of 100% is achieved at the resonant frequency  GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 1.45%. The MTA unit cell geometry is parametrized and modeled in a full‐wave electromagnetic simulator. Using a data set generated by varying the absorber unit cell geometry and simulating it in SIMULIA CST Studio Suite, the feed‐forward neural network is able to learn the relationship between the physical structure and its electromagnetic response. The numerical results for the MTA performance have been confirmed by an experiment. An array of 25 MTA elements in a configuration has been fabricated and tested in an anechoic chamber. The simulated and measured results are in a good agreement.
5G millimeter‐wave MIMO DRAs with reduced mutual coupling
Authors: Dash Sounik Kiran Kumar , Cheng Qingsha S. , Khan Taimoor , Yadav Manish Varun , Wang Lei
Published: December 2023

A novel simple decoupling technique is proposed to suppress the mutual coupling of a millimeter‐wave multiple‐input‐multiple‐output dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). The design to be decoupled consists of two microstrip‐line fed rectangular DRAs placed side‐by‐side on an RT‐Duroid substrate and operates near 26 GHz. First, the DRAs are placed at an appropriate separation distance to avoid any close coupling. Second, to reduce coupling further, a set of square ring cell loaded slot is employed on the ground plane in between the DRAs. These two arrangements together, potentially reduce the mutual coupling between the DR elements and substantially improves the in‐band isolation from 14 to 23 dB (min)/34 dB (max) between them. The design is very simple, compact, and easy to fabricate. The model is prototyped and characterized to demonstrate its feasibility for operation. This can be a suitable technique for fifth‐generation compact handheld microwave devices.
Gastrointestinal and genitourinary symptoms in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: Prevalence and impact
Authors: Cole Michael R. , Cooper Christopher S. , Hanna Eyad M. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Kinoshita June , Mathews Katherine D.
Published: December 2023

Introduction/Aims

Anecdotally, patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) describe gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) symptoms. We explored the prevalence of GI and GU symptoms and their impact on quality of life (QOL) in people with FSHD compared to healthy household controls.

Methods

In this descriptive, cross‐sectional study, we emailed a survey exploring GI and GU symptoms to all FSHD Society patient contacts (n = 3507). We invited those with FSHD and unaffected household controls to respond. Non‐parametric statistics were used to compare symptom frequency and impact of symptoms between respondents with FSHD and household controls. Within the FSHD group, symptom frequency was assessed relative to measures of disease progression (need for ambulatory or respiratory support).

Results

Surveys from 701 respondents (652 with FSHD) ≥18 years old were included in analysis. Those with FSHD had symptoms affecting both GI and GU systems more frequently than controls using ordinal rating of symptom frequency. Within the FSHD group, more advanced disease was associated with increased symptom frequency. QOL was negatively impacted by the GI and GU symptoms. There was no difference between groups in use of medications to treat these symptoms.

Discussion

Recognition and treatment of GI and GU symptoms in people with FSHD, particularly those with more advanced disease, could improve QOL. Additional investigation is required to confirm these findings and understand the physiology.
Quantitative muscle ultrasound in adult spinal muscular atrophy. A pilot study
Authors: Pelosi Luciana , Rodrigues Miriam , Zhong Cathy , Patel Shilpan , Roxburgh Richard
Published: December 2023

Introduction/Aims

Muscle ultrasound has been investigated in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and proposed as a potential biomarker of disease severity. We studied the ultrasound properties in adults with SMA to see whether they also have potential as markers of disease severity in older patients.

Methods

Thickness and quantitative echogenicity of muscle and subcutaneous tissue were compared between eight prospectively recruited adult patients with SMA and eight age, sex and body mass index‐matched controls. Measurements were made in the dominant deltoid, biceps, triceps, forearm extensors, first dorsal interosseous, quadriceps, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles. The muscle‐to‐subcutaneous (M:S) thickness and echogenicity ratios were also calculated. A mean value across all muscles as well as the individual values for each muscle were then calculated for each parameter in each subject and compared between the two groups. Significance was set at 0.05 after Bonferroni correction.

Results

In the SMA patients, mean muscle thickness was significantly smaller (1.3 vs. 1.9 cm), muscle echogenicity higher (106 vs. 67 on the grayscale level), and subcutaneous thickness larger (0.9 vs. 0.3 cm) than in controls; M:S echogenicity ratio was significantly increased and M:S thickness ratio reduced in the patients. The most abnormal scores were found in the nonambulatory patients and the least abnormal in the ambulatory patients.

Discussion

Ultrasound can detect and quantify the severity of muscle atrophy and structure in adult SMA, suggesting a potential role as a marker of disease severity, which will require validation by larger studies.
Identifying key barriers to nonprofit organizations' adoption of technology innovations
Authors: Godefroid Marie‐E. , Plattfaut Ralf , Niehaves Björn
Published: December 2023

Despite substantial innovations in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that could benefit non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), NGOs are not using ICT yet to their full potential – especially compared to the ICT use in the private sector. Such behavior appears counterintuitive as one would expect NGOs to use every available resource to further their important mission. However, reservations appear to remain even though several case studies demonstrated the value ICT can generate for NGOs. Through a series of 20 interviews with NGOs of various sizes and backgrounds, we examined the use of ICT along the NGO value chain (program design, fundraising, fund management, and program delivery). We find a distinct prioritization of ICT support along the value chain. Based on these findings, we identify six sector‐specific reasons for NGOs not to use ICT for certain activities. With these, we add to known reasons in the literature and offer important avenues for further research.
Descriptive analysis on disproportionate medication errors and associated patient characteristics in the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Pera Victor , van Vaerenbergh Frauke , Kors Jan A. , van Mulligen Erik M. , Parry Rowan , de Wilde Marcel , Lahousse Lies , van der Lei Johan , Rijnbeek Peter R. , Verhamme Katia M. C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Medication errors (MEs) are a major public health concern which can cause harm and financial burden within the healthcare system. Characterizing MEs is crucial to develop strategies to mitigate MEs in the future.

Objectives

To characterize ME‐associated reports, and investigate signals of disproportionate reporting (SDRs) on MEs in the Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

FAERS data from 2004 to 2020 was used. ME reports were identified with the narrow Standardised Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities® (MedDRA®) Query (SMQ) for MEs. Drug names were converted to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification. SDRs were investigated using the reporting odds ratio (ROR).

Results

In total 488 470 ME reports were identified, mostly (59%) submitted by consumers and mainly (55%) associated with females. Median age at time of ME was 57 years (interquartile range: 37–70 years). Approximately 1 out of 3 reports stated a serious health outcome. The most prevalent reported drug class was “antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents” (25%). The most common ME type was “incorrect dose administered” (9%). Of the 1659 SDRs obtained, adalimumab was the most common drug associated with MEs, noting a ROR of 1.22 (95% confidence interval: 1.21–1.24).

Conclusion

This study offers a first of its kind characterization of MEs as reported to FAERS. Reported MEs are frequent and may be associated with serious health outcomes. This FAERS data provides insights on ME prevention and offers possibilities for additional in‐depth analyses.
The psychological impact of genetic testing in childhood cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Van Hoyweghen Sophie , BM Claes Kathleen , de Putter Robin , Wakefield Claire , Van Schoors Marieke , Hellemans Sabine , Verhofstadt Lesley
Published: December 2023

Objective

Cancer predisposition syndromes are being more frequently recognized in the etiology of pediatric oncology and genetic‐related technologies are evolving rapidly, leading to an increasing availability of genetic testing for families. This systematic review assessed the psychological impact of genetic testing on children and parents in the context of childhood cancer.

Methods

Searches were performed using three databases (Web of Science, Pubmed and Embase) to identify relevant empirical studies. Following Cochrane guidelines, we screened 3838 articles and identified 18 eligible studies, representing the perspectives of children and/or parents.

Results

The included studies described the impact of genetic testing in different contexts (e.g. predictive testing and diagnostic testing) and in different subgroups, (e.g. carriers and non‐carriers). Overall, the studies did not identify clinically‐relevant long‐term increases in negative emotions (depression, anxiety, distress, uncertainty, guilt) as a result of genetic testing. Negative emotions were typically time‐limited and generally occurred in families with particular characteristics (e.g. those with a history of multiple cancer diagnoses, families receiving an unfavorable result for one child and a favorable result in siblings, and those with pre‐existing mental health difficulties). Positive emotions (hopefulness, relief and peace of mind) were also reported. Knowing their genetic risk status appeared to help to foster empowerment among families, regardless of the result and any associated emotions.

Conclusions

Genetic testing in pediatric oncology does not appear to cause significant additional harm and can lead to positive outcomes. Clinicians need to be especially attentive when counseling families at increased risk of distress.
Managing cancer and living meaningfully (CALM): Implementation in Dutch cancer care
Authors: Kool Marianne , Hafkamp Emma , Gol Janna , Aukema Eline J. , Malfitano Carmine , Reyners An , Hales Sarah , van de Poll Lonneke , Rodin Gary , de Vries Froukje
Published: December 2023

Objective

Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM) is a brief, evidence‐based psychotherapy tailored for patients with advanced cancer that has not yet been implemented routinely in Dutch cancer care. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, sustainability and effectiveness of CALM in different clinical settings in the Netherlands.

Methods

In 2019 and 2020 a multi‐center, intervention‐only study was performed in three Dutch cancer care settings. Professionals were trained to provide CALM under supervision. Patients diagnosed with advanced cancer were included and filled out questionnaires to measure depression (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9), death anxiety (Death and Dying Distress Scale), and anxiety (hospital anxiety and depression scale‐anxiety) at baseline, 3 and 6 months. The Clinical Evaluation Questionnaire was used to assess acceptability of CALM at 3 and 6 months.

Results

Sixty‐four patients (55% of the eligible patients) were included in the study and 85% of the included patients received 3 or more CALM sessions. Of the 24 trained therapists, 15 (63%) started providing CALM. Two years post‐study, CALM was provided in each center by a total of 19 therapists. On average, patients perceived CALM to be at least somewhat helpful. A significant decrease in severity of depression (p = 0.006), death anxiety (p = 0.008), and anxiety (p = 0.024) was observed over time.

Conclusions

This study shows that CALM therapy is feasible, acceptable, and sustainable in three Dutch cancer care settings, although not all predefined feasibility criteria for therapists were met. CALM can be effective in decreasing feelings of depression, anxiety, and death anxiety in patients with advanced cancer.
Sequence‐dependent and ‐independent information in a combined random energy model for protein folding and coding
Authors: Pereira de Araújo Antônio F.
Published: December 2023

Random energy models (REMs) provide a simple description of the energy landscapes that guide protein folding and evolution. The requirement of a large energy gap between the native structure and unfolded conformations, considered necessary for cooperative, protein‐like, folding behavior, indicates that proteins differ markedly from random heteropolymers. It has been suggested, therefore, that natural selection might have acted to choose nonrandom amino acid sequences satisfying this particular condition, implying that a large fraction of possible, unselected random sequences, would not fold to any structure. From an informational perspective, however, this scenario could indicate that protein structures, regarded as messages to be transmitted through a communication channel, would not be efficiently encoded in amino acid sequences, regarded as the communication channel for this transmission, since a large fraction of possible channel states would not be used. Here, we use a combined REM for conformations and sequences, with previously estimated parameters for natural proteins, to explore an alternative possibility in which the appropriate shape of the landscape results mainly from the deviation from randomness of possible native structures instead of sequences. We observe that this situation emerges naturally if the distribution of conformational energies happens to arise from two independent contributions corresponding to sequence‐dependent and ‐independent terms. This construction is consistent with the hypothesis of a protein burial folding code, with native structures being determined by a modest amount of sequence‐dependent atomic burial information with sequence‐independent constraints imposed by unspecific hydrogen bond formation. More generally, an appropriate combination of sequence‐dependent and ‐independent information accommodates the possibility of an efficient structural encoding with the main physical requirement for folding, providing possible insight not only on the folding process but also on several aspects sequence evolution such as neutral networks, conformational coverage, and de novo gene emergence.