bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric prognostic models predicting inhospital child mortality in resource‐limited settings: An external validation study
Authors: Ogero Morris , Ndiritu John , Sarguta Rachel , Tuti Timothy , Akech Samuel 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsPrognostic models provide evidence‐based predictions and estimates of future outcomes, facilitating decision‐making, patient care, and research. A few of these models have been externally validated, leading to uncertain reliability and generalizability. This study aims to externally validate four models to assess their transferability and usefulness in clinical practice. The models include the respiratory index of severity in children (RISC)‐Malawi model and three other models by Lowlavaar et al.MethodsThe study used data from the Clinical Information Network (CIN) to validate the four models where the primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. 163,329 patients met eligibility criteria. Missing data were imputed, and the logistic function was used to compute predicted risk of in‐hospital mortality. Models' discriminatory ability and calibration were determined using area under the curve (AUC), calibration slope, and intercept.ResultsThe RISC‐Malawi model had 50,669 pneumonia patients who met the eligibility criteria, of which the case‐fatality ratio was 4406 (8.7%). Its AUC was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.77−0.78), whereas the calibration slope was 1.04 (95% CI: 1.00 −1.06), and calibration intercept was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77−0.84). Regarding the external validation of Lowlavaar et al. models, 10,782 eligible patients were included, with an in‐hospital mortality rate of 5.3%. The primary model's AUC was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.72−0.77), the calibration slope was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71−0.84), and the calibration intercept was 0.37 (95% CI: 0.28−0.46). All models markedly underestimated the risk of mortality.ConclusionAll externally validated models exhibited either underestimation or overestimation of the risk as judged from calibration statistics. Hence, applying these models with confidence in settings other than their original development context may not be advisable. Our findings strongly suggest the need for recalibrating these model to enhance their generalizability.
Intergenerational transfers in China: What are the patterns of the transfers and when do the transfers occur?
Authors: Xu Jingjing 
Published: August 2023

AbstractChina's social safety net is still underdeveloped, hence family support in the form of intergenerational transfers often serves as a substitute for the public transfer system. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this paper finds that both upstream inter‐vivos transfers (from children to parents) and downstream inter‐vivos transfers (from parents to children) are prevalent in urban China. Moreover, the relative income status of the parent and children has an impact on inter‐vivos transfers. To investigate what economic factors generate the observed patterns of inter‐vivos transfers, this paper adopts a general equilibrium life‐cycle model in which overlapping generations are altruistically linked and calibrates the model to match data from urban China. Counterfactual experiments of removing one source of economic risk or modifying the social security replacement rate from the baseline model at a time reveal that intergenerational transfers mainly serve as informal insurance against the income risk of the children.
Comprehensive investigation of electronic structure, phonon spectrum and thermoelectric performance of LuMSb (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) half Heusler compounds from first principles
Authors: Satyam Jagdish Kumar , Saini Sapan Mohan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe studied the structural, electronic, phonon spectrum and thermoelectric properties of ternary LuMSb (M = Ni, Pd, Pt) half Heusler compounds by using first principles method. The electronic properties are calculated via energy band structure and density of states by using GGA + U approximation. The calculations reveal that the replacement of Ni with Pd and Pt, energy gap decreases and LuNiSb, LuPdSb are found to have narrow indirect band gaps and exhibit semiconducting nature, while LuPtSb is found to be a gapless semiconductor. Phonon band structure calculations give only positive values of phonon frequency indicating the dynamically stability of these compounds. The thermoelectric properties have been computed using semi‐classical Boltzmann transport theory. We found high Seebeck coefficient (S) and high power factor (PF) for LuNiSb and LuPdSb compounds in the whole temperature range. The ZT values of LuNiSb and LuPdSb are high in general and reach a maximum of 0.67 and 0.69 at 450 K, respectively, whereas 0.39 is the maximum ZT value for LuPtSb at the same temperature. These findings propose LuNiSb and LuPdSb compounds as promising materials for thermoelectric applications at room temperature.
Would the choice of multiplex platform impact the management of the allergic patient? A first approach focusing on LTPs
Authors: Cabrera Carmen Maria , Horrillo Moisés Labrador , Brito Francisco Feo , Palacios‐Cañas Alberto 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn the Mediterranean area, patients with LTP syndrome who are sensitized to multiple allergens are often tested for sIgE using multiplex platforms. The results obtained from different commercial platforms are not interchangeable, so it is important to compare and validate the platform selected for use. The objective of this study is to compare and validate the performance of the ImmunoCAP ISAC E112i and the macroarray ALEX2 in our daily practice.MethodsFrom August 2021 to March 2022, we tested 20 random serum samples from polysensitized patients using the ALEX2 test (MADx) and ImmunoCAP tIgE and ISAC E112i (Thermo Fisher Scientific). We compared the total IgE (tIgE) and sIgE levels for shared allergens.ResultsThe heatmap generally showed more intense results for ISAC. The overall correlation was good, but some exceptions were noted. The main discrepancies were found for Ole e 7, which was positive for 11 patients in ISAC but negative for all patients in ALEX2, and for nut LTPs, for which ISAC showed a threefold higher detection rate for Ara h 9 and a fivefold higher detection rate for Cor a 8 and Jug r 3 compared to ALEX2. The regression model showed no interchangeability of tIgE results.ConclusionsDespite our small sample size and the complexity of comparing a quantitative and a semi‐quantitative platform, our results suggest that patient diagnosis and management can be influenced by the platform used. Therefore, our findings must be taken into consideration when choosing a platform to use for some profiles of LTP‐polysensitized patients, even though more data is needed.
Homicides of psychologists, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and other health professionals: National Violent Death Reporting System data 2003–2020
Authors: Robiner William N. , Barnes Rachel D. , Freese Rebecca L. , Palmer Brooke , Kim Michael H. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveHomicide is the extreme endpoint along the continuum of interpersonal violence. Violence in healthcare settings and directed toward healthcare workers has been a growing concern. Analysis of health professionals' homicides is needed to inform prevention interventions.MethodsDecedent numbers, age, and sex in the National Violent Death Reporting System are reported for 10 types of health professionals: advance practice registered nurses, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and veterinarians.ResultsBetween 2003 and 2020, 944 homicides of these professionals were reported to the NVDRS. Nearly 80% of victims were women; 53% of homicides involved guns. Nurses, social workers, physicians, and pharmacists comprised the most victims. In 2020, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and psychologists had the highest homicide rates relative to their workforce size. Few of these homicides were related to professionals' work. The number of homicides within these professions correlated highly with the size of professions' workforces.ConclusionsHealth professionals' homicides constitute a small proportion of US homicides generally at lower rates than seen in the general population. Age is likely one of the protective factors. Future, more comprehensive data will provide greater insights into emerging trends to inform strategies to mitigate homicide risk in health professionals. Prevention needs to go beyond healthcare settings and address societal roots of violence.
Mpox risk perception and associated factors among Chinese young men who have sex with men: Results from a large cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Jiao Kedi , Xu Yutong , Huang Siwen , Zhang Yuhang , Zhou Jingtao , Li Yan , Xiao Yongkang , Ma Wei , He Lin , Ren Xianlong , Dai Zhen , Sun Jiaruo , Li Qingyu , Cheng Feng , Liang Wannian , Luo Sitong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe mpox outbreak since 2022 had attacked the community of men who have sex with men (MSM) heavily. This large cross‐sectional study investigated the levels and associated factors of mpox risk perception among young MSM (YMSM) aged 18–29 years in six provincial regions of China in September 2022. The participants were recruited via facility‐based sampling. Mpox risk perception was measured by perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of mpox. Geodetector was used to measure stratified heterogeneity of mpox risk perception. Univariate and multivariable linear regressions were used to examine the factors associated with mpox risk perception. A total of 2493 participants were included with a mean age of 24.6 years. The proportion of perceiving a susceptibility of mpox under different scenarios ranged 3.7%–17.0% and that of perceiving a severity of mpox ranged 81.6%–83.2%. Stratified heterogeneity of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and overall perceived risk of mpox were observed in several characteristics such as study sites, monthly income, risk behaviors, and psychosocial factors. Multivariable regression showed the level of mpox risk perception was positively associated with having in‐person gathering activities (ba = 0.457, 95% CI: 0.208, 0.705), history of HIV infection (ba = 0.431, 95% CI: 0.028, 0.834), depressive symptoms (ba = 0.069, 95% CI: 0.049, 0.090), and self‐stigma to MSM identity (ba = 0.047, 95% CI: 0.024, 0.071). The Chinese YMSM showed a high level of perceived severity of mpox but a low level of perceived susceptibility. It is warranted to strengthen targeted risk communication of mpox, develop comprehensive and unstigmatized health messages, and provide mental health support for YMSM.
Licochalcone A plays dual antiviral roles by inhibiting RSV and protecting against host damage
Authors: Li Zhongyuan , Li Baohong , Chen Zinuo , Xu Jinke , El Sabbagh Asma , Zhao Yangang , Du Ruikun , Rong Lijun , Tian Jingzhen , Cui Qinghua 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes lower respiratory tract diseases and bronchiolitis in children and elderly individuals. There are no effective drugs currently available to treat RSV infection. In this study, we report that Licochalcone A (LCA) can inhibit RSV replication and mitigate RSV‐induced cell damage in vitro, and that LCA exerts a protective effect by reducing the viral titer and inflammation in the lungs of infected mice in vivo. We suggest that the mechanism of action occurs through pathways of antioxidant stress and inflammation. Further mechanistic results demonstrate that LCA can induce nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation into the nucleus, activate heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), and inhibit reactive oxygen species‐induced oxidative stress. LCA also works to reverse the decrease in I‐kappa‐B‐alpha (IкBα) levels caused by RSV, which in turn inhibits inflammation through the associated nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor‐α signaling pathways. The combined action of the two cross‐talking pathways protects hosts from RSV‐induced damage. To conclude, our study is the first of its kind to establish evidence of LCA as a viable treatment for RSV infection.
Establishment of novel immortalized middle ear cell lines as models for otitis media
Authors: Blaine‐Sauer Simon , Samuels Tina L. , Khampang Pawjai , Yan Ke , McCormick Michael E. , Chun Robert H. , Harvey Steven A. , Friedland David R. , Johnston Nikki , Kerschner Joseph E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveOtitis media (OM) is among the most frequently diagnosed pediatric diseases in the US. Despite the significant public health burden of OM and the contribution research in culture models has made to understanding its pathobiology, a singular immortalized human middle ear epithelial (MEE) cell line exists (HMEEC‐1, adult‐derived). We previously developed MEE cultures from pediatric patients with non‐inflamed MEE (PCI), recurrent OM (ROM), or OM with effusion (OME) and demonstrated differences in their baseline inflammatory cytokine expression and response to stimulation with an OM‐relevant pathogen lysate and cytokines. Herein, we sought to immortalize these cultures and assess retention of their phenotypes.MethodsMEE cultures were immortalized via lentivirus encoding temperature‐sensitive SV40 T antigen. Immortalized MEE lines and HMEEC‐1 grown in monolayer were stimulated with non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) lysate. Gene expression (TNFA, IL1B, IL6, IL8, MUC5AC, and MUC5B) was assessed by qPCR.ResultsSimilar to parental cultures, baseline cytokine expressions were higher in pediatric OM lines than in HMEEC‐1 and PCI, and HMEEC‐1 cells were less responsive to stimulation than pediatric lines.ConclusionImmortalized MEE lines retained the inflammatory expression and responsiveness of their tissues of origin and differences between non‐OM versus OM and pediatric versus adult cultures, supporting their value as novel in vitro culture models for OM.
Cavity Optomechanical Bistability with an Ultrahigh Reflectivity Photonic Crystal Membrane
Authors: Zhou Feng , Bao Yiliang , Gorman Jason J. , Lawall John R. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPhotonic crystal (PhC) membranes patterned with sub‐wavelength periods offer a unique combination of high reflectivity, low mass, and high mechanical quality factor. Using a PhC membrane as one mirror of a Fabry–Perot cavity, a finesse as high as is demonstrated, corresponding to a record high PhC reflectivity of and an optical quality factor of . The fundamental mechanical frequency is 426 kHz, more than twice the optical linewidth, placing it firmly in the resolved‐sideband regime required for ground‐state optical cooling. The mechanical quality factor in vacuum is , allowing values of the single‐photon cooperativity as high as . Optomechanical bistability is easily observed as hysteresis in the cavity transmission. As the input power is raised well beyond the bistability threshold, dynamical backaction induces strong mechanical oscillation above 1 MHz, even in the presence of air damping. This platform will facilitate advances in optomechanics, precision sensing, and applications of optomechanically‐induced bistability.
Association of joint hypermobility with range of cervical motion and its impact on the motor unit loss in patients with Hirayama disease
Authors: Chen Kaiwen , Yang Yang , Zhu Dongqing , Zhu Yu , Lyu Feizhou , Jiang Jianyuan , Xia Xinlei , Zheng Chaojun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsSome patients with Hirayama disease (HD) may have generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), which may excessively increase cervical range of motion (ROM) and then worsen the HD. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of GJH in HD patients and to analyze the effect of GJH on cervical ROM and the severity of HD.MethodsThe Beighton scoring system (≥4) was used to diagnose GJH in 84 HD patients. All patients underwent assessments of cervical‐flexion/extension ROM; motor unit number estimation in bilateral abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscles; handgrip strength; and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand assessments.ResultsConcomitant GJH was identified in 20 (23.8%) HD patients. The HD patients with GJH exhibited greater cervical‐flexion (P < .001) and cervical‐extension (P = .033) ROM than those without GJH. Both greater single motor unit potential amplitudes (symptomatic side: P = .005; less‐symptomatic side: P = .011) and lower motor unit numbers (symptomatic side: P = .008; less‐symptomatic side: P = .013) in bilateral APB, along with lower compound muscle action potential amplitudes on the symptomatic‐side APB (P = .039), were observed in patients with GJH than those without GJH. There was a mild negative correlation between motor unit number and cervical‐flexion ROM in HD patients (symptomatic side: r = −0.239, P = .028; less‐symptomatic side: r = −0.242, P = .027).DiscussionThe frequency of GJH in HD patients may be higher than in the general population. Importantly, GJH may exacerbate excessive cervical‐flexion ROM, thereby worsening motor unit loss in HD patients. A cautious approach should be taken when treating HD due to possible comorbid GJH.
Late‐onset facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 in previously undiagnosed families: Presenting clinical features in an often‐misdiagnosed disorder
Authors: Felice Kevin J. , Whitaker Charles H. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsIn our experience, patients with late‐onset facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1) are frequently misdiagnosed, some for many years. The aim of this report is to document this clinical experience including the presenting symptoms and misdiagnoses and to discuss the challenges in diagnosing patients with late‐onset FSHD1.MethodsWe performed a retrospective medical record review and recorded clinical data on patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of FSHD1, who began to have symptoms at 50 years of age or older, and either had no family history of FSHD1 or had a history of an undiagnosed weakness in a family member.ResultsThirteen patients, 7 men and 6 women, met the study inclusion criteria. Age of onset ranged from 52 to 74 (mean, 59.8) years, age of diagnosis ranged from 54 to 80 (mean, 66.5) years, and duration of symptoms from onset to diagnosis was 1 to 15 (mean, 6.7) years. Prior diagnoses included lumbosacral polyradiculopathy in five (38%); statin‐related myopathy in two (15%); and one each of polymyositis, inclusion‐body myositis, distal myopathy, limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy, unspecific myopathy, and unspecified scapular winging. For eight patients (62%), family history was suspected in deceased members or if by confirmed DNA test postdiagnosis.DiscussionThe diagnosis of late‐onset FSHD1 is often delayed by many years with patients frequently receiving misdiagnoses. FSHD1 may not be considered in the differential diagnosis of late‐onset weakness due to its rarity and because its clinical features are subtler, nonspecific, and mimic other neuromuscular disorders.
The impact of clean intermittent catheterization on students and families in the school environment
Authors: Bauer Stuart B. , Choung Kennary , Sable Paige , Dykeman Blair S. , Venna Alyssia , Shanahan Meghan , Sexton Katherine E. , Price Diane E. , Hayes Lillian C. , Tham Regina L. , Christensen Sinead , Sullivan Kristen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionClean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is often used for bladder emptying in children with lower urinary tract dysfunction. Until recently, the emphasis in assessing the effects of CIC has been on preserving kidney function, reducing urinary tract infection, and achieving urinary continence. Few studies have investigated the impact of CIC on students and families in a school setting. This study sought to examine what students and caregivers experienced when CIC was required during the school day and how schools adjusted to a student needing to perform it.Materials and MethodsA phenomenological approach utilizing semistructured interviews was performed to understand the impact of CIC on students. Purposeful sampling identified eligible families. A guide was developed from expert opinion validated by a pilot sample with feedback collated into a family/provider codesigned questionnaire. Interviews emphasized the impact and challenges students faced at school. Transcripts were coded using Dedoose software with emerging themes identified and a code book was created for closed coding that led to thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 40 families (52 caregivers and children > 12 years) were interviewed. Emergent themes included: Caregivers and students felt (1) school personnel were not always aware of nor prepared regarding the implications of CIC; (2) school bathrooms were often less than ideal (e.g., location, size, cleanliness, privacy, and availability); and (3) student participation in extracurricular activities was challenging.ConclusionsThis study identifies potential areas of intervention in meeting the needs of students who require CIC and the importance of having collaborative efforts of caregivers, health care providers, and school personnel in addressing and meeting CIC needs. Care coordination that involves consistent communication and careful planning between health care teams, school personnel, students, and caregivers can optimize a student's educational experience.
Epoxy composites integrated with functionalized wet‐milled graphitic nanoparticles: Featuring enhanced mechanical performance and in‐plane fracture resistance
Authors: Borah Lakshi Nandan , Halder Sudipta , Choudhury Pannalal 
Published: August 2023

AbstractComposites made of epoxy‐based systems are popular in many engineering applications because of their enhanced mechanical performance, fatigue properties, and other physical and thermal properties, but their low fracture toughness can limit their usefulness in high‐performance structural applications. This study aims to enhance the fracture properties of epoxy‐based composites by adding cost‐effective ball‐milled graphitic nanoparticles. Herein, dry ball milling for 15 and 48 h is done to produce ball‐milled graphite (BMG) nanoparticles. A significant reduction in particle size is achieved after 15 h of dry milling. Interestingly, a similar reduction in particle size is achieved for BMG (~258 nm) when wet ball milling for 3 h is performed. These BMGs were silanized (SBMG@3) and incorporated into the epoxy network. We found even at a higher loading level of SBMG@3, the resulting nanocomposites exhibited a significant improvement in fracture toughness (~2.47 MPa m1/2) and energy (~1.55 kJ/m2). This improvement was attributed to the upliftment of the in‐plane crack propagation resistance of the nanocomposites primarily offered by SBMG@3 due to coagulated interfacial interaction with the epoxy network that effectively hindered the propagation of the crack by providing numerous sites for energy dissipation, leading to improved fracture toughness. Our results demonstrate that SBMG@3 has great potential for improving the fracture toughness and energy of epoxy‐based composites, making them suitable for various industrial applications.Highlights
Synthesized cost‐effective 2D carbon nanofillers via high‐energy ball milling.
To overcome the re‐agglomeration effect wet ball milling is performed.
Transformation of natural graphite to BMG with sizes of ~258 nm.
KIC and GIC improve to ~2.47 MPa m1/2 and 1.55 kJ/m2, respectively, for ECSB1.
FS and FM of the epoxy nanocomposites enhanced by ~43.69% and ~51.64%.