bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthetic Strategy towards a Carbocyclic N‐Acetylneuraminic Acid
Authors: de Saint Aulaire Pieter , Hoogenboom Jorin , Uiterweerd Michiel T. , Zuilhof Han , Wennekes Tom 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn the study of glycosidases, a class of activity‐based probes (ABPs), that are carbocyclic mimics of natural carbohydrates and can covalently bind the enzyme, have proven to be useful tools. This type of ABP has however not yet been reported for sialidases, glycosidases involved in various important biological processes in both health and disease, which hydrolyse terminal sialic acids. Here we present our study towards the synthesis of a carbocyclic sialic acid suitable for conversion into ABPs. We developed a route starting from a chiral furanone that includes a key early stage nitrone [3+2] cycloaddition to install most of the chiral centres present in N‐acetylneuraminic acid. The final stereocentre is installed via a Barbier alkylation, after which a ring closing metathesis forms the pivotal carbocyclic intermediate. Due to challenges in the final stretch, we were not able to convert this intermediate into an N‐acetylneuraminic acid ABP. However, the work presented here still represents a versatile route to potential future carbocyclic sialic acid derivatives.
A randomized controlled trial on long‐term effectiveness of a psychosocial aftercare program following paediatric chronic pain treatment: Who benefits the most?
Authors: Dogan Meltem , Hirschfeld Gerrit , Blankenburg Markus , Frühwald Michael , Ahnert Rosemarie , Braun Sarah , Marschall Ursula , Zernikow Boris , Wager Julia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundFor paediatric chronic pain patients, intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) is a well‐established treatment. The treatment's short‐term effectiveness can be improved by an additive psychosocial aftercare (PAC). However, neither the program's long‐term effectiveness nor the patients in particular need have been investigated yet.MethodsThis study aimed at determining the long‐term effects of PAC and detecting predictors of treatment outcome within a multicentre randomized controlled trial measured at five time points up to 12 months after discharge. At inpatient admission to IIPT, patients (N = 419, 14.3 years of age, 72.3% female) were randomly assigned to intervention or control group. After IIPT discharge, the intervention group received PAC, whereas the control group received treatment as usual (TAU). Patient‐reported outcomes included pain and emotional characteristics. Clinicians assessed potential psychosocial risk factors and their prognosis of treatment outcome. Statistical analyses included mixed‐models and univariable logistic regressions.ResultsData at the 12‐month follow‐up (n = 288) showed a significant benefit of PAC compared with TAU; the majority (59.0%) of patients in the PAC‐group reported no chronic pain compared to 29.2% of TAU‐patients (p < 0.001). Patients with a single parent specifically benefited from PAC compared to TAU. Clinicians were able to make a reliable prognosis of treatment outcome, but did not successfully predict which patients would benefit the most from PAC.ConclusionsStudy results suggest that PAC is highly effective irrespective of patient characteristics, but particularly for patients with single parents. Its broad implementation could help to improve the long‐term outcomes of youth with severely disabling chronic pain.SignificanceA psychosocial aftercare following paediatric IIPT leads to significantly better pain and emotional outcomes compared to treatment as usual up to 12 months after discharge, especially for patients with single parents.
The explanatory role of sedentary screen time and obesity in the increase of chronic back pain amongst European adolescents: The HBSC study 2002–2014
Authors: Roman‐Juan Josep , Roy Rubén , Jensen Mark P. , Miró Jordi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has shown that chronic back pain amongst European adolescents is increasing. Determining the factors associated with this increasing trend is crucial for developing prevention strategies. In this study, we used data from the Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC) survey to examine whether increases in screen time and/or obesity between 2002 and 2014 were associated with the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain amongst European adolescents during the 12‐year period.MethodsData from 423,092 adolescents from 27 European countries/regions were drawn from the HBSC questionnaire‐based surveys conducted in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. The Karlson–Holm–Breen method was used to examine the explanatory role of increases in screen time and obesity on the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain whilst controlling for sex and age.ResultsIncreases in both screen time and obesity between 2002 and 2014 were associated with increases in the prevalence of chronic back pain (p < 0.001). The percent of chronic back pain prevalence increase accounted for by screen time and obesity was 3.98% and 1.65%, respectively.ConclusionsThe increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain amongst European adolescents may be explained, in part, by the rising trends in both sedentary screen time and obesity. The fact that screen time and obesity only accounted for a small part of the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain indicates that other unmeasured factors also play a role.SignificanceMore screen time and obesity are slightly associated with more chronic back pain (CBP) prevalence in adolescents across the WHO European Region. The findings may be used to identify ways to prevent or reduce the rising trend of CBP in adolescents.
Overview of evolutionary algorithms and neural networks for modern mobile communication
Authors: Kouhalvandi Lida , Shayea Ibraheem , Ozoguz Serdar , Mohamad Hafizal 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe sixth generation (6G) of mobile networks must support the huge growth of mobile connections and provides various intelligent services in future mobile networks. For that, designing high‐performance network architecture and communication systems (CSs) as well as finding coherent solutions for the determined problems is critical demand that needs to be achieved in 6G networks. Optimal solutions are mainly sought by using modifiable, smart, and perceptive algorithms aimed at optimizing more specific tasks. Therefore, advanced optimization methods are highly required to accommodate the requirements of CSs efficiently. That will be in various parts of the future networks such as advanced mobility management, multi communication links, efficient power consumption, ultra‐lower latency, ultra‐security, high speed, and reliable connectivity. Accordingly, highly accurate and smart functions must be modeled to optimize the required communication parameters in the network. This study provides a comprehensive overview of optimization methods that may need further investigations and developments to be applied in 6G networks at various parts of networks. A detailed theoretical description for each method is presented and discussed to elucidate future research directions for optimizing specific characteristics with multi‐objective optimizations. Moreover, this article illustrates the conceptual and structural viewpoints of reported optimization methods. Also, the capability of various optimization methods that can offer industrial solutions in 6G is discussed. The potential applications of each method are also analyzed. Finally, this article presented the research issues and future directions of optimization technology and research gaps that need to be addressed before the standardization of 6G networks.
How real can we get in generating real world evidence? Exploring the opportunities of routinely collected administrative data for evaluation of medical devices
Authors: Pongiglione Benedetta , Torbica Aleksandra 
Published: June 2022

AbstractReal‐world data are considered a potentially valuable source of evidence for assessing medical technologies in clinical practice, but their widespread use is hampered by numerous challenges. Using the case of coronary stents in Italy, we investigate the potential of administrative databases for estimating costs and health outcomes associated with the use of medical devices in real world conditions. An administrative dataset was created ad hoc by merging hospital records from patients admitted between 2013 and 2019 for stent implantations with ambulatory records, pharmaceutical use data and vital statistics. Health outcomes were multifold: all‐cause and cardiac mortality and myocardial infarction, within 30 days, 1, 2, 5 years. Costs were estimated from the National Health System perspective. We used multivariable Cox models and propensity score (PS) methods (PS matching; stratification on PS; inverse probability of treatment weighting using PS; PS adjustment). 257,907 coronary stents were implanted in 113,912 patients. For all health outcomes and follow‐up times, and across all methods, patients receiving drug‐eluting stents (DES) presented lower risk. For all‐cause mortality, the DES patient advantage over bare‐metal stent (BMS) patients declined over time but remained significant even at 5 years. For myocardial infarction, results remained quite stable. The DES group presented lower cumulative total costs (ranging from 3264 to 2363 Euros less depending on methods). Our results confirm the consolidated evidence of the benefits of DES compared to BMS. The consistency of results across methods suggests internal validity of the study, while highlighting strengths and limitations of each depending on research context. Administrative data yield great potential to perform comparative effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness analysis of medical devices provided certain conditions are met.
Controlled Deposition of a Functional Piezoelectric Ultra‐Aromatic Peptide Layer
Authors: Finkelstein‐Zuta Gal , Shitrit Rotem , Gilead Sharon , Rencus‐Lazar Sigal , Gazit Ehud 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPeptide assemblies have attracted significant attention due to their high piezoelectric performance and biocompatibility. However, since piezoelectricity is an orientation‐dependent property, the alignment of these structures presents a major challenge for their use in piezoelectric applications. We recently showed an ultra‐aromatic peptide derivative termed Boc−Dip−Dip to exhibit notably high piezoelectric properties. Here, by obtaining an aligned Boc−Dip−Dip array, we were able to realize the potential of the peptide to form an active piezoelectric layer. The voltage coefficient of the piezoelectric layer calculated using an in‐house measurement set‐up was more than 2‐fold higher compared to poled polyvinylidene−fluoride, the gold standard for piezoelectric biocompatible materials. Our findings pave the way for the utilization of novel piezoelectric biomaterials, bearing the potential to replace lead‐based toxic piezoelectric materials, especially in the field of bio‐application.
Quality of oxytocin and tranexamic acid for the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania
Authors: Ammerdorffer Anne , Rushwan Sara , Timms Rebecca , Wright Philip , Beeson Leanne , Devall Adam J. , Mammoliti Kristie‐Marie , Alwy Al‐beity Fadhlun M. , Galadanci Hadiza , Hofmeyr G. Justus , Singata‐Madliki Mandisa , Qureshi Zahida , Lambert Pete , Gallos Ioannis D. , Coomarasamy Arri , Gülmezoglu A. Metin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo check the quality of oxytocin and tranexamic acid—two recommended products for prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)—used in facilities taking part in an implementation research project to improve PPH diagnosis and management.MethodsBetween September 2020 and August 2021, oxytocin and tranexamic acid products used in the study facilities in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tanzania were collected and transported in cold storage for analysis. Samples were analyzed according to the International (oxytocin) and British Pharmacopeia (tranexamic acid) standards.ResultsOf the 17 unique oxytocin products, 33 individual measurements were made. Only six unique products had adequate content and no related substances exceeding the recommended limits. Of 14 tranexamic acid samples, 10 showed adequate content. One product in Kenya and two products in Nigeria from different manufacturers had a high content of related substances, which classified them as substandard.ConclusionWhile we were unable to investigate the origin regarding poor manufacturing or poor storage or both, the high number of substandard oxytocin samples is of great concern. Most of the tranexamic acid samples had adequate content but the presence of impurities in multiple products is worrying and requires further study.
FIGO and the International Confederation of Midwives endorse WHO guidelines on prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
Authors:   FIGO PPH Technical Working Group, Begum Ferdousi , Beyeza Jolly , Burke Thomas , Evans Cherrie , Hanson Claudia , Lalonde Andre , Meseret Yodit , Oguttu Monica , Varmask Poonam , West Florence , Wright Alison 
Published: June 2022

SynopsisFIGO and the International Confederation of Midwives produced two joint statements endorsing WHO guidelines on prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
Innovations in the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: Analysis of a novel medicines development pipeline database
Authors: McDougall Annie R.A. , Goldstein Maya , Tuttle Andrew , Ammerdorffer Anne , Rushwan Sara , Hastie Roxanne , Gülmezoglu A. Metin , Vogel Joshua P. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundA significant barrier to improving prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a lack of innovative medicines that meet the needs of women and providers, particularly those in low‐and middle‐income countries (LMICs). The Accelerating Innovation for Mothers (AIM) project established a new database of candidate medicines under development for five pregnancy‐related conditions between 2000 and 2021.ObjectiveTo systematically identify and rank candidates for prevention and treatment of PPH.Search StrategyAdis Insight, Pharmaprojects, WHO ICTRP, PubMed, and grant databases were searched to develop the AIM database.Selection CriteriaAIM database was searched for candidates being evaluated for PPH prevention and treatment, regardless of phase.Data Collection and AnalysisCandidates were ranked as high, medium, or low potential based on prespecified criteria. Analysis was primarily descriptive, describing candidates and development potential.Main ResultsOf the 444 unique candidates, only 39 pertained to PPH. One was high potential (heat‐stable/inhaled oxytocin) and three were medium potential (melatonin, vasopressin and dofetilide via nanoparticle delivery).ConclusionThe pipeline for new PPH medicines is concerningly limited, lacking diversity, and showing little evidence of novel technologies. Without significant investment in early‐phase research, it is unlikely that new products will emerge.
Challenges in updating national guidelines and essential medicines lists in Sub‐Saharan African countries to include WHO‐recommended postpartum hemorrhage medicines
Authors: Ng'ang'a Joyce , Chitimbe Tabeth , Mburu Rosemary , Rushwan Sara , Ntirushwa David , Chinery Lester , Gülmezoglu A. Metin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDespite the 2017 WHO recommendations on tranexamic acid (TXA) for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the 2018 uterotonic recommendations (which included heat‐stable carbetocin (HSC) for the prevention of PPH) and their inclusion in the WHO Essential Medicines List (EML), both drugs are still underused or not used at all to manage PPH in many countries with a high burden. HSC is currently being registered in low‐ and middle‐income countries and its policy inclusion is limited and slow. TXA (also heat stable) is available in many countries but is not registered for PPH treatment, which may have contributed to the delay in its inclusion in national guidelines and EMLs. For both drugs, national guidelines will need to be revised and updated for their optimal uptake. We implemented an advocacy initiative to accelerate the necessary normative policy change to ensure access to quality‐assured and heat‐stable medicines for the prevention and treatment of PPH in Sub‐Saharan African countries. Our initiative aimed to raise awareness of the importance of recently recommended medicines for the prevention and treatment of PPH and support the process to update PPH guidelines and EMLs to include these drugs. We highlight the lessons learned during the initiative, including the challenges and opportunities identified in updating PPH policies at the national level.
The role of the “no compression” sonographic technique in identification and removal of an etonogestrel contraceptive implant: A case report
Authors: Sium Abraham Fessehaye , Wolderufael Mekdes , Grentzer Jaclyn M. 
Published: June 2022

SynopsisUtilization of the “no compression” technique during sonography of the upper arm is vital in removing a deep contraceptive implant safely.
Controlling scaffold conductivity and pore size to direct myogenic cell alignment and differentiation
Authors: Basurto Ivan M. , Muhammad Samir A. , Gardner Gregg M. , Christ George J. , Caliari Steven R. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSkeletal muscle's combination of three‐dimensional (3D) anisotropy and electrical excitability is critical for enabling normal movement. We previously developed a 3D aligned collagen scaffold incorporating conductive polypyrrole (PPy) particles to recapitulate these key muscle properties and showed that the scaffold facilitated enhanced myotube maturation compared with nonconductive controls. To further optimize this scaffold design, this work assessed the influence of conductive polymer incorporation and scaffold pore architecture on myogenic cell behavior. Conductive PPy and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) particles were synthesized and mixed into a suspension of type I collagen and chondroitin sulfate prior to directional freeze‐drying to produce anisotropic scaffolds. Energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed homogenous distribution of conductive PEDOT particles throughout the scaffolds that resulted in a threefold increase in electrical conductivity while supporting similar myoblast metabolic activity compared to nonconductive scaffolds. Control of freezing temperature enabled fabrication of PEDOT‐doped scaffolds with a range of pore diameters from 98 to 238 μm. Myoblasts conformed to the anisotropic contact guidance cues independent of pore size to display longitudinal cytoskeletal alignment. The increased specific surface area of the smaller pore scaffolds helped rescue the initial decrease in myoblast metabolic activity observed in larger pore conductive scaffolds while also promoting modestly increased expression levels of the myogenic marker myosin heavy chain (MHC) and gene expression of myoblast determination protein (MyoD). However, cell infiltration to the center of the scaffolds was marginally reduced compared with larger pore variants. Together these data underscore the potential of aligned and PEDOT‐doped collagen scaffolds for promoting myogenic cell organization and differentiation.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM‐5 (PC‐PTSD‐5) within a civilian primary care sample
Authors: Williamson Meredith L. C. , Stickley Mariah M. , Armstrong Trey W. , Jackson Kaylee , Console Katie 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Primary Care Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Screen for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) (PC‐PTSD‐5) as a screening tool for the identification of PTSD among a civilian sample receiving behavioral health treatment within a primary care setting. Validation within a civilian sample will increase the generalizability of the PC‐PTSD‐5 as a brief screening measure to identify PTSD within primary care practices.MethodThe present study is a retrospective review of data (N = 198) collected as part of a patient registry for an integrated behavioral health consultation service within a primary care clinic. The PC‐PTSD‐5 was administered as part of a standardized set of brief screening measures and a standard clinical interview. Diagnostic validation was accomplished via a consensus model between a board‐certified family medicine physician and a licensed psychologist along with medical/psychology trainees.ResultsFifty‐two participants (26.26%) out of 198 who completed the PC‐PTSD‐5 were diagnosed with PTSD. The PC‐PTSD‐5 demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve = 0.933, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.901–0.965). A cutoff score of 4 maximized sensitivity (sensitivity% = 100) while maintaining acceptable specificity (specificity% = 85.2). This score also maximized efficiency (κ[0.5] = 0.77, SE = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.67–0.86) and maintained a good (≥0.60) quality index for specificity (κ[0] = 0.61).ConclusionThe PC‐PTSD‐5 maintained strong diagnostic accuracy within a civilian primary care sample.
Transforming growth factor‐beta 1: A new factor reducing hepatic SHBG production in liver fibrosis
Authors: Briansó‐Llort Laura , Fuertes‐Rioja Lidia , Ramos‐Perez Lorena , Salcedo‐Allende Maria Teresa , Hernandez Cristina , Simó Rafael , Selva David M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLow plasma sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) levels are present in fatty liver disease, which represents a spectrum of diseases ranging from hepatocellular steatosis through steatohepatitis to fibrosis and irreversible cirrhosis. We have previously determined that fat accumulation reduces SHBG production in different nonalcoholic fatty liver disease mouse models. In the present work, we are interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms reducing SHBG plasma levels in liver fibrosis. For this purpose, in vivo studies were performed using the human SHBG transgenic mice developing liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Our results clearly showed that CCl4 induced liver fibrosis and reduced SHBG production by reducing hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF‐4α). The SHBG reduction could be influenced by the increase in transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1), which was increased in mice developing liver fibrosis. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the role of TGF‐β1 in regulating hepatic SHBG production. Results obtained in both HepG2 cells and human SHBG transgenic mice showed that TGF‐β1 reduced significantly SHBG messenger RNA and protein levels. Mechanistically TGF‐β1 downregulated P1‐HNF‐4α isoforms and increased P2‐HNF‐4α isoforms via Smad3 and Stat3 pathways through TGF‐β1 receptor I, resulting in transcriptional repression of the SHBG gene. Taken together, we found for the first time that TGF‐β1 is a new factor regulating hepatic SHBG production in liver fibrosis. Further research is needed to determine the role of this reduction in hepatic SHBG production in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.