Lower Age Research Articles

The Prognostic Role of Fibulin-2 and Ki-67 Index in Patients with Meningioma: A Study among Minangkabau Ethnicity.

To analyze the association between fibulin-2 and Ki-67 index with histopathological grade and other clinicopathological factors in patients with meningioma among the Minangkabau ethnic group. This cross-sectional observational study uses 50 specimens comprising 25 low-risk meningioma cases and 25 high-risk meningioma cases obtained at three anatomical pathology laboratories in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, between 2019 and 2022. All samples were stained using an immunohistochemistry procedure with Ki-67 and fibulin-2. The chi-square test was used to assess IBM SPSS statistics version 26 for Windows was used to assess the association of Ki-67 and fibulin-2 with the histopathological grade. The p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. We found a significant association between Ki-67 (p = 0.013) or fibulin-2 (p = 0.001) expression with histopathological grade of meningioma. High histopathological grade has high expression of Ki-67 and fibulin-2, with Odds ratio (OR) of 13.500 (1.556-117.137) and 10.028 (2,738-36,722), respectively. Fibulin-2 expression was also associated with the age of patients (p = 0.020). The low age group (<50) has high expression of fibulin-2 (OR 0.196 (0.056-0.691). Conclusion: Ki-67 and fibulin-2 were associated with the histopathological grade of meningioma, while fibulin-2 is also associated with age in the Minangkabau ethnic group.

Examining drivers injury severity for manual and automatic transmission vehicles-involved crashes: Random parameter mixed logit model with heterogeneity in means and variances

The effect of vehicle transmission type on driver injury severities have not been thoroughly studied. The study used four-year historical crash data that occurred between the year 2019 and 2022 in Ghana. The data shows 1856 and 2272 crashes for automatic and manual transmission, respectively. The study examined the factors influencing driver injury severity in crashes involving vehicles with manual and automatic transmissions, using Random Parameter Mixed Logit Model to account for heterogeneity in the dataset. It was observed that use of manual transmission is related to a higher risk of incapacitating and fatal injuries compared to automatic transmission. Specifically, for automatic transmission vehicle-involved crashes, factors related to fatal injury were overaged vehicles, public transport, morning and evening peak hours, head-on and rollover crashes. Crashes involving saloon cars and low age cars were associated with incapacitating injury whiles rainy weather condition was related to both fatal and incapacitant injuries. Regarding manual transmission, fatal injury was associated with crashes involving male and novice drivers, cars, pickup trucks, HGV, public transports, morning and evening peak hours, rainy weather conditions and curved roads. Also, buses, private cars and trip distance were related to incapacitating injury. The rollover crashes and overaged vehicles were also associated with both fatal and incapacitating injuries. Four random parameters demonstrated heterogeneity in means, with two factors influencing the variances of two parameters for automatic transmission model. For the manual transmission model, five random parameters showed heterogeneity in means, with four variables influencing the variances of three parameters. These findings are valuable for policymakers, manufacturers, and drivers in implementing targeted interventions and safety measures to promote road safety.

Association of prealbumin with complications after total laryngectomy with free flap reconstruction

ObjectiveMalnutrition is an important risk factor for patient surgical outcomes. This is especially true for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients receiving a total laryngectomy with free flap reconstruction (TLwFFR). Preoperative prealbumin and albumin values have both been used to indicate poor nutrition. This study aims to identify the prognostic value of preoperative prealbumin and albumin levels with wound healing complications in HNC patients after TLwFFR. MethodsA retrospective review was conducted in all HNC patients who underwent TLwFFR from 2016 to 2022 at a tertiary-care institution. Patients with either preoperative (within 1 month of surgery) prealbumin or albumin lab values were included. Low preoperative prealbumin (low prealbumin) levels and low preoperative albumin (low albumin) levels were defined as ≤20 mg/dL and <3.4 g/dL, respectively. Outcomes collected included all wound healing complications (infection, wound dehiscence, pharyngocutaneous fistula). The association between prealbumin and albumin with outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsA total of 83 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery was 61.6 ± 9.3. The overall wound healing complication rate was 33.7 %. There was an association between low prealbumin levels and any wound healing complication. On multivariate analysis, low prealbumin levels were associated with postoperative wound healing complications (OR, 4.7; CI 1.3–17.0. P = 0.02) after controlling for low albumin level, age, smoking, and preoperative radiation. ConclusionsLow prealbumin levels were associated with wound healing complications in TLwFFR patients. Consideration of consistent prealbumin testing with nutritional intervention may reduce wound healing complications.

The degree of population aging and carbon emissions: Analysis of mediation effect and multi-scenario simulation

The continuous deepening of aging has posed new challenges for global sustainable development. Measuring the impact of population aging on carbon emissions is crucial for the next stage of climate governance. However, the structural changes in social production and consumption make it difficult to evaluate the impact effects. Therefore, this study constructed a bidirectional fixed Space Durbin Model to explore the mediating pathway of aging's impact on carbon emissions. Furthermore, we have established high-precision prediction models to simulate the evolution trajectory of carbon emissions under multi-factor driving scenarios. The main findings are as follows: (1) The process of carbon emission reduction due to population aging has significant energy hindrance effect and industrial structure effect, while the process of carbon growth is constrained by the consumption enhancement effect, technology progress effect and labor participation effect. (2) The moderating effects of energy consumption and technological innovation on carbon emissions under the aging process are 10.74% and 10.24%, respectively, while the moderating effects of industrial structure and labor force participation are relatively weak. (3) The goodness of fit of the MNGM-ARIMA and MNGM-BPNN models is over 97%. Carbon emissions in the high aging regions show a decreasing trend in all scenarios except the energy consumption-driven scenario, while in the medium and low aging regions decrease slowly only in the R&D- and labor supply-driven scenarios. This study advocates developing heterogeneous emission reduction measures based on the degree of aging, accelerating supply side upgrading, and increasing the proportion of green consumption.

Improved piezoelectric performance in CBN-based ceramic through triple-doping (Li, Bi, Ce) strategy

Bismuth layered structural ferroelectrics (BLSFs) with high Curie temperature (TC) and low aging rate establish the groundwork for the advancement of high-temperature piezoelectric devices. CaBi2Nb2O9 (CBN) is an excellent candidate for possessing the highest TC value (∼940 °C) among BLSFs. However, its poor piezoelectricity impedes practical applications. Generally, the excellent piezoelectric properties of CBN-based ceramics depend on intrinsic and extrinsic contributions. Here, Aurivillius ferroelectrics with triple-doping ions, Ca1–2x(LiBi0.7Ce0.3)xBi2Nb2O9 (CBN-xLBC), were fabricated to achieve large piezoelectric constant (d33∼23.3 pC/N) and high Curie temperature (∼906 °C) simultaneously due to tetragonal distortion and smaller nanodomains. Besides, the DC resistivity of optimal sample is still above 1×105 Ω·cm at 600 °C. At the same time, the ferroelectricity is improved significantly with large Pr (∼18.9 μC/cm2) when x=0.275. The improved comprehensive performance of CBN-based ceramic indicates that proper various ions synergetic effect plays an important role and CBN-0.275LBC ceramic is expected to apply in practical industry.

Selective early medical treatment of the patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low gestational age infants: a pilot randomised controlled trial protocol (SMART-PDA)

IntroductionPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common cardiovascular problem that develops in extremely preterm infants and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Uncertainty exists on whether early pharmacotherapeutic treatment...

THE RELATIONSHIP OF MOTHER'S AGE AND NEWBORN'S WEIGHT WITH PERINEUM RUPTURE

Perineal rupture is an injury to the birth canal that occurs during birth due to tissue damage due to pressure on the baby's head and shoulders during the birth process. The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between maternal age and newborn weight with perineal rupture at the Independent Midwife Practice (PMB) Irma Suryani, Prabumulih City in 2023. The research method was analytical, using a cross sectional approach. The population of this study were all mothers giving birth at the Independent Midwife Practice (PMB) Irma Suryani, Prabumulih City. The sample taken in this study used the Random Sampling technique method, namely 149 people. The research instrument is a checklist. The results of the study based on univariate analysis showed that of the 149 respondents there were 64 respondents (43%) who were diagnosed with perineal rupture and 85 respondents (57%) who were diagnosed with not perineal rupture, there were 52 respondents (34.9%) who were of high risk age and 97 respondents (65 .1%) who had a low risk age, there were 35 respondents (23.5%) who had a high risk birth weight and 114 respondents (76.5%) who had a low risk birth weight. Of the 52 respondents with a high risk age, there were 38 respondents (25.5%) who were diagnosed with perineal rupture. Of the 97 respondents who had a low risk age, there were 26 respondents (17.4%) who were diagnosed with perineal rupture and of the 35 respondents who had a heavy newborn baby. At high risk births, there were 31 respondents (20.8%) who were diagnosed with perineal rupture, while of the 114 respondents who had low risk birth weights, there were 33 respondents (22.1%) who were diagnosed with perineal rupture. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between maternal age and perineal rupture with a P value of 0.000 &lt; ? 0.05 and there is a significant relationship between the weight of the newborn and perineal rupture with a P value of 0.000 &lt; ? 0.05. Keywords : Perineal rupture incidence, maternal age, weight of newborn Bibliography : 18 (2017-2023)

Chemotoxicity and Associated Risk Factors in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients experience multiple types of chemotoxicity affecting treatment compliance, survival, and quality of life (QOL). Prior research shows clinician-reported chemotoxicity (i.e., grading scales or diagnostic codes) predicts rehospitalization and cancer survival. However, a comprehensive synthesis of clinician-reported chemotoxicity is still lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine chemotoxicity's prevalence and risk factors in CRC. A systematic search from 2009 to 2024 yielded 30 studies for review, with 25 included in the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalences of overall, non-hematological, and hematological moderate-to-severe toxicities were 45.7%, 39.2%, and 25.3%, respectively. The most common clinician-reported chemotoxicities were gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity (22.9%) and neuropathy or neutropenia (17.9%). Significant risk factors at baseline were malnutritional status, frailty, impaired immune or hepato-renal functions, short telomere lengths, low gut lactobacillus levels, age, female sex, aggressive chemotherapy, and low QOL. Age was associated with neutropenia (β: -1.44) and GI toxicity (β:1.85) (p-values < 0.01). Older adults (>65 y.o.) had higher prevalences of overall (OR: 1.14) and GI (OR: 1.65) toxicities, but a lower prevalence of neutropenia (OR: 0.65) than younger adults (p-values < 0.05). Our findings highlight the importance of closely monitoring and managing chemotoxicity in CRC patients receiving chemotherapy.

Experience and prognostic analysis with avelumab switch maintenance treatment in metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

Avelumab is approved for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) maintenance therapy and prolongs overall survival (OS). We explored trends related to avelumab treatment of mUC patients. A total of 72 patients with mUC treated with first-line chemotherapy, from January 2019 to November 2022, at our affiliated institutions, were analyzed. We compared clinical parameters and the prognosis of patients treated with avelumab (Ave; n=43), because of progression during first-line chemotherapy, with untreated patients (Ave-untreated; n=29). Among the Ave-treated group, we classified patients showing a complete or partial response or stable disease in their best response to avelumab maintenance therapy as avelumab (Ave)-suitable patients; these were retrospectively analyzed. Potential prognostic factors, including the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) for determining patients suitable for Ave, were evaluated. The basic clinical parameters of patients when first-line treatment was initiated were not statistically different between the two groups. The Ave-suitable group (median 26.6 months, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.4-not reached [NR]) showed significantly longer median OS after first-line treatment than the Ave-untreated group (median 12.0 months, 95% CI: 7.5-NR) with tolerable adverse events. The cut-off values of prognostic factors were set by receiver operating characteristic curve. Low age and GNRI sustainability revealed as significant prognostic factors for being Ave-suitable both in univariate and multivariate analysis. In mUC, avelumab maintenance prolonged OS within tolerable safety profiles. GNRI sustainability may be used as biomarker to predict being Ave-suitable.

Surgical outcomes of external double needle puncture epiglottopexy in severe laryngomalacia patients with high-risk comorbidities

ObjectivesPatients with severe laryngomalacia (LM) and high-risk comorbidities require surgical interventions such as supraglottoplasty. However, evidence supporting epiglottopexy for these patients is scarce. This study aims to report the surgical outcomes of external double needle puncture using a single thread for epiglottopexy in severe LM patients with high-risk comorbidities. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital. We enrolled 32 patients under 12 months with severe LM who underwent external double needle puncture epiglottopexy. We compared clinical factors between the successful and failed groups and identified risk factors for the failure of epiglottopexy. ResultsOf the airway surgical outcomes, 22 (68.7 %) patients were in the successful group. In the failed group (n = 10, 32.3 %), patients received tracheostomies due to uncontrolled saliva (n = 3), the need for mechanical ventilation (n = 3), and uncontrolled LM (n = 4). There was a statistically significant difference in body weight at the time of surgery and the proportion of associated comorbidities between the two groups. Gestational age was the only factor significantly associated with successful surgical outcomes in both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (odds ratio = 2.263; 95 % confidence interval, 1.042–4.918; P = 0.039). ConclusionExternal double needle puncture epiglottopexy is an effective surgical method for patients with LM who present with a retroflexed floppy epiglottis and high-risk comorbidities. Low gestational age is a major risk factor for surgical failure. Consideration of factors such as the need for mechanical ventilation and uncontrolled saliva should be prioritized before and after surgery to enhance surgical success.

Temporal trend and driving effect of demographic transitions on embedded carbon emissions of Chinese households.

A population is regarded as the main non-economic driver of carbon emissions, causing the climatic crisis, especially in China experiencing a dramatic demographic transition. In contrast to aging, low fertility, the most remarkable feature of the Chinese population transition, has always been ignored when evaluating carbon emissions, due to the lack of long-run data. To narrow this gap, an integrated framework combining the continuous input-output tables from 1997 to 2018 with the Mann-Kendall test and vector auto-regression was presented to clarify the fluctuating trend of household embedded carbon emissions and the driving pattern of low fertility, aging, and urbanization. Our main findings showed that changes in household embedded carbon emissions have increased sharply in the last two decades. The growth of Chinese household embedded carbon emissions began to accelerate in 2001, which lagged 1 year behind the demographic indicators. Low fertility has a positive impact on households' embedded carbon emissions. More importantly, the impact of low fertility is more significant and far-reaching than that of aging. These suggest that aggressive policies for stimulating fertility and low-carbon lifestyles should be considered by policy makers.

Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Ain Shams University Hospital

Abstract Purpose to evaluate the Retinopathy of prematurity prevalence and screening outcome in a tertiary hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Also, to assess the risk factors for its development and to suggest modifications to the international guidelines for screening for Retinopathy of prematurity to fit the Egyptian population. Methods A prospective observational study was carried out in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Ain Shams University Hospital. In this study 159 premature infants born in the period between 1 September 2018 to 1 September 2021 were screened for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Screening was based on the most inclusive criteria reported to date. All premature infants with gestational age (GA) of ≤ 34 weeks or birth weight (BW) of ≤ 2000 grams were included. Infants were also included if GA &amp;gt; 34 weeks or BW &amp;gt; 2000 grams, but multiple co-morbidities existed. The prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity and plus disease and their correlation with risk factors of interest were studied. Results The gestational age of the included infants ranged from 27 to 36 weeks, with a mean (SD) of 31.87 (± 1.81) weeks. Infants had birth weight ranging from 640 to 3900 grams, with a mean (SD) of 1784.71 (± 560.30) grams. The prevalence of ROP changes more than stage 0 in the screened infants was 25.8% (41 infants) with 7.3% of cases (11 infants) showing plus disease and 6.3% of cases (10 infants) showing severe changes that needed treatment. Of those, 2 cases (20%) fell outside the British Guideline’s criteria for Screening. there was a highly significant (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) correlation between appearance of Retinopathy of prematurity changes more than stage 0 and low gestational age, low birth weight of the screened infants, receiving mechanical ventilation, respiratory distress syndrome stage, presence of Necrotizing enterocolitis, Intraventricular haemorrhage and blood transfusion. On the other hand, no significant correlation was found between appearance of Retinopathy of prematurity changes more than stage 0 and gender (p = 0.911), presence of PDA (p = 0.187), or sepsis (p = 0.998). Conclusion Retinopathy of prematurity is a significant problem in the premature infants in Cairo, Egypt. Extremely premature infants with lower birth weight are more prone to develop this disease. However, cases with higher gestational age and birth weight than mentioned in the British guidelines screening criteria especially with multiple comorbidities showed severe Retinopathy of prematurity changes that needed intervention, which implies the need to develop a screening guideline for the Egyptian population.

Regional variations in morbidity and mortality among neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage: a national database analysis.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) often affects newborns of low gestational age and low birth weight, requires critical care for neonates, and is linked to long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Assessing regional differences in the U.S. in care for neonatal IVH and subsequent outcomes can shed light on ways to mitigate socioeconomic disparities. Using the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), patients with a primary diagnosis of IVH were identified using ICD-10-CM codes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients stratified by hospital region. Demographics, comorbidities, presentation, intraoperative variables, and inpatient outcomes were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the impact of insurance status on extended LOS (defined as > 75th percentile of LOS), exorbitant cost (defined as > 75th percentile of cost), and mortality. Included in this study were 1630 newborns with IVH. A larger portion of patients in the South and Midwest were Black, compared to the Northeast and West (Northeast: 12.2% vs Midwest: 30.2% vs South: 22.8% vs West: 5.8%, p < 0.001), while a greater percentage of patients in the West and South were Hispanic (Northeast: 7.3% vs Midwest: 9.5% vs South: 22.8% vs West: 36.2%, p < 0.001). LOS was similar among all regions. Factors associated with prolonged LOS included hydrocephalus and CSF diversions. Median total cost of admission was highest in the West, while the South was associated with decreased odds of exorbitant cost. LOS was associated with exorbitant cost, and large bed-volume hospital, VLBW, and permanent CSF shunt were associated with mortality. Demographic variables, but not presenting or intraoperative variables, differed among regions, pointing to possible geographic health disparities. The West had the highest total cost of admission, while the South was associated with reduced odds of exorbitant admission costs.

Constraining Displacement Magnitude on Crustal‐Scale Extensional Faults Using Thermochronology Combined With Flexural‐Kinematic and Thermal‐Kinematic Modeling: An Example From the Teton Fault, Wyoming, USA

AbstractConstraining the geometry and displacement of crustal‐scale normal faults has historically been challenging, owing to difficulties with geophysical imaging and inability to identify precise cut‐offs at depth. Using a modified workflow previously applied to contractional systems, flexural‐kinematic (Move) and thermal‐kinematic (Pecube) models are integrated with apatite (U‐Th)/He (AHe) and apatite fission track (AFT) data from Teton footwall transects to constrain total Teton fault displacement (Dmax). Models with slip onset at ∼10 Ma and flexure parameters that best match the observed Teton flexural profile require Dmax &gt; 8 km to produce young (&lt;10 Ma) AHe ages observed at low elevation footwall positions in the Tetons. For the same slip onset, models with Dmax of 11–13 km provide the best match to observed AHe data, but displacements ≥16 km are required to produce observed AFT ages (13.6–12.0 Ma) at low elevations. A more complex model with slow slip onset at ∼25 Ma followed by faster slip at ∼10 Ma yields a good match between modeled and observed AHe ages at a Dmax of 13–15 km. However, this model predicts low elevation AFT ages 6–8 Ma older than observed ages, even at Dmax values of 16–17 km. Based on this analysis and integration with previous studies, we propose a unified evolution wherein the Teton fault likely experienced 11–13 km of Miocene‐recent displacement, with AFT data likely indicating a pre‐to early Miocene cooling history. Importantly, this study highlights the utility of using integrated flexural‐ and thermal‐kinematic models to resolve displacement histories in extensional systems.

Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in the Arab World: A Systematic Review.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional pathology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) across the globe. The prevalence rate of IBS varies across the regions. In the present systematic review, we aim to investigate the prevalence of IBS in Arab countries in recent years. To identify relevant studies, a comprehensive search was undertaken in various databases including CINAHL (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) Ultimate, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Furthermore, Google Scholar was also explored to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criteria included studies that assessed IBS in the Arab world and were published in the English language. Fifty-two cross-sectional studies from seven countries, encompassing 51,683 participants, were included. The majority of the included studies were conducted in Saudi Arabia (n=40), followed by Jordan (n=4) and Egypt (n=3). The highest prevalence rates were reported by studies from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Jordan. Low prevalence rates (<20%) were noted in 19 studies included in this systematic review. Female predominance in IBS prevalence was observed in most studies, while only two studies indicated higher prevalence in males. Key risk factors included family history, anxiety, depression, gastroesophageal reflux disease, low income, diabetes, low water intake, workload, occupation, food allergy, smoking, age, chronic diseases, and stress. IBS prevalence in the Arab world varies significantly. Female predominance was seen in the present systematic review as well.

Laboratory investigations on influence of thermoplastic polyurethane and its hard segment content on pavement performance of asphalt mixture

ABSTRACT Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is an excellent asphalt modifier, which is consisted of hard and soft segments in the TPU molecular chain. In this paper, The conventional road performances (high and low temperature performance, water stability, fatigue performance and aging resistance) of TPU modified asphalt mixture (TPU-AM) with different hard segment content were evaluated. The results proved that the hard segment of TPU can effectively improve the high temperature performance of asphalt. Compared with TPU-AM with high hard segment content, using TPU with low hard segment content as modifier, the low temperature flexibility and fatigue resistance of TPU-AM are significantly improved. TPU-AM with hard segment content of 40% has excellent high temperature performance, while the TPU-AM with hard segment content of 10% has the best fatigue ability and low temperature performance. The water stability of TPU-AM is obviously stronger than that of base asphalt mixture, although the content of TPU hard segment has little influence on the water stability of TPU-AM. The aging results show that TPU-AM has the best aging resistance when the hard segment content is 30%. Based on the above analysis, the high performance of TPU-AM can be designed by changing the hard segment content.

주관적 건강 상태에 따른 노인의 지역사회 계속거주 영향 요인

Low birth rate and aging are rapidly changing the demographic of our society and pushing us entering into a super aged society. In the super-aged society where more than 20% of the total population is over 65 years old, the residence problem for elderly has become a growing social problem as life expectancy increases. This study used the '2020 Survey on the Elderly' and a multinomial logistic regression model to analyze factors affecting AIP (Aging in Place) attitudes among the elderly. As a result, first, AIP attitudes against 'moving to good housing' when healthy are seen when sample are older, single, live in their own home, and do not have a private or retirement pension. AIP attitude toward 'moving to a house with care and convenience services' appears in those who are unmarried, have a short period of education, live in monthly rentals, and receive housing pension and farmland pension. Next, AIP attitude against ‘living with children’ when having difficulty with mobility appears in male, single, living in own home, and not receiving a private or retirement pension. The AIP attitude against 'moving to welfare housing' appears in cases where the period of education is short, living in a self-owned house, receiving housing pension or farmland pension, and having many financial assets or low debt. The study highlights the importance of cash flow for elderly households. AIP attitudes are linked to private and public income. Securing regular income for retired seniors and improving cash flow policies is crucial for realizing AIP.

Fear of progression among colorectal cancer patients: a latent profile analysis.

Fear of progression (FoP) leads to poor clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. The study aimed to clarify the profiles and influencing factors of FoP among colorectal cancer patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 409 colorectal cancer patients. Convenience sampling method was used to select colorectal cancer patients hospitalized in a tertiary-level hospital in Nanjing as the survey subjects. General information questionnaire, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Distress Disclosure Index, and Social Support Rating Scale were used to collect the data. Latent profile analysis was used to explore the latent profiles of FoP in colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, the influencing factors of profiles were explored by Univariate Analysis and Binomial Logistic Regression Analysis. Latent profile analysis identified two subgroups of fear of disease progression: the "fear low-risk profile (83%)", and the "severe fear profile (17%)." Patients with low age, low social support utilization, first hospital admission, severe healthcare burden, and preoperative bowel symptoms were prone to severe fear of disease progression. There is some heterogeneity in the level of postoperative fear of disease progression in colorectal cancer patients. Doctors and nurses should focus on patients with severe fear and take targeted preventive and psychological care for patients' fear of disease progression as early as possible according to the distribution characteristics of different categories.

Neonatal inflammation and its association with asthma and obesity in late childhood among individuals born extremely preterm.

Asthma and obesity are frequent outcomes among individuals born extremely preterm and are associated with decreased lifespan. Neonatal inflammation is associated with chronic neurodevelopmental disorders; however, it is less studied in association with other later childhood chronic disorders in this population. Fourteen hospitals in 5 U.S. states enrolled 1506 infants born before 28 weeks of gestation in the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn cohort in 2004-2014. Neonatal blood spots were collected on postnatal days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28, and used to measure 14 inflammation-related proteins. Associations were evaluated between high (top quartile) levels of proteins and two chronic health disorders at ages 10 and 15 years: physician-diagnosed asthma and obesity (body mass index ≥95th percentile). Few associations were found between high levels of 14 inflammation-related proteins, either on a single day or on multiple days, and either asthma or obesity. Similarly, few associations were found in analyses stratified by sex or presence/absence of prenatal inflammation. In extremely preterm newborns, systemic elevations of inflammation-related proteins during the neonatal period were not associated with childhood asthma and obesity outcomes at 10 or 15 years of age. In the large multi-center Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn (ELGAN) cohort, sustained elevation of neonatal levels of inflammation-related proteins was not consistently associated with asthma or obesity outcomes at 10 or 15 years of age. This finding contrasts with reported associations of perinatal inflammation with obesity at 2 years and neurodevelopmental disorders at 2-15 years in the ELGANs, suggesting that unlike neurodevelopment, peripubertal obesity and asthma may be driven by later childhood exposures. Future research on perinatal mechanisms of childhood asthma and obesity should account for both fetal and later exposures and pathways in addition to inflammation at birth.

Low temperature aging induced conjugated polymers aggregation by UV–Vis spectroscopy

AbstractMultiscale structural evolution of conjugated polymer (CP) solutions from disorder to aggregation via environmental perturbations is a universal phenomenon in condensed matter physics. Here, we take poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) as a model material and use Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy to study the hierarchical structure evolution during prolonged aging at relatively low temperature. Using in‐situ UV–Vis spectroscopy and the Franck‐Condon (FC) method, the dynamics of multiscale structural transitions in P3HT were elucidated. Hierarchical structural details can be extracted from the UV–Vis spectra, including the overall percentage of aggregates, conjugation length, degree of H‐/J‐type molecular packing, and site energetic disorder. Through covariance analysis of conformational disorder to aggregation transitions of conjugated polymers obtained under multiple conditions, we find that the trends of the above four key parameters are not consistent, which informs the unique evolution of the degree of ordering at different length scales within the aggregates. This work facilitates the scrutiny of the hierarchical structural transition from multi‐length scale perspective.