A figure of merit for efficiency roll-off in TADF-based organic LEDs.

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are a revolutionary light-emitting display technology that has been successfully commercialized in mobile phones and televisions1,2. The injected charges form both singlet and triplet excitons, and for high efficiency it is important to enable triplets as well as singlets to emit light. At present, materials that harvest triplets by thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) are a very active field of research as an alternative to phosphorescent emitters that usually use heavy metal atoms3,4. Although excellent progress has been made, in most TADF OLEDs there is a severe decrease of efficiency as the drive current is increased, known as efficiency roll-off. So far, much of the literature suggests that efficiency roll-off should be reduced by minimizing the energy difference between singlet and triplet excited states (ΔEST) to maximize the rate of conversion of triplets to singlets by means of reverse intersystem crossing (kRISC)5-20. We analyse the efficiency roll-off in a wide range of TADF OLEDs and find that neither of these parameters fully accounts for the reported efficiency roll-off. By considering the dynamic equilibrium between singlets and triplets in TADF materials, we propose a figure of merit for materials design to reduce efficiency roll-off and discuss its correlation with reported data of TADF OLEDs. Our new figure of merit will guide the design and development of TADF materials that can reduce efficiency roll-off. It will help improve the efficiency of TADF OLEDs at realistic display operating conditions and expand the use of TADF materials to applications that require high brightness, such as lighting, augmented reality and lasing.

A site-resolved two-dimensional quantum simulator with hundreds of trapped ions.

A large qubit capacity and an individual readout capability are two crucial requirements for large-scale quantum computing and simulation1. As one of the leading physical platforms for quantum information processing, the ion trap has achieved a quantum simulation of tens of ions with site-resolved readout in a one-dimensional Paul trap2-4 and of hundreds of ions with global observables in a two-dimensional (2D) Penning trap5,6. However, integrating these two features into a single system is still very challenging. Here we report the stable trapping of 512 ions in a 2D Wigner crystal and the sideband cooling of their transverse motion. We demonstrate the quantum simulation of long-range quantum Ising models with tunable coupling strengths and patterns, with or without frustration, using 300 ions. Enabled by the site resolution in the single-shot measurement, we observe rich spatial correlation patterns in the quasi-adiabatically prepared ground states, which allows us to verify quantum simulation results by comparing the measured two-spin correlations with the calculated collective phonon modes and with classical simulated annealing. We further probe the quench dynamics of the Ising model in a transverse field to demonstrate quantum sampling tasks. Our work paves the way for simulating classically intractable quantum dynamics and for running noisy intermediate-scale quantum algorithms7,8 using 2D ion trap quantum simulators.

A bimodal burst energy distribution of a repeating fast radio burst source.

The event rate, energy distribution and time-domain behaviour of repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) contain essential information regarding their physical nature and central engine, which are as yet unknown1,2. As the first precisely localized source, FRB 121102 (refs. 3-5) has been extensively observed and shows non-Poisson clustering of bursts over time and a power-law energy distribution6-8. However, the extent of the energy distribution towards the fainter end was not known. Here we report the detection of 1,652 independent bursts with a peak burst rate of 122 h-1, in 59.5 hours spanning 47 days. A peak in the isotropic equivalent energy distribution is found to be approximately 4.8 × 1037 erg at 1.25 GHz, below which the detection of bursts is suppressed. The burst energy distribution is bimodal, and well characterized by a combination of a log-normal function and a generalized Cauchy function. The large number of bursts in hour-long spans allows sensitive periodicity searches between 1 ms and 1,000 s. The non-detection of any periodicity or quasi-periodicity poses challenges for models involving a single rotating compact object. The high burst rate also implies that FRBs must be generated with a high radiative efficiency, disfavouring emission mechanisms with large energy requirements or contrived triggering conditions.

North Atlantic climate far more predictable than models imply.

Quantifying signals and uncertainties in climate models is essential for the detection, attribution, prediction and projection of climate change1-3. Although inter-model agreement is high for large-scale temperature signals, dynamical changes in atmospheric circulation are very uncertain4. This leads to low confidence in regional projections, especially for precipitation, over the coming decades5,6. The chaotic nature of the climate system7-9 may also mean that signal uncertainties are largely irreducible. However, climate projections are difficult to verify until further observations become available. Here we assess retrospective climate model predictions of the past six decades and show that decadal variations in North Atlantic winter climate are highly predictable, despite a lack of agreement between individual model simulations and the poor predictive ability of raw model outputs. Crucially, current models underestimate the predictable signal (the predictable fraction of the total variability) of the North Atlantic Oscillation (the leading mode of variability in North Atlantic atmospheric circulation) by an order of magnitude. Consequently, compared to perfect models, 100 times as many ensemble members are needed in current models to extract this signal, and its effects on the climate are underestimated relative to other factors. To address these limitations, we implement a two-stage post-processing technique. We first adjust the variance of the ensemble-mean North Atlantic Oscillation forecast to match the observed variance of the predictable signal. We then select and use only the ensemble members with a North Atlantic Oscillation sufficiently close to the variance-adjusted ensemble-mean forecast North Atlantic Oscillation. This approach greatly improves decadal predictions of winter climate for Europe and eastern North America. Predictions of Atlantic multidecadal variability are also improved, suggesting that the North Atlantic Oscillation is not driven solely by Atlantic multidecadal variability. Our results highlight the need to understand why the signal-to-noise ratio is too small in current climate models10, and the extent to which correcting this model error would reduce uncertainties in regional climate change projections on timescales beyond a decade.

Compensatory changes after spinal cord injury in a remyelination deficient mouse model.

The development of therapeutic strategies to reduce impairments following spinal cord injury (SCI) motivates an active area of research, because there are no effective therapies. One strategy is to address injury-induced demyelination of spared axons by promoting endogenous or exogenous remyelination. However, previously, we showed that new myelin was not necessary to regain hindlimb stepping following moderate thoracic spinal cord contusion in 3-month-old mice. The present analysis investigated two potential mechanisms by which animals can re-establish locomotion in the absence of remyelination: compensation through intact white matter and conduction through spared axons. We induced a severe contusion injury to reduce the spared white matter rim in the remyelination deficient model, with no differences in recovery between remyelination deficient animals and injured littermate controls. We investigated the nodal properties of the axons at the lesion and found that in the remyelination deficient model, axons express the Nav1.2 voltage-gated sodium channel, a sub-type not typically expressed at mature nodes of Ranvier. In a moderate contusion injury, conduction velocities through the lesions of remyelination deficient animals were similar to those in animals with the capacity to remyelinate after injury. Detailed gait analysis and kinematics reveal subtle differences between remyelination deficient animals and remyelination competent controls, but no worse deficits. It is possible that upregulation of Nav1.2 channels may contribute to establishing conduction through the lesion. This conduction could contribute to compensation and regained motor function in mouse models of SCI. Such compensatory mechanism may have implications for interpreting efficacy results for remyelinating interventions in mice and the development of therapies for improving recovery following SCI.

Enhancing trainee performance in obstetric ultrasound through an artificial intelligence system: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Performing obstetric ultrasound scans is challenging for inexperienced operators; therefore, the prenatal screening artificial intelligence system (PSAIS) software was developed to provide real-time feedback and guidance for trainees during their scanning procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential benefits of utilizing such an artificial intelligence system to enhance the efficiency of obstetric ultrasound training in acquiring and interpreting standard basic views. METHODS: A prospective, single-center randomized controlled study was conducted at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. From September 2022 to April 2023, residents with no prior obstetric ultrasound experience were recruited and assigned randomly to either a PSAIS-assisted training group or a conventional training group. Each trainee underwent a four-cycle practical scan training program, performing 20 scans in each cycle on pregnant volunteers at 18-32 gestational weeks, focusing on acquiring and interpreting standard basic views. At the end of each cycle, a test scan evaluated trainees' ability to obtain standard ultrasound views without PSAIS assistance, and image quality was rated by both the trainees themselves and an expert (in a blinded manner). The primary outcome was the number of training cycles required for each trainee to meet a certain standard of proficiency (i.e. end-of-cycle test scored by the expert at ≥ 80%). Secondary outcomes included the expert ratings of the image quality in each trainee's end-of-cycle test and the discordance between ratings by trainees and the expert. RESULTS: In total, 32 residents and 1809 pregnant women (2720 scans) were recruited for the study. The PSAIS-assisted trainee group required significantly fewer training cycles compared with the non-PSAIS-assisted group to meet quality requirements (P = 0.037). Based on the expert ratings of image quality, the PSAIS-assisted training group exhibited superior ability in acquiring standard imaging views compared with the conventional training group in the third (P = 0.012) and fourth (P < 0.001) cycles. In both groups, the discordance between trainees' ratings of the quality of their own images and the expert's ratings decreased with increasing training time. A statistically significant difference in overall trainee-expert rating discordance between the two groups emerged at the end of the first training cycle and remained at every cycle thereafter (P < 0.013). CONCLUSION: By assisting inexperienced trainees in obtaining and interpreting standard basic obstetric scanning views, the use of artificial intelligence-assisted systems has the potential to improve training effectiveness. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Optimisation of monoenergetic images to reduce banding artifacts in the lower cervical spine using dual-layer spectral computed tomography: a retrospective study.

AIM: To investigate the application value of dual-layer detector computed tomography (CT) single-energy spectral images for reducing artefacts in the lower cervical spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients who underwent neck examination using spectral CT between March 2022 and January 2023 were selected as the participants. Conventional mixed-energy images and spectral imaging data at 40-200 KeV were obtained from the spectral CT scans. The standard deviation (SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), |CTdifference| (the difference in CT value between the C6-7 and C3-4 artefact regions), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the C6-7 spinal canal were measured. The image quality of the artefact region in the conventional and single images were compared. RESULTS: The SDintervertebral disc value was highest in the single-level 40 KeV images and lowest in the 120 KeV images (P<0.05). The SNR was lowest in the 40 KeV images (2.07 ± 2.74) and highest in the 120 KeV images (6.20 ± 5.26) (P<0.05). The CTdifference was highest in the 40 KeV images and lowest in the 120 KeV images (108.38 vs. 10.63 ± 8.58). The subjective image quality scores were lowest in the 40 KeV images and highest in the 120 KeV images. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that single-energy 120 KeV images may offer benefits such as low SDintervertebral disc, elevated SNR, higher CNR, and improved image quality.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction: prevalence and aetiology in patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia.

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence, aetiology, and corresponding morbidity of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study included 115 patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia who underwent stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. CMD was assessed visually based on the myocardial perfusion results. The CMR-derived myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) and left ventricular (LV) strain parameters obtained using the post-processing software CVI42 were employed to evaluate LV myocardial perfusion and deformation. LV strain parameters included global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain (GLS, GCS, and GRS), global systolic/diastolic longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain rates (SLSR, SCSR, SRSR, DLSR, DCSR, and DRSR). RESULTS: Of the 115 patients, 12 patients were excluded and 103 patients were finally included in the study. CMD was observed in 79 % (81 patients, aged 53 ± 12 years) of patients. Regarding aetiology, 91 (88 %) patients had non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), eight (8 %) had obstructive CAD, and four (4 %) had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The incidence of CMD was highest (100 %) in patients with HCM, followed by those with non-obstructive CAD (up to 79 %). There were no statistical differences between CMD and non-CMD groups in GCS, GRS, GLS, SRSR, SCSR, SLSR, DCSR, DRSR and DLSR. CONCLUSION: The incidence of CMD was higher in patients with signs and symptoms of ischaemia. CMD occurred with non-obstructive CAD, obstructive CAD, and HCM, with the highest prevalence of CMD in HCM.

Improved small vessel visibility in diabetic foot arteriography using dual-energy CT.

AIM: To test the feasibility and performance of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in foot arteriography of diabetic patients, where contrast medium is largely reduced within the small vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 diabetic patients were enrolled prospectively, where DECT was acquired immediately after the CT angiography (CTA, group A) of the lower extremity. Two images were derived from the DECT data, one optimal virtual monochromatic image (VMI, group B) and one fusion image (group C), both of which were compared against the CTA image for visualising the foot arteries. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were evaluated. The arterial course and contrast were graded each using a five-point scale. The clarity of small vessel depiction was quantified by comparing the number of plantar metatarsal arteries found in the maximum intensity projection image. RESULTS: The median CNRs and SNRs obtained in group B were approximately 45% and 20% higher than those in groups A and C, respectively (p<0.05). Group B also received higher subjective scores on the posterior tibial artery and the foot arteries (all >3) than groups A and C. The number of visible branches of the plantar metatarsal arteries was found to be substantially higher (p<0.05) in group B (median=6) than in groups A (median=2) and C (median=4). CONCLUSION: DECT was found to be superior to conventional CTA in foot arteriography, and beyond the lower extremity, it might be a general favourable solution for imaging regions with small vessels and reduced contrast medium.

Radiomic nomogram based on bi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging to predict the International Society of Urological Pathology grading ≥ 3 prostate cancer: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To create a reliable radiomic nomogram for the prediction of the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading ≥ 3 prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS: patients with verified PCa were obtained from three different hospitals. The patients were divided into training, internal validation, and two external validation groups. A radiomic signature (rad-score) extracted from T2WI, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were constructed in the training cohort. Eight clinical features were performed to develop a clinical model using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The combined model incorporated the radiomic signature and clinical model. The model's performance was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Rad-score, magnetic resonance imaging T-stage, and ADC value were significant predictors of ISUP ≥ 3 PCa. A nomogram of these three factors was shown to have greater diagnostic accuracy than using only the radiomic signature or clinical model alone. The area under the ROC curve was 0.85, 0.88, 0.81, 0.81 for the training, internal, and two external validation cohorts, respectively. In the stratified analysis based on the MR scanner model, the area under the ROC curve of predicting ISUP ≥ 3 PCa for GE, Siemens, and combined groups were 0.84, 0.83, and 0.84, respectively, in the combined training group and an internal validation group. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed nomogram has the potential to predict the differentiation degree of ISUP PCa patients.

Added value of spectral computed tomography quantitative parameters for differentiating tuberculosis-associated fibrosing mediastinitis from endobronchial lung cancer: initial results.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the added value of spectral computed tomography (CT) parameters to conventional CT features for differentiating tuberculosis-associated fibrosing mediastinitis (TB-associated FM) from endobronchial lung cancer (EBLC). METHODS: Chest spectral CT enhancement images from 109 patients with atelectasis were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were divided into two distinct categories: the TB-associated FM group (n = 77) and the EBLC group (n = 32), based on bronchoscopy and/or pathological findings. The selection of spectrum parameters was optimized with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. The relationship between the spectrum parameters and conventional parameters was explored using Pearson's correlation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to build spectrum model. The spectrum parameters in the spectrum model were replaced with their corresponding conventional parameters to build the conventional model. Diagnostic performances were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS: There was a moderate correlation between the parameters ㏒(L-AEFNIC) - ㏒(L-AEFC) (r= 0.419; p< 0.0001), ㏒(O-AEF40KeV) - ㏒(O-AEFC) (r= 0.475; p< 0.0001), [L-A-hydroxyapatite {HAP}(I)] - (L-U-CT) (r= 0.604; p< 0.0001), {arterial enhancement fraction (AEF) derived from normalized iodine concentration (NIC) of lymph node (L-AEFNIC), AEF derived from CT40KeV of bronchial obstruction (O-AEF40KeV), arterial-phase Hydroxyapatite (Iodine) concentration of lymph node [L-A-HAP(I)], AEF derived from conventional CT (AEFC), unenhanced CT value (U-CT)}. Spectrum model could improve diagnostic performances compared to conventional model (area under curve: 0.965 vs 0.916, p= 0.038). CONCLUSION: There was a moderate correlation between spectrum parameters and conventional parameters. Integrating conventional CT features with spectrum parameters could further improve the ability in differentiating TB-associated FM from EBLC.

Diagnostic value of adenohypophyseal MRI features in female children with precocious puberty.

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of adenohypophyseal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for precocious puberty (PP) in female children and also to establish a non-invasive diagnostic approach in clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 126 female children (37, 57, and 32 female children clinically diagnosed with central PP [CPP], incomplete PP [IPP], and controls, respectively) were enrolled in this study. Data were collected and analysed using analysis of variance. Pearson correlation and stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis were used to examine the association and build prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy. RESULTS: The values of adenohypophysis volume (aPV), adenohypophysis height (aPH), and signal-intensity ratio (SIR), height, weight, and seven laboratory testing characteristics were correlated closely with the activation status of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis in the different groups (all p<0.05). Model 1 including aPV, weight, and aPH and Model 2 including SIR, aPV, and height were built to obtain predicted luteinising hormone (LH; R2 = 0.271) and LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH; R2 = 0.311). ROC analysis showed the predicted LH, predicted LH/FSH, and aPV were the top 3 best predictors in distinguishing CPP from controls (AUC = 0.969, 0.949, and 0.938) while predicted LH/FSH was the best predictor in distinguishing CPP from IPP and controls (AUC = 0.829 and 0.828). CONCLUSION: The adenohypophysis volume itself and the prediction models including main adenohypophyseal MRI features increased diagnostic efficiency for PP and offered a non-invasive and credible diagnostic method.

Steady-state properties of multi-orbital systems using quantum Monte Carlo.

A precise dynamical characterization of quantum impurity models with multiple interacting orbitals is challenging. In quantum Monte Carlo methods, this is embodied by sign problems. A dynamical sign problem makes it exponentially difficult to simulate long times. A multi-orbital sign problem generally results in a prohibitive computational cost for systems with multiple impurity degrees of freedom even in static equilibrium calculations. Here, we present a numerically exact inchworm method that simultaneously alleviates both sign problems, enabling simulation of multi-orbital systems directly in the equilibrium or nonequilibrium steady-state. The method combines ideas from the recently developed steady-state inchworm Monte Carlo framework [Erpenbeck et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 130, 186301 (2023)] with other ideas from the equilibrium multi-orbital inchworm algorithm [Eidelstein et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 206405 (2020)]. We verify our method by comparison with analytical limits and numerical results from previous methods.

Hsa_circ_0008360 promotes high glucose-induced damage in HK-2 cells via miR-346/WNT2B axis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Recent researches have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) could affect the progress of DN, but the mechanism is still indistinct. In this work, we explored the roles of hsa_circ_0008360 in DN. METHODS: The levels of hsa_circ_0008360, microRNA-346 (miR-346) and Winglesstype family member 2B (WNT2B) were indicated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in DN tissues and HK2 cells. Meanwhile, the protein level of WNT2B was quantified by Western blot analysis. Besides, the function of cells was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay, flow cytometry assay, western blot, and ELISA kit. Furthermore, the interplay between miR-346 and hsa_circ_0008360 or WNT2B was detected by dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: The levels of hsa_circ_0008360 and WNT2B were increased, and the miR-346 level was decreased in the serum of DN patients and HG-treated HK2 cells. For functional analysis, hsa_circ_0008360 deficiency promoted cell viability, inhibits cell apoptosis, inflammatory response, and the synthesis of related fibrotic proteins in HG-treated HK2 cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-346 induced the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of HG-induced HK2 cells by inhibiting WNT2B expression. In mechanism, hsa_circ_0008360 acted as a miR-346 sponge to regulate the level of WNT2B. CONCLUSION: Hsa_circ_0008360 can regulate miR-346/WNT2B axis in HG-induced HK2 cells, providing an underlying targeted therapy for DN patients.

Enhancing gestational diabetes mellitus risk assessment and treatment through GDMPredictor: a machine learning approach.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious health concern that affects pregnant women worldwide and can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Early detection of high-risk individuals and the implementation of appropriate treatment can enhance these outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a study on a cohort of 3467 pregnant women during their pregnancy, with a total of 5649 clinical and biochemical records collected. We utilized this dataset as our training dataset to develop a web server called GDMPredictor. The GDMPredictor utilizes advanced machine learning techniques to predict the risk of GDM in pregnant women. We also personalize treatment recommendations based on essential biochemical indicators, such as A1MG, BMG, CysC, CO2, TBA, FPG, and CREA. Our assessment of GDMPredictor's effectiveness involved training it on the dataset of 3467 pregnant women and measuring its ability to predict GDM risk using an AUC and auPRC. RESULTS: GDMPredictor demonstrated an impressive level of precision by achieving an AUC score of 0.967. To tailor our treatment recommendations, we use the GDM risk level to identify higher risk candidates who require more intensive care. The GDMPredictor can accept biochemical indicators for predicting the risk of GDM at any period from 1 to 24 weeks, providing healthcare professionals with an intuitive interface to identify high-risk patients and give optimal treatment recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The GDMPredictor presents a valuable asset for clinical practice, with the potential to change the management of GDM in pregnant women. Its high accuracy and efficiency make it a reliable tool for doctors to improve patient outcomes. Early identification of high-risk individuals and tailored treatment can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes http://www.bioinfogenetics.info/GDM/ .

JPT2 in subclinical hypothyroidism-related miscarriage as a transcription co-factor: involvement of LEPR/STAT3 activation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been identified to be associated with implantation failure, in which the dysfunction of trophoblast cells is involved. In this study, the transcriptomics of aborted placenta from SCH rats were analyzed. Jupiter microtubule-associated homolog 2 (JPT2) was downregulated in the aborted placenta. This study aims to investigate its role in SCH-associated miscarriage. METHODS: Spontaneous abortion was observed in SCH rats generated by thyroidectomy combined with levothyroxine administration. The transcriptomics analysis was performed using aborted placenta. Afterward, the effects of JPT2 on trophoblast cells were explored using gain-and loss-of-function experiments. RESULTS: Transcriptomics analysis showed 1286 downregulated genes and 2300 upregulated genes in the aborted placenta, and JPT2 was significantly downregulated in the aborted placenta from SCH rats. Afterward, gain-and loss-of-function experiments exhibited that overexpression of JPT2 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, spheroid formation of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells and their attachment to endometrial stromal cells, while these biological behaviors were suppressed by JPT2 knockdown. Furthermore, JPT2 accelerated the transcription of leptin receptor (LEPR), and activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signal in a transcription factor AP-2γ-dependent manner. In addition, silencing of LEPR abolished the role of JPT2. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that JPT2, which was downregulated in the aborted placenta from SCH rats, promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, spheroid formation, and attachment of trophoblast cells via regulating LEPR/STAT3 axis as a transcription co-factor. It is indicated that low expression of JPT2 may contribute to the abortion in individuals with SCH.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Prenatal Sleep Classes for Poor Prenatal Sleep Quality: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of the current paper were to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and adherence of a remotely delivered intervention consisting of mindfulness-based stress reduction plus prenatal sleep classes (MBSR+PS) compared with treatment as usual (TAU). METHOD: In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 52 pregnant women with poor sleep quality were randomized to MBSR+PS or TAU. MBSR was delivered through eight weekly 2.5-hour sessions, and PS was delivered through eight weekly 30-minute sessions. PS content drew material from cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia tailored for the perinatal period and from a mindfulness- and acceptance-based lens. Participants completed endpoint measures 10-12 weeks after randomization. RESULTS: We surpassed all acceptability targets, including the percentage of eligible participants willing to be randomized (96%), percentage of participants who initiated treatment (88%), and satisfaction scores (Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 score M = 28.04, SD = 3.6). We surpassed all feasibility targets, including our enrollment target, retention rate (92%), and measure completion (96%). Finally, we surpassed adherence targets, including MBSR and PS session attendance (≥80%). Though sleep outcomes were exploratory, increases in sleep efficiency were greater in the MBSR+PS group relative to TAU (SMD=.68). CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported poor sleep quality during pregnancy has high public health significance because it is common, consequential, and under-treated. The current feasibility and acceptability data for using remotely delivered MBSR and PS to improve prenatal sleep quality are encouraging and warranting future research that is sufficiently powered and designed to provide efficacy data. In addition, exploratory sleep outcomes offer preliminary evidence that this sleep program may improve sleep efficiency during pregnancy.

Association between health insurance programs and rehabilitation services utilisation among people with disabilities: evidence from China.

OBJECTIVES: Rehabilitation is crucial to improve the health status of people with disabilities. Previous studies mainly analysed the impact of health insurance on utilisation of general health services; the relationship between health insurances and rehabilitation services utilisation among Chinese people with disabilities has been long neglected. This study aimed to analyse the association between health insurance programs and rehabilitation services utilisation among disabled people. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: The data used in this study were derived from 2021 National Household Income Survey of Disabled People and National Basic Database of People with Disabilities conducted by China Disabled Persons' Federation. Logistic regression model was used to analyse the relationship between health insurance and rehabilitation services utilisation, and the propensity score matching method was used to check the robustness of the results. RESULTS: (1) Disabled people insured by the Basic Medical Insurance System for Urban Employees (BMISUE) and the Basic Medical Insurance System for Urban and Rural Residents (BMISURR) were positively associated with rehabilitation service utilisation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.852, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.268, 2.707; OR = 1.375, 95% CI: 0.962, 1.966). (2) The utilisation level of rehabilitation service among disabled people insured by BMISUE was significantly higher than those insured by BMISURR (OR = 1.355, 95% CI: 1.161, 1.581). (3) The supply of rehabilitation services at the community level was positively correlated with the utilisation by people with disabilities. CONCLUSION: Health insurance can improve the financial accessibility of using rehabilitation services, and the utilisation level will increase as the benefits level of health insurance increase.

Evaluation indicators for access to cancer screening services: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Access to health services has received increasing attention, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) includes 'availability' as one of the indicators to evaluate cancer screening. Evaluating, monitoring, and decision-making on cancer screening depends on systematic quantitative evidence on access to cancer screening, but indicators are currently inconsistently, if they are reported at all. This can be improved by developing systematic indicators for evaluating and reporting access to cancer screening. This requires a thorough understanding of current indicators of access to cancer screening. STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: We completed a scoping review of studies on access to cancer screening services from 2013 to 2022. The relevant indicators were extracted, quantified, and then matched to two widely used frameworks: a universal five-dimensional conceptual framework for access to healthcare ('U5D') and a cancer-specific framework/list on the availability/use of screening indicators endorsed by the IARC. RESULTS: A total of 331 studies on access to cancer screening services were included. Based on the U5D framework, publications from supply side reported approachability (number of publications = 16), acceptability (6), availability and accommodation (44), affordability (30), and appropriateness (11); among this process, 17 sub-indicators were identified. Correspondingly, publications from demand side reported ability to perceive (170), ability to seek (85), ability to reach (58), ability to pay (59), and ability to engage (2); 26 sub-indicators were identified. More macroscopically, the publications of the IARC-endorsed indicators reported availability of policies and guidelines for screening (13), type of screening provided (3), extent of population coverage and participation rates (76), and demographic/behavioural related considerations (167). By integrating the universal and cancer-specific frameworks, a new adapted framework was proposed. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified and collated indicators for evaluating access to cancer screening services, and determined the gaps in the current application of various indicators. The findings are anticipated to facilitate further development of an evaluation indicator system for access to cancer screening services.

Periodontitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

OBJECTIVE: Observational studies have suggested an association between chronic periodontitis (CP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between CP and COPD incidence. DESIGN: Two­sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis using summary statistics from two genome­wide association studies (GWASs) of European ancestry. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with COPD were obtained from the FinnGen database, which included 16,380,382 SNPs. The diagnosis of COPD was based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD 2023). We also obtained SNPs associated with CP from the FinnGen database, which included 16,380,378 SNPs. RESULTS: Sixteen eligible SNPs were extracted to analyze the causal effect of CP on COPD incidence. There was no causal correlation between CP and COPD using the inverse variance-weighted method (IVW) (OR=0.97, 95%CI= 0.91-1.05; p=0.482). Seven eligible SNPs were extracted to analyze the causal effect of COPD on CP incidence. Again, there was also no causal correlation between using IVW (OR=1.09, 95%CI=0.93-1.28; p=0.279). CONCLUSION: We did not demonstrate a causal relationship between genetically predicted CP and COPD, or between genetically predicted COPD and CP.