Factor analysis of the Chinese version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient 10 and its association with schizotypal traits in adolescents and young adults in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence suggesting that autistic traits are associated with schizotypal traits. This study examined the factor structure of the Autism Spectrum Quotient 10 (AQ-10) and its associations with schizotypal traits (measured by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief [SPQ-B]) in a cohort of Chinese adolescents and young adults. METHODS: Invitation letters, stratified by locations and housing types, were randomly sent to individuals aged 15 to 24 years for participation. Assessments were made using face-to-face or online interviews. Autistic traits were assessed using the Chinese version of the AQ-10. Schizotypal personality traits were assessed using the Chinese version of the 22-item SPQ-B. RESULTS: In total, 395 male and 536 female participants (mean age, 19.93 years) were recruited between July 2020 and May 2021. Exploratory factor analysis of the AQ-10 yielded three factors (theory of mind, task switching, and attention deficits) explaining 55.11% of the total variance. Autistic traits were positively correlated with schizotypal traits of disorganised features (r = 0.21, p < 0.001), interpersonal relationship deficits (r = 0.19, p < 0.001), and cognitive-perceptual deficits (r = 0.11, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In Chinese adolescents and young adults, autistic traits, especially task switching and attention deficits (compared with theory of mind) are more closely correlated with schizotypal personality traits. Disentangling the overlapping and diametrical structure of autistic traits and schizotypal traits may help understand their aetiologies, assessment, and interventions.

Universal Targeted Haplotyping by Droplet Digital PCR Sequencing and Its Applications in Noninvasive Prenatal Testing and Pharmacogenetics Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of haplotypes of variants is important for pharmacogenomics analysis and noninvasive prenatal testing for monogenic diseases. However, there is a lack of robust methods for targeted haplotyping. METHODS: We developed digital PCR haplotype sequencing (dHapSeq) for targeted haplotyping of variants, which is a method that compartmentalizes long DNA molecules into droplets. Within one droplet, 2 target regions are PCR amplified from one template molecule, and their amplicons are fused together. The fused products are then sequenced to determine the phase relationship of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) alleles. The entire haplotype of 10s of SNPs can be deduced after the phase relationship of individual SNPs are determined in a pairwise manner. We applied dHapSeq to noninvasive prenatal testing in 4 families at risk for thalassemia and utilized it to detect NUDT15 diplotypes for predicting drug tolerance in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (72 cases and 506 controls). RESULTS: For SNPs within 40 kb, phase relation can be determined with 100% accuracy. In 7 trio families, the haplotyping results for 97 SNPs spanning 185 kb determined by dHapSeq were concordant with the results deduced from the genotypes of both parents and the fetus. In 4 thalassemia families, a 19.3-kb Southeast Asian deletion was successfully phased with 97 downstream SNPs, enabling noninvasive determination of fetal inheritance using relative haplotype dosage analysis. In the NUDT15 analysis, the variant status and phase of the variants were successfully determined in all cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The dHapSeq represents a robust and scalable haplotyping approach with numerous clinical and research applications.

Building a Bridge to Community: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial Examining a Combined Physical Therapy and Resistance Exercise Intervention for People after Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Established barriers to general exercise and physical activity among individuals with head and neck cancer include dry mouth, difficulty eating, weight loss, fear of injury, comorbidities, and treatment-related symptoms of pain and fatigue. METHODS/DESIGN: A 12-week pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted followed by an optional supported exercise transition phase. Eligible participants were individuals with head and neck cancers who had undergone surgery and/or radiation therapy to lymph node regions in the neck. Participants were randomized to a comparison group involving a shoulder and neck physiotherapeutic exercise protocol, or to a combined experimental group comprising the shoulder and neck physiotherapeutic exercise protocol and lower-body resistance exercise training. The primary outcome of this study was fatigue-related quality of life. RESULTS: Sixty-one participants enrolled, 59 (97%) completed the randomized trial phase, 55 (90%) completed the 24-week follow-up, and 52 (85%) completed the one-year follow-up. Statistically significant between-group differences were found in favor of the combined experimental group for the fatigue-related quality of life, fitness outcomes, and overall physical activity. Paired comparisons confirmed significant within-group improvements for both groups from baseline to one-year follow-up across most outcomes. DISCUSSION: A group-based combined physiotherapeutic and lower-body resistance exercise program was feasible and effective. Findings are limited to individuals who had undergone a surgical neck dissection procedure. Given the complexity of head and neck cancer, further pragmatic interdisciplinary research is warranted.

Hyperkalemia Recurrence Following Medical Nutrition Therapy in Patients with Stage 3-4 Chronic Kidney Disease: The REVOLUTIONIZE I Real-World Study.

INTRODUCTION: The REVOLUTIONIZE I study aimed to characterize the relationships between medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and hyperkalemia recurrence in patients with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperkalemia who received MNT in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: This observational cohort study used de-identified electronic health record data from patients aged ≥ 18 years with stage 3-4 CKD who received MNT between January 2019 and October 2022 and had hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.0 mmol/L) within 30 days before MNT. Patients were followed for 6 months or until the first censoring event (death, prescription of outpatient potassium binder, or study end). The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with ≥ 1 hyperkalemia recurrence during follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the number of hyperkalemia recurrences per patient, time to each recurrence, and hyperkalemia-related healthcare resource utilization. Exploratory outcomes included all-cause healthcare resource utilization and mortality. RESULTS: The final cohort comprised 2048 patients; 1503 (73.4%) patients remained uncensored after 6 months. During the 6-month follow-up period, 56.0% of patients had ≥ 1 hyperkalemia recurrence and 37.4% had ≥ 1 recurrence within the first month. Patients with ≥ 1 hyperkalemia recurrence during follow-up had a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 2.6 ± 2.2 recurrences. The mean ± SD time to first hyperkalemia recurrence was 45 ± 46 days; the time between recurrences decreased with subsequent episodes. Hyperkalemia-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits were recorded for 13.7% and 1.5% of patients, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that results were consistent across patient subgroups, including those with comorbid heart failure and patients receiving renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor therapy at baseline. CONCLUSION: Most patients with stage 3-4 CKD had hyperkalemia recurrence, and MNT alone was inadequate to prevent recurrence. These patients may require additional long-term treatment, such as novel potassium binders, to maintain normokalemia and prevent hyperkalemia recurrence following MNT. Infographic available for this article. INFOGRAPHIC.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) typically receive dietary counseling from a registered dietician, referred to as medical nutrition therapy, to help reduce their risk of complications of CKD while addressing their specific nutritional needs. Patients with CKD have an increased risk of elevated blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), which has potentially life-threatening consequences. Although medical nutrition therapy may help patients with hyperkalemia to manage their dietary potassium intake, its effects in preventing recurrence are unclear. Our aim was to determine whether medical nutrition therapy can help prevent hyperkalemia recurrence after an initial event in patients with non-dialysis-dependent (stage 3­4) CKD in real-world clinical practice. We used data from de-identified electronic health records to study hyperkalemia recurrence over 6 months in patients with stage 3­4 CKD who received medical nutrition therapy within 30 days after experiencing hyperkalemia. Over half of the patients (56.0%) had at least one hyperkalemia recurrence within an average of 45 days during the 6 months after medical nutrition therapy; these patients had an average of 2.6 distinct recurrences in 6 months. In patients with two or more hyperkalemia recurrences, the time between these became shorter than 30 days. Our real-world study results show that hyperkalemia is a chronic, recurring condition in patients with stage 3­4 CKD, and that medical nutrition therapy is not enough to prevent its recurrence. This suggests that these patients may need additional long-term treatment for hyperkalemia, such as novel potassium binder therapy, to prevent hyperkalemia recurrence.

Tetraalkylammonium salts (TAS) in solar energy applications - A review on in vitro and in vivo toxicity.

Tetraalkylammonium salt (TAS) is an organic salt widely employed as a precursor, additive or electrolyte in solar cell applications, such as perovskite or dye-sensitized solar cells. Notably, Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered acclaim for their exceptional efficiency. However, PSCs have been associated with environmental and health concerns due to the presence of lead (Pb) content, the use of hazardous solvents, and the incorporation of TAS in their fabrication processes, which significantly contributes to environmental and human health toxicity. As a response, there is a growing trend towards transitioning to safer and biobased materials in PSC fabrication to address these concerns. However, the potential health hazards associated with TAS necessitate a thorough evaluation, considering the widespread use of this substance. Nevertheless, the overexploitation of TAS could potentially increase the disposal of TAS in the ecosystem, thus, posing a major health risk and severe pollution. Therefore, this review article presents a comprehensive discussion on the in vitro and in vivo toxicity assays of TAS as a potential material in solar energy applications, including cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, in vivo dermal, and systemic toxicity. In addition, this review emphasizes the toxicity of TAS compounds, particularly the linear tetraalkyl chain structures, and summarizes essential findings from past studies as a point of reference for the development of non-toxic and environmentally friendly TAS derivatives in future studies. The effects of the TAS alkyl chain length, polar head and hydrophobicity, cation and anion, and other properties are also included in this review.

Updated core competencies in pharmacoepidemiology to inform contemporary curricula and training for academia, government, and industry.

PURPOSE: The first paper to specify the core content of pharmacoepidemiology as a profession was published by an ISPE (International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology) workgroup in 2012 (Jones JK et al. PDS 2012; 21[7]:677-689). Due to the broader and evolving scope of pharmacoepidemiology, ISPE considers it important to proactively identify, update and expand the list of core competencies to inform curricula of education programs; thus, better positioning pharmacoepidemiologists across academic, government (including regulatory), and industry positions. The aim of this project was to update the list of core competencies in pharmacoepidemiology. METHODS: To ensure applicability of findings to multiple areas, a working group was established consisting of ISPE members with positions in academia, industry, government, and other settings. All competencies outlined by Jones et al. were extracted from the initial manuscript and presented to the working group for review. Expert-based judgments were collated and used to identify consensus. It was noted that some competencies could contribute to multiple groups and could be directly or indirectly related to a group. RESULTS: Five core domains were proposed: (1) Epidemiology, (2) Clinical Pharmacology, (3) Regulatory Science, (4) Statistics and data science, and (5) Communication and other professional skills. In total, 55 individual competencies were proposed, of which 25 were new competencies. No competencies from the original work were dropped but aggregation or amendments were made where considered necessary. CONCLUSIONS: While many core competencies in pharmacoepidemiology have remained the same over the past 10 years, there have also been several updates to reflect new and emerging concepts in the field.

Brief Report: Risk of Recurrent Interstitial Lung Disease From Osimertinib Versus Erlotinib Rechallenge After Symptomatic Osimertinib-Induced Interstitial Lung Disease.

Introduction: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most frequent cause of drug-related mortality from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Yet, for patients with symptomatic osimertinib-induced ILD, the risk of recurrent ILD associated with EGFR TKI rechallenge, either with osimertinib or another TKI, such as erlotinib, is unclear. Methods: Retrospective study of 913 patients who received osimertinib treatment for EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. Clinical characteristics, ILD treatment history, and subsequent anticancer therapy of patients with symptomatic osimertinib-induced ILD were collated. The primary end point was to compare the incidence of recurrent ILD with osimertinib versus erlotinib rechallenge. Results: Of 913 patients, 35 (3.8%) had symptomatic osimertinib-induced ILD, of which 12 (34%), 15 (43%), and eight (23%) had grade 2, 3 to 4, and 5 ILD, respectively. On ILD recovery, 17 patients had EGFR TKI rechallenge with eight received osimertinib and nine received erlotinib. The risk of recurrent ILD was higher with osimertinib rechallenge than erlotinib (p = 0.0498). Of eight, five (63%) developed recurrent ILD on osimertinib rechallenge, including three patients with fatal outcomes. In contrast, only one of nine patients (11%) treated with erlotinib had recurrent ILD. Median time to second ILD occurrence was 4.7 (range 0.7-12) weeks. Median time-to-treatment failure of patients with erlotinib rechallenge was 13.2 months (95% confidence interval: 8.6-15.0). Conclusions: The risk of recurrent ILD was considerably higher with osimertinib rechallenge than erlotinib. Osimertinib rechallenge should be avoided, whereas erlotinib may be considered in patients with symptomatic osimertinib-induced ILD.

Risks of maternal cardiopulmonary events associated with ritodrine for tocolysis: A national database linkage study in 1 831 564 pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: Real-world data on cardiopulmonary events among pregnant women receiving ß-agonist therapy are scarce. In the present study, we aimed to examine the absolute and relative risks of maternal cardiopulmonary events associated with the use of ß-agonist ritodrine during pregnancy. METHODS: By linking Taiwan's National Birth Certificate Application Database with National Health Insurance data, 1 831 564 pregnancies at ≥20 weeks' gestation were identified. Age-standardized incidence rates of cardiopulmonary events among pregnant women exposed to ritodrine were estimated. Nested case-control analyses were conducted to evaluate the relative risk of pulmonary edema, heart failure, and arrhythmia associated with prior ritodrine use. Cases and controls were matched using risk set sampling, and adjusted odds ratios were estimated using conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 189 cases of pulmonary edema, 126 cases of heart failure, and 162 cases of arrhythmia were identified (corresponding age-standardized incidence rates: 20.90, 8.35, and 16.63 per 100 000 among pregnant women only exposed to oral ritodrine; 91.28, 36.01, and 14.61 per 100 000 among those ever exposed to intravenous ritodrine). Exposure to oral ritodrine was associated with a lower increased risk of pulmonary edema (aOR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.12-2.76) and arrhythmia (2.21; 1.47-3.32) whereas exposure to ritodrine injection was associated with a significantly higher risk of pulmonary edema (10.56; 6.39-17.45), arrhythmia (4.15; 1.99-8.64), and heart failure (5.58; 2.27-13.74). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women receiving intravenous ritodrine therapy had higher cardiopulmonary risks and should be intensively monitored. While the relative risk associated with oral ritodrine is not pronounced, it should be used judiciously among pregnant women as well.

Prediction of hospital mortality among critically ill patients in a single centre in Asia: comparison of artificial neural networks and logistic regression-based model.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the performance of the artificial neural network (ANN) model with the Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and IV models for predicting hospital mortality among critically ill patients in Hong Kong. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included all patients admitted to the intensive care unit of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019. The ANN model was constructed using parameters identical to the APACHE IV model. Discrimination performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC); calibration performance was evaluated using the Brier score and Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic. RESULTS: In total, 14 503 patients were included, with 10% in the validation set and 90% in the ANN model development set. The ANN model (AUROC=0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.86-0.90, Brier score=0.10; P in Hosmer-Lemeshow test=0.37) outperformed the APACHE II model (AUROC=0.85, 95% CI=0.80-0.85, Brier score=0.14; P<0.001 for both comparisons of AUROCs and Brier scores) but showed performance similar to the APACHE IV model (AUROC=0.87, 95% CI=0.85-0.89, Brier score=0.11; P=0.34 for comparison of AUROCs, and P=0.05 for comparison of Brier scores). The ANN model demonstrated better calibration than the APACHE II and APACHE IV models. CONCLUSION: Our ANN model outperformed the APACHE II model but was similar to the APACHE IV model in terms of predicting hospital mortality in Hong Kong. Artificial neural networks are valuable tools that can enhance real-time prognostic prediction.

Genomic origin, fragmentomics, and transcriptional properties of long cell-free DNA molecules in human plasma.

Recent studies have revealed an unexplored population of long cell-free DNA (cfDNA) molecules in human plasma using long-read sequencing technologies. However, the biological properties of long cfDNA molecules (>500 bp) remain largely unknown. To this end, we have investigated the origins of long cfDNA molecules from different genomic elements. Analysis of plasma cfDNA using long-read sequencing reveals an uneven distribution of long molecules from across the genome. Long cfDNA molecules show overrepresentation in euchromatic regions of the genome, in sharp contrast to short DNA molecules. We observe a stronger relationship between the abundance of long molecules and mRNA gene expression levels, compared with short molecules (Pearson's r = 0.71 vs. -0.14). Moreover, long and short molecules show distinct fragmentation patterns surrounding CpG sites. Leveraging the cleavage preferences surrounding CpG sites, the combined cleavage ratios of long and short molecules can differentiate patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from non-HCC subjects (AUC = 0.87). We also investigated knockout mice in which selected nuclease genes had been inactivated in comparison with wild-type mice. The proportion of long molecules originating from transcription start sites are lower in Dffb-deficient mice but higher in Dnase1l3-deficient mice compared with that of wild-type mice. This work thus provides new insights into the biological properties and potential clinical applications of long cfDNA molecules.

Early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: performance of a short contrast-free screening magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects early-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) not detected by endoscopic-guided biopsy (EGB), a short contrast-free screening MRI would be desirable for NPC screening programs. This study evaluated a screening MRI in a plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-DNA NPC screening program. METHODS: EBV-DNA-screen-positive patients underwent endoscopy, and endoscopy-positive patients underwent EGB. EGB was negative if the biopsy was negative or was not performed. Patients also underwent a screening MRI. Diagnostic performance was based on histologic confirmation of NPC in the initial study or during a follow-up period of at least 2 years. RESULTS: The study prospectively recruited 354 patients for MRI and endoscopy; 40/354 (11.3%) endoscopy-positive patients underwent EGB. Eighteen had NPC (5.1%), and 336 without NPC (94.9%) were followed up for a median of 44.8 months. MRI detected additional NPCs in 3/18 (16.7%) endoscopy-negative and 2/18 (11.1%) EGB-negative patients (stage I/II, n = 4; stage III, n = 1). None of the 24 EGB-negative patients who were MRI-negative had NPC. MRI missed NPC in 2/18 (11.1%), one of which was also endoscopy-negative. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of MRI, endoscopy, and EGB were 88.9%, 91.1%, 34.8%, 99.4%, and 91.0%; 77.8%, 92.3%, 35.0%, 98.7%, and 91.5%; and 66.7%, 92.3%, 31.6%, 98.1%, and 91.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A quick contrast-free screening MRI complements endoscopy in NPC screening programs. In EBV-screen-positive patients, MRI enables early detection of NPC that is endoscopically occult or negative on EGB and increases confidence that NPC has not been missed.

Risk of serious infection and infection mortality in patients with psoriasis: A nationwide cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance claims database.

BACKGROUND: The risks of serious infections that lead to hospitalization and mortality in patients with psoriasis in Asia have not been comprehensively studied. OBJECTIVES: We examined the incidence of serious infection and infection mortality in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: This population-based retrospective cohort study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance claims database from 2000 to 2017. Adult patients with psoriasis were identified by a relevant International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code and matched to six comparators without psoriasis on age and sex. Psoriasis patients were categorized as having moderate-to-severe disease once exposed to systemic therapies, phototherapy or biologic therapies. The incidence of serious infection and infection mortality were identified by ICD codes from inpatient hospitalization and death registration. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare the risk, and the results were adjusted for covariates and presented as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: Overall, 185,434 psoriasis patients and 1,112,581 comparators were included. A higher rate of serious infection (aHR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.19-1.22) was found in patients with psoriasis compared to matched comparators without psoriasis, and the risk was enhanced when patients had moderate-to-severe psoriasis (aHR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.27-1.34). Specifically, there was an increased risk of serious infection due to respiratory infections (aHR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.09-1.13), skin/soft-tissue infections (aHR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.52-1.62), sepsis (aHR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.19-1.27), urinary tract infections (aHR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.08-1.14), hepatitis B (aHR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06-1.30) and hepatitis C (aHR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.32-1.69). Furthermore, psoriasis patients were associated with a higher risk of infection-related mortality (aHR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11-1.18) compared to matched comparators. CONCLUSION: Patients with psoriasis had a higher risk of serious infection and infection mortality, which was enhanced by moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Practitioners should be aware of the increased risk in patients with psoriasis, but it should not be a barrier to offering effective treatment.

Separable mixing: The general formulation and a particular example focusing on mask efficiency.

The aim of this short note is twofold. First, we formulate the general Kermack-McKendrick epidemic model incorporating static heterogeneity and show how it simplifies to a scalar Renewal Equation (RE) when separable mixing is assumed. A key general feature is that all information about the heterogeneity is encoded in one nonlinear real valued function of a real variable. Next, we specialize the model ingredients so that we can study the efficiency of mask wearing as a non-pharmaceutical intervention to reduce the spread of an infectious disease. Our main result affirms that the best way to protect the population as a whole is to protect yourself. This qualitative insight was recently derived in the context of an SIR network model. Here, we extend the conclusion to proportionate mixing models incorporating a general function describing expected infectiousness as a function of time since infection.

The associations between whole grain, sugar and nutrients intakes in schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Whole grains have gained extensive attention for their contribution to optimal diet quality in the child population. However, little is known about the association between whole grain and sugar intakes. This study aimed to determine whole grain intake and its associations with sugar and other nutrients intakes in schoolchildren. METHODS: A total of 415 healthy Malaysian schoolchildren aged 9-12 years were recruited in this cross-sectional study, through cluster random sampling. Nutrient and sugar intakes were assessed using 3-day 24-hour diet recalls. Whole grain intake was assessed using a validated whole grain food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: In these 415 children (9.4-12.7 years), a total of 24 of them have been excluded due to over- and under-reported their dietary intake. Ultimate sample size was 391 children. Overall, consumption of whole grain, fiber, calcium and B vitamins were lower than the recommended intake. However, children consumed protein sufficiently. Whole grain intake was a significant predictor of calorie (ß = 0.1011; p < 0.001), carbohydrate (ß = 0.060; p = 0.002), fat (ß = 0.107; p = 0.044), riboflavin (ß = 3.537; p = 0.008) and sugar (ß = 0.138; p = 0.007) intakes, after controlling for sex, age and ethnicity. CONCLUSION: The findings provide insight to parents, educators and healthcare professionals in encouraging children to choose whole grain food that is low in sugar and fat. The outcome will also encourage food manufacturing companies to produce healthier whole grain products.

Ten-year territory-wide trends in the utilisation and clinical outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Hong Kong.

INTRODUCTION: The utilisation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been rapidly increasing in Hong Kong. This study examined 10-year trends in the utilisation and clinical outcomes of ECMO in Hong Kong. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all adult patients receiving ECMO who were admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of public hospitals in Hong Kong between 2010 and 2019. Temporal trends across years were assessed using the Mann-Kendall test. Observed hospital mortality was compared with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV-predicted mortality. RESULTS: The annual number of patients receiving ECMO increased from 18 to 171 over 10 years. In total, 911 patients received ECMO during the study period: 297 (32.6%) received veno-arterial ECMO, 450 (49.4%) received veno-venous ECMO, and 164 (18.0%) received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The annual number of patients aged ≥65 years increased from 0 to 47 (27.5%) [P for trend=0.001]. The median (interquartile range) Charlson Comorbidity Index increased from 1 (0-1) to 2 (1-3) [P for trend<0.001] while the median (interquartile range) APACHE IV score increased from 90 (57-112) to 105 (77-137) [P for trend=0.003]. The overall standardised mortality ratio comparing hospital mortality with APACHE IV-predicted mortality was 1.11 (95% confidence interval=1.01-1.22). Hospital and ICU length of stay both significantly decreased (P for trend=0.011 and <0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: As ECMO utilisation increased in Hong Kong, patients put on ECMO were older, more critically ill, and had more co-morbidities. It is important to combine service expansion with adequate resource allocation and training to maintain quality of care.

Barriers to Surgical Intervention and Factors Influencing Motor Outcomes in Patients with Severe Peripheral Nerve Injury: A Province Wide Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the importance of timing of nerve surgery after peripheral nerve injury, optimal timing of intervention has not been clearly delineated. The goal of this study is to explore factors that may have a significant impact on clinical outcomes of severe peripheral nerve injury that requires reconstruction with nerve transfer or graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who underwent peripheral nerve transfer or grafting in Alberta were reviewed. Clustered multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of time to surgery, type of nerve repair, and patient characteristics on strength outcomes. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis model was used to examine factors correlated with increased time to surgery. RESULTS: Of the 163 patients identified, the median time to surgery was 212 days. For every week of delay, the adjusted odds of achieving Medical Research Council strength grade ≥ 3 decreases by 3%. An increase in preinjury comorbidities was associated with longer overall time to surgery (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.95). Referrals made by surgeons were associated with a shorter time to surgery compared to general practitioners (aHR 1.87, 95% CI 1.14-3.06). In patients treated with nerve transfer, the adjusted odds of achieving antigravity strength was 388% compared to nerve grafting; while the adjusted odds decreased by 65% if the injury sustained had a pre-ganglionic injury component. CONCLUSION: Mitigating delays in surgical intervention is crucial to optimizing outcomes. The nature of initial nerve injury and surgical reconstructive techniques are additional important factors that impact postoperative outcomes.

Amorphous Thickness-Dependent Strengthening-Softening Transition in Crystalline-Amorphous Nanocomposites.

Core-shell crystalline-amorphous nanocomposites, featuring nanograins surrounded by thick amorphous boundaries, are promising nanoarchitectures for achieving exceptional strength through cooperative strengthening effects. However, a comprehensive understanding of the influence of characteristic sizes, particularly the amorphous thickness, on codeformation strengthening is still lacking, limiting the attainment of the strength limit. Here, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate Cu-CuTa crystalline-amorphous nanocomposites with varying grain sizes and amorphous thicknesses. Our findings demonstrate significant strengthening effects in nanocomposites, effectively suppressing the Hall-Petch breakdown observed in traditional amorphous-free nanograined Cu. Intriguingly, we observe a maximum strength followed by a strengthening-softening transition dependent on the amorphous thickness, as exemplified by a representative nanocomposite featuring a 12.5 nm grain size and a critical amorphous thickness of 4 nm. Inspired by observed shifts in atomistic mechanisms, we developed a theoretical model encompassing variations in grain size and amorphous thickness, providing valuable insights into the size-strength relationship for crystalline-amorphous nanocomposites.