A widening gap between boys and girls in musculoskeletal complaints, while growing up from age 11 to age 20 - the PIAMA birth Cohort study.

Introduction: The adolescent years represent a key period for the development of musculoskeletal complaints (MSC) and the differences between boys and girls. We evaluated the prevalence and course of MSC and factors associated with MSC while growing up from age 11 to age 20.

Methods: Questionnaire-based data at age 11 (n = 2,638), age 14 (n = 2,517), age 17 (n = 2,094) and at age 20 (n = 2,206) from the ongoing Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) birth cohort were analyzed.

Headache in girls and boys growing up from age 11 to 20 years: the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study.

The striking difference between men and women in headache prevalence is suggested to develop in adolescence. Although headaches are common and affect quality of life and daily functioning, the evidence needed to develop effective counselling and preventive approaches is still limited. Using data collected at age 11, 14, 17, and 20 years in the Dutch Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study (n = 3064 with ≥ 1 questionnaire), we assessed headache prevalence and incidence in girls and boys and explored associations with early life, environmental, lifestyle, health, and psychosocial factors.

Epitaxy of advanced nanowire quantum devices.

Semiconductor nanowires are ideal for realizing various low-dimensional quantum devices. In particular, topological phases of matter hosting non-Abelian quasiparticles (such as anyons) can emerge when a semiconductor nanowire with strong spin-orbit coupling is brought into contact with a superconductor. To exploit the potential of non-Abelian anyons-which are key elements of topological quantum computing-fully, they need to be exchanged in a well-controlled braiding operation.