bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Letter: elderly AS‐AIH patients need more attention
Authors: Shen Mengyi , Fan Xiaoli , Shen Yi , Yang Li
Published: December 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Téllez et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16926 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17287
Editorial: the impact of COVID on the management of IBD flares: different care but similar outcomes—authors' reply
Authors: Saifuddin Aamir , Kent Alexandra J. , Mehta Shameer J. , Sebastian Shaji
Published: December 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Saifuddin et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17223 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17259
Prolonged gut microbial alterations in post‐transplant survivors of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hino Akihisa , Fukushima Kentaro , Kusakabe Shinsuke , Ueda Tomoaki , Sudo Takao , Fujita Jiro , Motooka Daisuke , Takeda Aya K. , Shinozaki Natsuko O. , Watanabe Satoshi , Yokota Takafumi , Shibayama Hirohiko , Nakamura Shota , Hosen Naoki
Published: December 2022

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been reported to increase early complications after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). However, it remains unclear whether gut microbial alterations persist during late complications, such as chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) or secondary cancers. Here, we analysed the gut microbiota of 59 patients who survived for 1–21.7 years (median, 6.4 years) after allo‐HSCT. Long‐term survivors showed lower gut microbial diversity than the age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. This decreased diversity was reflected in the reduced abundance of the butyrate‐producing bacteria. Patients with a history of grade 3 acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) exhibited higher Veillonella abundance than patients with a history of grade 1–2 or non‐aGVHD cases. The abundance of Faecalibacterium showed no decrease only in limited cGVHD cases. Additionally, the microbial structure in the secondary cancer group was significantly different (p < 0.05) from that in the non‐secondary cancer group. This study is the first to show that microbial dysbiosis is present over a 10‐year lifetime after discharge following allo‐HSCT. Our results suggest that these prolonged gut microbial alterations may be associated with the development and exacerbation of late complications in post‐transplant survivors.
Pathogenic roles of neutrophil‐derived alarmins (S100A8/A9) in heart failure: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic insights
Authors: Bai Bo , Xu Yun , Chen Haibo
Published: December 2022

An excessive neutrophil count is recognized as a valuable predictor of inflammation and is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events in patients with heart failure. Our understanding of the effectors used by neutrophils to inflict proinflammatory actions needs to be advanced. Recently, emerging evidence has demonstrated a causative role of neutrophil‐derived alarmins (i.e. S100A8/A9) in aggravating cardiac injuries by induction of inflammation. In parallel with the neutrophil count, high circulating levels of S100A8/A9 proteins powerfully predict mortality in patients with heart failure. As such, a deeper understanding of the biological functions of neutrophil‐derived S100A8/A9 proteins would offer novel therapeutic insights. Here, the basic biology of S100A8/A9 proteins and their pleiotropic roles in cardiovascular diseases are discussed, focusing on heart failure. We also consider the evidence that therapeutic targeting of S100A8/A9 proteins by the humanized vaccine, antibodies or inhibitors is able to town down inflammatory injuries.
The cancer epigenome: Non‐cell autonomous player in tumor immunity
Authors: Kato Shinichiro , Maeda Yuka , Sugiyama Daisuke , Watanabe Keisuke , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Hinohara Kunihiko
Published: December 2022

Dysregulation of the tumor‐intrinsic epigenetic circuit is a key driver event for the development of cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic and/or genetic drivers stimulate intrinsic oncogenic pathways as well as extrinsic factors that modulate the immune system. These modulations indeed shape the tumor microenvironment (TME), allowing pro‐oncogenic factors to become oncogenic, thereby contributing to cancer development and progression. Here we review the epigenetic dysregulation arising in cancer cells that disseminates throughout the TME and beyond. Recent CRISPR screening has elucidated key epigenetic drivers that play important roles in the proliferation of cancer cells (intrinsic) and inhibition of antitumor immunity (extrinsic), which lead to the development and progression of cancer. These epigenetic players can serve as promising targets for cancer therapy as a dual (two‐in‐one)‐targeted approach. Considering the interplay between cancer and the immune system as a key determinant of immunotherapy, we discuss a novel lineage‐tracing technology that enables longitudinal monitoring of cancer and immune phenotypic heterogeneity and fate paths during cancer development, progression, and therapeutic interventions.
Landscape of short‐acting beta‐agonists (SABA) overuse in Europe
Authors: de las Vecillas Leticia , Quirce Santiago
Published: December 2022

This review article provides an overview of short‐acting beta‐agonist (SABA) use and prescribing trends in Europe, summarizing updated data on the results from the industry‐funded SABINA program (SABA use IN asthma) and other studies on this matter. SABA use continues to increase worldwide. Overuse has been defined as ≥3 canisters/year. Almost a third of European patients with asthma, at all severity levels, overuse SABA. Guidelines recommend close monitoring of patients who overuse SABA and avoiding over‐reliance on SABA monotherapy. SABA overuse is associated with increased risk of asthma exacerbations and mortality, increased use of health services and negative physical and mental health outcomes. Reliance on SABA monotherapy can be unsafe and therefore it is necessary to change asthma treatment approaches and policies. Changes in physician and patient behaviours towards SABA use are required to ensure that patients with asthma are not over‐reliant on SABA monotherapy. Notwithstanding, the limitations of the studies on the use of SABA should be considered, taking into account that the prescription/purchase of medication canisters does not always represent the actual use of the medication and that associations between SABA overuse and poor asthma outcomes may not be directly causal. National health systems and asthma guidelines must align asthma management with global recommendations and adjust them to local needs.
Effects of APOE ε2 allele on basal forebrain functional connectivity in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Xiaocao , Zeng Qingze , Luo Xiao , Li Kaicheng , Xu Xiaopei , Hong Luwei , Li Jixuan , Guan Xiaojun , Xu Xiaojun , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Min‐Ming ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: December 2022

Background

Basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) dysfunction is associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε2 is a protective genetic factor in AD and MCI, and cholinergic sprouting depends on APOE.

Objective

We investigated the effect of the APOE ε2 allele on BFCS functional connectivity (FC) in cognitively normal (CN) subjects and MCI patients.

Method

We included 60 MCI patients with APOE ε3/ε3, 18 MCI patients with APOE ε2/ε3, 73 CN subjects with APOE ε3/ε3, and 36 CN subjects with APOE ε2/ε3 genotypes who had resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We used BFCS subregions (Ch1‐3 and Ch4) as seeds and calculated the FC with other brain areas. Using a mixed‐effect analysis, we explored the interaction effects of APOE ε2 allele × cognitive status on BFCS‐FC. Furthermore, we examined the relationships between imaging metrics, cognitive abilities, and AD pathology markers, controlling for sex, age, and education as covariates.

Results

An interaction effect on functional connectivity was found between the right Ch4 (RCh4) and left insula (p < 0.05, corrected), and between the RCh4 and left Rolandic operculum (p < 0.05, corrected). Among all subjects and APOE ε2 carriers, RCh4‐left Insula FC was associated with early tau deposition. Furthermore, no correlation was found between imaging metrics and amyloid burden. Among all subjects and APOE ε2 carriers, FC metrics were associated with cognitive performance.

Conclusion

The APOE ε2 genotype may play a protective role during BFCS degeneration in MCI.
Enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with decreased brain tau deposition
Authors: Kang Koung Mi , Byun Min Soo , Yi Dahyun , Lee Kyung Hoon , Kim Min Jung , Ahn Hyejin , Jung Gijung , Lee Jun‐Young , Kim Yu Kyeong , Lee Yun‐Sang , Sohn Chul‐Ho , Lee Dong Young ,   for the KBASE Research Group
Published: December 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) in the basal ganglia (BG) and centrum semiovale (CSO) with beta‐amyloid (Aβ) and tau deposition in older adults with a diverse cognitive spectrum.

Methods

A total of 163 (68 cognitively normal and 95 cognitively impaired) older participants underwent [11C] Pittsburgh compound B and [18F] AV‐1451 PET, and MRI. EPVS in the BG and CSO and other small vessel disease markers, such as white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, and deep and lobar microbleeds, were assessed.

Results

Increased EPVS in the BG showed a significant association with lower cerebral tau deposition, even after controlling for other small vessel disease markers. Further exploratory analyses showed that this association was significant in cognitively impaired, Aβ‐positive, or APOE4‐positive individuals, but not significant in the cognitively normal, Aβ‐negative, or APOE4‐negative participants. In contrast to EPVS in the BG, EPVS in the CSO did not have any relationship with cerebral tau deposition. In addition, none of the two types of EPVS were associated with cerebral Aβ deposition.

Conclusion

Brain tau deposition appears to be reduced with increased EPVS in the BG, especially in individuals with cognitive impairment, pathological amyloid burden, or genetic Alzheimer's disease risk.
State of the art – Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to thoracic transplantation
Authors: Orozco‐Hernandez Erik , DeLay Thomas Kurt , Gongora Enrique , Bellot Chris , Rusanov Victoria , Wille Keith , Tallaj Jose , Pamboukian Salpy , Kaleekal Thomas , Mcelwee Sam , Hoopes Charles
Published: December 2022

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has revolutionized the treatment of refractory cardiac and respiratory failure, and its use continues to increase, particularly in adults. However, ECMO‐related morbidity and mortality remain high.

Main Text

In this review, we investigate and expand upon the current state of the art in thoracic transplant and extracorporeal life support (ELS). In particular, we examine recent increase in incidence of heart transplant in patients supported by ECMO; the potential changes in patient care and selection for transplant in the years prior to updated United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) organ allocation guidelines versus those in the years following, particularly where these guidelines pertain to ECMO; and the newly revived practice of heart‐lung block transplants (HLT) and the prevalence and utility of ECMO support in patients listed for HLT.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight encouraging outcomes in patients bridged to transplant with ECMO, considerable changes in treatment surrounding the updated UNOS guidelines, and complex, diverse outcomes among different centers in their care for increasingly ill patients listed for thoracic transplant.
Local resource reliance of juvenile fish in small lakes
Authors: Nease Patricia , Höök Tomas O.
Published: December 2022

Juvenile stages of fishes are frequently bottlenecks to recruitment. Habitat use of early life stages and the extent to which fish rely on local resources may affect how they respond to habitat loss and alterations, with important implications for habitat management. To investigate the potential for prolonged reliance on local resources, we quantified stable isotope ratios (δ13 carbon, δ15 nitrogen, δ18 oxygen and δ2 hydrogen) of young‐of‐year (YOY) largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and isotope ratios of locally collected water and potential prey across three study components, a controlled pond experiment, a multi‐lake survey and a detailed single‐lake survey. Across study components, we observed habitat and site fidelity of YOY largemouth bass in mid‐summer, demonstrated by distinct spatial differences in young bass stable isotope ratios. Additionally, we observed significant, positive correlations between δ13C of YOY largemouth bass and δ13C of locally collected invertebrates and small bluegill Lepomis macrochirus in the single lake survey, suggesting localised foraging. Later in summer, spatial differences in largemouth bass stable isotope ratios were not apparent, indicating a transition to more spatially integrated foraging. Prior to switch to piscivory, YOY largemouth bass rely on local resources indicating that they may be more susceptible, both positively and negatively, to hyper‐local changes in forage availability or disturbances. This study demonstrates that stable isotope ratios allow for differentiating environmental experiences among young fish in relatively close proximity in small freshwater systems. Moreover, high spatial variation of consumer stable isotope ratios demonstrates the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity in stable isotope studies.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Hoeynck Brian W. , Cohen Adam D. , Stadtmauer Edward A. , Susanibar‐Adaniya Sandra P. , Vogl Dan T. , Waxman Adam J. , Bardsley Mark , Le Samantha , LaMaestra Lexis , Garfall Alfred L.
Published: December 2022

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare and often fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by reactivation of the JC virus in the context of immune suppression such as HIV, malignancy, and certain immunomodulatory medications. PML has been reported only rarely in multiple myeloma patients, and its presenting features and natural history in this population are not well known. We describe six cases of PML among multiple myeloma patients treated at our institution between 2013 and 2022, including two that developed on or shortly after treatment with recently developed BCMA‐directed immunotherapies.
Scale of population synchrony confirms macroecological estimates of minimum viable range size
Authors: Carvajal‐Quintero Juan , Comte Lise , Giam Xingli , Olden Julian D. , Brose Ulrich , Erős Tibor , Filipe Ana Filipa , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Irving Katie , Jacquet Claire , Larsen Stefano , Ruhi Albert , Sharma Sapna , Villalobos Fabricio , Tedesco Pablo A.
Published: December 2022

Global ecosystems are facing a deepening biodiversity crisis, necessitating robust approaches to quantifying species extinction risk. The lower limit of the macroecological relationship between species range and body size has long been hypothesized as an estimate of the relationship between the minimum viable range size (MVRS) needed for species persistence and the organismal traits that affect space and resource requirements. Here, we perform the first explicit test of this assumption by confronting the MVRS predicted by the range‐body size relationship with an independent estimate based on the scale of synchrony in abundance among spatially separated populations of riverine fish. We provide clear evidence of a positive relationship between the scale of synchrony and species body size, and strong support for the MVRS set by the lower limit of the range‐body size macroecological relationship. This MVRS may help prioritize first evaluations for unassessed or data‐deficient taxa in global conservation assessments.
Photovoltaic power combination prediction system based on improved multi‐objective optimization algorithm and nonlinear weighting strategy
Authors: Wang Jianzhou , Guo Honggang , Song Aiyi
Published: December 2022

The large‐scale connection of photovoltaic (PV) power generation to the power grid introduces considerable challenges to the grid's stable operation. To ensure grid stability, the key is to improve the accuracy of PV power prediction. Currently, PV power prediction is primarily dependent on single‐model construction, which ignores the role of data processing technologies, thus resulting in inadequate prediction performance. Accordingly, in this study, a combined prediction system is developed by integrating advanced deep learning algorithms and data processing techniques to improve the accuracy of PV power prediction. In addition, a nonlinear weighting strategy based on an improved multi‐objective dragonfly optimization algorithm (IMODA) is proposed to determine the final prediction result. In the IMODA, cloud model generator, tent mapping, and Pareto solution selection strategy based on knee points are introduced to resolve the defects of the original algorithm. The performance of the proposed combined system was scientifically evaluated and analysed by considering the PV power datasets of four seasons in Belgium as an example. The mean absolute percentage errors of the proposed system on the four datasets are 4.0198, 4.7943, 4.3587, and 5.9286. These values indicate an improvement range of 5%–30% compared with the errors of other benchmark models.
An evaluation of Montana's child welfare court pre‐hearing conference pilot project
Authors: Summers Alicia , Kirshenbaum Jacqueline
Published: December 2022

Pre‐hearing conferences are a form of alternative dispute resolution that have been implemented into the child welfare court process. Montana recently piloted a pre‐hearing conference model to occur before the first hearing on the case. The goal of the pilot was to increase discussion and resolution of contested visitation, placement, and service issues and to better engage parents in the process. Data were collected across multiple years to explore the effectiveness of the pilot in improving outcomes for children and families. Analysis of the data revealed a positive relationship between program implementation and timelier permanency. Parents who attend and have higher levels of participation in the pre‐hearing conference are also more likely to reunify.
Mixed‐mode I/II fracture properties and failure characteristics of microwave‐irradiated basalt: An experimental study
Authors: Yang Zheng , Yin Tubing , Wu You , Zhuang Dengdeng , Yin Jiewen , Ma Jiexin
Published: December 2022

The notched semicircular bending samples with different microwave irradiations were subjected to 3‐point bending fracture tests under mixed‐mode I/II loading to investigate the effects of microwave irradiation on the fracture characteristics of basalt. Influences of the irradiation duration on the temperature, P‐wave velocity, and mixed‐mode I/II fracture characteristics under 2 kW power were studied. The acoustic emission device was utilized to monitor the acoustic emission signals during the destruction process. The P‐wave velocity and equivalent fracture toughness are weakened by microwave irradiation, but the ductility of basalt is enhanced by microwave irradiation. The microscopic characteristics of the treated basalts were observed by scanning electron microscope. Microwave irradiation aggravated the creation and propagation of microcracks and pores. The study of the influence of microwave irradiation on mixed‐mode I/II fracture characteristics of rock provides effective theoretical support for microwave‐assisted rock fragmentation.
Gene therapy preferences and informed decision‐making: Results from a National Hemophilia Foundation Community Voices in research survey
Authors: Limjoco Jacqueline , Calatroni Agustin , Aristizabal Paula , Thornburg Courtney D.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

To inform education and treatment discussions, it is important to understand how persons with haemophilia prefer to learn about and discuss new therapies and to identify variables that influence decision‐making.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate preferences and variables which influence decision‐making related to gene therapy and other novel haemophilia therapies.

Methods

An online survey was sent to men with severe haemophilia enrolled in the National Hemophilia Foundation Community Voices in Research online platform for patient‐powered research.

Results

One hundred four men completed the survey including 33% Hispanics, 96 who had had not gene therapy and 71/96 (74%) who were on prophylaxis. Ninety‐five percent were somewhat or very familiar with gene therapy. Men with haemophilia obtain information about new therapies from several sources, most commonly their haemophilia treatment team, patient advocacy groups and self‐study. Participants identified safety and efficacy as well as other educational needs to inform decision‐making. Of those without prior gene therapy, 73% indicated a high likelihood of considering gene therapy. Hispanic ethnicity and government‐issued insurance were associated with a higher likelihood of considering gene therapy as a treatment option.

Conclusion

Haemophilia Treatment Centers and patient advocacy groups must be able to educate persons with haemophilia about aspects of novel therapies which are important to the individual, especially short‐ and long‐term safety and efficacy. Further research is needed to determine how patient activation and health literacy influence decision‐making and how to achieve equitable access and valid informed consent for novel therapies.
Perceived cognitive functioning in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy compared to matched healthy women: Evidence from a Portuguese study
Authors: Oliveira Ana F. , Torres Ana , Teixeira Ricardo J. , Monteiro Sara , Pereira Anabela , Santos Isabel M.
Published: December 2022

Aim

Cognitive concerns are one of the most frequently reported symptoms by breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to evaluate perceived cognitive functioning in Portuguese women with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study enrolling 146 women (73 with breast cancer and 73 healthy) was conducted from August to October 2017, invited to participate through online dissemination. Participants completed self‐reported questionnaires to collect sociodemographic and clinical data and assess perceived cognitive functioning and psychological adjustment variables (anxiety and depression).

Results

Compared to healthy women, women with breast cancer showed significantly lower scores on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Cognitive Function (FACT‐Cog) subscales and higher levels of depression. Both groups showed significant negative correlations between perceived cognitive functioning and anxiety and depression. Health status and depression seem to better explain perceived cognitive functioning, with health status adding significantly more explained variance beyond sociodemographic and psychological adjustment variables.

Conclusion

The current findings provide evidence for the existence of more cognitive complaints among Portuguese women with breast cancer, compared to healthy individuals. Anxiety, depression, age and education also explain perceived cognitive functioning. Considering that health status and psychological adjustment seem to significantly explain perceived cognitive functioning, special attention should be given by health‐care professionals, including nurses, to designing clinical interventions for breast cancer patients to help manage cognitive impairment.
Negative situation appraisal and mental well‐being among refugees in Germany: Serial mediation by religious coping and sense of coherence
Authors: Skalski‐Bednarz Sebastian Binyamin , Konaszewski Karol , Muszyńska Jolanta , Maier Kathrin , Surzykiewicz Janusz
Published: December 2022

It has been widely demonstrated that pre‐ and post‐migration experiences can be highly traumatic for refugees. The purpose of this study was to assess the mediating effects of religious coping and sense of coherence on the association of negative dysfunctional situation appraisal and mental well‐being among refugees. Paper surveys were completed by 600 people representing various refugee groups (mostly from Mashreq Countries) in German Bavaria, aged 18–65. Mediation analysis revealed that negative religious coping and sense of coherence singly and serially mediated the relationship between negative dysfunctional situation appraisal and well‐being, whereas positive religious coping did not have statistically significant relationships with these variables. The data obtained suggest that the negative religious coping style and sense of coherence are two important targets for future experimental studies, and interventions on them may bring the synergistic effect on improving mental well‐being in refugees.
Self‐reported gaps in care coordination and preventable adverse outcomes among older adults receiving home health care
Authors: Sterling Madeline R. , Lau Jennifer , Rajan Mangala , Safford Monika M. , Akinyelure Oluwasegun Philip , Kern Lisa M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Older adults see multiple outpatient providers and increasingly use home health care (HHC) services. Previous studies attempting to draw inferences about the association between HHC use and patient outcomes have been mixed. Whether HHC is associated with care coordination and how both influence outcomes are unknown. In addition, prior studies have not taken the patient perspective into account. We examined the association between receiving HHC and self‐reported gaps in care coordination and separately, preventable adverse outcomes.

Methods

The analysis for this cross‐sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and June 2022, using data on 4296 Medicare beneficiaries from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study who completed a survey on care coordination from 2017 to 2018. The associations between the receipt of HHC and two outcomes (a gap in care coordination, and separately, a preventable adverse event) were examined with Poisson models with robust standard errors. Potential confounders were accounted for through propensity score‐based inverse probability weighting.

Results

Among 4296 participants, 430 (10%) received HHC and they were older and had more comorbidities and ambulatory visits than those without HHC. HHC was not associated with differences in self‐reported gaps in care coordination (33.3% HHC vs. 32.5% no‐HHC, p = 0.70). HHC recipients reported more preventable drug–drug interactions (9.1% vs. 4.0%, p < 0.001) but not more preventable ED visits or hospital admissions. In IPW‐adjusted models, HHC was not associated with gaps in care coordination (p = 0.60) but was associated with double the risk of a preventable adverse outcome (aRR 2.06; CI: 1.37, 3.10, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

HHC recipients were significantly more likely (than those without HHC) to report a potentially preventable adverse event (particularly a drug–drug interaction), suggesting an opportunity to improve patient safety by leveraging the observations of older adults receiving HHC.
Disentangling social impacts in global value chains through structural path analysis: Investigating forced labor in the cotton industry
Authors: García‐Alaminos Ángela , Monsalve Fabio , Zafrilla Jorge
Published: December 2022

This analysis proposes an analytical method to trace the precise pathways through which impacts from a specific origin are disseminated worldwide and embodied in high‐income nations' consumption. Our methodological approach is based on a multi‐regional input–output model developed using EXIOBASE data for 2019. The model is extended with the structural path analysis (SPA) methodology, which allows us to trace and quantify the critical interactions in the impacts' dissemination process from their origin until reaching their destination as final demand in a specific industry and region. The SPA method is explored both in gross and net terms as complementary perspectives to disentangle the complexity of global value chains, which is the main contribution of our approach. The net assessment accounts just for interindustry transactions, whereas the gross analysis considers all steps of the value chain, even those occurring at an intraindustry level. In this work, we analyze a case study to expose the features of this proposal, which focuses on assessing the global reach of forced labor in the cotton industry in the two leading worldwide cotton producers. Textile global value chains are intricate and complex, making it hard to trace the negative social impacts linked to them. Therefore, a deeper understanding of how forced labor is disseminated worldwide until reaching developed nations is necessary to shed light on the social sustainability debate. Although this kind of forced labor seems to be a regional affair, our results show that more than 13% of the estimated forced workers are attributed to the European Union and the United States consumption, respectively, with apparel, footwear, and textiles as key goods embodying these workers. After analyzing the specific paths of dissemination linked to the fashion demand of the European Union and the United States, our key findings show the predominant role of the Chinese and Indian textile industries in most paths given the high number of intrasectoral transformations inside this sector. We also show that forced labor in the Chinese cotton industry is even more distant to the final consumer than usual unskilled labor, which is an additional obstacle to its traceability.
Developing a material flow monitor for the Netherlands from national statistical data
Authors: Delahaye Roel , Tunn Vivian S. C. , Tukker Arnold
Published: December 2022

Effective monitoring of national circular economy policies requires consistent, national databases of material flows and environmental impacts. Yet, databases and indicators developed so far are scattered and inconsistent. To tackle this problem, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) developed a material flow monitor (MFM) that integrates existing statistics using principles of the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA). The MFM is the physical counterpart of the Dutch supply and use tables (SUT) of the National Accounts and is also referred to as physical SUT (P‐SUT). The P‐SUT captures national resource extraction, product imports and exports, product flows between economic sectors, as well as emissions and waste streams resulting from economic activities. Our work illustrates how a statistical office can use and enrich its formal statistical data to compose an MFM consistent with the National Accounts and how indicators can be extracted with a case study on the bio‐based economy. We contribute a clear step‐by‐step description of the method and the used datasets. This supports the development of MFMs by other statistical offices and researchers, thereby enabling consistent and comparable circular economy monitoring.
Adherence and concordance among Q‐Graders in the sensory analysis of coffees
Authors: Fioresi Deusélio Bassini , Ramos Alessandro Coutinho , Bertolazi Amanda Azevedo , Pereira Lucas Louzada
Published: December 2022

In any sensory analysis, it is important to investigate whether the tasters agree with each other, because they can assign scores in a correlated, but not the concordant way. This work investigated the adherence and the concordance among tasters of the coffee sensorial analysis of the Arabica and Conilon varieties, and their impacts on the final quality ratings of these varieties. The samples were obtained from regions of the Espirito Santo state, Brazil, and were evaluated by six tasters, with five repetitions and four treatments, totaling 120 observations. Nonparametric statistical techniques were used to compare the distribution of grades, and Lin's concordance coefficient was used to analyze the concordance among tasters. The Factor Analysis by Principal Components revealed that different distributions and disagreements among tasters affect, mainly, the sensorial attributes body, overall, flavor and acidity, thus changing the final result of the evaluation and, consequently, the final quality ratings of the products. These results allow new approaches in conducting the coffee sensorial analysis.

Practical applications

The production of specialty coffees brings an excellent opportunity to add value, especially for small producers, or family producers on properties where the relief and climate make harvesting difficult, such as the mountain regions of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. This new perspective allows small producers to participate in contests to promote their product, which can be sold at different prices in the national and international markets. However, if the quality assessment methods suffer some kind of interference, the final evaluation may be unfair, or at least, incompatible with the reality of each product. The objective of this study is not to disqualify the current evaluation methods, but to justify improvements in these methods, which must be appreciated and improved by evaluators in the area.
Progression of lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in dogs hospitalized for acute pancreatitis and correlation with clinical features
Authors: Cueni Claudia , Hofer‐Inteeworn Natalie , Kümmerle‐Fraune Claudia , Müller Claudia , Kook Peter Hendrik
Published: December 2022

Background

Lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) have not been compared in dogs hospitalized for acute pancreatitis (AP).

Objectives

To describe the progression of lipase activity and PLI, and correlations with clinicopathologic features in dogs with AP.

Animals

Thirty‐nine dogs with AP based on clinical signs and lipase activity >350 U/L (reference interval [RI], 24‐108 U/L).

Methods

Retrospective study. Lipase activity (LIPC Roche), PLI (SpecPL), and clinical signs were recorded daily. Admission (d1) data (clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound [US] findings), and clinical signs during hospitalization (d2‐d3) were assessed for correlation with lipases.

Results

Median (range) duration of clinical signs before presentation was 2 days (1‐7 days). Median (range) lipase activity and PLI at d1 were 1070 U/L (range, 357‐1500 U/L) and 1111 μg/L (range, 292‐1500 μg/L). Strong correlation between assays at d1 (rs0.96;P < .0001; n = 39), remained equally strong on d2 (rs0.964;P < .0001; n = 39), and d3 (rs0.966;P < .0001; n = 22). On d2, lipase activity and PLI were within RI in 13/39 (33%) and 18/39 (46%) of cases. Lipase activities were minimally increased (median, 124 U/L) in 5 dogs with d2 PLI <200 μg/L. On d3, 4 more dogs had normal lipase activity and PLI, and the nature and magnitude of change were always the same for both assays. Clinical signs were not associated with lipases. Only a hyperechoic mesentery, but not an US diagnosis of AP, correlated significantly with lipase activity and PLI.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lipase decreases rapidly to near or within RI within 2 days of treatment in the majority of dogs with AP. Both lipase assays yielded virtually identical results. Mesenteric echogenicity may be an early marker of AP in dogs.
Whitewashing white permanence: The (dis)/(re)membering of white corporeality in early modern England
Authors: Chapman Matthieu
Published: December 2022

In early modern English drama, black flesh is remarkable. In the Shakespeare canon, the visibly black flesh of the eponymous Moor of Venice inOthelloand the villainous Aaron inTitus Andronicushas been the subject of scholarly analysis for centuries. Yet, in a field that has placed so much emphasis on flesh marked by color, unmarked flesh is imbued with assumptions of whiteness that make unremarkable, a privilege that renders it unthought and uncritiqued, processes that contribute to the normativity of whiteness as inextricable from subjectivity. This rhetoric of whiteness as largely unremarkable continues to influence our modern conceptualizations of what Shakespeare looks like both in our minds and on the stage. Too often, modern productions of Shakespeare engage in casting practices that elide important early modern identity distinctions in service of contemporary white supremacy. For instance, national identity—the difference between being English, Irish, Scottish, French, etc—mattered both for character and actor on the Early Modern English stage. Yet, these distinctions fade into the fringes of memory when casting today's productions, allowing directors to include and exclude bodies based on modern conceptions of racial difference and mis‐remembering of whiteness as a coherent and stable early modern identity. But whiteness was neither so stable nor so stoic in Shakespeare's day or in the works of Shakespeare as our modern theatrical culture continually mis‐remembers and re‐performs. This essay engages with the ways in which the modern theatre mis‐remembers Shakespeare in relation to whiteness to reinforce white supremacy. This essay uses contemporary theories of Afro‐Pessimism and Black Critical Theory to destabilize the mythology of white permanence that undergirds Renaissance history. I argue that the notions of the stable white corporeal whole that scholars and artists assume of the majority of Shakespeare's characters requires an anachronistic reading of whiteness that is the product of chattel slavery and a paradigm that relies on the destruction of black flesh for the unified white body to gain corporeal coherence. The essay concludes with a critique of epistemology arguing that this forgetting of the historical dismemberment of white flesh makes us mis‐remember the role of whiteness in our present.
Limits of semistatic trading strategies
Authors: Nutz Marcel , Wiesel Johannes , Zhao Long
Published: December 2022

We show that pointwise limits of semistatic trading strategies in discrete time are again semistatic strategies. The analysis is carried out in full generality for a two‐period model, and under a probabilistic condition for multiperiod, multistock models. Our result contrasts with a counterexample of Acciaio, Larsson, and Schachermayer, and shows that their observation is due to a failure of integrability rather than instability of the semistatic form. Mathematically, our results relate to the decomposability of functions as studied in the context of Schrödinger bridges.
Impact evaluation of a community nutrition and livelihood program on child nutrition in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Kang Yunhee , Prihartono Indira , Hossain Md. Iqbal , Min Shinhye , Kim Heeyeon , Cho Yoonho , Han Seungheon , Kim Hee Sun , Biswas Jaganmay P.
Published: December 2022

Given the high prevalence of child undernutrition in Bangladesh, multi‐sectoral approaches involving livelihood promotion have potential to mitigate the burden of undernutrition. This study examined the impact of an economic development (ED) program providing poultry assets, gardening skills and saving training added to the Positive Deviant (PD)/Hearth program (PDH/ED), compared to PD/Hearth only (PDH). A total of 1029 children who attended PD/Hearth sessions in September–November 2018 at 6–13 months of age were enrolled in the cohort study in July–August 2019. The cohort, comprised of 532 children in the PDH/ED group and 593 children in the PDH group, was reassessed in November 2020. The program impact on child nutrition, food security, crop production, dietary quality and household income was estimated using a difference‐in‐differences approach accounting for the sociodemographic differences between PDH/ED and PDH groups. Compared to the PDH group, the PDH/ED group showed increases in child dietary diversity score (DDS) (+0.32), child minimum dietary diversity (13.7 percentage points [pp]), and maternal DDS (+0.28) (all p < 0.05). From 2019 to 2020, the PDH/ED households improved food security by 12.6 pp and diversified crop production (bananas (9.7 pp), papaya (11.1 pp), carrots (3.8 pp) and lemons (5.9 pp)), and increased the proportion of annual income ≥60,000 Taka by 12.4 pp and last month income ≥5000 Taka by 7.8 pp, compared to PDH group (all p < 0.05). However, there was no impact on child nutritional status, morbidity, livestock ownership and total annual/last income. Incorporating an ED program into nutrition programming could benefit food security and dietary diversity in rural Bangladesh.
Low genetic diversity and population structuring of Amblyomma hebraeum and Rickettsia africae from coastal and inland regions in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Pillay Alicia , Nyangiwe Nkululeko , Mukaratirwa Samson
Published: December 2022

Amblyomma hebraeum is the main vector of Rickettsia africae, the causative agent of African tick bite fever in southern Africa. Because pathogen dispersal is known to be influenced by tick adaptations to climate or host species, this study aimed to analyse the genetic diversity of A. hebraeum and R. africae infection of ticks collected from cattle in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced for the COI and ITS2 markers from A. hebraeum samples and the 17 kDa and ompA genes for rickettsial detection. Between six and ten haplotypes were identified from 40 COI and 31 ITS2 sequences; however, no population structuring was observed among sites (ΦST = 0.22, p < 0.05). All A. hebraeum isolates clustered with southern Africa GenBank isolates. Rickettsia africae was detected in 46.92% (95% CI = 41%–53%, n = 260) of ticks. All R. africae isolates clustered with strain PELE and Chucks, which were reported previously from South Africa. These results confirm that A. hebraeum populations are undergoing a recent population expansion driven by cattle movement, facilitating local and long dispersal events across the Eastern Cape province.
Levels and sources of adolescents' sexual knowledge in traditional societies: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jabareen Raifa , Zlotnick Cheryl
Published: December 2022

Gender rules, patriarchy, and cultural taboos on sexual issues in traditional societies may compel adolescents to seek sexual information from informal and inadequate sources. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to determine whether the level and sources of sexual knowledge differed by gender in the traditional community comprising Palestinian‐Israeli high school students. Guided by the Human Ecological Systems Model and informed by a community‐based participatory research approach, a convenience sample of high school students (n = 558) was recruited. Although findings indicated that both boys and girls had low levels of sexual knowledge, the areas of knowledge deficits varied by gender. The model demonstrated good fit for boys but not for girls. Post hoc analyses indicated that girls obtained sexual knowledge solely from close family members, while boys obtained sexual knowledge from multiple sources. Very few students of either gender obtained sexual knowledge from doctors or nurses, but with community input on cultural issues, nurses can play a pivotal role in creating comprehensive, school‐based sex education for adolescents living in traditional societies.
Ardisia anamalaiana (Primulaceae), a new species from southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Ravichandran Vellingiri , Maruthakkutti Murugesan , Singh Richard Paulraj Selva
Published: December 2022

Ardisia anamalaiana is a new species described from Anamalai Hills, the southern Western Ghats of India. The new species is morphologically similar to A. gardneri C.B.Clarke, but differs in its leaves, petiole, inflorescence, bract, flower and pedicel. Ardisia anamalaiana is described and illustrated in detail. Morphological comparison between the new species and related taxa, a key to the genus Ardisia from the Western Ghats, colour photographs and conservation status is also provided.
An inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase safeguards plant nucleic acids from aberrant purine nucleotides
Authors: Straube Henryk , Straube Jannis , Rinne Jannis , Fischer Lisa , Niehaus Markus , Witte Claus‐Peter , Herde Marco
Published: December 2022

In plants, inosine is enzymatically introduced in some tRNAs, but not in other RNAs or DNA. Nonetheless, our data show that RNA and DNA from Arabidopsis thaliana contain (deoxy)inosine, probably derived from nonenzymatic adenosine deamination in nucleic acids and usage of (deoxy)inosine triphosphate (dITP and ITP) during nucleic acid synthesis.

We combined biochemical approaches, LC–MS, as well as RNA‐Seq to characterize a plant INOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE PYROPHOSPHATASE (ITPA) from A. thaliana, which is conserved in many organisms, and investigated the sources of deaminated purine nucleotides in plants.

Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase dephosphorylates deaminated nucleoside di‐ and triphosphates to the respective monophosphates. ITPA loss‐of‐function causes inosine di‐ and triphosphate accumulation in vivo and an elevated inosine and deoxyinosine content in RNA and DNA, respectively, as well as salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, early senescence, and upregulation of transcripts associated with immunity and senescence. Cadmium‐induced oxidative stress and biochemical inhibition of the INOSINE MONOPHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE leads to more IDP and ITP in the wild‐type (WT), and this effect is enhanced in itpa mutants, suggesting that ITP originates from ATP deamination and IMP phosphorylation.

Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase is part of a molecular protection system in plants, preventing the accumulation of (d)ITP and its usage for nucleic acid synthesis.
Mitochondrial alternative NADH dehydrogenases NDA1 and NDA2 promote survival of reoxygenation stress in Arabidopsis by safeguarding photosynthesis and limiting ROS generation
Authors: Jethva Jay , Lichtenauer Sophie , Schmidt‐Schippers Romy , Steffen‐Heins Anja , Poschet Gernot , Wirtz Markus , van Dongen Joost T. , Eirich Jürgen , Finkemeier Iris , Bilger Wolfgang , Schwarzländer Markus , Sauter Margret
Published: December 2022

Plant submergence stress is a growing problem for global agriculture. During desubmergence, rising O2 concentrations meet a highly reduced mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) in the cells. This combination favors the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the mitochondria, which at excess can cause damage. The cellular mechanisms underpinning the management of reoxygenation stress are not fully understood.

We investigated the role of alternative NADH dehydrogenases (NDs), as components of the alternative mETC in Arabidopsis, in anoxia–reoxygenation stress management.

Simultaneous loss of the matrix‐facing NDs, NDA1 and NDA2, decreased seedling survival after reoxygenation, while overexpression increased survival. The absence of NDAs led to reduced maximum potential quantum efficiency of photosystem II linking the alternative mETC to photosynthetic function in the chloroplast. NDA1 and NDA2 were induced upon reoxygenation, and transcriptional activation of NDA1 was controlled by the transcription factors ANAC016 and ANAC017 that bind to the mitochondrial dysfunction motif (MDM) in the NDA1 promoter. The absence of NDA1 and NDA2 did not alter recovery of cytosolic ATP levels and NADH : NAD+ ratio at reoxygenation. Rather, the absence of NDAs led to elevated ROS production, while their overexpression limited ROS.

Our observations indicate that the control of ROS formation by the alternative mETC is important for photosynthetic recovery and for seedling survival of anoxia–reoxygenation stress.