bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol of the IntenSify‐Trial: An open‐label phase I trial of the CYP3A inhibitor cobicistat and the cytostatics gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel in patients with advanced stage or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to evaluate the combination's pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy
Authors: Hohmann Nicolas , Sprick Martin Ronald , Pohl Moritz , Ahmed Azaz , Burhenne Jürgen , Kirchner Marietta , Le Cornet Lucian , Kratzmann Markus , Hajda Jacek , Stenzinger Albrecht , Steindorf Karen , Delorme Stefan , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Riethdorf Sabine , van Schaik Ron , Pantel Klaus , Siveke Jens , Seufferlein Thomas , Jäger Dirk , Haefeli Walter E. , Trumpp Andreas , Springfeld Christoph
Published: November 2023

Expression of CYP3A5 protein is a basal and acquired resistance mechanism of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells conferring protection against the CYP3A and CYP2C8 substrate paclitaxel through metabolic degradation. Inhibition of CYP3A isozymes restores the cells sensitivity to paclitaxel. The combination of gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel is an established regimen for the treatment of metastasized or locally advanced inoperable pancreatic cancer. Cobicistat is a CYP3A inhibitor developed for the pharmacoenhancement of protease inhibitors. The addition of cobicistat to gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel may increase the antitumor effect. We will conduct a phase I dose escalation trial with a classical 3 + 3 design to investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of gemcitabine, nab‐paclitaxel, and cobicistat. Although the doses of gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) and cobicistat (150 mg) are fixed, three dose levels of nab‐paclitaxel (75, 100, and 125 mg/m2) will be explored to account for a potential PK drug interaction. After the dose escalation phase, we will set the recommended dose for expansion (RDE) and treat up to nine patients in an expansion part of the trial. The trial is registered under the following identifiers EudraCT‐Nr. 2019‐001439‐29, drks.de: DRKS00029409, and ct.gov: NCT05494866. Overcoming resistance to paclitaxel by CYP3A5 inhibition may lead to an increased efficacy of the gemcitabine and nab‐paclitaxel regimen. Safety, efficacy, PK, and RDE data need to be acquired before investigating this combination in a large‐scale clinical study.
A participatory framework for bridging the conceptual and talent gaps in supply chain management education
Authors: Baveja Alok , Greeley Luke , McLaury William
Published: November 2023

This article argues that current Supply Chain Management (SCM) education and training is inadequate to meet the human capital needs of industry. To bridge this gap, we propose the development and deployment of SCM educational programs that provide learning opportunities earlier in students’ educational journeys. We argue that such programs should be based on self‐directed learning of SCM knowledge, business concepts/skills, and their real‐life application with help from industry partners. We present a case study of a four‐way partnership SCM educational program for high schoolers, which utilizes a project‐based learning method. Survey data and focus group discussion revealed positive developmental learning outcomes, the program's uniqueness, and challenges such as lack of awareness, expertise, and industry partners. We evaluate the efficacy of this four‐way partnership among industry, government agencies, universities, and high schools and discuss the importance of “champions” for each partner. Our findings offer a scalable educational model that leverages multi‐stakeholder engagement to address the SCM talent and educational conceptual gap.
Combination of an extremely rare and a common congenital valvular anomalies: Accessory mitral valve chordae from left atrium and bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Uygur Begum , Turkmen Irem , Erturk Mehmet
Published: November 2023

Accessory chordae tendineae is an extremely rare anomaly. In this case report, we described a 61‐year‐old female patient newly diagnosed with the combination of an accessory mitral valve chordae extending from left atrium which is an extremely rare congenital anomaly and a bicuspid aortic valve. In our patient, three‐dimensional echocardiography showed incremental value over two‐dimensional echocardiography in the assessment of the exact localization and the extend of accessory chordea.
Ocular findings in vitiligo and recommendations for dermatologists
Authors: Poondru Sneha , Alvi Saira , LeWitt Tessa M. , Haddadin Ramez , Kundu Roopal V.
Published: November 2023

Since extracutaneous melanocytes in the eye may also be affected in vitiligo, a systematic review was conducted to explore the ocular manifestations of vitiligo. Studies point to a higher risk of ocular findings in periorbital vitiligo. Dry eye disease is the most reported ocular abnormality in vitiligo. Additionally, several small studies have found potential links to uveitis and glaucoma. Various other chorioretinal pigmentary changes are also reported, but without accompanying functional consequences or changes in vision. Although there is a need for larger studies to further elucidate these associations, dermatologists should be aware of potential ocular comorbidities in vitiligo and refer to ophthalmology accordingly.
Sysmex‐derived COVID‐19 prognostic score as an early prognostic marker for severity of the COVID‐19 disease
Authors: Blažek Martin , Vrbacký Filip , Fátorová Ilona , Mirská Klára , Žák Pavel
Published: November 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a life‐threatening disease with a heterogeneous course. Even some young patients are at increased risk of severe course or death, as they can face severe complications. It would be very useful to have a cheap and easily available marker to predict COVID‐19 course in the early stages of the disease. The COVID‐19 prognostic score could be a very useful clinical indicator available at the time of primary contact with the patient.

Methods

The COVID‐19 prognostic score and the clinical condition together with selected laboratory parameters were evaluated in patients with respiratory tract infection and a positive PCR test for the SARS‐CoV‐2 during the first contact with the patient. Prognostic significance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC). Selected parameters of the blood count and hemostasis, as well as selected biochemical indicators, were examined too.

Results

Thirty‐seven of 164 patients developed serious symptoms. The COVID‐19 score had one of the highest AUC values (0.855) of all markers. The highest combination of sensitivity (91.9%) and specificity (71.7%) for identifying patients with a subsequent moderate and severe course of the disease was achieved at the threshold 1.5. The predictive value of a negative test is beneficial too (0.968).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 prognostic score is a promising indicator stratifying patients with COVID‐19 into prognostic groups at the time of the first contact, thus allowing the timely provision of increased care in patients at high risk of severe development.
Immunology across two islands: understanding the research landscape of Aotearoa (New Zealand)
Authors: Kirman Joanna R , Weinkove Robert , Borger Jessica G
Published: November 2023

In the unique landscape of immunology research in New Zealand, this article explores the collaborative networks spanning the two main islands, through a conversation with Associate Professor Joanna Kirman and Dr Robert Weinkove. The discussions delve into their dynamic collaborations with countries such as Asia, Australia and the United States, from their laboratories at the University of Otago and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, respectively, provides insight into the translational research landscape of New Zealand, and the integration of Māori culture into all aspects of scientific research and clinical practise. Kirman's work in understanding immunological memory in tuberculosis and Weinkove's research in cancer immunotherapies, particularly CAR‐T cells, are highlighted. The natural beauty and accessibility of New Zealand supports its research diversity.
Sky‐Blue Pink*
Authors: HUNT R.W.G.
Published: November 2023

The appearance of colours is affected by both instantaneous and gradual adaptations. Instantaneous adaptation can result in a projected white light looking both sky‐blue and pink when seen as shadows in superimposed orange and green light. Gradual adaptation can contribute markedly to the colour constancy of illuminants in the tungsten‐light to daylight range. In colour photographic reflection prints and projected transparencies, naming and scaling techniques have been used to determine the chromaticities of subjective grey‐points and preferred and acceptable reproductions of blue sky, green grass, and Caucasian skin. The use of haploscopic matching to determine, and Von Kries types of transformation to predict, equivalent stimuli for different adaptations is discussed: it is suggested that colour scaling is preferable to haploscopic matching because haploscopic results have been shown to be dependent on the matching technique adopted; it is also argued that, because adaptation cannot be adequately represented by a Von Kries type of transformation, equivalent stimuli are better defined by means of grids of lines of constant hue and saturation for various adaptation conditions.
COLOR RENDERING PROPERTIES OF LIGHT SOURCES
Authors: JEROME CHARLES W.
Published: November 2023

This paper describes, discusses, and provides details of the methods of calculating two indices for assessing the properties of sources of artificial illumination: the Color Rendering Index for illuminants used for the critical examination of colored objects, and the Color Preference Index for those used for the appreciative viewing of colors.
Measures of Colour Appearance in Colour Reproduction†
Authors: Hunt R. W. G.
Published: November 2023

The difference in perceived colour caused by placing a colour filter over only a small part of, or over the whole picture area of, a projected slide is used to illustrate the types of measure that are appropriate for evaluating colour appearance in pictures. Psychophysical measures are of limited use, psychometric measures are of more help, but psychoquantitative measures, based on subjective scaling and elaborated on to take account of the effects of absolute luminance levels, are found to be the most appropriate.
Color Assessment of Experimentally Pigmented Rainbow Trout
Authors: Little A. C. , Martinsen C. , Sceurman L.
Published: November 2023

The development of color in the muscle of pen‐reared rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, resulted from the absorption and deposition of astaxanthin introduced into the diet. The degree of coloration compared to that of control fish, fed diets naturally low in pigment, was easily evaluated visually. The major change in reflectance characteristics on increased pigmentation involved increase in light absorption at shorter wavelengths (astaxanthin absorption maximum ca. 490–500 nm) manifested by decreased CIE Z and increase in excitation purity Pe. Indeed, either Z or Pe alone ranked samples in close agreement with visual scores. No other single colorimetric quantity in any of the Jour systems studied shared this property. To relate colorimetric measurements in Hunter L a b, CIELUV, and CIELAB to visual scores, one had to resort to multiple‐regression analysis. This increased the complexity of the analysis without offering any advantage. Pigment concentration alone cannot be used as a criterion of perceived coloration. Both reflectance measurements and visual appearance were profoundly affected by differences in properties of the light‐scattering cellular matrix at constant pigment concentration.
Enhanced properties of nanocrystalline alumina ceramic with compressive prestress and coherently aligned nanograins
Authors: Xu Haiyue , Zou Ji , Crookes Robert , Ke Boren , Li Yulin , Zhu Qiqi , Wang Qihang , Zhang Jinyong , Wang Weimin , Ji Wei , Wu Houzheng , Fu Zhengyi
Published: November 2023

Prestress strategy is effective to inhibit crack advancement and toughen structural materials such as concrete and glass. However, it is difficult to be utilized in ceramic because of the solid‐state processing. In this work, nanocrystalline alumina ceramic with high compressive prestress and coherently aligned nanograins were successfully prepared by the ultra‐high pressure sintering technology. The as‐prepared ceramics exhibited remarkably enhanced mechanical properties, including hardness of 25.9 GPa and fracture toughness of 3.2 MPa·m1/2, which were respectively 36% and 51% higher than corresponding parameters of sapphire. Ultra‐high pressure generated compressive prestress as large as several hundred megapascal, and coherent nanograins in the dimensions of 10–15 nm, which markedly contributed to the simultaneously enhancement in toughness and hardness for ceramic materials. The prestressing strategy provides a new opportunity for fabricating advanced ceramics with high failure resistance.
Delayed dinnertime impairs glucose tolerance in healthy young adults
Authors: Nakamura Fuzuki , Shimba Yuki , Toyonaga Saki , Kuroda Chiemi , Yamato Asuka , Yamada Yuhi , Hosaka Toshio
Published: November 2023

To explore the relationship between mealtime delays of up to 3 h and subsequent glucose fluctuations, healthy young adults were allocated to three delayed dinnertimes in randomized order. Participants consumed test meals for lunch and dinner. After assessing the glucose responses using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring devices (isCGM), the peak glucose elevation, and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of postprandial glucose during certain intervals increased significantly when the time between lunch and dinner was delayed by 1 h or more. Our results support the importance of improving irregular mealtime habits, such as late eating.
The Role of Multistakeholder Initiatives in the Radicalization of Resistance: The Forest Stewardship Council and the Mapuche Conflict in Chile
Authors: Maher Rajiv , Pedemonte‐Rojas Nicolás , Gálvez Diego , Banerjee Subhabrata Bobby
Published: November 2023

Multi‐stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) that address sustainability concerns have grown in importance in recent years. These private governance measures involving market, state and civil society actors aim to resolve disagreements between stakeholders through stakeholder engagement practices. However, our empirical study of the Mapuche conflict in Chile shows how a multi‐stakeholder initiative contributed to the radicalization of a protest movement leading to an escalation of violence that left all actors worse off. The implementation of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification scheme, perhaps the best known MSI, exacerbated existing political discontent among the Indigenous Mapuche peoples who were resisting the expansion of industrial forest on their lands in southern Chile. Our findings indicate that MSIs cannot address the needs of marginalized stakeholders and may further undermine their interests. Our analysis enhances our understanding of the outcomes of MSIs by describing processes of radicalization as well as the role of the state in conflicts. The FSC certification scheme was incapable of addressing the key Mapuche demand for land rights. Instead, it raised false expectations, which coupled with corporate irresponsibility and state repression led to an escalation of violence. The increasing reliance on private governance measures in natural resource management, especially in countries of the so‐called Global South, can further exacerbate existing conflicts and hence it is important to understand how and why MSIs lead to negative outcomes.
To Anglicize and Angelize the Rape of Nanking
Authors: Ma Sheng‐mei
Published: November 2023

Chinese narratives of the Rape of Nanking gravitate to a secular, nationalist mode of martyrdom. With China's rise, fiction and films revisit the Japanese atrocity in a global context, which means fiction written in or translated into English, as well as films featuring Western missionaries and the English language. These narratives include Nanjing Requiem; The Flowers of War the novel and the film; and City of Life and Death. The English and Christian epistemology intertwines to bracket such representations. Both the tongue and the God of whites are ways of meaning‐making to sublimate a historical trauma of unfathomable horror.
Chronic hepatitis B beyond clinical burden: Psychosocial effects and impact on quality of life
Authors: Natour Randa Taher , Midlej Amir , Mahajna Elisabeth , Kopelman Yael , Abo‐Mouch Saif , Baker Fadi Abu
Published: November 2023

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection has far‐reaching implications for patients' quality of life (QOL), regardless of cirrhosis or complications. However, limited research exists on the psychosocial impact of CHB, particularly in asymptomatic, noncirrhotic patients. Noncirrhotic CHB patients without comorbidities affecting QOL were evaluated in hepatology clinics. Patients underwent a standardized interview and completed the Short Form‐12 (SF‐12) questionnaire. Multiple social and psychological parameters were compared between patients receiving chronic treatment and untreated controls with HBeAg‐negative chronic infections. A total of 41 CHB patients were included in the study, with 41% in the treatment group and 59% in the control group. Both groups showed a male predominance, and their average age, ethnic distribution and family status were comparable. High unemployment rates and discrimination at work due to HBV status were prevalent, with many patients feeling their career choices were influenced by HBV, particularly among untreated patients. Treated patients reported significantly lower scores in general health perception (41% vs. 13%; p = .06) and limitation of usual activity secondary to CHB (29% vs. 0%; p = .008), resulting in a substantial impact on overall health‐related QOL. This study highlights the psychosocial implications of CHB in asymptomatic, noncirrhotic patients, underscoring the importance of comprehensive support and increased awareness. Additionally, addressing challenges related to long‐term treatment, such as adherence and cost, may have the potential to improve patient well‐being and outcomes.
Pharmacokinetics of letrozole and effects of its increasing doses on gonadotropins in ewes during the breeding season
Authors: Kivrak Mehmet Bugra , Corum Orhan , Yuksel Murat , Turk Erdinc , Durna Corum Duygu , Tekeli Ibrahim Ozan , Uney Kamil
Published: November 2023

Letrozole is a non‐steroidal, third‐generation aromatase inhibitor used in humans. Although letrozole is not approved for use in animals, it is used off‐label in cases of synchronization and infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of letrozole after a single intravenous administration at three different doses in ewes during the breeding season and its effect on gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH)) at the beginning of proestrus. The study was carried out on 24 healthy Merino ewes. Ewes were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6) as control, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg. Plasma concentrations of letrozole were measured using HPLC‐UV and were analyzed by non‐compartmental analysis. LH and FSH concentrations were measured with a commercial ELISA kit. The terminal elimination half–life (t1/2ʎz) was significantly prolonged from 11.82 to 18.44 h in parallel with the dose increase. The dose‐normalized area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) increased, and total body clearance (ClT) decreased at the 1 and 2 mg/kg doses (0.05 L/h/kg) compared with the 0.5 mg/kg dose (0.08 L/h/kg). There were no differences in the volume of distribution at steady‐state and initial (C0.083h) plasma concentration values between dose groups. The decreased ClT, prolonged t1/2ʎz, and increased AUC at increasing doses showed the nonlinear kinetic behavior of letrozole. Letrozole significantly reduced LH concentration without affecting FSH concentration at all doses. As a result, letrozole has the potential to be used in synchronization methods and manipulation of the follicular waves due to its effect on LH secretion.
RecA levels modulate biofilm development in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ching Carly , Brychcy Merlin , Nguyen Brian , Muller Paul , Pearson Alicyn Reverdy , Downs Margaret , Regan Samuel , Isley Breanna , Fowle William , Chai Yunrong , Godoy Veronica G.
Published: November 2023

Infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, a Gram‐negative opportunistic pathogen, are difficult to eradicate due to the bacterium's propensity to quickly gain antibiotic resistances and form biofilms, a protective bacterial multicellular community. The A. baumannii DNA damage response (DDR) mediates the antibiotic resistance acquisition and regulates RecA in an atypical fashion; both RecALow and RecAHigh cell types are formed in response to DNA damage. The findings of this study demonstrate that the levels of RecA can influence formation and dispersal of biofilms. RecA loss results in surface attachment and prominent biofilms, while elevated RecA leads to diminished attachment and dispersal. These findings suggest that the challenge to treat A. baumannii infections may be explained by the induction of the DDR, common during infection, as well as the delicate balance between maintaining biofilms in low RecA cells and promoting mutagenesis and dispersal in high RecA cells. This study underscores the importance of understanding the fundamental biology of bacteria to develop more effective treatments for infections.
Dormancy, germination, and associated seed ecological traits of 25 Fabaceae species from northern India
Authors: Jayasuriya K. M. G. G. , Phartyal S. S.
Published: November 2023

Fabaceae produce seeds with water‐impermeable seed coats, i.e., physical dormancy (PY). We hypothesized that the proportion of PY seeds will increase with the dryness of the habitat, and some key seed ecological traits will be strongly associated with different levels of PY.

Fresh seed of 25 Fabaceae species collected in northern India were used for imbibition and germination experiments to determine the proportion of seeds with PY and of nondormant (ND) seeds compared to their Sri Lankan congeners. Seed coat:seed mass ratio (SCR), 1000 seed weight, seed shape index (SSI), embryo type and median germination time of ND seeds were determined.

Four imbibition and germination patterns were identified among seeds of the studied species. Seeds collected from Indian populations had a higher proportion of PY seeds than those of Sri Lankan populations. We identified a type of embryo called ‘spatulate axile’ that had not been identified before among the studied species. Species with ND seeds had a lower SCR and a higher SSI than those with PY.

Our hypothesis was confirmed since populations from drier habitats in India produce a higher proportion of PY seeds than those from Sri Lanka. A low SCR ensures minimal resistance to germinating seeds, while seeds with a high SSI have a lower tendency to incorporate into the soil seed bank. Thus, these seed traits aid the fast germination of ND seeds, often dispersed just before the rainy season.
Cohort profile update: The Canadian Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Child Development study (MIREC‐CD PLUS)
Authors: Fisher Mandy , Muckle Gina , Lanphear Bruce , Arbuckle Tye E. , Braun Joseph M. , Zidek Angelika , Vélez Maria P. , Lupien Nicole , Bastien Stephanie , Ashley‐Martin Jillian , Oulhote Youssef , Borghese Michael M. , Walker Mark , Asztalos Elizabeth , Bouchard Maryse F. , Booij Linda , Palmert Mark R. , Morrison Katherine M. , Cummings Elizabeth A. , Khatchadourian Karine , Panagiotopoulos Constadina , Glendon Gord , Shutt Robin , Abdul‐Fatah Ammanie , Seal Kelsey , Fraser William D.
Published: November 2023

Background

The pan‐Canadian Maternal–Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study was established to determine whether maternal environmental chemical exposures were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in 2001 pregnant women.

Objectives

The MIREC‐Child Development (CD PLUS) study followed this cohort with the goal of assessing the potential effects of prenatal exposures on anthropometry and neurodevelopment in early childhood.

Population

MIREC families with children between the ages of 15 months and 5 years who had agreed to be contacted for future research (n = 1459) were invited to participate in MIREC–CD PLUS which combines data collected from an online Maternal Self‐Administered Questionnaire with biomonitoring and neurodevelopment data collected from two in‐person visits.

Preliminary Results

Between April 2013 and March 2015, 803 children participated in the Biomonitoring visit where we collected anthropometric measures, blood, and urine from the children. The Behavioural Assessment System for Children‐2, Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventories and the Communication subscale of the Adaptive Behaviour Scale from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development‐III are available on close to 900 children. There were 610 singleton children who completed in‐person visits for neurodevelopment assessments including the Social Responsiveness Scale, Wechsler Preschool Primary Scale of Intelligence‐III and NEuroPSYchological assessments (NEPSY). Currently, we are following the cohort into early adolescence to measure the impact of early life exposures on endocrine and metabolic function (MIREC–ENDO).

Conclusions

Data collection for the MIREC–CD PLUS study is complete and analysis of the data continues. We are now extending the follow‐up of the cohort into adolescence to measure the impact of early life exposures on endocrine and metabolic function (MIREC–ENDO). MIREC–CD PLUS is limited by loss to follow‐up and the fact that mothers are predominately of higher socioeconomic status and ‘White’ ethnicity, which limits our generalizability. However, the depth of biomonitoring and clinical measures in MIREC provides a platform to examine associations of prenatal, infancy and childhood exposures with child growth and development.
Levothyroxine initiation and the risk of pregnancy loss among pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism: An observational study emulating a target trial
Authors: Grandi Sonia M. , Yu Ya‐Hui , Reynier Pauline , Platt Robert W. , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Filion Kristian B.
Published: November 2023

Background

While the benefits of levothyroxine are well‐established for overt hypothyroidism, they are unclear for subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) among pregnant women.

Objective

To estimate the effect of initiation of levothyroxine on pregnancy loss among women with SCH with an emulated target trial using observational data.

Methods

We emulated a target trial using the United Kingdom's Clinical Practice Research Datalink to account for the staggered timing of diagnosis and treatment of SCH and the time of entry of women into prenatal care. We emulated multiple nested trials (at each gestational week) and used an intention‐to‐treat approach to define levothyroxine use (≥1 prescription in the 7 days prior to trial entry), with eligible users matched to non‐users (1:4) on time of diagnosis, gestational week of the first eligible trial and high‐dimensional propensity score. Pregnancy losses included spontaneous abortion and stillbirth. A pooled logistic regression model with bootstrap resampling was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Based on 159,177 eligible person‐trials (5781 women), the matched cohort included 181 initiators and 640 non‐initiators of levothyroxine, with 57 pregnancy losses occurring during follow‐up. Overall, the mean age of women was 32.2 years (SD 5.4), 25% were obese, 8% had type 2 diabetes and about 50% were nulliparous. After matching, women who initiated levothyroxine versus not had higher thyroid‐stimulating levels during pregnancy and were more likely to have a history of hypothyroidism. The cumulative incidence of pregnancy loss was lower in initiators versus non‐initiators of levothyroxine. The adjusted HR for pregnancy loss was 0.87 (95% CI 0.22, 1.56).

Conclusions

Although our assessment of the effect of initiation of levothyroxine for SCH in pregnancy precludes any definitive conclusions due to wide confidence intervals, this study illustrates the feasibility of using the target trial emulation framework to examine the effectiveness of medication use in pregnancy.
Comparative effects of drought stress on leaf gas exchange, foliar ABA and leaf orientation in four grapevine cultivars grown in Northern Italy
Authors: Gaiotti Federica , Nerva Luca , Fila Gianni , Lovat Lorenzo , Belfiore Nicola , Chitarra Walter
Published: November 2023

Drought tolerance varies greatly across Vitis vinifera cultivars, depending on physiological responses and structural and morphological adaptations. In this study, responses to water stress were examined in three extensively cultivated varieties from Northern Italy. Over the course of two seasons, mature potted vines were subjected to a 12 or 13‐day period of water restriction. Vine water relations were investigated using measures of water potential, gas exchanges, and leaf ABA content. Leaf angle response to increasing water stress was analysed in the four cultivars as a mechanism that improves stress tolerance. Different physiological responses were observed among cultivars, suggesting a near‐isohydric water‐use strategy for Moscato and a near‐anisohydric one for Garganega, Glera and Merlot. Results of leaf ABA analysis highlighted a variability among the studied varieties, indicating higher contents and lower sensitivity to ABA for the anisohydric ones. In all varieties, a similar increase in midday leaf inclination was observed in response to decreasing stem water potentials, indicating that leaf angle adjustments may represent a common adaptive response to drought. These findings increase the understanding of the leaf physiological and structural mechanisms that contribute to water stress tolerance in grapevine, supporting a more efficient cultivar selection to cope with the expected changes in Mediterranean climate.
The wrong of refugee containment
Authors: Trautmann Micah
Published: November 2023

Encampment continues to be one of the dominant modes of responding to refugee situations. I suggest that we would do well to conceive of the wrongfulness of refugee camps not just in terms of their effects, but also in terms of their function. I endorse the view that camps currently function primarily to contain displaced persons and develop a novel conception of the wrong of encampment in terms of that function. Drawing on Heidegger's account of the spatiality proper to different entities, I argue that practices of containment reduce refugees to the status of objects to be, in effect, immobilized and stored away for an indeterminate amount of time.
Political relations and trade: New evidence from Australia, China, and the United States
Authors: Cai Yifei , Saadaoui Jamel , Wu Yanrui
Published: November 2023

This article employs structural vector autoregression and local projection methods to examine the impacts of the deterioration in the US–China political relations on bilateral trade between Australia and China. Three scenarios are considered to reflect the evolution of US geopolitical strategies in recent years such as “America First”, “China Threat Theory” and “The Protection of US Allies”. The simulation results illustrate that worsening the US–China political relations has a negative impact on Australian exports to and imports from China. It is also found that economic conditions in the US play a more important role in the transmission of this impact than those in China and Australia. In addition, various options are explored to check the robustness of the findings in this article.
Policy for People with the Fewest Choices: Ontology and Actorhood for Sex Trade Abolition
Authors: Gallo‐Cruz Selina
Published: November 2023

Prostitution is historically one of the most violent arenas for women, with exceedingly high rates of physical and sexual abuse reported by prostituted women. In this essay, I examine the debate over how best to provide safety and freedom for women involved in prostitution occurring between advocates for full decriminalization and advocates for the equality model, an abolition initiative led by survivors working for an end to the sex trade. Insights from cultural sociological analyses of actorhood and visibility are applied to reveal the divergent ontologies underlying these two policy pathways. While full decriminalization reforms aim to legalize and regulate prostitution within a capitalist, misogynistic marketplace, advocates for the equality model are committed to transforming social systems so that prostituted people have the opportunity to live their lives outside of the sex trade. Their systems‐changing policy, guided by sophisticated theorization of how best to support women's freedoms, is an exemplary model for ending violence against women.
Post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Sigler Rachel , Covarrubias Karina , Chen Benjamin , Rubarth Rodrigo Barriola , Torosian Kelly , Sanchez Claudia Ramirez , Bharti Ajay , DeGruttola Victor , Aslam Saima
Published: November 2023

Background

Post‐acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) (PASC), defined as prolonged symptoms following an episode of COVID‐19, is not well‐characterized in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of PASC in SOTR, its descriptive characteristics, and associated risk factors.

Methods

We retrospectively identified SOTRs with acute COVID‐19 between June 1, 2020 and April 15, 2022, and abstracted demographic and medical history, characteristics of acute COVID‐19 illness, and COVID‐19 vaccination status. We defined PASC as ongoing/new symptoms present at 6 weeks or longer following acute COVID‐19 diagnosis.

Results

Among 208 SOTRs with acute COVID‐19, 72 (35%) developed PASC. Common symptoms were respiratory symptoms (67%), headache (40%), and difficulty concentrating (10%). Severe acute COVID‐19 disease and presence of respiratory symptoms were associated with higher odds of PASC in multivariable analyses, while receipt of at least one COVID‐19 vaccination prior to transplantation was protective.

Conclusion

We found that PASC occurs in about a third of SOTRs with acute COVID‐19 and has similar symptoms as described previously in immunocompetent hosts. Pre‐transplant vaccination may be protective. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed.

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Recent advances in unraveling the mystery of combined nutrient stress in plants
Authors: DeLoose Megan , Clúa Joaquin , Cho Huikyong , Zheng Luqing , Masmoudi Khaled , Desnos Thierry , Krouk Gabriel , Nussaume Laurent , Poirier Yves , Rouached Hatem
Published: November 2023

Efficiently regulating growth to adapt to varying resource availability is crucial for organisms, including plants. In particular, the acquisition of essential nutrients is vital for plant development, as a shortage of just one nutrient can significantly decrease crop yield. However, plants constantly experience fluctuations in the presence of multiple essential mineral nutrients, leading to combined nutrient stress conditions. Unfortunately, our understanding of how plants perceive and respond to these multiple stresses remains limited. Unlocking this mystery could provide valuable insights and help enhance plant nutrition strategies. This review focuses specifically on the regulation of phosphorous homeostasis in plants, with a primary emphasis on recent studies that have shed light on the intricate interactions between phosphorous and other essential elements, such as nitrogen, iron, and zinc, as well as non‐essential elements like aluminum and sodium. By summarizing and consolidating these findings, this review aims to contribute to a better understanding of how plants respond to and cope with combined nutrient stress.
Plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) protects photosystem I and not photosystem II against photoinhibition in Arabidopsis thaliana and Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Messant Marine , Hani Umama , Lai Thanh‐Lan , Wilson Adjélé , Shimakawa Ginga , Krieger‐Liszkay Anja
Published: November 2023

The plastid terminal oxidase PTOX controls the oxidation level of the plastoquinone pool in the thylakoid membrane and acts as a safety valve upon abiotic stress, but detailed characterization of its role in protecting the photosynthetic apparatus is limited. Here we used PTOX mutants in two model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Marchantia polymorpha. In Arabidopsis, lack of PTOX leads to a severe defect in pigmentation, a so‐called variegated phenotype, when plants are grown at standard light intensities. We created a green Arabidopsis PTOX mutant expressing the bacterial carotenoid desaturase CRTI and a double mutant in Marchantia lacking both PTOX isoforms, the plant‐type and the alga‐type PTOX. In both species, lack of PTOX affected the redox state of the plastoquinone pool. Exposure of plants to high light intensity showed in the absence of PTOX higher susceptibility of photosystem I to light‐induced damage while photosystem II was more stable compared with the wild type demonstrating that PTOX plays both, a pro‐oxidant and an anti‐oxidant role in vivo. Our results shed new light on the function of PTOX in the protection of photosystem I and II.
Genetic prediction of 33 blood group phenotypes using an existing genotype dataset
Authors: Moslemi Camous , Sækmose Susanne G. , Larsen Rune , Bay Jakob T. , Brodersen Thorsten , Didriksen Maria , Hjalgrim Henrik , Banasik Karina , Nielsen Kaspar R. , Bruun Mie T. , Dowsett Joseph , Dinh Khoa M. , Mikkelsen Susan , Mikkelsen Christina , Hansen Thomas F. , Ullum Henrik , Erikstrup Christian , Brunak Søren , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Storry Jill R. , Ostrowski Sisse R. , Olsson Martin L. , Pedersen Ole B.
Published: November 2023

Background

Accurate blood type data are essential for blood bank management, but due to costs, few of 43 blood group systems are routinely determined in Danish blood banks. However, a more comprehensive dataset of blood types is useful in scenarios such as rare blood type allocation. We aimed to investigate the viability and accuracy of predicting blood types by leveraging an existing dataset of imputed genotypes for two cohorts of approximately 90,000 each (Danish Blood Donor Study and Copenhagen Biobank) and present a more comprehensive overview of blood types for our Danish donor cohort.

Study Design and Methods

Blood types were predicted from genome array data using known variant determinants. Prediction accuracy was confirmed by comparing with preexisting serological blood types. The Vel blood group was used to test the viability of using genetic prediction to narrow down the list of candidate donors with rare blood types.

Results

Predicted phenotypes showed a high balanced accuracy >99.5% in most cases: A, B, C/c, Coa/Cob, Doa/Dob, E/e, Jka/Jkb, Kna/Knb, Kpa/Kpb, M/N, S/s, Sda, Se, and Yta/Ytb, while some performed slightly worse: Fya/Fyb, K/k, Lua/Lub, and Vel ~99%–98% and CW and P1 ~96%. Genetic prediction identified 70 potential Vel negatives in our cohort, 64 of whom were confirmed correct using polymerase chain reaction (negative predictive value: 91.5%).

Discussion

High genetic prediction accuracy in most blood groups demonstrated the viability of generating blood types using preexisting genotype data at no cost and successfully narrowed the pool of potential individuals with the rare Vel‐negative phenotype from 180,000 to 70.
Clinical decision support versus a paper‐based protocol for massive transfusion: Impact on decision outcomes in a simulation study
Authors: Sanderson Brenton J. , Field Jeremy D. , Kocaballi Ahmet B. , Estcourt Lise J. , Magrabi Farah , Wood Erica M. , Coiera Enrico
Published: November 2023

Background

Management of major hemorrhage frequently requires massive transfusion (MT) support, which should be delivered effectively and efficiently. We have previously developed a clinical decision support system (CDS) for MT using a multicenter multidisciplinary user‐centered design study. Here we examine its impact when administering a MT.

Study Design and Methods

We conducted a randomized simulation trial to compare a CDS for MT with a paper‐based MT protocol for the management of simulated hemorrhage. A total of 44 specialist physicians, trainees (residents), and nurses were recruited across critical care to participate in two 20‐min simulated bleeding scenarios. The primary outcome was the decision velocity (correct decisions per hour) and overall task completion. Secondary outcomes included cognitive workload and System Usability Scale (SUS).

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in decision velocity for CDS‐based management (mean 8.5 decisions per hour) compared to paper based (mean 6.9 decisions per hour; p .003, 95% CI 0.6–2.6). There was no significant difference in the overall task completion using CDS‐based management (mean 13.3) compared to paper‐based (mean 13.2; p .92, 95% CI ‐1.2–1.3). Cognitive workload was statistically significantly lower using the CDS compared to the paper protocol (mean 57.1 vs. mean 64.5, p .005, 95% CI 2.4–12.5). CDS usability was assessed as a SUS score of 82.5 (IQR 75–87.5).

Discussion

Compared to paper‐based management, CDS‐based MT supports more time‐efficient decision‐making by users with limited CDS training and achieves similar overall task completion while reducing cognitive load. Clinical implementation will determine whether the benefits demonstrated translate to improved patient outcomes.
Evaluation of Precipitation Simulations at the Subseasonal Range in the Sao Francisco River Basin, Brazil
Authors: Santos Maria Luisa Rocha , Resende Ferreira Nicole Costa , Dereczynski Claudine , Vasconcellos Fernanda Cerqueira , Chou Sin Chan
Published: November 2023

The objective of this work is to evaluate the subseasonal precipitation simulations of the Eta model during the onset of the rainy season in the Sao Francisco River Basin (SFB). Accumulated precipitation every 20 days in September and October (2011 to 2015) was evaluated based on subseasonal simulations (integration period of up to 60 days) of the Eta-20-km model, nested within the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), here called Eta-CFSR. MERGE precipitation data were used to evaluate Eta-CFSR simulated precipitation. A statistical method was employed to evaluate the model’s ability to simulate the onset of the rainy season in the Upper SFB. The main results are: i) The Eta-CFSR accurately represents the seasonality of the precipitation pattern in the SFB and the seasonal and interannual variation of the accumulated precipitation in all of the chosen three consecutive 20-day periods of years 2011 to 2015; ii) The model can represent the transition pattern from the dry to the rainy season, showing better results in 2011 and 2015, which were marked, respectively, by La Niña and El Niño, and by anomalies of sea surface temperature favorable and unfavorable for the occurrence of precipitation; iii) Although the model underestimates the amount of precipitation, it effectively captures the seasonal patterns and the onset of the rainy season, with a maximum advancement of two pentads in wetter years and delaying it in drier years.
Study of Al2124-SiC nanocomposites by an improved statistical nanoindentation methodology
Authors: Broitman Esteban , Kadin Yuri , Andric Predrag
Published: November 2023

In this work, we first review the previous work done on statistical nanoindentation by different researchers, highlighting the main problems that have been found and possible proposed solutions. In the second part, we study and report the statistical nanoindentation of three model samples, in the form of a soft Al2124 matrix embedded with hard SiC particles. Three different variants were selected: (1) 25% of SiC particles with 3 μm diameter; (2) 25% of SiC particles with 0.7 μm diameter; and (3) 17% of SiC particles with 0.3 μm diameter. We propose a novel heuristic wavelet technique to filter the measurement noise from the raw nanoindentation data as an attempt to obtain a more robust statistical nanoindentation methodology. Our results have shown that, when the nanoindentation data are filtered, it is not necessary to select a priori the number of peaks (phases) to be analyzed and, in some cases, a wide number of bin-sizes can be used without affecting the results. Finally, a finite element modeling have been used to analyze the response of the nanoindenter regarding the position of the hard particle. Our model shows that it is impossible to get the whole hardness value of the hard SiC particle by the statistical nanoindentation methodology.
Magnitude of extended high frequency hearing loss associated with auditory related tinnitus distress, when controlling for magnitude of hearing loss at standard frequencies
Authors: Waechter Sebastian , Brännström K. Jonas
Published: November 2023

Impaired thresholds at extended high frequencies (EHF) are tightly linked to the prevalence of tinnitus, but little is known about how EHF status relates to tinnitus characteristics. In the present study, 93 individuals with tinnitus underwent standard (from 0.125 to 8 kHz) and EHF (from 10 to 16 kHz) audiometry and indicated their degree of tinnitus distress by completing the tinnitus functional index and their perceived tinnitus loudness by using a numeric rating scale. Partial correlation analyses indicated that the magnitude of EHF loss was significantly associated with degree of auditory related tinnitus distress (r = 0.343, p < 0.001) when controlling for pure tone average at standard frequencies and compensating for multiple testing. It is concluded that EHF status is related specifically to auditory related tinnitus distress, but not to intrusive-, sense of control-, cognitive-, sleep-, relaxation-, quality of life-, emotional-related tinnitus distress, total tinnitus distress, or perceived tinnitus loudness.
What Makes Teachers’ Professional Learning More or Less Effective?: An Evolution of Community of Practice for Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Yoon Keejoon , Park Sunghae , Jung Hyunwoo
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to explore the developmental stages of a community of practice (CoP) and its impact on teachers’ professional learning. Methods: Eight physical education (PE) teachers and one professor participated in this project, which specifically examined a CoP focused on PE (PE-CoP). Interviews and observations, as well as a focus group, were used to collect the data, which were analyzed through a constructivist revision of grounded theory. Results: The PE-CoP, which shared the same teaching model, progressed rapidly in its early stage by providing the teachers with collaborative activities to develop innovative pedagogies. Learning from the existing members was then added as a main type of professional learning for the teachers. The PE-CoP, however, gradually lost its collaborative approach, which led to ineffective professional learning. Conclusions: Finding an optimal balance between retaining focus on the primary goal of creating a CoP and offering fresh activities for more experienced members was determined to be a key factor in making the community healthy and sustainable.