bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new and direct approach toward modeling gradual strength degradation of metal beams under cyclic bending up to fatigue failure
Authors: Xiao Heng , Li Zi-Tao , Zhan Lin , Wang Si-Yu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to show how gradual strength degradation of metal beams under cyclic bending up to fatigue failure is simulated based on a new elastoplasticity model free of any yield criterion.

Design/methodology/approach

A new approach is proposed toward accurately and explicitly prescribing evolution of non-uniform stress distribution on beam cross-section under cyclic bending and, as such, gradual degradation of the bending strength can be directly determined.

Findings

Explicit results for the bending response in a whole cyclic process up to fatigue failure are obtained and the fatigue characteristic curve is for the first time simulated directly between the curvature amplitude and the cycle number to failure.

Originality/value

First, explicit and accurate determination of the non-uniform stress distribution on beam cross-section is achieved with asymptotic softening effects. Second, degradation of the bending strength can be directly deduced cycle by cycle. Finally, the relationship between the bending moment and the curvature is calculated using new and efficient numerical algorithms, thus bypassing usual time-consuming calculations with finite element procedures. Numerical results are presented and in good agreement with experimental data.
Higher education and the principles of access, quality and accountability: Brazil × Canada panorama
Authors: Costa Danilo de Melo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Canada is a country that has a democratized higher education system, based on solid principles of access, quality and accountability. Brazil, on the other hand, is a country that seeks to advance its higher education system. For this reason, this paper aims to understand with the main stakeholders of the systems, the perceptions in relation to higher education in terms of access, quality and accountability, confronting two educational systems, the Brazilian and the Canadian.

Design/methodology/approach

The author applied an exploratory and qualitative method through categorical content analysis in a multicase study. Data were collected through 10 interviews with government managers, 18 unstructured (open) questionnaires, where 13 were applied to professors and experts in higher education and four to student leaders.

Findings

The results demonstrate that, for Canadian participants, these principles should guide any nation, as it is something demanded by society itself: democratic access to the system, that the available system has quality and that the resources allocated to the system are being well applied. In addition, Brazilian participants understand that it is necessary to deepen this debate, including a new principle: permanence, as it is a country of traditional social inequality.

Originality/value

This study presented the perceptions of an educational system based on the principles of access, quality and accountability, the Canadian system and the perspectives for a system that intends to develop in this context in Brazil.
Addressing in/equalities: a re-imagined curriculum for low-attaining youth
Authors: Atkins Liz
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a project re-imagining of a Level 1 English-model broad vocational curriculum for low-attaining youth. The project, funded by Rothschild, has sought to develop a knowledge rich and engaging curriculum, which is more consistent with notions of social justice than contemporary low-level vocational curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

The project utilised a participatory, action-research model of curriculum development informed by a theoretical framework drawing on concepts of social justice.

Findings

The findings suggest that a broad, project-based curriculum, supported with a wide range of extra-curricular activities (enrichment) is effective in supporting secure and sustainable transitions into further education and/or meaningful employment for low attaining young people.

Originality/value

This paper extends understandings about curricula approaches in low-level vocational education. There is a paucity of research into the curriculum at the lowest mainstream levels. Students engaging with education at that level are similarly under-researched. This paper seeks to fill that gap.
Navigating “the chaos”: teacher considerations while adapting curriculum and instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nerlino Erin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The pandemic has presented many new challenges tasking teachers with meeting the various social-emotional, academic and logistical needs of students in the midst of an ever-changing landscape. The onset of COVID-19 has drastically impacted schools and inevitably raised questions about nearly all aspects of teaching including but not limited to: how to deliver instruction, grade students, engage students, deliver materials to students, create equitable access to curriculum and assess students' mental and social health in the context of remote, hybrid and in-person instructional models. As such, this paper examines the role that the pandemic plays in deeply complexifying the already intricate decision-making processes that teachers undergo on a daily basis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a participant research design (Wagner, 1993) to conduct a ground-level analysis of what two high school English Language arts teachers consider as they adapt curriculum and instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

This study set out to fulfill two aims: (1) to examine teacher considerations during the process of adapting curriculum and instruction and (2) to document the challenges and opportunities teachers face during this process. Findings related to the first aim revolve around teacher considerations of dilemmas such as: individual conferences vs whole class curriculum progress, depth vs breadth in relation to academic progress, social emotional concerns for student well-being vs curricular progress, creating meaningful learning activities and assessments vs COVID-19 limitations, and flexibility and accountability. In addition to navigating these dilemmas, the extreme uncertainty of the situation also prompted findings related to the second aim: opportunities to experiment with new curricular ideas and the challenge of traversing a wide range of teacher emotions.

Originality/value

This paper's qualitative research design that draws on my identities of classroom teacher and doctoral student to provide an original perspective into what teachers experienced in terms of adapting curriculum and instruction during an unprecedented time. While much research, news and media, and policy has discussed the pandemic's impact on education, there is an urgent need for more teacher voices to inform understanding of what occurs on the ground level of classrooms.
Social innovation in South Africa: building inclusive economies?
Authors: Sheik Adelaide , van Rooyen Deidre , Mazzei Micaela
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Social innovation (SI) acknowledges socio-economic challenges as opportunities to make communities more sustainable and cohesive through inclusive grassroots practices. The question remains, however, as to whether and how socially innovative practices can be effectively supported in developing inclusive economies. Drawing on the findings from two South African in-depth case studies, This paper aims to discuss how social innovation ventures may be supported to drive inclusiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper purposively sampled two social enterprises (SEs) and conducted in-depth case studies through interviews and secondary data review.

Findings

The SEs selected promoted digital, economic and social inclusion. Despite the diversity of the two organisations, they shared similar challenges in undertaking their practices mostly deriving from South Africa’s lack of legal recognition and policy framework for social purpose-driven businesses.

Originality/value

Applying Moulaert et al.’s (2007) SI classification criteria to the case studies in focus, this paper seeks to extend our understanding of the challenges that innovative SE organisations face in tackling exclusion and contributing to build inclusive economies in the South African context.
Using self-determination theory to assess the tourism service product at local level: the case of North Cyprus
Authors: Guden Nafiya , Safaeimanesh Farzad
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study draws on self-determination theory (SDT) and describes a study that elucidates how motivation can be fostered in the local management context. The study aims to provide state and local officials with a decision-making tool that allows evaluation of the quantity and quality of the public services by using SDT to interact with locals and students.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach and thematic analysis (TA) were used to find common themes and to develop an in-depth insight by gathering specific information from the point of view of local residents. In total, 19 interviews with locals were conducted using questions drawn from SDT.

Findings

The study found that the most significant obstacles were autonomy, competence and relatedness to intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as managing budgets, provision of basic services such as waste management, accessibility and support for local non-government organisations and local festivals and lack of knowledge about sustainable tourism product development among local residents.

Originality/value

Although there is growing knowledge related to environmental and social concern, the municipality's engagement level in this area is low. Hence, the study provides state and local officials with a decision-making tool to evaluate public services' quantity and quality through the SDT on locals and students, and it is significant to explain the application of SDT to the tourism service at the local level and its potential to develop sustainable tourism.
Forecasting suppression of invasive sea lamprey in Lake Superior
Authors: Lewandoski Sean A. , Brenden Travis O.
Published: May 2022

Resource managers frequently are tasked with mitigating or reversing adverse effects of invasive species through management policies and actions. In Lake Superior, of the Laurentian Great Lakes, invasive sea lamprey populations are suppressed to protect valuable fish stocks. However, the relationship between choice of long‐term control strategy and the future chance of achieving the suppression target is unclear.

Using a 60+ year time series of suppression effort and monitoring data from 50 assessment sites located on Lake Superior tributaries, we developed a Bayesian state‐space model to forecast the probability of suppressing lamprey below the suppression target.

With annual application of lampricide (i.e. lamprey‐specific pesticide) at historical mean levels, we forecasted a 15% chance of achieving the Lake Superior sea lamprey suppression target in 2040.

Increasing lampricide effort and/or supplementing lampricide control with age‐1 recruitment reduction increased suppression chance. Annual application of the maximum historical lampricide effort resulted in a 50% predicted chance of achieving the target, annual application of the mean historic lampricide effort plus a 40% reduction in recruitment resulted in a 54% chance, and the maximum amount of effort considered (maximum historic lampricide and 60% reduction in recruitment) resulted in a 94% chance.

Policy implications. We developed a simulation model from a robust, long‐term monitoring dataset that improves understanding of why long‐term sea lamprey suppression objectives have been difficult to achieve in Lake Superior. Furthermore, the model provides a means to gauge efficacy of sea lamprey control policy and action scenarios based on forecasted chance of achieving the suppression target. Creating processes for iteratively refining our forecasting model with stakeholder and technical‐expert input and integration with a decision analysis framework could strengthen the link between ecological knowledge obtained from long‐term monitoring and invasive sea lamprey management.
Mercury bioremediation by engineered Pseudomonas putidaKT2440 with adaptationally optimized biosecurity circuit
Authors: Xue Yubin , Qiu Tianlei , Sun Zhi , Liu Feixia , Yu Bo
Published: May 2022

Hazardous materials, such as heavy metals, are the major sources of health risk. Using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to dispose heavy metals has the advantages of strong environmental compatibility and high efficiency. However, the biosecurity of GMOs used in the environment is a major concern. In this study, a self‐controlled genetic circuit was designed and carefully fine‐tuned for programmable expression in Pseudomonas putida KT2440, which is a widely used strain for environmental bioremediation. The cell behaviours were controlled by automatically sensing the variation of Hg2+ concentration without any inducer requirement or manual interventions. More than 98% Hg2+ was adsorbed by the engineered strain with a high cell recovery rate of 96% from waterbody. The remaining cells were killed by the suicide module after the mission was accomplished. The escape frequency of the engineered P. putida strain was lower than 10−9, which meets the recommendation of US NIH guideline for GMOs release (<10−8). The same performance was achieved in a model experiment by using natural lake water with addition of Hg2+. The microbial diversity analysis further confirmed that the remediation process made little impact on the indigenous ecosystem. Thus, this study provides a practical method for environmental remediation by using GMOs.
Be wary about occult metastasis to cervical level I lymph node from a case of thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma
Authors: Chow Tam Lin , Lee Clary K. L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Thyroid carcinoma arising from thyroglossal duct cyst is rare. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most frequent subtype but its biological behaviour, such as pattern of nodal spread, is largely elusive.

Method

We report one case of locally advanced papillary carcinoma arising from thyroglossal duct cyst with subclinical cervical level I lymph node metastasis which is an unexpected drainage area for its counterpart from the thyroid.

Results

Sistrunk operation, total thyroidectomy and bilateral cervical level I lymph node dissection were performed. I131 ablation was administered postoperatively. Patient remained disease free after a follow‐up of 7 years.

Conclusion

The reported case shed light on the nodal spread from thyroglossal duct cyst cancer and has bearing on the plan of surgical management.
Role of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase‐mediated mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway in response to pesticides in Apis cerana cerana
Authors: Niu Xiao‐Jing , Wang Li‐Jun , Meng Hui , Wang Hong‐Fang , Xu Bao‐Hua , Wang Chen
Published: May 2022

The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade pathway plays an important role in regulating stress responses. The function of the c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), a component of the MAPK cascade pathway, in Apis cerana cerana (Acc) remains unclear. Here, JNK was isolated and identified from Acc. Bioinformatics analyses revealed there is a typical serine/threonine protein kinase catalytic domain in the AccJNK protein. An expression profile analysis showed that AccJNK was significantly induced by pesticide treatments. To further explore the functional mechanisms of AccJNK, a yeast 2‐hybrid screen was performed, activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) was screened as the interaction partner of AccJNK, and the interaction relationship was further verified by pull‐down assay. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed the expression pattern of AccAP‐1 was similar to that of AccJNK. After a knockdown of AccJNK or AccAP‐1 by RNA interference, the survival rate of Acc after pesticide treatments increased. Additionally, the expression levels of antioxidant‐related genes and the activities of antioxidant enzymes increased, suggesting that the knockdown of AccJNK or AccAP‐1 increased the antioxidant capacity of bees. Our study revealed that the JNK‐mediated MAPK pathway responds to pesticide stress by altering the antioxidant capacity of Acc.
Application of soluble gas stabilization technology on ready‐to‐eat pre‐rigor filleted Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Jakobsen Anita Nordeng , Gabrielsen Lisa , Johnsen Elena Marie , Rotabakk Bjørn Tore , Lerfall Jørgen
Published: May 2022

The demand for high‐quality, convenient, and sustainable salmon products represents a potential for value‐added product development and novel packaging solutions. Soluble gas stabilization (SGS) technology, which applies dissolved CO2 in the product before packaging, represents a novel approach to retain product quality and prevent microbiological deterioration during cold storage of pre‐rigor filleted salmon loins.

The present study aimed to examine the solubility of CO2 in salmon loins as affected by rigor status. In addition, the effect of predissolved CO2 on the overall quality of pre‐rigor vacuum‐packed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) was investigated during storage at 4°C. The CO2 pretreatment was conducted, exposing loins to 100% CO2 for 18 h at 4°C (the control group was kept in air at 4°C) before repackaging and storage for 15 days.

Dissolved CO2 in the muscle (equilibrium achieved four days post packaging) was slightly higher in pre‐rigor than post‐rigor salmon loins (pequilibrium = 0.006). Moreover, the overall spoilage (Hvalue) and microbiological stability of salmon fillets stored in SGS‐vacuum were significantly improved compared to vacuum‐packed loins (p < 0.05).

The results demonstrate that SGS technology can maintain the overall quality of pre‐rigor vacuum‐packed salmon loins without introducing the high gas‐to‐product volume ratio recognized by modified atmosphere packaging. Thus, the application of SGS technology on pre‐rigor loins can lead to higher economic gain and environmental benefits due to the reduced amount of required packaging material and reduced food waste.

Practical Application

CO2 can be dissolved in pre‐rigor salmon loins before vacuum packaging to increase product shelf life during cold storage.
Integrative analysis of clinical and epigenetic biomarkers of mortality
Authors: Huan Tianxiao , Nguyen Steve , Colicino Elena , Ochoa‐Rosales Carolina , Hill W. David , Brody Jennifer A. , Soerensen Mette , Zhang Yan , Baldassari Antoine , Elhadad Mohamed Ahmed , Toshiko Tanaka , Zheng Yinan , Domingo‐Relloso Arce , Lee Dong Heon , Ma Jiantao , Yao Chen , Liu Chunyu , Hwang Shih‐Jen , Joehanes Roby , Fornage Myriam , Bressler Jan , van Meurs Joyce B.J. , Debrabant Birgit , Mengel‐From Jonas , Hjelmborg Jacob , Christensen Kaare , Vokonas Pantel , Schwartz Joel , Gahrib Sina A. , Sotoodehnia Nona , Sitlani Colleen M. , Kunze Sonja , Gieger Christian , Peters Annette , Waldenberger Melanie , Deary Ian J. , Ferrucci Luigi , Qu Yishu , Greenland Philip , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Hou Lifang , Bandinelli Stefania , Voortman Trudy , Hermann Brenner , Baccarelli Andrea , Whitsel Eric , Pankow James S. , Levy Daniel
Published: May 2022

DNA methylation (DNAm) has been reported to be associated with many diseases and with mortality. We hypothesized that the integration of DNAm with clinical risk factors would improve mortality prediction. We performed an epigenome‐wide association study of whole blood DNAm in relation to mortality in 15 cohorts (n = 15,013). During a mean follow‐up of 10 years, there were 4314 deaths from all causes including 1235 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths and 868 cancer deaths. Ancestry‐stratified meta‐analysis of all‐cause mortality identified 163 CpGs in European ancestry (EA) and 17 in African ancestry (AA) participants at p < 1 × 10−7, of which 41 (EA) and 16 (AA) were also associated with CVD death, and 15 (EA) and 9 (AA) with cancer death. We built DNAm‐based prediction models for all‐cause mortality that predicted mortality risk after adjusting for clinical risk factors. The mortality prediction model trained by integrating DNAm with clinical risk factors showed an improvement in prediction of cancer death with 5% increase in the C‐index in a replication cohort, compared with the model including clinical risk factors alone. Mendelian randomization identified 15 putatively causal CpGs in relation to longevity, CVD, or cancer risk. For example, cg06885782 (in KCNQ4) was positively associated with risk for prostate cancer (Beta = 1.2, PMR = 4.1 × 10−4) and negatively associated with longevity (Beta = −1.9, PMR = 0.02). Pathway analysis revealed that genes associated with mortality‐related CpGs are enriched for immune‐ and cancer‐related pathways. We identified replicable DNAm signatures of mortality and demonstrated the potential utility of CpGs as informative biomarkers for prediction of mortality risk.
Effects of e‐cigarette use on mental health among youths: quasi‐experimental evidence from Canada
Authors: Nguyen Hai V. , Mital Shweta
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Existing research on mental health comorbidities of youth e‐cigarette use is subject to confounding bias and reverse causality. This study aimed to measure the effects of e‐cigarette use on youth mental health, using e‐cigarette minimum legal age (MLA) law in Canada as a natural experiment.

Design

We used difference‐in‐differences (DD), difference‐in‐differences‐in‐differences (DDD) and two‐sample instrumental variables (TSIV) methods.

Setting

Data were from nationally representative Canadian Community Health Surveys 2008–2019 and Canadian Student Tobacco Alcohol and Drugs Surveys 2008–2019.

Participants

The study sample comprised of respondents aged 15 to 18 (in DD analysis; n = 33 858) and aged 15 to 24 (in DDD analysis; n = 78 689).

Measurements

Primary outcomes were self‐reported mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Secondary outcomes were cannabis use, illicit drug use, cigarette use and strength of peer relationships at schools.

Findings

After the e‐cigarette MLA laws, risks of mood disorders declined by 1.9 percentage points (95% CI, 0.0–3.8; P = 0.05) in the DD analysis and by 2.6 percentage points (95% CI, 0.2–5.0; P = 0.03) in the DDD analysis. For anxiety disorders, while the DD estimate was negative but imprecisely estimated, the MLA law reduced risks of anxiety disorder by 3.6 percentage points (95% CI, 0.9–6.2; P = 0.01) in the DDD analysis. Youths in provinces with MLA laws were also less likely to report cannabis use and illicit drug use and more likely to feel being part of schools. TSIV analysis indicates that youth e‐cigarette use increased the likelihood of mood and anxiety disorders by 44% and 37%, respectively.

Conclusion and Relevance

In Canada, the e‐cigarette minimum legal age law appears to have reduced risks of mood and anxiety disorders, lowered substance use and improved peer relationships at schools. Combined with previous evidence of lower e‐cigarette use following the minimum legal age law, our findings indicate that youth e‐cigarette use increases risks of mood and anxiety disorders.
Robotic pelvic side‐wall dissection and en‐bloc excision for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer: outcomes on feasibility and safety
Authors: Lokuhetty Naradha , Larach José Tomás , Rajkomar Amrish K. S. , Mohan Helen , Waters Peadar S. , Heriot Alexander G. , Warrier Satish K.
Published: May 2022

Background

Global differences exist in managing lateral pelvic nodes in rectal cancer. Recent studies demonstrate improved local recurrence rates in patients undergoing lateral pelvic lymph node dissections (LPND) in addition to total mesorectal excision (TME) for advanced lower rectal cancer. This study aims to report on the safety and feasibility of the robotic approach in patients undergoing pelvic sidewall lymph node dissection or en‐bloc sidewall resection for advanced lower rectal cancer.

Methods

Patients who underwent an elective robotic pelvic sidewall lymph node dissection or en‐bloc sidewall resection for locally advanced rectal cancer with suspicious lateral lymph nodes or pelvic side wall involvement between January 2018 and March 2021 were included. Demographic, clinical, perioperative and histopathological variables were recorded and analysed.

Results

Eight patients (3 males) with a mean age of 55 (33–73) years and mean body mass index of 26.3 (20.7–30.0) kg/m2 were included. The median operative time and blood loss were 458.75 (360–540) min and 143.75 (100–300) mL, respectively. There were no conversions or intra‐operative complications. There were three post‐operative complications recorded (two ileus and one anastomotic leak which required an endoscopic washout in theatre and intravenous antibiotics thereafter). Median length of stay was 12.75 (7–23) days. All patients had an R0 resection, and the median lateral pelvic lymph node yield was 9.1 (6–14).

Conclusion

This series demonstrates the practicality and the safety of the robotic approach in the introduction of this technique for en‐bloc resection or LPND in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
The role of elbow positioning on arthroscopic assessment of the long head of biceps tendon in the beach chair position
Authors: Ek Eugene T. , Flynn Jennifer N. , Boyce Glenn N. , Padmasekara Gayan
Published: May 2022

Background

Tendinopathy of the long head of biceps (LHB) tendon is a common cause of anterior shoulder pain and dysfunction. The extra‐articular portion within the bicipital groove undergoes frequent load and friction during shoulder movements and pathology within this area is frequently missed during arthroscopic assessment.

Methods

We quantified the arthroscopically assessable length of tendon within the shoulder in 14 consecutive patients undergoing subpectoral biceps tenodesis. After biceps tenotomy at the superior labrum, the tagged tendon was maximally tensioned and marked at the biceps outlet with the elbow in extension and flexion. The distance in distance between the two were measured.

Results

Mean distance from the superior labral insertion of the biceps to the outlet was 16.4 ± 4.1 mm (range, 11–25). With tension on the biceps with elbow extension, the mean measurable distance was 31.3 ± 6.7 mm (range, 19–45). With elbow flexion, this increased to 39.5 ± 5.9 mm (range, 25–52). Mean increase in visible tendon length was 8.2 ± 4.3 mm (range, 5–21) (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Elbow flexion results in an average increase of 26.2% more extra‐articular tendon visualized at arthroscopy. Therefore, we believe that elbow flexion is a useful adjunct, especially when performed in conjunction with techniques that pull the tendon into the joint, thus allowing for more complete arthroscopic assessment of the LHB, increasing detection of symptomatic biceps tendonitis.

Level of evidence: Level IV.
Pharmacological testing of therapeutics using normothermic machine perfusion: A pilot study of 2,4‐dinitrophenol delivery to steatotic human livers
Authors: Tingle Samuel J. , Thompson Emily R. , Bates Lucy , Ibrahim Ibrahim K. , Govaere Olivier , Shuttleworth Victoria , Wang Lu , Figueiredo Rodrigo , Palmer Jeremy , Bury Yvonne , Anstee Quentin M. , Wilson Colin
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) provides a platform for drug‐delivery. However, pharmacological considerations for therapeutics delivered during NMP are scarcely reported. We aimed to demonstrate the ability of NMP as a platform for pharmacological testing, using a drug which increases metabolism (2,4‐dinitrophenol; DNP) as an example therapeutic.

Methods

We performed 25 h of NMP on human livers which had been declined for transplant due to steatosis (n = 7). Three livers received a DNP bolus, three were controls, and one received a DNP infusion.

Results

Toxicity studies revealed DNP delivery was safe, without hepatotoxic effects. The liver surface temperature was increased in the DNP group (p = 0.046), but no livers suffered hyperthermia—the mechanism of DNP toxicity in vivo. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed DNP elimination with first‐order kinetics and 7.7 h half‐life (95% CI = 5.1–15.9 hrs). The clearance of DNP in bile was negligible. As expected, DNP significantly increased oxygen consumption (p = 0.023); this increase was closely correlated with perfusate DNP concentration (r2 = 0.975; p = 0.002) and the effect was lost as DNP was eliminated by the liver. A DNP infusion rate, calculated using our pharmacokinetic data, successfully maintained perfusate DNP concentration.

Discussion

Detailed pharmacological testing can be performed during NMP. Our therapeutic (DNP) is rapidly eliminated by the ex vivo liver, meaning the drug effect of increased metabolism is only transient. This demonstrates the importance of assessing pharmacokinetics when delivering therapeutics during NMP, especially for prolonged perfusion of organs with established roles in drug elimination. Rigorous pharmacological testing is needed to unlock the potential of NMP as a clinical drug‐delivery platform.
Clinical trial: intra dermal hepatitis B vaccination with topical imiquimod versus intra muscular hepatitis B vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ko Kwan‐Lung , Lam Yuk‐Fai , Cheung Ka‐Shing , Hung Ivan Fan‐Ngai , Leung Wai K.
Published: May 2022

Background

Efficacy with conventional intra muscular (IM) hepatitis B vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is suboptimal.

Aim

To compare the immunogenicity of intradermal (ID) hepatitis B vaccination after topical imiquimod pre‐treatment with IM hepatitis B vaccination in patients with IBD.

Methods

Adult IBD patients with no evidence of hepatitis B infection or immunity (negative to HBsAg/anti‐HBc/anti‐HBs) were randomised 1:1 to receive either ID hepatitis B vaccine with topical imiquimod pre‐treatment to injection site (ID‐Imq) or IM hepatitis B vaccine with aqueous cream pre‐treatment (IM‐Aq) at 0, 1 and 6 months. Patients and investigators were blinded to the randomisation and intervention. The primary endpoint was seroprotection rate at 12‐month, defined as percentage of subjects with anti‐HBs ≥10 mIU/ml.

Results

Between September 2019 and December 2020, 104 patients with IBD (68% male; 50% Crohn’s) enrolled, and 53 assigned to ID‐Imq group. The percentage of patients using steroids, immunomodulators or biologics at randomisation was 15%, 55% or 22%, respectively. Seroprotection rate at 12 months was significantly higher in the ID‐Imq group than the IM‐Aq group (91% vs 69%; OR 4.39, 95% CI 1.47‐13.11). Multivariate analysis showed that ID vaccine with topical imiquimod and higher albumin level were associated with a higher seroprotection rate. The safety profile was similar but local reactions were more common in the ID‐Imq group.

Conclusions

Intradermal hepatitis B vaccination with topical imiquimod pre‐treatment is safe and offers superior seroprotection to conventional IM administration in patients with IBD.
Non‐oesophageal eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases are undersuspected clinically and underdiagnosed pathologically
Authors: Genta Robert M. , Dellon Evan S. , Turner Kevin O.
Published: May 2022

Background

Non‐oesophageal gastrointestinal eosinophilic diseases (EGID) are considered rare. However, low disease awareness among clinicians and pathologists may contribute to underdiagnosis.

Aims

To determine how frequently requests to evaluate for EGID accompany gastrointestinal biopsies and in what proportion of suspected cases pathologists address these requests, either confirming or refuting the clinical suspicion.

Methods

All cases in which biopsy requisitions included an explicit suspicion of EGID were extracted from a large clinicopathologic database and manually reviewed for accuracy. The diagnoses for these cases were then analysed to determine whether clinical suspicions were confirmed, refuted or ignored.

Results

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) was suspected in 12.8% of 903,516 patients with biopsies and confirmed in 14.9% of them. A suspicion of eosinophilic gastritis accompanied <0.001% of 1,438,206 gastric biopsy sets and was confirmed in 11.5% of them; eosinophilic duodenitis was suspected in 0.02% of ~675,519 patients with duodenal biopsies and confirmed in 8.0% of these; eosinophilic colitis was mentioned in <0.001% of 2,504,485 patients with colonic biopsies and confirmed in 0.1% of them. Less than 3% of endoscopists mentioned non‐oesophageal EGID in the requisition, while most expressed a clinical suspicion of Barrett oesophagus, Helicobacter pylori gastritis, celiac disease and microscopic colitis (in 21.2%, 49.2%, 1% and 6.4% of the cases, respectively).

Conclusions

Gastroenterologists and pathologists commonly address and diagnose EoE. In contrast, both clinical suspicion and diagnosis of non‐oesophageal EGID are extremely rare. Increased clinical awareness might result in a better understanding of the epidemiology and improved diagnosis of these still elusive conditions.
Environmental justice and the politics of coal‐fired thermal power in Vietnam's Mekong Delta
Authors: Dao Nga
Published: May 2022

Coal‐fired thermal power has recently become one of the most pressing issues in Vietnam's development agenda. The country's economic development, industrialization and modernization, and population increases have put increasing pressure on energy demands. The Vietnamese government sees coal‐fired power as a way forward in ensuring energy security, which had led to the planning and construction of plants nationwide, particularly from 2016. Simultaneously, a growing anti‐coal power development movement argues that coal‐fired power adversely transforms local people's lives and livelihoods, and negatively impacts the ecological balance in plant locations. Through the lens of environmental justice, this paper examines the development of Vietnam's power sector with a focus on coal‐fired thermal power and its impacts on local livelihoods, food production and water resources. The paper argues that Vietnam's development of coal‐fired power is about much more than energy. It speaks to the state's rule over resources, and how this very process of power generation disproportionately affects local communities in the Mekong Delta.
Application of kojic acid scaffold in the design of non‐tyrosinase enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Ashooriha Morteza , Ahmadi Reza , Ahadi Hamideh , Emami Saeed
Published: May 2022

Kojic acid (KA) is a hydroxypyranone natural metabolite mainly known as tyrosinase inhibitor. Currently, this compound is used as a whitening agent in cosmetics and as an anti‐browning agent in food industry. Given the easy‐manipulation in different positions of the KA molecule, many investigations have been carried out to find new tyrosinase inhibitors derived from KA. Beside anti‐tyrosinase activity, many KA‐based compounds have been designed for targeting other enzymes including human neutrophil elastase, catechol‐O‐methyltransferase, matrix metalloproteinases, monoamine oxidase, human lactate dehydrogenase, endonucleases, D‐amino acid oxidase, and receptors such as histamine H3 and apelin (APJ) receptors. This review could help biochemists and medicinal chemists in designing diverse KA‐derived enzyme inhibitors.
Partial restoration of spinal cord neural continuity via vascular pedicle hemisected spinal cord transplantation using spinal cord fusion technique
Authors: Ren Xiaoping , Zhang Weihua , Qin Jie , Mo Jian , Chen Yi , Han Jie , Feng Xinjian , Feng Sitan , Liang Haibo , Cen Liangjue , Wu Xiaofei , Han Linxuan , Lan Rongyu , Deng Haixuan , Yao Huihui , Qi Zhongquan , Gao Hongjun , Wei Lishan , Ren Shuai
Published: May 2022

Aims

Our team tested spinal cord fusion (SCF) using the neuroprotective agent polyethylene glycol (PEG) in different animal (mice, rats, and beagles) models with complete spinal cord transection. To further explore the application of SCF for the treatment of paraplegic patients, we developed a new clinical procedure for SCF called vascular pedicle hemisected spinal cord transplantation (vSCT) and tested this procedure in eight paraplegic participants.

Methods

Eight paraplegic participants (American Spinal Injury Association, ASIA: A) were enrolled and treated with vSCT (PEG was applied to the sites of spinal cord transplantation). Pre‐ and postoperative pain intensities, neurologic assessments, electrophysiologic monitoring, and neuroimaging examinations were recorded.

Results

Of the eight paraplegic participants who completed vSCT, objective improvements occurred in motor function for one participant, in electrophysiologic motor‐evoked potentials for another participant, in re‐establishment of white matter continuity in three participants, in autonomic nerve function in seven participants, and in symptoms of cord central pain for seven participants.

Conclusions

The postoperative recovery of paraplegic participants demonstrated the clinical feasibility and efficacy of vSCT in re‐establishing the continuity of spinal nerve fibers. vSCT could provide the anatomic, morphologic, and histologic foundations to potentially restore the motor, sensory, and autonomic nervous functions in paraplegic patients. More future clinical trials are warranted.
The effect of 3‐year parental smoking on asthma status of their children
Authors: Boskabady Mostafa , Hajizadeh Ali A. , Ahanchian Hamid , Memarzia Arghavan , Jafarnezhad Maryam , Golafshani Armin , Boskabady Mohammad H.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Whilst the prevalence and severity of asthma influenced by environmental factors, the effect of parental smoking on asthma status of their children was examined.

Patients and Methods

Ninety asthmatic children, 32 with smoker and 58 with non‐smoker parents (baseline age, 8.5 ± 3.5 and 8.2 ± 3.3 respectively) were studies in two sessions 3 years apart by evaluating respiratory symptoms (RS) prevalence and severity, various drugs used, and pulmonary function tests (PFT) including forced vital capacity; forced volume in the first second, peak expiratory flow; and maximum expiratory low at 75, 50 and 25% of vital capacity (FVC, FEV1, PEF, MEF75, MEF50 and MEF25, respectively).

Results

The prevalence and severity of all RS were significantly increased in asthmatic children with smoking parents after 3 years except prevalence and severity of night wheeze and the prevalence of chest wheeze (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001), but the PFT values were non‐significantly reduced. In asthmatic children with non‐smoking parents, the prevalence and severity of RS were decreased after 3 years, which was significant for night and chest wheeze for prevalence and night cough and chest wheeze for severity (all, p < 0.05), and the PFT values were increased, which were statistically significant for FVC, FEV1, MEF50 and MEF25 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Drugs used by the group with smoking parents were increased and were significantly higher than their reduction in the groups with non‐smoking parents at the end of the study (p < 0.05 for fluticasone propionate 125/salmeterol and budesonide160/formoterol).

Conclusion

Long‐term parental smoking increased prevalence and severity of RS and drug used but decreased PFT values of their asthmatic children.
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after heart transplantation
Authors: Kainuma Atsushi , Ning Yuming , Kurlansky Paul A. , Wang Amy S. , Latif Farhana , Farr Maryjane A. , Sayer Gabriel T. , Uriel Nir , Takayama Hiroo , Naka Yoshifumi , Takeda Koji
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is an important and serious postoperative complication after heart transplantation. We sought to characterize in‐hospital VTE after heart transplantation and its association with clinical outcomes.

Method

Adult (≧18 years) patients undergoing heart transplantation from 2015 to 2019 at our center were retrospectively reviewed. Post‐transplant VTE was defined as newly diagnosed venous system thrombus by imaging studies.

Results

There were 254 patients. The cohort's median age was 55 years. A total of 61 patients were diagnosed with VTE, including one with right atrial thrombus, 54 with upper extremity DVT in which one patient subsequently developed PE, four with lower extremity DVT, and two with upper and lower extremity DVT. The cumulative incidence of VTE was 42% at 60‐days of post heart transplant. Patients with VTE had longer hospital stay (P < .001), higher in‐hospital mortality (P = .010), and worse 5‐year survival (P = .009). On the multivariable Cox analysis, history of DVT/PE and intubation for more than 3 days were associated with an increased risk of in hospital VTE.

Conclusion

The incidence of VTE in heart transplant recipients is high. Post‐transplant surveillance, and appropriate preventive measures and treatment strategies after diagnosis are warranted.
The role of acute in‐patient rehabilitation on short‐term outcomes after liver transplantation: A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Mina Daniel Santa , Tandon Puneeta , Kow Alfred Wei Chieh , Chan Albert , Edbrooke Lara , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Spiro Michael , Selzner Nazia , Denehy Linda ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: May 2022

Background

The indication and surgical complexity of orthotopic liver transplantation underscore the need for strategies to optimize the recovery for transplant recipients. We conducted a systematic review aimed at identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing the evidence examining the effect of in‐patient rehabilitation for liver transplant recipients and provide related practice recommendations.

Methods

Health research databases were systematically reviewed for studies that included adults who received liver transplantation and participated in acute, post‐transplant rehabilitation. Postoperative morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, and other markers of surgical recovery were extracted. Practice recommendations are provided by an international panel using GRADE.

Results

Twelve studies were included in the review (including 3901 participants). Rehabilitation interventions varied widely in design and composition; however, details regarding intervention delivery were poorly described in general. The quality of evidence was rated as very low largely owing to “very serious” imprecision, poor reporting, and limited data from comparative studies. Overall, the studies suggest that in‐patient rehabilitation for recipients of liver transplantation is safe, tolerable, and feasible, and may benefit functional outcomes.

Conclusion

Two practice recommendations related to in‐patient rehabilitation following LT were yielded from this review: (1) it is safe, tolerable, and feasible; and (2) it improves postoperative functional outcomes. Each of the recommendations are weak and supported by low quality of evidence. No recommendation could be made related to benefits or harms for clinical, physiological, and other outcomes. Adequately powered and high quality randomized controlled trials are urgently needed in this area.
Cytological findings of metastatic poorly differentiated prostate adenocarcinoma to Virchow's node with immunohistochemical positivity for CD10 and negativity for PSA
Authors: Kobayashi Go , Sentani Kazuhiro , Uraoka Naohiro , Oue Naohide , Sasaki Naomi
Published: May 2022

This manuscript presents an unusual case of metastatic poorly differentiated prostate adenocarcinoma to Virchow's node.
Community‐based models of alcohol and other drug support for First Nations peoples in Australia: A systematic review
Authors: Krakouer Jacynta , Savaglio Melissa , Taylor Karinda , Skouteris Helen
Published: May 2022

Issues

The transgenerational impacts of colonisation—inclusive of dispossession, intergenerational trauma, racism, social and economic exclusion and marginalisation—places First Nations peoples in Australia at significant risk of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and its associated harms. However, knowledge and evidence supporting community‐based AOD treatment for First Nations adults is limited. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the impact and acceptability of community‐based models of AOD support for First Nations adults in Australia.

Approach

A systematic search of the empirical literature from the past 20 years was conducted.

Key Findings

Seventeen studies were included. Nine studies evaluated the program's impact on substance use and 10 studies assessed program acceptability (two studies evaluated both). Only three out of nine studies yielded a statistically significant reduction in substance use. Acceptable components included cultural safety, First Nations AOD workers, inclusion of family and kin, outreach and group support. Areas for improvement included greater focus on holistic wrap‐around psychosocial support, increased local community participation and engagement, funding and breaking down silos.

Implications

Culturally safe, holistic and integrated AOD outreach support led by First Nations peoples and organisations that involves local community members may support First Nations peoples experiencing AOD concerns. These findings may inform the (re)design and (re)development of community‐based AOD services for First Nations peoples.

Conclusion

There is a limited evidence‐base for community‐based AOD programs for First Nations peoples. First Nations‐led research that is controlled by and co‐produced with First Nations peoples is necessary to extend our understanding of community‐based programs within First Nations communities.
Factors associated with weight loss in people with overweight or obesity living with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Insights from the global DISCOVER study
Authors: Hejjaji Vittal , Gorgojo‐Martinez Juan J. , Tang Fengming , Garnelo Julia Blanco , Cooper Andrew , Medina Jesús , Mutiozabal Miren Sequera , Khunti Kamlesh , Nicolucci Antonio , Shestakova Marina V. , Ji Linong , Gomes Marilia B. , Watada Hirotaka , Vora Jiten , Malik Ali O. , Kosiborod Mikhail , Arnold Suzanne V.
Published: May 2022

Aims

To estimate real‐world change in weight over 3 years and the factors influencing it in participants who are overweight and live with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

DISCOVER is a multinational prospective observational study that enrolled participants with type 2 diabetes between December 2014 and June 2016 at the time of initiation of a second‐line glucose‐lowering medication (GLM). Demographic, anthropometric, and quality‐of‐life data were collected at baseline, and after 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of follow‐up. Using a hierarchical, repeated‐measures linear regression model, we examined factors associated with weight change over time.

Results

Of 10 675 participants with type 2 diabetes who were overweight/obese (mean age 57.1 ± 11.1 years, 46% women), 21% lost ≥5% weight over 3 years, which was associated with modestly improved physical and mental health. Advancing age, female sex, and higher baseline weight were associated with weight loss. Most importantly, the type of GLM prescribed at previous visit had the strongest impact on weight change over time independent of participant factors, with use of a sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist associated with 1.0% weight loss versus a 0.6% weight gain with sulphonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides or insulin.

Conclusion

In this large contemporary prospective study, approximately one in five participants with early‐stage type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity lost ≥5% weight over 3 years. The type of GLM has the most impact on weight loss over time, highlighting the need for a careful selection of agents that takes baseline weight into consideration.