bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying patient- and hospital-level antimicrobial resistance dynamics in Staphylococcus aureus from routinely collected data
Authors: Leclerc Quentin , Clements Alastair , Dunn Helen , Hatcher James , Lindsay Jodi A. , Grandjean Louis , Knight Gwenan M.
Published: July 2023

Introduction. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to all antibiotic classes has been found in the pathogen

Staphylococcus aureus

. The reported prevalence of these resistances varies, driven by within-host AMR evolution at the patient level, and between-host transmission at the hospital level. Without dense longitudinal sampling, pragmatic analysis of AMR dynamics at multiple levels using routine surveillance data is essential to inform control measures.

Gap Statement. The value and limitations of routinely collected hospital data to gain insight into AMR dynamics at the hospital and individual levels simultaneously are unclear.

Methodology. We explored

S. aureus

AMR diversity in 70 000 isolates from a UK paediatric hospital between 2000–2021, using electronic datasets containing multiple routinely collected isolates per patient with phenotypic antibiograms and information on hospitalization and antibiotic consumption.

Results. At the hospital level, the proportion of isolates that were meticillin-resistant (MRSA) increased between 2014–2020 from 25–50 %, before sharply decreasing to 30%, likely due to a change in inpatient demographics. Temporal trends in the proportion of isolates resistant to different antibiotics were often correlated in MRSA, but independent in meticillin-susceptible

S. aureus

. Ciprofloxacin resistance in MRSA decreased from 70–40 % of tested isolates between 2007–2020, likely linked to a national policy to reduce fluoroquinolone usage in 2007. At the patient level, we identified frequent AMR diversity, with 4 % of patients ever positive for

S. aureus

simultaneously carrying, at some point, multiple isolates with different resistances. We detected changes over time in AMR diversity in 3 % of patients ever positive for

S. aureus

. These changes equally represented gain and loss of resistance.

Conclusion. Within this routinely collected dataset, we found that 65 % of changes in resistance within a patient’s

S. aureus

population could not be explained by antibiotic exposure or between-patient transmission of bacteria, suggesting that within-host evolution via frequent gain and loss of AMR genes may be responsible for these changing AMR profiles. Our study highlights the value of exploring existing routine surveillance data to determine underlying mechanisms of AMR. These insights may substantially improve our understanding of the importance of antibiotic exposure variation, and the success of single

S. aureus

clones.
Genetic and molecular analyses of candidate germlineBRIP1/FANCJvariants implicated in breast and ovarian cancer
Authors: Milano Larissa , Alenezi Wejdan M. , Fierheller Caitlin T. , Serruya Corinne , Revil Timothée , Oros Kathleen K. , Bruce Jeffrey , Spiegelman Dan , Pugh Trevor , Masson Anne-Marie Mes- , Provencher Diane , Foulkes William D. , Haffaf Zaki El , Rouleau Guy , Bouchard Luigi , Greenwood Celia M.T. , Ragoussis Jiannis , Tonin Patricia N. , Masson Jean-Yves
Published: July 2023

Five rare variants inBRIP1/FANCJ, initially reported in ovarian (OC) or breast (BC) cancer cases by the adult hereditary cancer clinics, were investigated for their candidacy as clinically relevant variants. These variants were investigated genetically in a population exhibiting genetic drift and molecularly assayed for biological impact. Using in silico tools, population-based genetic databases and other resources, three of the five reportedBRIP1variants were likely to be damaging: c.797C>T; p.Thr266Met, c.2087C>T; p.Pro696Leu and c.2990_2993delCAAA; p.Thr997ArgfsTer61. The carrier frequencies ranged from 0-0.7% in ancestry defined cancer groups comprised of 47 OC families, 49 hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome families, 142 hereditary breast cancer syndrome families, 435 sporadic OC cases and 563 sporadic BC cases and 0-0.2% in 1025 population-matched controls. Multiple carriers of the same variants were identified in additional population-matched cancer cases. Of the five reportedBRIP1variants, p.Thr266Met, p.Pro696Leu and p.Thr997ArgfsTer61, which were predicted to be damaging, conferred cellular sensitivity to mitomycin C and cisplatin unlike p.Ser139Ala and p.Ala406Ser. Collectively, our investigation implicatesBRIP1c.797C>T; p.Thr266Met, c.2087C>T; p.Pro696Leu and p.Thr997ArgfsTer61 as deleterious variants in OC and BC.
Mosaic-PICASSO: accurate crosstalk removal for multiplex fluorescence imaging
Authors: Cang Hu , Liu Yang , Xing Jianhua
Published: July 2023

Ultra-multiplexed fluorescence imaging has revolutionized our understanding of biological systems, enabling the simultaneous visualization and quantification of multiple targets within biological specimens. A recent breakthrough in this field is PICASSO, a mutual-information-based technique capable of demixing up to 15 fluorophores without their spectra, thereby significantly simplifying the application of ultra-multiplexed fluorescence imaging. However, this study has identified a limitation of mutual information-based techniques. They do not differentiate between spatial colocalization and spectral mixing. Consequently, mutual information-based demixing may incorrectly interpret spatially co-localized targets as non-colocalized, leading to overcorrection. We found that selecting regions within a multiplex image with low spatial similarity for measuring spectroscopic mixing results in more accurate demixing. This method effectively minimizes overcorrections and promises to accelerate the broader adoption of ultra-multiplex imaging.
Defining the data gap: what do we know about environmental exposure, hazards and risks of pharmaceuticals in the European aquatic environment?
Authors: Spilsbury F.D. , Inostroza P.A. , Svedberg P. , Cannata C. , Ragas A.M.J. , Backhaus T.
Published: July 2023

Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and their transformation products inevitably enter waterways where they might cause adverse effects to aquatic organisms. Identifying the potential risks of APIs in the environment is therefore a goal and current strategic direction of environmental management described in the EU Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment and the Green Deal. This is challenged by a paucity of monitoring and ecotoxicity data to adequately describe risks.

In this study we analyze measured environmental concentrations (MECs) of APIs from 5933 sites in 25 European countries as documented in the EMPODAT database or collected by the German Environment Agency for the time period between 1997 to 2020. These data were compared with empirical data on the ecotoxicity of APIs from the U.S. EPA ECOTOX database. Although 1763 uniquely identifiable APIs are registered with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for sale in the European Economic Area (EEA), only 312 (17.7%) of these are included in publicly available monitoring data, and only 36 (1.8%) compounds have sufficient ecotoxicological data to perform an EMA-compliant ERA. Among the 27 compounds with sufficient exposure and hazard data to conduct a single substance risk assessment according to EMA guidelines, four compounds (14.8%) had a median risk quotient (RQ) > 1. Endocrine disruptors had the highest median RQ, with 7.0 and 5.6 for 17α-ethinyl-estradiol and 17β-estradiol respectively.

A comparison ofin-silicoand empirical data for 72 APIs demonstrated the high protectiveness of the current EMA guidelines, with predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) exceeding median MECs in 98.6% of cases, with a 100-fold median increase.

This study describes the data shortfalls hindering an accurate assessment of the risk posed to European waterways by APIs, and identifies 68 APIs for prioritized inclusion in monitoring programs, and 66 APIs requiring ecotoxicity testing to fill current data gaps.

Highlights

1763 medicines are EMA-approved for sale in the EEA

The data gap is 1201 APIs (68%) that have no ecotoxicity or public monitoring data

Only 27 APIs (1.5%) have sufficient empirical data for risk assessment.

ERA using 23 years of EU monitoring data shows four compounds with a median RQ > 1

Data gap APIs prioritized for monitoring programs (68) and ecotoxicity testing (66)
Cofilin-Driven Nuclear Deformation Drives Dendritic Cell Migration through the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Warner Harry , Franciosa Giulia , van der Borg Guus , Faas Felix , Koenig Claire , de Boer Rinse , Classens René , Maassen Sjors , Baranov Maksim , Mahajan Shweta , Dabral Deepti , Coenen Britt , Bianchi Frans , van Hilten Niek , Risselada Herre Jelger , Roos Wouter H. , Olsen Jesper , Cano Laia Querol , van den Bogaart Geert
Published: July 2023

To mount an adaptive immune response, dendritic cells must process antigens, migrate to lymph nodes and form synapses with T cells. Critical to 3D migration and mechano-sensing is the nucleus, which is the size-limiting barrier for navigation through gaps in the extracellular matrix. Here, we show that inflammatory activation of dendritic cells leads to the nucleus becoming spherically deformed, adopting a raison-like shape and enables dendritic cells to overcome the typical 2 – 3-micron pore limit for 3D-migration. We show that the nuclear shape-change is partially attained through reduced cell adhesion, whereas improved migration through extracellular matrix is achieved through reprogramming of the actin cytoskeleton. Specifically we show that cofilin-1 is phosphorylated at serine 41 drives the assembly of a Cofilin-ActoMyosin (CAM)-ring proximal to the nucleus and enhancing migration through 3D collagen gels. In summary, these data describe novel signaling events through which dendritic cells simultaneously deform their nucleus and enhance their migratory capacity; molecular events that may be re-capitulated in other contexts such as wound healing and cancer.
Accurate sequencing of DNA motifs able to form alternative (non-B) structures
Authors: Weissensteiner Matthias H. , Cremona Marzia A. , Guiblet Wilfried M. , Stoler Nicholas , Harris Robert S. , Cechova Monika , Eckert Kristin A. , Chiaromonte Francesca , Huang Yi-Fei , Makova Kateryna D.
Published: July 2023

Approximately 13% of the human genome at certain motifs have the potential to form noncanonical (non-B) DNA structures (e.g., G-quadruplexes, cruciforms, and Z-DNA), which regulate many cellular processes but also affect the activity of polymerases and helicases. Because sequencing technologies use these enzymes, they might possess increased errors at non-B structures. To evaluate this, we analyzed error rates, read depth, and base quality of Illumina, Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) HiFi, and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing at non-B motifs. All technologies showed altered sequencing success for most non-B motif types, although this could be owing to several factors, including structure formation, biased GC content, and the presence of homopolymers. Single-nucleotide mismatch errors had low biases in HiFi and ONT for all non-B motif types but were increased for G-quadruplexes and Z-DNA in all three technologies. Deletion errors were increased for all non-B types but Z-DNA in Illumina and HiFi, as well as only for G-quadruplexes in ONT. Insertion errors for non-B motifs were highly, moderately, and slightly elevated in Illumina, HiFi, and ONT, respectively. Additionally, we developed a probabilistic approach to determine the number of false positives at non-B motifs depending on sample size and variant frequency, and applied it to publicly available data sets (1000 Genomes, Simons Genome Diversity Project, and gnomAD). We conclude that elevated sequencing errors at non-B DNA motifs should be considered in low-read-depth studies (single-cell, ancient DNA, and pooled-sample population sequencing) and in scoring rare variants. Combining technologies should maximize sequencing accuracy in future studies of non-B DNA.
Application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the area of corrosion protection
Authors: Lin Zhifeng , Zhang Wei , Li Jiawei , Yang Jing , Han Bing , Xie Peng
Published: July 2023

Purpose

As a common form of failure in industry, corrosion causes huge economic losses. At present, with the development of computational techniques, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a more and more important role in the field of scientific research. This paper aims to review the application of AI in corrosion protection research.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the role of AI in corrosion protection is systematically described in terms of anticorrosion materials and methods, corrosion image recognition and corrosion life prediction.

Findings

With efficient and in-depth data processing methods, AI can rapidly advance the research process in terms of anticorrosion materials and methods, corrosion image recognition and corrosion life prediction and save on costs.

Originality/value

This paper summarizes the application of AI in corrosion protection research and provides the basis for corrosion engineers to quickly and comprehensively understand the role of AI and improve production processes.
User’s intention towards the use of digital libraries: a post COVID-19 scenario
Authors: Sujood  , Siddiqui Samiha , Nafees Sehar , Bano Naseem
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Following a crucial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the coronavirus has affected every academic institution, particularly libraries and information centres. To address this unprecedented scenario, libraries’ staff has decided to provide their services via digital access while staying close to the users. To predict users’ intention to use digital libraries after COVID-19, the authors combined the technology acceptance model (TAM), the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and perceived risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a paper-based questionnaire using a convenient sampling method which was distributed at two major libraries; Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University and Dr Zakir Husain Library, Jamia Millia Islamia in India.

Findings

Empirical findings suggested that all the proposed hypotheses were supported, and the integrated model had strong explanation power as the proposed model explained a 74.5% variance in users’ intention to use digital libraries after COVID-19.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers substantial information to librarians, digital libraries, universities, institutes and other stakeholders and sheds light on the potential for a developing nation to transition to an economy with a strong digital infrastructure. The scope of the study is constrained to the users in India only, hence, leading to the possibility that it may be challenging to generalize the findings.

Originality/value

According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is one of the few studies to predict users’ intentions for using digital libraries after COVID-19 by applying the integrated model of TPB and TAM in an emerging economy. It helped understand the users’ attitudes towards using the digital services and resources available at the respective libraries. It also contributed considerably to the argument that users have grown accustomed to harnessing digital libraries during the post-COVID-19 period.
Major powers’ management of complex peace relationships
Authors: Bayer Reşat
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to discussions on peace between hostile nonmajor powers by focusing on the behavior of major powers. Specifically, alliances between nonmajor and major powers are explored to determine whether such ties contribute to transitions to higher levels of peace. Moreover, systemic factors involving power dynamics and relationships between major powers are also evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple data sets which altogether covered the era from 1816 to 2010 were analyzed. All pairs of countries that were former foes were considered. Cox hazard regression was conducted.

Findings

Systemic instability is influential at transitions from lowest levels of peace for nonmajor power dyads. Eras where major powers are operating multilaterally appear to play a highly limited role in nonmajor powers attaining stable peace. However, alliances with major powers are relatively more crucial in these discussions for nonmajor powers and contribute to higher levels of peace being attained by nonmajor powers.

Research limitations/implications

Further research in particular with case studies can help to elucidate and extend the statistical findings.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, the design and operations of alliances can create more space to hear a wider range of issues that allies can be facing.

Originality/value

While major powers clearly have considerable capacity and global outreach, there has been little attention to whether and how they contribute to former foes attaining higher quality of peace.
Inclusive leadership and job satisfaction in Omani higher education: the mediation of psychological ownership and employee thriving
Authors: Dahleez Khalid Abed , Aboramadan Mohammed , Abdelfattah Fadi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Through the lens of social exchange and self-determination theories, this paper proposes and tests a model to explore how inclusive leadership practices foster employee job satisfaction at higher education institutions. It also explores the intervening roles of psychological ownership and employee thriving in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a positivist worldview and a quantitative methodology. The authors collected data from a sample of 329 academic and nonacademic staff working at Omani higher education institutions. The authors utilized partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the model and test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

This study's findings reveal that inclusive leadership is related to job satisfaction. They also show that psychological ownership and employee thriving mediate between inclusive leadership and job satisfaction at Omani academic institutions.

Practical implications

Since employees at Omani academic institutions come from different cultures, academic leaders should manage and promote inclusiveness by developing and enforcing relevant policies. They should carefully select the workforce that stimulates growth and effectiveness, create an atmosphere to foster acceptance and exchange of ideas, improve performance appraisal practices, and embed inclusiveness in their vision and mission.

Originality/value

This research helps researchers and practitioners better understand how inclusiveness fosters vitality and learning in the higher education sector. It also sheds more light on how psychological ownership and employee thriving mediate between inclusive leadership and job satisfaction. This research is also important due to its context, as it was implemented in a multicultural environment with a diverse workforce.
The exchange rate, income, trade openness and the trade balance: longitudinal panel analysis for selected SSA countries
Authors: Abille Adamu Braimah , Meçik Oytun
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Motivated by recent rapid exchange rate depreciations, shrank economic growth, high inflation, and persistent trade deficits, this study examines the trade balance (TB) in the face of the recent dynamics of the stated macroeconomic factors, which are also important determinants of the TB. The symmetric test of the J-curve phenomenon for the selected Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries is revisited in this regard. The study uses panel data from 1970 to 2020 for ten of these countries for the longitudinal panel analysis with the TB as the dependent variable and the real exchange rate, foreign and domestic national incomes, and trade openness as the set of independent variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Because the underlying data set involves a heterogeneous panel of relatively short N and long T, the pooled mean group (PMG) and mean group (MG) heterogeneous panel models are employed based on the Hausman test for parameter consistency in heterogeneous panels.

Findings

The findings largely support the domestic income growth– TB worsening and the foreign income growth– TB improvement hypotheses. Trade openness is found to mostly augment the TB performance of the countries. The results also validated the J-curve effect for only 3/10 and 2/10 countries in the PMG and MG models, respectively. The divergence for most of the countries is attributed to possible import compression and institutional structure of SSA countries.

Practical implications

Given the favorable effects of trade openness on the TB performance of SSA countries, it is recommended that SSA countries place much emphasis on import-substitution industrialization and value addition to their natural resources as well as investment-driven growth policies to improve the competitiveness of their exports and reverse the chronic deficits in their TBs.

Originality/value

This paper is unique for invoking heterogeneous panel models to analyze the TB in light of recent dynamics of its determinants, as well as providing an update on the symmetric test of the J-curve phenomenon for the selected SSA countries.
Determinants of working capital management for emerging markets firms: evidence from the MENA region
Authors: Jabbouri Imad , Benrqya Yassine , Satt Harit , Naili Maryem , Omari Kenza
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of firm-specific and macroeconomic factors on the working capital behavior of firms listed in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a panel data analysis of 687 firms listed on 11 MENA markets, carried out using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that profitable firms with high levels of operating cash flows adopt a conservative working capital management. Young firms with rapid growth rates, highly leveraged firms and firms with large investments in fixed assets have higher liquidity needs, which explains their tendency to pursue aggressive working capital strategies. Similarly, large firms exercise their bargaining power over their clients and suppliers to implement an aggressive approach of working capital management. Finally, firms do not have the luxury to decide how working capital should be managed when they are subject to outside macroeconomic forces that affect their stakeholders as well.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can help managers adopt efficient practices and identify optimal working capital levels. Firms in the MENA region maintain excess reserves of cash, which causes under-investment and inefficient allocation of resources in the economy. Improving working capital management practices can allow firms to regain operational efficiency, enhance financial performance and support economic growth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study investigates this topic in MENA emerging markets and contributes to enriching the existing corporate finance literature in emerging markets.
The influencing factors of personality that affect entrepreneurship development among people with disabilities
Authors: Samer Ali Al-Shami , Rashid Abdu Azim
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Entrepreneurial personalities have been widely recognised as important drivers for the development of entrepreneurial competencies, which are the skills, knowledge and abilities that enable entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses. Yet, there has been relatively little research focused specifically on entrepreneurial personalities that influence entrepreneurial competencies among people with physical disabilities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the entrepreneurial personalities among people with disabilities (PWDs) and explain how they influence several aspects of entrepreneurial capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach, namely, phenomenological approach, has been conducted; meanwhile, a total of 12 respondents were interviewed as the data has reached the saturation level.

Findings

The findings revealed that successful PWDs entrepreneurs possess a range of traits and characteristics that contribute to their success, which include need for achievement, internal drives, external factors, extraversion and openness. These factors drive the enhancement of the PWDs’ entrepreneurial capabilities.

Originality/value

Essentially, this study is one of the few studies that suggests that an integrative personality model influences PWDs’ entrepreneurial capabilities and their business development. This model takes into account the unique experiences and challenges faced by PWDs, which help to better understand the traits and characteristics that contribute to their success as entrepreneurs.
From pandemic to war: dynamics of volatility spillover between BRICS exchange and stock markets
Authors: Kumar Mohit
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To estimate the volatility of exchange and stock markets and examine its spillover within and across the member countries of BRICS during COVID-19 and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes the “dynamic conditional correlation-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (DCC-GARCH)” approach of Gabauer (2020). The volatility of the markets is calculated following the approach of Parkinson (1980). The sample dataset comprises the daily volatility of the stock and exchange markets for 35 months, from November 2019 to September 2022.

Findings

The study confirms the existence of contagion effects among member countries. Volatility spillover between exchange and stock markets is low within the country but substantial across borders. Russian contribution increased significantly during the conflict with Ukraine, and other countries also witnessed a surge in the spillover index during the pandemic and war.

Research limitations/implications

It adds to the body of literature by emphasizing the necessity of comprehending the economies' behavior and interdependence. Offers insightful information to decision-makers who must be more watchful regarding the financial crisis and its regional spillover.

Originality/value

The study is the first to explore the contagion of volatility among the BRICS countries during the two biggest crisis periods of the decade.
Factors influencing consumer forgiveness: a systematic literature review and directions for future research
Authors: Kim Yungchul , Ho Ting Hin , Tan Lay Peng , Casidy Riza
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Consumer forgiveness is an important concept in service failure and recovery research. To advance knowledge and develop future research agenda in this domain, this paper provides a systematic review of the literature on factors influencing consumer forgiveness while adopting the customer journey perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted of 102 peer-reviewed journal articles, on factors influencing consumer forgiveness, published between January 2000 and December 2020.

Findings

The authors' analysis offers a detailed account of the factors influencing consumer forgiveness across the three stages of the service journey: pre-transgression, transgression and recovery. From the review, the authors identified significant gaps relating to the interactions between the relevant factors influencing forgiveness throughout the various stages of the consumer service journey. Based on the findings, the authors offer several research questions to help managers optimize customer forgiveness following a service failure throughout each stage of consumer service journey.

Originality/value

The authors' review synthesizes the literature on factors contributing to consumer forgiveness and integrates these factors into the customer service journey. The authors' findings inform directions for future research and provide insights regarding the measures that service providers should take to understand and encourage consumer forgiveness.
‘Furnisht with such members as are after a sort burthensome unto them’: White Traveller Perceptions of Black Male Bodies and the Construction of Race, 1450–1730
Authors: Lussana Sergio
Published: July 2023

This article explores how European travellers to Africa perceived African masculinity, the male body and sexuality during the period of 1450–1730. It argues that their observations helped Europeans construct early notions of racial difference at a time when skin colour was not the most important marker of difference classifying people. It draws upon a range of European accounts of their voyages and encounters with Africans from 1450 to 1730. It mostly analyses English narratives, but it also examines Portuguese, Dutch and French accounts that were translated into English at the time and read by English audiences.
On the challenge of unambiguous identification of fentanyl analogs: Exploring measurement diversity using standard reference mass spectral libraries
Authors: Moorthy Arun S. , Erisman Edward P. , Kearsley Anthony J. , Liang Yuxue , Sisco Edward , Wallace William E.
Published: July 2023

Fentanyl analogs are a class of designer drugs that are particularly challenging to unambiguously identify due to the mass spectral and retention time similarities of unique compounds. In this paper, we use agglomerative hierarchical clustering to explore the measurement diversity of fentanyl analogs and better understand the challenge of unambiguous identifications using analytical techniques traditionally available to drug chemists. We consider four measurements in particular: gas chromatography retention indices, electron ionization mass spectra, electrospray ionization tandem mass spectra, and direct analysis in real time mass spectra. Our analysis demonstrates how simultaneously considering data from multiple measurement techniques increases the observable measurement diversity of fentanyl analogs, which can reduce identification ambiguity. This paper further supports the use of multiple analytical techniques to identify fentanyl analogs (among other substances), as is recommended by the Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG).
Application of mist to fingermark detection: Misting with high‐boiling‐point liquid containing p‐dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde and cyanoacrylate
Authors: Takatsu Masahisa , Hibino Kazuhito , Shimoda Osamu , Shimizu Yasuaki , Akiba Norimitsu
Published: July 2023

In order to detect latent fingerprints that could be damaged by liquid or powder reagents, non‐destructive processes such as gaseous reagents have been developed. In this report, we propose the use of fine mist generated when hot vapor of high‐boiling‐point liquids is rapidly cooled by surrounding air for fingermark detection. Octyl acetate (OA), 2‐phenoxyethanol (2PE), and methyl decanoate (MD) were found to efficiently produce mist when heated to 230°C. By combining these liquids with p‐dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) and cyanoacrylate (CN), our team demonstrated effective fluorescence staining of cyano‐treated fingermarks using DMAC/OA misting or DMAC/2PE misting, and one‐step fluorescence detection of latent fingermarks without cyanoacrylate treatment using DMAC/OA/CN misting or DMAC/MD/CN misting. Fingermark fluorescence was efficiently observed by excitation with a blue LED light (max. wavelength 470 nm) equipped with an interference filter and passing through a 520 nm long‐pass filter. We successfully obtained fluorescent images from fingermarks on several substrate materials using the developed misting method.
A young boy with rash, arthritis, and developmental delay: Monogenic lupus due to DNASE2 gene defect
Authors: Basu Suprit , Sil Archan , Jindal Ankur Kumar , Tyagi Rahul , Arafath Mohamed Yaser , Vyas Sameer , Rawat Amit
Published: July 2023

Monogenic causes are increasingly being recognized in patients with lupus, especially in early‐onset disease. We herein report a boy with a novel mutation in the DNase 2 (DNASE2) gene presenting with monogenic lupus. A 6‐year‐old boy with a global developmental delay with microcephaly presented with chronic febrile illness with anemia, rash, polyarthritis, renal involvement, and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory investigations revealed positive antinuclear antibody, high anti‐dsDNA antibody titers, hypocomplementemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, nephrotic range proteinuria, and diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain showed altered signal intensity in subcortical white matter in bilateral fronto‐parieto‐temporal lobes. Targeted next‐generation sequencing revealed a novel pathogenic variant in DNASE2. He was treated with oral prednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and hydroxychloroquine and is doing well on follow up. DNASE2 deficiency has been reported as a rare genetic cause of monogenic lupus. DNASE2 deficiency should be suspected in patients with early‐onset lupus with polyarthritis, erythematous rash, and neurological involvement.
Continuing professional development (CPD) for anesthetists: A systematic review
Authors: Petersen John Asger , Bray Lucy , Østergaard Doris
Published: July 2023

Background

In accordance with the focus on patient safety and quality in healthcare, continuing professional development (CPD) has received increasing levels of attention as a means to ensure physicians maintain their clinical competencies and are fit to practice. There is some evidence of a beneficial effect of CPD, though few studies have evaluated its effect within anesthesia. The primary aim of this systematic review was to establish which CPD activities anesthetists are engaged in and their effectiveness. The secondary aim was to explore which methods are employed to evaluate anesthetists’ clinical performance.

Methods

Databases searched: Medline, Embase and Web of Science, in May 2023. Additional papers were identified through searching the references of included studies. Eligible studies included anesthetists, either exclusively or combined with other healthcare professionals, who underwent a learning activity or assessment method as part of a formalized CPD program or a stand‐alone activity. Non‐English language studies, non‐peer reviewed studies and studies published prior to 2000 were excluded. Eligible studies were quality assessed and narratively synthesized, with results presented as descriptive summaries.

Results

A total of 2112 studies were identified, of which 63 were eligible for inclusion, encompassing more than 137,518 participants. Studies were primarily of quantitative design and medium quality. Forty‐one studies reported outcomes of single learning activities, whilst 12 studies investigated different roles of assessment methods in CPD and ten studies evaluated CPD programs or combined CPD activities. A 36 of the 41 studies reported positive effects of single learning activities. Investigations of assessment methods revealed evidence of inadequate performance amongst anesthetists and a mixed effect of feedback. Positive attitudes and high levels of engagement were identified for CPD programs, with some evidence of a positive impact on patient/organizational outcomes.

Discussion

Anesthetists are engaged in a variety of CPD activities, with evidence of high levels of satisfaction and a positive learning effect. However, the impact on clinical practice and patient outcomes remains unclear and the role of assessment is less well‐defined. There is a need for further, high‐quality studies, evaluating a broader range of outcomes, in order to identify which methods are most effective to train and assess specialists in anesthesia.
Childhood trauma and anger in adults with and without depressive and anxiety disorders
Authors: de Bles N. J. , Pütz L. E. H. , Rius Ottenheim N. , van Hemert A. M. , Elzinga B. M. , Penninx B. W. J. H. , Giltay E. J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Childhood trauma (CT) is associated with severe sequelae, including stress‐related mental health disorders that can perpetuate long into adulthood. A key mechanism in this relationship seems to be emotion regulation. We aimed to investigate (1) whether childhood trauma is associated with anger in adulthood, and, if so, (2) to explore which types of childhood trauma predominate in the prediction of anger in a cohort that included participants with and without current affective disorders.

Methods

In the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA), childhood trauma was assessed with a semi‐structured Childhood Trauma Interview (CTI) at baseline, and analyzed in relation to anger as measured at a 4‐year follow‐up with the Spielberger Trait Anger Subscale (STAS), the Anger Attacks Questionnaire, and cluster B personality traits (i.e., borderline, antisocial) of the Personality Disorder Questionnaire 4 (PDQ‐4), using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Post hoc analyses comprised cross‐sectional regression analyses, using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire‐Short Form (CTQ‐SF) also obtained at a 4‐year follow‐up.

Results

Participants (n = 2271) were on average 42.1 years (SD = 13.1), and 66.2% were female. Childhood trauma showed a dose–response association with all anger constructs. All types of childhood trauma were significantly associated with borderline personality traits, independently of depression and anxiety. Additionally, all types of childhood trauma except for sexual abuse were associated with higher levels of trait anger, and a higher prevalence of anger attacks and antisocial personality traits in adulthood. Cross‐sectionally, the effect sizes were larger compared with the analyses with the childhood trauma measured 4 years prior to the anger measures.

Conclusions

Childhood trauma is linked with anger in adulthood, which could be of particular interest in the context of psychopathology. Focus on childhood traumatic experiences and adulthood anger may help to enhance the effectiveness of treatment for patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. Trauma‐focused interventions should be implemented when appropriate.
Efecto de la configuración de áreas forestales sobre la comunidad de murciélagos insectívoros en paisajes agroforestales
Authors: Vilches‐Piñones Karol I. , Matus‐Olivares Camilo , Catalán German , Lisón Fulgencio
Published: July 2023

A pesar de su importancia ecológica y económica, en Chile se desconocen muchos aspectos de la ecología de los murciélagos y de su distribución. Esta situación no permite una correcta implementación de los esfuerzos de conservación aún cuando son legalmente reconocidos por sus beneficios para la agricultura. En este trabajo estudiamos la actividad y la comunidad de murciélagos en dos tipos de paisaje agrícola (homogéneo vs. heterogéneo) en un hotspot de biodiversidad en el centro‐sur de Chile. Para ello, monitoreamos cuatro transectos de 10 km en cada tipo de paisaje, con 10 puntos de escucha separados por 1 km. Estos transectos se repitieron 5 veces, una vez al mes. Evaluamos la actividad de los murciélagos según el tipo de cobertura forestal (nativa, mixta y plantaciones) y la densidad de árboles aislados. Nuestros resultados mostraron que el paisaje heterogéneo fue dominado por Tadarida brasiliensis mientras que el paisaje homogéneo fue dominado por Lasiurus spp. Sin embargo, sólo la especie T. brasiliensis fue afectada por el tipo de paisaje. En el paisaje heterogéneo, sólo las variables de cobertura forestal tuvieron un impacto significativo en la actividad de las especies de murciélagos, donde Lasiurus spp. y Myotis chiloensis tuvieron una respuesta positiva para bosque nativo y mixto, así como Lasiurus spp. tuvo una respuesta negativa para plantaciones. La densidad de árboles aislados tuvo un efecto negativo sobre la actividad de T. brasiliensis y Lasiurus spp. en el tipo de paisaje homogéneo. Nuestros resultados muestran la importancia de considerar los elementos forestales en el paisaje agroforestal para conservar las comunidades de murciélagos.
Dupilumab sustains efficacy in patients with moderate‐to‐severe type 2 asthma regardless of inhaled corticosteroids dose
Authors: Pavord Ian D. , Bourdin Arnaud , Papi Alberto , Domingo Christian , Corren Jonathan , Altincatal Arman , Radwan Amr , Pandit‐Abid Nami , Jacob‐Nara Juby A. , Deniz Yamo , Rowe Paul J. , Laws Elizabeth , Lederer David J. , Hardin Megan
Published: July 2023

Background

Dupilumab, a human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukins‐4/13, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation. The TRAVERSE (NCT02134028) open‐label extension study demonstrated the long‐term safety and efficacy of dupilumab in patients ≥12 years who completed a previous dupilumab asthma study. The safety profile was consistent with that observed in the parent studies. Here, we assess whether dupilumab sustains long‐term efficacy in patients regardless of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose at parent study baseline (PSBL).

Methods

Patients from phase 2b (NCT01854047) or phase 3 (QUEST; NCT02414854) studies receiving high‐ or medium‐dose ICS at PSBL and enrolled in TRAVERSE were included. We analyzed unadjusted annualized severe exacerbation rates, change from PSBL in pre‐bronchodilator (BD) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), 5‐item asthma control questionnaire, and type 2 biomarkers in patients with type 2 asthma at baseline (blood eosinophils ≥150 cells/μL or fractional exhaled nitric oxide [FeNO] ≥25 ppb), and subgroups defined by baseline blood eosinophils or FeNO.

Results

Of patients with type 2 asthma (n = 1666), 891 (53.5%) were receiving high‐dose ICS at PSBL. In this subgroup, unadjusted exacerbation rates for dupilumab versus placebo were 0.517 versus 1.883 (phase 2b) and 0.571 versus 1.300 (QUEST) over the parent study (52 weeks) and remained low throughout TRAVERSE (0.313–0.494). Improvements in pre‐BD FEV1 were sustained throughout TRAVERSE. Similar clinical efficacy was observed among patients receiving medium‐dose ICS at PSBL and biomarker subgroups.

Conclusions

Dupilumab showed sustained efficacy for up to 3 years in patients with uncontrolled, moderate‐to‐severe type 2 asthma on high‐ or medium‐dose ICS.
Moving beyond survivalism? Youth perspectives on non‐Mandarin Chinese languages in the study of Chinese voluntary associations in Singapore and Vancouver
Authors: Montsion Jean Michel , Ye Junjia , Kwan Justin P.
Published: July 2023

The contributions of Chinese voluntary associations (CVAs) have often been viewed through a survivalist lens. As a process by which the activities of such organisations are interpreted through a rigid sense of what a Chinese community association is and should be, survivalist tendencies in academic scholarship must be re‐thought to fully assess the functions of several types of CVAs, including amid the cultural rise of the People's Republic of China. In light of Sara Ahmed's notion of ‘orientation’, we offer a vantage point from which to rethink the roles of such associations. We do so by illuminating the contributions of key organisations involved in efforts to revitalise Chinese languages other than Mandarin in two locales outside of China, namely the Siong Leng Musical Association and Viriya Community Services in Singapore, and Wongs' Benevolent Association and Youth Collaborative for Chinatown in Vancouver. By focusing on these four voluntary associations in Singapore and Vancouver and, more specifically, on the perspectives of their youth members, we show the similar dialectical nature of their activities, which are caught in the dynamic interplays between local and global cultural forces and between intergenerational perspectives on language use.
Factors influencing uptake of the COVID‐19 vaccination among pregnant women in Australia: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Javid Nasrin , Phipps Hala , Homer Caroline , de Vries Bradley , Kaufman Jessica , Danchin Margie , Hyett Jonathan
Published: July 2023

Background

Mounting evidence shows the risk of COVID‐19 on perinatal outcomes, as well as the safety and efficacy of vaccination during pregnancy. However, little is known about vaccine uptake among pregnant women in Australia, including women who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), and about sources of information pregnant women use when making decisions about vaccines. We aimed to determine the proportion of pregnant women who had been vaccinated and to identify factors associated with vaccine uptake or decline during pregnancy.

Method

A cross‐sectional, anonymous, online survey was conducted from October 2021 to January 2022 in two metropolitan hospitals in New South Wales, Australia.

Results

Of 914 pregnant women, 406 (44%) did not speak English at home. Overall, 101 (11%) received a vaccine prepregnancy and 699 (76%) during pregnancy. In the nonvaccinated cohort, 87 (76%) declined vaccination during pregnancy. The uptake was more than 87% among women during pregnancy who received information from government or health professional websites but 37% when received from personal blogs. The main reasons for vaccine uptake were (1) hearing that COVID‐19 affects pregnant women, (2) being concerned about the COVID‐19 outbreak, and (3) receiving vaccine recommendation from a general practitioner. In a multivariable logistic regression, three main factors associated with declining or feeling unsure about vaccination were (1) concerns about the safety of the COVID‐19 vaccine, (2) lack of trust and being unsatisfied with the information received about COVID‐19 vaccination during pregnancy, and (3) doubting the importance of COVID‐19 vaccine.

Conclusion

Clinicians play a critical role in counseling women to alleviate vaccine fear, support vaccine acceptance, and direct women to use reliable information sources, such as government and professional healthcare organizations, for information about vaccines.
English translation and cross‐cultural validation of the patient‐reported outcome measurement‐haemorrhoidal impact and satisfaction score (PROM‐HISS)
Authors: Kuiper Sara Zwier , Kimman Merel L. , Cooper Rowena , O'Neill Hannah , Watson Angus J. M. , Melenhorst Jarno , Breukink Stephanie O. , Dirksen Carmen D.
Published: July 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to translate the Dutch patient‐reported outcome measure‐haemorrhoidal impact and satisfaction score (PROM‐HISS) to English and perform a cross‐cultural validation.

Method

The ISPOR good practice guidelines for the cross‐cultural validation of PROMs were followed and included two steps: (1) Two forward and two backward translations. The forward translation concerned the translation from the source language (Dutch) to the target language (English), performed by two independent English speakers, one medical doctor and one nonmedical. Subsequently, a discussion about discrepancies in the reconciled version was performed by a stakeholder group. (2) Cognitive interviews were held with patients with haemorrhoidal disease (HD), probing the comprehensibility and comprehensiveness of the PROM‐HISS.

Results

Discrepancies in the reconciled forward translation concerned the terminology of HD symptoms. Furthermore, special attention was paid to the response options, ranging from “not at all”, indicating minor symptoms, to “a lot”, implying many symptoms. Consensus among the stakeholder group about the final version of the translated PROM‐HISS was reached. Interviews were conducted with 10 native English‐speaking HD patients (30% female), with a mean age of 44 years (24–83) and primarily diagnosed with grade II HD (80%). The mean time to complete the PROM‐HISS was 1 min 43 s. Patients showed a good understanding of the questions and response options, found all items relevant and did not miss important symptoms or topics.

Conclusion

The translated English language PROM‐HISS is a valid tool to assess symptoms of HD, its impact on daily activities and patient satisfaction with HD treatment.