bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Just give them a choice”: Patients' perspectives on starting medications for opioid use disorder in the ED
Authors: Schoenfeld Elizabeth M. , Westafer Lauren M. , Beck Samantha A. , Potee Benjamin G. , Vysetty Sravanthi , Simon Caty , Tozloski Jillian M. , Girardin Abigail L. , Soares William E.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) prescribed in the emergency department (ED) have the potential to save lives and help people start and maintain recovery. We sought to explore patient perspectives regarding the initiation of buprenorphine and methadone in the ED with the goal of improving interactions and fostering shared decision making (SDM) around these important treatment options.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) regarding ED visits and their experiences with MOUD. The interview guide was based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, a framework for examining decisional needs and tailoring decisional support, and the research team's experience with MOUD and SDM. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in an iterative process using both the Ottawa Framework and a social–ecological framework. Themes were identified and organized and implications for clinical care were noted and discussed.

Results

Twenty‐six participants were interviewed, seven in person in the ED and 19 via video conferencing software. The majority had tried both buprenorphine and methadone, and almost all had been in an ED for an issue related to opioid use. Participants reported social, pharmacological, and emotional factors that played into their decision making. Regarding buprenorphine, they noted advantages such as its efficacy and logistical ease and disadvantages such as the need to wait to start it (risk of precipitated withdrawal) and that one could not use other opioids while taking it. Additionally, participants felt that: (1) both buprenorphine and methadone should be offered; (2) because “one person's pro is another person's con,” clinicians will need to understand the facets of the options; (3) clinicians will need to have these conversations without appearing judgmental; and (4) many patients may not be “ready” for MOUD, but it should still be offered.

Conclusions

Although participants were supportive of offering buprenorphine in the ED, many felt that methadone should also be offered. They felt that treatment should be tailored to an individual's needs and circumstances and clarified what factors might be important considerations for people with OUD.
Australian experience and practical approach to the 308‐nm excimer light therapy in dermatology
Authors: Yeon Janice , Doolan Brent J. , Schultz Amanda , Gupta Monisha
Published: April 2022

The monochromatic excimer light therapy (308‐nm excimer laser and lamp) is used to treat focal dermatoses with inflammation or hypopigmentation. In Australia, despite excimer light therapy being a proven effective treatment for many cutaneous conditions, barriers such as access and affordability provide considerable limitations to patients. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the different applications of excimer light therapy in treating dermatologic conditions within the Australian setting and provide practical information for its use.
The effect of obesity on cost of total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Rajadurai Vinita Angeline , Nathan Elizabeth , Pontré Jennifer Claire , Mcelhinney Bernadette , Karthigasu Krishnan Andrew , Hart Roger
Published: April 2022

Study objective

To test for the association between increasing patient body mass index (BMI) and the cost of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Secondary outcomes include the relationship between increasing BMI and both peri‐ and post‐operative morbidity.

Materials and methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients (N = 510) who underwent TLH between January 2017 and December 2018 at a single public tertiary teaching hospital.

Results

Morbid obesity (n = 63) was associated with significantly higher total admission costs ($19 654 vs $17 475 Australian dollars, P = 0.002), operative costs ($9447 vs $8630, P = 0.017) and total costs including readmissions ($20 476 vs $18 399, P = 0.016) when compared to patients with normal BMI (n = 103) and adjusting for age, indication for surgery, additional procedures and conversion to total abdominal hysterectomy. Costs for overweight (n = 134) and obese (n = 210) BMI groups did not differ from costs for the normal BMI group. Increased operative costs observed in the morbidly obese group, were largely driven by the time associated with set‐up, transfer and anaesthetic time while surgical and recovery times were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The total cost of TLH is increased in the morbidly obese category of patients. The operative costs appear to be related to pre‐operative measures such as theatre set‐up and anaesthetic requirements. TLH in the obese and morbidly obese category group is not associated with increased intra‐operative or post‐operative complications. There may be a role for exploring improvements in managing morbidly obese patients in the pre‐operative setting.
Uptake of breast reconstruction following mastectomy: a Gold Coast experience
Authors: Ho Debbie , Chan Erick , Izwan Sara , Ng Justin , Teng Roy , Swindon Daisy , Chang Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Background

The breast reconstruction (BR) rate for women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer management is 18% in Australia. The Australian Access to Breast Reconstruction Collaborative Group recommends that all women should have access to BR. This study presents BR uptake and outcomes from a breast surgical unit.

Methods

A retrospective observational study identified women who had curative mastectomy for breast cancer between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021. Patient factors and surgical complications were compared between BR and no BR (NBR) patients.

Results

Out of 929 women who had a curative mastectomy, 34% underwent reconstruction. Of this, 89% were immediate, and 11% were delayed. Reconstruction increased from 27% (2016) to 35% (2021). During this time, 588 women had a discussion for BR documented at their initial consultation, 58 after initial surgery and 283 were not documented. The rate of discussion prior to mastectomy increased from 38% to 74%. Women who had BR were more likely to be younger, premenopausal and less likely to be diabetic. Complications requiring return to theatre were higher in reconstructed women (13% vs. 7%). Overall, infected seroma, cellulitis requiring intravenous antibiotics and haematoma requiring drainage were comparable between both groups.

Conclusion

Our unit achieved a reconstruction rate of 34%, which is higher than national and international averages. Open discussion of reconstruction is crucial for women to make an informed decision. Further prospective studies exploring barriers to timely reconstruction will improve uptake of BR surgery and allow prioritization of BR services in Australia.
State bans on pay secrecy and earnings: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997
Authors: Devaraj Srikant , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: April 2022

Pay secrecy policies restrict employees from discussing pay and compensation with their co‐workers. In addition to the federal law, 11 US states have enacted additional laws further reinforcing the ban on pay secrecy. Recent evidence shows that state pay secrecy bans lower wage gap for females and increase earnings of managers by a small amount. In a longitudinal cohort of 6046 individuals representing 35,387 individual‐year observations from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY 1997), we do not find support for the benefits these state‐level policies have on earnings in general, or for managerial employees in particular. Our findings are consistent for NLSY 1979 cohort. The effects did not vary by sex, age or managerial status in either cohort, and the differences by higher cognitive ability (those in the upper quartile or above the 90th percentile)—is significant in the NLSY 1997 cohort, but not in the NLSY 1979 cohort—were not conclusive. The findings indicate limited effects of state‐level pay secrecy laws.
Social identity processes associated with perceived risk at pilot sporting events during COVID‐19
Authors: Smith Kayleigh , Templeton Anne
Published: April 2022

Previous research suggests that shared social identification and expected support from others can reduce the extent to which attendees of mass events perceive that others pose health risks. This study evaluated the social identity processes associated with perceived risk at UK pilot sporting events held during COVID‐19, including the government Events Research Programme. An online survey (N = 2029) measured attendee perceptions that other spectators adhered to safety measures, shared social identity with other attendees, expectations that others would provide support, and the perceived risk of germ spread from other attendees. Results indicate that for football attendees, seeing others adhering to COVID‐19 safety measures was associated with lower perceived risk and this was partially mediated via increased shared social identity and expected support. However, the sequential mediations were non‐significant for rugby and horse racing events. The decreased perceived risk for football and rugby attendees highlights the importance of understanding social identity processes at mass events to increase safety. The non‐significant associations between shared social identity and perceived risk and between expected support and perceived risk for both the rugby and the horse racing highlights the need to further research risk perceptions across a range of mass event contexts.
Seed fate in ant‐mediated dispersal: Seed dispersal effectiveness in the Ectatomma ruidum (Formicidae)—Zanthoxylum ekmanii (Rutaceae) system
Authors: Ruzi Selina A. , Suarez Andrew V.
Published: April 2022

Plants are often dispersal limited relying on passive or active agents to find suitable microhabitats for germination. Seeds of pioneer tree species, for example, require light gaps for growth but have short median dispersal distances and often do not provide a food reward to encourage animal dispersal. Zanthoxylum ekmanii seeds are frequently moved by ants but evaluating the effectiveness of ant‐mediated seed removal requires knowledge of the species moving the seeds, how far they are moved, and the deposition site. To assess the effectiveness of ants as seed dispersers of Z. ekmanii, we utilized the seed dispersal effectiveness framework. We tracked the movement of seeds from caches on the forest floor, revealing that foragers of Ectatomma ruidum moved 32.8% of seeds an average first distance of 99.8 cm with 68.3% of those seeds taken into a colony. The quality of deposition location was assessed using a seedling emergence study where freshly germinated seeds were buried at different depths. Seedlings were primarily able to emerge from the shallowest depths. Wax castings of E. ruidum colonies demonstrated that seeds brought into the colony were deposited in chambers that had larvae present and experienced more damage than seeds unhandled by ants. Foragers, however, did not have a strong enough bite force to rupture Z. ekmanii seeds likely because their muscle morphology is not structured to maximize force generation. Overall, E. ruidum may help fine tune deposition location, incorporating seeds into the topsoil, though few seeds will likely emerge if soil bioturbation is low.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material
Recent spread and potential pathways for fire blight in South Korea
Authors: Jik Lee Hyun , Woo Lee Seon , Suh Soo‐Jung , Hyun Ik‐Hwa
Published: April 2022

In 2020, 744 orchards in South Korea were reported to be infected by fire blight (Erwinia amylovora (Burrill) Winslow et al.). The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, South Korea, immediately conducted a surveillance study involving 350 orchards to determine the source of the outbreaks, and the extent of its spread and pathway(s). A delimiting survey and sampling surveys were carried out to gather and analyse data during 2020. The attempts to trace the source of the diseased plants revealed a possible pathway. Infected apple trees could have been transported to previously pest‐free regions such as Gwangju and Yangju of Gyeonggido via the purchase of infected materials, e.g. from a domestic nursery. Once established, the disease could readily spread by natural means such as insects and wind into flowers, shoots and growing tips on adjacent trees. This is the likely pathway for entry of fire blight in the new region. Contaminated pruning tools may be another pathway for long‐distance dispersal of this pathogen within South Korea based on data collected through this survey.
E‐traps: A valuable monitoring tool to be improved
Authors: Ascolese Roberta , Gargiulo Simona , Pace Roberta , Nappa Patrizia , Griffo Raffaele , Nugnes Francesco , Bernardo Umberto
Published: April 2022

The increase in the number of non‐native species invading new territories demands the use of more efficient monitoring methods. Among them, remote monitoring is a useful technological tool to integrate traditional pest monitoring techniques. It offers timely data from monitored sites, making the planning of a possible intervention of precision agriculture easier; in addition, it also allows pest biology and behaviour to be studied more accurately. To improve monitoring activities for Grapholita molesta and Bactrocera dorsalis, we tested five types of high‐resolution electronic traps (e‐traps) (Trapview products and iMetos®Scout models by Pessl Instruments). E‐traps can offer real‐time monitoring of catches via a remote connection, allowing a constant analysis of data via apps with different electronic devices. Data collected during the study period showed that not all tested products have fully satisfied expectations due to some malfunctions that caused a lack of catches in the Trapview products and problems in data transmission in Pessl products. According to this preliminary analysis, some improvements are needed to provide more efficient remote pest monitoring.
Effects of phenological mismatch under warming are modified by community context
Authors: Pardikes Nicholas A. , Revilla Tomás A. , Lue Chia‐Hua , Thierry Melanie , Souto‐Vilarós Daniel , Hrcek Jan
Published: April 2022

Climate change is altering the relative timing of species interactions by shifting when species first appear in communities and modifying the duration organisms spend in each developmental stage. However, community contexts, such as intraspecific competition and alternative resource species, can prolong shortened windows of availability and may mitigate the effects of phenological shifts on species interactions. Using a combination of laboratory experiments and dynamic simulations, we quantified how the effects of phenological shifts in Drosophila–parasitoid interactions differed with concurrent changes in temperature, intraspecific competition, and the presence of alternative host species. Our study confirmed that warming shortens the window of host susceptibility. However, the presence of alternative host species sustained interaction persistence across a broader range of phenological shifts than pairwise interactions by increasing the degree of temporal overlap with suitable development stages between hosts and parasitoids. Irrespective of phenological shifts, parasitism rates declined under warming due to reduced parasitoid performance, which limited the ability of community context to manage temporally mismatched interactions. These results demonstrate that the ongoing decline in insect diversity may exacerbate the effects of phenological shifts in ecological communities under future global warming temperatures.
The peculiar dermatoscopic pattern of scalp melanoma
Authors: Spyridis I. , Papageorgiou C. , Apalla Z. , Manoli S.M. , Eftychidoy P. , Gkentsidi T. , Bobos M. , Boutis A. , Vakirlis E. , Sotiriou E. , Ioannides D. , Lallas A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Melanomas developing on anatomic sites other than the trunk and extremities have a special pathogenetic and mutational profile, morphologic characteristics and biologic behaviour.

Objective

By retrospectively screening the databases of our centres, we aimed to investigate the dermatoscopic morphology of early scalp melanoma, including in situ and invasive tumours with a Breslow thickness up to 1 mm.

Methods

The databases of three specialized centres for skin cancer diagnosis and management in Greece were retrospectively evaluated to retrieve dermatoscopic images of scalp melanomas. Patients' age and sex were recorded, as well as the precise location of the tumour, using 6 possible sub‐locations: frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, nuchal scalp and vertex. The dermatoscopic images were evaluated by 3 independent investigators for the presence of pre‐defined criteria. The dermatoscopic criteria included in the evaluation were selected based on available literature and were categorized in 2 groups: ‘classic melanoma criteria’ and ‘lentigo maligna (LM) criteria’.

Results

Of 38 melanomas, 37 (97.4%) displayed brown colour and 23 (60.5%) displayed additional grey or blue colour. The most frequent dermatoscopic criteria were regression (18/38, 47.4%), grey dots/globules (17/38, 44.7%), atypical network (16/38, 42.1%), obliterated follicles (16/38, 42.1%) and angulated lines (15/38, 39.5%). Of 38 melanomas, 28 (73.7%) displayed at least 1 classic melanoma criterion plus at least 1 LM criterion. Of the remaining melanomas, 8 (21.1%) displayed only classic melanoma criteria, 1 (2.6%) only LM criteria and 1 (2.6%) did not exhibit any of the evaluated criteria.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that early scalp melanoma combines classic with LM criteria in terms of colours and structures.
Efficacy and tolerability of a hyaluronic acid‐based serum and a peptide‐rich cream for the face and neck in subjects with photodamaged skin
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biron Julie A. , Wilson April , Nelson Diane B.
Published: April 2022

Background

Barrier properties of the stratum corneum inhibit delivery of topical ingredients containing large molecules to desired targets in the skin. This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a skincare regimen comprised of a hyaluronic acid‐based serum (InF‐HA) and a peptide‐rich cream (InF‐PEP) containing large molecular ingredients designed to improve the appearance and overall quality of skin.

Methods

This 12‐week study evaluated changes from baseline in skin tone, skin texture, and lines/wrinkles (6‐point grading scale) of twice‐daily application of a two‐part skincare regimen to the face and neck in female subjects with mild to moderate photodamage. Subject satisfaction was assessed, and Adverse Events (AEs) were captured throughout.

Results

Seventeen subjects with a mean age of 52 years completed the study. Improvements from baseline in the appearance of facial skin texture (79%), lines/wrinkles (50%), and skin tone (44%) occurred at week 12. Improvements in neck appearance from baseline were demonstrated in skin texture (68%), skin tone (48%), and lines/wrinkles (36%). No AEs occurred related to the use of study products. All subjects reported an overall improvement in the appearance of their skin and that their skin looked and felt smoother; 88% reported their skin looked more radiant, and 82% reported their skin looked firmer.

Conclusions

Application of a skincare regimen comprised of an HA‐based serum and a peptide‐rich cream led to substantial improvements in skin texture, skin tone, and lines/wrinkles on the face and neck over 12 weeks. Both products were well‐tolerated with a high level of subject satisfaction.
Acne scar treatment using combination therapy: Subcision and human autologous fibroblast injection
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Heidari‐Kharaji Maryam , Alavi Shiva , Nouri Maryam , Zare Sona , Mahmoudbeyk Mona , Peyrovan Aisan , Sadati Ashraf Sadat , Behrangi Elham
Published: April 2022

Background

Acne scar treatment is a problem for both the dermatologist and the dermatologic surgeon. Many therapies have been advanced to improve acne scars over the past years. Nevertheless, they were often related to adverse side effects like hyperpigmentation. These combination therapy using subcision and autologous fibroblast injection can provide a better technique for the acne scar treatment.

Material and methods

In this study, we describe nine patients with the age of 25 to 48 and rolling acne scars (moderate to severe) that were treated with combination therapy using subcision (cannula, 18 gauge) and autologous fibroblast injection. Finally, before and 6 months after the final injection, the patients' biometric characteristics were evaluated by Visioface 1000D and Mexameter and a skin ultrasound imaging system.

Results

The results show a significant improvement in the acne scars in the patients. The Visioface results showed that the size and number of skin pores and spots were reduced after combination therapy. Also, the results of skin ultrasonography exhibited denser skin layers both in the epidermis and dermis.

Conclusion

In summary, the combination therapy of autologous fibroblast injection and subcision can be considered as a new alternative, safe, and useful method for acne scar treatment.
Lip mesotherapy with dexpanthenol in the treatment of isotretinoin‐induced cheilitis
Authors: Metin Nurcan , Karapınar Tekden , Turan Çağrı
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Cheilitis is the most common mucocutaneous side effect of isotretinoin (ISO). Dexpanthenol (DXP) increases fibroblast proliferation and re‐epithelialization in wound healing. We aimed to investigate the effect of DXP‐mesotherapy in ISO‐induced cheilitis in this study.

Methods

This study was conducted on patients who had been using ISO (0.5–1 mg/kg/day) for at least 2 months. Twenty‐five patients who administered DXP‐mesotherapy (mesotherapy group) and 33 patients without the procedure (control group, only ointment) participated in this study. All patients were prescribed only hamamelis virginiana distillate in ointment form as a lip balm. The efficacy of the treatment was interpreted by the change in lip balm use frequency, quality of life, and Isotretinoin Cheilitis Grading Scale (ICGS).

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in all ICGS‐subgroups scores in the mesotherapy group after 1 month compared with the baseline (p = <0.001), although in the controls, erythema, crust, and fissure scores significantly increased (p = 0.001, p = 0.002).While there was no difference between the groups in terms of ICGS total scores at baseline, there was a significant difference after 1 month in favor of the mesotherapy group (p < 0.001). In the mesotherapy group, lip balms were needed significantly less frequently and there was a significant improvement in quality of life compared with both the control group and at baseline after 1 month (both; p < 0.001). On the other hand, the control patients suffered more from cheilitis and dryness than at baseline (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Dexpanthenol‐mesotherapy seems to be a safe, and so effective method in management of ISO‐related cheilitis.
Potential application of Spirulinain dermatology
Authors: Ikeda Isadora Kaniak , Sydney Eduardo Bittencourt , Sydney Alessandra Cristine Novak
Published: April 2022

Spirulinais an edible cyanobacterium known worldwide for its high nutritional value, and the interest in its biological activity and bioactive compounds, such as pigments, phenolics, peptides, and lipids, has been increasing. Due to the variety of its properties, the potential application of Spirulina in health is wide, including dermatological area. In a context of increasing demand for natural products and actives in cosmetics, this microorganism becomes a great source. This article aims to review what has already been reported in literature about the potential effects of Spirulina or its isolated compounds in skin, for either aesthetic or clinical purposes. In many studies, Spirulina and its components show a good influence in proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, extracellular matrix, and collagen production, as well as exerting antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory action. Thus, they promote a healthy environment for skin's cells and structure, cooperating for the highlighted anti‐aging, photoprotection, and wound‐healing effects. Some compounds of the cyanobacterium also exert a lighting property through tyrosinase inhibition. Its antimicrobial action can also be advantageous to skin contributing to anti‐acne, antibiofilm, and anti‐herpes effects. In face of many attributes and due to its rich composition, Spirulina presents multi‐benefits and shows an improvement in the general aspect of skin. However, some applications are still in need of studying and more clinical evidence is necessary.
Effects of family beliefs and family strength on individual resilience and quality of life among young breast cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tao Lin , Hu Xiaoxia , Fu Lan , Zhang Xiaoxia , Chen Hong
Published: April 2022

Aims and objectives

This study examines the effects of family beliefs and family strength on individual resilience and quality of life among young breast cancer survivors and determines whether family strength mediates the effect of family beliefs on individual resilience and quality of life.

Background

Family beliefs and family strength are meaningful protective factors that help individuals maintain physical and mental health. However, few studies have explored their impact on individual resilience and quality of life.

Design

This study was conducted using a cross‐sectional survey with a three‐stage, stratified, convenience sampling approach following the STROBE guideline.

Methods

From August 2020 to May 2021, participants completed the shortened Chinese version of the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Chinese version of the Family Beliefs Scale, the Family Strength Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast scale. Structural equation modelling and multiple mediation effects test were used to explore the relationships among family beliefs, family strength, individual resilience and quality of life.

Results

The final model accounted for 44.5% and 78.1% of the total variance of individual resilience and quality of life, respectively. Family beliefs had an indirect effect on both individual resilience and quality of life through family strength. Family strength had a direct effect on individual resilience and had both a direct and an indirect effect on quality of life. Family strength mediated the correlations of family beliefs with individual resilience and quality of life.

Conclusion

Mobilising family resources to establish healthy family beliefs and exert positive family strength will help increase young breast cancer survivors’ individual resilience and improve quality of life.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study confirms the importance for clinical nursing practice to mobilise family resources and develop interventions centred on family beliefs and family strength.
Plasma lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein is a biomarker for future venous thromboembolism: Results from discovery and validation studies
Authors: Jensen Søren Beck , Latysheva Nadezhda , Hindberg Kristian , Ueland Thor
Published: April 2022

Background

Effect‐size underestimation impedes biomarker identification. Long follow‐up time in prospective studies attenuates effect‐size estimates for transient biomarkers, while disease category–specific biomarkers are affected by merging of categories. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) encompasses deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Objectives

(i) To re‐analyze untargeted proteomic data to identify biomarker candidates for future VTE that differ between DVT and PE and are attenuated by extended time between sampling and VTE. (ii) To perform targeted candidate validation.

Patients/Methods

A VTE case‐control discovery study and a nested case‐control validation study were derived from the general population surveyed in 1994–95. Plasma was obtained at study enrollment, and VTE events were registered until 2007. Untargeted proteomic data were re‐analyzed for candidate discovery. Lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) was validated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Elevated LBP was discovered as a candidate DVT biomarker in women with less than 3 years between blood sampling and DVT. In the validation study, the odds ratio (OR) for DVT was 2.03 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.53–2.74) per standard deviation (SD) increase in LBP for women with less than 3 years between blood sampling and DVT. Adjustment for age, body mass index, and C‐reactive protein attenuated the OR to 1.79 (95% CI: 1.25–2.62) per SD. In the validation study, we observed an OR for VTE of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.28–0.77) for men in the 25th to 50th percentiles when compared to the lowest quartile.

Conclusions

We discovered and validated increased LBP as a predictive biomarker for DVT in women. We found an increased VTE risk for men in the lowest quartile of LBP.
Have a Go or Lay Low? Predicting Firms’ Rhetorical Commitment versus Avoidance in Response to Polylithic Governmental Pressures
Authors: Li Jing , Xia Jun , Zajac Edward J. , Lin Zhouyu
Published: April 2022

This study extends prior research on corporate political behaviour (CPB) and firms’ pursuit of political legitimacy in response to monolithic government pressures by developing and testing a framework for analysis of CPB in response to polylithic pressures. We suggest that traditional forms of CPB may be ill‐suited to polylithic governmental pressures, such as when firms need to navigate between conflicting home‐ and host‐country political worldviews and policies. We posit that in such complex political situations, firms will turn to a more subtle form of CPB (i.e., rhetorical commitment versus avoidance) as a hoped‐for solution to their international political legitimacy challenge. Our contingency perspective also highlights how geopolitical factors (i.e., whether governments of home and host countries are clearly aligned versus misaligned) will influence whether firms express their support for a home government’s foreign policy or avoid any such expression of support. We empirically test the predictive power of our framework by analysing how these political factors led Chinese firms to opt for rhetorical commitment versus rhetorical avoidance vis‐à‐vis the Chinese government’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We conclude with a discussion of how our framework for analysis and our supportive findings can inform and extend research on CPB and political legitimacy.
Clinical practice guidelines for paediatric X‐linked hypophosphataemia in the era of burosumab
Authors: Sandy Jessica L , Simm Peter J , Biggin Andrew , Rodda Christine P , Wall Christie‐Lee , Siafarikas Aris , Munns Craig F
Published: April 2022

X‐linked hypophosphataemia (XLH), the most common inherited form of rickets, is caused by a PHEX gene mutation that leads to excessive serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). This leads to clinical manifestations such as rickets, osteomalacia, pain, lower limb deformity and overall diminished quality of life. The overarching aims in the management of children with XLH are to improve quality of life by reducing overall burden of disease, optimise an individual's participation in daily activities and promote normal physical and psychological development. Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting FGF23, has been shown to improve biochemistry, pain, function and radiological features of rickets in children with XLH and has transformed management of XLH around the world. Burosumab has been recently approved for clinical use in children with XLH in Australia. This manuscript outlines a clinical practice guideline for the use of burosumab in children with XLH to assist local clinicians, encourage consistency of management across Australia and suggest future directions for management and research. This guideline also strongly advocates for all patients with XLH to have multidisciplinary team involvement to ensure optimal care outcomes and highlights the need to consider other aspects of care for XLH in the era of burosumab, including transition to adult care and the effective coordination of care between local health‐care providers and specialist services.
Slit guidance ligand 2 promotes the inflammatory response of periodontitis through activation of the NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Hui , Li Zhiyuan , Fan Chun , Liu Shuang , Yan Kaixian , Huang Guoqian , Li Shu
Published: April 2022

Background and objectives

Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with dental plaque biofilms. Slit guidance ligand 2 (SLIT2) has been shown to guide neuronal migration, regulate the inflammatory response and cancer progression. However, the role of SLIT2 in periodontitis is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the expression of SLIT2 in the gingiva of periodontitis and its role in periodontitis progression.

Methods

Gingiva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were collected from healthy people and periodontitis patients. Immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to analyze SLIT2 secretion level. Healthy human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were isolated and the expression of SLIT2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated hGFs was detected. The effect of SLIT2 on inflammation was analyzed using western blot and immunofluorescence. SLIT2 knockdown (KD) and overexpression assays in hGFs were performed to investigate the role of SLIT2 in the LPS‐induced inflammatory response.

Results

Gingival tissues and GCF of periodontitis patients displayed higher expression of SLIT2. Similarly, SLIT2 was upregulated in hGFs in an inflammatory environment (LPS treatment). In addition, SLIT2 treatment increased the expression of the inflammatory mediators interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8 in hGFs. Mechanistically, SLIT2 stimulated the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling, as well as LPS. Lastly, SLIT2 KD impaired LPS‐induced IL‐6 production in hGFs, while SLIT2 overexpression amplified the inflammatory response.

Conclusion

SLIT2 may be involved in the aggravation of periodontitis by activating NF‐κB signaling in hGFs.
Linking plumage dimorphism and environmental stress
Authors: Shahrokhi G. , Patten M. A.
Published: April 2022

Besides the importance of pigmentation in species recognition, pigments protect the body against different biotic and abiotic features. Melanin, the dark coloration pigments in skin, hairs, and feathers, is necessary for protecting the body from UV radiation. On the other hand, the lighter a surface is, the more solar radiation is reflected. Based on these arguments, it is possible that pigment distribution would not be the same among all body regions of a unicolored individual due to the amount of solar exposure. Therefore, three species of theEgrettagenus (E. dimorpha,E. gularis, andE. garzetta) in which all individuals are unicolored, and two of which are dichromatic (dark grey/black and white), were selected as model studies. We hypothesized that within dark and white unicolored Egrets, due to foraging and standing postures, body regions that are more exposed to the sun (like back and breast) would be darker or whiter compared to other body regions (vent and tail), respectively. Visual wavelength reflections of five body regions (breast, back, belly, vent, and tail) from 186 museum specimens were measured to indicate the concentration of pigments in each body region. Reflectance among body regions was compared using Kruschke’s ‘BEST’ (Bayesian Estimation Supersedes thettest) framework to create Bayesian analogues for the pairedt‐test. The results show, regardless of the species, that the more exposed body regions to the sun (back followed by breast) are darker among dark individuals and whiter among white individuals in comparison to other body regions. Therefore, our hypothesis that the concentration of pigments is not similar in all body regions of unicolored individuals was supported.
Material translation: How do variations in form and materiality influence the ways we read translated editions of a book?
Authors: Sørensen Mette Biil
Published: April 2022

This article proposes the termmaterial translationas a concept to encompass the transfer of a book’s materiality in translation processes and its influence on meaning‐making in translated editions. Even though the importance of the materiality of literary works has been generally acknowledged, it continually plays a diminutive role in the field of literary Translation Studies, as well as in the practical handling of translation processes as performed by translators and publishing houses. The transfer of form and materiality, so the article argues, becomes especially significant when it comes to photo‐texts in which interactions between words, pictures, and layout impact strongly on meaning‐making processes. By comparing book spreads from German, English/American and Danish editions ofExtremely Loud & Incredibly Close(2005) andAusterlitz(2001), the article shows how variations in materiality and formal composition influence possible interpretations in different languages. Drawing on semi‐structured interviews with experts related to the analysed works, the article discusses the causes of variations in materiality, ranging from practical decisions to varying conceptions of what exactly constitutes the object of translation. Whatever the underlying reasons, the article concludes that shifts in materiality occurring in translation processes generate vital shifts in meaning‐making, thereby significantly influencing readings in different languages.
Modified fluid gelatin 4% for perioperative volume replacement in pediatric patients (GPS): Results of a European prospective noninterventional multicenter study
Authors: Sümpelmann Robert , Camporesi Anna , Gálvez Ignacio , Pechilkov Dimitar , Eich Christoph , Kretz Franz‐Josef , Perera Sarri Remei , Tancheva Dora , Serrano‐Casabon Silvia , Murphy Peter , Astuto Marinella , Zanaboni Clelia , Becke Karin , Dennhardt Nils
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Modified fluid gelatin 4% is approved for use in children, but there is still a surprising lack of clinical studies including large numbers of pediatric patients. Therefore, we performed a European prospective noninterventional multicenter study to evaluate the use of a modified fluid gelatin 4% in saline (sal‐GEL) or an acetate‐containing balanced electrolyte solution (bal‐GEL) in children undergoing major pediatric surgery.

Aims

The primary aim was to assess the indications and dosing of modified fluid gelatin, and the secondary aim was to assess the safety and efficacy, focusing, in particular, on routinely collected clinical parameters.

Methods

Children aged up to 12 years with ASA risk scores of I‐III receiving sal‐GEL or bal‐GEL were followed perioperatively. Demographic data, surgical procedures performed, anesthesia, hemodynamic and laboratory data, adverse events, and adverse drug reactions were documented using a standardized case report form.

Results

601 children that were investigated at 13 European pediatric centers from May 2015 to March 2020 (sal‐GEL 20.1%, bal‐GEL 79.9%; mean age 29.1 ± 38.6 (range 0–144) months; body weight 12.1 ± 10.5 (1.4–70) kg) were included in the analysis. The most frequent indications for GEL infusion were hemodynamic instability without bleeding (76.0%), crystalloids alone not being sufficient for hemodynamic stabilization (55.7%), replacement of preoperative deficit (26.0%), and significant bleeding (13.0%). Mean infused GEL volume was 13.0 ± 5.3 (2.4–37.5) ml kg−1. The total dose was affected by age, with higher doses in younger patients. After gelatin infusion, mean arterial pressure increased (mean change 8.5 ± 7.3 [95% CI: 8 to 9.1] mmHg), and the hemoglobin concentrations decreased significantly (mean change −1.1 ± 1.8 [95% CI: −1.2 to −0.9] g·dL−1). Acid–base parameters were more stable with bal‐GEL. No serious adverse drug reactions directly related to gelatin (i.e., anaphylactoid reaction, clotting disorders, and renal failure) were observed.

Conclusion

Moderate doses up to 20 ml kg−1 of modified fluid gelatin were infused most frequently to improve hemodynamic stability in children undergoing major pediatric surgery. The acid–base balance was more stable when gelatin in a balanced electrolyte solution was used instead of saline. No serious adverse drug reactions associated with gelatin were observed.
Mencius and Xunzi on the legitimate use of offensive force: A pacifistic critique of recent just war interpretations
Authors: Hagen Kurtis
Published: April 2022

This essay offers a critical evaluation of competing interpretations of the early Confucian thinkers Xunzi and Mencius regarding their view of the legitimacy of war. First, I briefly describe and critique Daniel Bell's “just war” interpretation of Mencius, which is relatively permissive regarding the legitimation of war. I then consider and critique the position of Sumner Twiss and Jonathan Chan regarding Mencius' and Xunzi's ostensible support for what we call “humanitarian intervention,” which is also made from a just war perspective. Next, I describe Xinzhong Yao's pacifistic interpretation, offering a slightly qualified defense of it. I then consider reframing this view as “just war pacifism,” defending a phrase used in the Confucian context by Julia Ching. Finally, I address the question of whether the pacifistic account is too naïve to attribute to these great Confucian thinkers. I maintain that, on the contrary, it is not naïve. Indeed, it is a position we would do well to give due consideration.
Wittgenstein’s 1929–30 inquiries into probability
Authors: Figueiredo Florian Franken
Published: April 2022

In Wittgenstein’s manuscripts dating from 1929 and 1930, there are a number of entries on the notion of probability. In this paper, I explore Wittgenstein’s manuscripts between October 1929 and March 1930 and demonstrate, first, that Wittgenstein completely rejects the assumption that probability statements are based on an a priori principle. Second, I argue that the standard interpretation, which claims that Wittgenstein adopts an ‘epistemological view’ of probability, significantly understates the importance of Wittgenstein’s development of the notion of hypotheses as a philosophical term of art.
Higher alterations in leaf fluorescence parameters of wheat cultivars predict more extensive necrosis in response to Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Spyroglou Ioannis , Rybka Krystyna , Czembor Paweł , Piaskowska Dominika , Pernisová Markéta , Matysik Przemysław
Published: April 2022

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is one of the main causes of wheat yield loss in the world. Apart from good agrotechnical practice, disease‐resistant cultivars are required to prevent yield losses. Breeding of such cultivars is time‐consuming and laborious, mainly due to the quantitative character of such resistance, but can be shortened using precise phenotyping. We show that fluorescence parameters, collected in a high‐throughput system, can be used for estimating wheat STB resistance. Using machine learning methods (deep learning network, random forest), we demonstrate that disease resistance based on the percentage of necrotic leaf area can be estimated by alterations in fluorescence parameters 8 days after inoculation, and before disease symptoms become visible. Moreover, we applied a random forest classifier to assess the significance of fluorescence parameters in an informative way (classification accuracy = 64.84%, p value [Accuracy >No information rate] <0.001). Based on this, we observed extensive alterations in parameters of sensitive cultivars, reflecting worse photosynthetic performance. The most highly altered parameters were fluorescence intensity measurements and descriptors of energy flux through photosystem II (PSII) reaction centres towards PSI such as F2, F3 and F4 fluorescence intensities at 0.1, 0.270 and 2 ms; initial to maximal fluorescence ratio (F0/Fm); the time derivative of relative variable fluorescence (dV/dT0); maximum quantum yield of PSII in the dark‐adapted state (Fv/Fm); maximum electron transport flux at PSII (ET0/RC); maximum trapped excitonic energy flux per excited PSII cross section (CS) at time T0 (TR0/CS0); and quantum efficiency of the reduction of end acceptors dR0 [dR0/(1 − dR0)].
Automation and inequality with taxes and transfers
Authors: Tyers Rod , Zhou Yixiao
Published: April 2022

Declines in low‐skill labour shares are reviewed, and a stylised model is constructed to examine their determinants and future implications. A retrospective analysis of US shocks suggests that technological change has contributed more to raising income inequality and the wealth to GDP ratio than other changes. An anticipated future twist away from low‐skill labour toward the capital, combined with population growth, risks high unemployment rates. Productivity growth at twice the pace since 1990 limits this, though inequality persists. Analysis shows that a generalisation of the US ‘earned income tax credit’ system with consumption tax outperforms alternatives of the ‘universal basic income’.
The novel HLA‐B*51:01:83 allele was identified by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Wang Fang , He Yizheng , Shu Chen , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: April 2022

HLA‐B*51:01:83 differs from HLA‐B*51:01:01:01 by one single nucleotide substitutions in exon 5.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A allele, A*24:02:01:111 in a Japanese individual
Authors: Khor Seik‐Soon , Omae Yosuke , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: April 2022

A*24:02:01:111 differs from A*24:02:01:01 by two nucleotides in intron 7, positions 2784 and 2785.
Exhumation of the high‐pressure Richarddalen Complex in NW Svalbard: Insights from 40Ar/39Ar geochronology
Authors: Mazur Stanislaw , Majka Jarosław , Barnes Christopher J. , McClelland William , Bukała Michał , Janák Marian , Kośmińska Karolina
Published: April 2022

40Ar/39Ar dating of white mica from foliated metamorphic rocks of the Caledonian orogen of NW Svalbard was performed using the single‐grain fusion technique. Two samples, an augen orthogneiss and a mica schist, were collected from the high‐pressure Richarddalen Complex. Three additional mica schist samples were collected from the tectonically underlying Montblanc Unit. 40Ar/39Ar analysis of white mica separates yielded weighted average 40Ar/39Ar dates of 446.1 ± 1.1, 438.4 ± 1.1, 439.4 ± 1.2, 439.8 ± 1.5 and 439.3 ± 1.0 Ma, with the oldest date provided by the Richarddalen mica schist. The single‐grain fusion 40Ar/39Ar dating was accompanied by geochemical mapping of white mica using a microprobe. We interpret the oldest date as the age of cooling after a Late Ordovician high‐pressure event and the four younger dates to represent the timing of subsequent deformation associated with assembly of a Caledonian nappe stack.