bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmentally sustainable development and use of artificial intelligence in health care
Authors: Richie Cristina
Published: March 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) can transform health care by delivering medical services to underserved areas, while also filling gaps in health care provider availability. However, AI may also lead to patient harm due to fatal glitches in robotic surgery, bias in diagnosis, or dangerous recommendations. Despite concerns ethicists have identified in the use of AI in health care, the most significant consideration ought not be vulnerabilities in the software, but the environmental impact of AI. Health care emits a significant amount of carbon in many countries. As AI becomes an essential part of health care, ethical reflection must include the potential to negatively impact the environment. As such, this article will first overview the carbon emissions in health care. It will, second, offer five reasons why carbon calculations are insufficient to address sustainability in health care. Third, the article will derive normative concepts from the goals of medicine, the principles of biomedical ethics, and green bioethics—the very locus in which AI in health care sits—to propose health, justice, and resource conservation as criteria for sustainable AI in health care. In the fourth and final part of the article, examples of sustainable and unsustainable development and use of AI in health care will be evaluated through the three‐fold lens of health, justice, and resource conservation. With various ethical approaches to AI in health care, the imperative for environmental sustainability must be underscored, lest carbon emissions continue to increase, harming people and planet alike.
Discussion on “Adaptive enrichment designs with a continuous biomarker” by Nigel Stallard
Authors: Flournoy Nancy , Tarima Sergey
Published: March 2022

We congratulate Dr. Nigel Stallard on his stimulating paper on adaptive enrichment designs with a continuous biomarker. Dr. Stallard details a framework for a large and interesting class of enrichment procedures. His work has motivated us to offer some thoughts in response. Dr. Stallard's strategy is to use the maximum of a test statistic over a set of possible threshold values to define the enriched population to be sampled in a second stage. This reminds us of procedures for identifying a change point, a biomarker value beyond which the effect of treatment is increased. For simplicity we focus our comments on Dr. Stallard's Rule 1 for selecting the second‐stage sampling threshold. Using this rule, we present the likelihood ratio approach for adaptive testing and compare it to Dr. Stallard's approach for a few scenarios.
Continuous Time-Interaction Processes for Population Size Estimation, with an Application to Drug Dealing in Italy
Authors: Altieri Linda , Farcomeni Alessio , Alunni Fegatelli Danilo
Published: March 2022

We introduce a time-interaction point process where the occurrence of an event can increase (self-excitement) or reduce (self-correction) the probability of future events. Self-excitement and self-correction are allowed to be triggered by the same event, at different timescales; other effects such as those of covariates, unobserved heterogeneity, and temporal dependence are also allowed in the model. We focus on capture-recapture data, as our work is motivated by an original example about the estimation of the total number of drug dealers in Italy. To do so, we derive a conditional likelihood formulation where only subjects with at least one capture are involved in the inference process. The result is a novel and flexible continuous-time population size estimator. A simulation study and the analysis of our motivating example illustrate the validity of our approach in several scenarios.
Association of metformin treatment and outcome in adult patients with ITP and pre‐existing T2DM
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Sun Meng , Li Ranran , Wang Shuwen , Shao Linlin , Xu Miao , Yao Meiyue , Wang Lin , Hou Ming , Feng Qi , Peng Jun
Published: March 2022

Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune haemorrhagic disease that could manifest with comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the exact impact of T2DM in patients with ITP remains uncertain. In this study, we performed a retrospective cohort study of 458 participants with ITP. The prevalence of T2DM was 7.6% in this population (35 patients), which was slightly lower than the Chinese nationwide prevalence of T2DM, calculated to be approximately 10.9%. The participants with pre‐existing T2DM displayed a significantly higher response to therapy than those without T2DM (71% vs. 53%). Furthermore, in the T2DM cohort, the response rate reached 88% when metformin was included in the treatment regimen. This clinical evidence suggests that metformin therapy might improve the clinical outcomes of ITP.
Siliciclastic sediment volumes and rates of the North Pyrenean retro‐foreland basin
Authors: Ortiz Alexandre , Guillocheau François , Robin Cécile , Lasseur Eric , Briais Justine , Fillon Charlotte
Published: March 2022

Sediment accumulation rates in foreland basins result from a complex interplay between surface and deep processes in both the exhumed relief domain and sedimentary basins. The growth and decay of a mountain belt during orogenic and post‐orogenic phases have been largely studied, thanks to thermochronological and structural studies. The sedimentary response of the orogenic phases in the preserved sediments of the surrounding basins is well known in terms of sedimentary filling patterns and architecture, but much less better quantified. Here, we performed a measurement of the siliciclastic sediment volumes of the Pyrenean retro‐foreland basin—the Aquitaine Basin and the Bay of Biscay during Cenozoic times—for a better understanding of the erosion and the sediment transfer and deposition during the convergence (syn‐orogenic) to post‐convergence (post‐orogenic) periods of the Pyrenees Mountain. The measurement of the compacted siliciclastic sediment is based on sediment thickness (isopach) maps of known lithologies, derived from the interpretation of 40,000 kms of seismic profiles. Thanks to the siliciclastic sediment volumes quantification and a well‐known retro‐foreland basin tectono‐sedimentary evolution, we bring quantitative results as:

The amount of preserved sediments is of 51,500 ± 16,800 km3 for the Cenozoic.

The siliciclastic sediment rate curve during Cenozoic shows two major increases around 26.0 and 2.5 Ma. The 26.0 Ma increase is clearly related to the erosion of the Pyrenees of tectonic origin. The major 2.5 Ma one would be mainly related to a climatic forcing.

The mass balance between the Aquitaine Platform and the deepest domains changes through time in favour of the deep domain. This might be explained by the ratio between subsidence that created accommodation space and the sediments feed by the mountain belt and stored in the Aquitaine Platform.
Tumor endothelial cell‐induced CD8+ T‐cell exhaustion via GPNMB in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sakano Yoshihiro , Noda Takehiro , Kobayashi Shogo , Sasaki Kazuki , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Yamada Daisaku , Tomimaru Yoshito , Akita Hirofumi , Gotoh Kunihito , Takahashi Hidenori , Asaoka Tadafumi , Tanemura Masahiro , Wada Hisashi , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi
Published: March 2022

Tumor endothelial cells (TECs) promote tumor angiogenesis and regulate cytotoxic T cells in the tumor microenvironment. However, the roles of TECs for tumor‐infiltrating T‐cell in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate how TECs influenced tumor growth and immune responses of HCC focusing on CD8+ T‐cell infiltration and exhaustion. First, TECs were isolated from subcutaneous HCC tumors with murine HCC cell lines (BNL‐T) with magnetic selection of CD31+ cells, and normal endothelial cells (NECs) were isolated from normal liver. Second, immunocompetent mice were injected with BNL‐T alone, BNL‐T + NECs, or BNL‐T + TECs for tumor formation, and the functions and exhaustion of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells were evaluated. The mice injected with BNL‐T + TEC showed rapid tumorigenesis and a decrease in the number of infiltrating CD8+ T cells. In addition, the percentage of CD8+ T‐cell exhaustion was significantly higher in tumors from the administration of BNL‐T + TEC. Third, the next‐generation sequencing on TECs was performed to identify mRNAs that might be a novel treatment target. The molecule of glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) was identified and the functions of GPNMB was analyzed by silencing of GPNMB expression using small interfering RNAs. The silencing of GPNMB expression in TECs induced the suppression of tumor growth and T‐cell exhaustion. In conclusion, TECs induced tumor‐infiltrating T‐cell exhaustion via GPNMB expression and GPNMB might be a novel therapeutic target in HCC.
Fat mass and obesity‐associated protein regulates arecoline‐exposed oral cancer immune response through programmed cell death‐ligand 1
Authors: Li Xia , Chen Wuya , Gao Yijun , Song Jing , Gu Yangcong , Zhang Jianming , Cheng Xiufeng , Ai Yilong
Published: March 2022

The high prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in South Asia is associated with habitual areca nut chewing. Arecoline, a primary active carcinogen within areca nut extract, is known to promote OSCC pathological development. Dysregulation of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification has begun to emerge as a significant contributor to cancer development and progression. However, the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of m6A modification in arecoline‐promoted OSCC malignance remain elusive. We reveal that chronic arecoline exposure substantially induces upregulation of fat mass and obesity‐associated protein (FTO), MYC, and programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) in OSCC cells. Moreover, upregulation of PD‐L1 is observed in OSCC cell lines and tissues and is associated with areca nut chewing in OSCC patients. We also demonstrate that arecoline‐induced FTO promotes the stability and expression levels of PD‐L1 transcripts through mediating m6A modification and MYC activity, respectively. PD‐L1 upregulation confers superior cell proliferation, migration, and resistance to T‐cell killing to OSCC cells. Blockage of PD‐L1 by administration of anti‐PD‐L1 antibody shrinks tumor size and improves mouse survival by elevating T‐cell‐mediated tumor cell killing. Therefore, targeting PD‐L1 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating PD‐L1‐positive OSCC patients, especially those with habitual areca nut chewing.
Experimental validation of specialized questioning techniques in conservation
Authors: Ibbett Harriet , Dorward Leejiah , Dwiyahreni Asri A. , Jones Julia P. G. , Kaduma Joseph , Kohi Edward M. , Mchomvu Jesca , Prayitno Karlina , Sabiladiyni Humairah , Sankeni Stephen , Saputra Andie Wijaya , Supriatna Jatna , St John Freya A. V.
Published: March 2022

Conservation increasingly relies on social science tools to understand human behavior. Specialized questioning techniques (SQTs) are a suite of methods designed to reduce bias in social surveys and are widely used to collect data on sensitive topics, including compliance with conservation rules. Most SQTs have been developed in Western, industrialized, educated, rich, and democratic countries, meaning their suitability in other contexts may be limited. Whether these techniques perform better than conventional direct questioning is important for those considering their use. We designed an experiment to validate the performance of four SQTs (unmatched count technique, randomized response technique, crosswise model, and bean method) against direct questions when asking about a commonly researched sensitive behavior in conservation, wildlife hunting. We developed fictional characters, and for each method asked respondents to report the answers that each fictional character should give when asked if they hunt wildlife. We collected data from 609 individuals living close to protected areas in two different cultural and socioeconomic contexts (Indonesia and Tanzania) to quantify the extent to which respondents understood and followed SQT instructions and to explore the sociodemographic factors that influenced a correct response. Data were modeled using binomial general linear mixed models. Participants were more likely to refuse to answer questions asked using SQTs compared with direct questions. Model results suggested that SQTs were harder for participants to understand. Demographic factors (e.g., age and education level) significantly influenced response accuracy. When sensitive responses to sensitive questions were required, all SQTs (excluding the bean method) outperformed direct questions, demonstrating that SQTs can successfully reduce sensitivity bias. However, when reviewing each method, most respondents (59–89%) reported they would feel uncomfortable using them to provide information on their own hunting behavior, highlighting the considerable challenge of encouraging truthful reporting on sensitive topics. Our results demonstrate the importance of assessing the suitability of social science methods prior to their implementation in conservation contexts.
Nickel and cobalt release from beauty tools: A field study in the German cosmetics trade
Authors: Symanzik Cara , Uter Wolfgang , Becker Selina‐Marie , Skudlik Christoph , John Swen M.
Published: March 2022

Background

Relevant nickel and cobalt release from hairdressing tools has recently been evidenced. Comparable data are not available for tools used in beauty salons.

Objectives

Screening of beauty tools for nickel and cobalt release.

Methods/Materials

Three hundred eight beauty tools were tested in seven beauty salons located in two North‐German states. A nickel spot test and a cobalt spot test were used to test the tools for nickel release and cobalt release, respectively.

Results

One hundred forty‐three of 308 beauty tools overall (46.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.8%‐52.2%) released nickel and 18 of 308 beauty tools overall (5.8%; 95%CI: 3.5%‐9.1%) released cobalt. Nickel release was found in 22 of 99 metal tools (22.2%; 95%CI: 14.5%‐31.7%) and 121 of 209 tools with metallic parts (57.9%; 95%CI: 50.9%‐64.7%); cobalt release was detected in 3 of 99 metal tools (3.0%; 95%CI: 0.63%‐8.6%) and 15 of 209 tools with metallic parts (7.2%; 95%CI: 4.1%‐11.6%).

Conclusions

Nickel and cobalt are emitted at allergologically relevant levels by a wide range of beauty tools (i.e., metal tools and tools with metallic parts) utilized in the German cosmetics trade. Beauty tools should thus be considered occupational sources of nickel and cobalt exposure.
Selection of O‐negative induced pluripotent stem cell clones for high‐density red blood cell production in a scalable perfusion bioreactor system
Authors: Yu SuE , Vassilev Svetlan , Lim Zhong Ri , Sivalingam Jaichandran , Lam Alan Tin Lun , Ho Valerie , Renia Laurent , Malleret Benoit , Reuveny Shaul , Oh Steve Kah Weng
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Large‐scale generation of universal red blood cells (RBCs) from O‐negative (O‐ve) human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) holds the potential to alleviate worldwide shortages of blood and provide a safe and secure year‐round supply. Mature RBCs and reticulocytes, the immature counterparts of RBCs generated during erythropoiesis, could also find important applications in research, for example in malaria parasite infection studies. However, one major challenge is the lack of a high‐density culture platform for large‐scale generation of RBCs in vitro.

Materials and Methods

We generated 10 O‐ve hiPSC clones and evaluated their potential for mesoderm formation and erythroid differentiation. We then used a perfusion bioreactor system to perform studies with high‐density cultures of erythroblasts in vitro.

Results

Based on their tri‐lineage (and specifically mesoderm) differentiation potential, we isolated six hiPSC clones capable of producing functional erythroblasts. Using the best performing clone, we demonstrated the small‐scale generation of high‐density cultures of erythroblasts in a perfusion bioreactor system. After process optimization, we were able to achieve a peak cell density of 34.7 million cells/ml with 92.2% viability in the stirred bioreactor. The cells expressed high levels of erythroblast markers, showed oxygen carrying capacity, and were able to undergo enucleation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a scalable platform for the production of functional RBCs from hiPSCs. The perfusion culture platform we describe here could pave the way for large volume‐controlled bioreactor culture for the industrial generation of high cell density erythroblasts and RBCs.
Diagnostic value of computed tomography‐based pulmonary artery to aorta ratio measurement in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Xing‐gui , Shi Yu‐jia , Wang Xiao‐hua , Yu Xiao‐wei , Yang Ming‐xia
Published: March 2022

Objective

We conducted a meta‐analysis to systematic assess the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT)‐based pulmonary artery to aorta (PA:A) ratio measurement in COPD with pulmonary hypertension (COPD‐PH).

Methods

Published studies referring to diagnostic accuracy of PA:A ratio for COPD‐PH were screened out from PubMed, Embase, Web of science, China National Knowledge databases (CNKI), Wan fang databases, and VIP databases. We used bivariate random‐effects model to estimate pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive and negative likelihood ratios (PLR and NLR, respectively), and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR). Summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were also calculated to summarize the aggregate diagnostic performance.

Results

Nine eligible studies were included and the pooled SEN was 69% (95% CI: 59 ~ 78), SPE was 85% (95% CI: 77 ~ 90), PLR was 4.5 (95% CI: 2.8 ~ 7.5), and NLR was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.26 ~ 0.51), respectively. DOR reached 13.00 (95% CI: 6.00 ~ 28.00), and value of AUC was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.81 ~ 0.87). Subgroup analysis indicated that when the value of PA:A ratio was equal or greater than one (PA/A ≥ 1), the combined SEN, SPE, AUC, and DOR was 69%, 89%, 0.90, and 19.65, respectively.

Conclusions

PA:A ratio is helpful for appraisal of COPD‐PH, and PA/A ≥ 1 possessed prominent diagnostic accuracy.
Granulomatous pigmented purpuric dermatosis: Clinical and histopathologic findings in a series of nine cases
Authors: Matter Alexandra Valeska , Kolm Isabel , Kempf Werner
Published: March 2022

We report the largest case series to date of granulomatous pigmented purpuric dermatosis (GPPD), a rare variant of pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD). GPPD can cause diagnostic difficulties as it can be mistaken clinically and histopathologically with numerous inflammatory and infectious dermatoses or even cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. We compared the histopathological findings of nine cases of GPPD with a control group consisting of 10 randomly selected PPD of other subtypes. GPPD seems to predominantly affect the lower extremities of adult male patients; a clear association with hyperlipidemia or other systemic conditions could not be confirmed. Histopathologically, GPPD is characterized by a dermal histiocyte‐rich interstitial infiltrate with or without granuloma formation, thickened capillaries, extravasated erythrocytes, and/or hemosiderin deposits. In contrast to other forms of PPD, the inflammatory infiltrate of GPPD can extend to the mid or deep dermis and the admixed lymphocytic infiltrate is mainly composed of CD8+ T‐cells.
Undiagnosed diabetes: Prevalence and cardiovascular risk profile in a population‐based study of 52,856 individuals. The HUNT Study, Norway
Authors: Bjarkø Vera Vik , Haug Eirin B. , Sørgjerd Elin P. , Stene Lars C. , Ruiz Paz Lopez‐Doriga , Birkeland Kåre I. , Berg Tore Julsrud , Gulseth Hanne Løvdal , Iversen Marjolein M. , Langhammer Arnulf , Åsvold Bjørn Olav
Published: March 2022

Aims

We investigated the current extent of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes and their associated cardiovascular risk profile in a population‐based study.

Methods

All residents aged ≥20 years in the Nord‐Trøndelag region, Norway, were invited to the HUNT4 Survey in 2017–2019, and 54% attended. Diagnosed diabetes was self‐reported, and in those reporting no diabetes HbA1c was used to classify undiagnosed diabetes (≥48 mmol/mol [6.5%]) and prediabetes (39–47 mmol/mol [5.7%–6.4%]). We estimated the age‐ and sex‐standardized prevalence of these conditions and their age‐ and sex‐adjusted associations with other cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

Among 52,856 participants, the prevalence of diabetes was 6.0% (95% CI 5.8, 6.2), of which 11.1% were previously undiagnosed (95% CI 10.1, 12.2). The prevalence of prediabetes was 6.4% (95% CI 6.2, 6.6). Among participants with undiagnosed diabetes, 58% had HbA1c of 48–53 mmol/mol (6.5%–7.0%), and only 14% (i.e., 0.1% of the total study population) had HbA1c >64 mmol/mol (8.0%). Compared with normoglycaemic participants, those with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes had higher body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides and C‐reactive protein but lower low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (all p < 0.001). Participants with undiagnosed diabetes had less favourable values for every measured risk factor compared with those with diagnosed diabetes.

Conclusions

The low prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes suggests that the current case‐finding‐based diagnostic practice is well‐functioning. Few participants with undiagnosed diabetes had very high HbA1c levels indicating severe hyperglycaemia. Nonetheless, participants with undiagnosed diabetes had a poorer cardiovascular risk profile compared with participants with known or no diabetes.
Voting rights and the resilience of Black turnout
Authors: Raze Kyle
Published: March 2022

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 increased turnout among Black voters, which then generated economic benefits for Black communities. In Shelby County v. Holder (2013), the Supreme Court invalidated the enforcement mechanism responsible for these improvements, prompting concerns that states with histories of discriminatory election practices would respond by suppressing Black turnout. I estimate the effect of the Shelby decision on the racial composition of the electorate using triple‐difference comparisons of validated turnout data from the Cooperative Congressional Election Study. The data suggest that the Shelby decision did not widen the Black‐white turnout gap in states subject to the ruling.
Undergraduate dental students and their potential role in disaster victim identification procedures: A scoping review under a Chilean perspective
Authors: Salazar‐Valenzuela Luis , López‐Lázaro Sandra , Aguayo‐Cádiz José Esteban , Capitaneanu Cezar , Fonseca Gabriel M.
Published: March 2022

Background

A mass fatality incident is an unexpected event that can cause the death of many people, which has motivated careful analysis and development of appropriate strategies for planning and response with all available resources. As these events involve multiple victims, their identities must be confirmed using the highest possible quality standards. Forensic Odontology (FO) has proven to be a scientific resource for disaster victim identification (DVI) procedures; however, it is highly dependent on the proper management not only of material resources but also of human resources. Chile is a country recognised as prone to natural disasters, but an insufficient number of forensic odontologists has been reported. The aim of the study was to review the literature on a dental undergraduate (UG) student's potential value in a DVI process.

Methodology

A scoping review was performed using a specific search strategy in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO and EBSCO databases.

Results

The search identified 27 articles in which the basic dental degree, the necessary training and the need for human resources are variables considered in different priorities by those articles.

Discussion

It is vital to assess the local needs of Chile based on its UGs, considering that FO is an underestimated resource that should be included early on in dental curriculums. Furthermore, it should align with public policies to ensure viability and inclusion in standardised protocols.

Conclusion

Although there is "potential" usage of UG dental students in DVI is not ideal, circumstances will dictate their use. The better trained they are as students, the more valuable their "potential" contribution will be.
Real‐life experience with inotersen in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with late‐onset phenotype: Data from an early‐access program in Italy
Authors: Luigetti Marco , Antonini Giovanni , Di Paolantonio Andrea , Gentile Luca , Grandis Marina , Leonardi Luca , Lozza Alessandro , Manganelli Fiore , Mazzeo Anna , Mussinelli Roberta , My Filomena , Obici Laura , Maria Pennisi Elena , Romozzi Marina , Russo Massimo , Sabatelli Mario , Salvalaggio Alessandro , Tagliapietra Matteo , Tozza Stefano
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

Hereditary transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a dominantly inherited, adult‐onset, progressive, and fatal disease caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene. Therapeutic agents approved for this disease include the TTR stabilizer tafamidis and the gene‐silencing drugs patisiran and inotersen. Inotersen is an antisense oligonucleotide that suppresses the hepatic production of transthyretin. After European Medical Agency approval in 2018, an early‐access program was opened in Italy, and in this article, we present the long‐term outcome of a cohort of Italian ATTRv patients who received inotersen within this program.

Methods

This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective study of patients affected by ATTRv that started inotersen during the early‐access program. The primary end point was safety. Secondary end points included change from baseline in familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) stage, Polyneuropathy Disability, Neuropathy Impairment Scale, Compound Autonomic Dysfunction Test, Norfolk Quality of Life–Diabetic Neuropathy, troponin, N‐terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide, interventricular septum thickness, and body mass index.

Results

In total, 23 patients were enrolled. No patient permanently discontinued the treatment because of thrombocytopenia, and no cases of severe thrombocytopenia were observed. Five patients discontinued the treatment permanently because of voluntary withdrawal (two patients), renal failure after infective pyelonephritis, not related to inotersen, drug‐related hypotension, and amyloid‐negative crescentic glomerulonephritis. In seven patients, dosing frequency was reduced to every 2 weeks due to recurrent thrombocytopenia. Considering the FAP stage, only two patients worsened, whereas the other 21 patients remained stable until the last follow‐up available.

Conclusions

The long‐term safety profile of inotersen is favorable. Neurologic disease severity at baseline is the main factor associated with progression.
The seedcorn maggot Delia platura (Diptera: Anthomyiidae): An emerging pest of garlic crops in Tunisia
Authors: Harbi Ahlem , Abbes Khaled , Elimem Mohamed , Lazheri Houssem , Meganck Kenny , Chermiti Brahim
Published: March 2022

During routine phytosanitary inspections performed in February 2021 on vegetable crops in the region of Sidi Bouzid, Central Tunisia, unusual severe and generalized damage on young garlic, Allium sativum L., crops were observed. The causal agent was later identified as the seedcorn maggot Delia platura Meigen (1826) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) using morphological and DNA‐based approaches. Symptoms on garlic are described and brief notes on diagnostic features of both adult and juvenile instars are presented. Possible phytosanitary risks and control measures are discussed.
Early mesodermal development in the patellogastropod Lottia goshimai
Authors: Sun Dehui , Huan Pin , Liu Baozhong
Published: March 2022

Mesodermal development is essential to explore the interlineage variations in the development of spiralians. Compared with model mollusks such as Tritia and Crepidula, knowledge about the mesodermal development of other molluscan lineages is limited. Here, we investigated early mesodermal development in the patellogastropod Lottia goshimai, which shows equal cleavage and has a trochophore larva. The endomesoderm derived from the 4d blastomere, that is, the mesodermal bandlets, was situated dorsally and showed a characteristic morphology. Investigations of the potential mesodermal patterning genes revealed that twist1 and snail1 were expressed in a proportion of these endomesodermal tissues, while all of the five genes we investigated (twist1, twist2, snail1, snail2, and mox) were expressed in ventrally located ectomesodermal tissues. Relatively dynamic snail2 expression suggests additional roles in various internalization processes. By tracing snail2 expression in early gastrulae, the 3a211 and 3b211 blastomeres were suggested to be the precursors of the ectomesoderm, which elongated to become internalized before division. These results help to understand the variations in the mesodermal development of different spiralians and explore the different mechanisms by which ectomesodermal cells are internalized, which has important evolutionary implications.
Highlights from 25 Years of the GeoPT Programme: What Can be Learnt for the Advancement of Geoanalysis
Authors: Meisel Thomas C. , Webb Peter C. , Rachetti Alessandra
Published: March 2022

Data submitted over the past 25 years to GeoPT, the highly successful proficiency‐testing programme for the geochemical analysis of geological materials, organised by the International Association of Geoanalysts, provide a valuable resource that permits detailed investigation of contrasting results associated with different sample preparation and measurement principles. Highlighted issues include the following: recurring problems with the dissolution of the refractory minerals zircon and chromite, which produce a large dispersion in data obtained when acid digestion is involved; issues related to different XRF sample preparation methods, whereby a significant divergence of pressed powder pellet results compared with those from fused glass discs is observed; high relative dispersion of data both at low mass fractions, and those higher than normally found in silicate rocks, due to incomplete method validation, in particular due to an overconfidence in estimating reporting limits and to the employment of limited working ranges. In addition, an example for Sr in an ancient pegmatite with extremely high Rb abundance is presented, where ICP‐MS results amount to only to a third of the XRF results, severely underestimated due to the disregard of the radiogenic ingrowth from 87Rb decay. Recommendations are made both for improving data quality and the selection of test materials for future GeoPT rounds.
‘Down to the person, the individual patient themselves’: A qualitative study of treatment decision‐making for shoulder pain
Authors: Maxwell Christina , McCreesh Karen , Salsberg Jon , Robinson Katie
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Many inconsistencies have been identified in the translation of evidence‐based treatment recommendations for musculoskeletal shoulder pain into healthcare services, with little known about factors influencing decision‐making. The objective of this study was to explore the views and experiences of healthcare providers (HCPs) and people living with shoulder pain on treatment decision‐making.

Methods

Adopting a qualitative design, purposeful sampling was employed to recruit 13 individuals with nonspecific musculoskeletal shoulder pain and 30 HCPs. Data were collected through 1:1 semi‐structured interviews and analysed using an approach informed by Constructivist Grounded Theory. To facilitate analysis, two patient and public involvement (PPI) meetings were conducted.

Results

Most participants (69%) had shoulder pain of ≥1‐year duration. Biomechanical beliefs about shoulder pain predominated and were heavily influential in decision‐making for both patients and HCPs. Despite a consensus that therapeutic alliance facilitated decision‐making, the extent of collaboration between HCPs and patients in treatment decision‐making was rather limited. In addition to condition‐specific factors, Individual patient characteristics and resources also influenced treatment decisions.

Conclusion

Findings revealed the complexity of the decision‐making process for both patients and HCPs, exposing substantial gaps between the reported views and experiences of participants and the principles of client‐centred and evidence‐based practice. There is a pressing need to enhance the translation of evidence‐based knowledge into practice in this clinical area.

Patient or Public Contribution

In line with a consultative approach to collaborative data analysis, a subgroup of participants attended two PPI meetings to provide commentary and feedback on preliminary findings.
A systematic review case study of urgent and emergency care configuration found citation searching of Web of Science and Google Scholar of similar value
Authors: Cantrell Anna , Booth Andrew , Chambers Duncan
Published: March 2022

Background

Supplementary search methods, including citation searching, are essential if systematic reviews are to avoid producing biased conclusions. Little evidence exists on how to prioritise databases for citation searching or to establish whether using multiple sources is beneficial.

Objectives

A systematic review examining urgent and emergency care reconfiguration was used to investigate the utility of citation searching on Web of Science (WOS) and/or Google Scholar (GS).

Methods

This case study investigated numbers of studies, additional studies and unique studies retrieved from both sources. In addition, the time to search, the ease of adding references to reference management software and obtaining abstracts of studies for screening are briefly considered.

Results

WOS retrieved 62 references after deduplication of the results, 52 being additional references not retrieved during the database searching. GS retrieved 134 unique references with 63 additional references. WOS and GS retrieved the same three additional included studies. WOS was less time intensive to search given the facility to restrict to English language papers and availability of abstracts.

Conclusions

In a single systematic review case study, citation searching was required to identify all included studies. Citation searching on WOS is more efficient, where a subscription is available. Both databases identified the same studies but GS required additional time to remove non‐English language studies and locate abstracts.
Effective participation of mentally vulnerable defendants in the English magistrates’ courts: The crucial role of liaison and diversion
Authors: Howard Helen
Published: March 2022

Mentally vulnerable defendants who are unable to effectively participate in their trial in the magistrates’ courts are unprotected by the law relating to unfitness to plead. The conveyor‐belt justice offered in the magistrates’ courts means that these defendants are at risk of being overlooked. This article aims to demonstrate that, in addition to police custody suites, a permanent presence of Liaison and Diversion (L&D) teams within all English magistrates’ courts is crucial to the protection of vulnerable defendants who are unable to effectively participate in their trial. Moreover, the presence of L&D teams within all magistrates’ courts might provide a more pragmatic and compassionate solution than legal reforms to those vulnerable individuals who are unable to understand the trial process. This improvement is achievable given the cost efficiencies highlighted by the RAND Europe Outcome Evaluation, published in April 2021.
A century of structural and vibrational spectroscopy in vitreous silica: A short review
Authors: Hehlen B.
Published: March 2022

This article reports on more than a century of elastic and inelastic spectroscopies in vitreous silica, the prototypical glass former. The discovery of infrared spectroscopies, Raman and Brillouin scattering, and X‐ray diffraction, opened a new field of science devoted to the description of matter at atomic scale. Theories describing the interaction of radiations with matter rapidely developed, as well as theories based on symmetries for the description of the vibrations. Silica, in its crystalline and vitreous form, has often been the reference material for testing new devices and new theories. As such they were the “witnesses” of the major spectroscopic breakthroughs. Owing to the difficulty to understand disorder, progresses in glasses occurred later than those in crystalline materials. For example, after Zachariasen famous paper in 1932, it was not until the 1960s that 3D random network models were built in support of experimental data. The invention of lasers and the construction of large facilities have also widely extended the range of glass properties accessible using spectroscopies. Concerning vitreous materials in general developments in the last decades of nonconventional techniques as well as numerical tools for the data analysis have opened perspectives for further investigations.
Effect of cell wall‐disruption processes on wall disruption, antioxidant activity and nutrients in tea pollen
Authors: Xie Jizhou , Wei Fang , Luo Liyong , Dai Lifeng , Zeng Liang , Wang Xinghua
Published: March 2022

Tea pollen is rich in nutritional and bioactive compounds; however, the pollen wall limits their release. In this study, we explored the effects of freeze–thaw processing (FT), a combination of enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasonication (EHUS) and superfine grinding (SG) on the wall disruption, antioxidant activity, sensory qualities and nutrients in tea pollen. SG‐treated pollen had the highest broken‐wall ratio (100%), followed by EHUS (79.14%), while FT‐treated pollen displayed the lowest ratio (59.86%). Release of nutrient compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, total free amino acids, proteins and theanine, increased after treatment with the three wall‐disruption methods compared with untreated samples. Moreover, levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), catechin gallate (CG) and gallocatechin gallate (GCG) were higher following EHUS or SG than in untreated or FT‐treated tea pollen. EGCG was the most potent catechin involved in antioxidant activity of tea pollen, making major contributions to the significant improvement of antioxidant activity in SG‐ and EHUS‐treated groups. Additionally, the overall sensory qualities of tea were lower after treatment with the three wall‐disruption methods compared with untreated samples. In summary, SG and EHUS treatment had greater effects on cell wall disruption, nutrient release and antioxidant activity in tea pollen.
Impact of amylose from maize starch on the microstructure, rheology and lipolysis of W/O emulsions during simulated semi‐dynamic gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Iqbal Shahid , Zhang Ping , Wu Peng , Deng Renpan , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: March 2022

This study aims to examine the microstructure, rheology and lipolysis of water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions (40 wt.%) prepared with or without (Control) the addition of normal (NAM) and high amylose (HAM) maize starch during simulated digestion in a semi‐dynamic gastrointestinal tract (GIT) model. Microstructural examinations showed modification in initial W/O emulsion droplets to multiple W1/O/W2 droplets during in vitro digestion. This is in line with the rheological results, where the shear viscosity and moduli in the oral phase were remarkably reduced after entering the intestinal phase. In comparison to control and NAM emulsions, HAM emulsions showed a more compact and continuous network structure and greater viscosity and elastic modulus throughout GIT digestion. These results support lipolysis, where fewer free fatty acids were released in the HAM emulsion (70%) than in the control (86%) and NAM (78%) emulsions. This work has provided an in‐depth understanding of the digestion of W/O emulsions as influenced by amylose content, which is meaningful for the development of low‐fat products with reduced lipid digestibility.
The association between maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and child adiposity: A racial‐ethnically diverse cohort of children
Authors: Hunt Kelly J. , Ferguson Pamela L. , Neelon Brian , Commodore Sarah , Bloom Michael S. , Sciscione Anthony C. , Grobman William A. , Kominiarek Michelle A. , Newman Roger B. , Tita Alan T. , Nageotte Michael P. , Palomares Kristy , Skupski Daniel W. , Zhang Cuilin , Hinkle Stefanie , Wapner Ronald , Vena John E. ,   ECHO‐FGS Study Group
Published: March 2022

Background

The prevalence of obesity in US children has more than tripled in the past 40 years; hence, it is critical to identify potentially modifiable factors that may mitigate the risk.

Objectives

To examine the association between maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG) and child adiposity as measured by BMI, waist circumference and percent body fat in a racial‐ethnically diverse cohort.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study of healthy women without chronic disease, we examined the association between pre‐pregnancy BMI, GWG and child adiposity. Children ages 4–8 years (n = 816) in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes‐NICHD Fetal Growth Studies were assessed. Trained study staff ascertained maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI, GWG and child adiposity.

Results

The odds of child obesity (≥95th BMI percentile) increased independently for each unit increase in maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI [OR = 1.12 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.17)] and for each 5‐kg increase in GWG [OR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.07, 1.47)]. The odds of child waist circumference (≥85th percentile) also increased independently for pre‐pregnancy BMI [OR = 1.09 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.12)] and GWG [OR = 1.18 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.34)].

Conclusions

Maternal pre‐pregnancy BMI and GWG were each independently and positively associated with child obesity and high child waist circumference.
Tuberculosis, focussed tools and the right schools: estimated impact and cost of a targeted student screening programme for tuberculosis infection
Authors: Sawka Alice , Geake James , Stapledon Richard , Barry Simone
Published: March 2022

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends targeted screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among high‐risk populations. Recent studies that evaluate targeted school‐based programmes in low burden settings are scarce.

Aims

To evaluate a school screening programme for recently arrived migrant students from moderate and high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries and estimate (1) the number of cases of active TB that were prevented and (2) the cost per case of active TB prevented.

Methods

Students were screened with tuberculin skin tests (TST) at schools with a high migrant population intake. Those with positive results were referred for specialist evaluation. Outcomes were retrospectively assessed using 5 years of prospectively collected data. Cost data were collected. Main outcomes measured were the number of children were diagnosed with LTBI who completed treatment, and programme costs.

Results

Of 4728 student screened, 295 (6.2%) were diagnosed with LTBI. Of these, 273 (92.5%) were offered preventive therapy, 242 (82.0%) commenced and 204 (69.2%) completed therapy. The number needed to screen (NNS) was 23 per completed course of preventive treatment for LTBI. Assuming a 10% lifetime risk of reactivation, the NNS was 386 per case of TB disease notification avoided. The cost of screening was A$23 932 per case of TB disease avoided.

Conclusions

This TB strategy is supported by the high rate of TB infection in the student group, the treatment uptake and completion rates. Cost–benefit is linked with lifetime risk of TB reactivation. Targeted school screening programmes represent an important opportunity for TB control in low‐burden settings.
COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines and myopericarditis
Authors: Gnanenthiran Sonali R. , Limaye Sandhya
Published: March 2022

Globally, vaccination against COVID‐19 has prevented countless infections, hospitalisations and death and represents the most successful intervention in combating the pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Utilisation of existing mRNA vaccine technology has allowed for rapid development of highly immunogenic and effective vaccines. Myopericarditis can occur as an adverse effect of COVID‐19 mRNA vaccination, albeit at significantly lower rates than those that occur during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Higher rates are seen in adolescent males, usually within 1–5 days of receiving the second vaccine dose. Although most cases are self‐limited and respond to first‐line treatment, refractory cases can occur, with a limited evidence base on which to guide management. Here, we present a brief review of COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines and associated myopericarditis including risk factors, proposed mechanism, and treatment including management strategies for refractory disease.
Uncovering healthcare staff attitudes to the rapid deployment of telehealth in Victoria, 2020–2021: a 12‐month telehealth experience
Authors: Shannon Michelle M. , Callum Shona M. , Callisaya Michele L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Telehealth was widely adopted in health services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is unknown what the attitudes and ongoing needs of healthcare staff are after a rapid implementation of telehealth.

Aims

To evaluate staff attitudes to telehealth utilisation after a rapid implementation.

Methods

A health service‐wide bespoke survey was sent to all clinicians, managers and administration staff in June–July 2021. We evaluated attitudes to: (i) telehealth application in the model of care; and (ii) the barriers and enablers to use of telehealth. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data, and content analysis for the textual data.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐four respondents completed the survey (response rate = 22.5% of healthdirect users (71/315), and 3.2% of total healthcare staff population). Most commonly, telehealth was identified as being important (78%) and safe (79%) by clinicians, and important (100%) and encouraged (88%) by managers. In contrast, telehealth was identified as not the same as face to face (56%; 50%), but easy to add to usual work arrangements (43%; 44%) by clinicians and managers respectively. The most common enablers of telehealth were: (i) having others use the same telehealth platform (74.3%; 100%); and (ii) completing training (68.9%; 72.7%) by clinicians and managers respectively. The most common barriers were having: (i) reliable Internet connectivity (39.2%; 45.5%) by clinicians and managers, respectively; (ii) the right equipment (clinician 37.8%); and (iii) a private area (managers 36.3%).

Conclusions

Despite training and having support from colleagues to implement telehealth, ongoing needs were identified that may promote uptake in specific health settings.
Can defined contribution pensions survive the pandemic? The Chilean case
Authors: Kay Stephen J. , Borzutzky Silvia
Published: March 2022

The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic threatens the viability of Chile’s defined contribution (DC) pension system, undermining its financial foundation and exposing its vulnerability to political risk. The COVID‐19 crisis led to the approval of three rounds of emergency withdrawals of 10 per cent of pension savings (as of April 2021). Utilizing pension funds during an economic crisis is neither new nor uncommon – during the Great Recession, several countries in Central and Eastern Europe diverted DC pension funds to cope with the fiscal stresses. As Chile prepares to draft a new constitution, debates about the efficiency and equity of the pension system are ongoing. In this regard, and as the political response to the pandemic demonstrates, the DC system has failed to live up to its promise of ending political risk and preventing the diversion of pension funds for other expenditures.
The prevalence of hand eczema in an adolescent population
Authors: Ljubojevic Hadzavdic S. , Stulhofer Buzina D.
Published: March 2022

Linked article: J. Wang et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36: 547–556. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17814.