bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning and engineering feature approaches to detect events perturbing the indoor microclimate in Ringebu and Heddal stave churches (Norway)
Authors: Miglioranza Pietro , Scanu Andrea , Simionato Giuseppe , Sinigaglia Nicholas , Califano America
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Climate-induced damage is a pressing problem for the preservation of cultural properties. Their physical deterioration is often the cumulative effect of different environmental hazards of variable intensity. Among these, fluctuations of temperature and relative humidity may cause nonrecoverable physical changes in building envelopes and artifacts made of hygroscopic materials, such as wood. Microclimatic fluctuations may be caused by several factors, including the presence of many visitors within the historical building. Within this framework, the current work is focused on detecting events taking place in two Norwegian stave churches, by identifying the fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity caused by the presence of people attending the public events.

Design/methodology/approach

The identification of such fluctuations and, so, of the presence of people within the churches has been carried out through three different methods. The first is an unsupervised clustering algorithm here termed “density peak,” the second is a supervised deep learning model based on a standard convolutional neural network (CNN) and the third is a novel ad hoc engineering feature approach “unexpected mixing ratio (UMR) peak.”

Findings

While the first two methods may have some instabilities (in terms of precision, recall and normal mutual information [NMI]), the last one shows a promising performance in the detection of microclimatic fluctuations induced by the presence of visitors.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work stands in using both well-established and in-house ad hoc machine learning algorithms in the field of heritage science, proving that these smart approaches could be of extreme usefulness and could lead to quick data analyses, if used properly.
The impact of demographical, geographical and climatological factors on building defects in Belgium
Authors: Van Den Bossche Nathan , Blommaert Anke , Daniotti Bruno
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Quality failures in the design and construction process can entail significant delays and costs. Databases of building defects have proven to be useful for drawing conclusions on underlying causes of building defects and for identifying potential improvement actions to reduce the occurrence of building defects.

Design/methodology/approach

The database comprising 27,074 cases from a Belgian insurance company was studied, and it was found that moisture problems account for 48% of all building defects, and stability problems 23%. To better analyse the geographical variability, the data were enriched with demographical, geographical and climatological factors of the municipality the concerned buildings were located in. This combined information was used to determine underlying external factors that impact the probability that specific types of building defects occur.

Findings

The analysis of the data shows that external factors do indeed have a statistically significant impact. The factor with the highest impact is the number of walls the building has in common with its neighbours. The most significant climatological factor is the wind speed.

Originality/value

A better understanding of the frequency of building defects and factors that contribute to the likelihood are important variables to consider in quality control and prevention.
Opportunities for social activism in transformative service research: a research agenda
Authors: Keränen Joona , Olkkonen Laura
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper highlights the potential of social activism – defined as a public act that aims to challenge the status quo by bringing alternative views or narratives to the debate – in transformative service research and proposes a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds upon a review of social activism in the management and communications literature to identify its potential for social change in service (eco)systems.

Findings

This paper outlines three ways in which social activism can influence companies (external activism, internal activism, and activism as practice) and illustrates how they can be used to advance transformative service research in selected priority areas.

Research limitations/implications

This paper develops a future research agenda and suggests research questions that could guide scholarly inquiry at the intersection of social activism and transformative service research.

Practical implications

For managers and policy makers, this paper highlights how social activism can influence companies' attempts to drive social change.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to link social activism and transformative service research and highlight novel research opportunities at their intersection.
International entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: interfirm coordination and local economy dynamics in the informal economy
Authors: Boafo Christopher , Catanzaro Alexis , Dornberger Utz
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The International Labor Organization (2020) estimates that eight out of ten enterprises (i.e. own-account workers and small economic units) are informal worldwide. However, less is known about the internationalization of informal enterprises. Here, it is argued that economic blocs, such as sub-Saharan Africa, with a greater proportion of informal enterprises, may provide broader societal legitimacy for them to operate internationally. Thus, informal firms would need to collaborate with other firms to overcome their resource constraints. Geographic colocation is one way to facilitate positive interfirm interactions that promote networking and subsequently cooperation. The purpose of this paper is, thus, to addresses two questions. Firstly, how and to what extent does interfirm marketing cooperation in geographic colocation influence the internationalization of micro and small informal manufacturing enterprises? Secondly, how do the perceived benefits of local external economies moderate this relationship?

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws evidence from 125 randomly selected informal enterprises located in two major clusters in Ghana, using a mixed-method approach.

Findings

The partial least square - structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis applied revealed two central points. Firstly, sharing marketing costs allows informal firms to upgrade their phases of export development directly. Secondly, the linkage of increasing sales activities and local external economies encourages the progress of the phases of export development and the scope of internationalization. Results confirm that the cluster benefits of interfirm cooperation and local external economies on the informal firm internationalization process complement each other in addition to their linear relationship.

Originality/value

The study contributes to understanding the nexus of the informal sector, geographic colocation and the entrepreneurial internationalization literature. The results should motivate researchers and policymakers to approach informal firm internationalization through collaborative business activities.
Advancing influence tactics to the team level: the case of self-managed teams
Authors: Unger-Aviram Esther , Katz-Navon Tal , Vashdi Dana Rachel
Published: April 2022

Purpose

By combining the influence tactics and team development literatures, this paper aims to propose a new team-level approach to influence tactics in self-managed teams and a temporal account of the extent to which team-level influence tactics are associated with team performance as a dynamic process.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 75 self-managed teams, we examined the relationship between the proportion of team members who tend to use each influence tactic to a high degree and team performance at initial versus advanced stages of team development.

Findings

Results demonstrated at initial stages of team development, a high proportion of team members who tend to use assertiveness was detrimental to team performance, whereas at advanced stages of team development, a high proportion of team members tending to use ingratiation was detrimental, while rationality was positively associated with team performance. Additionally, a Fuzzy Qualitative Comparative Analysis showed that at advanced stages of team development, tactics configuration matters.

Originality/value

This study sets the stage for a team-level theory of influence tactics by examining the relationship between the proportion of team members who tend to use influence tactics to a high degree and team performance at initial versus advanced stages of team development, and the configurations of tactics associated with better team performance at these developmental stages. While the individual-level literature on influence tactics is based on notions of power and politics, in a team context and specifically with self-managed teams, there is a need to integrate theories of team processes and dynamics to understand how influence tactics are associated with performance.
Do social corporate responsibility initiatives help to promote circular economic activity and quality of work life for employees?
Authors: Davies Scott James , Egas José Luis
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The objective of the study is to investigate whether hospitality leaders feel there is a circular economy (CE) created through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and whether these initiatives improve quality of work life (QWL) for employees. A qualitative, case study approach was adopted which included a set of standardized questions as a discussion tool to explore senior hospitality professionals' perceptions of their companies' CSR initiatives and connection between CSR and QWL.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of interview questions consisting of seven open-ended questions and four Likert-type scale questions were formulated to explore how the representatives from case study companies implement CSR initiatives in the workplace. The questions were also used to probe the impact of CSR initiatives on QWL for employees and additionally, respondent views on aspects of the CE.

Findings

Examines the impact of hospitality and tourism on the environment and also its employee retention challenges. Interviews conducted with three managers reveal awareness of the potential QWL benefits of CSR practices. Findings suggest that successful, on-the-ground practice involves adapting corporate principles for each property.

Originality/value

The article showcases three interviews with senior employees from different properties in different world regions. The aim being to probe, how they approach their CSR strategies and the impact on QoL. While there is much interest in these issues, comparatively little has been published to-date on the relationships between CSR and QoL.
Telmisartan ameliorates LPS‐induced pneumonia in rats through regulation of the PPARγ/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhou Xiuhong , A. Zezi Ma yire , Li Dandan , Wang Jian
Published: April 2022

Pneumonia is a common disorder of the respiratory system associated with inflammation. Telmisartan (TEL) has been reported to treat inflammatory‐related diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the possible role and action mechanism of telmisartan on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced pneumonia in rats. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were assigned into four groups ad libitum: a control group received saline only, an experimental group received LPS, a group received telmisartan (5 mg/kg), followed by LPS treatment, and a group received telmisartan (10 mg/kg), followed by LPS treatment. The LPS (2 mg/kg) and equal saline were administered intratracheally. Telmisartan was administered orally 5 days before LPS. After LPS treatment for 24 hr, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were collected for the analysis of cell counts and/or cytokines. Lung tissues were used to perform histological examination, to assess oxidative stress levels, and to determine the levels of PPARγ/NF‐κB pathway‐related proteins. Rats that received LPS treatment exhibited high levels of lung wet/dry ratio, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, BALF polymorphonuclear leukocytes count, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Meanwhile, LPS also resulted in severe interstitial edema and inflammatory cell infiltration. Interestingly, telmisartan by oral administration markedly ameliorated the adverse effects of pneumonia in rats caused by LPS. In addition, western blotting further revealed that telmisartan could activate PPARγ and repress NF‐κB (p65). Telmisartan is protective against pneumonia through inhibition of the inflammation and oxidative stress via the PPARγ/NF‐κB pathway.
Recent advances in CRISPR‐based systems for the detection of foodborne pathogens
Authors: Shin Jiyong , Miller Michael , Wang Yi‐Cheng
Published: April 2022

There has long been a need for more advanced forms of pathogen detection in the food industry. Though in its infancy, biosensing based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) has the potential to solve many problems that cannot be addressed using conventional methods. In this review, we briefly introduce and classify the various CRISPR/Cas protein effectors that have thus far been used in biosensors. We then assess the current state of CRISPR technology in food‐safety contexts; describe how each Cas effector is utilized in foodborne‐pathogen detection; and discuss the limitations of the current technology, as well as how it might usefully be applied in other areas of the food industry. We conclude that, if the limitations of existing CRISPR/Cas‐based detection methods are overcome, they can be deployed on a wide scale and produce a range of positive food‐safety outcomes.
Working towards equity: An example of an emergency department project for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and cultural safety
Authors: Barnes Deborah , Phillips Georgina , Mason Toni , Hutton Jennie
Published: April 2022

The ED at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne aims to provide excellent emergency care and cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. High rates of people who ‘Left Not Seen’ and some negative experiences of care led us to improve our performance in this area. Collective desire and strong executive support generated the ED Indigenous Health Equity Working Group (IHEWG) project. This was co‐led by both the ED and the Aboriginal Health Unit (AHU). A strengths‐based participatory methodology and fortnightly virtual meetings were established to generate ideas for short‐ and long‐term reforms. Initial outcomes have included a focus on cultural safety and trauma‐informed care education. Further projects included improving identification processes, creating a welcoming waiting‐room environment and fostering strong relationships between the ED and AHU. We have begun our ED journey towards equity and excellent care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, hoping this collaborative model will enable transformative change.
Chicken liver is a potential reservoir of bacteriophages and phage‐derived particles containing antibiotic resistance genes
Authors: Blanco‐Picazo Pedro , Gómez‐Gómez Clara , Aguiló‐Castillo Sergi , Fernández‐Orth Dietmar , Cerdà‐Cuéllar Marta , Muniesa Maite , Rodríguez‐Rubio Lorena
Published: April 2022

Poultry meat production is one of the most important agri‐food industries in the world. The selective pressure exerted by widespread prophylactic or therapeutic use of antibiotics in intensive chicken farming favours the development of drug resistance in bacterial populations. Chicken liver, closely connected with the intestinal tract, has been directly involved in food‐borne infections and found to be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, including Campylobacter and Salmonella. In this study, 74 chicken livers, divided into sterile and non‐sterile groups, were analysed, not only for microbial indicators but also for the presence of phages and phage particles containing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Both bacteria and phages were detected in liver tissues, including those dissected under sterile conditions. The phages were able to infect Escherichia coli and showed a Siphovirus morphology. The chicken livers contained from 103 to 106 phage particles per g, which carried a range of ARGs (blaTEM, blaCTx‐M‐1, sul1, qnrA, armA and tetW) detected by qPCR. The presence of phages in chicken liver, mostly infecting E. coli, was confirmed by metagenomic analysis, although this technique was not sufficiently sensitive to identify ARGs. In addition, ARG‐carrying phages were detected in chicken faeces by qPCR in a previous study of the group. Comparison of the viromes of faeces and liver showed a strong coincidence of species, which suggests that the phages found in the liver originate in faeces. These findings suggests that phages, like bacteria, can translocate from the gut to the liver, which may therefore constitute a potential reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes.
Destined to Brexit? British Pathways to Membership in the European Communities 1945–73
Authors: Kaiser Wolfram
Published: April 2022

This article explores whether and how the United Kingdom was destined to Brexit before it even joined the European Communities in 1973. Drawing on archival sources, media reports and literature about Britain's arduous relationship with ‘Europe’, it argues that four features made the Brexit outcome more likely. They were the accession to the EC as a measure of last resort which prevented the construction of a new sustainable narrative about a brighter future in ‘Europe’; the political elites’ use of the issue of EC membership or further integration for short term party gains; highly exaggerated hopes that membership in and by itself would cure Britain's economic ills or give it a new global leadership role; and a colonial style diplomacy that severely underestimated Britain's growing dependency on its continental European neighbours. In conclusion, the article argues that it nevertheless required the formation of a parochial political elite of little Englanders to achieve the extreme outcome of Brexit.
Development of melanoma clinical quality indicators for the Australian melanoma clinical outcomes registry (MelCOR): A modified Delphi study
Authors: Jobson Dale , Roffey Benjamin , Arnold Christopher , Azzi Anthony , Button‐Sloan Alison , Dawson Tamara , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo , Fishburn Paul , Gyorki David E. , Hiscutt Emma L. , Jakrot Valerie , Lilleyman Alister , Lochhead Alistair , Long Georgina V. , Mailer Sonia , Mann Graham , McCormack Christopher J. , Muir Jim , Pratt George F. , Scolyer Richard A. , Shackelton Mark , Shumack Stephen , Soyer H. Peter , Tan Chin‐Guan , Webb Angela , Zalcberg John , Morton Rachael , Mar Victoria
Published: April 2022

Background

Clinical quality registries aim to identify significant variations in care and provide anonymised feedback to institutions to improve patient outcomes. Thirty‐six Australian organisations with an interest in melanoma, raised funds through three consecutive Melanoma Marches, organised by Melanoma Institute Australia, to create a national Melanoma Clinical Outcomes Registry (MelCOR). This study aimed to formally develop valid clinical quality indicators for the diagnosis and early management of cutaneous melanoma as an important step in creating the registry.

Methods

Potential clinical quality indicators were identified by examining the literature, including Australian and international melanoma guidelines, and by consulting with key melanoma and registry opinion leaders. A modified two‐round Delphi survey method was used, with participants invited from relevant health professions routinely managing melanoma as well as relevant consumer organisations.

Results

Nineteen participants completed at least one round of the Delphi process. 12 of 13 proposed clinical quality indictors met the validity criteria. The clinical quality indicators included acceptable biopsy method, appropriate excision margins, standardised pathology reporting, indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy, and involvement of multidisciplinary care and referrals.

Conclusion

This study provides a multi‐stakeholder consensus for important clinical quality indicators that define optimal practice that will now be used in the Australian Melanoma Clinical Outcomes Registry (MelCOR).
Real‐life evaluation of molecular multiplex IgE test methods in the diagnosis of pollen associated food allergy
Authors: Diem Luisa , Neuherz Bellinda , Rohrhofer Johanna , Koidl Larissa , Asero Riccardo , Brockow Knut , Diaz Perales Araceli , Faber Margaretha , Gebhardt Julia , Torres María José , Jensen‐Jarolim Erika , Zehetmayer Sonja , Untersmayr Eva
Published: April 2022

Background

Diagnosis of food allergies is challenging, as combining information from specific IgE (sIgE)‐sensitization pattern and skin prick tests (SPTs) with clinical history is necessary for a personalized management of allergic patients. The aim of this study was to compare two molecular tests, the ImmunoCAP ISAC (ISAC) and the Allergy Explorer, version 2 (ALEX2) in the context of pollen food syndrome (PFS) diagnosis in a real‐life scenario, to assess the benefit of multiplex testing in PFS patients.

Methods

Diagnosis of food allergy was performed in 53 patients. Allergen‐sIgE concentrations were measured with ISAC and ALEX2. Results for sIgE were statistically compared with each other, with SPT results and with clinical presentation of the patients.

Results

Using ISAC as reference test for sIgE measurements, the average sensitivity of ALEX2 for PR‐10 allergens was 83.2% and the average specificity 88.0%. If only low sIgE concentrations were included, the sensitivity was 60.8% and the specificity 91.1%. Apple and hazelnut sensitizations were confirmed in most patients by concordance of sIgE and SPT results. Significant correlations were shown between clinical symptoms and Mal d 1‐ and Gly m 4‐sIgE levels measured by both tests and for Cor a 1‐sIgE levels measured by ALEX2. In eight patients, profilin related symptoms were supported by Hev b 8‐sensitization.

Conclusion

Multiplex testing is beneficial to understand patient‐specific individual sensitization profiles and to providing personalized management recommendations. In the future, custom‐designed test kits might enable reducing costs of multiplex testing for specific patient groups without compromising the diagnostic value.
Association of testosterone therapy with disease progression in older males with COVID‐19
Authors: Baillargeon Jacques , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Westra Jordan , Lopez David S. , Urban Randall J. , Williams Stephen B. , Raji Mukaila A.
Published: April 2022

Importance

Low testosterone levels in males have been linked with increase in proinflammatory cytokines—a primary culprit in COVID‐19 disease progression—and with adverse COVID‐19 outcomes. To date, however, no published studies have assessed the effect of testosterone therapy on COVID‐19 outcomes in older men.

Objective

To examine whether testosterone therapy reduced disease progression in older men diagnosed with COVID‐19.

Design, setting, and participants

Nested within a national cohort of older (aged ≥50 years) male patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 between January 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021 from the Optum electronic health record COVID‐19 database, two matched case–control studies of COVID‐19 outcomes were conducted. Cases—defined, respectively, as persons who (a) were hospitalized ≤30 days after COVID‐19 diagnosis (n = 33,380), and (b) were admitted to the intensive care unit or received mechanical ventilation during their COVID‐19 hospitalization (n = 10,273)—were matched 1:1 with controls based on demographic and clinical factors.

Exposures

Testosterone therapy was defined based on receipt of prescription at ≤60, ≤90, or ≤120 days before COVID‐19 diagnosis.

Main outcomes and measures

Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of hospitalization within 30 days of COVID‐19 diagnosis and intensive care unit admission/mechanical ventilation during COVID‐19 hospitalization.

Results

The use of testosterone therapy was not associated with decreased odds of hospitalization (≤60 days: OR = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70–1.20; ≤90 days: OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.68–1.13; ≤120 days: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.72–1.32) or intensive care unit admission/mechanical ventilation (≤60 days: OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.37–1.23; ≤90 days: OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.36–0.11; ≤120 days: OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.29–1.19).

Conclusions and relevance

This study showed that testosterone therapy was not associated with decreased risks of COVID‐19 adverse outcomes. These findings may provide clinically relevant information regarding testosterone treatment in older men with COVID‐19 and other respiratory viral infections with similar pathogenesis.
Nekronology: The End of the Future at the Hudson Yards
Authors: Schwartz Scott W.
Published: April 2022

The following offers a novel approach to critiquing and contesting the chronology of colonial capitalism. By examining the spatio‐temporality of The Vessel—the suicidal shrine to neoliberal development in the heart of New York’s Hudson Yards micropolis—this article illuminates heterodox notions of time, death, and economics. Borrowing from Achille Mbembe’s necropolitics, I develop this “nekronology” to illustrate how the future is pillaging the present. I argue that architectural abstractions like The Vessel colonise the present from the future, taunting the present with the excess wealth derived from perpetual economic growth. Developments such as the Hudson Yards and neighbouring High Line exemplify this wealth pollution—the unhealthy disposal of excess wealth in public places. I then investigate the nekronology of current trends in postcolonial apocalypse and auto‐homicide. Finally, I examine the aesthetics of nekronological time wealth via an analysis of dystopian sci‐fi films and the temporally emancipating art of Black Quantum Futurism.
Associations of preterm birth, small‐for‐gestational age, preeclampsia and placental abruption with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the offspring: Nationwide cohort and sibling‐controlled studies
Authors: Beer Rachael J. , Cnattingius Sven , Susser Ezra S. , Villamor Eduardo
Published: April 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate preterm birth, small‐for‐gestational age (SGA), preeclampsia and placental abruption in relation to attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study among non‐malformed live‐born singleton children in Sweden born during 2002–2014. Using national registries with recorded information, we followed 1,212,201 children for an ADHD diagnosis from 3 to 15 years. We compared ADHD rates between exposure categories using adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) from Cox proportional hazards models. We also conducted sibling‐controlled analyses among 751,464 full siblings.

Results

There were 27,665 ADHD diagnoses in the cohort. Compared with term birth (≥37 weeks), adjusted HR (95% CI) for ADHD increased with decreasing gestational age: 1.18 (1.11, 1.25), 1.61 (1.37, 1.89) and 2.79 (2.23, 3.49) for 32–36 weeks, 28–31 weeks and 22–27 weeks. Both spontaneous and medically indicated preterm birth were associated with ADHD. SGA was related to 1.62 (1.49, 1.77) times higher ADHD incidence. Preeclampsia, but not placental abruption, was associated with ADHD. Sibling‐controlled analyses showed similar results. Preterm birth did not fully explain the associations of SGA or preeclampsia with ADHD.

Conclusion

Preterm birth, SGA and preeclampsia are related to ADHD incidence in offspring.
Longitudinal monitoring of STAT3 phosphorylation and histologic outcome of tofacitinib therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Verstockt Bram , Volk Valery , Jaeckel Charlot , Alsoud Dahham , Sabino João , Nikolaus Susanna , Outtier An , Krönke Nicole , Feuerhake Friedrich , De Hertogh Gert , Rosenstiel Philip , Vermeire Séverine , Schreiber Stefan , Ferrante Marc , Aden Konrad
Published: April 2022

Background

Tofacitinib is the first in class, pan‐JAK inhibitor approved for ulcerative colitis (UC). Clinical efficacy has been shown, but long‐term real‐life endoscopic and histologic data are lacking. Aim: To investigate the effects of tofacitinib in patients with refractory UC focussing on endoscopic, histologic and molecular outcomes, including STAT3 phosphorylation (pSTAT3) detection in the spatial context of mucosal inflammation

Methods

We prospectively monitored 59 highly refractory patients (96.7% anti‐TNF exposure, 91.7% vedolizumab exposure) initiating tofacitinib at two IBD referral centres and assessed outcome at the end of induction and after 48 weeks of therapy. Endoscopic improvement was defined as a Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤1, endoscopic and histologic remission as Mayo endoscopic subscore 0 and Nancy histologic score 0. Multiplex immunohistochemistry with multispectral imaging was used to assess pSTAT3.

Results

Endoscopic improvement was achieved by 24.4% and 30.5% of patients at weeks 8 and 48, respectively. Endoscopic and histologic remission rates were 11.1%, 23.7 and 16.7%, 21.4%, respectively. Endoscopic improvement at week 8 was significantly associated with treatment continuation in the long‐term (72.7% vs 20.6%, p = 0.003). Although we observed a gradual decrease of mucosal pSTAT3 levels in both remitters and non‐remitters (p < 0.05), no association with treatment outcome could be demonstrated. However, lamina propria pSTAT3 was significantly associated with the Nancy Histologic index (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Tofacitinib can induce and maintain endoscopic and histologic remission in up to one‐quarter of highly refractory UC patients. Longitudinal monitoring of nuclear pSTAT3 in mucosal tissue compartments reflects distinctive on‐target effects, independently of long‐term treatment outcomes.
The role of civil society in the Lower Mekong Region in environmental decision‐making: Water management and forestry issues
Authors: Rachinsky‐Spivakov Yulia
Published: April 2022

The Lower Mekong Region has faced unprecedented environmental challenges in the last five years: severe drought and deforestation have had widespread implications for the livelihood of the local communities. Scholars have noted an increasing level of regional civil society engagement with governments regarding environmental issues. However, this trend may be misleading, because it varies depending on the matter in question. Using the citizen participation ladder model and related theoretical discourse, this article compares the scope of public participation in regional decision‐making in water management and forestry. By analyzing policy documents and semi‐structured interviews, it concludes that unlike public involvement in water management, which is limited to the lower rungs of the participation ladder, there is more meaningful public engagement in policy‐making on forestry‐related issues. This type of analysis enables the identification and potentially redressal of lacunae in public participation in the Lower Mekong Region.
A systematic review on disease‐drug‐drug interactions with immunomodulating drugs: A critical appraisal of risk assessment and drug labelling
Authors: de Jong Laura M. , Klomp Sylvia D. , Treijtel Nicoline , Rissmann Robert , Swen Jesse J. , Manson Martijn L.
Published: April 2022

Aim

Use of immunomodulating therapeutics for immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases may cause disease‐drug‐drug interactions (DDDIs) by reversing inflammation‐driven alterations in the metabolic capacity of cytochrome P450 enzymes. European Medicine Agency (EMA) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines from 2007 recommend that the DDDI potential of therapeutic proteins should be assessed. This systematic analysis aimed to characterize the available DDDI trials with immunomodulatory drugs, experimental evidence for a DDDI risk and reported DDDI risk information in FDA/EMA approved drug labelling.

Method

For this systematic review, the EMA list of European Public Assessment Reports of human medicine was used to select immunomodulating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) marketed after 2007 at risk for a DDDI. Selected drugs were included in PubMed and Embase searches to extract reported interaction studies. The Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) and the United States Prescribing Information (USPIs) were subsequently used for analysis of DDDI risk descriptions.

Results

Clinical interaction studies to evaluate DDDI risks were performed for 12 of the 24 mAbs (50%) and for none of the TKIs. Four studies identified a DDDI risk, of which three were studies with interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) neutralizing mAbs. Based on (non)clinical data, a DDDI risk was reported in 32% of the SPCs and in 60% of the USPIs. The EMA/FDA documentation aligned with the DDDI risk potential in 35% of the 20 cases.

Conclusion

This systematic review reinforces that the risk for DDDI by immunomodulating drugs is target‐ and disease‐specific. Drug labelling information designates the greatest DDDI risk to mAbs that neutralize the effects of IL‐6, Tumor Necrosis Factor alfa (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1 bèta (IL‐1β) in diseases with systemic inflammation.
Associations between symptoms of maternal postpartum depression, gestational age and infant social withdrawal: A longitudinal study in a community cohort
Authors: Stuart Anne Christine , Stougård Maria , Smith‐Nielsen Johanne , Egmose Ida , Guedeney Antoine , Væver Mette Skovgaard
Published: April 2022

Infant social withdrawal is a risk factor for non‐optimal child development; thus, it is important to identify risk factors associated with withdrawal. In a large community sample (N = 19,017), we investigate whether symptoms of maternal and partner postpartum depression (PPD; measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and prematurity are predictors of infant social withdrawal (measured with the Alarm Distress Baby Scale). Withdrawal was assessed at 2–3, 4–7 and 8–12 months postpartum. Linear regressions showed that prematurity predicted higher infant social withdrawal at all time points, and maternal symptoms of PPD were positively associated with withdrawal at 2–3 months. Logistic regressions showed that odds for elevated social withdrawal were increased with elevated levels of maternal symptoms of PPD at 2–3 and 8–12 months. Partner's symptoms of PPD were not associated with withdrawal. Future studies should investigate how PPD symptoms and prematurity may impact the individual development of social withdrawal.
Upper urinary tract pressures in endourology: a systematic review of range, variables and implications
Authors: Croghan Stefanie M. , Skolarikos Andreas , Jack Gregory S. , Manecksha Rustom P. , Walsh Michael T. , O'Brien Fergal J. , Davis Niall F.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To systematically review the literature to ascertain the upper tract pressures generated during endourology, the relevant influencing variables and clinical implications.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of the MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was performed by two authors independently (S.C., N.D.). Studies reporting ureteric or intrarenal pressures (IRP) during semi‐rigid ureteroscopy (URS)/flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS)/percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)/miniaturized PCNL (mPCNL) in the period 1950–2021 were identified. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were considered for inclusion. Findings were independently screened for eligibility based on content, with disagreements resolved by author consensus. Data were assessed for bias and compiled based on predefined variables.

Results

Fifty‐two studies met the inclusion criteria. Mean IRP appeared to frequently exceed a previously proposed threshold of 40 cmH2O. Semi‐rigid URS with low‐pressure irrigation (gravity <1 m) resulted in a wide mean IRP range (lowest reported 6.9 cmH2O, highest mean 149.5 ± 6.2 cmH2O; animal models). The lowest mean observed with fURS without a ureteric access sheath (UAS) was 47.6 ± 4.1 cmH2O, with the maximum peak IRP being 557.4 cmH2O (in vivo human data). UAS placement significantly reduced IRP during fURS, but did not guarantee pressure control with hand‐operated pump/syringe irrigation. Miniaturization of PCNL sheaths was associated with increased IRP; however, a wide mean human IRP range has been recorded with both mPCNL (lowest −6.8 ± 2.2 cmH2O [suction sheath]; highest 41.2 ± 5.3 cmH2O) and standard PCNL (lowest 6.5 cmH2O; highest 41.2 cmH2O). Use of continuous suction in mPCNL results in greater control of mean IRP, although short pressure peaks >40 cmH2O are not entirely prevented. Definitive conclusions are limited by heterogeneity in study design and results. Postoperative pain and pyrexia may be correlated with increased IRP, however, few in vivo studies correlate clinical outcome with measured IRP.

Conclusions

Intrarenal pressure generated during upper tract endoscopy often exceeds 40 cmH2O. IRP is multifactorial in origin, with contributory variables discussed. Larger prospective human in vivo studies are required to further our understanding of IRP thresholds and clinical sequelae.
Analysis of covariance: A useful tool for the pharmacologist to reduce variation and improve precision using fewer animals
Authors: Stanley Philip
Published: April 2022

Commonly employed methods for reducing unwanted variation in pharmacology studies, such as data normalisation to baseline or control values, are suboptimal and potentially detrimental. This article highlights the value of using a technique called analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to incorporate supplementary measurements in the analysis to improve the precision of the treatment comparisons and reduce the required sample size. This technique is not new, but unfortunately, it has been under‐utilised in the statistical analysis of pharmacological data. ANCOVA is an extension of the methods of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and simply requires that we take additional measurements that are statistically related to the response measurements but which are themselves unaffected by the treatments being studied. Most often, in pharmacological studies, these additional measurements would be the baseline or pre‐dose reading corresponding to the response measurement. As many pharmacologists routinely make use of baseline readings in their analysis through normalisation, this article describes a more appropriate method to account for the variation in the baseline readings.
Mesenchymal stem cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer
Authors: Borzone Francisco Raúl , Giorello María Belén , Sanmartin María Cecilia , Yannarelli Gustavo , Martinez Leandro Marcelo , Chasseing Norma Alejandra
Published: April 2022

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among women. Recent evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have an essential role in cancer progression, invasion and therapy resistance. Therefore, they are considered as highly promising future therapeutic targets against breast cancer. The intrinsic tumour tropism and immunomodulatory capacities of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells are of special relevance for developing mesenchymal stromal/stem cells‐based anti‐tumour therapies that suppress primary tumour growth and metastasis. In addition, the utilization of therapies that target the stromal components of the tumour microenvironment in combination with standard drugs is an innovative tool that could improve patients’ response to therapies and their survival. In this review, we discuss the currently available information regarding the possible use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells‐derived anti‐tumour therapies, as well as the utilization of therapies that target CAFs in breast cancer microenvironment. Finally, these data can serve as a guide map for future research in this field, ultimately aiding the effective transition of these results into the clinic.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Cancer Microenvironment and Pharmacological Interventions. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.2/issuetoc
Clinical features and treatment outcomes of dedifferentiated and grade 3 chondrosarcoma: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Kozawa Eiji , Nishida Yoshihiro , Kawai Akira , Hayakawa Keiko , Setsu Nokitaka , Kawashima Hiroyuki , Iwata Shintaro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Tsukushi Satoshi , Takenaka Satoshi , Imanishi Jungo , Baba Ichiro , Nagano Akihito , Morii Takeshi , Shirai Toshiharu , Shimizu Koki , Kawano Hirotaka
Published: April 2022

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor. In this multicenter study, we sought to evaluate the disease‐specific survival (DSS) and disease‐free survival (DFS), and prognostic factors in patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DDCS) or grade 3 chondrosarcoma (G3CS) in Japan. We retrospectively investigated the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in 62 patients with DDCS and 19 patients with G3CS at 15 institutions participating in the Japanese Musculoskeletal Oncology Group. We also clarified significant clinicopathological factors for oncological outcomes. In surgery for primary lesions aimed at cure, a histologically negative margin (R0) was obtained in 93% (14/15) of patients with G3CS and 100% (49/49) of patients with DDCS. The 5‐year DSS was 18.5% in patients with DDCS and 41.7% in patients with G3CS (p = 0.13). Local control was obtained in 80% (12/15) and 79.6% (39/49) of patients with G3CS and DDCS in the primary lesion after surgery with a wide surgical margin, respectively. In multivariate analysis, stage and no treatment/palliative treatment for the primary lesion were independent prognostic factors for DSS of DDCS, and age and no treatment/palliative treatment for DSS of G3CS. The 5‐year DFS rate was 22.8% in 26 patients with DDCS who did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, and 21.4% in 14 patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. The prognosis of DDCS remains poor, although R0 resection was carried out in most cases. Effective and/or intensive chemotherapeutic regimens or agents should be considered or developed for patients with high‐grade chondrosarcoma, particularly for those with DDCS.
Examining the factor structure and discriminative utility of the Infant Behavior Questionnaire–Revised in infant siblings of autistic children
Authors: Sung Sooyeon , Fenoglio Angela , Wolff Jason J. , Schultz Robert T. , Botteron Kelly N. , Dager Stephen R. , Estes Annette M. , Hazlett Heather C. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Piven Joseph , Elison Jed T. ,   for the IBIS Network
Published: April 2022

Using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire–Revised in a longitudinal sample of infant siblings of autistic children (HR; n = 427, 171 female, 83.4% White) and a comparison group of low‐risk controls (LR, n = 200, 86 female, 81.5% White), collected between 2007 and 2017, this study identified an invariant factor structure of temperament traits across groups at 6 and 12 months. Second, after partitioning the groups by familial risk and diagnostic outcome at 24 months, results reveal an endophenotypic pattern of Positive Emotionality at both 6 and 12 months, (HR‐autism spectrum disorder [ASD] < HR‐no‐ASD < LR). Third, increased ‘Duration of Orienting’ at 12 months was associated with lower scores on the 24‐month developmental outcomes in HR infants. These findings may augment efforts for early identification of ASD.
Design and synthesis of diazirine‐containing dyes for polypropylene fibre: A study on the effect of alkyl chain
Authors: Guo Guangluo , Jiang Hua , Chai Liqin , Cui Zhihua , Chen Weiguo
Published: April 2022

The dyeing of polypropylene fabrics utilising conventional‐disperse dyes often meets poor colour yield and fastness problems, fundamentally caused by the low affinity between dyes and polypropylene fibres. In this article, a new class of hydrophobic reactive dyes that can react with polypropylene were designed using diazirine moiety as a reactive group, azo structure as a chromophore, and an ester group as a linking bridge. The difference among these dyes was the alkyl chain length on the azo chromophore, which was used to fine‐tune the affinity between the dyes and fibre. The structures of the synthesised dyes and intermediates were characterised and confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectrometry. The absorption and thermal properties of the dyes were also studied to ensure their feasibility for dyeing application. In addition, the diazirine dyes were successfully applied to dye polypropylene fabrics using a two‐step process by dyeing in a non‐aqueous solvent and fixing it under heating. The dyes and polypropylene fibre were demonstrated to react, where the fixation values were in the range 64.5–76.4%. The systematic study of the structure–property relationship demonstrated the positive effect of the alkyl chain in promoting colour yield, however, accompanied by a slightly reduced fixation value. Due to the chemical bonding of the dye molecules to the fibre, the dyed polypropylene fabrics exhibited excellent colour fastness property, making the dyeing technology very promising for future industrial applications.
Outcomes after lung resection in renal transplant patients with pulmonary mucormycosis
Authors: Seth Abhinav , Patil Shivakumar S. , Axelrod David , Singh Harkant , Sharma Ashish , Kenwar Deepesh Benjamin , Vaiphei Kim , Mandwar Milind , Rally Sahil , Singh Sarbpreet
Published: April 2022

Background

Pulmonary mucormycosis has been associated with high mortality (reported up to 100%) in renal transplant recipients.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of renal transplant patients with pulmonary mucormycosis between April 2014 and March 2020, who underwent surgical resection of the affected lung along with liposomal amphotericin therapy. Patients with lower respiratory illness features underwent chest X‐ray, high‐resolution computed tomography of the chest, and those with suspicious findings underwent analysis of bronchioloalveolar fluid and transbronchial lung biopsy. Patients with histological or microbiological evidence of mucormycosis were started on liposomal Amphotericin B. Tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil were stopped at the time of diagnosis.

Result

Ten patients underwent combined management, while five patients were managed medically. At last follow up, seven out of ten patients (70%) who underwent combined management and two of the five patients (40%) who were managed medically, had a mean survival of 28.86 months (sd = 15.71, median = 25) and 14.17 months (sd = 12.21, median = 18), respectively, post‐diagnosis of pulmonary mucormycosis.

Conclusion

Surgical resection combined with antifungals in the perioperative period and decreased immunosuppression may improve the outcomes in renal transplant patients with pulmonary mucormycosis.
Official response to the Russian war crimes in Ukraine
Authors: Coleman Laura‐Edythe S.
Published: April 2022

A reading of the Official Response Statements from the Global Museum Community: In the following pages, Coleman provides a content analysis of the statements issued in response to the 2022 war crimes being committed in the name of the Russian people against the Ukrainian people and their cultural heritage.