bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protect large trees for climate mitigation, biodiversity, and forest resilience
Authors: Mildrexler David J. , Berner Logan T. , Law Beverly E. , Birdsey Richard A. , Moomaw William R.
Published: April 2023

Protecting the climate system requires urgently reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere and increasing cumulative carbon stocks in natural systems. Recent studies confirm that large trees accumulate and store a disproportionate share of aboveground forest carbon. In the temperate forests of the western United States, a century of intensive logging drastically reduced large‐trees and older forest, but some large trees remain. However, recent changes to large tree management policy on National Forest lands east of the Cascade Mountains crest in Oregon and southeastern Washington allows increased harvesting of large‐diameter trees (≥53 cm or 21 inches) that account for just 3% of all stems, but hold 42% of total aboveground carbon. In this article, we describe synergies with protecting large trees for climate mitigation, biodiversity, and forest resilience goals to shift species composition, reduce fuel loads and stem density, and adapt to climatically driven increases in fire activity in eastern Oregon.
Disaster preparedness and community helping behaviour in the wake of the 2020 Oregon wildfires
Authors: Siddiqi Muhammad Usman Amin , Giordono Leanne , Zanocco Chad , Stelmach Greg , Flora June , Boudet Hilary
Published: April 2023

Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity owing to climate change. Individual‐level behavioural responses—notably, disaster preparedness and community helping actions (such as donating and volunteering)—supplement government efforts to respond to such phenomena, but rarely have they been explored together. Using data from a survey administered soon after the 2020 Oregon wildfires, this paper compares a range of socio‐demographic, experiential, attitudinal, and communication‐related factors associated with these two individual‐level behavioural responses. Findings indicate that respondents who reported experiencing a higher degree of harm and heightened concern about climate change after the wildfires were more likely to report disaster preparedness and community helping actions. Those who reported more frequent informal discussions about the wildfires, consulting more sources to seek information on them, and higher percentages of friends, neighbours, and community members taking actions to prepare for future wildfires also reported more disaster preparedness and community helping actions. Disaster preparedness actions were also positively associated with seeking information from formal/official sources.
Children's social care and early intervention policy: Evidence from sure start
Authors: Anderberg Dan , Olympiou Christina
Published: April 2023

We study the effect of a key early intervention policy, designed to support families with children up to age 4, on the rate at which children up to age 9 are taken into social care. The gradual build‐up of over 3600 Sure Start Children's Centres (SSCCs), operated by Local Authorities (LAs) across England, created large spatial and cohort variation in the provision of a service that included health and parenting support, early learning and some childcare. LAs are also responsible for the safeguarding of children, and about 25 children per 10,000 are taken into care annually, in the majority of cases to protect them from abuse and neglect. SSCC provision may help to identify children at risk from maltreatment while also improving longer‐term outcomes. We therefore estimate the causal effect of SSCC provision on care entry rates, allowing separate effects for children within versus beyond the policy target age. Consistent with the hypothesized effects, our findings indicate that SSCC provision raised the care entry rate among children aged 0–4 (within target age), but reduced it for children aged 5–9 (beyond target age). We also provide corroborating evidence using data on Child Protection Plans and Serious Case Reviews.
Prenatal two‐and three‐dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis of ductal anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery: Case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Xiang , Hou Qingsha , Li Xiuling , Yu Zeran , Dong Xudong , Yan Fang
Published: April 2023

Although the ductal anomalous origin of the pulmonary artery (DOPA) constitutes a rare heart anomaly, this malformation has a high mortality rate due to the rapid development of pulmonary hypertension(PTH) and right heart failure. Case Presentation: We report a case of DOPA, in which ductus arteriosus originated from the left pulmonary artery. This article summarizes the embryogenesis, clinical manifestations, complications and prognosis, diagnosis and experience, and treatment strategies of DOPA. The most fundamental sonographic finding was the lack of confluence at the bifurcation of the main pulmonary artery. Scanning upper mediastinum views is essential for the diagnosis. In addition, three‐dimensional echocardiography with high‐definition flow imaging and spatio‐temporal image correlation technique facilitates the identification of the anomalous origin of the pulmonary artery. It should be considered a complementary modality in fetal cardiac examinations. Although rare, DOPA can be diagnosed prenatally, usually at the three‐vessel view (3VV). The early diagnosis of DOPA thus can prevent the potentially devastating effects of PHT and right heart failure.
Intracerebroventricular administration for delivery of antiseizure therapeutics: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Fahoum Firas , Eyal Sara
Published: April 2023

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration is increasingly being explored as a means for delivering antiseizure and antiepileptic therapies to epileptic brain tissue. This route bypasses the blood–brain barrier, thus enabling the delivery of therapeutics that are restricted from the brain, while reducing the risk of systemic adverse reactions. Nevertheless, projections from studies in patients with other diseases suggest that efficacy of some ICV‐delivered therapeutics may be limited when the epileptogenic tissue or network circuits are localized more than a few millimeters away from the ventricles. In this article, we present the characteristics of the cerebrospinal fluid as a drug administration site, the brain barriers, and their relevance to treating focal and generalized epilepsies. We refer to ICV delivery of advanced therapies for treating neurodevelopmental disorders with epilepsy. We describe properties of therapeutic compounds, from small molecules to RNA‐based therapeutics, proteins, and viral vectors, which can make them either fitting or poor candidates for ICV administration in epilepsy. We additionally provide an overview of preclinical studies and clinical trials involving the ICV route of delivery. Finally, we compare ICV delivery with other routes of administration that bypass the cerebral circulation. This review aims to provide information that will hopefully help investigators select candidate patients and therapeutics for ICV therapies, and to highlight advantages and challenges inherent to this approach.
Pyroptosis‐related gene signature elicits immune response in rosacea
Authors: Hu Xi‐min , Zheng Sheng‐yuan , Mao Rui , Zhang Qi , Wan Xin‐xing , Zhang Yi‐ya , Li Ji , Yang Rong‐hua , Xiong Kun
Published: April 2023

Rosacea is a complex chronic inflammatory skin disorder with high morbidity. Pyroptosis is known as a regulated inflammatory cell death. While its association with immune response to various inflammatory disorders is well established, little is known about its functional relevance of rosacea. So, we aimed to explore and enrich the pathogenesis involved in pyroptosis‐related rosacea aggravations. In this study, we evaluated the pyroptosis‐related patterns of rosacea by consensus clustering analysis of 45 ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs), with multiple immune cell infiltration analysis to identify the pyroptosis‐mediated immune response in rosacea using GSE65914 dataset. The co–co‐work between PRGs and WGCNA‐revealed hub genes has established using PPI network. FRG signature was highlighted in rosacea using multi‐transcriptomic and experiment analysis. Based on this, three distinct pyroptosis‐related rosacea patterns (non/moderate/high) were identified, and the notably enriched pathways have revealed through GO, KEGG and GSEA analysis, especially immune‐related pathways. Also, the XCell/MCPcount/ssGSEA/Cibersort underlined the immune‐related signalling (NK cells, Monocyte, Neutrophil, Th2 cells, Macrophage), whose hub genes were identified through WGCNA (NOD2, MYD88, STAT1, HSPA4, CXCL8). Finally, we established a pyroptosis‐immune co‐work during the rosacea aggravations. FRGs may affect the progression of rosacea by regulating the immune cell infiltrations. In all, pyroptosis with its mediated immune cell infiltration is a critical factor during the development of rosacea.
Recruitment strategies in couple intervention studies: A systematic review of recruitment methods and sample characteristics in the United States from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Tseng Chi‐Fang , Miller Debra L. , Huerta Patricia , PettyJohn Morgan E. , Yzaguirre Melissa M. , Agundez J. C. , Wittenborn Andrea K.
Published: April 2023

Including diverse participants in couple intervention studies is critical for developing an evidence base that informs best practices for all potential clients. Research has shown that subgroups of clients respond differently to different interventions and that interventions that have been adapted to fit the needs of a given population are more effective than non‐adapted interventions. Unfortunately, couple intervention samples often exclude participants with marginalized identities and culturally adapted couple intervention research is limited. The lack of information about best practices for diverse client subgroups perpetuates mental and relational health disparities. We conducted a systematic review to examine recruitment strategies and sampling characteristics of diverse races/ethnicities, incomes, ages, and sexual identities. We reviewed articles published between January 2015 and December 2020. Articles were eligible for inclusion in our review if they implemented an intervention with couples in the United States. Of 4054 articles identified, 54 articles were eligible for our review. Findings suggest that couple intervention studies lack diversity across multiple identity domains (i.e., races/ethnicities, incomes, ages, and sexual identities). Further, descriptions of recruitment strategies are often vague, limiting opportunities to better understand methods used to recruit diverse samples.
Sevoflurane and isoflurane anesthesia induce redox imbalance, but only sevoflurane impairs vascular contraction
Authors: Rocha Thalita L. A. , Borges Teubislete F. , Rodrigues Serginara D. , Martins Laisla Z. , da Silva Maria L. S. , Bonacio Gisele F. , Rizzi Elen , Dias‐Junior Carlos A.
Published: April 2023

Volatile anesthetics may cause vascular dysfunction; however, underlying effects are unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether sevoflurane and isoflurane affect vascular function, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups: Not anesthetized (control group) or submitted to anesthesia with isoflurane (Iso group) or sevoflurane (Sevo group). Hemodynamic parameters were monitored during anesthesia, and blood gas values and biochemical determinants were analyzed. Isometric contractions were recorded in aortic rings. Vasoconstriction induced by potassium chloride (KCl) and phenylephrine (Phe) were measured. No differences in hemodynamic parameters and blood gasses variables were observed. Impaired KCl and Phe‐induced contractions were observed in endothelium‐intact aorta of Sevo compared to Iso and Control groups. Redox imbalance was found in Sevo and Iso groups. Reduced NO bioavailability and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) were observed in Sevo, but not in the Iso group. While reduced IL‐10 and IL‐1β were observed in Sevo, increases in IL‐1β in the Iso group were found. Sevoflurane, but not isoflurane, anesthesia impairs vasocontraction, and reduced NO and cytokines and increased MMP‐2 activity may be involved in vascular dysfunction after sevoflurane anesthesia.
Evaluation of therapeutic potential of ivermectin against complete Freund's adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats: Involvement of inflammatory mediators
Authors: Khan Muhammad Usman Ali , Akhtar Tasleem , Naseem Nadia , Aftab Usman , Hussain Safdar , Shahzad Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with genetic manifestations. According to recently published case reports, patients taking corticosteroid medication for the management of rheumatoid arthritis develop strongloidiasis and are at high risk of developing associated infections. This study explored the antiarthritic role of ivermectin, a drug used in the treatment of strongyloides and to compare its results with dexamethasone. Thirty‐two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, diseased, dexamethasone, and ivermectin groups. Rheumatoid arthritis in all rats except the control group was induced by using complete Freund's adjuvant. After 7 days of rheumatoid arthritis induction, animals were treated with dexamethasone 5 mg/kg and ivermectin 6 mg/kg. Body weight, visual arthritic score, total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte count, proinflammatory genes, and histopathological findings were used to assess the effects of ivermectin on rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with ivermectin showed a significant reduction in inflammatory cells levels, body weight, and visual arthritic score, indicating an improvement in the degree of inflammation as compared with the diseased group. Treatment with ivermectin and dexamethasone significantly reduced the augmentation in the mRNA expression levels of IL‐17, TLR‐2, TNF, and NF‐κB as a result of arthritic development. Ivermectin treatment also showed a significant reduction in the severity of inflammation and destruction of joints and showed comparable effects to dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Ivermectin has significant antiarthritic properties and can be a novel treatment agent for the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients suffering from strongyloidiasis.
Influence of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation on bigeye and yellowfin tuna longline catch per unit effort in the equatorial Pacific
Authors: Domokos Réka
Published: April 2023

Bigeye tuna (BET) and yellowfin tuna (YFT) are economically important target species of pelagic fisheries worldwide, especially for tropical Pacific nations whose economies and food sources are heavily affected by commercial and sustenance tuna fishing. The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has a strong effect on the oceanographic conditions in the equatorial Pacific, including BET and YFT equatorial habitat and fishing grounds. For optimal fisheries management, the effects of environmental variability such as ENSO on the stocks and on the performance of fisheries must be known and predictable. However, besides some model predictions, the effects of ENSO on these two tuna species are not well understood. In this study, I investigate the statistical relationships between past ENSO conditions and equatorial fisheries using the Multivariate ENSO Index, sea surface temperature (SST), and catch and effort records from the longline fisheries in the region. Results of this study indicate that El Niño events have both delayed and concurrent positive effects on BET and YFT catch per unit effort (CPUE). The delayed positive ENSO effect on CPUE is hypothesized to be the result of enhanced recruitment acting via different mechanisms in the west than in the east. The concurrent positive effects on CPUE could be due to catchability, abundance, and/or vertical distribution of BET and YFT relative to fishing gear and require further investigation. Further exploration of the mechanisms that may underlie the results presented here could lead to predictability of CPUE of these two tuna species.
Geological age and environments shape reef habitat structure
Authors: Asbury Mollie , Schiettekatte Nina M. D. , Couch Courtney S. , Oliver Thomas , Burns John H. R. , Madin Joshua S.
Published: April 2023

Aim

Habitat complexity plays an important role in the structure and function of ecosystems worldwide. On coral reefs, habitat complexity influences ecosystem services such as harvestable fish biomass and attenuation of wave energy. Here, we test how three descriptors of surface complexity—rugosity, fractal dimension, and height range—trend with the geological age of reefs (0.2–5.1 million years old), depth (1–25 m), wave exposure (1–306 kW/m), coral cover (0–80%), and three habitat types (aggregated reef, rock and boulder, and pavement).

Location

We surveyed across 234 sites and 4 degrees of latitude in the eight main Hawaiian Islands.

Time Period

April 2019 – July 2019.

Major Taxa Studied

Reef building corals.

Methods

We estimate three surface descriptors (rugosity, fractal dimension and height range) using structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry. We evaluate hypothesized relationships between these descriptors and geological reef age, depth, wave exposure, coral cover and reef habitat type using generalized linear models that account for survey design.

Results

The rugosity of reef habitats decreased with geological reef age; fractal dimension (and coral cover) decreased with wave exposure; and height range decreased with depth. Variations in these patterns were explained by the different habitat types and the way they are formed over time. Nonetheless, the three surface descriptors were geometrically constrained across all habitat types, and so habitats occupied distinctly different regions of habitat complexity space.

Main Conclusions

This study showed how broad environmental characteristics influence the structural complexity of habitats, and therefore geodiversity, which is an important first step toward understanding the communities supported by these habitats and their ecosystem services.
A low bulk density, low thermal conductivity permanent lining castable for tundish obtained by adding pearlescent sand
Authors: Wang Yi , Yang Jian , Zhang Haijun , Tan Xu , Dang Yichen , Chen Xiaoqing , Luo Zhe , Zhou Jianan
Published: April 2023

The precise control of molten steel temperature in tundish is a key factor to ensure the quality of the cast billets, so it is important to develop permanent lining castables for tundish with low thermal conductivity and bulk density. In this work, the hydrophobic modification of pearlescent sand was carried out with hydrogen silicone oil, and 3% of modified pearlescent sand was added to mullite‐bauxite castable to realize its low thermal conductivity and light weight. It is found that modified pearlescent sand still has good hydrophobicity at 350°C, the addition of modified pearlescent sand effectively increases the apparent porosity and reduces the bulk density of the castable. At 1500°C, the bulk density of modified pearlescent sand‐castable is 25.54% less than that of conventional castable. Compared with conventional castable, the mechanical properties and thermal shock resistance of modified pearlescent sand castable are worse, but they are sufficient to meet the use conditions of tundish permanent lining castable. At 600–1000°C, the thermal conductivity of the modified pearlescent sand castable is about 30% lower than that of the conventional castable, which proves that the addition of modified pearlescent sand can significantly improve the thermal insulation performance of mullite‐bauxite castable.
Attitudes toward the spread of English and language learning motivation: A graded response model analysis
Authors: Takahashi Chika , Im Seongah
Published: April 2023

Much has been discussed regarding the influence of the spread of English on second/foreign language learning, but no scale has been developed to gauge the learners’ attitudes toward the global phenomenon. In this study, 829 Japanese university students were given a questionnaire that examined their attitudes toward the phenomenon. The graded response model (GRM) analysis and analysis of the answers to an open‐ended question verified the psychometric soundness of the scale and indicated that most participants perceived the spread of English positively and put effort into studying the language for pragmatic reasons. The paper discusses the possibility of utilizing the GRM for developing similar scales and promoting a view of language learning that emphasizes not only its pragmatic aspects but its humanistic and cultural value.
Workarounds as generative mechanisms for bottom‐up process innovation—Insights from a multiple case study
Authors: Bartelheimer Christian , Wolf Verena , Beverungen Daniel
Published: April 2023

Workarounds are goal‐driven deviations from the standard operating procedures performed to overcome obstacles constraining day‐to‐day work. Despite starting as temporary fixes, they can become established across an organisation and trigger the innovation of processes and IT artefacts that can resolve misfits permanently. Although prior research has elicited antecedents and types of workarounds, it is not known how workarounds diffuse in an organisation and, thereby, innovating co‐workers' activities, IT artefacts, and organisational structures. The results of our multiple two‐year case study provide unique empirical insights into the diffusion of workarounds and how they can act as generative mechanisms for bottom‐up process innovation.
The mediating role of impulse buying on hedonic shopping motivation and life satisfaction of online shoppers in the Philippines
Authors: Mallari Earl Francis I. , Ato Czarina Kate A. , Crucero Lor J Margarett O. , Escueta Jorelle T. , Eslabra Vine Arrianne P. , Urbano Precious Eliza M.
Published: April 2023

As the COVID‐19 pandemic spread worldwide, limiting physical interactions, people turned to online shopping as their mode of buying necessities, and Filipinos were not an exception. However, as the lockdowns and restrictions eased, they reverted to pre‐pandemic shopping behaviours, including purchasing items on their whim and impulse. This study then aimed to investigate the role of impulse buying when it intervenes between hedonic shopping motivation and life satisfaction. A total of 388 Gold and Platinum Shopee users completed an online test battery consisting of the hedonic motivations scale, impulse buying tendency scale and satisfaction with life scale to measure the study's variables. Statistical analyses showed that the participants have higher hedonic shopping motivation, impulse buying tendency and life satisfaction than in previous literature. Similarly, the higher the participants’ hedonic shopping motivations get, an increase in impulse buying tendencies and life satisfaction also occurs. However, impulse buying did not correlate with life satisfaction, indicating that both variables move independently and do not influence each other. Mediation analysis suggested that impulse buying significantly mediates the relationship between hedonic shopping motivations and life satisfaction. When a hedonically motivated shopper commits impulse buying, their life satisfaction decreases. Limitations and recommendations were also discussed to guide future studies.
Improving supply chain transparency with blockchain technology when considering product returns
Authors: Liu Xingfen , Zhou Zhongbao , Zhong Feimin , Shi Jianmai
Published: April 2023

Blockchain technology is commonly used in many industries. One current application is that providing supply chain transparency, sellers can disclose product information to consumers for authentication and certification. To examine the supply chain blockchain based transparency‐level strategy and its interact with different refund policies, in a two‐echelon supply chain, we consider a supplier decides on the transparency level and wholesale price, and a retailer decides on retail price and provides full refund (policy F), or partial refund (policy P), or no refund (policy N) policy to consumers. We find the refund policy choice and the transparency‐level strategy have a mutual influence. A lenient refund policy (a higher refund) can generate more demand, which makes the supplier to provide a high transparency level, whereas a high consumer's transparency awareness also promotes the retailer to choose a more lenient refund policy. We find Pareto improvement exists under a cost‐sharing strategy, and the retailer is willing to share part of the adoption cost only when the efficiency of improving the transparency level is moderate. Otherwise, the retailer adopts blockchain technology only when there is no cost sharing. Further, different shipping cost bearers can change the sensitivity of refund policy choice, and the supplier prefers to provide a high transparency level when the retailer covers the shipping cost. When the retailer becomes more socially responsible, the supplier is more willing to provide a higher transparency level, and the retailer is more willing to provide a partial refund policy.
Surgical site wound infection and pain after laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Bo , Lin Jun‐Mei , Chen Yan‐Ping , Ye Xu‐Xing
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to compare the effects of laparoscopic repeat liver resection (LRLR) and open repeat liver resection (ORLR) on surgical site wound infection and pain in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data were systematically searched for studies comparing LRLR with ORLR for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, with a search timeframe from their inception to December 2022. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted information, and evaluated the quality of the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. A total of 20 publications with 4380 patients were included, with 1108 and 3289 patients in the LRLR and ORLR groups, respectively. The results showed that LRLR significantly reduced surgical site wound infection rate (1.71% vs. 5.16%, odds ratio [OR]:0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18‐0.56, P < .001), superficial wound infection rate (1.29% vs. 4.92%, OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14‐0.58, P < .001), bile leakage (3.34% vs. 6.05%, OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39‐0.90, P = .01), organ/space wound infection rate (0.4% vs. 5.11%, OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07‐0.81, P = .02), and surgical site wound pain (mean difference: −2.00, 95% CI: −2.99 to −1.02, P < .001). Thus, the findings of this study showed that LRLR for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma significantly reduced wound infection rates and improved postoperative wound pain.
Parents with periodontitis drive the early acquisition of dysbiotic microbiomes in their offspring
Authors: Reis Aurélio Amorim , Monteiro Mabelle Freitas , Bonilha Gabriela Martin , Saraiva Luciana , Araújo Cassia , Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Kumar Purnima , Casarin Renato Corrêa Viana
Published: April 2023

Aim

To evaluate the microbial colonization in different dentition phases on individuals from 0 to 18 years of age belonging to families with a history of periodontitis compared to descendants of periodontally healthy parents.

Materials and Methods

The offspring of subjects with periodontitis (‘Perio’ group) and the offspring of periodontally healthy subjects (‘Healthy’ group), matched for gender and age, were included in this cross‐sectional study and divided according to the dentition phase: pre‐dentate, primary, mixed and permanent. The patients were clinically assessed, and their saliva was collected. DNA was extracted, and V1–V3 and V4–V5 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced.

Results

Fifty children of parents with periodontitis and 50 from healthy parents were included in the study and divided according to the dentition phase: pre‐dentate (n = 5/group), primary dentition (n = 15/group), mixed dentition (n = 15/group) and permanent dentition (n = 15/group) in each group. The microbiome composition was different between dentitions for both groups. Children of the Perio group presented a microbial diversity different from that of the Healthy group in mixed and permanent dentitions. The more intense shift in the community occurred between primary and mixed dentition in the Perio group, while the transition between mixed and permanent dentition was the period with greater changes in the microbiome for the Healthy group. Furthermore, a pathogen‐rich environment—higher prevalence and abundance of periodontitis‐associated species such as Prevotella spp., Selenomonas spp., Leptotrichia spp., Filifactor alocis, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia— was observed in the Perio group.

Conclusions

The parents' periodontal status significantly affects the microbiome composition of their offspring from an early age. The mixed dentition was the phase associated with establishing a dysbiotic and pathogen‐rich microbiome in descendants of parents with periodontitis.
Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins: A systematic review and individual patient data regression analysis
Authors: Rozner Raquel , Gisriel Savanah , Damianos John , Grimshaw Alyssa A. , Rizwan Rabia , Nawaz Ahmad , Chan Kevin , Wan David , Pantel Haddon , Bhutta Abdul Q. , Fenster Marc , Brandt Lawrence J. , Barbieri Andrea , Robert Marie E. , Feuerstadt Paul , Li Darrick K.
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim

Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is an uncommon cause of colonic ischemia for which surgical treatment is typically curative. We describe clinical, radiologic, and endoscopic findings in IMHMV patients to provide clinicians with a framework for pre‐surgical identification of this rare disease.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of seven databases for IMHMV cases and identified additional cases from Yale New Haven Hospital records. To identify features specifically associated with colonic ischemia due to IMHMV, we performed multivariate logistic regression analysis incorporating data from a large cohort of patients with biopsy‐proven ischemic colitis.

Results

A total of 124 patients with IMHMV were identified (80% male, mean age 53 years, 56% Caucasian). Presenting symptoms were most commonly abdominal pain (86%) and diarrhea (68%). The most affected areas were the sigmoid colon (91%) and rectum (61%). Complications associated with diagnostic delay occurred in 29% of patients. Radiologic vascular abnormalities including non‐opacification of the inferior mesenteric vein were observed in 35% of patients. Of the patients, 97% underwent curative surgical resection. Compared with non‐IMHMV colonic ischemia, IMHMV was significantly associated with younger age, male sex, absence of rectal bleeding on presentation, rectal involvement, and mucosal ulcerations on endoscopy.

Conclusion

IMHMV is a rare, underreported cause of colonic ischemia that predominantly involves the rectosigmoid. Our findings suggest younger age, rectal involvement, and absence of rectal bleeding as clinical features to help identify select patients presenting with colonic ischemia as having higher likelihood of IMHMV and therefore consideration of upfront surgical management.
Efficacy of first‐line checkpoint inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy in high‐grade extrapulmonary metastatic neuroendocrine carcinomas
Authors: Gile Jennifer J. , McGarrah Patrick W. , Leventakos Konstantinos , Sonbol Mohamad B. , Starr Jason S. , Eiring Rachel A. , Hobday Timothy J. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R.
Published: April 2023

Poorly differentiated extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinomas (EP NECs) are aggressive cancers characterized by a high Ki‐67 index, rapid tumor growth and poor survival, and are subdivided into small and large cell carcinoma. For small cell carcinoma of the lung, a pulmonary NEC, the combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy (CTX) and a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) is considered standard therapy and superior to CTX alone. EP NECs are typically treated with platinum‐based regimens, some clinicians have adopted the addition of a CPI to CTX based on data from trials in patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung. In this retrospective study of EP NECs, we report 38 patients treated with standard first‐line CTX and 19 patients treated with CTX plus CPI. We did not observe any additional benefit of adding CPI to CTX in this cohort.
The life of a political speech(writer): Metadiscursive text trajectories in high‐end language work
Authors: Mapes Gwynne
Published: April 2023

Following Thurlow's (2020b) understanding of “wordsmiths,” in this paper I document an underexplored and markedly high‐end area of language work: political speechwriting. Drawing on Macgilchrist and Van Hout's (2011) text trajectory approach to ethnographic discourse analysis I engage with two primary areas of scholarship: metadiscourse and entextualization (see Silverstein and Urban 1996), both of which facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of “elite” linguistic labor in contemporary markets. Ultimately, I demonstrate the ways in which political speechwriters come to claim skill and value – not only based on the unique “production format” (Goffman 1981) of the profession, but also related to the wider sociopolitical context of their work.
The orexin story and orexin receptor antagonists for the treatment of insomnia
Authors: Muehlan Clemens , Roch Catherine , Vaillant Cedric , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: April 2023

Insomnia is present in up to one third of the adult population worldwide, and it can present independently or with other medical conditions such as mental, metabolic, or cardiovascular diseases, which highlights the importance of treating this multifaceted disorder. Insomnia is associated with an abnormal state of hyperarousal (increased somatic, cognitive, and cortical activation) and orexin has been identified as a key promotor of arousal and vigilance. The current standards of care for the treatment of insomnia recommend non‐pharmacological interventions (cognitive behavioural therapy) as first‐line treatment and, if behavioural interventions are not effective or available, pharmacotherapy. In contrast to most sleep medications used for decades (benzodiazepines and ‘Z‐drugs’), the new orexin receptor antagonists do not modulate the activity of γ‐aminobutyric acid receptors, the main inhibitory mechanism of the central nervous system. Instead, they temporarily block the orexin pathway, causing a different pattern of effects, e.g., less morning or next‐day effects, motor dyscoordination, and cognitive impairment. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of these drugs are the basis of the different characteristics explained in the package inserts, including the recommended starting dose. Orexin receptor antagonists seem to be devoid of any dependence and tolerance‐inducing effects, rendering them a viable option for longer‐term treatment. Safety studies did not show exacerbation of existing respiratory problems, but more real‐world safety and pharmacovigilance experience is needed. This review provides an overview of the orexin history, the mechanism of action, the relation to insomnia, and key features of available drugs mediating orexin signalling.
Characteristics of O/W emulsion gels stabilized by soy protein‐xanthan gum complex for plant‐based processed meat products
Authors: Funami Takahiro , Nakano Kosuke , Maeda Kazuhiro , Yamasaki Hiroki , Nakauma Makoto
Published: April 2023

The aim of the present study is to characterize the mechanical properties of O/W emulsion gels stabilized through soy protein isolate (SPI)‐xanthan gum (XG) complex and to elucidate their practical usefulness in plant‐based processed meat products. O/W emulsions prepared by mixing aqueous solutions of SPI‐XG complexes, which was formed via electrostatic interactions under acidic conditions (pH 4.0), with plant oil were gelled in the presence of several hydrocolloids. Effects of hydrocolloid composition, oil type and load, and oil droplet size on the mechanical properties of the emulsion gels were investigated by dynamic viscoelasticity measurements, and fluorescence microscopy was performed for observation of the oil droplet dispersion. Results indicated that methylcellulose should be required to provide the gels with heat resistance and that the type of oil used should affect dynamic storage modulus (G') of the gels particularly at lower temperatures. It was also found that increased oil load should decrease the gel's resistance to deformation, making the gel structure brittle, and that oil drop size should affect G' and dynamic loss modulus (G") at lower strains. Food application tests indicated that the emulsion gels used had a great impact on the mechanical properties of plant‐based meat patties. These findings would contribute to the utilization of the emulsion gels as a lipid portion in plant‐based processed meat products, leading to the progress of industrial practice.
Properties of Australian thickened formulae for infants and children: Influence of preparation and nutritional content on IDDSI properties
Authors: Frakking Thuy T. , Whillans Chelsea , Rogash Caitlin , David Michael
Published: April 2023

Between 30% and 50% of infants and children with pediatric feeding disorders demonstrate oropharyngeal aspiration. Thickening fluids are a compensatory strategy that is commonly recommended by speech pathologists for the management of oropharyngeal aspiration. Ongoing variability in the preparation of thickened fluids across infant formulas and healthcare facilities continue to limit the standardization of the preparation of thickened infant and pediatric formulas. No studies exist which examine the influence of nutritional properties of different infant formula types on IDDSI thickness levels. Our study aimed to describe the impact of standardized resting times; and understand the influence of nutritional properties on a variety of ready‐to‐feed liquid and powder‐based Australian thickened formulae. A total of 27 ready‐to‐feed liquid and powder‐based formulas were tested for viscosity level at baseline and when thickener was added on at least two trials. Frequency counts and percentages were used to describe categorical data. Logistic regression was used to model the binary outcome and calculate the odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. A total of 18 formulas proceeded to IDDSI flow testing of at least two trials because 7 formulae tested as slightly or mildly thick at baseline; while 2 formulae only had one trial of IDDSI flow testing completed. Of the 18 formulae tested, 72.22% (13/18) of commonly used powder‐based and ready‐to‐feed formulas in Australia thickened to IDDSI slightly thick (level 1) were prepared in a standardized manner and allowed to rest for 5 min. Formulas with higher protein totals were more likely to thicken sufficiently (AOR: 7.45; 95% CI: 2.06–26.89), while formulas with higher sugar totals or those used for enteral feeds were less likely to thicken sufficiently (AOR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01–0.29). There was good test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.22–0.97), indicating that standardizing the preparation of thickened fluids was consistently achievable. Given that not all formulae were observed to thicken to the intended consistency using standardized preparation and resting time, this study highlights the importance of using the IDDSI Flow Testing Method regularly in practice when recommending thickened infant formula recipes for managing aspiration in infants and children.
Dietary inclusion effect of various sources of phyto‐additives on growth, feed utilization, body composition, and plasma chemistry of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), and challenge test against Edwardsiella tarda compared to a commercial probiotic (super lacto®)
Authors: Zaman Md. Farid Uz , Cho Sung Hwoan
Published: April 2023

Inclusion of various sources of additives in aquafeeds is practically helpful to elevate the growth performance and disease resistance of aquatic animals. An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the inclusion effects of phyto‐additives (yacon, ginger, and blueberry) into diets on olive flounder growth, feed utilization, chemical composition, and plasma chemistry, and to challenge test against Edwardsiella tarda in comparison to a commercial probiotic SUP (Super lacto®). Six hundred juvenile olive flounder were randomly allocated into 15, 50 L flow‐through tanks (40 fish per tank). Five experimental diets were formulated. No additive was included in the control (Con) diet. One percent of yacon, ginger, and blueberry powders, and 0.5% Super Lacto® were included at the expense of wheat flour and water in the Con diet, also referred to as the YCP (yacon powder), GGP (ginger powder), BBP (blueberry powder), and SUP diets, respectively. All experimental diets were hand‐fed to triplicate groups of fish twice a day until they were visually satiated for a period of 8 weeks. Following the 4‐ and 8‐week feeding trials, 10 and 20 fish were taken from each tank and artificially infected with E. tarda, and then survival was monitored for the next 6 and 8 days after infection, respectively. At the end of the 8‐week feeding trial, no significant difference was observed in weight gain, feed consumption, feed utilization, chemical composition, and plasma chemistry in olive flounder. However, the survival of olive flounder fed the GGP diet was significantly (p < 0.004 and p < 0.02, respectively) higher than that of fish fed the SUP, BBP, and Con diets, and the SUP and Con diets after the 4‐ and 8‐week feeding trials, respectively, according to the Kaplan–Meier survival curve. In conclusion, phyto‐additive, especially GG, can be used as an effective immunostimulant in the olive flounder diet at the occurrence of E. tarda.
Growth, fillet yield, and muscle quality traits are not affected by a genotype by diet interaction in rainbow trout consuming diets that differ in lipid content
Authors: Cleveland Beth M. , Radler Lisa M. , Leeds Tim D.
Published: April 2023

In this study, selectively bred rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with improved fillet yield were reared on three commercially available diets that varied in dietary lipid content: low lipid (LL, 18%), moderate lipid (ML, 24%), and high lipid (HL, 29%–33%). The objective was to determine if a genotype by diet interaction affects product yield and muscle quality traits in high fillet yield (HY) and low fillet yield (LY) lines of rainbow trout. Main effects of the genetic line (p < 0.05) were observed for viscera yield, carcass yield, and fillet yield that were more favorable in the HY line. Analysis of muscle quality traits indicated that selection for fillet yield did not compromise fillet quality. A genotype by diet interaction (p < 0.05) was observed for viscera lipid content at the 2 kg harvest, for which viscera lipid content was similar between the HY and LY lines for the LL and HL diets, but greater (p < 0.05) in the LY line for the ML diet. Collectively, these findings indicate that higher product yields in the selectively bred HY line of rainbow trout will persist across diets with variable crude lipid/energy contents.
The EU regulatory data protection in the agrochemical industry: Towards a data sharing model in favour of sustainable market play and a sustainable environment
Authors: Zemła‐Pacud Żaneta , Lenarczyk Gabriela
Published: April 2023

Regulatory data protection is mandated in the Agreement on the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) for two kinds of goods: medicinal products and plant protection products (PPP). In the European Union (EU), the level of their protection has been set far beyond the minimum TRIPS standards and the adopted model of protection has been, for the most part, based on temporary exclusivity. Innovative plant protection products benefit from data exclusivity combined with a compulsory data sharing regime. Data exclusivity refers to products being authorised for the first time for the market of the EU on the grounds of a complete authorisation procedure, based on submission of a full data dossier. Within the period of exclusivity, these data may not be referred to in the authorisation procedure of a generic product—an equivalent to the reference one. In this way, data exclusivity creates a period of factual monopoly for the innovative products and constitutes a sui generis intellectual property right. This paper presents the regime of regulatory data protection in the European Union law as an instrument of legal protection for innovative products in the agrochemical industry. It first analyzes the purpose and functions of regulatory data protection in EU law and in the TRIPS Agreement. Then, the rules of protection by means of data exclusivity and compulsory data sharing are examined. This allows for further considerations on the role of regulatory data protection and compulsory sharing of data in the overall legal protection for innovative products in the agrochemical industry. In view of the above, this chapter discusses both the instruments of protection for PPP regulatory data and poses several questions concerning their rules, practical meaning and possible future modifications. In particular, it is considered whether data exclusivity is the optimal regime of protection for registration data and recommend that a data sharing approach could be used instead of the data exclusivity rule, as is the case with compulsory vertebrate data sharing, to the benefit of the industry and public interest. This chapter allows for evaluation and assessment of the economic and social value of data exclusivity in said areas for fostering primary and secondary innovation, while acknowledging other vital interests such as protection of public interest and safeguarding competition in the relevant markets. Finally, this chapter maps challenges of the current model of protection and indicates areas for further consideration in both creating a coherent and balanced framework of PPP data protection and the possible extrapolation of the data sharing rules to systems of data protection for other life science products.
Elimination of HDV: Epidemiologic implications and public health perspectives
Authors: Tharwani Areeba , Hamid Saeed
Published: April 2023

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection causes the severest form of viral hepatitis in humans. Discovered in 1977, it was considered an infection prevalent in the eastern Mediterranean region. Today it is recognized as a global infection of public health importance, however accurate prevalence remains uncertain because of lack of good epidemiological studies. Under‐screening for HDV is the single most important factor in under‐estimating the true burden of infection. Urgent efforts are therefore needed to apply reliable screening tools and robust surveillance methodologies to study HDV. There is now a move by major hepatology societies to recommend HDV antibody testing in all persons with HBV infection. Important differences also need to be recognized between countries considered endemic or non‐endemic countries. While the endemic infections likely spread horizontally in the general population, and is quite often nosocomial, in non‐endemic countries special populations may carry the greater burden, such as persons with injection drug use and various sexual exposures. Even in endemic countries, HDV often exists in significant pockets of the general population. HDV has been categorized as an orphan infection due to lack of approved therapies. Recently there have significant advances in therapy and further clinical trials continue. However, as new therapies are approved, equitable access to the medications will become a major public health issue, particularly because most HDV patients live in low or low middle income countries.