bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of international framework agreements as a tool for the protection of workers' rights: A metasynthesis
Authors: Hennebert Marc‐Antonin , Roberge‐Maltais Isabelle , Coiquaud Urwana
Published: March 2023

Are international framework agreements (IFAs) an effective trade union response for regulating multinational enterprises and protecting workers' rights? Using a metasynthesis methodological approach, which we apply to a corpus of 36 empirical studies, this article aims to 1—provide empirical and practical answers to this question and 2—offer a theoretical reflection on the notion of effectiveness as applied to the case of IFAs.
Effectiveness of first and second COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine monovalent booster doses during a period of circulation of Omicron variant sublineages: December 2021–July 2022
Authors: Petrie Joshua G. , King Jennifer P. , McClure David L. , Rolfes Melissa A. , Meece Jennifer K. , Pattinson David , Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Belongia Edward A. , McLean Huong Q.
Published: March 2023

Background

US recommendations for COVID‐19 vaccine boosters have expanded in terms of age groups covered and numbers of doses recommended, whereas evolution of Omicron sublineages raises questions about ongoing vaccine effectiveness.

Methods

We estimated effectiveness of monovalent COVID‐19 mRNA booster vaccination versus two‐dose primary series during a period of Omicron variant virus circulation in a community cohort with active illness surveillance. Hazard ratios comparing SARS‐CoV‐2 infection between booster versus primary series vaccinated individuals were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models with time‐varying booster status. Models were adjusted for age and prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The effectiveness of a second booster among adults ≥50 years of age was similarly estimated.

Results

The analysis included 883 participants ranging in age, from 5 to >90 years. Relative effectiveness was 51% (95% CI: 34%, 64%) favoring the booster compared with primary series vaccination and did not vary by prior infection status. Relative effectiveness was 74% (95% CI: 57%, 84%) at 15 to 90 days after booster receipt, but declined to 42% (95% CI: 16%, 61%) after 91 to 180 days, and to 36% (95% CI: 3%, 58%) after 180 days. The relative effectiveness of a second booster compared to a single booster was 24% (95% CI: −40% to 61%).

Conclusions

An mRNA vaccine booster dose added significant protection against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, but protection decreased over time. A second booster did not add significant protection for adults ≥50 years of age. Uptake of recommended bivalent boosters should be encouraged to increase protection against Omicron BA.4/BA.5 sublineages.
Effects of low‐dose dexamethasone on inflammatory factors in drainage fluid and wound healing after thyroid surgery during perioperative period
Authors: Chen Xuemei , Chen Yuanyang , He Xiaojun , Zhou Quanhong
Published: March 2023

This study explored the effect of perioperative use of low‐dose dexamethasone on inflammatory factors in drainage fluid and wound healing after thyroid surgery. In the prospective, double‐blinded, randomised controlled study, adults who underwent elective thyroidectomy received 0.1 mg/kg of intravenous dexamethasone or a matching volume of placebo (saline) after induction of general anaesthesia. The primary outcome was IL6 and IL10 concentration in drainage at 24 hours postoperative. The secondary endpoint was the SBSES (modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale) total score at 1 week postoperative. From 8 July to 17 December 2020, 64 patients (mean [SD] age, 40.42 [9.52]; 13 males [20.31%]) were recruited, received operation, and completed the 1‐month follow‐up. Inflammatory factors in drainage did not differ between the two groups but only had significant differences at different timepoint. The dexamethasone group patients had a higher SBSES total score at 1 week after the treatment but, without statistical significance (dexamethasone vs placebo: 3.13 ± 1.24 vs 2.97 ± 0.93, P = .571). The dexamethasone group patients had a higher SBSES total score (dexamethasone vs placebo: 3.103 ± 1.148 vs 2.868 ± 0.827, P = .011) and colour score (dexamethasone vs placebo: 0.603 ± 0.493 vs 0.412 ± 0.496, P = .026) at 1‐week follow‐up than the placebo group patients. Preoperative single small‐dose intravenous dexamethasone did not show to improve wound healing quality nor reduce incision inflammation but may release pain, and reduce tissue angiogenesis, and thus the scar redness.
Imprints of historical and ecological factors in the phylogenetic structure of Australian Meliphagides assemblages
Authors: García‐Navas Vicente , Martínez‐Núñez Carlos , Christidis Les
Published: March 2023

Aims

Understanding how historical and ecological (species interactions) factors affect species and shape community structure is a fundamental goal in ecology. However, these two components are difficult to disentangle and are often confounded. We address the influence of these factors in governing the structure of bird assemblages.

Location

Southeastern Australia.

Taxon

The Meliphagoidea superfamily.

Methods

By adopting a semi‐experimental approach (i.e. high vs low interference competition), we examine the influence of a genus (Manorina) of honeyeater species that is well known for its hyper‐aggressiveness and strong competitive capacity on the phylogenetic and functional structure of local assemblages across three different habitats (eucalypt woodlands, mallee and cleared habitat). We applied a model that explicitly incorporates the effects of neutral colonization and local extinction in shaping community structure and estimated the contributions of niche‐based and neutral processes to community assembly using the STEPCAM technique.

Results

Communities with the presence of Manorina species were characterized by faster rates of colonization and local extinction and exhibited a higher degree of phylogenetic clustering than communities without these despotic species, which suggests that this model not only mirrors habitat preferences, but also unintendedly accounts for the effect of biotic interactions. Stochastic processes had a lower contribution in the presence of Manorina species, whereas the role of filtering tended to be higher. We observed habitat differences in terms of functional (but not phylogenetic) structure, with more functionally clustered assemblages in the cleared habitat.

Main Conclusions

Although recent studies have suggested that neutral‐species processes are sufficient to explain local assemblage phylogenetic structure, our capacity to isolate them from contemporary ecological processes is still limited. This study also reinforces the idea that biotic interactions can also lead to patterns of underdispersion and thus, assumptions behind null model approaches for community assembly should be carefully considered in each case.
Psychometric validation of the generalized pustular psoriasis physician global assessment (GPPGA) and generalized pustular psoriasis area and severity index (GPPASI)
Authors: Burden A. David , Bissonnette Robert , Lebwohl Mark G. , Gloede Tristan , Anatchkova Milena , Budhiarso Ismail , Hu Na , Thoma Christian , Skalicky Anne M. , Bachelez Hervé
Published: March 2023

Background

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and life‐threatening skin disease often accompanied by systemic inflammation. There are currently no standardized or validated GPP‐specific measures for assessing severity.

Objective

To evaluate the reliability, validity and responder definitions of the Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment (GPPGA) and Generalized Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (GPPASI).

Methods

The GPPGA and GPPASI were validated using outcome data from Week 1 of the Effisayil™ 1 study. The psychometric analyses performed included confirmatory factor analysis, item‐to‐item/item‐to‐total correlations, internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, known‐groups validity, responsiveness analysis and responder definition analysis.

Results

Using data from this patient cohort (N = 53), confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated unidimensionality of the GPPGA total score (root mean square error of approximation <0.08), and GPPGA item‐to‐item and item‐to‐total correlations ranged from 0.58 to 0.90. The GPPGA total score, pustulation subscore and GPPASI total score all demonstrated good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.70, 0.91 and 0.95 respectively), and good evidence of convergent validity. In anchor‐based analyses, all three scores were able to detect changes in symptom and disease severity over time; reductions of −1.4, −2.2 and − 12.0 were suggested as clinically meaningful improvement thresholds for the GPPGA total score, GPPGA pustulation subscore and GPPASI total score respectively. Anchor‐based analyses also supported the GPPASI 50 as a clinically meaningful threshold for improvement.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings indicate that the GPPGA and GPPASI are valid, reliable and responsive measures for the assessment of GPP disease severity, and support their use in informing clinical endpoints in trials in GPP.
Black and white proxy experiences and perceptions that influence advanced dementia care in nursing homes: The ADVANCE study
Authors: McCarthy Ellen P. , Lopez Ruth Palan , Hendricksen Meghan , Mazor Kathleen M. , Roach Ashley , Rogers Anita Hendrix , Epps Fayron , Johnson Kimberly S. , Akunor Harriet , Mitchell Susan L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Regional, facility, and racial variability in intensity of care provided to nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia is poorly understood.

Materials and Methods

Assessment of Disparities and Variation for Alzheimer's disease NH Care at End of life (ADVANCE) is a multisite qualitative study of 14 NHs from four hospital referral regions providing varied intensity of advanced dementia care based on tube‐feeding and hospital transfer rates. This report explored the perceptions and experiences of Black and White proxies (N = 44) of residents with advanced dementia to elucidate factors driving these variations. Framework analyses revealed themes and subthemes within the following a priori domains: understanding of advanced dementia and care decisions, preferences related to end‐of‐life care, advance care planning, decision‐making about managing feeding problems and acute illness, communication and trust in NH providers, support, and spirituality in decision‐making. Matrix analyses explored similarities/differences by proxy race. Data were collected from June 1, 2018 to July 31, 2021.

Results

Among 44 proxies interviewed, 19 (43.1%) were Black, 36 (81.8%) were female, and 26 (59.0%) were adult children of residents. In facilities with the lowest intensity of care, Black and White proxies consistently reported having had previous conversations with residents about wishes for end‐of‐life care and generally better communication with providers. Black proxies held numerous misconceptions about the clinical course of advanced dementia and effectiveness of treatment options, notably tube‐feeding and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Black and White proxies described mistrust of NH staff but did so towards different staffing roles. Religious and spiritual beliefs commonly thought to underlie preferences for more intense care among Black residents, were rarely, but equally mentioned by race.

Conclusions

This report refuted commonly held assumptions about religiosity and spirituality as drivers of racial variations in advanced dementia care and revealed several actionable facility‐level factors, which may help reduce these variations.
Modern pandemic crises and default risk: Worldwide evidence
Authors: Ho Kung‐Cheng , Huang Hung‐Yi , Pan Zikui , Gu Yan
Published: March 2023

This article examines the relationship between modern health pandemic crises and financial stability. Specifically, it collects data on 250,223 firms in 43 countries (or regions) during five modern pandemic crises, SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009), MERS (2012), Ebola (2014), and Zika (2016), and finds that pandemic crises significantly increase the default risk of enterprises. Further analysis shows that formal and informal institutions acted as a “cushion” against the pandemic crisis. The earlier a country adopts IFRS, the more unimpeded access to information, and the more stable religious and ethnic relations within the country can reduce the negative impact of a pandemic on financial stability. This article addresses the hitherto inadequacy of COVID‐related data. In addition, this article argues that governments should build sound state institutions to withstand macroeconomic shocks and highlights the heterogeneity of default risk for enterprises operating in countries with different institutions.
Estado, políticas públicas y comunidades: Aportes para repensar la antropología del Estado desde América Latina
Authors: Fuica Rebolledo Inti Fernando , Henríquez Noelia Carrasco
Published: March 2023

The anthropology of the state is an important field to generate knowledge regarding the state's work. In Latin America, it has had an interesting development, with shared theoretical bases. In this article we present diverse methodological applications related to this field of study in the region and explore conceptually the relationship between the state and communities. We also propose adding anthropology of public policies as part of this approach.
The Fundamental Review of the Trading Book: Implications for Portfolio and Risk Management in the Banking Sector
Authors: MCCULLAGH ORLA , CUMMINS MARK , KILLIAN SHEILA
Published: March 2023

The Fundamental Review of the Trading Book (FRTB) is the promised overhaul of bankmarket risk regulation. FRTB retains the authorized use of proprietary risk models, however, it introduces two additional criteria: (i) P&L attribution (PLA) tests and (ii) desk‐level backtests. We examine empirically whether these additional criteria influence risk management and portfolio management practice, specifically portfolio construction and choice of risk model. We find that the PLA tests demand significant alignment with risk factors, however, the backtests do not incentivize use of superior risk models. This has important implications for the efficacy of the capital‐based regulatory system.
Living with pulmonary sequelae of COVID‐19 and the implications for clinical nursing practice: A qualitative systematised review
Authors: Albright Cameron , Limoges Jacqueline , Rempel Gwen R.
Published: March 2023

Aim

To synthesise qualitative research on pulmonary sequelae of COVID‐19 and identify patient needs and experiences to develop nursing care strategies.

Background

Qualitative research on long COVID by subtype has not yet occurred. As pulmonary sequelae constitute a serious long COVID subtype, exploring patient experience and needs can generate knowledge to guide nursing practice.

Design

Systematised review methodology utilised on a purposive sample of published articles and reported using the PRISMA guidelines and checklists. Searched MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and Google Scholar, for English or French articles published from February 2020 to June 2022; qualitative research with adults recovering from COVID‐19 with evidence of pulmonary sequelae.

Methods

Established principles for data extraction followed related to data reduction, data presentation, data comparison, and conclusion formulation and verification. Analysis was informed by Thorne's Interpretive Description and extended with Meleis' transitions theory, Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory and Moore et al.'s holistic theory of unpleasant symptoms. The quality of included studies was assessed Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for qualitative research.

Results

Four articles with six pooled participants provided data to yield three main themes: (1) a novel health‐illness transition, (2) lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis as antecedent to illness uncertainty, (3) and pulmonary symptoms that are compounded by fatigue and weakness.

Conclusion

Pulmonary sequelae of COVID‐19 confers a unique health‐illness transition, uncertainties and symptoms that can be addressed by theory informed nursing practice.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Advocacy, optimising the nurse–patient relationship, offering up‐to‐date information and addressing uncertainty may help patients cope with pulmonary sequelae, a complex subtype of long COVID with important considerations for clinical nursing care. Despite a lack of evidence‐informed clinical pathways, nurses can support patients to understand novel treatments, support discharge planning and acknowledge the synergistic nature of pulmonary symptoms and fatigue to support health‐illness transitions.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This article involved analysis of previously published works.
Timing of preference submissions under the Boston mechanism
Authors: Chen Li
Published: March 2023

This paper considers a model of centralized college admission under the Boston mechanism where students may have uncertainty about their priorities. Students have homogeneous ordinal preferences over colleges, but their preference intensities vary, and the exam scores determine their priorities. In equilibrium, student application strategies take a cutoff form. The strategies depend on their exam scores under post‐score submissions, on preference intensities under pre‐exam submissions, and on both preference intensities and signals about their exam scores under pre‐score submissions. Given these equilibrium strategies, students are better off under pre‐exam and pre‐score submissions than post‐score submissions. When students with the same preference intensities and exam scores receive signals of different qualities, those with bad signals could be hurt by those with good signals.
RNA‐seq analysis of soybean (Glycine max) responding to Phytophthora sojae
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Dong , Hu Jiulong , Yu Bixia
Published: March 2023

Phytophthora sojae is a devastating pathogen of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] that causes Phytophthora root and stem rot (PRR) on soybean plants worldwide. The pathogen leads to evident differentiation of pathogenicity which brings some difficulties to the control of the disease. Soybean germplasm plays an important role in disease resistance to P. sojae. To understand the role of soybean in the pathogen differentiation of P. sojae, transcriptome sequencing and biological information technology were used to analyse the difference in transcriptional level of soybean response to P. sojae infection by two isolates BB8 and BZ9 with different pathogenicity. A total of 1596 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the soybean plants treated with the strong pathogenic isolate BB8 and weak pathogenic isolate BZ9, of which 256 were upregulated and 1340 were downregulated in BZ9 treated samples. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that the highly enriched terms annotated in biological processes were metabolic process, cellular process and single‐organism process. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were distributed primarily in metabolism, environmental information processing and cellular processes. Photosynthesis‐antenna proteins, photosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid biosynthesis, carbon metabolism and nitrogen metabolism were the most substantial metabolic pathways. Ten candidate DEGs were selected and their expression levels were detected via fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression trends were basically consistent with the results of RNA‐seq detection, confirming the reliability of RNA‐seq data. Taken together, this was the report on the transcriptome analysis of soybean in response to P. sojae using high‐throughput sequencing. A number of DEGs and pathways were discovered, which provided valuable information for obtaining high‐quality soybean resistance resources.
Validation of Plateletworks ADP for the ProCyte Dx analyzer
Authors: Kornya Matthew R. , Abrams‐Ogg Anthony C. G. , Blois Shauna L. , Wood R. Darren
Published: March 2023

Background

Platelet function testing in cats allows determination of clopidogrel effect. Plateletworks assesses aggregation based on decreasing platelet counts on hematology analyzers in response to agonists. It has not been validated for the IDEXX ProCyte Dx analyzer. Ideal time to perform analysis and the utility of other platelet parameters have not been fully assessed.

Objectives

To validate Plateletworks ADP on the ProCyte Dx, to investigate the utility of various platelet parameters using Plateletworks ADP, and determine the ideal time to perform analysis.

Animals

Twenty healthy cats recruited from the general population used for transference of reference intervals to a new analyzer, and 10 cats receiving clopidogrel to determine clopidogrel effect.

Methods

Plateletworks ADP using the ProCyte Dx and ADVIA 2120i analyzer was run simultaneously in both healthy cats and cats receiving clopidogrel, and CBC results at different timepoints were compared between analyzers.

Results

Aggregation was significantly different (P < .001) between analyzers. Cohen's kappa showed almost perfect agreement for determination of clopidogrel effect, and the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic was 1.0. Lower limits of the aggregation reference interval in healthy cats were 28.8% on the ProCyte Dx and 12.5% on the ADVIA 2120i. Coefficients of variation for platelet parameters were not different between analyzers. No significant changes in mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, large platelets, and mean platelet component were identified. No significant change in aggregation was observed within the first hour after phlebotomy.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Our study validated the Plateletworks ADP system on the ProCyte Dx analyzer. Samples may be analyzed up to 1 h after collection.
Emergence and clonal expansion of Vibrio aestuarianus lineages pathogenic for oysters in Europe
Authors: Mesnil Aurélie , Jacquot Maude , Garcia Céline , Tourbiez Delphine , Canier Lydie , Bidois Audrey , Dégremont Lionel , Cheslett Deborah , Geary Michelle , Vetri Alessia , Roque Ana , Furones Dolors , Garden Alison , Orozova Petya , Arzul Isabelle , Sicard Mathieu , Charrière Guillaume M. , Destoumieux‐Garzón Delphine , Travers Marie‐Agnès
Published: March 2023

Crassostrea gigas oysters represent a significant global food source with 4.7 million tons harvested per year. In 2001, the bacterium Vibrio aestuarianus subsp. francensis emerged as a pathogen that causes adult oyster mortality in France and Ireland. Its impact on oyster aquaculture has increased in Europe since its re‐emergence in 2012. To better understand the evolutionary mechanisms leading to the emergence and persistence over time of this pathogen, we conducted a survey of mollusc diseases through national reference laboratories across Europe. We analysed 54 new genomes of Vibrio aestuarianus (Va) isolated from multiple environmental compartments since 2001, in areas with and without bivalve mortalities. We used a combination of comparative genomics and population genetics approaches and show that Va has a classical epidemic population structure from which the pathogenic Va francensis subspecies emerged and clonally expanded. Furthermore, we identified a specific cus‐cop‐containing island conferring copper resistance to Va francensis whose acquisition may have favoured the emergence of pathogenic lineages adapted and specialized to oysters.
Perspective elucidating the physiology of a microbial cell: Neidhardt's Holy Grail
Authors: Sawers R. Gary
Published: March 2023

A living microbial cell represents a system of high complexity, integration, and extreme order. All processes within that cell interconvert free energy through a multitude of interconnected metabolic reactions that help to maintain the cell in a state of low entropy, which is a characteristic of all living systems. The study of macromolecular interactions outside this cellular environment yields valuable information about the molecular function of macromolecules but represents a system in comparative disorder. Consequently, care must always be taken in interpreting the information gleaned from such studies and must be compared with how the same macromolecules function in vivo, otherwise, discrepancies can arise. The importance of combining reductionist approaches with the study of whole‐cell microbial physiology is discussed regarding the long‐term aim of understanding how a cell functions in its entirety. This can only be achieved by the continued development of high‐resolution structural and multi‐omic technologies. It is only by studying the whole cell that we can ever hope to understand how living systems function.
Avoiding and allowing apatite precipitation in oxygenic photolithotrophs
Authors: Raven John A.
Published: March 2023

The essential elements Ca and P, taken up and used metabolically as Ca2+and H2PO4−/HPO42−respectively, could precipitate as one or more of the insoluble forms calcium phosphate (mainly apatite) if the free ion concentrations and pH are high enough. In the cytosol, chloroplast stroma, and mitochondrial matrix, the very low free Ca2+concentration avoids calcium phosphate precipitation, apart from occasionally in the mitochondrial matrix. The low free Ca2+concentration in these compartments is commonly thought of in terms of the role of Ca2+in signalling. However, it also helps avoids calcium phosphate precipitation, and this could be its earliest function in evolution. In vacuoles, cell walls, and xylem conduits, there can be relatively high concentrations of Ca2+and inorganic orthophosphate, but pH and/or other ligands for Ca2+, suggests that calcium phosphate precipitates are rare. However, apatite is precipitated under metabolic control in shoot trichomes, and by evaporative water loss in hydathodes, in some terrestrial flowering plants. In aquatic macrophytes that deposit CaCO3on their cell walls or in their environment as a result of pH increase or removal of inhibitors of nucleation or crystal growth, phosphate is sometimes incorporated in the CaCO3. Calcium phosphate precipitation also occurs in some stromatolites.
Lumbar Sympathetic Trunk Injury: An Underestimated Complication of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion
Authors: Pan Qunlong , Yu Haiming , He Xiaoyu , Weng Yiyong , Zhang Rongmou , Wang Hanshi , Li Yizhong
Published: March 2023

Objective

Lumbar sympathetic trunk (LST) injury is one of the major complications after oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF). LST injury often manifests as unequal skin temperature in lower limbs after operation, and there may be a large number of missed diagnoses due to the lack of attention and different diagnostic methods. The study aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of LST injury after OLIF.

Methods

The data of patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent OLIF in our hospital from April 2016 to October 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Finally, a total of 54 patients were included. There were 10 males and 44 females, aged 58.4 ± 10.9 years. The skin temperature of lower limbs was measured before and a day after surgery. The patients were followed up at 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years after the surgery. Likert five‐point scale was used to evaluate the discomfort caused by LST injury. Injury severity score was introduced to grade injury degree according to the recovery time of postoperative symptoms. The chi‐square test was used to analyze the association of incidence of lumbar sympathetic trunk (LST) injury with contributing factors, such as gender and number of surgical segments.

Results

The unequal temperature was not found before surgery in all the patients. Postoperatively, 16 cases (29.6%) had difference of skin temperature more than 0.5 °C and were diagnosed with LST injury. Eight patients (14.8%) had self‐perception of skin temperature differences, and 12 patients (22.2%) had other symptoms, such as muscle pain, numbness, and weakness, which were not statistically different between patients with and without lumbar sympathetic trunk injury (p > 0.05). In the 16 patients with LST injury, the difference of skin temperature between the two legs was 0.6 ± 0.1 °C on the first day, and the temperature difference lasted for 1.5–~12 months. According to Likert five‐point scale, two cases (12.5%) were poor, and 14 cases (87.5%) were moderate immediately after surgery. Fifteen cases improved to some extent 6 weeks to 12 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Postoperative LST injury is mainly manifested by different temperature of lower limbs. The incidence was higher in patients with multi‐segment OLIF than in those with single‐segment OLIF, and the subjective experience of most patients with LST injury was moderate discomfort.
Stakeholder perceptions on Community‐Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR): a case study in Thailand
Authors: Lhosupasirirat Papichaya , Dahdouh‐Guebas Farid , Hugé Jean , Wodehouse Dominic , Enright Jim
Published: March 2023

Mangroves are a unique ecosystem that provides various benefits to people. In Thailand, Mangrove Action Project (MAP) has introduced Community‐Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR), a novel technique to restore degraded mangroves. Unlike conventional tree planting, CBEMR does not require a planting phase. It emphasizes preproject assessments of mangrove ecology and hydrology to facilitate natural regeneration. Therefore, this study aims to (1) investigate the perception of stakeholders on the value of mangroves; (2) examine the understanding of stakeholders on conventional mangrove planting and CBEMR as mangrove restoration techniques; (3) understand the challenges and motivations of the CBEMR efforts in the Andaman Coast of Southern Thailand. We use Q Methodology, a semi‐quantitative method that requires participants to rank a set of statements to analyze their perceptions according to the research questions. As a result, we can identify three clusters of perceptions; D1 demands more CBEMR and less conventional planting. D2 believes mangrove planting is good, given suitable conditions. D3 thinks restoring mangroves brings benefits, but most conventional planting often fails. This study highlighted that all CBEMR stakeholders believe inadequate technical knowledge is the root cause of mismatch restoration practices. Mangrove planting should be done with suitable species, conditions, and areas. Conventional planting of mangroves without considering ecological factors and local engagement should be avoided as it fails to achieve sustainable outcomes. Enhancing knowledge of mangrove ecology and restoration techniques is therefore a sustainable route to the long‐term success of mangrove restoration in Thailand.
Detection of cutaneous malignant melanoma by tape stripping of pigmented skin lesions – A systematic review
Authors: Thomsen Ida Marie Nedergaard , Heerfordt Ida M. , Karmisholt Katrine Elisabeth , Mogensen Mette
Published: March 2023

Background

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) is potentially aggressive, and numerous clinically suspicious pigmented skin lesions are excised, causing unnecessary mutilation for patients at high healthcare costs, but without histopathological evidence of MM. The high number of excisions may be lowered by using more accurate diagnostics. Tape stripping (TS) of clinically suspicious lesions is a non‐invasive diagnostic test of MM that can potentially lower the number needed to biopsy/excise.

Materials and methods

The aim is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of TS in detecting MM in clinically suspicious pigmented skin lesions. This systematic review following PRISMA guidelines searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase (September 2022) using melanoma combined with tape stripping, adhesive patch(es), pigmented lesion assay, or epidermal genetic information retrieval.

Results

Ten studies were included. Sensitivity ranged from 68.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 51.5, 82.1) to 100% (95% CI 91.0, 100). Specificity ranged from 69.1% (95% CI 63.8, 74.0) to 100% (95% CI 78.5, 100). A pooled analysis of five studies testing the RNA markers LINC00518 and PRAME found a sensitivity of 86.9% (95% CI 81.7, 90.8) and a specificity of 82.4% (95% CI 80.8, 83.9).

Conclusion

Overall quality of studies was low, and the reliability of sensitivity and specificity is questionable. However, TS may supplement well‐established diagnostic methods as pooled analysis of five studies indicates a moderate sensitivity. Future studies are needed to obtain more reliable data as independent studies with no conflict of interest.
On Kinematics in Sequential Three-Dimensional Stretch Bending: Analytical Springback Model
Authors: Ha Taekwang , Welo Torgeir , Ringen Geir , Wang Jyhwen
Published: March 2023

In profile bending, the geometrical defect that reduces dimensional quality is mainly due to springback. While predicting dimensions after bending is important for quality control, many factors during bending cause difficulty in springback prediction. Furthermore, complex three-dimensional (3D) shapes in bending can make springback prediction significantly more difficult. This work presents a springback prediction method for varying curvature 3D profile/tube bending. An advanced five-axis bending machine, with rotary semi-dies opposing each other, has been developed. As the geometry of the bend die constrains the workpiece in the bending region, a model for 3D stretch bending is established from the rotational motion of the bend die. The discretized curvature of a bent profile geometry is described by using the Frenet–Serret frames, and a model for springback prediction is further developed based on the kinematics analysis of the bending process. This generalized analytic approach and numerical simulation are applied to evaluate springback in both 2D and 3D stretch bending of a thin-walled aluminum profile with a rectangular cross section. The analytical and numerical results for springback prediction are validated with experiments, showing good agreement. The developed model is able to evaluate 3D springback of a profile with arbitrary cross section efficiently for product design and development.
Design and Analysis of a Multi-Knuckle Coupled Grasper With Equal Angles at Each Knuckle During Motion
Authors: Wang Rugui , Xu Runhao , Huang Haibo
Published: March 2023

In this study, a coupled multi-knuckle mechanical finger was designed. The finger is composed of same-structured knuckles in a connecting link structure, and the knuckles can be combined arbitrarily. The coupling motion is completed under the drive of a single actuator. First, the influences of the angular relationship between the knuckles and working stroke of the knuckles on the actual grasping range of the finger were evaluated, and the kinematic analysis of the knuckle was performed using the closed-loop vector method. Next, an optimization design method based on a genetic algorithm was proposed, which considered the angular relationship as the objective function to optimize the knuckle, which is illustrated with an example. The angle between each pair of knuckles is approximately constant and equal, which indicates that the finger has an approximately circular envelope curve. Subsequently, the finger motion simulation was carried out to verify the optimization design results and evaluate the error in the finger grasping process. The grasper is capable of completing accurate envelopes on cylinders with diameters ranging from 38.97 mm to 127.60 mm. Finally, the prototype of the manipulator was constructed according to the parameters obtained in the optimization design example. The feasibility of the design was verified through a grasping experiment using beakers and other objects. It provides a reference for angle optimization and envelope curve design of the grasper.
In situ electron-beam-induced mechanical loading and fracture of suspended strained silicon nanowires
Authors: B. Spejo Lucas , Arrieta-Concha José L. , Puydinger dos Santos Marcos V. , D. Barros Angélica , Diniz José A. , A. Minamisawa Renato
Published: March 2023

The mechanical properties characterization of silicon nanowires is generally performed by tensile nanomechanical loading tests with in situ strain quantification. While the strain is characterized by electron beam (e-beam) microscopy techniques, the understanding of the sample-electron interaction is essential to guarantee artifact-free measurements. In this work, we investigated suspended strained silicon nanowires under electron beam exposure in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The fabricated nanowires had their initial stress profile characterized by Raman spectroscopy and finite element method simulations. Then, the sample was exposed to an e-beam where we observed a gradual electrical charging of the sample, verified by the image drift, and down deflection of the suspended nanowire caused by electrostatic forces. These additional stresses induced the mechanical fracture of the nanowires in the corner region due to accumulated stress. These results ascribe electrostatic mechanical loading concerns that may generate undesirable additional stresses in nanomechanical tests performed in SEM, demonstrating the importance of proper sample preparation to avoid electrostatic charging effects. Here, we propose a simple and effective method for imposing the structures under an impinging electron beam at an equipotential, which mitigates the charging effects acting on the nanowire.
Challenges in atomic layer etching of gallium nitride using surface oxidation and ligand-exchange
Authors: Messina Daniel C. , Hatch Kevin A. , Vishwakarma Saurabh , Smith David J. , Zhao Yuji , Nemanich Robert J.
Published: March 2023

Two atomic layer etching (ALE) methods were studied for crystalline GaN, based on oxidation, fluorination, and ligand exchange. Etching was performed on unintentionally doped GaN grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy. For the first step, the GaN surfaces were oxidized using either water vapor or remote O2-plasma exposure to produce a thin oxide layer. Removal of the surface oxide was addressed using alternating exposures of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and trimethylgallium (TMG) via fluorination and ligand exchange, respectively. Several HF and TMG super cycles were implemented to remove the surface oxide. Each ALE process was monitored in situ using multiwavelength ellipsometry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was employed for the characterization of surface composition and impurity states. Additionally, the thermal and plasma-enhanced ALE methods were performed on patterned wafers and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to measure the surface change. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements indicated that F and O impurities remained on etched surfaces for both ALE processes. Ellipsometry indicated a slight reduction in thickness. TEM indicated a removal rate that was less than predicted. We suggest that the etch rates were reduced due to the ordered structure of the oxide formed on crystalline GaN surfaces.
Quantifying ideological polarization on a network using generalized Euclidean distance
Authors: Hohmann Marilena , Devriendt Karel , Coscia Michele
Published: March 2023

An intensely debated topic is whether political polarization on social media is on the rise. We can investigate this question only if we can quantify polarization, by taking into account how extreme the opinions of the people are, how much they organize into echo chambers, and how these echo chambers organize in the network. Current polarization estimates are insensitive to at least one of these factors: They cannot conclusively clarify the opening question. Here, we propose a measure of ideological polarization that can capture the factors we listed. The measure is based on the generalized Euclidean distance, which estimates the distance between two vectors on a network, e.g., representing people’s opinion. This measure can fill the methodological gap left by the state of the art and leads to useful insights when applied to real-world debates happening on social media and to data from the U.S. Congress.
A novel intrauterine satellite transmitter to identify parturition in large sharks
Authors: Sulikowski James A. , Hammerschlag Neil
Published: March 2023

Determining where and when animals give birth is critical for establishing effective conservation management that protects vulnerable life stages (e.g., pregnant females and newborns) and places (e.g., nursery grounds). To date, this information has been elusive in the case of highly migratory sharks in the wild. Here, we report on the deployment a of novel intrauterine satellite tag implanted in two highly mobile apex predators, the tiger shark (
Galeocerdo cuvier
) and the scalloped hammerhead (
Sphyrna lewini
), that remotely documented the location and timing of birth by a highly migratory oceanic animal in the wild. This novel technology will be especially valuable for the protection of threatened and endangered shark species, where protection of pupping and nursery grounds is a conservation priority.
Cohesin regulates alternative splicing
Authors: Singh Amit K. , Chen Qingrong , Nguyen Cu , Meerzaman Daoud , Singer Dinah S.
Published: March 2023

Cohesin, a trimeric complex that establishes sister chromatid cohesion, has additional roles in chromatin organization and transcription. We report that among those roles is the regulation of alternative splicing through direct interactions and in situ colocalization with splicing factors. Degradation of cohesin results in marked changes in splicing, independent of its effects on transcription. Introduction of a single cohesin point mutation in embryonic stem cells alters splicing patterns, demonstrating causality. In primary human acute myeloid leukemia, mutations in cohesin are highly correlated with distinct patterns of alternative splicing. Cohesin also directly interacts with BRD4, another splicing regulator, to generate a pattern of splicing that is distinct from either factor alone, documenting their functional interaction. These findings identify a role for cohesin in regulating alternative splicing in both normal and leukemic cells and provide insights into the role of cohesin mutations in human disease.
Global impact and selectivity of the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction among sharks, skates, and rays
Authors: Guinot Guillaume , Condamine Fabien L.
Published: March 2023

The Cretaceous-Paleogene event was the last mass extinction event, yet its impact and long-term effects on species-level marine vertebrate diversity remain largely uncharacterized. We quantified elasmobranch (sharks, skates, and rays) speciation, extinction, and ecological change resulting from the end-Cretaceous event using >3200 fossil occurrences and 675 species spanning the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene interval at global scale. Elasmobranchs declined by >62% at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary and did not fully recover in the Paleocene. The end-Cretaceous event triggered a heterogeneous pattern of extinction, with rays and durophagous species reaching the highest levels of extinction (>72%) and sharks and nondurophagous species being less affected. Taxa with large geographic ranges and/or those restricted to high-latitude settings show higher survival. The Cretaceous-Paleogene event drastically altered the evolutionary history of marine ecosystems.
A gut bacterial strain rescues stunted growth
Authors: Yadav Jitender , Philpott Dana J.
Published: March 2023

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
promotes growth in undernourished mice
Quantum computers take step toward reliability
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: March 2023

Google’s error-correction scheme works better as it gets bigger
A cell-penetrant peptide blocking
C9ORF72
-repeat RNA nuclear export reduces the neurotoxic effects of dipeptide repeat proteins
Authors: Castelli Lydia M. , Lin Ya-Hui , Sanchez-Martinez Alvaro , Gül Aytaç , Mohd Imran Kamallia , Higginbottom Adrian , Upadhyay Santosh Kumar , Márkus Nóra M. , Rua Martins Raquel , Cooper-Knock Johnathan , Montmasson Claire , Cohen Rebecca , Walton Amy , Bauer Claudia S. , De Vos Kurt J. , Mead Richard J. , Azzouz Mimoun , Dominguez Cyril , Ferraiuolo Laura , Shaw Pamela J. , Whitworth Alexander J. , Hautbergue Guillaume M.
Published: March 2023

Hexanucleotide repeat expansions in
C9ORF72
are the most common genetic cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Studies have shown that the hexanucleotide expansions cause the noncanonical translation of
C9ORF72
transcripts into neurotoxic dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) that contribute to neurodegeneration. We show that a cell-penetrant peptide blocked the nuclear export of
C9ORF72
-repeat transcripts in HEK293T cells by competing with the interaction between SR-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1) and nuclear export factor 1 (NXF1). The cell-penetrant peptide also blocked the translation of toxic DPRs in neurons differentiated from induced neural progenitor cells (iNPCs), which were derived from individuals carrying
C9ORF72
-linked ALS mutations. This peptide also increased survival of iNPC-differentiated C9ORF72-ALS motor neurons cocultured with astrocytes. Oral administration of the cell-penetrant peptide reduced DPR translation and rescued locomotor deficits in a
Drosophila
model of mutant C9ORF72-mediated ALS/FTD. Intrathecal injection of this peptide into the brains of ALS/FTD mice carrying a
C9ORF72
mutation resulted in reduced expression of DPRs in mouse brains. These findings demonstrate that disrupting the production of DPRs in cellular and animal models of ALS/FTD might be a strategy to ameliorate neurodegeneration in these diseases.
Development and Application of Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Salmonella Abortusequi
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Guo Kui , Li Shuaijie , Liu Diqiu , Chu Xiaoyu , Wang Yaoxin , Guo Wei , Du Cheng , Wang Xiaojun , Hu Zhe
Published: March 2023

Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Abortusequi is a major pathogen in horse and donkey herds, causing abortion in pregnant equids and resulting in enormous economic losses. A rapid and reliable method is urgently needed to detect
S
.
Approximate N$$^{3}$$LO parton distribution functions with theoretical uncertainties: MSHT20aN$$^3$$LO PDFs
Authors: McGowan J. , Cridge T. , Harland-Lang L. A. , Thorne R. S.
Published: March 2023

We present the first global analysis of parton distribution functions (PDFs) at approximate N$$^{3}$$

3

LO in the strong coupling constant $$\alpha _{s}$$

α
s

, extending beyond the current highest NNLO achieved in PDF fits. To achieve this, we present a general formalism for the inclusion of theoretical uncertainties associated with the perturbative expansion in the strong coupling. We demonstrate how using the currently available knowledge surrounding the next highest order (N$$^{3}$$

3

LO) in $$\alpha _{s}$$

α
s

can provide consistent, justifiable and explainable approximate N$$^{3}$$

3

LO (aN$$^{3}$$

3

LO) PDFs. This includes estimates for uncertainties due the currently unknown N$$^{3}$$

3

LO ingredients, but also implicitly some missing higher order uncertainties (MHOUs) beyond these. Specifically, we approximate the splitting functions, transition matrix elements, coefficient functions and K-factors for multiple processes to N$$^{3}$$

3

LO. Crucially, these are constrained to be consistent with the wide range of already available information about N$$^{3}$$

3

LO to match the complete result at this order as accurately as possible. Using this approach we perform a fully consistent approximate N$$^{3}$$

3

LO global fit within the MSHT framework. This relies on an expansion of the Hessian procedure used in previous MSHT fits to allow for sources of theoretical uncertainties. These are included as nuisance parameters in a global fit, controlled by knowledge and intuition based prior distributions. We analyse the differences between our aN$$^{3}$$

3

LO PDFs and the standard NNLO PDF set, and study the impact of using aN$$^{3}$$

3

LO PDFs on the LHC production of a Higgs boson at this order. Finally, we provide guidelines on how these PDFs should be used in phenomenological investigations.