bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twitter as a community communication tool for international neuroscience conferences
Authors: Duncan Niall W. , Shean Russell
Published: May 2022

Scientific conferences increasingly include online aspects. Some are moving to be entirely virtual while others are adopting hybrid models in which there are both in-person and virtual elements. This development of opportunities for people to attend conferences virtually has the potential to both reduce their environmental impact and to make access to them more equitable. An issue with virtual conference participation that has been raised, however, is that there is a reduction in informal communication between attendees. This is an important deficit as such informal contacts play a significant role in both knowledge transmission and professional network development. One forum where some informal communication around conferences does occur is Twitter, with this being encouraged by some conferences. It is not clear, though, to what extent the informal networks built around this service help reduce the problems of unequal access see with in-person conferences. Focusing on geographical equity, we looked at Twitter usage surrounding four international conferences between 2010 and 2021. It was found that engagement with conference hashtags increased steadily over time, peaking in 2019. Users represented 9% of conference attendees and were primarily located in Europe and North America, communicating primarily in English (97% of tweets). Hub nodes within the interaction network were also primarily located in these regions. East Asia had fewer users than would be expected based on neuroscience publication numbers from that region. What users there were in East Asia were engaged with less than were users in other regions. It was found that the overall interaction network showed a rich-club structure, where users with more connections tend to interact more with others with similar connections. Finally, it was found that users in Europe and North America tend to communicate with other users in their own regions whereas users in the rest of the world direct their interactions out of their region. These results suggest that although conference-related Twitter use has been successful to some degree in opening up access, there are some notable limitations in its usage that may mirror aspects of inequality inherent to in-person conferences. How to build equitable informal communication networks around virtual conferences remains a challenging question that requires further discussion.
Metabolic Implications of Birth via Cesarean Section in Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster)
Authors: Starr Alexandra , Ahmed Sabreen , Partie Miranda , Kenkel William
Published: May 2022

Throughout the United States the rates of performed cesarean section (CS) have increased. The scientific community has observed an association between birth by cesarean and the offspring’s increased weight at maturity (Masukume, 2019). Studies are being conducted to better understand the relationship between cesarean delivery and offspring metabolism (Kozhimannil, 2013; Kenkel, 2020). To test this potential connection, a diet intervention study has been used to test vaginal delivery (VD) vs CS birth subject’s weight gain using a prairie vole model. Vole diets were either supplemented with a high-fat alternative mixed chow (MC) or fed standard vole chow (VC) to induce weight gain. Through this study, we collected sucrose preference, home cage, food consumption data from both birth mode groups and diet conditions. At sacrifice, we collected measures of weight, length, and adipose tissue to analyze for post-mortem body composition in adulthood of each group. CS voles gained more weight than VD voles, despite having lower food consumption and greater locomotive activity. Body composition analysis found that CS animals were longer and heavier than their VD counterparts. Additionally, CS animals were found to have a larger percent brown adipose tissue relative to body weight compared to VD counterparts. Future studies will target the variables contributing to this weight gain among CS offspring by examining factors like muscle mass, and total adiposity through advanced imaging data. Future studies will incorporate exogenous oxytocin administration to examine the impact of birth mode on body weight, metabolism, adiposity, and later life development to determine the possible mechanisms impacting the metabolic outcomes seen in this study.
Post-injury hydraulic fracturing drives fissure formation in the zebrafish basal epidermal cell layer
Authors: Kennard Andrew S. , Sathe Mugdha , Labuz Ellen C. , Prinz Christopher K. , Theriot Julie A.
Published: May 2022

The skin epithelium acts as the barrier between an organism’s internal and external environments. In zebrafish and other freshwater organisms, this barrier function requires withstanding a large osmotic pressure differential. Wounds breach this epithelium, causing a large disruption to the tissue microenvironment due to the mixing of isotonic interstitial fluid with the external hypotonic fresh water. Here we show that, following acute injury, the larval zebrafish epidermis undergoes a dramatic fissuring process that resembles hydraulic fracturing, driven by the influx of external fluid. The fissuring starts in the basal epidermal layer nearest to the wound, and then propagates at a constant rate through the tissue spanning over one hundred micrometers; during this process the outermost superficial epidermal layer remains intact. Fissuring is completely inhibited when larvae are wounded in an isotonic external media, suggesting that osmotic pressure gradients drive fissure. Additionally, fissuring partially depends on myosin II activity, as its inhibition reduces fissure propagation away from the wound. During and after fissuring, the basal layer forms large macropinosomes (with cross-sectional areas ranging from 1-10 µm2), presumably to clear the excess fluid. We conclude that excess external fluid entry through the wound and subsequent closure of the wound through actomyosin purse string contraction in the superficial cell layer causes fluid pressure buildup in the extracellular space of the zebrafish epidermis. This excess fluid pressure causes tissue to fissure, and eventually the fluid is cleared through macropinocytosis.
A therapeutically targetable NOTCH1-SIRT1-KAT7 axis in T-cell Leukemia
Authors: Lancho Olga , Singh Amartya , da Silva-Diz Victoria , Tottone Luca , Nunes Patricia Renck , Aleksandrova Maya , Khatun Jesminara , Luo Shirley , Zhao Caifeng , Zheng Haiyan , Chiles Eric , Zuo Zhenyu , Rocha Pedro P. , Su Xiaoyang , Khiabanian Hossein , Herranz Daniel
Published: May 2022

T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) is a NOTCH1-driven disease in need of novel therapies. Here, we identify a NOTCH1-SIRT1-KAT7 link as a therapeutic vulnerability in T-ALL, in which SIRT1 is overexpressed downstream of a novel NOTCH1-bound enhancer. SIRT1 loss impairs leukemia generation, while SIRT1 overexpression accelerates leukemia and confers resistance to NOTCH1 inhibition in a deacetylase-dependent manner. Moreover, secondary SIRT1 loss extends survival and synergizes with NOTCH1 inhibition. Global acetyl-proteomics upon SIRT1 loss uncovered hyperacetylation of KAT7 and BRD1, subunits of a histone acetyltransferase complex targeting H4K12. Metabolic and gene expression profiling revealed a metabolic crisis together with a transcriptional signature resembling KAT7 deletion. Consistently, SIRT1 loss resulted in reduced H4K12ac, and overexpression of a non-acetylatable KAT7 mutant partly rescued SIRT1 loss-induced proliferation defects. The newly unveiled NOTCH1-SIRT1-KAT7 axis uncovers novel therapeutic targets in T-ALL and reveals a circular feedback mechanism balancing deacetylase/acetyltransferase activation with potentially broad relevance in cancer.

Statement of significance

We identified a novel axis in T-ALL whereby NOTCH1 activates SIRT1 through an enhancer region, and SIRT1 deacetylates and activates KAT7. Targeting SIRT1 shows antileukemic effects, partly mediated by KAT7 inactivation. Our results identify novel therapeutic targets and uncover a rheostat mechanism between deacetylase/acetyltransferase activities with potentially broader cancer relevance.
A global atlas of substrate specificities for the human serine/threonine kinome
Authors: Johnson Jared L. , Yaron Tomer M. , Huntsman Emily M. , Kerelsky Alexander , Song Junho , Regev Amit , Lin Ting-Yu , Liberatore Katarina , Cizin Daniel M. , Cohen Benjamin M. , Vasan Neil , Ma Yilun , Krismer Konstantin , Robles Jaylissa Torres , van de Kooij Bert , van Vlimmeren Anne E. , Andrée-Busch Nicole , Käufer Norbert , Dorovkov Maxim V. , Ryazanov Alexey G. , Takagi Yuichiro , Kastenhuber Edward R. , Goncalves Marcus D. , Elemento Olivier , Taatjes Dylan J. , Maucuer Alexandre , Yamashita Akio , Degterev Alexei , Linding Rune , Blenis John , Hornbeck Peter V. , Turk Benjamin E. , Yaffe Michael B. , Cantley Lewis C.
Published: May 2022

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most widespread post-translational modifications in biology. With the advent of mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics, more than 200,000 sites of serine and threonine phosphorylation have been reported, of which several thousand have been associated with human diseases and biological processes. For the vast majority of phosphorylation events, it is not yet known which of the more than 300 protein Ser/Thr kinases encoded in the human genome is responsible. Here, we utilize synthetic peptide libraries to profile the substrate sequence specificity of nearly every functional human Ser/Thr kinase. Viewed in its entirety, the substrate specificity of the kinome was substantially more diverse than expected and was driven extensively by negative selectivity. Our kinome-wide dataset was used to computationally annotate and identify the most likely protein kinases for every reported phosphorylation site in the human Ser/Thr phosphoproteome. For the small minority of phosphosites where the protein kinases involved have been previously identified, our predictions were in excellent agreement. When this approach was applied to examine the signaling response of tissues and cell lines to hormones, growth factors, targeted inhibitors, and environmental or genetic perturbations, it revealed unexpected insights into pathway complexity and compensation. Overall, these studies reveal the full extent of substrate specificity of the human Ser/Thr kinome, illuminate cellular signaling responses, and provide a rich resource to link unannotated phosphorylation events to biological pathways.
Immunoregulatory subtype of dermal lymphatic endothelial cells at capillary terminals drives lymphatic malformations
Authors: Petkova Milena , Kraft Marle , Stritt Simon , Martinez-Corral Ines , Ortsäter Henrik , Sun Ying , Vanlandewijck Michael , Jakic Bojana , Baselga Eulàlia , Castillo Sandra D. , Graupera Mariona , Betsholtz Christer , Mäkinen Taija
Published: May 2022

Vascular malformations are congenital, chronically debilitating diseases. Somatic oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA, encoding p110α-PI3K, specifically cause venous and lymphatic malformations (LM), yet the basis of vessel type-restricted disease manifestation is unknown. Here we report endothelial subtype-specific responses to the common causative Pik3caH1047R mutation, and reveal a new immunoregulatory subtype of dermal lymphatic capillary endothelial cells (iLECs) as a driver of LM pathology. Mouse model of Pik3caH1047R-driven vascular malformations showed that cell proliferation was a common early response of venous and lymphatic ECs to oncogenic Pik3ca, but sustained selectively in LECs of advanced lesions. Lymphatic overgrowth was associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and pro-lymphangiogenic myeloid cell infiltrate. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed a new LEC subtype at capillary terminals, characterized by the expression of immunoregulatory genes. Selective expansion and activation of iLECs in the Pik3caH1047R mice was evidenced by proliferation and upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes. Importantly, macrophage depletion or anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibition limited Pik3caH1047R-driven lymphangiogenesis. This provides a therapeutic target for LM and suggests a paracrine crosstalk in which LEC-autonomous oncogenic Pik3ca signaling induces immune activation that in turn sustains pathological lymphangiogenesis. Identification of iLECs indicates that peripheral lymphatic vessels not only respond to inflammation but also actively orchestrate the immune response.
D1/5 dopamine receptors are necessary for learning a novel context
Authors: Sayegh Fares , Herraiz Laurie , Colom Morgane , Lopez Sébastien , Rampon Claire , Dahan Lionel
Published: May 2022

Dopamine participates in encoding memories and could either encode rewarding/aversive value of unconditioned stimuli or act as a novelty signal triggering contextual learning. Here we show that intraperitoneal injection of the dopamine D1/5R antagonist SCH23390 impairs contextual fear conditioning and tone-shock association, while intrahippocampal injection only impairs contextual fear conditioning. By using the context pre-exposure facilitation effect test, we show that SCH23390 is able to block the encoding of the context during the pre-exposure phase. Thus, we provide additional evidence that dopamine is involved in encoding conjunctive representations of new contexts.
Identification of a novel pathogenic variant in FBN1 associated with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Pereira Julia P. , Ferreira Juliana R. , Botelho Anna Paula A. , Melo Marcelo M. , Dias Glauber M.
Published: May 2022

Aortic diseases arising in Marfan syndrome (MFS), such as in aneurysms and dissections of the thoracic aorta, are related to genetic alterations in the FBN1 gene. Databases, such as Universal Mutations-FBN1, ClinVar, and The Human Gene Mutation, contain more than a thousand FBN1 mutations associated with MFS. The FBN1 gene, which encodes fibrillin-1, is responsible for the integral production of different protein domains. Possible genetic changes may lead to a weakening of blood vessels, leading to the development of aortopathies. In this study, we present the association of a novel FBN1 variant with MFS. The proband is a man who presented with ascending aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) at 42-yr-old, which was surgically treated. Clinical investigations were performed in all family members enrolled in the study. Marfan signs were observed in the proband, daughters, and granddaughter. Direct sequencing of the FBN1 gene in the proband identified a novel truncation variant p.(Glu2019Ter), and a cascade screening was done. The variant was classified as pathogenic and causal for MFS according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) criteria and revised Ghent nosology for MFS diagnosis, respectively. Proband's daughter and granddaughter harbor the variant, however, without aortic alteration. This work reports for the first time a patient with the FBN1-p.(Glu2019Ter) variant and its association with MFS/TAAD.
Managerial coaching behavior and subordinates’ learning effects in cross-cultural context: a moderated mediation study
Authors: Niu Xiongying , Zhang Baofang , Simasiku Mulele , Zhang Rui
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of expatriate supervisors’ managerial coaching behavior on local subordinates’ learning effects through the mediating role of subordinates’ thriving at work under the boundary condition of expatriate supervisors’ cultural intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected the data form 230 Zambian subordinates and their immediate expatriate supervisors working in the Chinese company in Zambia. Regression analyses and bootstrapping analyses were used to test the authors’ hypothesis.

Findings

The results indicated that expatriate supervisors’ managerial coaching behavior was positively related to local subordinates’ learning effects. In addition, the study also found that local subordinates’ thriving at work mediated the linkage between managerial coaching behavior and learning effects. And expatriate supervisors’ cultural intelligence moderated the indirect relationship between managerial coaching behavior and learning effects via thriving at work, such that the indirect effect was stronger for expatriate supervisors with high rather than low cultural intelligence.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of how expatriate supervisors’ managerial coaching behavior influences local subordinates’ learning effects by investigating the mediating effect of thriving at work on the managerial coaching behavior–learning effects link. In addition, the study deepens the understanding of the boundary condition of the associations between managerial coaching behavior and subordinates’ learning effects in a cross-cultural context by investigating the moderating effect of expatriate supervisors’ cultural intelligence.
Zooming into paternalistic leadership: evidence from high power distance culture
Authors: Islam Talat , Sharif Saleha , Ali Hafiz Fawad , Jamil Saqib
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Nurses' turnover intention has become a major issue in developing countries with high power distance cultures. Therefore, the authors attempt to investigate how turnover intention among nurses' can be reduced through paternalistic leadership (PL). The authors further investigate the mediating role of job satisfaction between the associations of benevolent, moral and authoritarian dimensions of PL with turnover intention. Finally, the authors examined perceived organizational support (POS) as a conditional variable between job satisfaction and turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 374 nurses working in public and private hospitals of high power distance culture using a questionnaire-based survey on convenience basis.

Findings

Structural equation modeling confirms that benevolent and moral dimensions of PL positively affect nurses' job satisfaction which helps them reduce their turnover intention. While the authoritarian dimension of PL negatively affects job satisfaction to further enhance their turnover intention. In addition, the authors noted POS as a conditional variable to trigger the negative effect of job satisfaction on turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used a cross-sectional design to collect responses and ensured the absence of common method variance through Harman's Single factor test.

Originality/value

This study identified the mechanism (job satisfaction and POS) through which benevolent, moral and authoritative dimensions of PL predict turnover intention among nurses working in high power distance culture.
Lessons learned from historical development and modern practice of marketplaces – focus on the Serbian capital city
Authors: Petrović Marko D. , Ledesma Edna , Štetić Snežana , Trišić Igor , Radovanović Milan M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The starting premise of the case study is to describe the ongoing interventions and experiences within the observed public marketplaces' organization. The objective of the research is to examine specified aspects of social and economic perspectives and the role of marketplaces in changing the local surroundings and economy of the Serbian capital and its largest city – Belgrade.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple methods of analysis, such as archival investigation, participants' observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted. To inspect the research questions, the case implemented qualitative research that sampled 21 employees in the examined public company which manages all the analyzed urban marketplaces.

Findings

This case study will describe the city-sponsored organization, the Public Utility Company (PUC), that sustains marketplaces and the implications of that city sponsorship. Additionally, the outcomes describe the social and economic impact of marketplaces in placemaking around the region.

Practical implications

The most imperative implications of the manuscript are twofold: (1) the research results have shown that the potential of the city marketplaces can be increased through the support of the PUC and the city government; (2) as one of the first empirical projects about the social organization of the marketplaces in this part of Europe, the findings provide an overview of the contemporary market processes, and market outcomes. This study can affect other future research to explore similar aspects of the markets' organization.

Social implications

This research can encourage comparable future examinations to explore other components of the market, varying in the regional diversities on one hand, and the manifold prospects for the community development with fewer benefits, on the other.

Originality/value

The study analyzes all the local markets in the selected urban area. This is the first empirical research on the social perspective and the role of marketplaces in the process of changing the modern society and economy in Belgrade. Moreover, it may contribute to future analysis in the field of social perspective and economic directions in future strategies of city planning.
Transformation of low‐molecular‐weight organic acids by microbial endoliths in subsurface mafic and ultramafic igneous rock
Authors: Fones Elizabeth M. , Templeton Alexis S. , Mogk David W. , Boyd Eric S.
Published: May 2022

A growing body of work indicates that continental subsurface rocks host a substantial portion of the Earth's biosphere. However, the activities of microbial cells inhabiting pore spaces and microfractures in subsurface rocks remain underexplored. Here, we develop and optimize microcosm assays to detect organic acid transformation activities of cells residing in mafic to ultramafic igneous rocks. Application of this assay to gabbro core from the Stillwater Mine, Montana, USA, revealed maximal methane production from acetate at temperatures approximating that of the mine. Controls show that these activities are not due to contamination introduced during drilling, exhumation, or laboratory processing of the core. The assay was then applied to rocks cored from the Samail Ophiolite, Oman, which is undergoing low‐temperature serpentinization. Production of (i) carbon dioxide from acetate and formate and (ii) methane from formate were detected in a dunite/harzburgite rock core interfacing pH 9.6 waters, and estimates of microbial activities were up to three orders of magnitude higher in the rock core pore space than in corresponding waters. The detection of endolithic microbial activities in igneous rocks has implications for life detection on other planetary bodies where similar rock types prevail, such as Mars, Europa and Enceladus.
Adaptation or inflexibility? Niche party responsiveness to policy competition, with evidence from regionalist parties
Authors: MEGUID BONNIE M.
Published: May 2022

Despite a growing literature on niche parties, little is known about whether and how these parties are responsive to policy competition. Drawing upon data on regionalist parties’ programmatic strategies across Western Europe from 1971 to 2009, I find that these niche parties are more ideologically flexible than previously posited when facing governmental policy appeasement. While they do not shift to a more extreme issue position following increases in a region's decentralization level, regionalist parties do broaden their issue agenda. Issue diversification, however, is limited to those parties whose goals are being met; dissatisfied secessionist parties do not expand their issue emphases after decentralization reforms short of independence. Supported by emerging evidence of similar agenda diversification among appeased green and radical right parties, these analyses further our understanding of niche parties as strategic actors and offer new explanations for variation in the effectiveness of mainstream party tactics towards them.
Mister Chips goes to Brussels: On the Pros and Cons of a Semiconductor Policy in theEU
Authors: Hancké Bob , Garcia Calvo Angela
Published: May 2022

Is making semiconductors in Europe a good idea? With the introduction of the European Chips Act in early 2022, this is no longer an academic question. In this article we evaluate these plans in light of a wider—but remarkably one‐sided—debate on industrial policy in advanced capitalist economies. Instead of focusing on policymakers, as most students of industrial policy have done, we draw attention to two first‐order conditions that determine the chances of policy success: the existence of (proto‐)competitive incumbents, and the alignment of the policy objectives with the prevailing institutional framework. We rely on that framework to evaluate the successes and failures in European aerospace, German biotech, and French computers, before using these insights to evaluate the European Chips Act. Investing in manufacturing of mature chips is, in that light, not a good idea. We suggest, instead, that the EU should concentrate on market segments that leverage its high‐skill workplaces and world‐class research system, and in which Europe has either already developed a comparative advantage or will not find itself at an initial disadvantage.
The Role of Auditing Firms in the Implementation of New Accounting Standards: Evidence from China
Authors: Fang Xingtong , He Kaigang , Mei Beilei , Ye Jianfang
Published: May 2022

This paper explores the impact of auditing firms on the implementation of the newChinese Accounting Standards for Enterprises 22(new CAS 22), which converges with IFRS 9. We find that the Big4 firms focus on fair value measurement and application of the expected credit loss (ECL) impairment model, whereas the LocalTop6 firms primarily focus on the classification of financial assets. The results indicate that effective implementation of the new standards mainly depends on standardized procedures and professional techniques of auditing firms, as the Big4 firms exhibit better implementation of the new standards in terms of items that generate greater risk and uncertainty than do local large auditing firms in China. In addition, we further test how cross‐listing affects the role of auditing firms in implementing the new standards and find that the Big4 firms play a more significant role for A‐share only companies than A + H companies. The findings reveal the challenges associated with implementation of IFRS 9‐based new CAS 22 in China.
The relationship between smokeless tobacco (snus) and anxiety and depression among adults and elderly people. A comparison to smoking in the Tromsø Study
Authors: Bondø Pia , Høye Anne , Løchen Maja‐Lisa , Bramness Jørgen G.
Published: May 2022

Aims

To (i) define the characteristics of snus users compared with non‐users and smokers and (ii) define the relationship between snus use and self‐reported anxiety and depression and compare it with the relation between smoking and anxiety and depression.

Design, setting and participants

A cross‐sectional study based on data from the Norwegian population‐based survey, the Tromsø Study (2015–16). A total of 32 591 people aged 40 years and older in the municipality of Tromsø were invited to attend. There were 21 083 respondents, giving a 65% attendance rate.

Measurements

Tobacco use was assessed by current and previous use of snus or cigarettes. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Findings

Snus users were more often male, were younger and had higher income and higher alcohol consumption than smokers and non‐users of snus. In a linear regression analysis, we found no significant association between current snus use and anxiety and depression after adjusting for background variables. However, there was a positive association between previous snus use and anxiety among males [adjusted beta = 0.258; 99% confidence interval (CI) = 0.023–0.492]. Regarding anxiety, the adjusted beta‐coefficients for current smoking were 0.425 (99% CI = 0.184–0.666) for females and 0.303 (99% CI = 0.084–0.522) for males. Concerning depression, the adjusted beta coefficients for current smoking were 0.569 (99% CI = 0.358–0.780) for females and 0.281 (99% CI = 0.060–0.503) for males.

Conclusions

In Norway, current snus users differ from current smokers by having a higher socio‐economic status and no detectable association with anxiety and depression. This suggests that the relationship between tobacco use and anxiety and depression is associated with the administration method.
On export duration puzzles
Authors: Zongo Wendkouni Jean‐Baptiste , Larue Bruno , Gaigné Carl
Published: May 2022

We investigate two puzzles in the export duration literature. The first puzzle has to do with the frequent entries and exits of firms in export markets, which are at odds with the large fixed export costs in such markets. We introduce convex production technologies in a trade model to show how variable marginal costs create direct linkages between export markets. As fixed export costs vary across destinations, more productive firms need not necessarily export to more destinations. Cost convexity implies that the probability of supplying a given export market is adversely affected by positive export shocks in other markets. This is supported by our empirical analysis of bilateral flows for over 200 agri‐food products to 176 destinations originating from six large exporting countries. The second puzzle has to do with the paradoxical effect of tariffs reported in empirical export duration studies. When endogeneity is addressed, tariffs increase the probability of an export failure.
Why Climate Change Has Been Ignored: A Chinese Perspective
Authors: Zhan Jingqiu , Gao Huaiwei
Published: May 2022

This article provides readers with observations and analysis from the perspective of two Chinese scholars to find out why such an existential crisis for humanity as climate change could be deliberately ignored. Starting with reflections of the authors’ personal reaction to Greta Thunberg, the article turns to a take a bigger picture of people’s responses. Therefore, discussions of the Greta Thunberg phenomenon in major Chinese social media are presented to seek out how people with different backgrounds in China reacted towards Greta’s behavior. Following that, it explores the influential factors that explain why the public reacts so slowly and cautiously to the threat of climate change, and why there are so many negative reactions. It is hoped that the reflections can counterbalance the tendency of social scientists to remain aloof and mute.
Bariatric surgery in a public hospital: a 10‐year experience
Authors: Aly Ahmad , Spiro Calista , Liu David S. , Mori Krinal , Lim Hou K. , Blackham Ruth , Erese Raymund J.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Obesity is common and adversely impacts quality‐of‐life and healthcare cost. In Australia, less than 10% of bariatric surgeries are performed in the public sector. This study reports our 10‐year experience from a high volume public bariatric service which delivers multi‐disciplinary care for primary and revisional procedures with mid‐ to long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent bariatric surgery from January 2010 to January 2020 at a tertiary metropolitan hospital was analysed. We analysed patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative outcomes, 2‐ and 5‐year weight loss as well as comorbidities reduction.

Results

A total of 995 patients underwent 1086 (674 primary and 412 revisional) bariatric procedures with mean age of 46.9 years, mean BMI of 49.6 ± 9.1 kg/m2 and 92% patients with ≥1 obesity‐related co‐morbidity. Length‐of‐stay was longer for revisional than primary surgery (5.6 vs. 3.5 days). Major complication rate was 4.2%. Overall, % Total body weight loss (%TBWL) for primary surgeries at 2 years was 26.2%, and for revision surgery was 17.4%. At 2 years follow‐up, treatment was ceased or reduced in 65% of diabetics, 29% of hypertensive patients and 69% of sleep apnoea patients.

Conclusion

This study confirms that bariatric surgery in Australia can be delivered effectively in resource constrained public health system with outcomes similar to private sector.
How to minimize the impact of COVID‐19 on laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery training?
Authors: Xu Jingyun , Zhou Zhihao , Chen Kai , Ding Yue , Hua Yue , Ren Mulan , Shen Yang
Published: May 2022

Background

Because of special technical challenges, laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (LESS) has been introduced into surgical practice, with surgeons required to have adequate training. The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly affected every aspect of healthcare systems, including LESS training, which must be modified to minimize the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A 3‐session training programme was designed in 2020 during the epidemic, which was modified in 2019 before the pandemic. Session 1 was an online study on LESS knowledge. Session 2 involved the trainees' self‐directed simulator‐training. Task performance was evaluated using the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) scoring. Session 3 was practical training, including trainers' live surgical video demonstrations and trainees' surgical video feedback after training. Video feedback performance was evaluated using the modified global rating scale (GRS). Furthermore, trainees completed a general self‐efficacy (GSE) instrument. Forty‐two gynaecology trainees were allocated into two groups: novices (n = 32) and experts (n = 10).

Results

Compared with pre‐training, FLS scores improved in peg transfer (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01) and pattern cutting (P = 0.02 and P < 0.001) for novices and experts, respectively. Participants (81% versus 67%) provided first and second video feedback, respectively. Compared to the first feedback, the GRS scores of both groups improved significantly in the second feedback. All trainees showed an increase in GSE after training (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The modified LESS training programme is a practical and effective option that allows trainees to continue training during the epidemic.
Minor impact on fertility in men with inflammatory bowel disease: A National Cohort Study from Sweden
Authors: Druvefors Emma , Andersson Roland E. , Hammar Ulf , Landerholm Kalle , Myrelid Pär
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in men is most common during childbearing age, but little is known about the impact on fertility. Previous studies of fertility in men were small, which justifies this large nation‐based registry study.

Methods

Fertility was assessed in a national cohort of men with IBD aged 15–44 years in 1964–2014, identified from the Swedish National Patient Register, and in a reference cohort matched for age and place of residence (ratio 1:5). Information about childbirths was found in the Swedish Multi‐Generation Register. Patients with indeterminate colitis or inconsistent IBD coding were classified as IBD‐unclassified (IBD‐U).

Results

The cohorts included 29,104 men with IBD and 140,901 matched individuals. IBD patients had a lower fertility rate (number of births per 1000 person years) compared with the matched individuals; 1.28 (SD 1.27) versus 1.35 (SD 1.31; p < 0.001). Fertility was somewhat impaired in all IBD subtypes compared with the matched cohort; ulcerative colitis (UC) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93, 95% CI 0.91–0.96), Crohn's disease (CD) (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.98) and IBD‐U 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.95. The cumulated total parity and the parity progression were also decreased for all IBD subtypes. Within the IBD cohort disease severity, intensity of medical treatment (CD) and bowel surgery (IBD‐U) were further associated with impaired fertility.

Conclusions

This nationwide cohort study shows only slightly impaired fertility in men with IBD.
Efforts in adopting the ultra‐processed food and soft drinks labeling legislation in a COVID‐19 environment: The cases of Colombia and Mexico
Authors: Mayett‐Moreno Yesica , Sabogal‐Salamanca Mauricio
Published: May 2022

Diabetes contributes to COVID‐19 deaths in Colombia and Mexico, where the latter having the highest prevalence of diabetes among OECD countries. Some reports consider that advertising influences diabetes by confusing labels on ultra‐processed foods and soft drinks that lead to unhealthy food choices. Both countries are in the process of modifying their labeling legislation; however, governments and food industries have pushed to delay its implementation. Using a mixed research design, we interviewed 550 consumers in both countries during June–July 2020; a high number of respondents misunderstand today's food labeling and are unaware of the new labeling legislation. Respondents strongly agree that the food industry should be in charge of changing the labels; otherwise, they would consider not buying their products. Using cluster analysis, we identified three groups that would help design public policies, nutritional and educational campaigns. Although changes in food labeling alone are not enough to reduce obesity and diabetes rates, food labels constitute public health tools due they assist consumers to make food and nutritional choices (considering that nutrition can help prevent and overcome COVID‐19). The costs of maintaining current labels could increase Colombians and Mexicans illnesss and poverty. These deceptive practices of the food industry would harm their brands.
Changes in the amplitude decremental response to repetitive nerve stimulation following fast‐acting treatment in patients with myasthenia gravis during hospitalization
Authors: Naito Hiroyuki , Sugimoto Takamichi , Kurokawa Katsumi , Kimoto Kazuki , Abe Takafumi , Matsuoka Chika , Ohno Narumi , Giga Mayumi , Kono Tomoyuki , Ueno Hiroki , Nomura Eiichi
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim was to determine the amplitude changes in repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) decrement values after fast‐acting treatments (FTs), including plasmapheresis, high‐dose intravenous methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin, in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 41 patients with MG who received RNS after FT. The median, ulnar, facial, accessory and axillary nerves were tested. An improvement in the quantitative MG score of ≥3 or in the MG activities of daily living scale score of ≥2 was used to define clinical improvement posttreatment. A decrement of ≥10% was defined as abnormal.

Results

Among 41 enrolled patients (ocular type 13 and generalized type 28), 22 (53.7%) showed clinical improvement after treatment. Among generalized MG patients, the proportion of improvement of abnormal RNS decrement in the proximal muscles, including frontalis, trapezius and deltoid, was significantly greater in the group with clinical improvement than in the group without clinical improvement (46.7% vs 0%, P = 0.005). Logistic regression analysis showed that the quantitative myasthenia gravis score at admission and improvement in abnormal amplitude decrement were associated with a response to FT (P = 0.015 and P = 0.045, respectively).

Conclusions

The changes in amplitude decrements detected by RNS reflected the therapeutic effect of FT in patients with generalized MG. RNS responses in the proximal muscles might be potentially useful as an objective measure of improvement after aggressive immunotherapy in patients with MG during hospitalization.
Children's experiences of a good environment and its future—Developing theoretical framework for children's wellbeing
Authors: Tuukkanen Terhi , Pekkarinen Elina
Published: May 2022

No theoretical framework for the wellbeing of children has yet been developed from the perspectives of the state of the environment and the future of the planet as the children themselves experience them. This article explores the experiences that Finnish 5‐ to 19‐year‐old children have of a good living environment and its future in the context of Erik Allardt's theory of wellbeing. In line with Allardt's three‐tier categorisation, children find physical needs, social relationships and opportunities for fulfilment to be important in their environment (having, loving and being). In this article, a fourth dimension oflivingis introduced to supplement Allardt's theory.
Allergic contact dermatitis to Compositae: An Australian case series
Authors: Punchihewa Nisal , Palmer Amanda , Nixon Rosemary
Published: May 2022

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Compositae is caused by sensitisation to sesquiterpene lactones (SQLs) and subsequent exposure can occur from direct handling or from airborne transmission. Plants from the Compositae family are ubiquitous globally and their plant extracts are also used in various products.

Objectives

Investigation of contact allergy (CA) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Compositae at a single dermatology centre.

Methods

A retrospective case review was performed on patients undergoing patch testing to Compositae between January 2011 and December 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.

Results

Of 3679 patients, 44 (1.2%) patch tested positive to Compositae and 19 (43.2%) reactions were deemed relevant. Thirteen cases (68.4%) were from direct contact with Compositae plants, mostly in gardeners. Six cases (31.6%) were from personal products and all these patients were female. Involvement of the face was significant (p = 0.007). Simultaneous allergic reactions included SQL mix in eight (42.1%), fragrance mix in seven (36.8%), potassium dichromate in three (15.8%) and colophonium in two (10.5%) cases.

Conclusion

Contact with Compositae from gardening contributed most cases of ACD; however, personal products accounted almost one‐third of cases. Treatment options remain limited and avoidance is the most important aspect of management.
Barriers to help‐seeking among music festival attendees in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Page Robert , Healey Amy , Siefried Krista J. , Harrod Mary Ellen , Franklin Erica , Peacock Amy , Barratt Monica J. , Brett Jonathan
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Prompt help‐seeking behaviour by music festival attendees can reduce risks associated with drug use; however, little is known about perceived barriers to help‐seeking when experiencing or witnessing illness at music festivals. We explored potential barriers and their association with festivalgoer characteristics.

Methods

We conducted an on‐site cross‐sectional survey of attendees at New South Wales music festivals in 2019/2020. Perceived barriers to help‐seeking in the hypothetical event of the respondent or a friend becoming unwell at the festival were assessed, and regression analyses were conducted to identify characteristics associated with these barriers.

Results

Across six festivals, 1229 people were surveyed and four‐fifths (83.2%) reported ≥1 barrier: 32.7% fear of getting in trouble with the police, 20.6% not knowing where to find help, 17.2% not knowing how unwell someone might be and 15.3% concern about friends or relatives finding out. In multivariable analyses, people of diverse sexuality and people using drugs that day had greater odds of reporting fear of trouble with the police. People reporting drug use that day had lower odds of reporting not knowing where to find help. Men, gender‐diverse people and people using drugs that day had greater odds of reporting concern about friends or relatives finding out.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our data substantiate concerns regarding policing strategies and their impact on festivals. Initiatives to support conversations about drugs with friends and families may be best targeted to younger people and those from gender‐diverse backgrounds.
Analysis of 256 pediatric oral and maxillofacial emergency in‐patients during the outbreak of COVID‐19
Authors: Fu Xiao‐Juan , Li Wan‐shan , Xiang Li , Liao Li‐Shu
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims

Pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgeons have faced severe challenges in ward management due to their high risk of exposure during the COVID‐19 epidemic. The aim of this study was to analyze and summarize the treatment methods and infection prevention and control measures applied in emergency cases in the Department of Pediatric Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, during the COVID‐19 epidemic.

Methods

In this retrospective study, information was collected from 256 pediatric emergency patients who were treated from January 23, 2020 to August 9, 2021. The patients' data were statistically analyzed according to age, gender, disease and pathogenesis, operation time, and the main treatment applied in pediatric oral and maxillofacial emergency cases during the COVID‐19 epidemic.

Results

During the epidemic period, 256 pediatric emergency patients were successfully treated. Among them, there were 170 boys and 86 girls. In all, 182 patients were diagnosed with oral or facial lacerations; 43 had jaw fractures; 26 had maxillofacial infections; and five had dento‐alveolar fractures. A total of 246 patients underwent surgery under negative pressure with level 3 protection standards. No doctors or patients infected with COVID‐19 were found throughout the stury period.

Conclusions

Pediatric oral and maxillofacial emergency in‐patients mainly experienced maxillofacial trauma during the COVID‐19 epidemic, followed by infection. Effective diagnosis and treatment, and avoidance of COVID‐19 infection can be achieved by strictly following epidemic prevention and treatment procedures.
Acquired aplastic anemia following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination
Authors: Röth Alexander , Bertram Stefanie , Schroeder Thomas , Haverkamp Thomas , Voigt Sebastian , Holtkamp Caroline , Klump Hannes , Wörmann Bernhard , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Alashkar Ferras
Published: May 2022

COVID‐19 is a potential life‐threatening viral disease caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 and was declared a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. mRNA‐based SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines are routinely recommended in immune‐compromised patients, including patients with AA, as these patients are at increased risk of contracting COVID‐19 and developing a more severe course of disease. Between March 2021 and November 2021 relapse of AA occurred in four (age [median]: 53 years, range 30–84 years) out of 135 patients currently registered at our department and two de novo cases of AA in temporal context to vaccination against SARS‐CoV‐2, were documented. Median time after first COVID‐19 vaccination and relapse of AA was 77 days. All relapsed patients were vaccinated with the mRNA‐based vaccine Comirnaty®. Relapse in two out of the four patients was refractory to CsA/eltrombopag, favoring IST with hATG/CsA or BMT, respectively. Our observations should prompt clinicians to take vaccine‐induced relapse of AA or de novo AA after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination into account. Furthermore, careful clinical monitoring and vigilance for signs or symptoms that may indicate relapse of AA (e.g., bleeding complications) are indicated.
Developments in remeshing‐free fatigue crack growth simulation including a new adaptive virtual crack closure technique
Authors: Karimi Saeid , Haji Aboutalebi Farhad , Heidari‐Rarani Mohammad
Published: May 2022

The present study aims to evaluate and improve the remeshing‐free fatigue crack growth (FCG) simulation and life estimation through two developing FEM‐VCCT and XFEMPN‐VCCT algorithms in Abaqus. First, new energy‐based forms of the Paris, Walker, and Elber FCG models are implemented by a user subroutine, a novel systematic meshing strategy is proposed, and some challenging features of these algorithms are investigated. Despite the success of this methodology in enhancing efficiency, decreasing the run‐time, and preventing potential errors, it is observed that the XFEMPN‐VCCT algorithm has some fundamental errors such as a serious overestimation in FCG life prediction. Thus, a novel “adaptive VCCT” is introduced and implemented by a Python script in Abaqus in the form of a new XFEMPN‐AVCCT algorithm. It is finally concluded that the adaptive VCCT can significantly enhance the accuracy of FCG simulation and life estimation.