bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM): Extending the CONSORT statement
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Liang Feng , Lau Chung Tai , Chan Jacky CP , Wang Nana , Deng Jiashuai , Wang Juan , Ma Yanfang , Zhong Linda L. D. , Zhao Chen , Yao Liang , Wu Taixiang , Lyu Aiping , Tian Guihua , Shang Hongcai , Miao Jiangxia , Bian Zhaoxiang ,   STRICTOTM Working Group
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Massage is a common therapy of nonpharmacological treatments, particularly in Tuina (Chinese massage) as its most common style, detailed guidance in reporting the intervention is warranted for its evaluation and replication. Based on the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials), we aimed to develop an Extension for Tuina/Massage, namely “The STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Tuina/Massage (STRICTOTM).”

Methods

A group of professional clinicians, trialists, methodologists, developers of reporting guidelines, epidemiologists, statisticians, and editors has developed this STRICTOTM checklist through a standard methodology process recommended by the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency of Health Research) Network, including prospective registration, literature review, draft of the initial items, three rounds of the Delphi survey, consensus meeting, pilot test, and finalization of the guideline.

Results

A checklist of seven items (namely Tuina/Massage rationale, details of Tuina/Massage, intervention regimen, other components of the intervention, Tuina/Massage provider background, control or comparator interventions, and precaution measures), and 16 subitems were developed. Explanations and examples (E&E) for each item are also provided.

Conclusions

The working group hopes that the STRICTOTM, in conjunction with both the CONSORT statement and extension for nonpharmacologic treatment, can improve the reporting quality and transparency of Tuina/Massage clinical research.
Analysis of damage caused by drop impacts for mulberry fruits: An dropping experiment and numerical simulation
Authors: Hou Junming , Zhu Ziang , Hu Weixue , He Zhenhu , Sun Qijie , Yue Xiang
Published: March 2023

In the process of mechanized production of mulberry, falling collision damage is one of the main damage forms, which causes serious damage and accelerates fruit decay. Through the drop collision test and simulation analysis of mulberry fruit, the relationship between drop conditions and fruit damage degree was established, so as to provide reference for reducing fruit falling damage. The drop test is carried out. The relationship between factors and indicators is established. The drop height, fruit plate angle, fruit plate material, and drop direction were taken as factors, and then the energy loss was selected as indicator. The drop process of mulberry fruit is analyzed by numerical simulation, and the maximum stress and deformation of mulberry fruit are analyzed. With the increase of the drop height, the kinetic energy of the fruit increases. When the fruit plate material is pearl cotton, the drop height changes from 200 to 1000 mm, the energy loss of fruit falling increases from 4.42 × 10−0.3 J to 2.14 × 10−0.2 J. When the drop height of fruit is 200 mm, the angle of fruit plate is 30°, and the material of fruit plate is pearl cotton, the minimum energy loss of fruit is 3.39 × 10−0.3 J, the fruit damage was the least. This study can provide a reference to reduce the damage of mulberry fruit in the process of mechanical harvest and transportation.

Practical Applications

The existing mulberry harvesting methods are manual harvesting, while the vibration harvesting methods have high harvesting efficiency and serious damage. When the harvesting parts hit the tree trunk, the mulberry fruit will leave the tree and falls onto the fruit‐receiving device in the process of mechanical harvesting. There will be a collision and falling of the mulberry, which may cause serious damage. Therefore, in the process of mulberry fruit harvest, transportation, the falling, and collision damage is the main damage form.

At present, there is few research on the drop impact damage test of mulberry fruit. In this study, the effects of mulberry falling direction, fruit plate material and drop height on mulberry damage were discussed by drop experiment. Then, the optimization results were carried out. The change and distribution of stress and strain in the process of collision were analyzed by numerical simulation, and the relationship between falling conditions and damage level was established. It is important to analyze the dynamic characteristics of mulberry in the process of drop. This study can be applied as a reference to reduce mulberry fruit impact damage, and provide a theoretical reference for the design of mulberry vibration harvesting machinery.
Possible biological mechanisms of entecavir versus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on reducing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Murata Kazumoto , Mizokami Masashi
Published: March 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a life‐threatening infectious virus associated with the risk of liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Regarding HBV treatment, the recent development of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NUC), HBV reverse transcriptase inhibitors, enabled favorable viral control as well as improved prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, NUC fails to clear HBV because the formation of covalently closed circular DNA or HBV surface antigen occurs upstream of the point of action of NUC. Recently, we found that acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANP) such as adefovir or tenofovir, but not lamivudine or entecavir, induced IFN‐λ3 productions in the gastrointestinal tract and modulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated cytokine profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, such as interleukin (IL)‐12p70 induction and IL‐10 inhibition, which are immunologically favorable cytokine profiles for HBV elimination. Furthermore, IFN‐α, in combination with ANP, showed additional and synergistic effects on IFN‐λ3 and IL‐12p70 production, respectively, while not affecting IL‐10 levels. Mechanistic analyses of the cytokine modulation by ANP revealed that ANP blocked the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by inhibiting Akt translocation to the plasma membrane, thereby inhibiting Akt phosphorylation. As it has been reported that IFN‐λ inhibits tumor growth directly or indirectly and the mTOR pathway is generally activated in most cancer cells, ANP might have potential anti‐HCC effects. Our in vitro and ex vivo findings might stir the debate on whether types of NUC affect the risk of HBV‐related HCC incidence.
Role of rifaximin in the management of alcohol‐associated hepatitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ahmed Zohaib , Badal Joyce , Nawras Mohamad , Battepati Dhanushya , Farooq Umer , Arif Syeda Faiza , Lee‐Smith Wade , Aziz Muhammad , Iqbal Umair , Nawaz Ahmad , Gangwani Manesh Kumar , Iqbal Amna , Kobeissy Abdallah , Addissie Benyam D , Hassan Mona , Saab Sammy
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim

Alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AAH) is an acute, inflammatory liver disease with severe short‐term and long‐term morbidity and mortality. AAH can lead to severe complications including hepatic failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, and the development or decompensation of cirrhosis. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that reduces bacterial overgrowth and gut translocation, and it may have a role in decreasing systemic inflammation and infection in patients with AAH. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the role of rifaximin in the management of AAH.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify studies that met our inclusion criteria in Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar. Outcomes of interest included rates of infection, 90‐day mortality, and overall mortality between the rifaximin versus non‐rifaximin group. Open Meta Analyst software was used to compute the results.

Results

Three studies with a total of 162 patients were included in the final meta‐analysis. Of the three studies, two were randomized control trials (RCTs), and one was a case–control study. There was a significantly lower rate of infection in the rifaximin group versus the non‐rifaximin group (RR: 0.331, 95% CI: 0.159–0.689, I2 = 0%, P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in 90‐day mortality in the rifaximin versus non‐rifaximin group (RR: 0.743, 95% CI: 0.298–1.850, I2 = 24%, P = 0.523), nor was there a significant difference in overall mortality (RR: 0.624, 95% 95% CI: 0.299–1.3, I2 = 7.1%, P = 0.208).

Conclusions

The use of rifaximin in AAH is associated with a lower rate of infection rate than the non‐rifaximin group. Additional research is needed to determine whether this effect is more pronounced in patients concurrently being treated with prednisolone. Differences in 90‐day or overall mortality did not reach statistical significance. Further studies, particularly large randomized controlled trials, are needed to establish the role of rifaximin in AAH, especially as an adjunct therapy with prednisolone.
Comparison between laparoscopic and abdominal radical hysterectomy for cervical adenosquamous carcinoma at stage IA2 to IIA2: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Teng Xiaohui , Kang Shan , Li Weili , Ding Hongmei , Ling Bin , Zhu Lin , Wang Danbo , Lang Jinghe , Liu Ping , Chen Chunlin
Published: March 2023

Objective

We aimed to compare the 5‐year oncological outcomes of laparoscopic/abdominal radical hysterectomy (LRH/ARH) in patients with cervical adenosquamous carcinoma at stage IA2 to IIA2 based on the 2009 or 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging criteria.

Methods

Based on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer in China (Four C) database, Cox risk regression models were applied to analyze tumor prognosis treated with ARH/LRH in FIGO 2009 and 2018 IA2‐IIA2 patients and stratified findings according to tumor diameter (≤4 and >4 cm subgroups). And to avoid bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was also used for the cohort study.

Results

Based on FIGO 2009 staging criteria (n = 474), there was no significant difference between the ARH and LRH groups in 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS). Lymph node metastasis was a risk factor for 5‐year DFS in this stage. After PSM, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) was an independent risk factor for 5‐year OS in the tumors ≤4 cm subgroup. Based on FIGO2018 staging criteria (n = 322), cervical interstitial infiltration depth was an independent risk factor for 5‐year OS in the total population and the tumor diameter ≤4 cm subgroup.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgery was not a risk factor affecting the oncologic prognosis of adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix based on either FIGO 2009 or 2018 staging of stage IA2‐IIA2. In addition, LRH may be considered for patients with early‐stage cervical adenosquamous carcinoma.
Assessment of masticatory performance in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bunpu Pokchat , Changsiripun Chidsanu
Published: March 2023

Background

One of the main goals of orthognathic surgery is to improve the masticatory performance in patients with maxillofacial deformities.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the literature on assessing masticatory performance before, after orthognathic surgery and normal occlusion.

Methods

An electronic search was performed via Pubmed, Scopus, LILACs and Web of Science without any restrictions until June 2022. The articles assessing masticatory performance using a comminution assay, bite force or occlusal contact area in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery with or without comparing controls were included. The risk of bias of the selected articles was assessed using the appropriate tools according to the study design.

Results

Of the 2507 records identified, 21 studies were included in the qualitative evaluation and 17 studies in the meta‐analysis. Nine articles were cohort studies, and the other eight were before–after studies. Moderate to high risks of bias were found among the articles. Comparing the values before and after surgery, the meta‐analysis revealed a significant improvement in the bite force and occlusal contact area at 1‐ and 2‐year post‐surgery. However, regardless of the assessed parameters, the masticatory performance in patients with normal occlusion was significantly greater than those in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery at all evaluated time points.

Conclusion

Although combined surgical orthodontic treatment can improve impaired masticatory function, assessed by the comminution method, bite force and occlusal contact area, the improvement may not reach that of normal occlusion.
Issue Competition in Parliamentary Speeches? A Computer‐based Content Analysis of Legislative Debates in the Austrian Nationalrat
Authors: Ivanusch Christoph
Published: March 2023

Parliamentary speeches are an important communication channel for political parties. A growing amount of literature suggests that parties use them to send policy signals in party competition. Although this perspective has become more popular in the literature, there is a lack of studies that focus on issue competition. I take a step towards closing this research gap by using a text‐as‐data approach to analyze parliamentary speeches in the Austrian Nationalrat. The data set consists of more than 56,700 speeches given by MPs between 2002 and 2019. I apply a semi‐supervised technique to classify the speeches at sentence level into 20 issue categories. The analysis shows that, despite the constraining parliamentary context (e.g., legislative agenda), parties put comparatively strong emphasis on their issue preferences. The magnitude of this effect, however, depends on a party's legislative agenda‐setting power. These findings confirm the presence and specific nature of issue competition in parliamentary speeches.
Molecular insights into Escherichia coli Cpx envelope stress response activation by the sensor lipoprotein NlpE
Authors: Marotta Julianna , May Kerrie L. , Bae Christina Y. , Grabowicz Marcin
Published: March 2023

Bacterial two‐component signal transduction systems provide sensory inputs for appropriately adapting gene expression. These systems rely on a histidine kinase that phosphorylates a response regulator which alters gene expression. Several two‐component systems include additional sensory components that can activate the histidine kinase. In Escherichia coli, the lipoprotein NlpE was identified as a sensor for the Cpx cell envelope stress response. It has remained unclear how NlpE signals to Cpx in the periplasm. In this study, we used a combination of genetics, biochemistry, and AlphaFold2 complex modeling to uncover the molecular details of how NlpE triggers the Cpx response through an interaction with the CpxA histidine kinase. Remarkably, only a short loop of NlpE is required to activate the Cpx response. A single substitution in this loop inactivates NlpE signaling to Cpx and abolishes an in vivo biochemical NlpE:CpxA interaction. An independent AlphaFold multimer prediction supported a role for the loop and predicted an interaction interface at CpxA. Mutations in this CpxA region specifically blind the histidine kinase to NlpE activation but preserve the ability to respond to other cell envelope stressors. Hence, our work additionally reveals a previously unrecognized complexity in signal integration by the CpxA periplasmic sensor domain.
The effect of the cognitive–emotional dialectic on L2 development: Enhancing our understanding of perezhivanie
Authors: Xu Jinfen , Zhang Shanshan
Published: March 2023

The affective turn in the second language (L2) acquisition literature has witnessed a shift from the periphery to a clear focus on emotions. Nevertheless, this shift tends to examine emotion separately from cognition. Vygotsky's perezhivanie provides a theoretical lens to explore the inextricable interconnectedness of emotion and cognition in a dialectical and nonreductionist way. This article investigates the concept of perezhivanie in two Chinese learners of L2 Japanese and its relevance for their language development. Data mainly collected through interviews and narrative journals were thematically analyzed. The study demonstrates how cognition and emotion dialectically foreground one another (i.e., one gains an upper hand over the other), thus shaping each learner's unique perezhivanie as they undertook to learn Japanese. The study showed that the two students had their own purposes for learning Japanese and that affect functioned as both facilitator and inhibitor of the learning processes. Interestingly, this study does not support the notion that negative affect results in a lack of development and that positive affect always leads to development. It also emphasizes that negative and positive affect constitute a dialectical process.
Promoting young EFL learners’ listening potential: A model of mediation in the framework of dynamic assessment
Authors: Zhang Yanhong
Published: March 2023

Dynamic assessment (DA) integrates assessment and instruction into an organic unity aimed at promoting learner development through mediation sensitive to the individual's (or in some cases, a group's) current abilities. This article reports on the construction of a model of mediation framed within DA for English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language listening comprehension. The model was implemented in a 1‐semester comparative experimental study in 2 parallel classes of Grade 8 in an urban middle school in central China. For mediation, the experimental class (EC) received four DA sessions aligned to their emerging abilities at all listening stages. Statistical results showed that students in EC outperformed those in the control class significantly in both a posttest and a near transfer assessment test, a more complex task intended to assess development in a more accurate manner, although they showed no significant advantage in the far TA test. Microgenetic analysis of the development of a sample of 9 students revealed that the mode of mediation used during enrichment permitted the teacher to ascertain students’ listening problems, including their struggles with phonology, lexicon, grammar, and strategy use. The value of the DA mediation model is discussed as a dialectical unity of both a diagnostic tool and a pedagogical framework in the context of young L2 learners.
Cornelius Cardew's Camouflage and Bun No. 2
Authors: METCALF THOMAS
Published: March 2023

Cornelius Cardew's Bun No. 2 (1964) provides a unique opportunity to reconcile the composer's indeterminate graphic score Treatise (1963–7) with a more determinately scored orchestral work which uses orthodox staff notation. It represents an amalgamation of Cardew's approach to two notational systems that, owing to their concurrence of use in his oeuvre, can inform our understanding of how graphic scores can be used in determinate compositional processes and vice versa. This article explores why Cardew decided to embark upon this experiment, using contextual information relating to Autumn ’60 (1960) and the influence of other composers, such as Morton Feldman (1926–1987). This is situated in Cardew's notion of ‘camouflage’, a socio‐musical construct relating to the situation and presentation of his widely varied compositional output in the changing musical environment of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The analysis itself covers a small portion of Bun No. 2, drawing extensively upon Cardew's Treatise Handbook (1971), identifying and extrapolating tendencies of musical‐graphical translation and focussing on the use of major and minor triads and their deformation using geometric concepts of ‘perfection’ and ‘imperfection’. Finally, the article considers the implications of this work both for Cardew and for the aesthetics and wider study of graphic score readings, briefly offering a reflection upon the concept of isomorphism in Ludwig Wittgenstein's picture theory (building upon Cline 2020) in relation to the rhetorical notion of ekphrasis (Bruhn 2000) as a means of explaining the uneasy position that this piece occupied for Cardew, read through the lens of camouflage.
#WeWillWin: Mobilisation of Jerusalem's Armenian youth and digital acts of citizenship during the Second Artsakh War
Authors: Levenson Lance
Published: March 2023

This focused digital ethnography explores Armenian diaspora youth mobilisation via hashtag activism concerning a homeland conflict, examining the impact of digital citizenship acts on diaspora nationalism and identity negotiation. Taking Jerusalem's Armenian School as a case study, I analyse the school's use of Facebook amid a global pandemic to coordinate youth mobilisation around the viral hashtag #WeWillWin during the Second Artsakh War between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. Ethnographic content analysis was applied to student‐created audiovisual materials, which were contextualised using interviews with schoolteachers and young adults. Considering complex geopolitics within a conflict‐ridden landscape, Armenian youth's audiovisual posts in cyberspace represent empowering, performative statements of identity and citizenship tethered to an imagined Armenian transnation. For diasporic youth facing uncertainty, crisis and marginalisation in local milieus, social media can constitute hybrid spaces between home and homeland for expressions of agency and dissent, identity negotiation and citizenship performance.
The plant response to highCO2levels is heritable and orchestrated byDNAmethylation
Authors: Panda Kaushik , Mohanasundaram Boominathan , Gutierrez Jorge , McLain Lauren , Castillo S. Elizabeth , Sheng Hudanyun , Casto Anna , Gratacós Gustavo , Chakrabarti Ayan , Fahlgren Noah , Pandey Sona , Gehan Malia A. , Slotkin R. Keith
Published: March 2023

Plant responses to abiotic environmental challenges are known to have lasting effects on the plant beyond the initial stress exposure. Some of these lasting effects are transgenerational, affecting the next generation. The plant response to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels has been well studied. However, these investigations are typically limited to plants grown for a single generation in a high CO2environment while transgenerational studies are rare.

We aimed to determine transgenerational growth responses in plants after exposure to high CO2by investigating the direct progeny when returned to baseline CO2levels.

We found that both the flowering plantArabidopsis thalianaand seedless nonvascular plantPhyscomitrium patenscontinue to display accelerated growth rates in the progeny of plants exposed to high CO2. We used the model species Arabidopsis to dissect the molecular mechanism and found that DNA methylation pathways are necessary for heritability of this growth response.

More specifically, the pathway of RNA‐directed DNA methylation is required to initiate methylation and the proteins CMT2 and CMT3 are needed for the transgenerational propagation of this DNA methylation to the progeny plants. Together, these two DNA methylation pathways establish and then maintain a cellular memory to high CO2exposure.
Density‐dependent and independent mechanisms jointly reduce species performance under nitrogen enrichment
Authors: Issaka David Sampson , Gross Or , Ayilara Itunuoluwa , Schabes Tal , DeMalach Niv
Published: March 2023

Nitrogen (N) deposition is a primary driver of species loss in plant communities globally. However, the mechanisms by which high N availability causes species loss remain unclear. Many hypotheses for species loss with increasing N availability highlight density‐dependent mechanisms, i.e. changes in species interactions. However, an alternative set of hypotheses highlights density‐independent detrimental effects of nitrogen (e.g. N toxicity). We tested the role of density‐dependent and density‐independent mechanisms in reducing species performance. For this aim, we used 120 experimental plant communities (mesocosms) comprised of annual species growing together in containers under four fertilization treatments: 1) no nutrient addition (control), 2) all nutrients except N (P, K, and micronutrients), 3) low N (3 gN m−2) + other nutrients, and 4) high N (15 gN m−2) + other nutrients. Each fertilization treatment included two sowing densities to differentiate between the effects of competition (N × density interactions) and other detrimental effects of N. We focused on three performance attributes: the probability of reaching the reproduction period, biomass growth, and population growth. We found that individual biomass and population growth rates decreased with increasing sowing density in all nutrient treatments, implying that species interactions were predominantly negative. The common grass Avena barbata had a higher biomass and population growth under N enrichment, regardless of sowing density. In contrast, the legume Trifolium purpureum showed a density‐independent reduction in biomass growth with increasing N. Lastly, the small forb Silene palaestina showed a density‐dependent reduction in population growth, i.e. the decline occurred only under high density. Our results demonstrate that density‐dependent and density‐independent mechanisms operate simultaneously to reduce species performance under high N availability. Yet, their relative importance varies among species and life stages.
An Innovative Model of ISS‐Based Multiple Fractures and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Related to c‐Kit Protein Expression on Interstitial Cells of Cajal
Authors: Meng Shi‐Jie , Fan Meng‐Qiang , Qian Jian‐Sheng , Zhang Jing‐Wen , Xu Hui‐Hui , Zheng Yang , Zhao Wei‐Qiang , Shan Le‐Tian , Huang Jie‐Feng
Published: March 2023

Objective

Gastrointestinal dysfunction seriously affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients with multiple fractures. However, experimental evidence of this relationship is lacking. Here we describe a newly developed mouse model of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction after multiple fractures.

Methods

Trauma severity was assessed using the injury severity score (ISS). Based on the ISS, a multiple fracture model was established in mice as follows: limb fractures with pelvic fractures and multiple rib fractures; limb fractures with multiple rib fractures; closed fracture of both forelegs with pelvic fracture and rib fractures; closed limb fractures; limb fracture with pelvic fracture; spinal fractures; hind leg fractures with pelvic fractures; pelvic fracture with multiple rib fractures; closed fracture of both fore legs with pelvic fracture; and closed fracture of both fore legs with multiple rib fractures. In each model group, gastrointestinal motility was assayed and the histopathology of the small intestine was examined. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of jejunal tissue were performed to detect c‐kit protein expression, the level of which was compared with that of a control group. The results of ANOVA are expressed as mean ± standard deviation.

Results

In mice with multiple fractures, food intake was greatly reduced, consistent with histopathological evidence of an injured intestinal epithelium. The jejunal tissue of mice in groups a, c, f, and h was characterized by extensively necrotic and exfoliated intestinal mucosal epithelium and inflammatory cell infiltration in the lamina propria. In the gastrointestinal function assay, gastrointestinal motility was significantly reduced in groups a, b, c, f, and g; these group also had a higher ISS (p < 0.01). The expression of c‐kit protein in groups with gastrointestinal dysfunction was significantly up‐regulated (p < 0.001) compared with the control group. The close correlation between c‐kit expression and the ISS indicated an influence of trauma severity on gastrointestinal motility.

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal dysfunction after multiple fractures was successfully reproduced in a mouse model. In these mice, c‐kit expression correlated with gastrointestinal tissue dysfunction and might serve as a therapeutic target.
Interventional pathway in the management of refractory chronic flank pain: Prospective series in 45 patients
Authors: Niraj G.
Published: March 2023

Background

Chronic flank pain can pose a therapeutic challenge. Current management centres on visceral pathology affecting the renal system. Acute exacerbations can be severe, requiring emergency admission. Patients usually have well‐established visceral pathology including polycystic kidney disease, Fowler's syndrome, and renal calculi disease that often cause recurrent urinary tract infections. However, in many cases, despite negative investigations including imaging, biochemistry and urine analysis, flank pain persists. Abdominal myofascial pain syndrome is a poorly recognized pathology in this cohort. The report describes the underlying pathophysiology and a novel interventional management pathway for patients presenting with refractory flank pain secondary to abdominal myofascial pain syndrome.

Methods

Adult patients with refractory chronic flank pain at a tertiary renal unit were included as a part of an on‐going prospective longitudinal audit. Patients refractory to standard management were offered the interventional pathway. The pathway included two interventions: quadratus lumborum block with steroid and pulsed radio frequency treatment. Patients completed brief pain inventory and hospital anxiety and depression scale questionnaires at baseline, 3 and 6 months postprocedure. Outcomes collected included ability to maintain employment, change in opioid consumption at 6 months and impact on emergency hospital admissions at 12 months after initiation of the pathway.

Results

Forty‐five patients were referred to the pain medicine clinic over a seven‐year period between 2014 and 2021. All patients were offered the interventions. Four patients refused due to needle phobia. Forty‐one patients received transmuscular quadratus lumborum plane block with steroids. Twenty‐seven patients (27/41, 66%) reported durable benefit at 6 months and six patients (6/41, 15%) had clinically significant relief at 3 months. Fifteen patients received pulsed radiofrequency to quadratus lumborum plane and 11 patients (73%) reported > 50% analgesia at 6 months. Treatment failure rate was 10% (4/41). Opioid consumption at 6 months and emergency admission at 12 months were reduced post intervention.

Conclusion

Abdominal myofascial pain syndrome is a poorly recognized cause of chronic flank pain syndrome. The interventional management pathway could be an effective solution in this cohort.
Spotting a potential threat: Measles among pediatric solid organ transplantation recipients
Authors: Statler Victoria A. , Fox Thomas , Ardura Monica I.
Published: March 2023

Background

Low‐vaccination rates worldwide have led to the re‐emergence of vaccine‐preventable infections, including measles. Immunocompromised patients, including pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, are at risk for measles because of suboptimal vaccination, reduced or waning vaccine immunity, lifelong immunosuppression, and global re‐emergence of measles.

Objectives

To review published cases of measles in pediatric SOT recipients to heighten awareness of its clinical manifestations, summarize diagnostic and treatment strategies, and identify opportunities to optimize prevention.

Methods

We conducted a literature review of published natural measles infections in SOT recipients ≤21 years of age, summarizing management and outcomes. We describe measles epidemiology, recommended diagnostics, treatment, and highlight prevention strategies.

Results

There are seven published reports of measles infection in 12 pediatric SOT recipients, the majority of whom were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Subjects had atypical or severe clinical presentations, including lack of rash and complications, most frequently with encephalitis and pneumonitis, resulting in 33% mortality. Updated recommendations on testing and vaccination are provided. Treatment options beyond supportive care and vitamin A are limited, with no approved antivirals.

Conclusion

While measles is infrequently reported in pediatric SOT recipients, morbidity and mortality remain significant. A high index of suspicion is warranted in susceptible SOT recipients with clinically compatible illness or exposure. Providers must recognize this risk, educate families, and be aware of both classic and atypical presentations of measles to rapidly identify, isolate, and diagnose measles in pediatric SOT recipients. Continued efforts to optimize measles vaccination both pre‐ and post‐SOT are warranted.
Evaluation of height centile growth patterns compared with parental‐adjusted target height following kidney transplantation
Authors: Ng Natasha Su Lynn , Gajendran Sellathurai , Plant Nicholas , Shenoy Mohan
Published: March 2023

Background

Early steroid withdrawal (ESW) improves growth following kidney transplant (KT). It is not known whether these children achieve target height within mid‐parental height range post‐KT.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of growth patterns of KT recipients following ESW in our center between 2009 and 2020 had minimum follow‐up period of 12 months.

Results

Forty‐eight (female 29.2%) KT recipients, median age 5.3 years at first KT, were included. At KT, 29 (60.4%) recipients had normal height (SDS≥‐1.88) and in 23 (47.9%), the height was within their target height (parental‐adjusted height SDS within ±1.55). The proportion of children achieving normal height at 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 5‐years post‐KT (median 5.5 years) were 75%, 83.3%, 86.5%, and 88% respectively. The proportion of children achieving target height measured at the same intervals was 68.8%, 73.8%, 73%, and 80%, respectively. Children <6 years were most growth impaired at KT but were most likely to achieve target height within first‐year post‐KT (72%; p = .023). All 19 children with short stature at KT received dialysis. Three children received growth hormone post‐KT. Children who did not achieve target height post‐KT (n = 14), five had eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and eight were on corticosteroid therapy at latest follow‐up.

Conclusions

Although vast majority of children achieved normal height post‐KT following ESW during the first 5 years post‐KT, 20% of these children had not achieved their target height post‐KT.
Anti‐thymocyte globulin induction with delayed introduction of tacrolimus preserves renal function in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Rogers Michael E. , Ambrosino Teresa , Hatcher Laura , Bondoc Alex , Tiao Greg , Peters Anna L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Tacrolimus (TAC)‐mediated renal disease occurs in up to 70% of pediatric liver transplant (LT) recipients. The safety and efficacy of renal‐sparing immunosuppression using anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) induction and delayed TAC administration has not been studied in children. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of ATG induction on preserving renal function in children within the first year (Y1) post‐LT in a single‐center retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Children under age 18 years of who received isolated LT from 2008 to 2020 with a GFR < 70 received renal‐sparing (RS) protocol consisting of ATG with methylprednisolone (MP), delayed TAC administration, lower initial TAC trough goals, and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The RS group was matched 1:2 by age and LT indication with standard immunosuppression (SI) group. Changes in renal function as well as adverse events within Y1 post‐LT were compared.

Results

Forty‐four pediatric patients were included in the analysis, of which 13 received RS. As expected, the RS group had significantly lower mean TAC trough levels at 30 days (10.3 vs. 13.2, p = .001) post‐LT. Renal function was significantly preserved at 6 (−0.26 vs. 0.21, p = .004) and 12 months (−0.33 vs. 0.11, p = .003) post‐LT in the RS versus SI group as measured by mean change in serum creatinine, with similar trends observed in eGFR and cystatin C. ACR, sepsis, viremia, graft loss and mortality occurred at similar rates in both RS and SI groups.

Conclusion

Induction immunosuppression with ATG and delayed TAC administration in children with renal impairment is safe and effectively preserves renal function during Y1 post‐LT.
Managing pandemics: A POM perspective and directions for future research
Authors: Anderson Edward , Gupta Sushil , Joglekar Nitin , Starr Martin
Published: March 2023

COVID‐19 pandemic has revealed how unprepared operations and supply chain professionals are for “abnormal” conditions. Understanding how the production and operations management field can affect the trajectory and especially the remediation of pandemics is a critical, but understudied, area of research from descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive perspectives. Fourteen research articles in this special issue have attempted to fill this gap with rigor. We first summarize these articles in six categories, (1) public policies and government interventions, (2) hospital capacity, (3) propagation of pandemics, (4) humanitarian operations, (5) private partnerships, and (6) vaccine production, by drawing out the themes addressed. As we look ahead at pandemics yet to come, we note there is still much research needed and conclude by discussing emergent interest in promising themes for studying pre‐pandemic, during pandemic, and post‐pandemic operations.
Insect lipid in fish nutrition: Recent knowledge and future application in aquaculture
Authors: Hossain Md. Sakhawat , Small Brian C. , Hardy Ronald
Published: March 2023

Insect lipid/oil is a by‐product of insect meal production. The quantity and nutritional quality of insect lipid varies with species, life stages, the kind of substrate used to raise the insects, as well as the extraction process. Insect lipid products have been successfully used in animal feeds as source of nutrients, notably energy and indispensable fatty acids. Further some insect lipid products are potential functional ingredients in feed formulations because of the existence of some functional compounds, for example, lauric acid and monolaurin in black solder fly larvae oil (BSFLO). To date, research on the effects of insect product inclusion in aquafeed mainly focused on insect meal as protein source rather than insect oil/lipid as a lipid source. Research to date indicates that insect lipids can replace traditional energy sources in fish nutrition without negatively affecting fish growth and feed utilization performance. By raising the amount of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish fillets, insect lipids can improve fillet quality. Insect lipids may also positively influence general health of fish by stimulating the immune system and manipulating the gut microbiota. As there is a crucial need for searching alternate lipid sources in aquafeed to extend limited global supplies of fish oil and due to the insect lipids content and its fatty acid quality, there is a pressing need to expand experimentation concerning their application in aquafeed to support sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry.
Contribution of veterans' initial post‐separation vocational, financial, and social experiences to their suicidal ideation trajectories following military service
Authors: Hoffmire Claire A. , Borowski Shelby , Vogt Dawne
Published: March 2023

Background

Veterans' success with navigating the challenges of transition from military service may contribute to their risk for suicidal outcomes. The concept of well‐being can help to conceptualize and assess successful navigation of reintegration challenges and may serve as an optimal target for public health‐oriented suicide prevention.

Methods

The relationship between US veterans' psychosocial well‐being and experiences of suicidal ideation (SI) during the first 3 years following military separation was evaluated using multinomial logistic regression predicting SI trajectories over time in a population‐based, longitudinal, post‐9/11 veteran cohort. At 3‐months post‐separation, veterans reported on their socio‐material conditions, functioning, and satisfaction with respect to vocational, financial, and social domains. SI frequency was assessed at 3‐, 9‐, 15‐, 21‐, and 27‐months post‐separation using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9.

Results

Veterans' vocational, financial, and social well‐being were associated with their SI trajectories, even after accounting for mental health. Socio‐material conditions, functioning, and satisfaction all emerged as important predictors of SI trajectories, although results varied across domains. Effects were largest for social well‐being.

Conclusions

Suicide prevention efforts may benefit from a holistic approach that considers veterans' needs for support across their vocational, financial, and social well‐being, inclusive of their socio‐material conditions, functioning, and satisfaction within each domain.
Choosing GIS graduate programs from afar: Chinese students' perspectives
Authors: Wang Yikang , Kang Yuhao , Liu Haokun , Hou Ce , Zhou Bing , Ye Shan , Liu Yuyan , Rao Jinmeng , Pei Zhenghao , Ye Xiang , Gao Song
Published: March 2023

With the increasing demands for geospatial analytics in industry and academia, the need for Geographic Information Systems/Science (GIS) education is on the rise. A growing number of departments in geography have launched or expanded their GIS graduate programs. However, the factors influencing students choosing GIS programs have not been examined yet. In this study, we looked at Chinese students applying for overseas GIS programs and examined factors influencing their decision‐making. We distributed the survey in GISphere, one of the largest GIS international student communities, and 84 valid questionnaires were returned. We analyzed the spatial and demographic patterns of Chinese students applying for overseas GIS programs. We identify five main factors that affect their choices of GIS programs: (1) education quality and awareness, (2) physical, social, and political environments, (3) improved employment prospects, (4) personal recommendations, and (5) the application process. Our study offers implications for the development of GIS graduate programs. We anticipate that the conclusions drawn from this research will benefit and advance geography and GIS education globally.
A Triple Review of the Theory of Reliance on External Constructive Facts --Centered on Wellspacher's Doctrine
Authors: Li Jufeng
Published: March 2023

At this stage, there is a misunderstanding of Wellspacher's theory of reliance on external constitutive facts, which needs to be reviewed and repositioned. Based on Kant's philosophy of law and the doctrine of "external identifiable signs" advocated by natural law scholars, Wellspacher further developed the theory of reliance on external constitutive facts based on the private law history of the idea of publicity. This theory did not originate from the criticism of the doctrine of dispositive authority, which was only one of the starting points of the doctrinal work in this theory and did not take a central position. The theory of appearance of rights was not pioneered or created by Wellspacher, but existed before him; Wellspacher is credited with distilling and abstracting the general principles from the scattered legal provisions, and establishing the basic framework for future generations of appearance of rights liability.
Rotated odometers
Authors: Bruin Henk , Lukina Olga
Published: March 2023

We describe the infinite interval exchange transformations, called the rotated odometers, which are obtained as compositions of finite interval exchange transformations and the von Neumann–Kakutani map. We show that with respect to Lebesgue measure on the unit interval, every such transformation is measurably isomorphic to the first return map of a rational parallel flow on a translation surface of finite area with infinite genus and a finite number of ends. We describe the dynamics of rotated odometers by means of Bratteli–Vershik systems, derive several of their topological and ergodic properties, and investigate in detail a range of specific examples of rotated odometers.
Effect of vacuum heat treatment on tribological properties of metal-doped CuS/MoS2 coating
Authors: Cao Ming , Zhao Lan
Published: March 2023

The tribological properties of metal-CuS/MoS2 composite coatings were improved by selecting the metal materials and optimizing the heat treatment process. The composite coatings were prepared by magnetron cosputtering of copper or aluminum metals, CuS, and MoS2. Then, the prepared Cu-CuS/MoS2 and Al-CuS/MoS2 were subjected to vacuum heat treatment at 220, 320, and 420 °C. The structure and tribological properties of the composite coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, energy spectrum, x-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, and multifunction friction tester. The results showed an island-like growth and a dense noncylindrical cross-sectional morphology of the metal-CuS/MoS2 composite coating. Metal- and CuS-doped MoS2 solid solution is a practical component in composite coatings. The wear scar of the composite coatings showed different color layers at different annealing temperatures due to composition deviation. After heat treatment at 320 °C, the friction coefficient of Cu-CuS/MoS2 coating was reduced to a minimum of 0.08. After heat treatment at 420 °C, the Al-CuS/MoS2 coating showed three different color layers of wear scar, and good tribological properties were obtained. The friction coefficient of the Al-CuS/MoS2 coating was as low as 0.06, and the adhesion of the Al-CuS/MoS2 coating was expressed in the HF1 level. The results show that the vacuum heat treatment can stimulate the action of CuS by forming a solid solution with MoS2, complementing the missing S atom during the sputtering deposition of MoS2 and improving the lubrication of the composite coating. In addition, although the action mechanisms are different, Cu and Al doping are all conducive to obtaining composite coatings with better tribological properties.
The patterned assembly and stepwise Vps4-mediated disassembly of composite ESCRT-III polymers drives archaeal cell division
Authors: Hurtig Fredrik , Burgers Thomas C. Q. , Cezanne Alice , Jiang Xiuyun , Mol Frank N. , Traparić Jovan , Pulschen Andre Arashiro , Nierhaus Tim , Tarrason-Risa Gabriel , Harker-Kirschneck Lena , Löwe Jan , Šarić Anđela , Vlijm Rifka , Baum Buzz
Published: March 2023

ESCRT-III family proteins form composite polymers that deform and cut membrane tubes in the context of a wide range of cell biological processes across the tree of life. In reconstituted systems, sequential changes in the composition of ESCRT-III polymers induced by the AAA–adenosine triphosphatase Vps4 have been shown to remodel membranes. However, it is not known how composite ESCRT-III polymers are organized and remodeled in space and time in a cellular context. Taking advantage of the relative simplicity of the ESCRT-III–dependent division system in
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
, one of the closest experimentally tractable prokaryotic relatives of eukaryotes, we use super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, and computational modeling to show how CdvB/CdvB1/CdvB2 proteins form a precisely patterned composite ESCRT-III division ring, which undergoes stepwise Vps4-dependent disassembly and contracts to cut cells into two. These observations lead us to suggest sequential changes in a patterned composite polymer as a general mechanism of ESCRT-III–dependent membrane remodeling.