bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian autoencoders for data-driven discovery of coordinates, governing equations and fundamental constants
Authors: Mars Gao L. , Nathan Kutz J.
Published: March 2024

Recent progress in autoencoder-based sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy) underℓ1constraints allows joint discoveries of governing equations and latent coordinate systems from spatio-temporal data, including simulated video frames. However, it is challenging forℓ1-based sparse inference to perform correct identification for real data due to the noisy measurements and often limited sample sizes. To address the data-driven discovery of physics in the low-data and high-noise regimes, we propose Bayesian SINDy autoencoders, which incorporate a hierarchical Bayesian Spike-and-slab Gaussian Lasso prior. Bayesian SINDy autoencoder enables the joint discovery of governing equations and coordinate systems with uncertainty estimate. To resolve the challenging computational tractability of the Bayesian hierarchical setting, we adapt an adaptive empirical Bayesian method with Stochastic Gradient Langevin Dynamics (SGLD) which gives a computationally tractable way of Bayesian posterior sampling within our framework. Bayesian SINDy autoencoder achieves better physics discovery with lower data and fewer training epochs, along with valid uncertainty quantification suggested by the experimental studies. The Bayesian SINDy autoencoder can be applied to real video data, withaccurate physics discovery which correctly identifies the governing equation and provides a close estimate for standard physics constants like gravityg, for example, in videos of a pendulum.
Dung beetles increase plant growth: a meta-analysis
Authors: Anderson Daniel J. , Berson Jacob D. , Didham Raphael K. , Simmons Leigh W. , Evans Theodore A.
Published: March 2024

The ecosystem services provided by dung beetles are well known and valued. Dung beetles bury dung for feeding and breeding, and it is generally thought that the process of burying dung increases nutrient uptake by plant roots, which promotes plant growth. Many studies have tested the effects of dung beetles on plant growth, but there has been no quantitative synthesis of these studies. Here we use a multi-level meta-analysis to estimate the average effect of dung beetles on plant growth and investigate factors that moderate this effect. We identified 28 publications that investigated dung beetle effects on plant growth. Of these, 24 contained the minimum quantitative data necessary to include in a meta-analysis. Overall, we found that dung beetles increased plant growth by 17%; the 95% CI for possible values for the true increase in plant growth that were most compatible with our data, given our statistical model, ranged from 1% to 35%. We found evidence that the dung beetle–plant growth relationship is influenced by the plant measurement type and the number of beetles accessing the dung. However, beetles did not increase plant growth in all quantitative trials, as individual effect sizes ranged from −72% to 806%, suggesting important context-dependence in the provision of ecosystem services.
Single and combined exposure to ‘bee safe’ pesticides alter behaviour and offspring production in a ground-nesting solitary bee (
Xenoglossa pruinosa
)
Authors: Rondeau Sabrina , Raine Nigel E.
Published: March 2024

Mounting evidence supporting the negative impacts of exposure to neonicotinoids on bees has prompted the registration of novel ‘bee-friendly’ insecticides for agricultural use. Flupyradifurone (FPF) is a butenolide insecticide that shares the same mode of action as neonicotinoids and has been assessed to be ‘practically non-toxic to adult honeybees' using current risk assessment procedures. However, these assessments overlook some routes of exposure specific to wild bees, such as contact with residues in soil for ground-nesters. Co-exposure with other pesticides may also lead to detrimental synergistic effects. In a fully crossed experiment, we assessed the possible lethal and sublethal effects of chronic exposure to two pesticides used on
Cucurbita
crops, the insecticide Sivanto Prime (FPF) and the fungicide Quadris Top (azoxystrobin and difenoconazole), alone or combined, on solitary ground-nesting squash bees (
Xenoglossa pruinosa
). Squash bees exposed to Quadris Top collected less pollen per flower visit, while Sivanto-exposed bees produced larger offspring. Pesticide co-exposure induced hyperactivity in female squash bees relative to both the control and single pesticide exposure, and reduced the number of emerging offspring per nest compared to individual pesticide treatments. This study demonstrates that ‘low-toxicity’ pesticides can adversely affect squash bees under field-realistic exposure, alone or in combination.
Delays to treatment initiation and emergence of drug resistance among new adult tuberculosis patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Tedla Kiros , Berhe Nega , Mulugeta Afework , Medhin Girmay , Berhe Gebretsadik , Abrha Guesh , Teklehaymanot Tilahun
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Studies in Ethiopia have indicated that tuberculosis (TB) patient’s elapsed a long time before initiating treatment.

Gap Statement. However, there is very limited evidence on the association of treatment initiation delay with drug resistance.

Research Aim. To investigate the association of delayed treatment initiation with drug resistance among newly diagnosed TB patients in Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methods. We conducted a follow-up study from October 2018 to June 2020 by recruiting 875 pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients from 21 randomly selected health facilities. Delays to initiate treatment and drug resistance were collected using a standardized questionnaire and standard laboratory investigation. The association of delay to initiate treatment with acquired drug resistance was modelled using penalized maximum-likelihood (PML) regression models. Data were analysed using stata software version 15. Statistical significance was reported whenever the P-value was less than 0.05.

Result. The median total delay to treatment initiation was 62 days with an inter-quartile range of 16–221 days. A unit change in time to initiate treatment reduced the risk of acquired drug resistance by 3 %. Being smear-positive at the end of treatment and after 2 months of treatment initiation were significantly associated with a higher risk of acquired drug resistance. Whereas, having a mild clinical condition was associated with a lower risk of drug resistance.

Conclusion. Time to treatment initiation delay is associated with an increased risk of the emergence of drug resistance. Efforts targeted towards reducing the negative effects of PTB should focus on reducing the length of delay to initiate treatment.
Performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Lin Bi-Wei , Hong Jian-Chen , Jiang Zai-Jie , Zhang Wei-Qing , Fan Qi-Chao , Yao Xiang-Ping
Published: March 2024

Purpose. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been widely used in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, while its performance in diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is incompletely characterized. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of mNGS in the diagnosis of TBM, and illustrate the sensitivity and specificity of different methods.

Methods. We retrospectively recruited TBM patients between January 2021 and March 2023 to evaluate the performance of mNGS on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, in comparison with conventional microbiological testing, including culturing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), acid-fast bacillus (AFB) stain, reverse transcription PCR and Xpert MTB/RIF.

Results. Of the 40 enrolled, 34 participants were diagnosed with TBM, including 15(44.12 %) definite and 19(55.88 %) clinical diagnosis based upon clinical manifestations, CSF parameters, brain imaging, pathogen evidence and treatment response. The mNGS method identified sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in 11 CSF samples. In patients with definite TBM, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of mNGS were 78.57, 100, 100, 66.67 and 85 %, respectively. Compared to conventional diagnostic methods, the sensitivity of mNGS (78.57 %) was higher than AFB (0 %), culturing (0 %), RT-PCR (60 %) and Xpert MTB/RIF (14.29 %).

Conclusions. Our study indicates that mNGS of CSF exhibited an overall improved sensitivity over conventional diagnostic methods for TBM and can be considered a front-line CSF test.
Cyborg islets: implanted flexible electronics reveal principles of human islet electrical maturation
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Ren , Lin Zuwan , Zhang Xinhe , Silva Israeli Galicia , Pollock Samuel D. , Alvarez-Dominguez Juan R. , Liu Jia
Published: March 2024

Flexible electronics implanted during tissue formation enable chronic studies of tissue-wide electrophysiology. Here, we integrate tissue-like stretchable electronics during organogenesis of human stem cell-derived pancreatic islets, stably tracing single-cell extracellular spike bursting dynamics over months of functional maturation. Adapting spike sorting methods from neural studies reveals maturation-dependent electrical patterns of α and β-like (SC-α and β) cells, and their stimulus-coupled dynamics. We identified two major electrical states for both SC-α and β cells, distinguished by their glucose threshold for action potential firing. We find that improved hormone stimulation capacity during extended culture reflects increasing numbers of SC-α/β cells in low basal firing states, linked to energy and hormone metabolism gene upregulation. Continuous recording during further maturation by entrainment to daily feeding cycles reveals that circadian islet-level hormone secretion rhythms reflect sustained and coordinate oscillation of cell-level SC-α and β electrical activities. We find that this correlates with cell-cell communication and exocytic network induction, indicating a role for circadian rhythms in coordinating system-level stimulus-coupled responses. Cyborg islets thus reveal principles of electrical maturation that will be useful to build fully functionalin vitroislets for research and therapeutic applications.
Cancer-associated DNA Hypermethylation of Polycomb Targets Requires DNMT3A Dual Recognition of Histone H2AK119 Ubiquitination and the Nucleosome Acidic Patch
Authors: Gretarsson Kristjan H. , Abini-Agbomson Stephen , Gloor Susan L , Weinberg Daniel N , McCuiston Jamie L , Kumary Vishnu Udayakumar Sunitha , Hickman Allison R , Sahu Varun , Lee Rachel , Xu Xinjing , Lipieta Natalie , Flashner Samuel , Adeleke Oluwatobi A. , Popova Irina K , Taylor Hailey F , Noll Kelsey , Windham Carolina Lin , Maryanski Danielle N , Venters Bryan J , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Keogh Michael-Christopher , Armache Karim-Jean , Lu Chao
Published: March 2024

During tumor development, promoter CpG islands (CGIs) that are normally silenced by Polycomb repressive complexes (PRCs) become DNA hypermethylated. The molecular mechanism by whichde novoDNA methyltransferase(s) catalyze CpG methylation at PRC-regulated regions remains unclear. Here we report a cryo-EM structure of the DNMT3A long isoform (DNMT3A1) N-terminal region in complex with a nucleosome carrying PRC1-mediated histone H2A lysine 119 monoubiquitination (H2AK119Ub). We identify regions within the DNMT3A1 N-terminus that bind H2AK119Ub and the nucleosome acidic patch. This bidentate interaction is required for effective DNMT3A1 engagement with H2AK119Ub-modified chromatin in cells. Furthermore, aberrant redistribution of DNMT3A1 to Polycomb target genes inhibits their transcriptional activation during cell differentiation and recapitulates the cancer-associated DNA hypermethylation signature. This effect is rescued by disruption of the DNMT3A1-acidic patch interaction. Together, our analyses reveal a binding interface critical for countering promoter CGI DNA hypermethylation, a major molecular hallmark of cancer.
Performance of new national health insurance fund packages (Wekeza, Najali, Timiza) in Kinondoni municipal, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Chihoma Evangelina C. , Mwangu Mughwira
Published: March 2024

Background

Tanzania is one of the countries which has joined the UN efforts of attaining Universal health Coverage (UHC) by 2030 by ensuring that all citizens are able to access health services thereby reducing out of pocket expenditure. As a strategy to achieve UHC, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) introduced new premium packages in September 2019 named TIMIZA, NAJALI and WEKEZA premium packages to accommodate private individuals and their families who are not in the formal employment sector to increase the coverage of citizens who are health insured in the country and to increase their accessibility to quality health services. Since the introduction of these packages no studies have been done to assess their performance. Therefore, this study evaluated the performance of the packages through process evaluation by exploring its level of utilization from September 2019, the acceptability of the packages by the health care providers and client satisfaction towards the services offered.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in selected NHIF accredited health facilities in Kinondoni Municipal using mixed method of data collection. Secondary data was quantitatively extracted from NHIF enrollment registries using a data abstraction tool to assess the percentage of citizens enrolled from Kinondoni NHIF office from September 2019 to March 2021.In-depth interview was used to evaluate the acceptability of the packages among the health care providers and Clients (beneficiaries) satisfaction towards the quality of services offered. Qualitative data was analyzed by content analysis approach and Microsoft excel for the quantitative data.

Results

NHIF has been able to enroll 17,248 members which is only 1% of the total population of people in Kinondoni MC against their set target which was to enroll at least 50% of the total population. Beneficiaries of the packages are unsatisfied and health providers are also unhappy about the packages due to poor orientation, cumbersome referral system and uncertainties in availability of medications and investigations.

Conclusion and Recommendation

This evaluation has revealed that NHIF new packages have not been performing well since their introduction in September 2019. They are far from reaching the set target due to challenges which have been brought forward by beneficiaries and health care providers. NHIF need to improve their orientation by educating their clients about every service covered in a scheme before enrollment. Also, they should perform biannual review of their list of medicines and services covered by constantly updating their medicines list according to the pharmaceutical and insurance market.
HOCl-producing Electrochemical Bandage is Active in Murine Polymicrobial Wound Infection
Authors: Fleming Derek , Bozyel Ibrahim , Koscianski Christina A. , Ozdemir Dilara , Karau Melissa J. , Cuello Luz , Anoy Md Monzurul Islam , Gelston Suzanne , Schuetz Audrey N. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Beyenal Haluk , Patel Robin
Published: March 2024

Wound infections, exacerbated by the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens, necessitate innovative antimicrobial approaches. Polymicrobial infections, often involvingPseudomonas aeruginosaand methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), present formidable challenges due to biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a potent antimicrobial agent produced naturally by the immune system, holds promise as an alternative therapy. An electrochemical bandage (e-bandage) that generates HOClin situwas evaluated for treatment of murine wound biofilm infections containing both MRSA andP. aeruginosawith “difficult-to-treat” resistance. Previously, the HOCl-producing e-bandage was shown to reduce wound biofilms containingP. aeruginosaalone. Compared to non-polarized e-bandage (no HOCl production) and Tegaderm only controls, the polarized e-bandages reduced bacterial loads in wounds infected with MRSA plusP. aeruginosa(MRSA: vs Tegaderm only – 1.4 log10CFU/g, p = 0.0015, vs. non-polarized – 1.1 log10CFU/g, p = 0.026.P. aeruginosa: vs Tegaderm only – 1.6 log10CFU/g, p = 0.0015, vs non-polarized – 1.6 log10CFU/g, p = 0.0032), and MRSA alone (vs Tegaderm only – 1.3 log10CFU/g, p = 0.0048, vs. non-polarized – 1.1 log10CFU/g, p = 0.0048), without compromising wound healing or causing tissue toxicity. Addition of systemic antibiotics did not enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of e-bandages, highlighting their potential as standalone therapies. This study provides additional evidence for the HOCl-producing e-bandage as a novel antimicrobial strategy for managing wound infections, including in the context of antibiotic resistance and polymicrobial infections.
Touchstones for the development of an inclusive approach for ecotourism as a service industry
Authors: Saxena Anupam , Shanker Sugandha , Sethi Deepa , Seth Manisha , Saxena Anurag
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study was conducted to analyse the socio-ecological problems faced by the Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary and understand its potential and challenges for developing ecotourism following Triple Bottom Line (TBL) principles. The study also benchmarked best ecotourism practices across the globe to create an ecotourism plan that would provide alternative livelihood and help in sustainable management of the area by reducing poverty, dependency on forests and biodiversity protection.

Design/methodology/approach

Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary was chosen because this area has several socio-ecological crises with limited livelihood options, and there is an urgent need for alternative livelihood opportunities in the form of ecotourism. The study followed an ethnographic approach through observation, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews. Content and thematic analysis was conducted through Atlas Ti9.0 software for data analysis. Subsequently, benchmarking best ecotourism practices through a literature review was done to develop an ecotourism action plan.

Findings

The First finding was related to the study area divided into three themes: problems, potential for ecotourism development, and challenges for ecotourism development. The second finding was related to benchmarking best practices and suggesting an action plan.

Originality/value

This work studied an area not sufficiently acknowledged by academicians and policymakers concerning ecotourism development. The work also benchmarks the best practices for ecotourism and proposes a sight-specific ecotourism action plan in accordance with TBL.
The multiple effects of farmland infrastructure investment on agrifood systems in China—an interdisciplinary model analysis
Authors: Zhang Yumei , Lei Ming , Lan Xiangmin , Zhang Xiangyang , Fan Shenggen , Gao Ji
Published: March 2024

Purpose

As one of its major strategies, China has made a new plan to further expand High Standard Farmland (HSF) to all permanent basic farmland (80% of total farmland) for grain security over the next decade. Yet, what will be the impact of farmland infrastructure investment on agrifood systems? The paper aims to systematically evaluate the multiple effects (food security, economy, nutrition and environment) of expanding HSF construction under the context of the “Big Food vision” using an interdisciplinary model.

Design/methodology/approach

An interdisciplinary model – AgriFood Systems Model, which links the China CGE model to diet and carbon emission modules, is applied to assess the multiple effects of HSF construction on agrifood systems, such as food security and economic development, residents’ diet quality and carbon emissions. Several policy scenarios are designed to capture these effects of the past HSF investment based on counterfactual analysis and compare the effects of HSF future investment at the national level under the conditions of different land use policies – restricting to grain crops or allowing diversification (like vegetables, and fruit).

Findings

The investments in HSF offer a promising solution for addressing the challenges of food and nutrition security, economic development and environmental sustainability. Without HSF construction, grain production and self-sufficiency would decline significantly, while the agricultural and agrifood systems’ GDP would decrease. The future investment in the HSF construction will further increase both grain production and GDP, improve dietary quality and reduce carbon emissions. Compared with the policy of limiting HSF to planting grains, diversified planting can provide a more profitable economic return, improve dietary quality and reduce carbon emissions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to better informing the impact of land infrastructure expanding investment on the agrifood systems from multiple dimensions based on an interdisciplinary model. We suggest that the government consider applying diversified planting in the future HSF investment to meet nutritional and health demands, increase household income and reduce carbon emissions.
Human resource practices and labour process of movie projection in China's rural areas in the digital era
Authors: Lu Jingfu , Wan Anlun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Regarding human resource and labour relations management, academia focuses mainly on cities; however, rural areas are an integral part of China's economic structure. This study focuses on the movie projection industry in China's rural areas and explores how human resource practices (HRPs) are transformed and the labour process is reconstructed in digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

We adopt a case study of a rural movie projection company. The company's HRPs reconstructed the labour process of movie projection, and they have been promoted as national standards. Data were collected from in-depth interviews, files and observations.

Findings

Rural movie projection companies combine high-performance and paternalistic HRPs in the media industry's digital transformation. HRPs and digital technology jointly reconstruct the labour process. First, the HRPs direct labour process practices towards standardisation. Second, the digital supervision platform guides the control style from simple to technical, placing projectionists under pressure while increasing management efficiency. Third, rural movies made using digital technology have disenchanted rural residents. Accordingly, the conventional relationships between the “country and its citizens,” “individuals themselves,” and “models and individuals” have been removed, and a new relationship between “individuals themselves” is formed thanks to the novel HRPs.

Originality/value

This research plays a crucial role in exposing researchers to the labour process of rural movie projection, which is significant in China but often ignored by Western academia and advances the Chinese contextualisation of research on labour relations.
Reducing gender-based unemployment in India: the impact of social inclusion and foreign funds inflows
Authors: Khan Imran , Gunwant Darshita Fulara
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the impact of social inclusion factors and foreign fund inflows on reducing gender-based unemployment in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A time series data set for the period of 1991–2021 has been considered, and an autoregressive distributed lag methodology has been applied to measure the short- and long-run impact of social inclusion and foreign fund inflows on reducing gender-based unemployment in India.

Findings

According to the study’s findings, both social inclusion and foreign fund inflows are critical factors for reducing male unemployment. However, in the case of female unemployment, only social inclusion factors play an important role, whereas foreign fund inflows have no role in it.

Originality/value

Analyzing the factors that affect gender-based unemployment has always been a grey area in literature. There are very few studies that capture gender-based unemployment in India, making this study a novice contribution. Second, it examines the relationship between foreign fund inflows, social inclusion and unemployment, which is another novel area of investigation. Finally, this study provides comprehensive and distinct results for both male and female unemployment that can help policymakers devise gender-based unemployment policies.
Understanding the evolution of international human resource management research: a bibliometric review over the past 25 years (1995–2019)
Authors: Lee Joonghak , Chae Chungil , Lee Jong Min , Fontinha Rita
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to offer a comprehensive overview of the field of international human resource management (IHRM) research by tracing its evolutionary development over a 24-year period. The study seeks to understand how the field has progressed by considering historical research themes and their subsequent integration into more recent scholarly work, thereby identifying current and emerging research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs bibliometric analysis to examine the evolutionary path of IHRM research from 1995 to 2019. A dataset of 1,507 articles from journals specializing in IHRM, international business and general management was created. Analysis at the keyword, thematic and network levels was conducted to identify trends, historical context and the interrelatedness of research themes.

Findings

The analysis reveals that IHRM research has gone through several phases of thematic focus, from initial emphasis on cultural differences and expatriate management to more recent topics like global talent management and digital transformation. Earlier research themes continue to be incorporated and re-contextualized in modern scholarship, highlighting the field’s dynamic nature.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to use a bibliometric approach to systematically examine the evolution of IHRM research. It not only provides a historical perspective but also outlines future research trends, incorporating the institutional logic perspective. The findings offer deep insights that are valuable for researchers, practitioners and policymakers interested in the development of IHRM research and its practical implications.
A retrospective clinicopathological study of erythema nodosum
Authors: Yokoi Satomi , Iwata Yohei , Sugiura Kazumitsu
Published: March 2024

Erythema nodosum (EN) may be idiopathic or secondary, and usually resolves naturally within 1–2 months. In atypical EN cases, the rash extends beyond the lower limbs to the upper limbs and trunk, and histopathological findings may be accompanied by vasculitis in addition to septal panniculitis. Few studies have examined the differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with EN based on rash distribution. We retrospectively examined whether there was a correlation with clinical information, such as the presence or absence of underlying diseases, by classifying the patients into two groups: the lower limbs group (the EN rash was confined to the lower limbs) and the beyond lower limbs group (the EN rash appeared beyond the lower limbs). Among the 86 adult patients diagnosed with EN at the Dermatology Department of Fujita Medical University between 2015 and 2020, there were 65 cases of the lower limbs group and 21 cases of the beyond lower limbs group. The frequency of underlying diseases was significantly higher in the beyond lower limbs group (76.2%, 16 cases) than in the lower limbs group (40.0%, 26 cases; P < 0.005). Vasculitis was more notable in the beyond lower limbs group (P < 0.05). Significantly higher vasculitis was noted in the EN group with underlying diseases (30.2%, 13 cases) than in the idiopathic EN group without underlying diseases (11.6%, 5 cases; P < 0.05). Neutrophil extracellular traps were positive in approximately 40% of cases in both groups. In the beyond lower limbs group, the possibility of severe cases with underlying diseases, vasculitis, and inflammation must be considered for effective treatment.
Active vitamin D analog and SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG after BNT162b2 vaccination in patients with hemodialysis
Authors: Nakashima Akio , Yamamoto Izumi , Kobayashi Arisa , Kimura Keita , Yaginuma Tatsuhiro , Nishio Shinichiro , Kato Kazuhiko , Kawai Rena , Horino Tetsuya , Ohkido Ichiro , Yokoo Takashi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Vaccination is the effective strategy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, few studies have investigated the association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) immunoglobulin (Ig)G and vitamin D.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate the association between SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and active vitamin D analogs in hemodialysis patients. Blood samples were collected four times: before vaccination and 30, 60, and 90 days after vaccination, BNT162b2 (Pfizer©).

Results

A total of 418 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 71.1 ± 12 years. Almost two thirds of the patients were prescribed active vitamin D analogs. The distribution of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG before vaccination was 235 (93–454) AU/mL. After multiple regression analyses, active vitamin D analog use was found to be associated with higher SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG levels from prevaccination to 90 days postvaccination.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated an association between higher SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and active vitamin D analog use in hemodialysis patients.

Clinical trial registration: The study information was registered in the UMIN‐CTR (UMIN 000046906).
Remimazolam for sedation and anesthesia in children: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Brüggemann Vladimir , Hansen Tom G.
Published: March 2024

Background

Remimazolam, a novel intravenous benzodiazepine recently approved by both the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Agency, holds significant promise in clinical practice. Its pharmacodynamic profile closely mirrors that of midazolam, while its pharmacokinetics properties bear resemblance to remifentanil. Research in adult populations continues to accumulate, but the pediatric studies' pace is not significant. This scoping review aims to methodically scrutinize published studies, clinical trials, observational research, case reports, and pertinent literature to offer a comprehensive insight into the existing understanding of remimazolam in pediatric sedation and anesthesia. The synthesis of gathered evidence will discern lacunae in the literature, direct forthcoming investigations, and enlighten clinical practices.

Methods

The review will adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) for Scoping Review. A meticulous search strategy will be executed across prominent peer‐reviewed databases, with concerted efforts to identify relevant gray literature. All primary investigations involving the administration of remimazolam in pediatric populations will be encompassed within the scope of this review.

Results

The encompassed studies will be elucidated through a narrative synopsis, complemented by descriptive statistical analyses of quantitative data where deemed applicable.

Conclusion

The planned scoping review aims to delineate the existing evidence regarding the utilization of remimazolam in pediatric anesthesia and sedation. It will discern areas of knowledge deficiency, provide guidance for future inquiries, and enhance clinical practices within the field.
Emergency presentations for farm‐related injuries in older adults residing in south‐western Victoria, Australia
Authors: Holloway‐Kew Kara L. , Baker Timothy R. , Sajjad Muhammad A. , Yosef Tewodros , Kotowicz Mark A. , Adams Jessie , Brumby Susan , Page Richard S. , Sutherland Alasdair G. , Kavanagh Bianca E. , Brennan‐Olsen Sharon L. , Williams Lana J. , Pasco Julie A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Farm workers are at high risk for injuries, and epidemiological data are needed to plan resource allocation.

Objective

This study identified regions with high farm‐related injury rates in the Barwon South West region of Victoria, Australia, for residents aged ≥50 yr.

Design

Retrospective synthesis using electronic medical records of emergency presentations occurring during 2017–2019 inclusive for Local Government Areas (LGA) in the study region. For each LGA, age‐standardised incidence rates (per 1000 population/year) were calculated.

Findings

For men and women combined, there were 31 218 emergency presentations for any injury, and 1150 (3.68%) of these were farm‐related. The overall age‐standardised rate for farm‐related injury presentations was 2.6 (95% CI 2.4–2.7); men had a higher rate than women (4.1, 95% CI 3.9–4.4 versus 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.3, respectively). For individual LGAs, the highest rates of farm‐related emergency presentations occurred in Moyne and Southern Grampians, both rural LGAs. Approximately two‐thirds of farm‐related injuries occurred during work activities (65.0%), and most individuals arrived at the hospital by transport classified as “other” (including private car, 83.3%). There were also several common injury causes identified: “other animal related injury” (20.2%), “cutting, piercing object” (19.5%), “fall ⟨1 m” (13.1%), and “struck by or collision with object” (12.5%). Few injuries were caused by machinery (1.7%) and these occurred mainly in the LGA of Moyne (65%).

Discussion and Conclusion

This study provides data to inform future research and resource allocation for the prevention of farm‐related injuries.
Erectile dysfunction criteria of 131,350 patients after open, laparoscopic, and robotic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Moretti Tomás Bernardo Costa , Magna Luís Alberto , Reis Leonardo Oliveira
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Comparing post‐radical prostatectomy erectile function rates among different techniques has always been a challenge in urology. This difficulty is due to the heterogeneity of studies, mainly in relation to the type of erectile function classification criteria used. The aim is to apply a new evidence‐gathering methodology, called reverse systematic review, to compare erectile function rates among retropubic radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, considering the diversity of classification criteria.

Methods

A search was carried out in eight databases between 2000 and 2020 through systematic review studies referring to retropubic radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, or robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (80 systematic reviews). All references used in these systematic reviews were captured by referring to 910 papers in a global database called EVIDENCE. A total of 268 studies related to post‐prostatectomy erectile function rates were selected for the final analysis, totaling 465 cohorts or reports referring to 131,350 patients.

Results

Note that, 119 (25.6%) reports for retropubic radical prostatectomy, 143 (30.7%) reports for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and 203 (43.7%) reports for robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy were found. Mean overall erectile function rates, respectively for retropubic radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, were: 16%, 12%, and 35% at 1 month, 22%, 26%, and 42% in 3 months; 30%, 44%, and 54% at 6 months, 41%, 55%, and 59% at 12 months, and 58%, 52%, and 67% at more than 18 months. The most used erectile function criterion was Erection Sufficient for Intercourse (74.1%), followed by Sexual Health Inventory for Men > 21 (5.5%), and Sexual Health Inventory for Men > 16 (3.7%). Erection Sufficient for Intercourse showed the lowest discrepancy in erectile function rates in each period compared to the global average, for each technique, demonstrating less ability to influence the final results, favoring any of the techniques.

Conclusions

The reverse systematic review demonstrated that the robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy showed higher rates of erectile function recovery at all times analyzed (1–>18 months), in relation to the retropubic radical prostatectomy and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. The Erection Sufficient for Intercourse criterion was the most used in the literature and showed the lowest bias capable of influencing the results and favoring any of the techniques and might be the fairest option for future comparisons.
Sequential surgery for the treatment of type I knee ankylosis: a series of 62 cases
Authors: Zhao Xinwen , Ma Baoan , Ding Yong , Wang Zhixue , Yu Jiajia , Zhang Yaohui , Tan Kaitao , Jin Ze , Dong Zhiwei
Published: March 2024

Backgrounds

The lack of systematic classification and standard treatment principles for knee ankylosis prevents optimal treatments. This study explored treatments for type I (mild) knee joint ankylosis.

Method

This retrospective study analysed patients with knee joint ankylosis admitted from March 2013 to January 2018 who underwent sequential arthroscopic release.

Result

The 62 patients had 12–36 (average, 18) months of follow‐up. Thirty‐eight patients were released; of these, 18 were assisted by limited incision with partial quadriceps femoris expansion myotomy and released according to arthroscopy. Six patients underwent lengthening and release of the quadriceps femoris. All surgeries combined with full‐course rehabilitation resulted in improved joint mobility. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint recovered to a range of 0° to 85°‐140° (mean: 118.32 ± 9.42°) from the preoperative range of 30°–70° (mean: 45° ± 15.50°). The clinical effect was evaluated according to the Judet criteria at the final follow‐up. The outcomes at the last follow‐up (at least for 1 year) were excellent in 55 cases, good in six cases, and fair in one case.

Conclusion

Sequential arthroscopic release, minimal selective invasion of limited incision of partial quadriceps femoris expansion myotomy, assisted by pie‐crusting technique to release, or quadriceps femoris lengthening, and release surgery for type I knee joint ankylosis, accompanied by early rehabilitation training provided satisfactory results without significant complications.
Did economic cooperation encourage trade in essential medical goods? Empirical evidence from the Asia–Pacific during COVID‐19
Authors: Sen Rahul , Das Sanchita Basu
Published: March 2024

Our paper empirically investigates the role of economic cooperation involving trade in coronavirus disease (COVID‐19)‐related essential medical goods—vaccines and their value chains, personal protective equipment, and diagnostic test kits—across 29 Asia and the Pacific economies. The paper incorporates vaccines and their global value chain products trade for the first time in the empirical literature. We further investigate whether trade facilitation, proxied by membership in regional trade agreements (RTAs), can help mitigate any adverse impact on trade in essential medical goods, applying a structural gravity framework. The results confirm that while trade is critical for Asian economies, its nature differs. Low‐income economies are largely dependent on imports, whereas selected middle‐ and high‐income economies are part of two‐way trade and engaged in the low end of the vaccine value chain. We find that the onset of the pandemic has hurt exports of these goods. This adverse effect is found to be lowered for economies engaged in RTAs. This emphasizes the role of governments in committing to RTAs and implementing trade facilitation measures.
Strongyloides stercoralis in two dogs from a household in temperate Australia
Authors: Kirkwood N , Šlapeta J
Published: March 2024

Strongyloides stercoralis is parasite affecting both humans and dogs and is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of Australia. This case report describes two dogs from a household in Sydney, New South Wales, one with chronic gastrointestinal signs and the other who was asymptomatic who were subsequently diagnosed with S. stercoralis. Diagnosis can be challenging in humans and dogs due to intermittent shedding and low worm burdens and in this case the symptomatic dog had Strongyloides spp. rhabitiform larvae detected on a direct faecal smear and PCR, the asymptomatic dog on PCR only. Obtained sequences from the symptomatic dog confirmed the presence of the S. stercoralis clade affecting both dogs and humans. Infection does not respond to commonly used deworming drugs for dogs. Treatment in both cases was undertaken using off‐label doses of ivermectin and follow‐up PCR testing was negative. This case report should increase practitioner awareness of this parasite as present and transmissible in temperate areas of Australia.
Population pharmacokinetics of a novel PCSK9 antisense oligonucleotide
Authors: Clewe Oskar , Rekić Dinko , Quartino Angelica L. , Carlsson Björn , Higashimori Mitsuo , Wernevik Linda , Hofherr Alexis , Rydén‐Bergsten Tina , Nilsson Catarina , Knöchel Jane
Published: March 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to characterize the population pharmacokinetics of AZD8233, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) that targets the PCSK9 transcript to reduce hepatocyte PCSK9 protein production and plasma levels. AZD8233 utilizes generation 2.5 S‐constrained ethyl motif (cET) chemistry and is conjugated to a triantennary N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc3) ligand for targeted hepatocyte uptake.

Methods

A non‐linear mixed‐effect modelling approach utilizing NONMEM software was applied to AZD8233 concentration–time data from 3416 samples in 219 participants from four phase 1–2 studies, one in healthy volunteers (NCT03593785) and three in patients with dyslipidaemia (NCT04155645, NCT04641299 and NCT04823611).

Results

The final model described the AZD8233 plasma concentration–time profile from four phase 1–2 studies in healthy volunteers or participants with dyslipidaemia, covering a dose range of 4 to 120 mg. The pharmacokinetics of AZD8233 were adequately described by a two‐compartment model with first‐order absorption. The supra‐proportional increase in maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) across the observed dose range was described by non‐linear Michaelis–Menten elimination (maximum elimination rate, 9.9 mg/h [12% relative standard error]; concentration yielding half‐maximal elimination rate, 4.8 mg/L [18% relative standard error]). Body weight, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate and disease status (healthy participant vs. patient with dyslipidaemia) were identified as factors affecting exposure to AZD8233.

Conclusions

Covariate analysis showed body weight to be the main factor affecting exposure to AZD8233, which largely explained the higher Cmax observed in the Asian population relative to non‐Asians.
Population pharmacokinetics of oxcarbazepine active metabolite in Chinese paediatric patients with epilepsy: Model‐based dose optimization
Authors: Wu Wei , Yang Wen‐sheng , Xu Xiao‐yong , Ge Xi‐lin , Lu Jinmiao , Wang Guang‐fei , Wang Yi , Li Zhi‐ping
Published: March 2024

The pharmacological activity of oxcarbazepine (OXC) is primarily exerted through its active 10‐monohydroxy metabolite (MHD). Nonetheless, there is limited pharmacokinetic information available regarding paediatric patients with epilepsy treated with OXC, especially in infants and toddlers. Concurrently, this drug exhibits substantial variability in pharmacokinetics and therapeutic response across different individuals. We aimed to develop a model to quantitatively investigate factors that affect MHD pharmacokinetics to formulate a dosage guideline for OXC in Chinese paediatric patients. A total of 297 MHD trough concentrations were obtained from 287 epileptic children. Six body weight (BW)‐based allometric models were used for population pharmacokinetic modelling, while investigating the impact of other covariates on the apparent clearance. The one‐compartment model and age cut‐off model for the apparent clearance (CL/F) were established to describe the pharmacokinetics of MHD. The probability to obtain target trough concentration ranges (TTCRs) of MHD between 3 and 35 mg/L was determined by Monte Carlo simulations for doses ranging from 8 to 90 mg/kg/day. A new dose optimization strategy combining the dosage guidelines and Bayesian method provides a tailored approach for Chinese paediatric epileptic patients based on their individual BW and desired TTCRs of MHD, and also supports current dose recommendations, with the exception of children weighing ≤5 kg.
Online decision aid for patients with prostate cancer evaluated by 11 290 patients and 91 urologists in Germany
Authors: Huber Johannes , Karschuck Philipp , Valdix Johanna , Thomas Christian , Koch Rainer , Ihrig Andreas , Hölscher Tobias , Krones Tanja , Kessler Elke , Kliesch Sabine , Linné Clemens , Enders Paul , Michel Maurice‐Stephan , Wülfing Christian , Groeben Christer
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the nationwide online decision aid ‘Entscheidungshilfe Prostatakrebs’ (established in 2016, >11.000 users and 60 new users/week) for patients with non‐metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), from the perspective of patients and urologists.

Patients and Methods

To provide personalised information, the tool collects most of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement standard set, personal preferences, psychological features, and a validated rating of the tool. To evaluate urologists’ opinions, we developed a structured two‐page questionnaire. All data were collected anonymously.

Results

From June 2016 to December 2020, 11 290 patients used the PCa decision aid. Their median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 67 (61–72) years. The median (IQR) time from initial diagnosis to using the tool was 4 (3–7) weeks. In all, 87.7% of users reported high satisfaction. In a multivariable model, predictors for considering observation were higher knowledge, using the decision aid alone, lower oncological risk, normal erectile function, and respective personal preferences. Of 194 urologists, 91 (47%) had implemented the decision aid in their clinical practice. The urologists’ mean (SD) satisfaction score (1 ‘very good’; 6 ‘unsatisfactory’) with it was 1.45 (0.55), and 92% recommended it. Half of the urologists reported time savings.

Conclusion

Patients and urologists report a very high level of acceptance and satisfaction with this online tool. It offers advantages in shared decision‐making and time efficiency. The usage of the decision aid might improve the adoption of active surveillance and watchful waiting when indicated.
Advances in the study of S100A9 in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Chen Fengling , He Ziyu , Wang Chengming , Si Jiajia , Chen Zhu , Guo Yuan
Published: March 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of diseases that primarily affect the heart or blood vessels, with high disability and mortality rates, posing a serious threat to human health. The causative factors, pathogenesis, and characteristics of common CVD differ, but they all involve common pathological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. S100A9 belongs to the S100 family of calcium‐binding proteins, which are mainly secreted by myeloid cells and bind to the Toll‐like receptor 4 and receptor for advanced glycation end products and is involved in regulating pathological processes such as inflammatory response, fibrosis, vascular calcification, and endothelial barrier function in CVD. The latest research has found that S100A9 is a key biomarker for diagnosing and predicting various CVD. Therefore, this article reviews the latest research progress on the diagnostic and predictive, and therapeutic value of S100A9 in inflammatory‐related CVD such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and arterial aneurysm and summarizes its molecular mechanisms in the progression of CVD, aiming to explore new predictive methods and to identify potential intervention targets for CVD in clinical practice.