bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wire arc direct energy deposited multiphase steel through in situ micropowder alloying: mechanical and metallurgical studies
Authors: Prakash Adarsh , Kore Sachin Dnyandeo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of copper and titanium micropowder addition on the mechanical and metallurgical properties of additively manufactured low-carbon steel, aiming to produce a modified (multiphase) steel with ferritic low-carbon steel using in situ micropowder addition during wire arc direct energy deposition (WA-DED).

Design/methodology/approach

A robotic arm equipped with a GMA welding source deposited ER70S6 filler wire on AISI S235 substrate steel using WA-DED. Cu and Ti micropowders were interspersed between layers for microstructural modifications. Microscopy, spectroscopy, diffraction and mechanical testing were used to evaluate the properties of the deposited samples.

Findings

Incorporating Cu and Ti micropowders significantly enhanced the yield and tensile strength of the deposited material, showing an 83% increase in yield strength and a 33% increase in tensile strength. Microstructural analysis identified key phases such as ferrite, pearlite, bainite, retained austenite and martensite/austenite, with Cu and Ti acting as grain refiners. Nanoscaled Cu precipitates contribute to enhanced low-temperature toughness and a 150% improvement in impact strength at −30°C.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach to overcome the limitations of the available alloys (filler materials). This can be achieved by introducing in situ micropowder alloying during the WA-DED process. The micropowder addition allows altering the properties of the deposited material without changing the parent filler material itself, achieving the desired composition. With this approach, there is no need to manufacture the filler material with the preferred alloy composition separately and then carry out the deposition process.
Application of digital twin technology for Urban Heat Island mitigation: review and conceptual framework
Authors: Omrany Hossein , Al-Obaidi Karam M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to elucidate the pivotal role of Digital Twin (DT) technology in addressing the adverse impacts of Urban Heat Island (UHI) and consolidate the fragmented knowledge of DT technology in urban environments by identifying applied actions, proposing an approach and revealing challenges for tackling UHI effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic literature review, 24 materials were retrieved from scholarly databases to provide a comprehensive understanding of DT technology and propose a conceptual framework for mitigating UHI effects.

Findings

The results revealed three major study categories within the DT and UHI domains: (1) DT-enabled actions for urban greenery optimisation, (2) DT implementation for enhancing resilience in urban planning and (3) increasing the fidelity level of DT for addressing UHI effects. Additionally, this paper introduces REFLECT, a conceptual DT-enabled framework consisting of seven layers: Retrieve, Establish, Facilitate, Lump, Examine, Cognition and Take. The framework proposes developing a systems-based model with identifiable scopes, strategies and factors through a multilayered platform, specifying model input, process and output towards mitigating UHI effects.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban development by highlighting the challenges associated with DT technology in mitigating UHI. It introduces a conceptual framework to demonstrate applications and directions for developing innovative solutions to unlock the full potential of DT technology in mitigating UHI effects.
Small business leadership, peacebuilding, and citizen perceptions of businesses as peacebuilders: theory and evidence from Colombia
Authors: Hoelscher Kristian , Miklian Jason
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Businesses are increasingly engaged in actions to support peace in conflict- and violence-affected communities. Yet there is limited knowledge about why business leaders engage in peace or how citizens perceive the importance, efficacy and impacts of business contributions to address conflict and violence. These gaps are particularly acute for small business scholarship. This paper aims to address these.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) view their peace-positive actions and how these are perceived by communities. This paper examines this by using two original primary surveys conducted concurrently in May 2021 in Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia. Question themes included: SMEs operating environments, relationships and networks, experiences of violence, SMEs community contributions and citizen perceptions of businesses as peacebuilding agents.

Findings

The results show that small business leaders who supported their communities with peace-positive actions saw their businesses perform better and held positive views of the benefits of engagement. Further, citizen perceptions of businesses contributions to peace declined where insecurity increased and improved where businesses – and in particular MSMSEs – engaged more in their communities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper discusses certain limitations related to the use of a mobile-phone based sampling methodology enumerated during an ongoing pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper presents an original contribution that examines both SME and citizen perceptions of businesses peace-positive actions. The findings inform notions of SME leadership in fragile contexts, as well as the role of the private sector in conflict spaces more generally. They also suggest a greater focus on understanding the broader perceptions of businesses actions toward peacebuilding within society.
How does urbanization affect natural selection?
Authors: Charmantier Anne , Burkhard Tracy , Gervais Laura , Perrier Charles , Schulte‐Hostedde Albrecht I. , Thompson Megan J.
Published: September 2024

Urbanization is one of the most significant contributors to the Anthropocene, and urban evolutionary ecology has become an important field of research. While it is commonly assumed that cities impose new and stronger selection, the contradictory assertion that selection may be relaxed in cities is also frequently mentioned, and overall, our understanding of the effects of urbanization on natural selection is incomplete.

In this review, we first conduct a literature search to find evidence for patterns of natural selection on phenotypic traits including morphology, physiology, behaviour and life history, in urban and non‐urban populations of animals and plants. This search reveals that coefficients of natural selection in the context of urbanization are scarce (n = 8 studies providing selection gradients/differentials that include a total of n = 200 coefficients) and a lack of standardized methods hinders quantitative comparisons across studies (e.g. with meta‐analysis). These studies, however, provide interesting insight on the agents shaping natural selection in cities and improve our mechanistic understanding of selection processes at different spatial scales.

We then perform a second literature search to review genomic studies assessing selection intensity in cities, on the genome of non‐human natural populations. While this search returns 383 articles, only 34 of these truly investigate footprints of selection associated with urbanization, and only one study provides urban genetic selection coefficients. Here again, we find highly heterogeneous approaches, yet some studies provide strong evidence of genomic footprints of urban adaptation.

In neither the phenotypic nor genomic literature review were we able to quantitatively assess natural selection across urban versus non‐urban habitats. Thus, we propose a roadmap of how future studies should provide standardized metrics to facilitate mega‐ or meta‐analyses and explore generalized effects of urbanization on selection.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Weathering the Storm: Unravelling the Influence of Climate Change Risk Exposure on Firms’ Human Capital Investment
Authors: Cao Zhangfan , Chen Steven Xianglong , Lee Edward , Xie Sujuan
Published: September 2024

Building on agency theory, this study examines the impact of climate change risks on corporate investment in human capital as a key factor of production. Using a sample of US listed firms for the period 1989–2017, we find that firms respond to the growing climate risks by enhancing efficiency in human capital investment, primarily through a reduction in over‐hiring, consistent with our conjecture that firms adopt more prudent and efficient recruitment strategies in reaction to higher climate risks. Cross‐sectional analyses suggest that such an improvement in human capital investment decisions is more salient for firms with poor corporate governance, less intellectual capital and facing greater industry competition and less pronounced for firms with more resilient assets against climate change. By exploiting two exogenous events that cause significant increases in climate risk as quasi‐natural experiments, we conduct difference‐in‐differences analyses and find consistent evidence that the firms engage in more efficient human capital investment in response to both the physical and regulatory risks of climate change. Collectively, despite the overwhelming negative impact of climate change, our study reveals that such risks can play a disciplinary role in promoting more efficient managerial decisions on human capital investment.
Sirtuin 3 reinforces acylcarnitine metabolism and maintains thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue of aging mice
Authors: Zhang Kuiliang , Wang Yucheng , Sun Yujie , Xue Lamei , Wang Yu , Nie Chenzhipeng , Fan Mingcong , Qian Haifeng , Ying Hao , Wang Li , Li Yan
Published: September 2024

Acylcarnitine (ACar) is a novel fuel source for activating thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). However, whether ACar metabolism underlies BAT thermogenesis decline with aging remain unclear. Here, the L‐carnitine‐treated young and aging mice were used to investigate the effects of activation of ACar metabolism on BAT thermogenesis during aging. We showed that long term L‐carnitine feeding, which results in an elevation in circulating ACar levels, failed to improve cold sensitivity of aging mice, which still displayed impaired thermogenesis and ACar metabolism in interscapular BAT (iBAT). The RNA‐sequencing was used to identify the key regulator for the response of aging mice to LCar induced activation of ACar metabolism in BAT, and we identified Sirt3 as a key regulator for the response of aging mice to L‐carnitine induced activation of ACar metabolism in iBAT. Then the adipose‐specific Sirt3 knockout (Sirt3 AKO) mice were used to investigate the role of Sirt3 in ACar metabolism and thermogenesis of BAT and explore the underlying mechanism, and the results showed that Sirt3 AKO mice displayed defective ACar metabolism and thermogenesis in iBAT. Mechanically, Sirt3 regulated ACar metabolism via HIF1α‐PPARα signaling pathway to promote iBAT thermogenesis, and knockdown or inhibition of HIF1α ameliorated impaired ACar metabolism and thermogenesis of iBAT in the absence of Sirt3. Collectively, we propose that Sirt3 regulated ACar metabolism is critical in maintaining thermogenesis in BAT of aging mice, which can promote the development of anti‐aging intervention strategy.
Linking functional and phylogenetic diversity to assess decay in ecosystem services induced by metacommunity‐level mammal extirpations
Authors: Bogoni Juliano A. , Araujo Goebel Luan G. , Santos‐Filho Manoel , Peres Carlos A.
Published: September 2024

Defaunation is an increasingly pervasive process, reaching ever larger spatial scales worldwide. We integrated data on thousands of putative local mammal assemblages across the Neotropics into 518 metacommunities to predict the phylogenetic trait‐based effects of regional defaunation—here defined as meta‐extirpation (i.e. extinction at the metacommunity level)—on dozens of putative ecosystem services (ESs). Further, based on 1029 real‐world mammal assemblages coalesced into 236 metacommunities, we assessed the spatial extent of meta‐extirpations across the Neotropics, while empirically quantifying losses in ESs in comparison with putative scenarios. Using observed data, we also sought to understand changes in the mean body size of metacommunities for different dietary guilds. We examined patterns of mammal diversity, evaluated the erosion of ESs based on ecological networks and measured the relationships between diversity metrics and ESs via dissimilarity arrangements and generalized linear models. Meta‐extirpation regimes lead to a mean loss of 49.6% of the ESs provided by Neotropical mammals within metacommunities, whereas real‐world meta‐extirpations derived 47.2% of ES loss. We show that simulated meta‐extirpations penalizing large‐bodied species, induced the most severe losses in ESs. Regional‐scale meta‐extirpations lead to changes in the metabolic allometry and trophic structure of consumers, inducing significant metacommunity downsizing. We conclude that once‐thriving mammal‐mediated roles in natural ecosystems are fading, with significant consequences for human livelihoods. Many mammal populations have succumbed in several Neotropical ecoregions; so it is critical to protect representative fractions of Neotropical landscapes and regional species pools. Finally, we reinforce the appeal for effective conservation action, given that meta‐extirpations are already a global reality.
Brushing up on carcass consumption: Investigating spatiotemporal scavenging dynamics of brushtail possums in Australian ecosystems
Authors: Finnerty Patrick B. , Bonat Stefanie , Spencer Emma E. , Cairncross Rhys J. , Meisuria Niraj , Raña Angela F. , Fust Christopher , Vandersteen James , Dickman Christopher R. , Greenville Aaron , Barton Philip S. , Crowther Mathew S. , McArthur Clare , Newsome Thomas M.
Published: September 2024

Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) are becoming increasingly recognized as key members of local scavenger guilds in Australia. Yet, our understanding of the spatiotemporal scavenging dynamics of this mainly herbivorous marsupial species remains limited. We investigated abiotic and biotic factors influencing possum carcass use across an alpine and temperate bioregion in Australia. Using camera traps set on experimentally placed kangaroo carcasses, we first examined the influence of both open and closed canopy habitats and warm and cool seasons on possum scavenging behaviour across both bioregions. While scavenging was minimal in open habitats across both bioregions—likely a reflection of possums being an arboreal species—seasonality did significantly influence possum activity. Possums scavenged on carcasses in temperate regions entirely during cooler months. Scavenging was recorded year‐round in the alpine region, but with total possum feeding time on carcasses 5.9 times higher in cooler months. A more detailed 12‐month study in the alpine region confirmed this strong seasonal influence on possum scavenging, with possums up to 5.4 times more likely to discover carcasses in winter and spend up to 6.7 times longer feeding on carcasses during this season. The variability in possum scavenging behaviour between bioregions and seasons highlights the spatiotemporal complexity of possum scavenging behaviour and the importance of considering abiotic and biotic factors to understand the behaviours of scavengers more broadly. Recognizing primarily herbivorous animals as important yet often overlooked members of local scavenger guilds can help advance our understanding of complex scavenging networks and the intricate pathways through which energy flows in ecosystems, both in Australia and in other systems. Improving our understanding of the spatiotemporal scavenging dynamics of typically herbivorous species may also help to inform more nuanced and effective wildlife management strategies, where supplementary foraging on atypical food resources poses conservation concerns.
Modelled Vegetation Structure and Abundance Confirms African Savannah Elephant‐Induced Damage Across Space in a Dry Protected Area With Diverse Vegetation
Authors: Mukomberanwa Nobert Tafadzwa , Taru Phillip , Utete Beaven , Ngorima Patmore
Published: September 2024

The African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) is an ecosystem engineer essential in determining the structure and vegetation abundance in mesic dry protected areas such as the Mana Pools National Park (MNP) in Zimbabwe. Understanding the interactions between elephants and vegetation structure is essential for effective conservation and management of savannah ecosystems. Conservation efforts often aim to balance elephant populations with the carrying capacity of their habitats to ensure the sustainability of both flora and fauna within protected areas. Therefore understanding how African savannah elephants influence vegetation structure, abundance and damage is critical for adaptive ecosystem management and wildlife conservation in mesic savannah ecosystems. This study assessed: (i) vegetation structure, (ii) abundance and (iii) evidence of elephant‐induced vegetation damage near a distance gradient to water points in MNP. A generalised linear model (GLM) was used to investigate the relationship between vegetation aspects that is structure, abundance and evidence of damage with distance from water sources. In the mesic protected MNP where African savannah elephants predominate, the modelled vegetation shape, abundance and damage exhibit spatial differences on a distant gradient towards water sources (χ2, p < 0.05). There is need for implementation of comparably, less costly, homogenous conservation measures for African savannah elephants across the artificial water pans in the MNP.
Effect of antidepressants on ejaculation dysfunction in patients with depression and anxiety: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Qihua , Xu Zhunan , Chen Xiangyu , Liu Li , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Antidepressants may lead to a series of sexual adverse effects (SAEs), among which ejaculation dysfunction (EjD) is often overlooked by clinicians. The purpose of the present network meta‐analysis was to assist drug adjustment by comparing and ranking the incidence of EjD among various antidepressants.

Methods

Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and other additional records. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed the rate of EjD in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorder after taking anti‐depressants. The incidences of EjD, erectile dysfunction (ED), decreased libido (DL), adverse events (AE), withdrawal due to adverse events (WDAE) and withdrawal due to lack of efficacy (WDLE) were pooled using odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). The values of surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) helped to rank the risk of each outcome in different antidepressants.

Results

Thirty RCTs comprising 18,157 patients were included. Results of all node‐splitting analysis demonstrated no statistical inconsistency (all P > 0.05). Clomipramine (OR 42.11, 95% CI [9.90, 179.08]), WS5570 (OR 28.99, 95% CI [1.48, 568.97]) and paroxetine (OR 18.63, 95% CI [9.33, 37.23]) had significant risk of EjD comparing to placebo. Additionally, duloxetine (OR 7.37, 95% CI [2.61, 20.78]), clomipramine (OR 5.29, 95% CI [1.72, 16.25]), paroxetine (OR 3.75, 95% CI [1.37, 10.26]) and escitalopram (OR 3.04, 95% CI [1.20, 7.71]) presented higher risk of ED comparing to placebo. Agomelatine, levomilnacipran, vortioxetine, trazodone, vilazodone, fluvoxamine and imipramine exhibited similar incidence of EjD with placebo (all P > 0.05). Besides, trazodone, vilazodone and vortioxetine had the top‐five SUCRA values in each of SAEs (EjD, ED and DL), and agomelatine might be alternative in EjD and DL. Considering about AE, WDAE and WDLE, vilazodone appeared to offer more satisfactory performance across all these aspects.

Conclusions

For patients undergoing SAEs following the administration of antidepressants, trazodone, vortioxetine, vilazodone and agomelatine are alternative antidepressants.
What If You Mobilize Effectively and Still Do Not Win? Reclaiming a Relational Understanding of Strike Outcomes and Employer Power Resources
Authors: Kallas John
Published: September 2024

In this study, the author draws on a comparison of two strikes by US healthcare workers to examine power resources and strike effectiveness. Unions mobilized a range of power resources in each case yet achieved different outcomes. The author argues that variation in bargaining power, particularly employer power resources, rather than union strategy, explains divergent strike outcomes. The author advances a relational understanding of power resources by explaining how employer resources and strategies shape labour's resources and strategies to produce outcomes for workers and their organizations.
Human monocyte‐derived microglia‐like (iMG) cells: A tool to explore microglial dynamics
Authors: Kyuragi Sota , Inamine Shogo , Ohgidani Masahiro , Kato Takahiro A.
Published: September 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of microglia as key immunomodulators in a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases. Postmortem brain analysis and positron emission tomography are representative research approaches to assess microglial activation in human patients and this research has revealed microglial activation in the brains of patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders. However, only limited aspects of microglial activation can be assessed with these methods. To overcome the technical and ethical limitations of collecting human‐derived microglia in brain biopsies, we first developed a method to generate directly induced microglia‐like (iMG) cells from fresh human peripheral blood monocytes in 2014. These iMG cells can be used to perform dynamic morphological and molecular analyses regarding phagocytic capacity and cytokine release following stress stimulation at the cellular level. Patient‐derived iMG cells can potentially serve as an important surrogate marker for estimating microglial activation in the human brain, and may provide previously unknown insights into the dynamic pathophysiology of microglia in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, the iMG‐based technology could be used as a valuable reverse translational tool and provide new insights into the dynamic molecular pathophysiology of microglia in a wide variety of psychiatric and physical disorders.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist‐based agents and weight loss composition: Filling the gaps
Authors: Dubin Robert L. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Ravussin Eric , Greenway Frank L.
Published: September 2024

Excess adiposity is at the root of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) have emerged as first‐line treatments for T2D based on significant weight loss results. The composition of weight loss using most diets consists of <25% fat‐free mass (FFM) loss, with the remainder from fat stores. Higher amounts of weight loss (achieved with metabolic bariatric surgery) result in greater reductions in FFM. Our aim was to assess the impact that GLP‐1RA‐based treatments have on FFM. We analysed studies that reported changes in FFM with the following agents: exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide, and the dual incretin receptor agonist tirzepatide. We performed an analysis of various weight loss interventions to provide a reference for expected changes in FFM. We evaluated studies using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) for measuring FFM (a crude surrogate for skeletal muscle). In evaluating the composition of weight loss, the percentage lost as fat‐free mass (%FFML) was equal to ΔFFM/total weight change. The %FFML using GLP‐1RA‐based agents was between 20% and 40%. In the 28 clinical trials evaluated, the proportion of FFM loss was highly variable, but the majority reported %FFML exceeding 25%. Our review was limited to small substudies and the use of DXA, which does not measure skeletal muscle mass directly. Since FFM contains a variable amount of muscle (approximately 55%), this indirect measure may explain the heterogeneity in the data. Assessing quantity and quality of skeletal muscle using advanced imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) with functional testing will help fill the gaps in our current understanding.
Effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists on glycated haemoglobin and continuous glucose monitoring metrics as adjunctive therapy to insulin in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Karakasis Paschalis , Koufakis Theocharis , Patoulias Dimitrios , Barkas Fotios , Klisic Aleksandra , Mitrovic Milena , Doumas Michael , Papanas Nikolaos , Popovic Djordje S.
Published: September 2024

Aims

To conduct a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics as an adjunct to insulin therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted through Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to 27 May 2024. Dual‐independent study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Results were summarized using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Results

Six RCTs were identified, involving a total of 378 individuals with T1D. The use of GLP‐1RAs in addition to standard insulin therapy was associated with a significant reduction in HbA1c (mean difference [MD] −0.21%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.36 to −0.06; p = 0.007) and a similar time in range (TIR) compared to placebo (MD −0.22%, 95% CI −2.39 to 1.95; p = 0.84). GLP‐1RA therapy resulted in a significantly higher time below range (MD 1.13%, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.76; p < 0.001) and a lower time above range compared with placebo (MD −1.83%, 95% CI −2.51 to −1.15; p < 0.001). Nonsignificant differences were noted for the secondary outcomes, including the mean amplitude of glucose excursion, continuous overall net glycaemic action for 60 min, mean daily glucose, coefficient of variation, and mean standard deviation of weekly glucose levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that, in individuals with T1D, add‐on therapy with GLP‐1RAs does not confer significant benefits in terms of CGM metrics and is associated with a longer time below the target glycaemic range.
Left Ventricular Geometric Pattern Impacts QT Dispersion in Males Athletes and Sedentary Men
Authors: Stojanović Emilija , Scanlan Aaron , Jakovljević Vladimir , Stoičkov Viktor , Radovanović Dragan
Published: September 2024

Aim

To (1) compare QT dispersion (QTd) and echocardiographic features between athletes with concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, athletes with eccentric LV hypertrophy, and sedentary controls with a normal LV geometric pattern and (2) quantify associations between QTd and echocardiographic features within these groups.

Methods

Male athletes competing in different sports and sedentary men were stratified into groups according to their LV geometric pattern. These groups included eccentric LV hypertrophy (LV index > 115 g/m2, relative wall thickness [RWT] < 0.42) consisting of 38 athletes, concentric LV hypertrophy (LV index > 115 g/m2, RWT > 0.42) consisting of 40 athletes, and normal LV geometric pattern (LV index < 115 g/m2, RWT < 0.42) consisting of 40 sedentary controls. Following a cross‐sectional design, participants underwent electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic screening. Data were compared between groups using one‐way analyses of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Associations between corrected QTd and echocardiographic variables were quantified using Pearson correlations.

Results

Alongside structural disparities between groups, corrected QTd was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in athletes with eccentric LV hypertrophy compared to athletes with concentric LV hypertrophy and sedentary controls. Significant, moderate‐to‐very‐large correlations were found between corrected QTd and interventricular septal wall thickness in athletes with concentric (r = 0.416, p = 0.008) or eccentric LV hypertrophy (r = 0.734, p < 0.001), and sedentary controls (r = 0.464, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

The provided comparative and relationship data may inform the development of more precise approaches for ECG and echocardiographic screening in athletes, particularly in those with concentric LV hypertrophy who may be at greater risk for developing prolonged QTd.
Lung damage in SARS‐CoV‐2 patients: An autopsy study in the era of vaccination
Authors: Bussani Rossana , Porcari Aldostefano , Pinamonti Maurizio , Iacobucci Anthea , Belladonna Eleonora , Tomasini Ariella , Zanconati Fabrizio , Collesi Chiara , Giacca Mauro , Berlot Giorgio , Sinagra Gianfranco , Silvestri Furio
Published: September 2024

Aims

The contribution of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on lung damage and the effect of vaccination on either containing the number of deaths or mitigating lung damage has not been systematically investigated.

Methods

Post‐mortem analysis was performed among consecutive in‐patients with COVID‐19 deceased in the Province of Trieste (2020–2022). The outcomes of the study were (i) rates of in‐hospital mortality, (ii) contribution of COVID‐19 to death, (iii) histological extent of lung injury and (iv) impact of vaccination.

Results

A total of 1038 consecutive hospitalized patients who died with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were autopsied and deep histological analysis of the lungs was performed in a randomly selected sample of 508 cases. Among them, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was (a) the cause of death (n = 90), (b) contributing to death (n = 304) and (c) an accompanying feature (n = 114). The incidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as the primary cause of mortality decreased over time (23.8% in 2020, 20.9% in 2021 and 7.9% in 2022). On multivariable analysis, vaccination (any dose) was independently associated with lower rates of death related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (HR .15, p < .001), after adjusting for other independent predictors. A total of 172 patients were vaccinated at least with two doses at the time of death: 93% triple‐vaccinated, 7% double‐vaccinated. On histological analysis, vaccinated patients had a greater frequency of pneumonia severity score 0 and 1 (20.3% vs. 5.4% and 20.9% vs. 7.7%, p < .001, respectively), and a substantially lower proportion of pneumonia severity score 3 (26.2% vs. 55.1%, p < .001) compared to unvaccinated patients.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 vaccination has substantially reduced rates of death related to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection over time and may have the ability to mitigate lung damage.
33P‐isotope labelling ammonium phosphate fertilizers reveals majority of early growth maize phosphorus is soil‐derived
Authors: Chatterjee Neha , Li Chongyang , Margenot Andrew J.
Published: September 2024

In soils managed to have adequate to high Mehlich‐3 phosphorus (P) concentrations throughout the US Maize Belt, the majority of crop P is soil‐derived. Struvite, a low water solubility ammonium phosphate fertilizer, may be therefore substituted for relatively high water‐soluble monoammonium phosphate (MAP) without adversely impacting maize (Zea mays L.) P uptake and growth, while minimizing fertilizer P loss risk. We determined the relative contribution of struvite and MAP to maize P uptake and soil solution P in soils representative of the US Maize Belt by radiolabelling fertilizers with 33P. We found 8% (struvite) to 22% (MAP) of early‐to‐mid vegetative growth stage (V7) maize P was fertilizer‐derived, and thus, 78%–92% was soil‐derived. Despite similar aboveground P uptake and maize growth, maize P use efficiency (PUE) determined directly by 33P was <5% for MAP (4.9%) and struvite (1.9%) indicating that in soils with adequate to high crop‐available P, early season fertilizer PUE is relatively low. If prorated to harvest stage, in‐season PUE was estimated to be 8% for struvite and 20% for MAP. MAP and struvite did not differ in relative contributions to water‐extractable P, a proxy for P loss risk, potentially reflecting lag effects in struvite P dissolution and/or the relatively fine particle size of synthesized fertilizers (<0.1 mm diameter). Since maize aboveground biomass and P uptake were similar for both struvite and MAP, struvite could be an effective P fertilizer for soils with adequate to high Mehlich‐3 P concentrations common across the US Maize Belt.
Atypical MAPKs in cancer
Authors: Dahm Katrin , Vijayarangakannan Parthiban , Wollscheid Hans‐Peter , Schild Hansjörg , Rajalingam Krishnaraj
Published: September 2024

Impaired kinase signalling leads to various diseases, including cancer. At the same time, kinases make up the majority of the druggable genome and targeting kinase activity has proven to be a successful first‐line therapy for many cancers. Among the best‐studied kinases are the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and survival. However, the MAPK family also contains the atypical members ERK3 (MAPK6), ERK4 (MAPK4), ERK7/ERK8 (MAPK15), and NLK that are functionally and structurally different from their conventional family members and have long been neglected. Nevertheless, in recent years, important roles in carcinogenesis, actin cytoskeleton regulation and the immune system have been discovered, underlining the physiological importance of atypical MAPKs and the need to better understand their functions. This review highlights the distinctive features of the atypical MAPKs and summarizes the evidence on their regulation, physiological roles, and potential targeting strategies for cancer therapies.
Association between atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Wei , Pi Yunze , Xu Jiwei
Published: September 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and prurigo nodularis (PN) are chronic dermatological conditions marked by severe itching and the presence of eczematous lesions such as papules and nodules. Both diseases can pose significant physical and psychological harm, leading to poor quality of life. Notably, AD and PN were clinically linked in the past, with suggestions by researchers that PN might be a distinct clinical phenotype of AD. However, the extent of their relationship had not been fully quantified until our recent investigations. Through a meticulous systematic review and meta‐analysis adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we extensively searched databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, up to February 18, 2024. Our random effects meta‐analysis presented a strikingly increased risk of AD in patients suffering from PN as opposed to control groups (pooled unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 16.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.13–46.31; I2 = 100%). Correspondingly, an elevated prevalence of PN was identified in subjects with AD (2.00%; 95% CI, 1.62–2.37%). These findings underscore the close association between AD and PN, suggesting a multifaceted overlap and potential bi‐directionality in developing these skin conditions. However, further comprehensive studies are essential to validate these associations and understand their precise clinical implications, with the ultimate goal of refining patient management strategies.
Social insurance for gig workers: Insights from a discrete choice experiment in Malaysia
Authors: Ghorpade Yashodhan , Rahman Amanina Abdur , Jasmin Alyssa
Published: September 2024

The rise of “gig” work globally has led to both enthusiasm for its potential to create lucrative employment for a large number of workers, as well as concerns about its implications for social protection. Even where social insurance systems allow for voluntary coverage, take‐up among gig workers has remained low, leaving them unprotected against a range of risks. Looking at the Malaysian labour market, this article investigates whether the low take‐up of social security coverage among gig workers can be explained by the inability or unwillingness of these workers to make the necessary social insurance contributions? We deploy a novel vignette‐based experiment to ascertain gig workers’ willingness to pay for social insurance coverage. We find a large unmet need for social insurance among gig workers, as well as a high level of willingness to pay for unemployment insurance, retirement savings, and work‐related injury insurance. Our analysis suggests that gig workers could benefit more from better tailored, more flexible, and more easily accessible instruments for social insurance, rather than from subsidies or matching contributions alone. We also find evidence of substitution between distinct insurance instruments; those gig workers with access to retirement savings are less willing to pay for unemployment insurance, and those with private medical insurance are less likely to contribute to the public work‐related injury insurance programme. This underlines the need to consider a wider range of insurance instruments for gig workers, including those offered by the private sector.
Reforming the Dutch pension system to ensure sustainability
Authors: Westerhout Ed , Ponds Eduard , Zwaneveld Peter
Published: September 2024

The Netherlands is on the brink of reforming its system of occupational pensions as part of a more general reform of its three‐pillar pension system. This reform features important changes to first pillar pension benefits. The focus of this article is however on the coming reform of occupational pensions, the second pillar of the system, which concerns both pension contributions and benefits. This reform is related to a series of reforms that have gradually transformed the pension contract that was dominant 20 years ago, a final salary defined benefit contract, into a collective defined contribution contract. We argue that these reforms are a response to changes in the external environment, such as population ageing and a secular decline of interest rates. The coming reform responds to the call for a pension scheme that is more individualistic, more closely connected to the labour market, and which does not share interest rate risks between generations. The New Pension Contract remains in part collective, since the assets of participants are invested collectively, and a mandatory solidarity fund can be used for intergenerational risk sharing.
Bacterial mediastinitis following heart transplantation. Successful treatment in three cases by open debridement, closed irrigation and drainage
Authors: Geiran Odd , Lindberg Harald , Øvrum Elvind , Freysaker Tor
Published: September 2024

Following heart transplantation, 3 out of 43 patients developed bacterial mediastinitis. Resternotomy with debridement, primary closure and postoperative irrigation and drainage were performed in these cases. Drainage was continued until bacterial growth from the drainage fluid subsided 8‐10 d after surgery. Additional systemic antibiotics were given intravenously and later orally, until all signs of infection had cleared. No further major surgery was necessary in spite of continued routine immunosuppression with cyclosporin A, azathioprine and low dose prednisolone. Endomyocardial transvenous biopsies and treatment of acute rejection were performed according to the protocol. The patients are alive and well 8‐17 months after cardiac transplantation.
Early doxorubicin treatment of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Ericzon B.‐G. , Gustafsson S.A. , Lundgren G. , Wilczek H. , Eleborg L. , Magnius L. , Reinholt F. , Groth C. G.
Published: September 2024

We report on a patient with primary hepatic carcinoma, most probably developed after a chronic hcpatitis‐B infection, to whom doxorubicin was given when serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) reappeared early after liver transplantation. With this treatment the tumor marker disappeared initially but later clinical metastatis developed. Still, the finding indicates that early adjuvant treatment with anti‐tumor drugs might affect tumor development after liver replacement for malignancy.
Effect of sensitization on primary cadaveric renal allograft survival following deliberate unrelated blood transfusions
Authors: Martin Susan , Dyer Philip A. , Manos John , Gokal Ram , Mallick Netar P. , Bakran All , Johnson Robert W. G.
Published: September 2024

One‐hundred‐and‐forty‐seven patients entered a program of planned transfusions prior to renal transplantation. Panel reactive lymphocytotoxic antibodies (PRA) were produced by 28 (19%) of the patients but in only 7 (4.8%) did the antibodies react with more than 10% of the panel cells (n = 40). Eighty‐seven patients were transplanted, of whom 20.7% had been sensitized following their transfusions. Of those not yet transplanted, 16.7% are sensitized. The mean waiting time for those patients who have been transplanted was 9.9 months and for those still waiting is 16.6 months. Waiting times were not influenced by sensitization. Actuarial graft survival is the same in the groups that did and did not have PRA pretransplant (77.8% and 76.4% at 1 year, respectively). Of the 64 patients who were unsensitized pretransplant, 16 (25%) did and 48 (75%) did not produce PRA posttransplant: their actuarial graft survivals at 1 yr are 62.5% and 85%, respectively (p = 0.04). We conclude that good graft survival is achieved following planned transfusions; posttransfusion sensitization is low and does not prevent patients from receiving a transplant nor adversely affect subsequent graft survival. Conversely, the production of PRA posttransplant is related to significantly poorer graft outcome.
Hyperacute rejection of a human orthotopic liver allograft in a presensitized recipient
Authors: Hanto Douglas W. , Snover Dale C. , Noreen Harriet J. , Sibley Richard K. , Gajl‐Peczalska Kazlmiera J. , Najarian John S. , Ascher Nancy L
Published: September 2024

A 37‐year‐old female with liver failure received an ABO‐compatible orthotopic liver allograft and died of progressive liver failure 8 days later. The pretransplant T cell crossmatch was strongly positive using both the extended incubation and anti‐human immunoglobulin (AHG) techniques. The posttransplant extended incubation crossmatch results were negative, presumably secondary to intraoperative blood replacement, but remained positive using the more sensitive AHG technique. Donor‐specific lymphocytotoxic antibodies were demonstrated against the mismatched A11 HLA‐antigen. Histologic features characteristic of hyperacute rejection were found in liver tissue obtained 30 minutes, 5 d, and at autopsy 8 d after transplantation and included an intense polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltrate, fibrin and platelet aggregates, bile duct damage, endothelial inflammation, and ischemic hepatocellular necrosis. These results demonstrate for the first time in humans that hyperacute rejection mediated by donor‐specific lymphocytotoxic antibodies can occur in liver transplant recipients.
The clinical significance of vesico‐ureteral reflux into transplanted kidneys
Authors: Bootsma M. , Kootte A. M. M. , van Bockel J. H. , Obermann W. R. , Paul L. C.
Published: September 2024

The significance of vesico‐ureteral reflux into the transplanted kidney was studied prospectively in 66 patients whose grafts had been functioning for more than 3 months. In all cases, an anti‐reflux technique with a submucosal tunnel had been used for insertion of the donor ureter into the recipient's bladder. Voiding cystograms were performed routinely 4 to 5 months (range 1 to 27) after transplantation. Comparison of the group of patients with (n = 43) and without (n = 23) reflux did not reveal any difference in the incidence of urinary tract infections. Furthermore, the number of rejection treatments, the number of antihypertensive drugs prescribed, the prevalence and degree of proteinuria, the graft function and the graft survival were not different in the two groups up to 4 years following transplantation.
Clinical and biophysical studies of the skin in renal allograft patients
Authors: Teillac Dominique , de Prost Yves , Debure Alain , Leveque Jean‐Luc , Léger Didier Saint , Escoffier Catherine , Ducasse Marie‐France , Naret Catherine , Kreis Henri
Published: September 2024

The skin of 60 recipients of cadaveric kidney grafts was studied from 6 months to 10 years after transplantation using both clinical grading and noninvasive biophysical methods. Results were compared with those obtained in a group of healthy volunteers, similar with regard to age and sex. The main result of this study is that skin thickness is already significantly decreased 6 months after transplantation and reaches its lowest value after 1 yr. The number of corneocytes harvested from transplant recipients appears to be higher than that obtained in normal controls, whatever their age. Our study demonstrates that permanent steroid therapy is responsible for the dermic and epidermic changes observed in transplant recipients receiving long‐term treatment.
Early treatment of cytomegalovirus viremia with ganciclovir after bone marrow transplantation: A preliminary study
Authors: Gluckman L , Mazeron M.C. , Nebout T. , Jolivet I. , Keable H. , Meletis J. , Cavazzana M. , De Castro H. , Devergie A. , Vilmer E. , Perol Y.
Published: September 2024

Six bone marrow transplant patients with CMV viremia were treated with the acyclic nucleoside analogue [9‐2 Hydroxy‐1‐(hydroxymethyl) ethoxymethyl] guanine (ganciclovir). The treatment was started as soon as viremia was detected by rapid diagnostic methods, in order to prevent the appearance of severe symptoms and the evolution to interstitial pneumonia. Ganciclovir was given at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight every 8 hours for 20 days. The results showed that ganciclovir was well tolerated with no major toxicity. Virus disappeared promptly from cultures. One patient only recurred after cessation of treatment. All the other patients had a prompt improvement of clinical symptoms, when these existed, and none of them relapsed or progressed to interstitial pneumonitis. These results show that ganciclovir is active against CMV in bone marrow transplant patients. Its early use may prevent lethal interstitial pneumonitis.