bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change awareness and mitigation practices in small and medium‐sized enterprises: Evidence from Swiss firms
Authors: Fuchs Anita , Mohan Preeya , Strobl Eric
Published: February 2023

The objective of this paper is to investigate climate change awareness and mitigation effort and their associated motivating and limiting factors to pro‐environmental behavior and firm demographics in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed, conducted, and analyzed on motivating and limiting factors along with firm demographics, using descriptive statistics and ordinary least squares (OLS) and ordered probit regression models. The results show that Swiss SMEs are in general aware of climate change and their resulting consequences. SMEs have taken steps to help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through recycling, reduction of energy and water consumption, and use of recycled packaging. SMEs could however improve their environmental impact through low‐carbon means of transport and use of public transport, sustainable raw material inputs, sustainable energy sources, and setting environmental goals and audits. There was a positive association between climate change awareness and mitigation. Motivating factors to pro‐environmental behavior included financial advantage and responsibility towards the environment, while firm size and human resources were limiting factors. Lastly, different mitigation measures might be influenced by different motivating and limiting factors including financial advantage and pressure from interest groups, as well as firm size.
iGlarLixi (insulin glargine 100 U/ml plus lixisenatide) is effective and well tolerated in people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes regardless of age: A REALI pooled analysis of prospective real‐world data
Authors: Guja Cristian , Kis János Tibor , Haluzík Martin , Bonnemaire Mireille , Bigot Gregory , Tournay Mathilde , Freemantle Nick , Seufert Jochen
Published: February 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice of insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) according to age.

Methods

Patient‐level data were pooled from 1316 adults with T2D inadequately controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs with or without basal insulin who initiated iGlarLixi for 24 weeks. Participants were classified into age subgroups of younger than 65 years (N = 806) and 65 years or older (N = 510).

Results

Compared with participants aged younger than 65 years, those aged 65 years or older had a numerically lower mean body mass index (31.6 vs. 32.6 kg/m2), a longer median diabetes duration (11.0 vs. 8.0 years), were more likely to receive prior basal insulin (48.4% vs. 43.5%) and had a lower mean HbA1c (8.93% [74.10 mmol/mol] vs. 9.22% [77.28 mmol/mol]). Similar and clinically relevant reductions in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose from baseline to week 24 of iGlarLixi therapy were observed regardless of age. At 24 weeks, least‐squares adjusted mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) change in HbA1c from baseline was –1.55% (–1.65% to –1.44%) in those aged 65 years or older and –1.42% (–1.50% to –1.33%) in those aged younger than 65 years (95% CI: –0.26% to 0.00%; P = .058 between subgroups). Low incidences of gastrointestinal adverse events and hypoglycaemic episodes were reported in both age subgroups. iGlarLixi decreased mean body weight from baseline to week 24 in both subgroups (–1.6 kg in those aged ≥ 65 years and –2.0 kg in those aged < 65 years).

Conclusions

iGlarLixi is effective and well tolerated in both younger and older people with uncontrolled T2D.
Chronic kidney disease‐associated pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis: Xerosis and topical therapy
Authors: Krismi Arum , Danarti Retno , Setiabudi Ida I. Dewa Putu Pramantara , Wirohadidjojo Yohanes W.
Published: February 2023

Chronic kidney disease‐associated pruritus (CKD‐aP) is a common and distressing symptom for patients with CKD and a difficult challenge for nephrologists and dermatologists. Recent results showed the multifactorial nature of the pathophysiology, and therapeutic trials were only successful in certain subsets of patients. The clinical manifestations are varied, with xerosis being the most common dermatological manifestation and correlated with the intensity of CKD‐aP. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of xerosis in CKD‐aP and appropriate topical treatment could correct xerosis to reduce the intensity of CKD‐aP and improve the patient's quality of life.
The strategic analysis of service mode selection for a ride‐hailing platform
Authors: Guo Dongliang , Fan Zhi‐Ping , Liu Yang
Published: February 2023

This paper examines the service mode selection strategy of a ride‐hailing platform and analyzes the impact of the strategy on consumers and drivers. The platform has three service modes to select from, including Mode L (only low‐quality services), Mode H (only high‐quality services), and Mode HL (high‐ and low‐quality services). We find that each service mode does not affect the price and the wage of the low‐quality service but affects those of the high‐quality service. Additionally, the platform cannot optimally select Mode L. The platform is better off if the car quality difference between high‐ and low‐quality services (CQD) is small and is worse off otherwise, under Mode HL. Counter‐intuitively, it is conditional for Mode HL to bring the highest surpluses to both consumers and drivers, and the conditions are related to CQD, social status utility of consumers and cost ratio between the drivers providing the two types of services.
Inorganic phosphate content does not affect oviposition preference in the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Olazcuaga Laure , Guilhot Robin , Claret Jean‐Loup , Rode Nicolas O.
Published: February 2023

The broad variation in host use among polyphagous insects is well documented but still poorly understood. In numerous pest insects, the proximate mechanisms responsible for variation in oviposition preference among host plants remain to be elucidated. The invasive crop pest, Drosophila suzukii, attacks a wide range of host fruits. Females prefer ovipositing on particular fruit media (blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant) that are rich in phosphorus. As phosphorus is known to be involved in female reproduction in insect species such as Drosophila, it could drive oviposition preference in D. suzukii. Phosphorus is either present as inorganic or organic phosphate in fruits. As the absolute content in macromolecules associated with phosphate in fruits (i.e. proteins and carbohydrates) do not affect oviposition in D. suzukii, we tested for the effect of inorganic phosphate on oviposition preference. We measured the egg‐laying preferences of D. suzukii in a choice environment containing 12 artificial media with increasing content in inorganic phosphate (monopotassium dihydrogen phosphate). In our assay, D. suzukii females did not prefer ovipositing in media with high inorganic phosphate content compared to media with lower inorganic phosphate content. As a confirmation, we verified the previous result of a higher female preference for media made of phosphorus‐rich fruits (blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant). The higher preference for phosphorus‐rich fruits could be driven by macromolecules containing phosphorus (e.g. phospholipids) or by the presence of one or more molecules that do not contain phosphorus, but that happen to be correlated to fruit phosphorus content. Studying the proximate mechanisms driving host use will ultimately help improve the management of D. suzukii and other crop pests.
Effects of TLR2/4 signalling pathway in western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) after Edwardsiella tarda infection
Authors: Wang Chong , Chen Qingshi , Tang Manfei , Wei Tianli , Zou Jixing
Published: February 2023

Gambusia affinis is regarded as an important animal model. Edwardsiella tarda is one of the most serious pathogens affecting aquaculture. The study explores the effects of TLR2/4 partial signalling pathway in G. affinis of E. tarda infection. The study collected the brain, liver, and intestine after E. tarda LD50 and 0.85% NaCl solution challenge at different times (0 h, 3 h, 9 h, 18 h, 24 h, and 48 h). In these three tissues, the mRNA levels of PI3K, AKT3, IRAK4, TAK1, IKKβ, and IL‐1β were substantially enhanced (p < .05) then returned to normal levels. Additionally, Rac1 and MyD88 in liver had different trend with other genes in brain and intestine, which displayed significantly indifference. The overexpression of IKKβ, and IL‐1β indicated that E. tarda also caused immune reaction in intestine and liver, which would be consistent with delayed edwardsiellosis, which causes intestinal lesions and liver and kidney necrosis. Additionally, MyD88 plays a smaller role than IRAK4 and TAK1 in this signalling pathways. This study could enrich the understanding of the immune mechanism of the TLR2/4 signalling pathway in fish and might help to prescribe preventive measures against E. tarda to prevent infectious diseases in fish.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Nonparalytic Limb of Residual Poliomyelitis Patients: A Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Li Songlin , Chen Xi , Li Shanni , Weng Xisheng , Lin Jin , Jin Jin , Qian Wenwei
Published: February 2023

Objective

Poliomyelitis is a rare neuromuscular disease that can cause hip osteoarthritis on the contralateral side due to an abnormal mechanical weight‐bearing state, making some residual poliomyelitis patients candidates for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of THA in the nonparalytic limbs of these patients compared with those of non‐poliomyelitis patients.

Methods

Patients treated between January 2007 and May 2021 were retrospectively identified in a single center arthroplasty database. Eight residual poliomyelitis cases that met the inclusion criteria were matched to non‐poliomyelitis cases in a ratio of 1:2 based on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), age‐adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (aCCI), surgeon, and operation date. The hip function, health‐related quality of life, radiographic outcomes, and complications were analyzed with unpaired Student's t test, Mann–Whitney test, Fisher's exact test or analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Survivorship analysis was determined using the Kaplan–Meier estimator analysis and Gehan‐Breslow‐Wilcoxon test.

Results

After a mean follow‐up of about 5 years, patients with residual poliomyelitis had worse postoperative mobility outcomes(P < 0.05), but there was no difference in total modified Harris hip score (mHHS) or European quality of life‐visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS) between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no difference in radiographic outcomes or complications between the two groups, and patients had similar postoperative satisfaction (P > 0.05). No readmission or reoperation occurred in the poliomyelitis group (P > 0.05), but the postoperative limb length discrepancy (LLD) in the residual poliomyelitis group was greater than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Functional outcomes, health‐related quality of life improvement were similarly significantly improved in the nonparalytic limb of residual poliomyelitis patients after THA compared with conventional osteoarthritis patients. However, the residual LLD and weak muscle strength of the affected side will still influence mobility, so residual poliomyelitis patients should be fully informed of this outcome before surgery.
Examining the Role of Physical Activity on Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health Postpartum
Authors: Lesser Iris A. , Turgeon Stéphanie , Nienhuis Carl P. , Bean Corliss
Published: February 2023

Postpartum physical activity can positively impact mental and physical health. There is a need to better understand how physical activity is related to various psychological constructs to support physical activity in postpartum women. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory, quantitative, study was to examine differences between postpartum women who were physically active and those who were physically inactive on psychological (e.g., self-compassion) and mental health constructs. Five hundred twenty-five women (Mage = 28.4) completed an online survey. Participants who reported being active following the birth of their last child had significantly higher exercise self-efficacy, self-compassion, and basic psychological needs fulfillment for exercise and significantly lower levels of perceived fatigue, anxiety, and depression compared with their inactive counterparts. However, active mothers had lower body satisfaction than inactive mothers. Women who are active after the birth of a child have improved psychological constructs that may benefit  overall well-being and mental health during this challenging transition.
Bow-and-arrow, technology of the first modern humans in Europe 54,000 years ago at Mandrin, France
Authors: Metz Laure , Lewis Jason E. , Slimak Ludovic
Published: February 2023

Consensus in archaeology has posited that mechanically propelled weapons, such as bow-and-arrow or spear-thrower-and-dart combinations, appeared abruptly in the Eurasian record with the arrival of anatomically and behaviorally modern humans and the Upper Paleolithic (UP) after 45,000 to 42,000 years (ka) ago, while evidence for weapon use during the preceding Middle Paleolithic (MP) in Eurasia remains sparse. The ballistic features of MP points suggest that they were used on hand-cast spears, whereas UP lithic weapons are focused on microlithic technologies commonly interpreted as mechanically propelled projectiles, a crucial innovation distinguishing UP societies from preceding ones. Here, we present the earliest evidence for mechanically propelled projectile technology in Eurasia from Layer E of Grotte Mandrin 54 ka ago in Mediterranean France, demonstrated via use-wear and impact damage analyses. These technologies, associated with the oldest modern human remains currently known from Europe, represent the technical background of these populations during their first incursion into the continent.
High cell density and high-resolution 3D bioprinting for fabricating vascularized tissues
Authors: You Shangting , Xiang Yi , Hwang Henry H. , Berry David B. , Kiratitanaporn Wisarut , Guan Jiaao , Yao Emmie , Tang Min , Zhong Zheng , Ma Xinyue , Wangpraseurt Daniel , Sun Yazhi , Lu Ting-yu , Chen Shaochen
Published: February 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting techniques have emerged as the most popular methods to fabricate 3D-engineered tissues; however, there are challenges in simultaneously satisfying the requirements of high cell density (HCD), high cell viability, and fine fabrication resolution. In particular, bioprinting resolution of digital light processing–based 3D bioprinting suffers with increasing bioink cell density due to light scattering. We developed a novel approach to mitigate this scattering-induced deterioration of bioprinting resolution. The inclusion of iodixanol in the bioink enables a 10-fold reduction in light scattering and a substantial improvement in fabrication resolution for bioinks with an HCD. Fifty-micrometer fabrication resolution was achieved for a bioink with 0.1 billion per milliliter cell density. To showcase the potential application in tissue/organ 3D bioprinting, HCD thick tissues with fine vascular networks were fabricated. The tissues were viable in a perfusion culture system, with endothelialization and angiogenesis observed after 14 days of culture.
Ultrafast optical switching and data encoding on synthesized light fields
Authors: Hui Dandan , Alqattan Husain , Zhang Simin , Pervak Vladimir , Chowdhury Enam , Hassan Mohammed Th.
Published: February 2023

Modern electronics are founded on switching the electrical signal by radio frequency electromagnetic fields on the nanosecond time scale, limiting the information processing to the gigahertz speed. Recently, optical switches have been demonstrated using terahertz and ultrafast laser pulses to control the electrical signal and enhance the switching speed to the picosecond and a few hundred femtoseconds time scale. Here, we exploit the reflectivity modulation of the fused silica dielectric system in a strong light field to demonstrate the optical switching (ON/OFF) with attosecond time resolution. Moreover, we present the capability of controlling the optical switching signal with complex synthesized fields of ultrashort laser pulses for data binary encoding. This work paves the way for establishing optical switches and light-based electronics with petahertz speeds, several orders of magnitude faster than the current semiconductor-based electronics, opening a new realm in information technology, optical communications, and photonic processor technologies.
The novel
Player Piano
started the familiar discordant tune on the rise of automation
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: February 2023

Kurt Vonnegut’s first novel,
Player Piano,
foresaw advances in real-world robotics and how they affect society.
Analysis of Essential Isoprene Metabolic Pathway Proteins in
Variovorax
sp. Strain WS11
Authors: Rix Gregory D. , Sims Leanne P. , Dawson Robin A. , Williamson Gordon , Bryant Yasmin , Crombie Andrew T. , Murrell J. Colin
Published: February 2023

Isoprene is a climate-active gas, largely produced by trees, which is released from the biosphere in amounts equivalent to those of methane and all other volatile organic compounds combined. Bacteria found in many environments, including soils and on the surface of leaves of isoprene-producing trees, can grow on isoprene and thus may represent a significant biological sink for this globally significant volatile compound and remove isoprene before it escapes to the atmosphere, thus reducing its potency as a climate-active gas.
Multicenter Preparedness Exercise Enables Rapid Development of Cluster-Specific PCR-Based Screening Assays from Bacterial Genomic Data
Authors: Treffon Janina , Prior Karola , Dreesman Johannes , Egelkamp Richard , Flieger Antje , Middendorf-Bauchart Barbara , Projahn Michaela , Richter Anne , Schuh Elisabeth , Harmsen Dag , Mellmann Alexander
Published: February 2023

PCR-based screening assays targeting strain-specific genetic markers allow the timely detection and specific differentiation of bacterial strains. Especially in situations where an infection cluster occurs, fast assay development is crucial for supporting targeted control measures.
Life Science Research Immersion Program Improves STEM-Specific Skills and Science Attitudes among Precollege Students
Authors: Lehmeidi Dong Maysoon , Feng Zuying , McLamb Flannery , Griffin Lindsey , Vazquez Armando , Hirata Ken K. , Bozinovic Liisa , Vasquez Miguel F. , Bozinovic Goran
Published: February 2023

A predicted rapid growth in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers demands a vast and talented workforce, but students most commonly abandon STEM majors within the first 2 years of college. Performance in introductory courses, scientific literacy, and the ability to critically reason are main predictors of retention in STEM, highlighting the importance of precollege and early college experience.
Whole-Genome Sequences of a Lactobacillus melliventris Strain and Its
Myovirus
Temperate Phage, phIBH004, Isolated from the Digestive Tract of Apis mellifera in Switzerland
Authors: Brown Andrew F. , Pfister Judith , Fernandez Javier E. , Donà Valentina , Rodriguez Victor , Retschnig Gina , Collaud Alexandra , Neumann Peter , Perreten Vincent
Published: February 2023

The complete genome sequence of
Lactobacillus melliventris
strain IBH004, isolated from the gut of a honeybee worker (
Apis mellifera
) and containing two plasmids and a temperate phage, was determined using hybrid assembly of Oxford Nanopore and Illumina reads. Phage-sequence relationships were identified from the coding sequences, and a proteomic tree was constructed.
Genome Sequence of a New Carnation Small Viroid-Like RNA, CarSV-1
Authors: Breit Timo M. , de Leeuw Wim C. , van Olst Marina , Ensink Wim A. , van Leeuwen Selina , Dekker Rob J.
Published: February 2023

Here, we report the genome sequence of a new circular viroid-like RNA (CarSV-1) derived from
Dianthus caryophyllus
(carnation) leaves. The CarSV-1 genome has notable sequence similarity (62%) to the well-studied CarSV viroid-like RNA and comprises the complete hammerhead consensus sequences involved in self-cleavage. CarSV-1 co-occurs with carnation viruses, such as CarMV.
Complete Genome Sequence of Campylobacter hepaticus RBCL71delta, Associated with Spotty Liver Disease in Organic Pasture-Raised Laying Hens in Georgia, USA
Authors: Becerra Roel , Ienes-Lima Julia , Nicholds Jenny , Logue Catherine M.
Published: February 2023

Spotty liver disease (SLD) is as an important cause of disease in egg-producing flocks. The organisms implicated include
Campylobacter hepaticus
and
Campylobacter bilis
. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
C. hepaticus
strain RBCL71delta and three additional strains, isolated from a layer flock in Georgia, USA.
Whole-Genome Sequence of
Thermodesulfomicrobium
sp. Strain WS, Isolated from Onikobe Geothermal Field in Japan
Authors: Alam Md. Gahangir , Haruta Shin
Published: February 2023

We present here the whole-genome sequence of a thermophilic chemolithotrophic sulfate-reducing bacterium,
Thermodesulfomicrobium
sp. strain WS (class
Deltaproteobacteria
), isolated from Onikobe geothermal field (Miyagi Prefecture, Japan). The genome consists of a 2,357,780-bp chromosome with a 62.9% GC content and 2,196 protein-coding sequences.
Safety and Feasibility Assessment of a Pharmacy-Driven AUC/MIC Vancomycin Dosing Protocol in a Multicenter Hospital System
Authors: Phillips Morgan , Rose Jeremy , Hamel Ashlee , Ingemi Amanda
Published: February 2023

In this article, we report that there were no differences in rates of acute kidney injury between trough-based vancomycin dosing and AUC/MIC-based vancomycin dosing across 12 hospitals. AUC/MIC dosing resulted in more vancomycin lab draws during standard lab draw times compared to trough dosing, thus making it more convenient for health care personnel.
Synonymous and Nonsynonymous Substitutions in Dictyostelium discoideum Ammonium Transporter
amtA
Are Necessary for Functional Complementation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Densi Asha , Iyer Revathi S. , Bhat Paike Jayadeva
Published: February 2023

Functional diversification following gene duplication is one of the major driving forces of protein evolution. While the role of nonsynonymous substitutions in the functional diversification of proteins is well recognized, knowledge of the role of synonymous substitutions in protein evolution is in its infancy.
ERCP with single-use disposable duodenoscopes in four different set-ups
Authors: Lagström Ronja , Knuhtsen Svend , Stigaard Trine , Bulut Mustafa
Published: February 2023

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has until now always been performed using a reusable non-sterile duodenoscope. The introduction of the new single-use disposable duodenoscope makes it possible to perform perioperative transgastric and rendezvous ERCP in an almost sterile manner. It also eliminates the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of infection in non-sterile settings. We present four patients who underwent different types of ERCP using a sterile single-use duodenoscope. This case report aims to demonstrate the use and the many potential advantages of the new disposable single-use duodenoscope in both sterile and non-sterile settings.
Impact on direct and indirect costs of switching patients with inflammatory bowel disease from intravenous to subcutaneous infliximab (CT-P13)
Authors: Carbery Isabel , Burdge Gemma , Clark Tanya , Broglio Giacomo , Greer Dan , Alakkari Alaa , Selinger Christian Philipp
Published: February 2023

Background

We aim to compare the real-life direct and indirect costs of switching patients from intravenous to subcutaneous (SC) CT-P13, an infliximab biosimilar, in a tertiary UK Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) centre.

Methods

All adult patients with IBD on standard dosing CT-P13 (5 mg/kg 8 weekly) were eligible to switch. Of 169 patients eligible to switch to SC CT-P13, 98 (58%) switched within 3 months and one moved out of area.

Results

Total annual intravenous cost for 168 patients was £689 507.04 (direct=£653 671.20, indirect=£35 835.84). After the switch, as-treated analysis demonstrated total annual cost for 168 patients (70 intravenous and 98 SC) was £674 922.83 (direct = £654 563, indirect = £20 359.83) resulting in £891.80 higher cost to healthcare providers. Intention to treat analysis showed a total annual cost of £665 961.01 (direct = £655 200, indirect = £10 761.01) resulting in £1528.80 higher cost to healthcare providers. However, in each scenario, the significant decrease in indirect costs resulted in lower total costs after switching to SC CT-P13.

Conclusions

Our real-world analysis demonstrates switching from intravenous to SC CT-P13 is broadly cost neutral to healthcare providers. SC preparations have marginally higher direct costs, switching allows for efficient use of intravenous infusion units and reduces costs to patients.
Effectiveness of analgesic ear drops as add-on treatment to oral analgesics in children with acute otitis media: study protocol of the OPTIMA pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: de Sévaux Joline L H , Damoiseaux Roger A M J , Hullegie Saskia , Sanders Elisabeth A M , de Wit G Ardine , Zuithoff Nicolaas P A , Yardley Lucy , Anthierens Sibyl , Little Paul , Hay Alastair D , Schilder Anne G M , Venekamp Roderick P
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Ear pain is the most prominent symptom of childhood acute otitis media (AOM). To control the pain and reduce reliance on antibiotics, evidence of effectiveness for alternative interventions is urgently needed. This trial aims to investigate whether analgesic ear drops added to usual care provide superior ear pain relief over usual care alone in children presenting to primary care with AOM.

Methods and analysis

This is a pragmatic, two-arm, individually randomised, open, superiority trial with cost-effectiveness analysis and nested mixed-methods process evaluation in general practices in the Netherlands. We aim to recruit 300 children aged 1–6 years with a general practitioner (GP) diagnosis of AOM and ear pain. Children will be randomly allocated (ratio 1:1) to either (1) lidocaine hydrochloride 5 mg/g ear drops (Otalgan) one to two drops up to six times daily for a maximum of 7 days in addition to usual care (oral analgesics, with/without antibiotics); or (2) usual care. Parents will complete a symptom diary for 4 weeks as well as generic and disease-specific quality of life questionnaires at baseline and 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the parent-reported ear pain score (0–10) over the first 3 days. Secondary outcomes include proportion of children consuming antibiotics, oral analgesic use and overall symptom burden in the first 7 days; number of days with ear pain, number of GP reconsultations and subsequent antibiotic prescribing, adverse events, complications of AOM and cost-effectiveness during 4-week follow-up; generic and disease-specific quality of life at 4 weeks; parents’ and GPs’ views and experiences with treatment acceptability, usability and satisfaction.

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Research Ethics Committee Utrecht, the Netherlands, has approved the protocol (21-447/G-D). All parents/guardians of participants will provide written informed consent. Study results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed medical journals and presented at relevant (inter)national scientific meetings.

Trial registration

The Netherlands Trial Register: NL9500; date of registration: 28 May 2021. At the time of publication of the study protocol paper, we were unable to make any amendments to the trial registration record in the Netherlands Trial Register. The addition of a data sharing plan was required to adhere to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors guidelines. The trial was therefore reregistered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05651633; date of registration: 15 December 2022). This second registration is for modification purposes only and the Netherlands Trial Register record (NL9500) should be regarded as the primary trial registration.
Pregnancy, obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in women exposed to physician-related occupational hazards: a scoping review
Authors: Marsters Candace M , Stafl Lenka , Bugden Sarah , Gustainis Rita , Nkunu Victoria , Reimer Renee , Fletcher Sarah , Smith Stephanie , Bruton Joe Moss , Hyde Christine , Dance Erica , Ruzycki Shannon M
Published: February 2023

Objective

Evidence is needed to guide organisational decision making about workplace accommodations for pregnant physicians. Our objective was to characterise the strengths and limitations of current research examining the association between physician-related occupational hazards with pregnancy, obstetrical and neonatal outcomes.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL/ EBSCO, SciVerse Scopus and Web of Science/Knowledge were searched from inception to 2 April 2020. A grey literature search was performed on 5 April 2020. The references of all included articles were hand searched for additional citations.

Eligibility criteria

English language citations that studied employed pregnant people and any ‘physician-related occupational hazards’, meaning any relevant physical, infectious, chemical or psychological hazard, were included. Outcomes included any pregnancy, obstetrical or neonatal complication.

Data extraction and synthesis

Physician-related occupational hazards included physician work, healthcare work, long work hours, ‘demanding’ work, disordered sleep, night shifts and exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, anaesthetic gases or infectious disease. Data were extracted independently in duplicate and reconciled through discussion.

Results

Of the 316 included citations, 189 were original research studies. Most were retrospective, observational and included women in any occupation rather than healthcare workers. Methods for exposure and outcome ascertainment varied across studies and most studies had a high risk of bias in data ascertainment. Most exposures and outcomes were defined categorically and results from different studies could not be combined in a meta-analysis due to heterogeneity in how these categories were defined. Overall, some data suggested that healthcare workers may have an increased risk of miscarriage compared with other employed women. Long work hours may be associated with miscarriage and preterm birth.

Conclusions

There are important limitations in the current evidence examining physician-related occupational hazards and adverse pregnancy, obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. It is not clear how the medical workplace should be accommodated to improve outcomes for pregnant physicians. High-quality studies are needed and likely feasible.
Study protocol for a phase 1, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of ascending topical doses of TCP-25 applied to epidermal suction blister wounds in healthy male and female volunteers
Authors: Lundgren Sigrid , Wallblom Karl , Fisher Jane , Erdmann Susanne , Schmidtchen Artur , Saleh Karim
Published: February 2023

Introduction

TCP-25 gel is intended for use in treatment of wound infection and inflammation. Current local therapies for wounds have limited efficacy to prevent infections and there are no wound treatments available today that target the excessive inflammation that often hampers wound healing in both acute and chronic wounds. There is therefore a high medical need for new therapeutic alternatives.

Methods and analysis

A randomised, double-blinded, first-in-human study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and potential systemic exposure of three increasing doses of the TCP-25 gel applied topically on suction blister wounds in healthy adults. The dose-escalation will be divided into three sequential dose groups with eight subjects in each group (24 patients in total). Within each dose group, the subjects will receive four wounds, with two wounds on each thigh. Each subject will receive TCP-25 on one wound per thigh and placebo on one wound per thigh in a randomised double-blinded manner, with a reverse reciprocal position on each respective thigh, to a total of five doses over 8 days. An internal safety review committee will monitor emerging safety and plasma concentration data over the course of the study and must give a favourable recommendation prior to initiating the next dose group, which will receive placebo gel or a higher concentration of TCP-25 in exactly the same manner described above.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be performed in accordance with ethical principles consistent with the Declaration of Helsinki, ICH/GCPE6 (R2), European Union Clinical Trials Directive and applicable local regulatory requirements.

This study is approved by the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Swedish ethics committee under the registration number 2022-00527-01. The results of this study will be disseminated via publication to a peer-reviewed journal at the discretion of the Sponsor.

Trial registration number

NCT05378997.
Associations between lean maturity in primary care and musculoskeletal complaints among staff: a longitudinal study
Authors: Kaltenbrunner Monica , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Bengtsson Lars , Högberg Hans , Engström Maria
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study had two aims: (1) to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among staff in primary care and (2) to determine to what extent lean maturity of the primary care unit can predict musculoskeletal complaints 1 year later.

Design

Descriptive, correlational and longitudinal design.

Setting

Primary care units in mid-Sweden.

Participants

In 2015, staff members responded to a web survey addressing lean maturity and musculoskeletal complaints. The survey was completed by 481 staff members (response rate 46%) at 48 units; 260 staff members at 46 units also completed the survey in 2016.

Outcome measures

Associations with musculoskeletal complaints were determined both for lean maturity in total and for four Lean domains entered separately in a multivariate model, that is, philosophy, processes, people and partners, and problem solving.

Results

The shoulders (12-month prevalence: 58%), neck (54%) and low back (50%) were the most common sites of 12-month retrospective musculoskeletal complaints at baseline. Shoulders, neck and low back also showed the most complaints for the preceding 7 days (37%, 33% and 25%, respectively). The prevalence of complaints was similar at the 1-year follow-up. Total lean maturity in 2015 was not associated with musculoskeletal complaints, neither cross-sectionally nor 1 year later, for shoulders (1 year β: −0.002, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.02), neck (β: 0.006, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.03), low back (β: 0.004, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.03) and upper back (β: 0.002, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.02).

Conclusion

The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among primary care staff was high and did not change within a year. The extent of lean maturity at the care unit was not associated with complaints among staff, neither in cross-sectional analyses nor in a 1-year predictive analysis.
Bone health in Norwegian female elite runners: a cross-sectional, controlled study
Authors: Kyte Karoline Holsen , Haakstad Lene A H , Hisdal Jonny , Sunde Andrine , Stensrud Trine
Published: February 2023

Objective

The primary objective was to compare bone mineral density (BMD) in Norwegian female elite long-distance runners with a control group of inactive females. Secondary objectives were to identify cases of low BMD, to compare the concentration of bone turnover markers, vitamin D and symptoms of low energy availability (LEA) between the groups, and to identify possible associations between BMD and selected variables.

Methods

Fifteen runners and fifteen controls were included. Assessments included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurement of BMD in the total body, lumbar spine and dual proximal femur. Blood samples included endocrine analyses and circulating bone turnover markers. The risk of LEA was assessed through a questionnaire.

Results

Runners had higher Z-scores in the dual proximal femur (1.30 (0.20 to 1.80) vs 0.20 (−0.20 to 0.80), p<0.021) and total body (1.70 (1.20 to 2.30) vs 0.90 (0.80 to 1.00), p<0.001). The lumbar spine Z-score was similar between groups (0.10 (−0.70 to 0.60) vs −0.10(−0.50 to 0.50), p=0.983). Three runners had low BMD (Z-score <−1) in the lumbar spine. Vitamin D and bone turnover markers showed no differences between the groups. Forty-seven per cent of the runners were at risk of LEA. Dual proximal femur BMD showed a positive correlation to estradiol and a negative correlation to LEA symptoms in runners.

Conclusion

Norwegian female elite runners had higher BMD Z-score in the dual proximal femur and total body compared with controls, while no difference was observed in the lumbar spine. The advantages of long-distance running on bone health seem to be site specific, and there is still a need for the prevention of LEA and menstrual disorders in this group.
Nutrition risk varies according to social network type: data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Mills Christine Marie , Keller Heather H , DePaul Vincent Gerard , Donnelly Catherine
Published: February 2023

Objective

There were two primary objectives, namely: (1) to determine the social network types that Canadian adults aged 45 and older belong to and (2) to discover if social network type is associated with nutrition risk scores and the prevalence of high nutrition risk.

Design

A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting

Data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA).

Participants

17 051 Canadians aged 45 years and older with data from baseline and first follow-up of the CLSA.

Results

CLSA participants could be classified into one of seven different social network types that varied from restricted to diverse. We found a statistically significant association between social network type and nutrition risk scores and percentage of individuals at high nutrition risk at both time points. Individuals with restricted social networks had lower nutrition risk scores and are more likely to be at nutrition risk, whereas individuals with diverse social networks had higher nutrition risk scores and are less likely to be at nutrition risk.

Conclusions

Social network type was associated with nutrition risk in this representative sample of Canadian middle-aged and older adults. Providing adults with opportunities to deepen and diversify their social networks may decrease the prevalence of nutrition risk. Individuals with more restricted networks should be proactively screened for nutrition risk.
Endovascular treatment versus medical management for mild stroke with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion: a meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Bin , Zhang Yunli , Liang Shuolin , Liang Huo , Tang Shiting , Liang Zhijian
Published: February 2023

Background

The effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with mild stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5) and acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (AACLVO) remains unknown.

Objective

To conduct a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of EVT in patients with mild stroke and AACLVO.

Methods

EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched until October 2022. Both retrospective and prospective studies which compared the clinical outcomes between EVT and medical treatment were included. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for excellent and favorable functional outcomes, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and mortality were pooled using a random-effects model. A propensity score (PS)-based methods adjusted analysis was also performed.

Results

4335 patients from 14 studies were included. In patients with mild stroke and AACLVO, EVT presented no marked differences in excellent and favorable functional outcomes and mortality compared with medical treatment. A higher risk of symptomatic ICH (OR=2.79; 95% CI 1.49 to 5.24; P=0.001) was observed with EVT. Subgroup analysis revealed that EVT had potential benefit for proximal occlusions with excellent functional outcomes (OR=1.68; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.82; P=0.05). Similar results were observed when PS-based methods adjusted analysis was used.

Conclusion

EVT did not significantly benefit clinical functional outcomes in comparison with medical treatment in patients with mild stroke and AACLVO. However, it may improve functional outcomes when treating patients with proximal occlusion, despite being associated with an increased risk of symptomatic ICH. Stronger evidence from ongoing randomized controlled trials is required.
Delving into the death signaling pathway of hemp oil and gamma radiation in solid tumor bearing mice
Authors: Hassan A.A. , Mansour S.Z. , Mostafa D.M. , Abdelgayed S.S.
Published: February 2023

Many studies reported the diverse therapeutic potential of essential oils. They have a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. Antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative are mechanisms involved. Also, essential oils may enhance immune function and surveillance, induce enzymes, enhance detoxification, and modulate multidrug resistance. Hemp oil, obtained from Cannabis sativaL. seeds, is known for its health-enhancing properties and bioactivity. Adult female Swiss albino mice were injected with viable Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (2.5 × 106 cells/mouse), and then administered with hemp oil (20 mg/kg) daily for 10 consecutive days pre-, and then 10 days post-exposure to 6 Gy whole-body gamma irradiation. Hemp oil significantly increased Beclin1, VMP1, LC3, cytochrome c, and Bax. More interestingly, Hemp oil showed a significant decrease in Bcl2 and P13k either alone or in combination with γ radiation. Finally, this study documented the possible role of hemp oil in inducing two cell death types, autophagy and apoptosis, as it may be applied as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.
Abundant explicit and exact solutions for the space–time fractional Vakhnenko–Parkes model in the relaxing medium with stability analysis
Authors: Tripathy A. , Sahoo S.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we have considered the beta-fractional derivative form of the Vakhnenko–Parkes equation (VPE) to study its novel analytical solutions. To achieve the required new distinct traveling wave solutions, the new sub-equation method is used for the space–time fractional VPE. The dynamics of these solutions are analyzed under different parametric and fractional conditions by the graphical view. The produced wave patterns include combined bright–dark, w-shape, u-shape, v-shape, bright, propagation of two solitons, combined dark–bright, bell shape, a dark, periodic wave, breather, v-shape with two bright spots and combined anti-peakon–bright solutions. In recognizing the physical significance of the obtained wave solutions at each fraction of an interval, these solutions are highly commendable. In addition, to show the stability of the considered model, the stability analysis of the governing model is discussed by the linear stability analysis method which states the behavior of the model in the corresponding medium. These solutions are useful to study the proliferation of high-frequency waves in the relaxing medium.
Designing an Ethical Tech Developer
Authors: Gillespie Alexandra
Published: February 2023

Studying how to improve teaching young people to ethically exercise the power of technology.
What Ever Happened to Peer-to-Peer Systems?
Authors: Baquero Carlos
Published: February 2023

The
Communications
website, https://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

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Carlos Baquero ponders the peer-to-peer paradigm.
Origin of Voids at the SiO2/SiO2 and SiCN/SiCN Bonding Interface Using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy and Electron Spin Resonance
Authors: Nagano F. , Inoue F. , Phommahaxay A. , Peng L. , Chancerel F. , Naser H. , Beyer G. , Uedono A. , Beyne E. , De Gendt S. , Iacovo S.
Published: February 2023

To obtain reliable 3D stacking, a void-free bonding interface should be obtained during wafer-to-wafer direct bonding. Historically, SiO2 is the most studied dielectric layer for direct bonding applications, and it is reported to form voids at the interface. Recently, SiCN has raised as a new candidate for bonding layer. Further understanding of the mechanism behind void formation at the interface would allow to avoid bonding voids on different dielectrics. In this study, the void formation at the bonding interface was studied for a wafer pair of SiO2 and SiCN deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The presence of voids for SiO2 was confirmed after the post-bond anneal (PBA) at 350 °C by Scanning Acoustic Microscopy. Alternatively, SiCN deposited by PECVD has demonstrated a void-free interface after post bond annealing. To better understand the mechanism of void formation at the SiO2 bonding interface, we used Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) to inspect the atomic-level open spaces and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) to evaluate the dangling bond formation by N2 plasma activation. By correlating these results with previous results, a model for void formation mechanism at the SiO2 and the absence of for SiCN bonding interface is proposed.
Hot Carrier Injection (HCI) Reliability of Fabricated Y-gate HEMT with Various Top Length
Authors: Chen Yu-Lin , Yeh Wen-Kuan , Chen Ke-Horng , Hsu Heng-Tung , Hsu Chin-Tsai , Godwin Raj D , Chou Hung-Ting , Wu Jui-Sheng , Yu Tien-Han , Godfrey D
Published: February 2023

Device degradation due to hot carrier injection (HCI) in different Y-gate HEMT devices is thoroughly analyzed. To further understand the HCI reliability of the Y-gate HEMT devices, the device is fabricated with AlGaN/GaN structure with different top lengths (Ltop). An HCI stress time of 6000 s was conducted on these devices, while V
t stability in other stress time domains, leakage current, and transconductance degradation are also discussed. In this work, we have demonstrated that increasing the LTop length could avoid the virtual gate effect and disperse the influence of the electric field under HCI stress. Furthermore, the effects of trapping in various locations, such as in the bulk SiN or AlGaN/GaN interface has been discussed. These trapping effects caused by the HCI stress might be the source of the Vth shift. Overall, The large Y-gate HEMT showed the lowest degradation of DC characteristics after the long HCI stress test.
Cell selectivity in succinate receptor SUCNR1/GPR91 signaling in skeletal muscle
Authors: Abdelmoez Ahmed M. , Dmytriyeva Oksana , Zurke Yasemin-Xiomara , Trauelsen Mette , Marica Alesandra A. , Savikj Mladen , Smith Jonathon A. B. , Monaco Claudia , Schwartz Thue W. , Krook Anna , Pillon Nicolas J.
Published: February 2023

Macrophages but not skeletal muscle cells respond to extracellular succinate via SUCNR1/GPR91.