bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomised controlled trial of the effect of intra-articular lidocaine on pain scores in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Rutter-Locher Z. , Norton S. , Denk F. , McMahon S. , Taams L.S. , Bannister K. , Kirkham B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Chronic pain in inflammatory arthritis (IA) reflects a complex interplay between active disease in a peripheral joint and central pro-nociceptive mechanisms. Since intra-articular lidocaine may be used to abolish joint-specific peripheral input to the central nervous system, we aimed to validate its use as a clinical tool to identify those IA patients whose pain likely incorporates centrally mediated mechanisms.

Methods

In this two-armed randomised placebo-controlled trial, IA patients requiring an intra-articular steroid injection were 1:1 randomised to additionally receive intra-articular lidocaine or control (0.9% saline). Pain numerical rating scale (NRS) scores were collected at baseline and 3, 5, and 10 minutes post injection. Between group differences in NRS scores at each post-randomisation assessment were estimated using linear mixed-models. Heterogeneity in lidocaine effect was evaluated by baseline painDETECT (grouped ‘high’ (>18) or ‘low’ (≤18)). Analysis in a second cohort validated the painDETECT analysis and included additional markers of centrally mediated pain.

Results

The placebo effect of intra-articular injection was low. Post lidocaine injection, those in the high painDETECT group had an NRS score 2.2 points higher than those in the low painDETECT group (p=0.03). In the replication sample, post lidocaine NRS scores were significantly higher in those with a high painDETECT score, fibromyalgia, and low-pressure pain threshold at the trapezius (p=0.002, p=0.001, p=0.005 respectively).

Conclusion

Persistent high pain post intra-articular lidocaine injection could potentially be used as an indicator of pro-nociceptive mechanisms that are centrally mediated, informing centrally-targeted analgesic strategies.
How firms adjust their SDG adoption in response to COVID-19 outbreak: a regional perspective
Authors: Montera Raffaella , Nevi Giulia , Cucari Nicola , Esposito De Falco Salvatore
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on the regional progression toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of the adoption of 2030 Agenda by firms from different Italian regions.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods were adopted. First, a content analysis was performed on 330 nonfinancial declarations released in the 2019–2021 period by a sample of 110 Italian listed companies from different regional macroareas. Second, regression analyses were run to test the impact of regional localization of businesses on SDGs adoption over pre-/during/post-COVID era.

Findings

The regional localization of businesses does not affect the SDGs adoption in the pre-COVID-19 era because Italian firms mainly address social goals. Instead, SDGs adoption is affected by regional localization of businesses both during and post-COVID-19 age, when Northern firms prioritize economic and social goals, whereas Southern firms shift from social to environmental goals.

Originality/value

This study fills the need of considering the subnational specificities in literature on sustainable development by capturing connections between firms, belonging territory, SDGs and COVID-19 crisis.
The gender gap in voluntary turnover
Authors: Artz Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The study's objective is to measure the gender gap in quit behavior, consider whether it has changed over time and determine whether parenthood affects the gender gap in quit decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative study design leverages two separate USA data sources to analyze the gender gap in quits over time. Two separate cohorts confirm the study's results in Logit, ordinary least squares (OLS) and fixed effects estimations, using the Current Population Survey (CPS) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY).

Findings

After controlling for demographic and job characteristics, individual and geographic fixed effects and local unemployment rates, the study finds that the gender gap in voluntary turnover has declined over time and that parenthood's effect on quit behavior has converged between genders.

Originality/value

Women earn less than men. One common explanation is women's propensity to interrupt their careers, often voluntarily, more so than men. Yet, the determinants and trends of this gender gap in quit behavior has not been given much attention in the literature, including the role of parenthood.
Research note: Application of refraction full‐waveform inversion of ocean bottom node data using a squared‐slowness model parameterization
Authors: da Silva Sérgio Luiz , Costa Felipe , Karsou Ammir , Capuzzo Felipe , Moreira Roger , Lopez Jorge , Cetale Marco
Published: October 2023

Full‐waveform inversion is a wave equation–based imaging technique for obtaining subsurface model parameters by matching modelled with field data. Full‐waveform inversion is often formulated as a local optimization problem in which the model parameterization influences the gradient preconditioner and the convergence rate associated with the full‐waveform inversion objective function. Model parameterization governs the radiation pattern of the so‐called secondary Born source. In this work, we assess model parameterization effects on the estimation of P‐wave velocities using a three‐dimensional acoustic time‐domain full‐waveform inversion procedure. These include the three commonly used parameterization: velocity, slowness and squared slowness. In this context, we consider a field data set from a deepwater Brazilian pre‐salt field using a recently introduced circular shot ocean bottom node acquisition which favours refracted waves. The results reveal that the squared slowness model parameterization provides a satisfactory trade‐off between the reconstruction of the deep pre‐salt target area and convergence rate, saving 50% of runtime compared to the velocity and slowness cases.
Reducing the gap between rhetoric and reality: Use of Digital Service Standards for public service innovation through digital transformation in Australia
Authors: Patterson Eric , Agarwal Renu
Published: October 2023

Nearly a decade ago, the Australian Federal Government introduced a Digital Service Standard (DSS) for new and redesigned government services. This was an opportunity to encourage digital services and disruptive innovations to help the government improve citizens outcomes, and indeed there was a significant uptake in the digital services assessments offered by the program with key government agencies across health, human services, taxation, and education on board. However, by the 2020s the number of publicly visible assessments had significantly reduced. The initial broad adoption and recent reduction in numbers present an opportunity to explore the effectiveness of this government innovation management program that was ahead of its time. This paper reviews the impact of the DSS in fostering public service innovation and presents lessons learnt from the program. To perform this analysis, this research evaluates to what extent the DSS applied common private sector innovation management approaches of Innovation Process Management and Innovation Portfolio Management in the public sector. It also looks at the impact of these programs in encouraging specific types of modern digital innovations. The analysis draws on DSS assessments from 2015 to 2021 and considers how the program demonstrated public sector innovation leadership. This paper proposes a framework to improve the DSS by tailoring its approach for new and existing services, adopting specific standards to encourage incremental and disruptive innovations, and promoting more transparent reporting and funding of innovation management programs. This evaluation found that the DSS exemplifies Innovation Process Management in its use of stages and gates, and Innovation Portfolio Management in its use of targeted assessment criteria across innovation portfolios of various government agencies. The analysis also identified design limitations in the DSS as a whole of government innovation management approach due to its limited uptake in multiple large agencies and lack of specific standards to encourage different types of innovation. The impact of this research is to increase the adoption of the DSS and increase the innovation outcomes delivered by this government program. We conclude by reflecting some of the unique considerations in applying private sector innovation management practices in the public sector.

Points for practitioners

Innovation management techniques are emerging but remain immature in the public sector.

Australia has shown leadership in Government Innovation Process and Portfolio Management.

Government must remain committed to innovation management programs and sharing the outputs of these programs.

Government Innovation Management Programs should build in flexibility to encourage different types of innovation.
Hospitalizations for non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 respiratory infectious diseases among patients on hemodialysis: A comparison before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Banshodani Masataka , Kawanishi Hideki , Moriishi Misaki , Takahashi Naoko , Shintaku Sadanori , Tsuchiya Shinichiro
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection control on other infections in patients with dialysis has not received sufficient consideration.

Methods

We compared hospitalization and mortality rates among patients who underwent hemodialysis (HD) at three dialysis centers before (March 2018–February 2020) and during (March 2020–February 2022) the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

This study included 1696 patients undergoing HD (mean age, 70 years; 1099 men). Compared to before the COVID‐19 pandemic, the emergency hospitalization rate (per 100 dialysis patient‐years) for non‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) respiratory infectious diseases (IDs) (7.0 vs. 4.1, p < 0.001) significantly decreased during the COVID‐19 pandemic, whereas the hospitalization rates for other IDs were comparable. The mortality rates for non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 respiratory IDs were comparable before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Hospitalizations for non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 respiratory IDs among patients undergoing HD may have decreased owing to the implementation of infection control measures for COVID‐19.
The impact of ice slurry as a medium on oxidation status and flesh quality of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during refrigeration storage
Authors: Guan Weiliang , Liu Tianyu , Yan Weibing , Cai Luyun
Published: October 2023

Oxidation of lipid and protein is a major reason of flesh quality deterioration during storage. In this work, cold storage (CS) and flake ice (FI) storage, as traditional strategies for live shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) sedation and refrigerated storage, showed remarkable oxidation damage of lipid and protein in shrimp flesh during storage. In contrast, ice slurry (IS), with good heat exchange capacity and contactability, stunned shrimp in a sudden and thus relieved antemortem stress, which resulted in reducing the reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species accumulation, and the oxidation damage risk in flesh. Additionally, IS, as a storage medium acted an oxygen barrier, further inhibited the oxidation of lipid and myofibrillar protein (MP), as revealed by the lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level, carbonyl (CO) derives content, total disulfide bond (S–S) content, and the higher total sulfhydryl (SH) content in shrimp flesh during storage, compared with CS and FI. The sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis electrophoretogram pattern of MP also suggested better preservation of myosin heavy chain, myosin light chain, actin, and tropomyosin in IS, whereas these proteins degraded in CS and FI. Consequently, IS prevented the formation of cross‐linking caused by oxidation in MP, leading to improved shrimp flesh quality during refrigerated storage, as demonstrated by the better maintained hardness, springiness, and water‐holding capacity compared to CS and FI.
Artificial intelligence differentiates abdominal Henoch‐Schönlein purpura from acute appendicitis in children
Authors: Nie Dan , Zhan Yishan , Xu Kun , Zou Haibo , Li Kehao , Chen Leifeng , Chen Qiang , Zheng Weiming , Peng Xiaojie , Yu Mengjie , Zhang Shouhua
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aims to construct an artificial intelligence (AI) model capable of effectively discriminating between abdominal Henoch‐Schönlein purpura (AHSP) and acute appendicitis (AA) in pediatric patients.

Methods

A total of 6965 participants, comprising 2201 individuals with AHSP and 4764 patients with AA, were enrolled in the study. Additionally, 53 laboratory indicators were taken into consideration. Five distinct artificial intelligence (AI) models were developed employing machine learning algorithms, namely XGBoost, AdaBoost, Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB), MLPClassifier (MLP), and support vector machine (SVM). The performance of these prediction models was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration curve assessment, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

We identified 32 discriminative indicators (p < .05) between AHSP and AA. Five indicators, namely the lymphocyte ratio (LYMPH ratio), eosinophil ratio (EO ratio), eosinophil count (EO count), neutrophil ratio (NEUT ratio), and C‐reactive protein (CRP), exhibited strong performance in distinguishing AHSP from AA (AUC ≥ 0.80). Among the various prediction models, the XGBoost model displayed superior performance evidenced by the highest AUC (XGBoost = 0.895, other models < 0.89), accuracy (XGBoost = 0.824, other models < 0.81), and Kappa value (XGBoost = 0.621, other models < 0.60) in the validation set. After optimization, the XGBoost model demonstrated remarkable diagnostic performance for AHSP and AA (AUC > 0.95). Both the calibration curve and decision curve analysis suggested the promising clinical utility and net benefits of the XGBoost model.

Conclusion

The AI‐based machine learning model exhibits high prediction accuracy and can differentiate AHSP and AA from a data‐driven perspective.
Overuse of EEG and ECG in children with breath‐holding spells and its implication for the management of the spells
Authors: Hellström Schmidt Sanna , Smedenmark Julia , Jeremiasen Ida , Sigurdsson Björn , Eklund Erik A. , Pronk Cornelis Jan
Published: October 2023

Aim

Breath‐holding spells (BHS) are common in children, but evidence‐based clinical guidelines are lacking. We investigated a large population‐based cohort of BHS patients, to propose a refined description of typical BHS and guidelines for its management.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional retrospective study, patients diagnosed with BHS in Southern Sweden 2004–2018 were recruited. Disease characteristics and diagnostic data were collected from patient medical records.

Results

In total, 519 patients, mean age at diagnosis 19.8 ± 13.8 months with equal gender distribution, were included. In 48.3%, BHS had already been diagnosed after one spell. During spells, 78.0% of patients were unresponsive. For 71.5%, atonic, tonic, tonic–clonic or myoclonic seizures were reported, and 78.0% of patients had a spell lasting less than 1 min. Electroencephalography was conducted in 30.4% and Electrocardiography in 45.1%. Six children (3.8%) had a pathological electroencephalogram, four of which had concomitant epilepsy and only 0.9% of children had electrocardiogram findings suggesting pathology, none showing long QT syndrome.

Conclusion

Children with BHS were frequently subjected to unnecessary diagnostic interventions. We characterise a typical presentation of BHS and propose a management‐algorithm, which is expected to reduce unnecessary usage of electroencephalography and electrocardiography.
Novel subsets of peripheral immune cells associated with promoting stroke recovery in mice
Authors: Gu Yichen , Zhang Xiaotao , Li Huaming , Wang Rui , Jin Chenghao , Wang Junjie , Jin Ziyang , Lu Jianan , Ling Chenhan , Shao Fangjie , Zhang Jianmin , Shi Ligen
Published: October 2023

Aims

Peripheral immune cells infiltrating into the brain trigger neuroinflammation after an ischemic stroke. Partial immune cells reprogram their function for neural repair. Which immune cells promote ischemic brain recovery needs further identification.

Methods

We performed single‐cell transcriptomic profiling of CD45high immune cells isolated from the ischemic hemisphere at subacute (5 days) and chronic (14 days) stages after ischemic stroke.

Results

A subset of phagocytic macrophages was associated with neuron projection regeneration and tissue remodeling. We also identified a unique type of T cells with highly expressed macrophage markers, including C1q, Apoe, Hexb, and Fcer1g, which showed high abilities in tissue remodeling, myelination regulation, wound healing, and anti‐neuroinflammation. Moreover, natural killer cells decreased cytotoxicity and increased energy and metabolic function in the chronic stage after ischemic stroke. Two subgroups of neutrophils upregulated CCL signals to recruit peripheral immune cells and released CXCL2 to keep self‐recruiting at the chronic stage.

Conclusions

We identified subsets of peripheral immune cells that may provide potential therapeutic targets for promoting poststroke recovery.
Committing to behavior change: How to prevent dogs from visiting Atlantic Forest remnants?
Authors: Tostes Ribeiro Isabel , Pardini Renata , Morsello Carla
Published: October 2023

Behavioral interventions have been applied to induce multiple pro‐environmental changes, yet testing their effects on biodiversity conservation is novel. For certain behaviors, a promising tool is changing the context within which people make decisions through nudges. One such behavior is dog restraining to prevent visits to natural areas, a worldwide source of negative impacts on wildlife. In this preliminary study, we experimentally tested the effects of two interventions (i.e., an informative video on conservation and an informative video plus commitment nudge) on changing dog management among rural owners. We then assessed interventions' effects on owners' behavior change (n = 52) and intention to keep the restraining practice in the future (n = 50). Both interventions promoted a momentary change in owners' behavior, but their effect sizes did not differ. Yet, neither treatment increased the owners' intention to maintain the restraining practices. Although nudges alone may not be the most appropriate solution to reduce the severe dog impacts on wildlife, they might be of practical relevance to conservation stakeholders who deal with threats that are not prone to mitigation through more traditional strategies (e.g., command and control).
Global harmonization of immediate‐release solid oral drug product bioequivalence recommendations and the impact on generic drug development
Authors: Kotsybar Joseph , Hakeem Susan , Zhang Lei , Jiang Wenlei
Published: October 2023

Immediate‐release (IR) solid oral drug products constitute a significant portion of approved drug products and products under development. Bioequivalence (BE) assessment for these oral products is important for establishing therapeutic equivalence for generic products to their respective comparator products. In December 2022, the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) published the first new draft guideline on BE for IR solid oral dosage forms (M13A). To support the development of ICH M13A, we comprehensively reviewed the landscape of oral IR products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and compared BE recommendations for these products in the current U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency (EMA) BE guidances. We utilized databases including Drugs@FDA, Orange Book, and product‐specific guidances (PSGs) published on the U.S. FDA and EMA websites to collect information. Oral IR products account for 46% of all FDA‐approved new drug applications currently listed in Orange Book with 82.5% solids, 0.9% semi‐solids, and 16.6% liquids. For all published U.S. FDA PSGs for solid oral IR products, in vivo BE studies with pharmacokinetic (PK) endpoints account for 88% of BE approaches recommended. Of these PK BE studies, 86.5% recommended fasting and fed BE studies, while only 15.9% EMA PSGs recommended both fasting and fed BE studies. This review helps clarify the scope of U.S. solid oral IR products impacted by the new ICH M13A draft guideline and demonstrates how recommendations in draft ICH M13A could significantly harmonize BE recommendations for IR oral products to facilitate global drug development.
After Objectification: Locating Harm
Authors: Vince Rosa
Published: October 2023

In this article I offer an analysis of harms associated with sexual objectification. Objectification can be benign, but harm tends to occur in three circumstances: (i) when objectification is non‐consensual, (ii) when a phenomenon that I term ‘context‐creeping’ occurs, and (iii) when the objectification is also enacting or reinforcing some kind of oppression. I defend the view that objectification is not always harmful, and I explain the popular intuition to the contrary by demonstrating that these three harm‐generating circumstances are especially prevalent. The phenomenon of ‘context‐creeping’ objectification is introduced to capture what is intuitively wrong with much objectification in media and advertising. This phenomenon describes when instances of sexual objectification (which may be, in themselves, benign) regularly occur outside sexual contexts, in a way that reinforces particular rape myths and thereby contributes to harms. This means that the ubiquity of discussion of pornography in the objectification literature is misleading, and a shift in focus to other media is warranted. I end with a warning, though: we should be very careful in how we respond to these problems, as attempts to mitigate any harms associated with objectifying media can badly misfire.
Structural brain feature is associated with changes of masticatory performance in healthy elderly people: Evidence from longitudinal neuroimaging research over two years
Authors: Chan Yu‐Ting , Lin Chia‐Shu
Published: October 2023

Background

Human neuroimaging studies have revealed the association between brain structure and masticatory function. However, the majority of the studies adopted a cross‐sectional design, which hardly reveals the change in masticatory function and brain structure between different timepoints, and the dynamical association between changes in masticatory function and changes in brain structure has not been elucidated.

Objective

With a longitudinal design, we assessed the association between changes in masticatory performance (MP) and regional brain volume.

Methods

Twenty‐two elderly participants received assessments of the number of missing teeth and MP (via colour‐changeable chewing gum) when they entered the study (i.e. the initial stage, T0), approximately 6 months later (T0.5), and approximately 1–2 years later (T1). Difficulty of food intake was assessed using a questionnaire. The participants received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at T0 and T1. The brain volume of the motor‐related area was estimated using FreeSurfer for MRI data. The associations between different stages were analysed using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients.

Results

(1) Individually, a smaller volume of right primary motor cortex at T0 was associated with increased MP from T0 to T1, suggesting the brain's role in changing oral functions; (2) higher MP at T0 was associated with an increased volume of the left superior frontal cortex from T0 to T1p, suggesting a potential effect on brain plasticity, and (3) increased difficulty to eat was associated with decrease MP but not brain volume of motor‐related area.

Conclusions

The preliminary findings revealed a complicated pattern of structural brain features and masticatory function in elderly people, and either the hypothesis that the brain predisposes masticatory function or the hypothesis that mastication reshapes the brain is oversimplified.
High School Student and Caregiver Preferred Communication Method Regarding School Meals: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Mansfield Dana , Sagan Dylan , O'Donnell Alexander J. , Takgbajouah Mary , Loiacono Bernardo , Clark Withington Margaret H. , Cory Molly , Buscemi Joanna
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

This study examined student and caregiver preference for school communication and explored the feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool to assist with communication about school meal program between schools and families.

METHODS

The study used qualitative methodology through youth focus groups and caregiver semi‐structured phone interviews. The study was conducted in 4 high schools in a large, urban city. The phenomenon of interest included the exploration of preferences regarding communication around school meal programs and feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool for communication and promoting the ordering of healthful foods in the school environment. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed through NVivo qualitative software using thematic analysis approach to examine themes.

RESULTS

Forty‐seven students (ages 14‐21, grades 9‐12) participated in 7 focus groups and 24 caregivers participated in semi‐structured phone interviews. Three themes emerged around (1) communication preferences, (2) accessibility, and (3) extrinsic motivational factors for engagement in healthy eating behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that communication methods could potentially influence motivation and engagement in youth school meal participation.
Time since liver transplant and immunosuppression withdrawal outcomes: Systematic review and individual patient data meta‐analysis
Authors: Appenzeller‐Herzog Christian , Rosat Aurélie , Mathes Tim , Baroja‐Mazo Alberto , Chruscinski Andrzej , Feng Sandy , Herrero Ignacio , Londono Maria‐Carlota , Mazariegos George , Ohe Hidenori , Pons José A. , Sanchez‐Fueyo Alberto , Waki Kayo , Vionnet Julien
Published: October 2023

Background & Aims

Successful immunosuppression withdrawal (ISW) is possible for a subfraction of liver transplant (LT) recipients but the factors that define the risk of ISW failure are largely unknown. One candidate prognostic factor for ISW success or operational tolerance (OT) is longer time between LT and ISW which we term “pre‐withdrawal time”. To clarify the impact of pre‐withdrawal time span on subsequent ISW success or failure, we conducted a systematic review with meta‐analysis.

Methods

We systematically interrogated the literature for LT recipient ISW studies reporting pre‐withdrawal time. Eligible articles from Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used for backward and forward citation searching. Pre‐withdrawal time individual patient data (IPD) was requested from authors. Pooled mean differences and time‐response curves were calculated using random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Results

We included 17 studies with 691 patients, 15 of which (620 patients) with IPD. Study‐level risk of bias was heterogeneous. Mean pre‐withdrawal time was greater by 427 days [95% confidence interval (CI) 67–788] in OT compared to non‐OT patients. This increase was potentiated to 799 days (95% CI 369–1229) or 1074 days (95% CI 685–1463) when restricting analysis to adult or European study participants. In time‐response meta‐analysis for adult or European ISW candidates, likelihood of OT increased by 7% (95% CI 4–10%) per year after LT (GRADE low‐ and moderate‐certainty of evidence, respectively).

Conclusions

Our data support the impact of pre‐withdrawal time in ISW decision‐making for adult and European LT recipients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021272995.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of hospitalized patients with moderate alcohol‐associated hepatitis
Authors: Gaurnizo‐Ortiz Maria , Nephew Lauren D. , Vilar‐Gomez Eduardo , Kettler Carla D. , Slaven James E. , Ghabril Marwan S. , Desai Archita P. , Orman Eric S. , Chalasani Naga , Gawrieh Samer , Patidar Kavish R.
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Little is known about the clinical characteristics and prognosis of hospitalized patients with moderate alcohol‐associated hepatitis (mAH) as compared to severe alcohol‐associated hepatitis (sAH). Therefore, we aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality in hospitalized mAH patients.

Methods

Patients hospitalized with alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020 at a large US healthcare system [11 hospitals, one liver transplant centre] were retrospectively analysed for outcomes. Primary outcome was 90‐day mortality. AH and mAH were defined according to NIAAA Alcoholic Hepatitis Consortia and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease Score ≤ 20 respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with 90‐day mortality.

Results

1504 AH patients were hospitalized during the study period, of whom 39% (n = 590) had mAH. Compared to sAH patients, mAH patients were older (50 vs. 48 years, p < 0.001) and less likely to have underlying cirrhosis (74% vs. 83%, p < 0.001). There were no differences between the two groups for median alcohol intake g/day (mAH 140.0 vs. sAH 112.0, p = 0.071). The cumulative proportion surviving at 90 days was 88% in mAH versus 62% in sAH (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, older age [HR 1.03 (95% CI 1.00–1.06), p = 0.020], corticosteroid use [HR 1.80 (95% CI 1.06–3.06), p = 0.030] and acute kidney injury (AKI) [HR 2.43 (95% CI 1.33–4.47), p = 0.004] were independently associated with 90‐day mortality.

Conclusions

mAH carries a 12% mortality rate at 90 days. Age, AKI and corticosteroid use were associated with an increased risk for 90‐day mortality. Avoidance of corticosteroids and strategies to reduce the risk of AKI could improve outcomes in mAH patients.
Historical trajectory of restoration practice and science across the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Rother Débora C. , Romanelli João P. , Rodrigues Ricardo R.
Published: October 2023

Restoration is fundamentally a hopeful intervention that can meaningfully improve the condition of human‐degraded and destroyed ecosystems. Both restoration science and practice have gained special attention given the recently declared UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. Here, we present an overview of the historical development of forest restoration on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with an emphasis in methodological and technical assumptions. We gathered information from primary and secondary studies to show how forest restoration concepts and strategies evolved over the years. Given the importance of reviews for informing management and policy as well as research, our study provides a summarized information on forest restoration approaches or practices that can help practitioners and non‐initiated to understand how this field evolved in Brazil and how lessons learned can be useful for forest restoration in other countries.
A marine-derived fatty acid targets the cell membrane of Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Upender Isha , Yoshida Olivia , Schrecengost Anna , Ranson Hilary , Wu Qihao , Rowley David C. , Kishore Shreya , Cywes Claire , Miller Eric L. , Whalen Kristen E.
Published: October 2023

The rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance is shrinking our stockpile of commercially available antibiotics. Therefore, new antimicrobials with novel mechanisms of action (MoAs) are desperately needed. The free fatty acid, (
Z
)-13-methyltetra-4-decenoic acid ((
Z
)-4C-14:1), isolated from a marine sediment bacterium
Olleya marilimosa
, displays strong inhibition of Gram-positive pathogens with minimal cytotoxic effects to mammalian cells. Here, we applied a combination of experimental approaches to identify the mechanism by which (
Z
)-4C-14:1 kills the Gram-positive bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
. Using quick and cost-effective bacterial cytological profiling (BCP), we established the cytological signatures of 17 antibiotics representing 6 general classes of antibiotic MoAs. We used BCP to demonstrate that while (
Z
)-4C-14:1-treated
B. subtilis
cells display unique morphological features compared to other antibiotic classes, (
Z
)-4C-14:1 mode of action shares substantial overlap with the fast-acting antibiotic colistin specifically in Gram-positive cells and daptomycin, both of which target bacterial permeability by destroying the cell membrane and causing extensive cell surface alterations. To further determine if the cell membrane of
B. subtilis
was the target of (
Z
)-4C-14:1, we used cell membrane- and peptidoglycan-specific diagnostic stains to investigate bacterial permeability. Our results indicate that (
Z
)-4C-14:1 destabilizes the cell membrane by pore formation in Gram-positive bacteria and emphasize the importance of mining the marine environment for naturally occurring antibiotics.

IMPORTANCE

With the lack of new antibiotics in the drug discovery pipeline, coupled with accelerated evolution of antibiotic resistance, new sources of antibiotics that target pathogens of clinical importance are paramount. Here, we use bacterial cytological profiling to identify the mechanism of action of the monounsaturated fatty acid (
Z
)-13-methyltetra-4-decenoic acid isolated from the marine bacterium
Olleya marilimosa
with antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria. The fatty acid antibiotic was found to rapidly destabilize the cell membrane by pore formation and membrane aggregation in
Bacillus subtilis
, suggesting that this fatty acid may be a promising adjuvant used in combination to enhance antibiotic sensitivity.
Identification of host dependency factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle formation through proteomics and ultrastructural analysis
Authors: Pahmeier Felix , Lavacca Teresa-Maria , Goellner Sarah , Neufeldt Christopher J. , Prasad Vibhu , Cerikan Berati , Rajasekharan Sreejith , Mizzon Giulia , Haselmann Uta , Funaya Charlotta , Scaturro Pietro , Cortese Mirko , Bartenschlager Ralf
Published: October 2023

Positive-strand RNA viruses subvert the cellular endomembrane system for the generation of distinct compartments termed replication organelles (ROs) that harbor the site where viral RNAs are generated. In this study, we corroborate that the SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins 3 and 4 (nsp3 and nsp4) suffice to remodel the endoplasmic reticulum to form double-membrane vesicles similar to ROs observed in viral infection. Cellular membrane alterations induced by nsp3/4 expression were evaluated through electron tomography and confocal microscopy, and nsp3/4-associated host factors were identified using mass spectrometry. The role of these host factors in virus infection was determined using gene silencing, identifying several host proteins involved in the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle. Combining the gene silencing approach with ultrastructural analysis of nsp3/4-expressing cells, we found that the host dependency factors FAM149B1, CCAR2, and ZC3HAV1 play a role in the formation of double-membrane vesicles in a replication-independent manner.

IMPORTANCE

Remodeling of the cellular endomembrane system by viruses allows for efficient and coordinated replication of the viral genome in distinct subcellular compartments termed replication organelles. As a critical step in the viral life cycle, replication organelle formation is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention, but factors central to this process are only partially understood. In this study, we corroborate that two viral proteins, nsp3 and nsp4, are the major drivers of membrane remodeling in SARS-CoV-2 infection. We further report a number of host cell factors interacting with these viral proteins and supporting the viral replication cycle, some of them by contributing to the formation of the SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle.
MmuPV1 E6 induces cell proliferation and other hallmarks of cancer
Authors: Romero-Masters James C. , Muehlbauer Laura K. , Hayes Mitchell , Grace Miranda , Shishkova Evgenia , Coon Joshua J. , Munger Karl , Lambert Paul F.
Published: October 2023

The E6 protein encoded by the murine papillomavirus (MmuPV1) is essential for MmuPV1-induced skin disease. Our previous work has identified a number of cellular interacting partners of MmuPV1 E6 and E7 through affinity purification/mass spectrometry analysis. These studies revealed that MmuPV1 E6 potently inhibits keratinocyte differentiation through multiple molecular mechanisms including inhibition of NOTCH and TGF-β signaling. Here, we report that MmuPV1 E6 has additional important oncogenic activities when expressed in its natural host cells, mouse keratinocytes, including increasing proliferation, overcoming density-mediated growth arrest, and proliferation under conditions of limited supply of growth factors. Unbiased proteomic/transcriptomic analyses of mouse keratinocytes expressing MmuPV1 E6 substantiated its effect on these cellular processes and divulged that some of these effects may be mediated in part through it upregulating E2F activity. Our analyses also revealed that MmuPV1 E6 may alter other cancer hallmarks including evasion of growth suppressors, inhibition of immune response, resistance to cell death, and alterations in DNA damage response. Collectively, our results suggest that MmuPV1 E6 is a major driver of multiple hallmarks of cancer in MmuPV1’s natural host cells, mouse keratinocytes.

IMPORTANCE

The Mus musculus papillomavirus 1 (MmuPV1) E6 and E7 proteins are required for MmuPV1-induced disease. Our understanding of the activities of MmuPV1 E6 has been based on affinity purification/mass spectrometry studies where cellular interacting partners of MmuPV1 E6 were identified, and these studies revealed that MmuPV1 E6 can inhibit keratinocyte differentiation through multiple mechanisms. We report that MmuPV1 E6 encodes additional activities including the induction of proliferation, resistance to density-mediated growth arrest, and decreased dependence on exogenous growth factors. Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses provided evidence that MmuPV1 E6 increases the expression and steady state levels of a number of cellular proteins that promote cellular proliferation and other hallmarks of cancer. These results indicate that MmuPV1 E6 is a major driver of MmuPV1-induced pathogenesis.
Complete genome sequence of
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
strain VHProbi P06, isolated from kimchi
Authors: Guo Chaoqun , Cui Hongchang , Wang Qian , Duan Zhi
Published: October 2023

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
strain VHProbi P06 is a probiotic that was isolated from kimchi soup. Here, we investigate the whole-genome sequence of this strain, which contains a chromosome and seven plasmids.
Genome and characteristics of
Arthrobacter globiformis
AZ cluster phage London
Authors: Beyer Andrea R. , Hatke Hughes Hannah L. , Flowers Jasmae S. , Bullock Jacquelin , Daniels Demesha T. , Drew Makayla , Lee-Mayes Queen , Marshall Brianna M. , Remson Vivica , Thomas Micaelah
Published: October 2023

London is a predicted temperate bacteriophage with siphovirus morphology infecting
Arthrobacter globiformis
NRRL strain B-2880. Sequencing of the genome revealed a length of 43,599 bp comprising 69 predicted open-reading frames and no tRNA genes. It is categorized as a cluster AZ1 phage along with closely related actinobacteriophages Elezi, Eraser, and Niobe.
Complete genome sequence of the
Escherichia coli
phage vB_Ec_Tarrare
Authors: Veilleux Forrest I. , Ayyash Ibrahim , Page Shallee T.
Published: October 2023

We report the isolation, sequencing, and annotation of the novel bacteriophage vB_Ec_Tarrare, which infects the
Escherichia coli
K-12 strain. It was isolated from a bat guano sample collected in Rindge, NH, USA. Its genome is 40,953 base pairs long with 49 putative protein-coding genes and no transfer RNAs.
Cross-sectional evaluation of an asynchronous multiple mini-interview (MMI) in selection to health professions training programmes with 10 principles for fairness built-in
Authors: Callwood Alison , Harris Jenny , Gillam Lee , Roberts Sarah , Kubacki Angela , Christidis Angelos , Tiffin Paul Alexander
Published: October 2023

Objectives

We aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the first known online asynchronous multiple mini-interview (MMI) designed for fairness with subgroup analyses by key characteristics, usability and acceptability.

Design

Cross-discipline multimethod evaluation.

Setting

One UK University.

Participants

Applicants to nursing, midwifery and paramedic science undergraduate programmes during 2021–2022.

Primary, secondary outcome measures

Psychometric properties (internal consistency, construct validity, dimensionality) were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha (α), parallel analysis (PA), Schmid-Leiman transformation and ordinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Usability and acceptability were evaluated using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis.

Methods

The system was configured in a seven question 4 min MMI. Applicants’ videorecorded their answers which were later assessed by interviewers and scores summed. Applicants and interviewers completed online evaluation questionnaires.

Results

Performance data from 712 applicants determined good-excellent reliability for the asynchronous MMI (mean α 0.72) with similar results across subgroups (gender, age, disability/support needs, UK/non-UK). PA and factor analysis results suggested there were seven factors relating to the MMI questions with an underlying general factor that explained the variance in observed candidate responses. A CFA testing a seven-factor hierarchical model showed an excellent fit to the data (Confirmatory Fit Index=0.99), Tucker Lewis Index=0.99, root mean square error (RMSE) =0.034). Applicants (n=210) viewed the flexibility, relaxed environment and cost savings advantageous. Interviewers (n=65) reported the system to be intuitive, flexible with >70% time saved compared with face-to-face interviews. Reduced personal communication was cited as the principal disadvantage.

Conclusions

We found that the asynchronous MMI was reliable, time-efficient, fair and acceptable and building fairness in was lost-cost. These novel, insights are applicable across health professions selection internationally informing the future configuration of online interviews to ensure workforces represent the societies they serve.
High temperature Raman spectroscopic analysis of the crystal growth of Bi2ZnOB2O6
Authors: Zhang Ji , Liu Daojun
Published: October 2023

Micromechanism of crystal growth has received considerable attention as a fundamental subject. However, in situ observation of the crystal growth process remains challenging. In this study, high-temperature Raman spectroscopy has been utilized to investigate the growth pattern of Bi2ZnOB2O6 crystals via in situ exploration of the starting solution structure near the crystal–solution interface. The experimental results show that the solution primarily consists of ZO4 and BO3 units corresponding to 370, 539, 664, and 1293 cm−1 vibration frequencies. These units connect with each other forming longer chains in the area close to the crystal, and they are related to the presence of low-wavenumber vibrations in the Raman spectrum. Furthermore, a loose embryonic structure of the Bi2ZnOB2O6 crystal is observed near the crystal–solution interface owing to the formation of Bi–O bonds. Therefore, this study successfully provides a clear understanding of the formation mechanism of Bi2ZnOB2O6 crystals.
Multiple verdazyl radicals appended to a triarylamine scaffold
Authors: Reiber Sydney , Templeman-Vivian Bennett , Mills Michelle B. , Tremblay Christopher , Leitch David C. , Chernick Erin T.
Published: October 2023

We report the synthesis of three triphenylamine-based verdazyl radicals. These include a mono, bis, and tris(verdazyl) at the 4-position(s) of the N–Ar groups, containing one, two, and three unpaired electrons, respectively. Each of these compounds is air stable and fully characterized using EPR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. From the UV/Vis absorbance data, the optical absorbance energy gaps were found to be ∼2.35 eV for all three verdazyl-containing compounds. Cyclic voltammetry was used to estimate the energy levels of the singly occupied molecular orbitals, which are −4.91, −5.12, and −4.98 eV for mono, bis, and tris(verdazyl) compounds, respectively. Spin–spin exchange interactions were observed in the EPR spectra of both the bis and tris(verdazyl)s, leading to additional hyperfine coupling patterns and assignment of the ground states as triplet and quartet, respectively.
Response of moose to forest harvest and management: a literature review
Authors: Johnson Chris J. , Rea Roy V.
Published: October 2023

Moose are an iconic symbol of northern forests. In many jurisdictions, the management of moose has focused on regulating harvest with less emphasis on understanding moose–habitat relationships. We reviewed the literature and summarised the effects of forest harvest and management on the ecology of moose. Greater than 50 years of scientific studies document both positive and negative effects of forest harvest and associated activities such as silviculture and road building. Moose require spatially adjacent patches of younger plant communities for forage and older forests for thermal and security cover. Extensive and rapid forest harvest can result in the prevalence of young forest with a corresponding reduction in the fitness of moose populations. A warming climate likely will exacerbate the negative effects associated with the broad-scale removal of forest cover. Resource roads can create edge habitat that may serve as forage, but those features result in increased hunting and collisions with vehicles and facilitate the movement of predators. Post-harvest silviculture, including the application of herbicides, can create stand conditions that provide very little or low-quality forage. The ecological and societal benefits of moose are dependent on forest management that provides a mix of old and young forest, employs silviculture that retains adequate cover and forage plants, and minimises the development of roads.
Note on Landau–Stanyukovich rule and the similarity parameter of converging shock waves
Authors: Kwang-Hua Chu A. , Qiao Zhiqin , Li Zhi-Hui , Xiao Yingchao
Published: October 2023

Using similarity methods with general physical assumptions and sufficient mathematical relations, researchers can obtain approximate solutions ready for experimental confirmation. Singh et al. claimed to have analyzed the second-kind self-similar motion of converging cylindrical shock waves in magnetogasdynamics. However, we found the dominated equation (11) and relevant equations of Singh et al. [Chin. Phys. Lett. 28(9) (2011) 094701] as well as the dominated equation (12) and relevant equations of Singh et al. [AIAA J. 48(11) (2010) 2523] being not correct. We show the correct mathematical derivations in details. It seems to us corresponding equations as well as illustrations by Singh et al. are of doubt due to above-mentioned issues. Our results imply the similarity exponent [Formula: see text] obtained by Singh et al. will be close to that for the converging spherical shock waves.
Codimension-2 Bifurcations in a Quantum Decision Making Model
Authors: Avrutin Viktor , Dal Forno Arianna , Merlone Ugo
Published: October 2023

We consider a discrete-time model of a population of agents participating in a minority game using a quantum cognition in an approach with binary choices. As the agents make decisions based on both their present and past states, the model is inherently two-dimensional, but can be reduced to a one-dimensional system governed by a bi-valued function. Through this reduction, we prove how the complex bifurcation structure in the model’s 2D parameter space can be explained by a few codimension-2 bifurcation points of a type not yet reported in the literature. These points act as organizing centers for period-adding structures that partially overlap, leading to bistability.