bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelvic Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Prevents Dysfunction in Patients With Rectal Cancer
Authors: Kneist Werner , Ghadimi Michael , Runkel Norbert , Moesta Thomas , Coerper Stephan , Benecke Claudia , Kauff Daniel W. , Gretschel Stephan , Gockel Ines , Jansen-Winkeln Boris , Lang Hauke , Gorbulev Stanislav , Ruckes Christian , Kronfeld Kai ,   the NEUROS Study Group
Published: September 2022

Objective:

This NEUROmonitoring System (NEUROS) trial assessed whether pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM) could improve urogenital and ano-(neo-)rectal functional outcomes in patients who underwent total mesorectal excisions (TMEs) for rectal cancer.

Background:

High-level evidence from clinical trials is required to clarify the benefits of pIONM.

Methods:

NEUROS was a 2-arm, randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial that included 189 patients with rectal cancer who underwent TMEs at 8 centers, from February 2013 to January 2017. TMEs were performed with pIONM (n=90) or without it (control, n=99). The groups were stratified according to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and sex, with blocks of variable length. Data were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat protocol. The primary endpoint was a urinary function at 12 months after surgery, assessed with the International Prostate Symptom Score, a patient-reported outcome measure. Deterioration was defined as an increase of at least 5 points from the preoperative score. Secondary endpoints were sexual and anorectal functional outcomes, safety, and TME quality.

Results:

The intention-to-treat analysis included 171 patients. Marked urinary deterioration occurred in 22/171 (13%) patients, with significantly different incidence between groups (pIONM: n=6/82, 8%; control: n=16/89, 19%; 95% confidence interval, 12.4–94.4; P=0.0382). pIONM was associated with better sexual and ano-(neo)rectal function. At least 1 serious adverse event occurred in 36/88 (41%) in the pIONM group and 53/99 (54%) in the control group, none associated with the study treatment. The groups had similar TME quality, surgery times, intraoperative complication incidence, and postoperative mortality.

Conclusion:

pIONM is safe and has the potential to improve functional outcomes in rectal cancer patients undergoing TME.
Differentially expressed tRNA-derived fragments in bovine fetuses with assisted reproduction induced congenital overgrowth syndrome
Authors: Goldkamp Anna K. , Li Yahan , Rivera Rocio M. , Hagen Darren E.
Published: September 2022

Background

As couples struggle with infertility and livestock producers wish to rapidly improve genetic merit in their herd, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have become increasingly popular in human medicine as well as the livestock industry. Utilizing ART can cause an increased risk of congenital overgrowth syndromes, such as Large Offspring Syndrome (LOS) in ruminants. A dysregulation of transcripts has been observed in bovine fetuses with LOS, which is suggested to be a cause of the phenotype. Our recent study identified variations in tRNA expression in LOS individuals, leading us to hypothesize that variations in tRNA expression can influence the availability of their processed regulatory products, tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs). Due to their resemblance in size to microRNAs, studies suggest that tRFs target mRNA transcripts and regulate gene expression. Thus, we have sequenced small RNA isolated from skeletal muscle and liver of day 105 bovine fetuses to elucidate the mechanisms contributing to LOS. Moreover, we have utilized our previously generated tRNA sequencing data to analyze the contribution of tRNA availability to tRF abundance.

Results

22,289 and 7,737 unique tRFs were predicted in the liver and muscle tissue respectively. The greatest number of reads originated from 5’ tRFs in muscle and 5’ halves in liver. In addition, mitochondrial (MT) and nuclear derived tRF expression was tissue-specific with most MT-tRFs and nuclear tRFs derived from LysUUUand iMetCAUin muscle, and AsnGUUand GlyGCCin liver. Despite variation in tRF abundance within treatment groups, we identified differentially expressed (DE) tRFs across Control-AI, ART-Normal, and ART-LOS groups with the most DE tRFs between ART-Normal and ART-LOS groups. Many DE tRFs target transcripts enriched in pathways related to growth and development in the muscle and tumor development in the liver. Finally, we found positive correlation coefficients between tRNA availability and tRF expression in muscle (R=0.47) and liver (0.6).

Conclusion

Our results highlight the dysregulation of tRF expression and its regulatory roles in LOS. These tRFs were found to target both imprinted and non-imprinted genes in muscle as well as genes linked to tumor development in the liver. Furthermore, we found that tRNA transcription is a highly modulated event that plays a part in the biogenesis of tRFs. This study is the first to investigate the relationship between tRNA and tRF expression in combination with ART-induced LOS.
Phosphatidylserine controls synaptic targeting and membrane stability of ASIC1a
Authors: Liu Di-Shi , Song Xing-Lei , Liu Ming-Gang , Lu Jianfei , Huang Yu , Jeon Jaepyo , Ma Guofen , Li Yong , Pozzo-Miller Lucas , Zhu Michael X. , Xu Tian-Le
Published: September 2022

Phospholipid-protein interaction is highly specialized at the membranous nanodomains and critical for membrane receptor signaling. Calcium-permeable acid-sensing ion channel isoform 1a (ASIC1a) is a major neuronal proton sensor that contributes to synaptic plasticity. The functional outcome of ASIC1a is dependent on its surface targeting in synaptic subdomains; however, the lipid environment for ASIC1a and its role in channel targeting remain poorly understood. Here, we report that anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) is enriched in dendritic spines during neurodevelopment and it directly binds to ASIC1a through an electrostatic interaction with a di-arginine motif at ASIC1a C-terminus. PS regulates the membrane targeting and function of ASIC1a, which are both strongly suppressed by inhibition of PS synthesis. In cortical neuron dendrites, both PS and ASIC1a are predominately localized to peri-synaptic sites of spine heads, surrounding instead of overlapping with postsynaptic markers, PSD-95 and GluN1. Uncoupling the interaction between PS and ASIC1a by changing the charges to neutral or acidic at the di-arginine PS-binding motif, or applying a membrane penetrating competing peptide, caused mistargeting of ASIC1a at the synaptic sites, an overall increase in internalization and/or cytoplasmic accumulation of ASIC1a, and a decrease in its channel function. Together, our results provide novel insights on lipid microenvironment that governs ASIC1a expression and function at the membrane surface, especially peri-synaptic regions of dendritic spines, through an electrostatic interaction with anionic phospholipids.
Microbiota-dependent histone butyrylation in the mammalian intestine
Authors: Gates Leah A. , Reis Bernardo Sgarbi , Lund Peder J. , Paul Matthew R. , Leboeuf Marylene , Nadeem Zara , Carroll Tom S. , Garcia Benjamin A. , Mucida Daniel , Allis C. David
Published: September 2022

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on histone proteins are a key source of regulation on chromatin through impacting genome organization and important cellular processes, including gene expression. These PTMs often arise from small metabolites and are thus impacted by cellular metabolism and environmental cues. One such class of metabolically regulated PTMs are histone acylations, which include histone acetylation, along with butyrylation, crotonylation, and propionylation. We asked whether histone acylations of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are regulated through the availability of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are generated by the commensal microbiota in the intestinal lumen. We identified IECs from the cecum and distal mouse intestine as sites of high levels of histone acylations, including histone butyrylation and propionylation. We identified specific sites of butyrylation and propionylation on lysine 9 and 27 on histone H3. We demonstrate that these acylations are regulated by the microbiota, whereas histone butyrylation is additionally regulated by the metabolite tributyrin. Furthermore, we identify tributyrin-regulated gene programs that correlate with histone butyrylation and demonstrate that histone butyrylation (H3K27bu) is associated with active gene regulatory elements and levels of gene expression. Together, our observations demonstrate a physiological setting in which previously uncharacterized histone acylations are dynamically regulated and associated with gene expression.
A high-resolution map of small-scale inversions in the gibbon genome
Authors: Mercuri Ludovica , Palmisano Donato , L'Abbate Alberto , D'Addabbo Pietro , Montinaro Francesco , Catacchio Claudia Rita , Hasenfeld Patrick , Ventura Mario , Korbel Jan O. , Sanders Ashley D. , Maggiolini Flavia Angela Maria , Antonacci Francesca
Published: September 2022

Gibbons are the most speciose family of living apes, characterized by a diverse chromosome number and rapid rate of large-scale rearrangements. Here we performed single-cell template strand sequencing (Strand-seq), molecular cytogenetics, and deep in silico analysis of a southern white-cheeked gibbon genome, providing the first comprehensive map of 238 previously hidden small-scale inversions. We determined that more than half are gibbon specific, at least fivefold higher than shown for other primate lineage-specific inversions, with a significantly high number of small heterozygous inversions, suggesting that accelerated evolution of inversions may have played a role in the high sympatric diversity of gibbons. Although the precise mechanisms underlying these inversions are not yet understood, it is clear that segmental duplication–mediated NAHR only accounts for a small fraction of events. Several genomic features, including gene density and repeat (e.g., LINE-1) content, might render these regions more break-prone and susceptible to inversion formation. In the attempt to characterize interspecific variation between southern and northern white-cheeked gibbons, we identify several large assembly errors in the current GGSC Nleu3.0/nomLeu3 reference genome comprising more than 49 megabases of DNA. Finally, we provide a list of 182 candidate genes potentially involved in gibbon diversification and speciation.
Board diversity as a determinant of the social performance in the European banking sector
Authors: Bussoli Candida , Conte Danilo , Barone Marco
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study intends to test the relationship between banks’ board diversity, detected with age and gender characteristics, and banks’ social performance. The resource dependence theory posits that board diversity is a strategic tool able to enrich the board of directors by expanding skills and the number of links with stakeholders, which have a strategic role in achieving a competitive advantage and sustainable goals, especially in the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses are tested using a sample of 46 European banks observed from 2009 to 2017. The gender and age diversity data of bank board members are hand-collected from banks’ social reports.

Findings

The empirical results show that bank social performance is positively influenced by board gender and age diversity. Thus, the human capital determined by a higher bank’s board diversity constitutes an essential resource for adopting more sustainable business models.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the association between board diversity and social performance, providing empirical evidence for the European banking sector in the period after the 2008 global financial crisis. The banking literature provides scarce evidence on the topic; however, the empirical results claim the strategic importance of the appointment of directors to the banks’ boards to balance corporate strategy with social and environmental issues generating a positive impact on sustainable growth.
Linkages of organizational commitment and leadership styles: a systematic review
Authors: Borde Prashant Sunil , Arora Ridhi , Kakoty Sanjeeb
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the linkages between organizational commitment (OC) and five leadership styles, namely, authentic leadership, benevolent leadership, ethical leadership, moral leadership and spiritual leadership, have been investigated in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic literature review applies a matrix method to examine the significant literature in leadership and OC, specifically considering themes of self-development, self-awareness, self-regulation, self-discipline and self-motivation necessary for individuals and organizations. The papers from Australian Business Deans Council, Scopus and Web of Science listed journals were reviewed. Forty-three peer-reviewed English publications from 20 journals were selected and analysed.

Findings

The synthesis of these empirical studies revealed that the relationship between OC and these leadership styles had primarily been mostly quantitatively investigated in many countries and sectors. Additionally, ethical leadership remains the most commonly researched style. Furthermore, there are mediating mechanisms and boundary conditions in the relationship between these styles and OC.

Research limitations/implications

The literature search in this study was mainly focused on English articles only; therefore, some papers in other languages may not have been included. Additional qualitative studies based on these linkage themes need to be conducted in human resource development (HRD) contexts.

Practical implications

This review offers an overall picture of the existing knowledge of OC and leadership that will be fruitful for HRD practitioners to understand and replicate these concepts.

Originality/value

There are few systematic literature reviews on the relationship between OC and leadership styles. This paper is among the first systematic reviews to analyse how leadership has been associated with OC and provides potential research directions. HRD practitioners and academia should find the results of this study helpful.
Stressors faced by principals, ways of coping with stress and leadership experiences during the COVID -19 pandemic
Authors: Arastaman Gökhan , Çetinkaya Aslı
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to better understand how principals in Turkey perceive and navigate overwhelming stress and to identify leadership practices that enable coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the stress factors, coping strategies and leadership experiences that the principals faced during the pandemic through semi-structured interviews with 12 school principals.

Findings

The results of the research showed that the stressors perceived by the principals were reflected in their leadership practices. The leadership practices of the principals in this period were interpreted as their reactions to perceived stressors. In addition, ensuring the self-care and well-being of principals has been evaluated as a prerequisite for successful crisis leadership. Leadership practices that are effective in achieving crisis leadership in the context of the pandemic are explained.

Practical implications

Implications were made for the development of a comprehensive theory of crisis leadership that focuses on the well-being of school leaders and the development of leadership skills. Further empirical research on how leadership is achieved in different types of crises is recommended.

Originality/value

Our research contributes to the existing knowledge and school leaders about how crisis leadership is achieved by revealing the complexity and multidimensional structure of school leadership in the context of the pandemic.
Relationship between strategic orientation and performance: the mediating role of green supply chain management for better performance
Authors: Jalili Samira , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Moosavi Saeideh , Keshavarz Abdollah , Zaboli Rouhollah , Tabatabaee Seyed Saeed , Kalhor Rohollah
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Strategic orientation is one of the critical principles affecting the marketing and strategy selection of an organization’s activities, reflecting the strategic tendencies implemented by the organization to create behaviours, leading to organizational efficiency and better employee performance. Therefore, this paper aims to study the relationship between strategic orientation and performance in Qazvin teaching hospitals through green supply chain management (SCM) to improve employees' performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a descriptive– analytical and cross-sectional study. The total number of employees in medical centres was 2,256 people. According to Morgan’s table, the required number of samples was 328, including 10% of the sample loss. The questionnaire was given to 365 staff in different hospitals in proportion to the number of staff. Two statistical software, SPSS24 and AMOS23, were used to evaluate the results.

Findings

All three variables were relatively moderate in the hospitals. The results of evaluating the structural model of the research showed that all the studied hypotheses were significant, except for the relationship between organizational performance and strategic orientation hypothesis. The results also show that this model had a good fit.

Practical implications

The findings can lead to saving the environment, creating a better social image and reducing costs and profitability, allowing managers to know the strategic orientations rather than depending on institutional pressure issues and monitoring guidelines.

Originality/value

Considering the significant relationship between the dimensions of green SCM and the hospitals’ performance, the authors suggest: establishing multilateral co-operation in environmental issues, improving the environmental status of hospitals, reducing waste rates and paying attention to social responsibility of hospitals. In addition, the findings help hospital management to comprehensively understand the strategies for implementing green SCM procedures.
The role of blogs in restoring the self-integrity of women victims of intimate partner sexual violence
Authors: Watanabe Carolina Yukari Veludo , Diniz Eduardo Henrique , Scornavacca Eusebio
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the role of blogs in helping women victims of intimate partner sexual violence to restore their self-integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ research uses an interpretive stance, supported by motivational and “self” theories to analyze 33 blogs reporting the experiences of women in Brazil who suffered sexual violence perpetrated by an intimate partner.

Findings

This study identifies the reasons why women who suffer violence from intimate partners write blog posts. It also develops an analytical framework that bridges the gap between the design and use of IT-artifacts and the context of sexual violence from an intimate partner. Women who suffer violence from intimate partners look for blogs in order to find a safe space for expression, a knowledge hub and a social support network. Blogs play a pivotal role in supporting the journey of reconstructing their self-integrity.

Research limitations/implications

The results help to understand the role of blogs in helping victims in vulnerable situations trying to restore their self-integrity. It also contributes to improve the design and functionality of such platforms as an important resource for social support networks.

Practical implications

This study shows the positive impact of blogs as a tool to support victims in the process of restoring their self-integrity.

Social implications

This study aims to promote the use of digital artifacts such as blogs as a complementary instrument to fight violence against women.

Originality/value

The analytical framework used in this paper helps to understand the role of IT-artifacts in the context of sexual violence from an intimate partner.
From approachables on the sidelines to dedicated sensitives: developing a leadership typology among healthcare leaders utilizing grounded theory
Authors: Küllenberg Janna Katharina , Niermann Debora , Becker Sonja , Körner Mirjam
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Based on a resulting typing model, this paper focuses on four types of leaders (Approachables on the sidelines, Distanced overseers, Realistic succeeders and Dedicated sensitives), who differ in the analytical core category of “development of awareness.”

Design/methodology/approach

Internal team coaching is intended to strengthen leaders in the health care system. The Team Leader Coaching Programme (TLCP) was implemented as an internal coaching instrument at rehabilitation centers using a train-the-trainer format. Twenty-one team leaders were surveyed on their experience of the coaching process they implemented in their teams. The interviews were analyzed using the grounded theory method (GTM) as theoretically discussed by representatives of second-generation GTM (Charmaz, 2014).

Findings

Use of the TLCP proved to be an intervention for initiating and enhancing an awareness development process regarding team leaders' reflections on their own position and leadership role, regardless of their profession. This process was found to be a prerequisite for implementing the learned content. The typing model is discussed given current contextual conditions in the rehabilitation system and their connectivity in practice for integrating coaching elements into daily management.

Originality/value

This article presents a typology of healthcare leaders. Thanks to the reconstructive approach using grounded theory methodology, this article presents an in-depth analysis of the implementation process of a coaching program. The findings are both connectable to applied leadership research and useable for further development of training and interventions to strengthen team leaders in clinical settings.
The sustainability opportunity study (SOS) – diagnosing by operationalising and sensemaking of sustainability using Total Quality Management
Authors: Isaksson Raine , Ramanathan Swaminathan , Rosvall Max
Published: September 2022

Purpose

A key issue to manage sustainability is to be able to operationalise it. Relevant indicators require an appropriate definition of sustainability and sustainable development for the studied organisation. A common problem is inadequate understanding of what sustainability is from an organisational perspective. The purpose of this paper is to propose how to understand, define and measure diagnosing of sustainability from an outside-in perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The building, health care, education and tourism value chains are studied. Based on interpreted stakeholder sustainability needs the stages of understanding, defining and measuring of diagnosing are reviewed, and interpretations proposed. This is with focus on identifying the vital few sustainability impacts in the studied value chains.

Findings

The resulting definitions and proposed performance indicators for the chosen areas indicate that the approach works resulting in proposed definitions and indicators for sustainability and sustainable development based on stakeholders need focus. Having clear definitions and performance indicators will support working effectively with sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

The resulting definitions and proposed performance indicators for the chosen areas indicate that the approach works. Further, proposed definitions and indicators for sustainability and sustainable development based on stakeholder needs focus is useful. Having clear definitions and performance indicators will help an organisation engage with sustainability and be sustainable within an organisational context.

Practical implications

The proposed approach enables using quality management for sustainable development.

Social implications

Social sustainability is viewed from a poverty and affordability perspective.

Originality/value

Results indicate that there is a value in using an outside-in approach with focus on stakeholder needs in connection with a process-based approach. The approach is in contrast with the customary way of defining sustainability which mostly is based on an inside-out approach identifying several indicators and then adding these to a measure of sustainability.
Immunohistological analysis of pathogenic infiltrates in the epidermis and liver of a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis accompanied by vanishing bile duct syndrome
Authors: Toyoda Tomohiro , Hashimoto Koji , Ogawa Youichi , Tohyama Mikiko , Muto Yoshinori , Murashima Takayuki , Akao Kei , Honma Koichi , Tanaka Atsushi
Published: September 2022

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe cutaneous adverse drug reaction characterized by extensive epidermal detachment, which is reportedly mediated by drug‐specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, inflammatory monocytes, and neutrophils. Besides the skin, TEN often damages other organs, and it remains unknown whether they are mediated by similar pathogenic cells that cause epidermal damage. We experienced a case who developed TEN complicated with vanishing bile duct syndrome. Immunohistological analysis revealed the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, inflammatory monocytes, and neutrophil extracellular trap‐forming neutrophils in the lesions of both the skin and liver with different degree of infiltration of these cells. These data suggest a difference of dominant pathogenic cells between skin and liver of patients with TEN.
The effects of environmental heterogeneity within a city on the evolution of clines
Authors: Santangelo James S. , Roux Cindy , Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: September 2022

There is increasing evidence that environmental change associated with urbanization can drive rapid adaptation. However, most studies of urban adaptation have focused on coarse urban vs. rural comparisons or sampled along a single urban–rural environmental gradient, thereby ignoring the role that within‐city environmental heterogeneity might play in adaptation to urban environments.

In this study, we examined fine‐scale variation in the presence of hydrogen cyanide (HCN)—a potent anti‐herbivore defence—and its two underlying genes (Ac and Li) between park green spaces and surrounding suburban habitats for five city parks in the Greater Toronto Area.

We show that fine‐scale urbanization has driven the formation of micro‐clines in HCN on a scale of <2 km, though the presence and strength of micro‐clines varied across parks. Interestingly, these micro‐clines were driven by lower HCN frequencies inside park green spaces, and are therefore in the opposite direction to that predicted based on previously described patterns of HCN frequency change along urban–rural gradients.

Synthesis: These results suggest larger scale, adaptive urban–rural clines occur across a complex matrix of environmental heterogeneity within cities that drives fine‐scale adaptive microclines of varying strengths and directions.
To make a figure in the world: Identity and material literacy in the 1770s coach consumption of British ambassador, Lord Grantham
Authors: Jackson Ben
Published: September 2022

Using archival research on the correspondence of diplomat Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron Grantham, this article examines how Grantham used his material knowledge of carriage design to negotiate the often‐conflicting pushes and pulls on elite office‐holding men's identities and material cultures. Grantham's anxieties and frustrations surrounding ‘making a figure’ showcase the importance of material culture and material literacy in the construction and negotiation of a professional (specifically diplomatic), social and gendered identity in the late‐eighteenth century and suggests an alternative vision of the ‘anxious masculinity’ paradigm.
Patient‐reported outcomes of laryngeal mask anesthesia in thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Xu Kaikai , Zhang Yi , Cui Yong , Tian Feng
Published: September 2022

Background

To assess the effectiveness and safety of laryngeal mask anesthesia (LMA) in thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection based on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included 107 patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection between June 2017 and December 2021 for pulmonary nodule or pulmonary bullae. In one group, LMA was applied for general anesthesia, and in the other group, endotracheal intubation (ETT) was used.

Results

A total of 107 patients were included in the study. The symptom assessment based on PROs showed that the incidence of pharyngodynia, trachyphonia, and cough were lower in the LMA group, while the postoperative gastrointestinal reaction did not significantly differ between the two groups. The pain score and global satisfaction score were significantly better in the LMA group. The satisfaction degree of anesthesia and the surgical field did not significantly differ between the two groups. The anesthesia recovery time, indwelling days of chest catheter, and postoperative hospital stay of the LMA group were all shorter, while the operation time, intraoperative blood loss and lowest intraoperative oxygen saturation did not significantly differ between the two groups. The highest intraoperative partial pressure of CO2 was significantly higher in the LMA group. The artery blood gas analysis after the operation did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Compared with ETT, the application of LMA may demonstrate promising advantages in airway management for thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection.

Registration No. of clinical trial (ChiCTR2000034905).
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in patients before, during, or after lung irradiation, and serum SP‐A and SP‐D levels
Authors: Ishibashi Naoya , Maebayashi Toshiya , Aizawa Takuya , Sakaguchi Masakuni , Okada Masahiro
Published: September 2022

Background

The correlation between COVID‐19 and RT has not been determined to date and remains a clinical question. The aim of this study was to evaluate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia before, during, and after radiation therapy (RT) regarding the radiation doses, radiation pneumonitis, and surfactant protein levels.

Methods

We evaluated patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 before, during, or after RT for the lung between August 2020 and April 2022. In patients with breast cancer, the RT dose to the ipsilateral lung was determined. In all other patients, bilateral lung RT doses were determined. Patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 after RT were evaluated to determine whether radiation pneumonitis had worsened compared with before RT. The serum levels of the surfactant proteins SP‐A and SP‐D were measured before, during, and after RT.

Results

The patients included in the study comprised three men (27.3%) and eight women (72.7%). The primary cancer sites were the breast (n = 7; 63.7%), lung (n = 2; 18.1%), esophagus (n = 1; 9.1%), and tongue (9.1%). COVID‐19 was diagnosed before RT in four patients, during RT in two patients, and after RT in five patients. Six (54.5%) patients developed COVID‐19 pneumonia. Radiation pneumonitis grade ≥2 was not identified in any patient, and radiation pneumonitis did not worsen after RT in any patient. No rapid increases or decreases in SP‐A and SP‐D levels occurred after the diagnosis of COVID‐19 in all patients regardless of RT timing.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 did not appear to result in lung toxicity and surfactant protein levels did not change dramatically.
Twenty‐year medication use trends in first‐episode bipolar disorder
Authors: Poranen Juulia , Koistinaho Aura , Tanskanen Antti , Tiihonen Jari , Taipale Heidi , Lähteenvuo Markku
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To study the medication use patterns in patients newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) in Finland during the past 20 years.

Methods

All persons diagnosed with BD between 1996 and 2018, aged 16–65 years, with no previous BD diagnosis were identified from nationwide Finnish registers (N = 26,395). The point prevalences of medication use were observed up until 5 years after the first diagnosis. Five sub‐cohorts according to calendar year of first diagnosis were also formed and the prevalence of medication use was compared between sub‐cohorts 3 months after diagnosis. Medication data were modeled with the PRE2DUP‐method using dispensing data.

Results

The prevalence of overall medication use declined during the 5‐year follow‐up period in the total cohort. The highest prevalence of use was seen 3 months after diagnosis for the three main medication classes–antidepressants (40.8%), antipsychotics (30.8%) and mood stabilizers (29.2%). The prevalence of lithium use varied between 5.9% and 6.5% during the 5 years in the total cohort, and the lowest prevalence of use at 3 months was seen in sub‐cohort diagnosed in 2016–2018 (4.1%) versus 12.1% in 1996–2000 sub‐cohort. The prevalence of benzodiazepine use was between 12.4% and 13.5% and the prevalence of Z‐drugs was between 7.3% and 7.9% during the 5 years. The prevalence of long‐acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) use was the highest in patients diagnosed in 2016–2018, although still only 0.8%.

Conclusions

(i) The use of antidepressants is too prevalent, (ii) the use of lithium is declining and needs to be increased, and (iii) LAIs are markedly underutilized as compared to their oral counterparts.
Cerebral oxygenation and body position in the preterm infant: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Maes Eva , Cools Filip , Dereymaeker Anneleen , Jansen Katrien , Naulaers Gunnar , Thewissen Liesbeth
Published: September 2022

Aim

After preterm birth, supine head midline position is supported for stable cerebral blood flow (CBF) and prevention of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), while prone position supports respiratory function and enables skin‐to‐skin care. The prone compared to supine position could lead to a change in near‐infrared derived cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rScO2), which is a surrogate for cerebral blood flow (CBF). By monitoring rScO2 neonatologists aim to stabilise CBF during intensive care and prevent brain injury. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we investigate the effect of the body position on rScO2.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify all trials that included preterm infants in the first 2 weeks after birth and compared rScO2 in the prone versus supine head in midline position of the infant. A meta‐analysis, including two subgroup analyses based on postnatal age (PNA) and gestational age (GA), was performed.

Results

Six observational cohort studies were included. In the second, but not the first week after birth, a significant higher rScO2 in the prone position was found with a mean difference of 1.97% (95% CI 0.87–3.07). No rScO2 difference was observed between positions in the extremely preterm nor the preterm group.

Conclusion

No consistent evidence was found that body position influences rScO2 in the first 2 weeks after preterm birth. Subgroup analysis suggests that in the second week after birth, the prone position might result in higher cerebral rScO2 than the supine position with head in midline. Multiple factors determine the best body position in preterms.
From ‘Muddy glee’ to muddy reflections on fieldwork and writing
Authors: Thornton Sara A. , Cook Sarah , Cole Lydia , Hapsari K. Anggi , Zawawi Norliyana Zin , Page Susan E.
Published: September 2022

‘Muddy glee’ by Bracken and Mawdsley made an important contribution to highlighting gender discrimination in fieldwork and the heterogeneity of fieldwork experiences. In the past couple of years, the ability of many researchers to engage in fieldwork has also changed dramatically due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Here, we reflect on Bracken and Mawdsley's paper and our own experiences and perspectives of fieldwork in recent years. We discuss a previous paper we co‐authored (entitled ‘Pushing the limits’: experiences of women in tropical peatland research), and the benefits that these papers (e.g., ‘Muddy glee’ and ‘Pushing the limits’) may provide. We highlight the value of sharing personal experiences in science (which is often seen as an ‘objective’ space), and how writing for ourselves can be an empowering and community‐building act.
Adverse drug reaction related to drug shortage: A retrospective study on the French National Pharmacovigilance Database
Authors: Bourneau‐Martin Delphine , Babin Marina , Grandvuillemin Aurélie , Mullet Charlotte , Salvo Francesco , Singier Allison , Cellier Morgane , Fresse Audrey , de Canecaude Claire , Pietri Tessa , Drablier Guillaume , Geniaux Hélène , Lagarce Laurence , Laroche Marie‐Laure , Briet Marie ,   French Network of Regional Pharmacovigilance Centres
Published: September 2022

Aim

Drug shortages are a growing global health issue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the consequences of drug shortages on patient safety based on data recorded in the French National Pharmacovigilance Database.

Methods

All cases involving drug shortages reported from 1985 to the end of 2019 were extracted from the database.

Results

Following the selection process, 462 cases were included. The number of cases increased significantly from 2004 to 2019. Cases mainly involved drugs from the nervous system (22.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 17.5–27.0%), the cardiovascular system (16.4%, 95% CI 11.9–21.4%) and anti‐infectives for systemic use (14.3%, 95% CI 9.7–19.2%) ATC classes. Most of the cases reported an adverse drug reaction (ADR) belonging to the SOC nervous system (21%, 95% CI 18–24%), skin and subcutaneous (14%, 95% CI 11–17%), general (13%, 95% CI 10–17%) and gastrointestinal (8%, 95% CI 5–11%) disorders. Disease worsening was observed in 15.9% of the cases, mostly related to a lack of efficacy of the replacement drug. Half of the cases were considered as serious. Evolution was favourable in 79.4% of the cases. Death and/or life‐threatening situations were reported in 5.8% of the cases. Medication errors (MEs) were identified in 51 cases (11%), mostly occurring at the administration step and involving a human factor.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the clinical impact of drug shortage in terms of ADRs, ME and inefficiency. These observations underline the importance of a global health policy programme to limit the occurrence of drug shortages and to reinforce the information provided to patients and health care professionals in this context to limit risk.
Comparing COVID-19 Incidences Longitudinally Per Economic Sector Against the Background of Preventive Measures and Vaccination
Authors: Stijven Florian , Verbeeck Johan , Molenberghs Geert
Published: September 2022

In the COVID-19 pandemic, workplace transmission plays an important role. For this type of transmission, the longitudinal 14-day incidence curve of SARS-CoV-2 infections per economic sector is a proxy. In Belgium, a census of confirmed 14-day incidences per NACE-BEL sector level three is available from September 2020 until June 2021, encompassing two waves of infections. However, these high-dimensional data, with a relatively small number of NACE-BEL sectors, are challenging to analyze. We propose a nonlinear Gaussian–Gaussian model that combines parametric and semi-parametric elements to describe the incidence curves with a small set of meaningful parameters. These parameters are further analyzed with conventional statistical methods, such as CCA and linear models, to provide insight into predictive characteristics of the first wave for the second wave. Those nonlinear models classify economic sectors into three groups: sectors with two regular waves of infections, sectors with only a first wave and sectors with a more irregular profile, which may indicate a clear effect of COVID-19 vaccination. The Gaussian–Gaussian model thus allows for analyzing and comparing incidence curves and to bring out key characteristics of such curves. Finally, we consider in which other settings the proposed approach could be applied, together with possible pitfalls.
Practical guide to coproduction in conservation science
Authors: Caro Tim , Andrews Jeffrey , Clark Matthew , Borgerhoff Mulder Monique
Published: September 2022

We considered a series of conservation‐related research projects on the island of Pemba, Tanzania, to reflect on the broad significance of Beier et al.’s recommendations for linking conservation science with practical conservation outcomes. The implementation of just some of their suggestions can advance a successful coproduction of actionable science by small research teams. Key elements include, first, scientists and managers working together in the field to ensure feedback in real time; second, questions jointly identified by managers and researchers to facilitate engaged collaboration; third, conducting research at multiple sites, thereby broadening managers’ abilities to reach multiple stakeholders; and fourth, establishing a multidisciplinary team because most of the concerns of local managers require input from multiple disciplines.
Remodelling landscape of tissue‐engineered bladder with porcine small intestine submucosa using single‐cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Peng Liao , Jin Xi , He Qing , Gao Xiao‐shuai , Wang Wei , Zeng Xiao , Shen Hong , Luo De‐yi
Published: September 2022

Objective

Bioscaffolds are widely used for tissue engineering, but failed and inconsistent preclinical results have hampered the clinical use of bioscaffolds for tissue engineering. We aimed to construct a cellular remodelling landscape and to identify the key cell subpopulations and important genes driving bladder remodelling.

Methods

Twenty‐four reconstructed mouse bladders using porcine small intestinal submucosa (PSIS) were harvested at 1, 3, and 6 weeks to perform single‐cell RNA sequencing. Cell types were identified and their differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at each stage were used for functional analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to validate the specific cell type.

Results

The remodelling landscape included 13 cell types. Among them, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), endothelial cells, and macrophages had the most communications with other cells. In the process of regeneration, DEGs of fibroblasts at 1, 3, and 6 weeks were mainly involved in wound healing, extracellular matrix organization, and regulation of development growth, respectively. Among these cells, Saa3+ fibroblasts might mediate tissue remodelling. The DEGs of SMCs at 1, 3, and 6 weeks were mainly involved in the inflammatory response, muscle cell proliferation, and mesenchyme development, respectively. Moreover, we found that Notch3+ SMCs potentially modulated contractility. From 1 to 6 weeks, synchronous development of endothelial cells was observed by trajectory analysis.

Conclusions

A remoulding landscape was successfully constructed and findings might help surficial modifications of PSIS and find a better alternative. However, more in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to further validate these results.
The combination of exposure to Tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, Inosine 5′‐Monophosphate Dehydrogenase activity and inhibition in the first week define early histological outcomes in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Thanukrishnan Harisudhan , Venkataramanan Raman , Mehta Rajil B. , Jorgensen Dana , Sood Puneet
Published: September 2022

Therapeutic drug monitoring is routine for Tacrolimus, while levels are not routinely monitored for mycophenolic acid (MPA). This study investigated the effect of early post‐transplant pharmacokinetics (PK) of MPA and Tacrolimus along with the pharmacodynamics (PD) of MPA on biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR) after renal transplantation. A prospective PK/PD study with limited sampling (three blood samples) was conducted in renal transplant recipients on week 1, around Day 6 (n = 42) and at the 3rd‐month biopsy on Day 90 (n = 23). The partial exposures (area under curve [AUC]0‐3.5 h) of both MPA and Tacrolimus obtained during the first week were more predictive of rejection (combined clinical and subclinical rejection) by Day 90 than their trough concentrations or Day 90 exposures. Patients with rejection had significantly worse renal function (eGFR) and a comparatively lower exposure to MPA during the first post‐transplant week. The lower MPA exposure was also associated with sub‐optimal inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibition in patients with rejection, and the probability of rejection was higher in the presence of an increased pre‐transplant IMPDH activity. A composite of parameters, including MPA exposure and IMPDH activity was found to predict acute rejection and may be beneficial along with tacrolimus monitoring early after renal transplantation.
Dermatofibroma‐like dermal non‐neural granular cell tumor
Authors: Kim Na Young , Jang Ju Wang , Huh Yun Jung , Ro Young Suck , Paik Seung Sam , Ko Joo Yeon
Published: September 2022

Non‐neural granular cell tumor (NNGCT) is a rare tumor with uncertain lineage. It presents as an asymptomatic polypoid or plaque‐like lesion, especially on trunk. Because the granular cells are usually strongly reactive with S‐100 stain, conventional granular cell tumors (GCTs) are regarded as those of neural or Schwann cell origin. Unlike GCTs, NNGCT is not reactive for S‐100 protein and is thought to derive elsewhere, presumably from mesenchymal stem cells. A 20‐year‐old woman presented with a solitary, dermatofibroma‐like, brownish nodule on her right arm. The lesion developed 3 months before presentation without subjective symptoms. Histopathologic examination revealed a grenz zone overlying a poorly circumscribed tumor extending through the reticular dermis. The tumor cells were large and polygonal, and they had numerous eosinophilic small granules in the cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD68, vimentin, factor XIIIa, CD10, and cyclin D1. Stains for S‐100 protein, neuron‐specific enolase, and CD34 were negative. Based on these findings, the lesion was diagnosed as dermal NNGCT.
Auer rods and faggot cells: A review of the history, significance and mimics of two morphological curiosities of enduring relevance
Authors: Sehgal Tushar , Sharma Prashant
Published: September 2022

Myeloid differentiation in blasts is distinguished by the presence of one or more needle‐shaped crystalline structures called Auer rods. Auer rods manifest either alone or as faggot cells (containing bundles of Auer rods) in various types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN). Their presence largely portends a better prognosis in AML (as markers of maturation/differentiation) and upstages cases of MDS and MDS/MPN. Observation of these rods in residual blasts in treated cases of AML indicates an absence of remission. This article traces their historical discovery and examines their pathogenetic intricacies, as well as our current understanding of their relevance in myeloid neoplasms. Studies evaluating their prognostic impact in AML and MDS are catalogued. We also discuss a variety of other hematological and non‐hematological neoplasms where structures potentially mistakable for Auer rods have been described. Even as the diagnostic approach to hematological malignancies has evolved from a morphology + cytochemistry + immunophenotyping‐dependent one in the last century to a predominantly molecular genetics‐based classification currently, and even as high‐throughput sequencing and structural variation detection techniques surpass morphology in detecting clinically‐relevant sub‐categories of similar‐appearing tumours, we review these curious microscopic structures that have withstood the test of time with respect to their diagnostic relevance.