bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competencies for sustainability: Insights from the encyclical letter Laudato Si
Authors: Díaz de la Cruz Cristina , Polo Valdivieso Rubén Eduardo
Published: November 2023

This study offers a proposal about which competencies should be fostered in organizations to promote a culture in favor of sustainability in line with Pope Francis' encyclical letter Laudato Si. As a result, seven main competencies are proposed, with their interpretation in the light of the encyclical letter, and some suggestions on how to implement them in organizations are presented. The competencies are systemic vision, critical thinking, capacity for dialog, inclusion, proper use of goods, creativity, and spirituality. In addition, the study offers a discussion of the relevance of these competencies in today's business context. This study offers a novelty with respect to other theoretical proposals on competencies for sustainability since it includes competencies that require an authentic concern for other people and for a vision of the human being open to transcendence, thus breaking with instrumentalism and technocratic paradigm that underlies other proposals. In this way, it also offers a new key to interpreting the integral ecology proposed by Pope Francis, which goes beyond other approaches to sustainability in that it includes not only the person–nature relationship but also the person–person and person–transcendence or person–God relationships. The conclusions of this theoretical research can be especially useful for those who intend to promote a culture of sustainability inspired by the Catholic Social Teaching, also making use of the knowledge and good practices of competency‐based management.
ZPR1 is an immunodiagnostic biomarker and promotes tumor progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Sun Guiying , Ye Hua , Liu Huijuan , Li Tiandong , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Xiaoyue , Cheng Yifan , Wang Keyan , Shi Jianxiang , Dai Liping , Wang Peng
Published: November 2023

To evaluate the potential of zinc finger protein 1 (ZPR1) as a diagnostic biomarker and explore the underlying role for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A human proteome microarray was customized to identify anti‐ZPR1 autoantibody, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to assess the diagnostic performance of anti‐ZPR1 autoantibody in 294 patients with ESCC and 294 normal controls. The expression of ZPR1 protein was measured by immunohistochemistry. The effect of ZPR1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells was investigated through CCK‐8, wound healing, and Transwell assays. The expression level of anti‐ZPR1 autoantibody (fold change = 2.77) in ESCC patients was higher than that in normal controls. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis manifested anti‐ZPR1 autoantibody achieved area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.726 and 0.734 to distinguish ESCC from normal controls with sensitivity of 50.0% and 42.3%, and specificity of 91.0% and 92.0% in the test group and validation group, respectively. The positive rate of ZPR1 protein was significantly higher in ESCC tissues (75.5%, 80/106) than paracancerous tissues (9.4%, 5/53). Compared with the human normal esophageal cell line, the expression level of ZPR1 mRNA and protein in ESCC lines (KYSE150, Eca109, and TE1) had an increased trend. The knockdown or overexpression of ZPR1 reduced and enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cell, respectively. ZPR1 was a potential immunodiagnostic biomarker for noninvasive detection and could be a promotional factor in tumor progression of ESCC.
‘I don't know what is autism, what is normal teenage behaviour, and what is naughtiness’: Conceptualising child and adolescent to parent violence in the context of neurodevelopmental difference
Authors: Holt Amanda
Published: November 2023

This article presents findings from a UK‐based qualitative study that explored parents/carers experiences of child to parent violence (CPV) from their child who has a neurodevelopmental difference. The study used semi‐structured interviews with 15 mothers who were experiencing physical and psychological violence from their child, often on a daily basis. Findings show that parents struggled to make sense of the violence, often feeling conflicted between whether the violence was the result of their child's neurodevelopmental challenges, ‘normal’ teenage behaviour or, in some cases, their child's poor mental health. Parents also recognised the inappropriateness of common advice they were given to address CPV. The implications of these complex sense‐making practices are discussed in relation to future research and practice.
Non‐allelic recombination interactive genetic algorithms for colour imagery reproduction in colour scheming
Authors: Liu Xiaojian , Li Ming , Xu Boqun
Published: November 2023

Using image extracted colours as the colour source for product colour matching is a common design strategy. The process of colour scheme design involves both source colour combination optimisation and continuous variable optimisation. As a commonly used optimising tool, interactive genetic algorithm (IGA) recombines the colours between alleles, that is, the same area in different colour schemes. Two types of invalid schemes are prone to arise during optimisation. The first is the colour duplication in a colour scheme's areas, which are supposed to be painted differently. The second is the unexpected new colours generated through interpolation between alleles. This article proposes a non‐allelic IGA (NA‐IGA) method, which allows colour recombination among non‐alleles, to avoid invalid schemes and improve algorithm efficiency. The crossover, evaluation, and selection operators are redesigned. NA‐IGA tries to maintain the features of extracted colours in the colour schemes while taking user preference into consideration. Thus, interaction methods for colour matching optimisation are designed to extend the evaluation mode of traditional IGA, including colour shuffling, continuous fine‐tuning, and so forth. An application test is conducted in the rail vehicle's painting design. The comparison experiment with traditional IGA shows that NA‐IGA significantly reduces the generation of invalid schemes and significantly improves efficiency and effectiveness of the optimisation.
Post‐transplant outcomes and financial burden of donation after circulatory death donor liver transplant after the implementation of acuity circle policy
Authors: Shimada Shingo , Yoshida Atsushi , Abouljoud Marwan , Miyake Katsunori , Ivanics Tommy , Shamaa Tayseer , Venkat Deepak , Moonka Dilip , Trudeau Sheri , Reed Elizabeth , Nagai Shunji
Published: November 2023

Background

After implementation of the Acuity Circles (AC) allocation policy, use of DCD liver grafts has increased in the United States.

Methods

We evaluated the impact of AC on rates of DCD‐liver transplants (LT), their outcomes, and medical costs in a single practice. Adult LT patients were classified into three eras: Era 1 (pre‐AC, 1/01/2015–12/31/2017); Era 2 (late pre‐AC era, 1/01/2018–02/03/2020); and Era 3 (AC era, 05/10/2020–09/30/2021).

Results

A total of 520 eligible LTs were performed; 87 were DCD, and 433 were DBD. With each successive era, the proportion of DCD increased (Era 1: 11%; Era 2: 20%; Era 3: 24%; p < .001). DCD recipients had longer ICU stays, higher re‐admission/re‐operation rates, and higher incidence of ischemic cholangiopathy compared to those with DBD. Direct, surgical, and ICU costs during first admission were higher with DCD than DBD (+8.0%, p < .001; +4.2%, p < .001; and +33.3%, p = .001). DCD‐related costs increased after Era 1 (Direct: +4.9% [Era 2 vs. 1] and +12.4% [Era 3 vs. 1], p = .04; Surgical: +17.7% and +21.7%, p < .001). In the AC era, there was a significantly higher proportion of donors ≥50 years, and more national organ sharing. Compared to DCD from donors <50 years, DCD from donors ≥50 years was associated with significantly higher total direct, surgical, and ICU costs (+12.6%, p = .01; +9.5%, p = .01; +84.6%, p = .03).

Conclusions

The proportion of DCD‐LT, especially from older donors, has increased after the implementation of AC policies. These changes are likely to be associated with higher costs in the AC era.
Otolith microchemistry combined with genetics reveal patterns of straying and population connectivity in anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Källo Kristi , Birnie‐Gauvin Kim , Baktoft Henrik , Bekkevold Dorte , Lesher Charles , Grønkjær Peter , Barfod Gry H. , Johnson Rachel , Whitman George , Willmes Malte , Glessner Justin , Aarestrup Kim
Published: November 2023

Salmonids are well known for their natal homing behaviour, meaning they return to breed in the same area where they originated. However, not all individuals return to their natal breeding grounds—a behavioural trait known as straying. The prevalence of straying is difficult to explore and therefore quantitative estimates for straying are seldom reported. In this study, otolith microchemistry and genetics were combined to investigate patterns of straying over ecological and evolutionary time, respectively, between neighbouring rivers flowing into Mariager fjord, Denmark. Otolith microchemistry was used to determine the river of origin for sea trout (Salmo trutta) upon their return to freshwater and 288 SNP markers were used to determine genetic structure among the rivers in the fjord. In this system, where the distance between rivers is short, otolith microchemistry achieved 80% accuracy in assigning juvenile brown trout to their natal river, thus allowing us to determine that approximately 43% of the adult sea trout had returned to non‐natal rivers to spawn, with a similar proportion of strayers and natal homers in all of the rivers. Genetic analysis further supported that there was substantial gene flow among individuals originating from different rivers, indicating that sea trout in Mariager fjord make up one population. The findings obtained from otolith microchemistry and genetics complement each other and provide further evidence that sea trout in this system migrate to non‐natal rivers and spawn there, which consequently affects the genetic structure of the population.
Severe vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Authors: Pholmoo Natthiya , Thaiwat Supitchaya , Klaewsongkram Jettanong
Published: November 2023

Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be associated with allergic diseases and dermatological disorders. We investigated the role of vitamin D in drug‐induced non‐immediate hypersensitivity reactions by measuring serum vitamin D levels in 60 patients diagnosed with non‐immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions and in 60 patients who tolerated the same medication without any allergic reactions. The results showed that serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients with severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) (13.56 ± 6.23 ng/mL) compared to patients with mild reactions (17.50 ± 7.49 ng/mL) and the drug‐tolerant control group (17.42 ± 7.28 ng/mL), with p values of 0.031 and 0.015, respectively. The proportion of severe vitamin D deficiency (< 10 ng/mL) was much higher in SCAR patients compared to drug‐tolerant subjects (36.7% vs. 11.7%, p value = 0.005). After adjusting for age, gender, region of residence, and concurrent illnesses, patients with severe vitamin D deficiency had significantly increased in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 16.04; 95% CI, 1.25–206.12, p value = 0.03). In conclusion, the risk of developing SCARs and in‐hospital mortality was increased in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency. Further investigations should be conducted to elucidate the role of vitamin D in the development of SCARs.
Drainage ditches are year‐round greenhouse gas hotlines in temperate peat landscapes
Authors: Hendriks Lisanne , Weideveld Stefan , Fritz Christian , Stepina Tatiana , Aben Ralf C. H. , Fung Ngum E. , Kosten Sarian
Published: November 2023

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from drained peatlands have been studied extensively. Considerably less attention has been paid to the emissions from the ditches used to drain peatlands. High within‐ditch GHG production and lateral inflow of GHGs may lead to ditches emitting considerable amounts of GHGs on the landscape scale.

We quantified annual emissions of ebullitive and diffusive methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O) in 10 drainage ditches in intensively used temperate peatlands used for dairy farming, in The Netherlands. Additionally, we assessed water and sediment quality to determine proxies for emissions via the two emission pathways.

The mean annual emissions from the studied ditches varied between 3.57 and 60.1 g CO2‐eq. m−2 day−1 (based on a global warming potential over a 100‐year timeframe), where CO2 contributed on average 43% (ranging between 1.9 and 22.0 g CO2 m−2 day−1) and diffusive CH4 contributed 16% (0.1–16.5 g CO2‐eq. m−2 day−1) to the total GHG emission. Ebullition of CH4 made up nearly half of the total GHG emission (40%, 1.3–40.9 g CO2‐eq. m−2 day−1). N2O emissions were mostly low. CO2 emissions were higher in winter months, while CH4 ebullition was higher during spring and summer. Diffusive CH4 emissions did not show a seasonal pattern.

The mean emission factor, the estimate of average emissions per unit area (EF), for CH4 was 2144 kg CH4 ha−1 year−1, which is two times higher than the tier 1 EF reported by the IPCC (with underrepresented ebullition data), underlining the high variability of ditch emissions.

Ditch emissions were also higher than the EF used for the surrounding drained peatlands indicating that ditch emissions can be important on the landscape scale and should be considered to be included in national greenhouse gas reporting.
The PKM2 inhibitor shikonin enhances piceatannol‐induced apoptosis of glyoxalase I‐dependent cancer cells
Authors: Inoue Manami , Nakagawa Yuki , Azuma Miku , Akahane Haruka , Chimori Ryusei , Mano Yasunari , Takasawa Ryoko
Published: November 2023

Glyoxalase I (GLO I), a major enzyme involved in the detoxification of the anaerobic glycolytic byproduct methylglyoxal, is highly expressed in various tumors, and is regarded as a promising target for cancer therapy. We recently reported that piceatannol potently inhibits human GLO I and induces the death of GLO I‐dependent cancer cells. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is also a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment, so we evaluated the combined anticancer efficacy of piceatannol plus low‐dose shikonin, a potent and specific plant‐derived PKM2 inhibitor, in two GLO I‐dependent cancer cell lines, HL‐60 human myeloid leukemia cells and NCI‐H522 human non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells. Combined treatment with piceatannol and low‐dose shikonin for 48 h synergistically reduced cell viability, enhanced apoptosis rate, and increased extracellular methylglyoxal accumulation compared to single‐agent treatment, but did not alter PKM1, PKM2, or GLO I protein expression. Taken together, these results indicate that concomitant use of low‐dose shikonin potentiates piceatannol‐induced apoptosis of GLO I‐dependent cancer cells by augmenting methylglyoxal accumulation.
Simultaneous enhancement of friction and wear resistance for high‐speed braking system with Cr3C2‐NiCr‐coated brake disk
Authors: Wen Yuying , Zhang Youyuan , Zhang Xinhao , Yan Qingzhi
Published: November 2023

The current steel brake disk and Cu‐based powder metallurgy brake pad used in high‐speed trains suffer fading coefficient of friction (COF) and excessive wear, resulting in a shorten lifetime and numerous exhausted brake disks. High‐velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spray‐prepared coatings have proven their ability to improve COF and decrease wear rate. In this article, Cr3C2‐NiCr coating was sprayed on a steel brake disk, and a series of emergency braking tests under dry and wet conditions were performed on a subscale brake dynamometer, to comprehensively evaluate the braking performance of coated brake disk. The results showed that the coated brake disk exhibits a higher COF at 380 km/h, which effectively inhibits the COF fade compared to the steel brake disk case. The coated brake system also achieves a lower wear rate of the brake pad at 380 km/h, showing the desired high COF and low wear rate properties of the braking system. Additionally, the coated brake disk maintained surface integrity even after severe braking tests, highlighting its potential in the braking system. Based on the characterizations of wear debris and brake pads, a harder and thinner oxide friction film plays a crucial role in achieving the excellent braking performance in coated brake disk cases.
Learning Chinese in a study abroad context: The case of ritual congratulating
Authors: House Juliane , Kádár Dániel Z.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we explore how and why the realisation of the ritual act of congratulating may turn out to be challenging for foreign learners of Chinese. Congratulating and other ceremonial ritual acts are not only used when someone participates in an actual ritual event: they are also required when they are mentioned in mundane events, like casual interactions when someone talks about a family birthday or wedding. We define congratulation as an interactional move and systematically examine its conventional realisation patterns through a typology of speech acts. We approach congratulating moves by combining a speech act‐anchored analysis with the field of study abroad and interaction ritual research. The results of our analysis show that various ritual occasions may trigger different types of inappropriate uses of congratulating by foreign learners of Chinese.
Comparison of the frailty index and frailty phenotype and their associations with postoperative delirium incidence and severity
Authors: Deiner Stacie G. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Trivedi Shrunjal , Inouye Sharon K. , Travison Thomas G. , Schmitt Eva M. , Hshieh Tammy , Fong Tamara G. , Ngo Long H. , Vasunilashorn Sarinnapha M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Recent studies have reported an association between presurgical frailty and postoperative delirium. However, it remains unclear whether the frailty‐delirium relationship differs by measurement tool (e.g., frailty index vs. frailty phenotype) and whether frailty is associated with delirium, independent of preoperative cognition.

Methods

We used the successful aging after elective surgery (SAGES) study, a prospective cohort of older adults age ≥70 undergoing major non‐cardiac surgery (N = 505). Preoperative measurement of the modified mini‐mental (3MS) test, frailty index and frailty phenotype were obtained. The confusion assessment method (CAM), supplemented by chart review, identified postoperative delirium. Delirium feature severity was measured by the sum of CAM‐severity (CAM‐S) scores. Generalized linear models were used to determine the relative risk of each frailty measure with delirium incidence and severity. Subsequent models adjusted for age, sex, surgery type, Charlson comorbidity index, and 3MS.

Results

On average, patients were 76.7 years old (standard deviation 5.22), 58.8% of women. For the frailty index, the incidence of delirium was 14% in robust, 17% in prefrail, and 31% in frail patients (p < 0.001). For the frailty phenotype, delirium incidence was 13% in robust, 21% in prefrail, and 27% in frail patients (p = 0.016). Frailty index, but not phenotype, was independently associated with delirium after adjustment for comorbidities (relative risk [RR] 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–3.70; RR 1.61, 95% CI 0.77–3.37, respectively). Both frailty measures were associated with delirium feature severity. After adjustment for preoperative cognition, only the frailty index was associated with delirium incidence; neither index nor phenotype was associated with delirium feature severity.

Conclusion

Both the frailty index and phenotype were associated with the development of postoperative delirium. The index showed stronger associations that remained significant after adjusting for baseline comorbidities and preoperative cognition. Measuring frailty prior to surgery can assist in identifying patients at risk for postoperative delirium.
The presence of a foramen of Luschka in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the continuity of the intraventricular and subdural spaces
Authors: Taylor Ethan , Cramberg Michael , Parker Seth , Scott Anchal , Sopko Stephanie , Swords Annelise , Young Bruce A.
Published: November 2023

In humans and most mammals, there is a notch‐like portal, the foramen of Luschka (or lateral foramen), which connects the lumen of the fourth ventricle with the subdural space. Gross dissection, light and scanning electron microscopy, and μCT analysis revealed the presence of a foramen of Luschka in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). In this species, the foramen of Luschka is a notch in the dorsolateral wall of the pons immediately caudal to the peduncular base of the cerebellum, near the rostral end of the telovelar membrane over the fourth ventricle. At the foramen of Luschka there was a transition from a superficial pia mater lining to a deep ependymal lining. There was continuity between the lumen of the fourth ventricle and the subdural space, via the foramen of Luschka. This anatomical continuity was further demonstrated by injecting Evans blue into the lateral ventricle which led to extravasation through the foramen of Luschka and pooling of the dye on the lateral surface of the brain. Simultaneous subdural and intraventricular recordings of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressures revealed a stable agreement between the two pressures at rest. Perturbation of the system allowed for static and dynamic differences to develop, which could indicate varying flow patterns of CSF through the foramen of Luschka.
Advances in the Application of Bone Transport Techniques in the Treatment of Bone Nonunion and Bone Defects
Authors: Li Zhenhao , Liu Jiahe , Li Chenzhi , Wu Mingjian , Li Yancheng , Cui Yan , Xiong Wanqi , Yang Fan , Liu Baoyi
Published: November 2023

Bone nonunion and bone defects frequently occur following high‐energy open injuries or debridement surgeries, presenting complex challenges to treatment and significantly affecting patients' quality of life. At present, there are three primary treatment options available for addressing bone nonunion and bone defects: vascularized bone grafts, the Masquelet technique, and the Ilizarov technique. The Ilizarov technique, also known as distraction osteogenesis, is widely favored by orthopedic surgeons because of several advantages, including minimal soft tissue requirements, low infection risk, and short consolidation time. However, in recent years, the application of the Masquelet technique has resulted in novel treatment methods for managing post‐traumatic bone infections when bone defects are present. Although these new techniques do not constitute a panacea, they continue to be the most commonly employed options for treating complex large bone nonunion and bone defects. This review evaluates the currently available research on the Ilizarov and Masquelet bone transport techniques applied at various anatomical sites. Additionally, it explores treatment durations and associated complications to establish a theoretical foundation that can guide clinical treatment decisions and surgical procedures for the management of bone nonunion and bone defects.
Plant virus‐derived nanoparticles decorated with genetically encoded SARS‐CoV‐2 nanobodies display enhanced neutralizing activity
Authors: Merwaiss Fernando , Lozano‐Sanchez Enrique , Zulaica João , Rusu Luciana , Vazquez‐Vilar Marta , Orzáez Diego , Rodrigo Guillermo , Geller Ron , Daròs José‐Antonio
Published: November 2023

Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are a new class of virus‐based formulations that can be used as building blocks to implement a variety of functions of potential interest in biotechnology and nanomedicine. Viral coat proteins (CP) that exhibit self‐assembly properties are particularly appropriate for displaying antigens and antibodies, by generating multivalent VNPs with therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Here, we developed genetically encoded multivalent VNPs derived from two filamentous plant viruses, potato virus X (PVX) and tobacco etch virus (TEV), which were efficiently and inexpensively produced in the biofactory Nicotiana benthamiana plant. PVX and TEV‐derived VNPs were decorated with two different nanobodies recognizing two different regions of the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike protein. The addition of different picornavirus 2A ribosomal skipping peptides between the nanobody and the CP allowed for modulating the degree of VNP decoration. Nanobody‐decorated VNPs purified from N. benthamiana tissues successfully recognized the RBD antigen in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and showed efficient neutralization activity against pseudoviruses carrying the Spike protein. Interestingly, multivalent PVX and TEV‐derived VNPs exhibited a neutralizing activity approximately one order of magnitude higher than the corresponding nanobody in a dimeric format. These properties, combined with the ability to produce VNP cocktails in the same N. benthamiana plant based on synergistic infection of the parent PVX and TEV, make these green nanomaterials an attractive alternative to standard antibodies for multiple applications in diagnosis and therapeutics.
Post bariatric surgery prurigo pigmentosa in an adolescent
Authors: Alenizi Dhaifallah
Published: November 2023

Prurigo pigmentosa is an inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by the presence of pruritic reticulated hyperpigmented papules or vesicles of the upper trunk. Previously, this condition was rarely encountered until the rise in popularity of weight reduction methods. Even with the increased prevalence, most affected patients are still adults. We present the case of an adolescent who was successfully treated with doxycycline and encouraged to resume eating.
Toward a sustainable sharing economy with business model innovations in the clothing industry
Authors: Tura Nina , Laukkanen Minttu
Published: November 2023

The sharing economy provides an interesting playground in which to innovate business models with the aim of creating sustainable value. Despite the growing interest in the topic, the relationship between sharing economy business models and sustainability is still largely unknown. In this study, the focus is on examining how to increase the utilization of unused or underutilized assets through business models to create sustainable value. Based on the comprehensive analysis of sustainability‐oriented companies in the Finnish clothing industry, 11 business model (BM) types with different internal development and cooperation levels were identified, guiding the development of BMs toward sharing. By applying a contingency theory, we identified different contingency factors interacting with BM components and affecting the potential of these BMs to increase the sustainable use of resources and move toward increased sustainable value creation. This new understanding contributes especially to the call to study BM innovations in contingent situations, and highlights the importance of considering the context while analyzing the sustainable value creation potential of sharing economy BMs.
Accurate bias estimation with applications to focused model selection
Authors: Dæhlen Ingrid , Hjort Nils Lid , Hobæk Haff Ingrid
Published: November 2023

We derive approximations to the bias and squared bias with errors of order where is the sample size. Our results hold for a large class of estimators, including quantiles, transformations of unbiased estimators, maximum likelihood estimators in (possibly) incorrectly specified models, and functions thereof. Furthermore, we use the approximations to derive estimators of the mean squared error (MSE) which are correct to order . Since the variance of many estimators is of order , this level of precision is needed for the MSE estimator to properly take the variance into account. We also formulate a new focused information criterion (FIC) for model selection based on the estimators of the squared bias. Lastly, we illustrate the methods on data containing the number of battle deaths in all major inter‐state wars between 1823 and the present day. The application illustrates the potentially large impact of using a less‐accurate estimator of the squared bias.
Vesiculation in irradiated and cation‐leaky‐stored red blood cells
Authors: Stevens‐Hernandez Christian J. , Gyorffy Gyongyver , Meli Athinoula , New Helen V. , Cardigan Rebecca , Bruce Lesley J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by red blood cells (RBCs) throughout their life‐span and also during hypothermic storage when they accumulate in the blood bag. We queried whether stored RBCs with increased cation permeability, either from donors with familial pseudohyperkalaemia (FP) or caused by irradiation, vesiculate more readily.

Study Design and Methods

Recent technical advances have revealed at least two sub‐populations of MVs in RBC storage units: macrovesicles (2–6 μm) and microvesicles (1–2 μm). Using nanoparticle tracking analysis, imaging flow cytometry, and protein quantification methods, we measured and characterized vesicles released by RBCs from control and FP individuals at three different storage time‐points (day 4, day 17, and day 29). The RBCs had either been stored untreated or irradiated on either day 1 or day 14 of storage.

Results

We found no difference in the number or size of vesicles released between cation‐leaky FP RBCs and non‐FP controls. Similarly, irradiated and non‐irradiated RBCs showed very similar patterns of vesicle release to during cold‐storage. The only significant difference in vesicle release was the increase in accumulated vesicles with length of storage time which has been reported previously.

Discussion

EVs in stored blood are potential contributors to adverse transfusion reactions. The number of vesicles released during 35‐day hypothermic storage varies between donors and increases with storage duration. However, increased cation permeability and irradiation do not appear to affect vesicle formation during RBC cold‐storage.
Multidisciplinary management of a pregnancy complicated by Glanzmann thrombasthenia: A case report
Authors: Hernandez Matthew M. , Buckley Ayisha , Mills Ariana , Meislin Rachel , Cromwell Caroline , Bianco Angela , Strong Noel , Arinsburg Suzanne
Published: November 2023

Background

Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder of platelet glycoprotein IIb‐IIIa receptors. Pregnant patients with GT are at increased risk of maternal and fetal bleeding. There is a paucity of literature on the peripartum management of patients.

Case Description

We present the antepartum through the postpartum course of a patient with GT who was managed by a multidisciplinary approach that included communication across maternal‐fetal medicine, hematology, transfusion medicine, and anesthesiology services. In addition to routine prepartum obstetric imaging and hematologic laboratory studies, we proactively monitored the patient for anti‐platelet antibodies every 4–6 weeks to gauge the risk for neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, we prioritized uterotonics, tranexamic acid, and transfusion of HLA‐matched platelets to manage bleeding for mother and fetus intrapartum through the postpartum periods.

Conclusion

To date, there are limited guidelines for managing bleeding or preventing alloimmunization during pregnancy in patients with GT. Here, we present a complex case with aggressive management of bleeding prophylactically for the mother while serially monitoring both mother and fetus for peripartum bleeding risks and events. Moreover, future studies warrant continued evaluation of these approaches to mitigate increased bleeding risks in subsequent pregnancies.
In situ monitoring of sapphire nanostructure etching using optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: Chien Kun-Chieh , Graff Noah , Djurdjanovic Dragan , Chang Chih-Hao
Published: November 2023

Fabrication of nanostructures on sapphire surfaces can enable unique applications in nanophotonics, optoelectronics, and functional transparent ceramics. However, the high chemical stability and mechanical hardness of sapphire make the fabrication of high density, high aspect ratio structures in sapphire challenging. In this study, we propose the use of optical emission spectroscopy (OES) to investigate the sapphire etching mechanism and for endpoint detection. The proposed process employs nanopillars composed of polymer and polysilicon as an etch mask, which allows the fabrication of large-area sapphire nanostructures. The results show that one can identify the emission wavelengths of key elements Al, O, Br, Cl, and H using squared loadings of the primary principal component obtained from principal component analysis of OES readings without the need of domain knowledge or user experience. By further examining the OES signal of Al and O at 395.6 nm, an empirical first-order model can be used to find a predicted endpoint at around 170 s, indicating the moment when the mask is completely removed, and the sapphire substrate is fully exposed. The fabrication results show that the highest aspect ratio of sapphire nanostructures that can be achieved is 2.07, with a width of 242 nm and a height of 500 nm. The demonstrated fabrication approach can create high sapphire nanostructures without using a metal mask to enhance the sapphire etch selectivity.
Pete and the Missing Scissors: a primary literature-focused case study that highlights the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on splicing
Authors: Harrington Meagan , Lane April , Yencha Caroline , Kelly-Rajan Kiran , Ott Laura E.
Published: November 2023

This case study was designed to help students explore the molecular mechanisms of the spliceosome and how SARS-CoV-2 impacts host cell spliceosomal function while interpreting figures from primary literature (A. K. Banjeree, et al., Cell 183:1325–1339, e1–e10, 2020,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.10.004
). “Pete and the Missing Scissors” was designed and implemented in the spring of 2022 and fall of 2022 in two large-enrollment (150+) introductory molecular biology courses at a large, public research institution. The case study was formatted in alignment with the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science (NCCSTS) framework, which has been shown to be an effective, student-centered approach to teaching complex biological concepts at the undergraduate level. The case study had four student learning objectives (SLOs) that aligned with Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy and required students to develop an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of splicing and analyze and interpret a figure from primary literature. Both formative and summative assessment questions are included in this activity, with each question mapping to one of the case study SLOs. Summative assessment questions were given in a pre-/post-manner, and a paired
t
-test was used to evaluate differences between students’ pre- and post-assessment scores. Assessment results demonstrated that students in both courses mastered each of the SLOs of this case study, given the significant increase in post-assessment scores compared to the pre-assessment. These findings indicate that the “Pete and the Missing Scissors” case study is an effective approach to develop students’ understanding of the spliceosome, as well as ability to interpret figures from primary literature.
Performance evaluation of Espline HTLV-I/II, a newly developed rapid immunochromatographic antibody test for different diagnostic situations
Authors: Kuramitsu Madoka , Momose Haruka , Uchida Yuichiro , Ishitsuka Kenji , Kubota Ryuji , Tokunaga Masahito , Utsunomiya Atae , Umekita Kunihiko , Hashikura Yuuki , Nosaka Kisato , Koh Ki-Ryang , Nakamura Hitomi , Sagara Yasuko , Sobata Rieko , Satake Masahiro , Nagata Koh , Hasegawa Yuri , Sasaki Daisuke , Hasegawa Hiroo , Sato Tomoo , Yamano Yoshihisa , Hiraga Kou , Tezuka Kenta , Ikebe Emi , Matsuoka Sahoko , Okuma Kazu , Watanabe Toshiki , Miura Kiyonori , Hamaguchi Isao
Published: November 2023

Antibody screening tests for human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) are performed based on methods such as chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA), chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and particle agglutination (PA). Espline HTLV-I/II, a commercially available, easy-to-use, and rapid immunochromatographic antibody test (IC), was developed for situations where expensive instruments and laboratory equipment are not available. In this report, we compared the performance of IC with the above existing tests using diverse samples derived from asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers and patients with HTLV-1-associated diseases in collaboration with 11 Japanese institutes. We found that IC detected HTLV-1 infection in all samples from HTLV-1-associated diseases, including adult T-cell leukemia, HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, and HTLV-1 uveitis (200/200). The sensitivity of IC compared with CLIA, CLEIA, and PA was 99.2% (363/366), 100% (241/241), and 100% (47/47), respectively, and the specificity was 99.4% (994/1000), 100% (60/60), and 100% (40/40), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of IC were 99.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 99.12–99.92] and 99.5% (95% CI: 98.82–99.75), respectively. However, IC had difficulty in correctly judging samples that were diagnosed as seroreactive in other first screening tests but negative by a confirmatory test; for example, of 612 confirmed negative samples that were CLIA seroreactive, 332 samples were IC positive. These results confirmed that IC has sufficient sensitivity and specificity as a screening test for HTLV-1, although, like the other screening tests, it also requires a confirmatory test to determine HTLV-1 infection correctly.

IMPORTANCE

The World Health Organization estimated that 5–10 million people are infected with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). This number is likely to be underestimated because reliable endemic data are available for only approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide. The point-of-care test is a powerful tool for the easy and quick detection of infections without the requirement for expensive instruments and laboratory equipment. Espline HTLV-I/II, a newly developed rapid immunochromatographic antibody test that was evaluated in this study, might significantly advance our understanding of the global epidemiology of HTLV-1 infection.
Classification of patients with COVID-19 by blood RNA endotype: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yoshimura Jumpei , Togami Yuki , Ebihara Takeshi , Matsumoto Hisatake , Mitsuyama Yumi , Sugihara Fuminori , Hirata Haruhiko , Okuzaki Daisuke , Ogura Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Although the development of vaccines has considerably reduced the severity of COVID-19, its incidence is still high. Hence, a targeted approach based on RNA endotypes of a population should be developed to help design biomarker-based therapies for COVID-19. We evaluated the major RNAs transcribed in blood cells during COVID-19 using PCR to further elucidate its pathogenesis and determine predictive phenotypes in COVID-19 patients. In a discovery cohort of 40 patients with COVID-19, 26,354 RNAs were measured on day 1 and day 7. Five RNAs associated with disease severity and prognosis were derived. In a validation cohort of 153 patients with COVID-19 treated in the intensive care unit, we focused on prolactin (PRL) and toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), among RNAs that have a strong association with prognosis, and evaluated the accuracy for predicting survival of PRL-to-TL3 ratios (PRL/TLR3) with the areas under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC). The validation cohort was divided into two groups based on the cut-off value in the ROC curve with the maximum AUC. The two groups were defined by high PRL/TLR3 (
n
= 47) and low PRL/TLR3 (
n
= 106), and the clinical outcomes were compared. In the validation cohort, the AUC for PRL/TLR3 was 0.79, showing superior prognostic ability compared to severity scores such as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment. The high PRL/TLR3 group had a significantly higher 28-day mortality than the low PRL/TLR3 group (17.0% vs 0.9%,
P
< 0.01). A new RNA endotype classified using high PRL/TLR3 was associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, whole-blood RNAs (prolactin and toll-like receptor 3) involved in the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 were identified. The RNA endotypes classified by these important RNAs highlight the possibility of stratifying the COVID-19 patient population and the need for targeted therapy based on these phenotypes.
Erratum to: Composition of Phenocrysts in Lamproites of Gaussberg Volcano, East Antarctica
Authors: Migdisova N. A. , Sushchevskaya N. M. , Portnyagin M. V. , Shishkina T. A. , Kuzmin D. V. , Batanova V. G.
Published: November 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0016702923210024
Erratum to: Phytostratigraphic Scale of the Nonmarine Cretaceous of Northeast Asia: Attempts at Elaboration and Results
Authors: Shczepetov S. V. , Herman A. B.
Published: November 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0869593823970014
Characteristics and outcomes of neonates hospitalised with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the UK by variant: a prospective national cohort study
Authors: Gale Chris , Sharkey Don , Fitzpatrick Kathryn E , Mactier Helen , Morelli Alessandra , Nakahara Mariko , Hurd Madeleine , Placzek Anna , Knight Marian , Ladhani Shamez N , Draper Elizabeth S , Doherty Cora , Quigley Maria A , Kurinczuk Jennifer J
Published: November 2023

Objective

Neonatal infection with wildtype SARS-CoV-2 is rare and good outcomes predominate. We investigated neonatal outcomes using national population-level data to describe the impact of different SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Design

Prospective population-based cohort study.

Setting

Neonatal, paediatric and paediatric intensive care inpatient care settings in the UK.

Patients

Neonates (first 28 days after birth) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who received inpatient care, March 2020 to April 2022. Neonates were identified through active national surveillance with linkage to national SARS-CoV-2 testing data, routinely recorded neonatal data, paediatric intensive care data and obstetric and perinatal mortality surveillance data.

Outcomes

Presenting signs, clinical course, severe disease requiring respiratory support are presented by the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant in circulation at the time.

Results

344 neonates with SARS-CoV-2 infection received inpatient care; breakdown by dominant variant: 146 wildtype, 123 alpha, 57 delta and 18 omicron. Overall, 44.7% (153/342) neonates required respiratory support; short-term outcomes were good with 93.6% (322/344) of neonates discharged home. Eleven neonates died: seven unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 infection, four were attributed to neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection (case fatality 4/344, 1.2% 95% CI 0.3% to 3.0%) of which three were born preterm due to maternal COVID-19. More neonates were born very preterm (23/54) and required invasive ventilation (27/57) when delta variant was predominant, and all four SARS-CoV-2-related deaths occurred in this period.

Conclusions

Inpatient care for neonates with SARS-CoV-2 was uncommon. Although rare, severe neonatal illness was more common during the delta variant period, potentially reflecting more severe maternal disease and associated preterm birth.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN60033461.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour-induced hypercalcaemia
Authors: Trotter Nicola , White Jeff
Published: November 2023

Hypercalcaemia is recognised as the most common oncological metabolic emergency, with several proposed underlying mechanisms. Nevertheless, hypercalcaemia has been rarely reported as a complication in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). GISTs are uncommon mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. There are only nine previous cases of hypercalcaemia occurring in patients with GIST reported in the literature. We report a case of a man in his 70s with a background of metastatic GIST on fourth-line treatment. The patient presented with new hypercalcaemia and acute kidney injury. Despite medical management, his calcium remained elevated and he deteriorated secondary to significant disease progression.
Role of alcohol in urgent ambulance contacts in 15-24-year-olds in Copenhagen: a descriptive population-based study
Authors: Bruun Laura Staxen , Christensen Helle Collatz , Blomberg Stig Nikolaj Fasmer , Folke Fredrik , Kruckow Sofie , Pisinger Veronica , Smith Karen , Becker Ulrik , Tolstrup Janne
Published: November 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to estimate the proportion of alcohol-related ambulance contacts and to describe characteristics of these contacts in young people.

Design

A descriptive population-based study with alcohol-related ambulance contacts identified from free texts in prehospital medical records by a two-stepped approach; an automatic search for specific keywords followed by manual verification.

Setting

Copenhagen, Denmark.

Participants

A random sample (n=26 600) of all ambulance contacts in 15–24-year-olds between 10 March 2015 and 1 November 2022.

Main outcomes measure

Proportion and relative proportion (RP) of alcohol-related ambulance contacts.

Results

Of all ambulance contacts, 16% (n=4145) were alcohol related. Most alcohol-related contacts had acute alcohol intoxication (46%) as the primary cause followed by accident (23%). Alcohol-related contacts followed a clear circadian pattern with most contacts during night-time, peaking on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 03:00 and 04:00 hours with 59% and 55% of ambulance contacts being alcohol related. Compared with Mondays, the number of all ambulance contacts was 46% and 38% higher on Fridays and Saturdays, which was attributable to the large number of alcohol-related contacts. Alcohol-related contacts were more frequent in males compared with females (RP 1.46 (95% CI 1.37 to 1.55)) and equally frequent in 15–17- and 18–24-year-olds (RP 1.04, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.13).

Conclusion

A large proportion of ambulance dispatches in young people is attributable to excessive alcohol drinking, even among minors. This emphasises a need for preventive measures to reduce the harmful effects of binge drinking in youth and the impact on the healthcare system.