bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence-driven prediction of multiple drug interactions
Authors: Chen Siqi , Li Tiancheng , Yang Luna , Zhai Fei , Jiang Xiwei , Xiang Rongwu , Ling Guixia
Published: September 2022

When a drug is administered to exert its efficacy, it will encounter multiple barriers and go through multiple interactions. Predicting the drug-related multiple interactions is critical for drug development and safety monitoring because it provides foundations for practical, safe compatibility and rational use of multiple drugs. With the progress of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a variety of novel prediction methods for single interaction have emerged and shown great advantages compared to the traditional, expensive and time-consuming laboratory research. To promote the comprehensive and simultaneous predictions of multiple interactions, we systematically reviewed the application of AI in drug–drug, drug–food (excipients) and drug–microbiome interactions. We began by outlining the model methods, evaluation indicators, algorithms and databases commonly used to build models for three types of drug interactions. The models based on the metabolic enzyme P450, drug similarity and drug targets have empathized among the machine learning models of drug–drug interactions. In particular, we discussed the limitations of current approaches and identified potential areas for future research. It is anticipated the in-depth review will be helpful for the development of the next-generation of systematic prediction models for simultaneous multiple interactions.
Full-text chemical identification with improved generalizability and tagging consistency
Authors: Kim Hyunjae , Sung Mujeen , Yoon Wonjin , Park Sungjoon , Kang Jaewoo
Published: September 2022

Chemical identification involves finding chemical entities in text (i.e. named entity recognition) and assigning unique identifiers to the entities (i.e. named entity normalization). While current models are developed and evaluated based on article titles and abstracts, their effectiveness has not been thoroughly verified in full text. In this paper, we identify two limitations of models in tagging full-text articles: (1) low generalizability to unseen mentions and (2) tagging inconsistency. We use simple training and post-processing methods to address the limitations such as transfer learning and mention-wise majority voting. We also present a hybrid model for the normalization task that utilizes the high recall of a neural model while maintaining the high precision of a dictionary model. In the BioCreative VII NLM-Chem track challenge, our best model achieves 86.72 and 78.31 F1 scores in named entity recognition and normalization, significantly outperforming the median (83.73 and 77.49 F1 scores) and taking first place in named entity recognition. In a post-challenge evaluation, we re-implement our model and obtain 84.70 F1 score in the normalization task, outperforming the best score in the challenge by 3.34 F1 score.

Database URL: https://github.com/dmis-lab/bc7-chem-id
Trends in Assortative Mating and Offspring Outcomes
Authors: Bratsberg Bernt , Markussen Simen , Raaum Oddbjørn , Røed Knut , Røgeberg Ole
Published: September 2022

We study assortative mating of Norwegian parents over five decades and its consequences for offspring outcomes. Parents are characterised by the earnings decile of their parents (the offspring's grandparents) as an indicator of social class. While assortative mating has remained stable across decades, parenthood has become more skewed toward the higher classes. Examining the influence on offspring education and employment, we find that the marginal effect of one parent's class is smaller the higher is the class of the other. Overall, mating trends have contributed to slight improvements in average education and employment and reduced inequality in the offspring generation.
LiveLighter® ‘Junk Food’ mass media campaign increases behavioural strategies to reduce consumption
Authors: Morley Belinda , Nuss Tegan , Gascoyne Claudia , Dixon Helen , Wakefield Melanie
Published: September 2022

The LiveLighter® 2016 ‘Junk Food’ campaign ran for 5 weeks in Western Australia (WA) and urged adults to reduce their junk food consumption to avoid weight gain and associated chronic disease. A cohort design assessed campaign impact on knowledge, beliefs and behaviour. Pre-campaign (n = 1501) and post-campaign (n = 737) telephone surveys of WA adults aged 25–49 were undertaken. A post-campaign-only sample (n = 501) controlled for pre-test effects. The campaign reached 57% of respondents and increased knowledge of the link between overweight and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (78% cf. 87%; P < 0.01). Following campaign activity, respondents were more likely to avoid purchasing food from settings depicted in the advertisements (fast food outlets: 63% cf. 77%; service stations: 82% cf. 93%; vending machines: 87% cf. 96%; all P < 0.001), particularly among pre-campaign consumers of fast food and salty snacks (≤2 times/week). Weight-loss self-efficacy increased among adults with higher body weight and campaign exposure (89% cf. 97%; P < 0.01), and there was no increased endorsement of overweight stereotypes among the full sample. Support for fiscal disincentives and nutritional disclosure policies increased among healthy weight adults. LiveLighter® positively influenced knowledge, beliefs and behaviours, along with attitudes towards policies to encourage healthy eating, supporting LiveLighter® as an advocacy campaign.
Inactivation of BoORP3a, an oxysterol-binding protein, causes a low wax phenotype in ornamental kale
Authors: Zhang Simeng , Zhou Fuhui , Liu Zheng , Feng Xin , Li Yashu , Zhu Pengfang
Published: September 2022

Identifying genes associated with wax deposition may contribute to the genetic improvement of ornamental kale. Here, we characterized a candidate gene for wax contents, BoORP3a, encoding an oxysterol-binding protein. We sequenced the BoORP3a gene and coding sequence from the high-wax line S0835 and the low-wax line F0819, which revealed 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms between the two lines, of which six caused five amino acids substitutions. BoORP3a appeared to be relatively well conserved in Brassicaceae, as determined by a phylogenetic analysis, and localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleus. To confirm the role of BoORP3a in wax deposition, we generated three orp3a mutants in a high-wax kale background via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. Importantly, all three mutants exhibited lower wax contents and glossy leaves. Overall, these data suggest that BoORP3a may participate in cuticular wax deposition in ornamental kale.
The banana genome hub: a community database for genomics in the Musaceae
Authors: Droc Gaëtan , Martin Guillaume , Guignon Valentin , Summo Marilyne , Sempéré Guilhem , Durant Eloi , Soriano Alexandre , Baurens Franc-Christophe , Cenci Alberto , Breton Catherine , Shah Trushar , Aury Jean-Marc , Ge Xue-Jun , Harrison Pat Heslop , Yahiaoui Nabila , D’Hont Angélique , Rouard Mathieu
Published: September 2022

The Banana Genome Hub provides centralized access for genome assemblies, annotations, and the extensive related omics resources available for bananas and banana relatives. A series of tools and unique interfaces are implemented to harness the potential of genomics in bananas, leveraging the power of comparative analysis, while recognizing the differences between datasets. Besides effective genomic tools like BLAST and the JBrowse genome browser, additional interfaces enable advanced gene search and gene family analyses including multiple alignments and phylogenies. A synteny viewer enables the comparison of genome structures between chromosome-scale assemblies. Interfaces for differential expression analyses, metabolic pathways and GO enrichment were also added. A catalogue of variants spanning the banana diversity is made available for exploration, filtering, and export to a wide variety of software. Furthermore, we implemented new ways to graphically explore gene presence-absence in pangenomes as well as genome ancestry mosaics for cultivated bananas. Besides, to guide the community in future sequencing efforts, we provide recommendations for nomenclature of locus tags and a curated list of public genomic resources (assemblies, resequencing, high density genotyping) and upcoming resources—planned, ongoing or not yet public. The Banana Genome Hub aims at supporting the banana scientific community for basic, translational, and applied research and can be accessed at https://banana-genome-hub.southgreen.fr.
Distance-quality trade-off and choice of family planning provider in urban Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Imtiaz , Nausheen Sidrah , Rizvi Arjumand , Ansari Uzair , Baz Mir , Zehra Kaneez , Yameen Sahar , Hackett Kristy , Lassi Zohra , Canning David , Shah Iqbal , Soofi Sajid Bashir
Published: September 2022

Background

There is limited evidence between contraceptive use, availability of commodities and distance to the facility in developing countries. Distance to the facility is an essential determinant of contraceptive use. Still, women may not seek family planning services from the nearest facility and may be prepared to travel the farthest distance to receive quality family planning services.

Methods

We analyzed women's survey data linked to health facility data and applied an alternate specific conditional logit model to examine the distance a woman is prepared to travel and the quality of services offered by facilities in urban areas in Karachi, Pakistan.

Results

This study analyzed data from 336 women and 28 facilities and identified that the mean distance to the nearest facility was 0.44 km; the chosen facility was, on average, 5 km away. Women preferred facilities that offered a range of contraceptive methods and additional services provided by female healthcare providers only. Furthermore, on average, women are willing to travel a further 1.7 km for a facility that offers more family planning methods, 1.4 km for a facility that offers additional health services and 11 km for a facility that offers services delivered by female healthcare providers.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the quality measures women prioritize over distance and consider essential when choosing a family planning facility.
Combined synchronization and superovulation treatments negatively impact embryo viability possibly by the downregulation of WNT/β-catenin and Notch signaling genes in the porcine endometrium
Authors: Gonzalez-Ramiro Henar , Parrilla Inmaculada , Miquel Cambra Josep , Gonzalez-Plaza Alejandro , Antonia Gil Maria , Cuello Cristina , Martinez Emilio A , Rodriguez-Martinez Heriberto , Martinez Cristina A
Published: September 2022

The combination of estrus synchronization and superovulation treatments introduces molecular modifications whose effects are yet to be disclosed. Here, reproductive parameters and gene expression changes in ovaries and endometrium were explored on day 6 after artificial insemination (AI), when synthetic progestin altrenogest (ALT) was combined with gonadotropins. Sows were administered ALT for 7 d beginning on the day of weaning and superovulated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 24 h later and human chorionic gonadotropins (hCG) at the onset of estrus (SS-7 group; n = 6). The controls were either superovulated sows with eCG 24 h postweaning and hCG at the onset of estrus (SC group; n = 6) or sows with postweaning spontaneous estrus (NC group; n = 6). Ovary examination and embryo and tissue collection were performed in all sows via laparotomy on day 6 post-AI. RNA-Seq was conducted to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups. Statistical analysis of the reproductive parameters was conducted with ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. DEGs were analyzed with an ANOVA (fold changes ≥2 or ≤2, P value <0.05). Hormonal treatments almost doubled (P < 0.03) the number of corpora lutea (39.8 ± 10.2 and 38.3 ± 11.1 in SS-7 and SC sows, respectively) compared with that in the NC group (23.1 ± 3.8). In contrast, embryo viability significantly decreased (P < 0.003) in response to SS-7 treatment (75.1% ± 15.2%) compared to SC and NC groups (93.8 ± 7.6% and 91.8 ± 6.9%, respectively). RNA-Seq analyses revealed 675 and 1,583 DEGs in the SS-7 group compared to both SC and NC groups in endometrial and ovarian samples, respectively. Interestingly, many genes with key roles in the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways were differentially expressed in SS-7 sows relative to SC and NC groups (e.g., Ctnnb1, Myc, Gli3, Scyl2, Ccny, Daam1, Ppm1n, Rbpj, and Usp8). A key finding in this study was the downregulation of β-catenin (Ctnnb1) gene expression in the SS-7 endometrium, suggesting that this treatment influences embryo–uterine dialogue by triggering a cascade of events leading to embryo maldevelopment. These data explain the proliferative defects in SS-7 embryos and suggest a novel mechanism of a porcine embryo–maternal crosstalk.
Six principles for working effectively with landowners to advance bird conservation
Authors: Lindell Catherine A , Dayer Ashley A
Published: September 2022

Private land management is an essential component of bird conservation. How private landowners manage their farms, rangelands, forests, and yards, influences the resources and hazards birds encounter, with associated impacts on bird abundance. We describe 6 principles, based on recent research, that conservation practitioners should incorporate into their bird conservation efforts with landowners: (1) use social and natural science and stakeholder input to decide how and where to work; (2) tailor strategies to local ecological and social conditions; (3) build relationships and support landowner interests; (4) reduce barriers to participation; (5) offer a menu of options to support landowner conservation behavior; and (6) promote persistence of landowner conservation behavior. These principles emphasize the importance of recognizing the considerations of landowners, customizing interventions to local conditions, and making interventions as easy to implement as possible. Developing relationships with landowners, along with a diverse menu of conservation interventions, takes time and effort but should improve both the uptake and persistence of conservation practices on private lands.
OA03 “I can't stand this pain anymore. Please chop my leg off.” Is amputation a therapeutic option for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in children and young people?
Authors: Rogers Valerie , Connell Hannah , Davies Karen , Gauntlett-Gilbert Jeremy
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Background

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic intensified localised pain condition. Symptoms may include limb pain, allodynia; hyperalgesia; swelling and/or changes in skin colour of the affected limb; dry, mottled skin; hyperhidrosis and trophic changes of the nails and hair. There is no known cure.  Management involves analgesic medication and intensive multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation.  Some cases however seem intractable, with little or no response to therapy.  Some patients feel amputation of the affected limb is the only possible option.  We present four cases of children and young adults requesting amputation for CRPS.

Description/Method

Case 1: 13 years, CRPS left leg, with associated gross oedema, ulceration and high risk of sepsis.

Case 2: 16 years, CRPS both feet and ankles, ulceration, fixed dystonic posturing bilaterally, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Case 3: 17 years, mild cerebral palsy affecting left side, passionate about sport, development of CRPS following surgery for tendon release right hip flexors, fixed flexion contractures at right hip and knee.

Case 4:17 years, high functioning athlete, CRPS initially foot and ankle, contractures ankle, knee and hip; progression to involve other leg.

In each of these cases, prolonged intensive therapeutic interventions have not been successful in restoring function or reducing pain. All have requested amputation of the affected limb(s).

Discussion/Results

The tabloid press has reported the transforming success of amputation for some cases of CRPS, describing individuals who have had CRPS which has not responded to treatment finally having the affected limb amputated, and subsequently achieving great things - including winning medals in the Para-Olympics.  Unsurprisingly such success stories provide hope for some enduring CRPS and becomes part of their ‘evidence’ for requesting amputation.

The scientific literature however is sparce, and virtually non-existent in children and young people.  The risks of ongoing pain in the stump; recurrence of CRPS in the amputated limb - or elsewhere; phantom limb pain and inability to tolerate a prosthesis are well documented in the adult literature that is available.

Key learning points/Conclusion

Despite this, for the child/young person experiencing not only pain, but disgust, shame and body perception disturbance, the argument for amputation can be strong, and has to be considered.  We present the evidence to date and share the complexity of such discussions, focusing on the experience gained from these cases.
P02 ThinkJIA: A campaign to raise awareness that children and young people get arthritis, enabling families and frontline health professionals to recognise symptoms and refer to specialist services
Authors: Beesley Richard
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Background

Awareness that Children and Young People (CYP) may develop arthritis (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, JIA) is low within the general population and amongst non-rheumatology frontline health professionals. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and reduced access to treatment, with consequential risk of joint damage and permanent eye complications through undiagnosed JIA-associated uveitis. The aim of this work was to develop a campaign to enable frontline health professionals and families to be aware that CYP can develop arthritis, to know the main signs and symptoms, and to pursue early referral to speciality services.

Description/Method

An awareness-raising campaign was developed by UK charity Juvenile Arthritis Research working with parents of CYP with JIA, adults with JIA, teachers, campaigners, paediatric rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and other interested lay and professional individuals. The campaign, called #ThinkJIA, includes postcards with key messages and a supporting website, www.thinkjia.org

Resources are aimed at both the general population, to help improve recognition of the signs and symptoms and encourage early attendance at primary care health services; and at non-rheumatology frontline health professionals to support recognition of JIA symptoms and the need for prompt referral. Whilst the key messaging is common to both audiences, the language used differs to reflect the lay and medical professional expectations.

Once draft campaign resources were developed, they were shared with clinical professionals and tested by parents and school teachers.

Discussion/Results

Of the pilot group of parents and teachers receiving draft resources, 100% of parents and 68% of teachers agreed that they would feel confident in seeking medical attention if their child, or a child in their school, started showing signs of JIA. Following feedback from recipients in the pilot group resources have been updated with clearer imagery. These are also supported by posters for use in health clinics and general circulation.

Key learning points/Conclusion

The development of the #ThinkJIA awareness-raising resources has helped ensure frontline health professionals and the general population can have access to information about JIA. This can help facilitate early referral and improved access to treatment. The broad rollout of awareness resources is essential to appropriately support CYP with JIA and ensure they receive the treatment they require promptly.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Prof Helen Foster for her vital role in the initial development of these resources, and to all those involved in the development and pilot testing.
P49 The Barbara Ansell National Network for Adolescent Rheumatology – 10 years on
Authors: Yorke Sarah , Harbottle Victoria , McErlane Flora , Tattersall Rachel , McDonagh Janet
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Background

Over the last 10 years since BANNAR was established, there has been increasing awareness of the specific age and developmental needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with rheumatic disease. The aim of this study was to describe the current BANNAR membership to ensure representativeness and determine clinical and research capacity to inform future strategies.

Description/Method

An online survey on Microsoft Forms (version 2021) was developed, piloted with the BANNAR leadership team and then disseminated to existing members in addition to any new members as part of the membership process.

Discussion/Results

As of May 2022, there are 118 members. The BANNAR membership includes a wide variety of roles, from healthcare professionals reflecting the multidisciplinary team to charity representatives, academics, and researchers. Of the clinically active professionals (n = 93) there are more members working in the paediatric (n = 57) compared to the adult care setting (n = 34). There are 15 members in training posts, 16 members in research-only roles, and 9 charity representatives. Membership is predominantly female with a gender ratio of members F104: M14.

Members are predominantly White British (n = 81, 69%) and include representation from all regions of England and the devolved nations in addition to 1 researcher based in Australia. 27/116 (23.3%) members reported being currently involved in AYA research with 2 non-respondents. This research was wide ranging and involved both basic science as well as clinical research. Of the NHS clinicians (excluding the clinical academics), 34/79 (43%) had research in their job description and/or job plan.

Of 56 paediatric clinicians, 34 had access (61%) to a dedicated adolescent clinic in the paediatric setting. 37/93 NHS clinicians (40%) had access to a young adult clinic in adult services.

Of the 93 clinically active members, only 15 (16%) members reported regular in-service training for team members in AYA topics. 23/93 (25%) clinician members used/signposted team members to the Adolescent Health e-learning project (www.e-lfh.org.uk) but 55/93 (59%) reported that they were unaware of this resource.

Key learning points/Conclusion

BANNAR is a national network with membership reflecting the multidisciplinary team in addition to researchers and charity representatives. As such, along with its youth advisory panel – Your Rheum – it is an excellent resource to support future AYA rheumatology research. However, there remain challenges for clinicians in contributing to research, with less than half having formal provision for research in their job descriptions. Furthermore, even in this committed group of AYA-focussed individuals, there was not universal access to adolescent and/or young adult clinics and there are still areas for development in AYA rheumatology training.
P65 A patient-led survey into the benefits and limitations of telemedicine appointments for assessing children and young people with rheumatic conditions: Comparing European and Canadian cohorts
Authors: Beesley Richard , Angevare Saskya , Wilson Jennifer , Costello Wendy
Published: September 2022

Introduction/Background

During the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, some provision of healthcare shifted to remote, technology-assisted appointments (telemedicine). Whilst parents/carers of children and young people with rheumatic conditions have reported benefits of telemedicine, concerns remain.

This patient and parent-led project sought to understand the views of parents/carers about telemedicine, identifying the benefits and limitations of remote technology-assisted appointments, and comparing views between Canadian and European cohorts.

Description/Method

An online survey was developed, translated into multiple languages and shared via social media and patient organisations, targeted at parents of children and young people with rheumatic, autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. Fieldwork took place in April 2021 in Europe and May 2021 in Canada. Consent was provided during enrolment.

Discussion/Results

A total of 290 responses were received (133 Europe; 157 Canada; 73% female, median age 12).

Over half of respondents (53%) in Europe reported travelling over an hour to in-person appointments with their paediatric rheumatologist, compared to a significantly higher proportion of respondents in Canada (87%). Consequently, in-person appointments represent a greater time burden amongst Canadian caregivers, though both groups report appointments taking over three hours in total (51% Europe, 69% Canada).

Prior to COVID-19, most had never had a telemedicine appointment (92% Europe, 95% Canada). Since March 2020, the majority (71% Europe, 82% Canada) had at least one telemedicine appointment.

Table 1 shows the scores (1 worst, 5 best) given by parents about their telemedicine experience. Overall, most aspects scored positively (p<.05). However, parents felt telemedicine was not as good as in-person appointments.

Key learning points/Conclusion

Overall respondents said they would prefer the next appointment to be in-person (82% Europe, 62% Canada, p<.05), although 31% from Canada were amenable to a combination of in-person and telemedicine-based care.

There are advantages to telemedicine, notably saving time and making appointments accessible. Families from Canada tended to view telemedicine more favourably than those from Europe, although the majority from both cohorts reported concerns about the ability to assess their child. There may be value in providing training to parents to enhance the accuracy of home-based assessments, particularly when the disease is stable. However, parents continue to report the value of in-person appointments.
Post–cardiac arrest Sedation Promotes Electroencephalographic Slow-wave Activity and Improves Survival in a Mouse Model of Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ikeda Takamitsu , Amorim Edilberto , Miyazaki Yusuke , Kato Risako , Marutani Eizo , Silverman Michael G. , Malhotra Rajeev , Solt Ken , Ichinose Fumito
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest are routinely sedated during targeted temperature management, while the effects of sedation on cerebral physiology and outcomes after cardiac arrest remain to be determined. The authors hypothesized that sedation would improve survival and neurologic outcomes in mice after cardiac arrest.

Methods

Adult C57BL/6J mice of both sexes were subjected to potassium chloride–induced cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Starting at the return of spontaneous circulation or at 60 min after return of spontaneous circulation, mice received intravenous infusion of propofol at 40 mg · kg–1 · h–1, dexmedetomidine at 1 µg · kg–1 · h–1, or normal saline for 2 h. Body temperature was lowered and maintained at 33°C during sedation. Cerebral blood flow was measured for 4 h postresuscitation. Telemetric electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded in freely moving mice from 3 days before up to 7 days after cardiac arrest.

Results

Sedation with propofol or dexmedetomidine starting at return of spontaneous circulation improved survival in hypothermia-treated mice (propofol [13 of 16, 81%] vs. no sedation [4 of 16, 25%], P = 0.008; dexmedetomidine [14 of 16, 88%] vs. no sedation [4 of 16, 25%], P = 0.002). Mice receiving no sedation exhibited cerebral hyperemia immediately after resuscitation and EEG power remained less than 30% of the baseline in the first 6 h postresuscitation. Administration of propofol or dexmedetomidine starting at return of spontaneous circulation attenuated cerebral hyperemia and increased EEG slow oscillation power during and early after sedation (40 to 80% of the baseline). In contrast, delayed sedation failed to improve outcomes, without attenuating cerebral hyperemia and inducing slow-wave activity.

Conclusions

Early administration of sedation with propofol or dexmedetomidine improved survival and neurologic outcomes in mice resuscitated from cardiac arrest and treated with hypothermia. The beneficial effects of sedation were accompanied by attenuation of the cerebral hyperemic response and enhancement of electroencephalographic slow-wave activity.

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Local treatment in patients with hereditary breast cancer: decision-making process in low-, moderate-, high-penetrance pathogenic germline mutation carriers
Authors: Sibilio Andrea , Curcio Annalisa , Toesca Antonio , Rossi Elisabetta Maria Cristina , Corso Giovanni
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review

We summarize recent evidence regarding commonly tested breast cancer susceptibility genes and review indications derived from recently published guidelines regarding management of carriers affected by early breast cancer (BC).

Recent findings

Management of affected women with a known genetic predisposition to BC was matter of debate at the most relevant international conferences, such as St. Gallen International Consensus Conference and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium held both in 2021. At the same time, a joint Experts Panel from American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society for Radiation Oncology/Society of Surgical Oncology (ASCO/ASTRO/SSO) convened to develop recommendations to support clinical decision-making in this specific setting and results about administration of new systemic therapies such as poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors became available.

Population of patients affected by BC and carriers of mutations in susceptibility genes is progressively increasing, but new mutations identified do not always have a clear clinical impact.

To date, we have data to support consideration of different local management choices for affected patients carrying specific mutations, but some issues especially relating to breast-conserving surgery or administration of radiotherapy in these patients, still need to be better addressed. Opinions about the best way to treat these patients are still heterogeneous and information deriving from different sources seems to be conflicting at times. Our purpose is to offer a synopsis of the different evidence available that may be helpful in clinical decision making.
Pragmatic platform trials to improve the outcome of patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Tallarico Roberta T. , Neto Ary S. , Legrand Matthieu
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review

There is an important need for improved diagnostic strategies and treatment among patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). Classical randomized clinical trials have generated relevant results in AKI but are associated with shortcomings, such as high costs and sometimes lack of generalizability. In this minireview, we discuss the value and limits of pragmatic trials and platform trials for AKI research.

Recent findings

The implementation of pragmatic and platform trials in critical care settings has generated relevant clinical evidence impacting clinical practice. Pragmatic and platform designs have recently been applied to patients at risk of AKI and represent a crucial opportunity to advance our understanding of optimized treatment and strategies in patients at risk of AKI or presenting with AKI. Trials embedded in electronic health records can facilitate patient enrollment and data collection. Platform trials have allowed for a more efficient study design. Although both pragmatic and platform trials have several advantages, they also come with the challenges and shortcomings discussed in this review.

Pragmatic and platform trials can provide clinical answers in ‘real-life’ settings, facilitate a significant sample size enrollment at a limited cost, and provide results that can have a faster implementation in clinical practice.
Clinical Application of Allograft Bone of Alveolar Cleft Repair
Authors: Chen Kaige , Zhang Qingsu , Chen Renji , Guo Siyuan , Lin Yunan
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

To investigate the osteogenic effect of allograft bone (BIO-GENE) and autologous iliac crest bone graft in the alveolar cleft repair.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 131 patients with congenital unilateral alveolar cleft who consulted in our hospital from January 2016 to May 2021 were selected and divided into 3 groups according to the different bone restoration materials used. Group A totaling 43 cases was the autologous bone group; group B totaling 41 cases was the BIO-GENE group; and group C totaling 47 cases was the BMP-2+BIO-GENE group. The preoperative and postoperative cone beam CT data of the same patient were imported into MIMICS 21.0 in DICOM format. The preoperative cleft volume and newly formed bone volume were calculated by 3-dimensional reconstruction to measure their osteogenic rate.

Results:

The differences in osteogenesis rates were not statistically significant in the group B compared with the group A, and in the group C compared with the group B (P>0.05 for both). The differences in osteogenesis rates were statistically significant in the group C compared with the group A (P=0.003).

Conclusions:

Comparative studies found the allograft bone with an ideal artificial material to repair alveolar clefts has become possible. Meanwhile, the addition of BMP-2 in the allograft bone significantly increased the osteogenic rate.
Surgical Approaches and Outcomes of Short Nose Correction: A Descriptive Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Alqabbani Almaha A. , Alqabbani Alhanouf , Mulafikh Dhaifallah S. , Alanazi Hani M. , Alhussien Ahmed , Alshehrhi Wala A. , Obeid Amani A. , Alarfaj Ahmed M.
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to describe all published techniques of short nose correction released by surgeons over the years and summarize their outcomes in a descriptive systematic review of the literature.

Patients and Methods:

A computerized literature search was conducted using 5 major databases. All original studies discussing correction methods and/or outcomes of shortened noses were included. The risk of bias was evaluated blindly by 2 reviewers, and the data were descriptively presented. The study protocol was recorded in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.

Results:

A total of 24 studies including 1450 patients were included. Lengthening of the nose was performed through a cartilage-only graft in 14 studies, whereas bone graft was used in 3 studies. The mean increase in nasal tip projection in 5 reports ranged from 0.05 to 2.2 mm. The mean nasal length before and after rhinoplasty was reported in 8 studies, with a mean increase ranging from 0.28 to 6.2 mm. Regarding surgical complications, 30 patients had implant deviation or migration, 22 patients experienced postoperative infection, and 12 patients required corrective surgery.

Conclusions:

Augmentation of a short nose is a challenging surgical procedure for rhinoplasty. There are several techniques for short nose correction; however, it is difficult to evaluate the outcomes in the absence of a standard tool of assessment. Further analytical studies are warranted to fully evaluate surgical techniques.
Markovian Structures in Modelling COVID-19
Authors: Cui Elvis Han , Wong Weng Kee
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to model COVID-19 based on Markov chains. First, we introduce basic concepts of Markov chains with examples from different disciplines. Second, we use different types of Markov chains to model COVID-19, including confirmed cases, death and recovered cases and forecasting future confirmed cases. Third, we give conclusions based on these models and ideas for future work.
Supra-second interval timing deficits and abnormal frontal theta oscillations in individuals with bipolar disorder
Authors: Müller Ewald Victόria A. , Trapp Nicholas T. , Sarrett McCall E. , Pace Benjamin D. , Richards Jenny G. , Gala Ilisa K. , Miller Jacob N. , Wessel Jan R. , Magnotta Vincent A. , Wemmie John A. , Boes Aaron D. , Parker Krystal L.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Though widely reported by patients, cognitive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder (BD), including deficits in executive function, memory, attention, and timing are under-studied. Work suggests that individuals with BD show impairments in sub-second interval timing tasks (ITT), however, results have been inconclusive regarding supra-second time perception in BD patients. Additionally, the effects of mood or medication status on time perception in BD patients are debated in the literature.

Methods

To address this, the present work administered a supra-second ITT concurrent with electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings to patients with BD and neuronormative controls. As this task is known to elicit frontal theta oscillations, which can be abnormal in psychiatric populations, signal from the Fz lead was analyzed at rest and during the task.

Results & Conclusions

As hypothesized, results suggest that individuals with BD show impairments in supra-second ITT performance compared to neuronormative controls. Frontal theta power was also reduced compared to controls during the ITT but not during rest. Finally, timing impairments remain detectible in BD patients independent of mood state and use of antipsychotic medication. This suggests that supra-second interval timing deficits are a key characteristic observed in BD. Together with previous work, these findings point to critical timing impairments in BD patients across a wide range of timing modalities and durations.
Extremely low sample size allows age and growth estimation in a rare and threatened shark
Authors: Kyne Peter M. , Smart Jonathan J. , Johnson Grant
Published: September 2022

Understanding life history parameters is key to assessing biological productivity, extinction risk, and informing the management of exploited fish populations. Age-and-growth analyses in chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, rays, and ghost sharks) is primarily undertaken through counting band pairs laid down in vertebrae. For rare, threatened, and protected species such as river sharks (family Carcharhinidae; genus Glyphis) of northern Australia, obtaining sufficient samples of vertebrae may not be possible. Here we use a very sample size, selective size-class sampling, and back-calculation techniques to provide age and growth data on the Speartooth Shark Glyphis glyphis from which comprehensive sampling is not possible. Ten individuals were sampled from the Adelaide River, Northern Territory, Australia. Length-at-age models were applied to the observed and back-calculated data with the sexes combined due to the small sample size and growth estimated using a multi-model framework. Band pair counts produced age estimates of 0–11 years. Most model parameter estimates for length-at-birth (L0) and asymptotic length (L∞) were biologically plausible. The model averaged parameters for the observed data were total length (TL) and TL, and for back-calculated data were TL and TL. Overall, the parameter standard errors and model residual standard errors were lower for the back-calculated data due to the addition of interpolated data. Analysed samples were restricted to juveniles and sub-adults as adult G. glyphis have not been encountered in the Northern Territory. The ageing results suggest an age-at-maturity of >12 years for this species. The lack of mature individuals in the sample means that this analysis should be considered as a partial growth curve with length-at-age estimates that are valid over the available age range. The results presented here provide the first age and growth estimation for river sharks.
Endosomal Chemokine Receptor Signalosomes Regulate Central Mechanisms Underlying Cell Migration
Authors: Hahn Hyunggu , Daly Carole , Little John , Perry-Hauser Nicole A. , Flores-Espinoza Emmanuel , Inoue Asuka , Plouffe Bianca , Thomsen Alex Rojas Bie
Published: September 2022

Chemokine receptors are GPCRs that regulate chemotactic migration of a wide variety of cells including immune and cancer cells. Most chemokine receptors contain features associated with the ability to stimulate G protein signaling during β-arrestin-mediated receptor internalization into endosomes. As endosomal signaling of certain non-GPCR receptors plays a major role in cell migration, we chose to investigate the potential role of endosomal chemokine receptor signaling on mechanisms governing this function. Applying a combination of pharmacological and cell biological approaches, we demonstrate that the model chemokine receptor CCR7 recruits G protein and β-arrestin simultaneously upon chemokine stimulation, which enables internalized receptors to activate G protein from endosomes. Furthermore, spatiotemporal-resolved APEX2 proteome profiling shows that endosomal CCR7 uniquely enriches specific Rho GTPase regulators as compared to plasma membrane CCR7, which is directly associated with enhanced activity of the Rho GTPase Rac1 and chemotaxis of immune T cells. As Rac1 drives the formation of membrane protrusions during chemotaxis, our findings suggest an important integrated function of endosomal chemokine receptor signaling in cell migration.
Simulated green turtle grazing reduces seagrass productivity and alters benthic community structure while triggering further disturbance by feeding stingrays
Authors: Cannon Abigail Libbin , Hynes Michael G , Brandt Mackenzie , Wold Christian , O’Dea Aaron , Altieri Andrew , Smith Jennifer E
Published: September 2022

While green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were once abundant throughout the Caribbean, overexploitation has dramatically reduced their numbers. We conducted a 168-day simulated grazing experiment to determine how loss of this once-abundant mega-herbivore could have affected the productivity and community composition of Thalassia testudinum-dominated seagrass beds in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Simulated grazing reduced both percent cover and productivity of T. testudinum. High runoff and local pollution from industrial farming may limit light availability and reduce seagrass photosynthetic performance to replace biomass lost to simulated grazing. Other seagrass species and algae failed to colonize space opened by reductions in T. testudinum percent cover. Many plots subjected to simulated grazing were also bioturbated by stingrays. Relevance of these findings to balancing sea turtle and seagrass conservation efforts are discussed.
Exploring solid states of atovaquone: crystal or glass?
Authors: Teoh Xin-Yi , Teh Chye-Teik , Chan Siok-Yee
Published: September 2022

Formulation design is necessary to improve drug solubility, particularly for drugs in Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) classes II and IV. The formulating decision is often affected by the drug's physicochemical properties. To complement the available knowledge, the thermal and structural properties of atovaquone have been investigated. Heat was applied to raw atovaquone to observe the effect of temperature on crystalline polymorphic changes and physical state conversion. Physicochemical properties were assessed through drug content assay, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The surface morphology was observed under a scanning electron microscope. Thermal degradation of atovaquone was confirmed through drug recovery and the sublimating behaviour was observed during the heating process. Understanding the fundamental thermal and structural characteristics of atovaquone plays an important role in designing a stable product of high bioavailability.
Leader mindfulness and employee innovative work behaviour: a mediated moderation model
Authors: Khari Chitra , Bali Aneet
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the influence of leader mindfulness on employee innovative work behaviour mediated by work engagement and moderated by employee learning orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

That data set of 337 was collected from full-time working professionals from IT industry in India through survey design. The proposed mediated moderation model was tested through Process Macro.

Findings

The findings highlighted the positive role of leader mindfulness in enhancing employee innovative work behaviour. Furthermore, the authors found that this relationship was partly mediated by work engagement and moderated by employee learning orientation. Results suggested that the relationship between work engagement and innovative work behaviour was stronger for employees who score high on learning orientation.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the study lies in delineating the interpersonal lens of mindfulness at workplace, particularly the leader–employee interface. It offers a more nuanced delineation of the process through which leader mindfulness encourages employee innovative work behaviour.
A framework for sustainable technological innovation capability: a research and policy direction
Authors: Dhliwayo Shepherd , Chebo Abdella Kosa
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the dimensions of technological innovation capability (TIC) and associated factors from the perspectives of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have systematically reviewed publications by synthesizing and comparing the findings and arguments from previous studies.

Findings

The study locates a wide-ranging advance of sustainable TIC as a construct by demonstrating the leading dimensions and key factors interrelated to the sustainable TIC. The foremost IC that has been addressed includes process, product, marketing, R&D and knowledge ICs.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should test the extent of the contribution of TIC in intensifying the determining factors toward enhancing performance and sustainability. Besides, the undermined external aspects such as social responsibility and the natural environment should be addressed by future researchers to develop a comprehensive sustainable TIC.

Originality/value

This study reviews the various researches in the subject matter of sustainable TIC to show the developments as well as to provide comprehensive understandings in the subject.
Survival of Russian banks: how efficient are the control measures?
Authors: Barajas Angel , Krakovich Victor , López-Iturriaga Félix J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In this paper, the authors study the failure of Russian banks between 2012 and 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze the entire population of Russian banks and combine a logit model with the survival analysis.

Findings

In addition to the usual determinants, the authors find that not-failed banks have higher levels of fulfillment of the Central Bank requirements of solvency, liquidity, provide fewer loans to their shareholders and own more shares of other banks. The results of this study suggest an asymmetric effect of the strategic orientation of banks: whereas the proportion of deposits from firms is negatively related to the probability of failure, the loans to firms are positively related to bankruptcies. According to this research, the fact of being controlled by a foreign bank has a significant negative relationship with the likelihood of failure and moderates the effect of bank size, performance and growth on the bankruptcy likelihood.

Practical implications

On the whole, the results of this study support the new Central Bank rules, but show that the thresholds imposed by the Russian regulator actually do not make a difference between failed and not failed banks in the short and medium term.

Originality/value

The authors specially focus on the effectiveness of new rules issued by the Central Bank of Russia in 2013.