bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of intimate partner physical violence and substance misuse for parenting
Authors: O'Leary K. Daniel
Published: December 2023

Approximately 35%–45% of young married adults engage in intimate partner violence (IPV), and it is possible to reliably distinguish between general IPV and clinically significant IPV in a manner accepted both by DSM‐V & ICD‐11. IPV and alcohol misuse have been associated in many research designs, and experts now argue that alcohol misuse causes IPV. While less research exists on other substances like marijuana, there is clearly a moderate association between marijuana use and IPV, and that association appears to be dose‐dependent. Both IPV and substance use disorders (SUD), especially alcohol misuse, have been associated with a host of both internalizing and externalizing problems of children and adolescents. Research on the co‐morbid effects of IPV and substance misuse is relatively new but there are documented cumulative effects of IPV, problematic alcohol use, problematic drug use, and depressive symptoms on aggressive and neglectful parental disciplinary practices. Fortunately, research on the effects of both alcohol misuse and IPV shows that while both can have deleterious effects on children, the majority of children exposed to either IPV or alcohol misuse do not grow up to have diagnoses of emotional or behavioral problems. Support from one parent, a teacher, or extended family members, as well as the ability to maintain family rituals, serve as protective factors for children. Recommendations are made regarding reviews of assessment of IPV and substance misuse as well as a guide for conceptualizing and completing forensic evaluations involving IPV and substance misuse.
Google Trends indicators to inform water planning and drought management
Authors: Wilby R. L. , Murphy C. , O'Connor P. , Thompson J. J. , Matthews T.
Published: December 2023

Indicators are important tools for tracking the socio‐environmental impacts of droughts and building resilience to climate change. We begin with an overview of metrics used for water planning and drought management, with particular emphasis on the UK. We explain how considerations of cost, immediacy, access, consistency, relevance, reliability and others denote the suitability of information for developing new indicators. We then demonstrate the potential of Google Trends (GT) online search data as drought indicators for England and Ireland. We show that search terms such as ‘drought’, ‘water butt’ and ‘hosepipe ban’ correlate significantly with conventional hydroclimatic data as well as with newspaper reports of various drought impacts during the period 2011–2022. GT data also show evidence of rising interest in water saving technologies, especially for outdoor water use. Meanwhile, online searches for ‘Defra’ and ‘Environment Agency’ have declined and are more often associated with flood episodes than droughts. Interest in water companies in England is more likely around hosepipe bans than water leakage (although this varies by company). We discuss the implications of these findings for targeting information campaigns, plus prospects for monitoring drought impacts and public sentiment in near real‐time.
A synergetic poring strategy to prepare high porosity SiC ceramic foam with good mechanical strength
Authors: Jing Chufan , Guo Xiang , Luo Yongming , Li Yongming , Xu Caihong
Published: December 2023

Microstructure‐tailored high porosity silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic foams were successfully fabricated using polymeric precursor slurry through a synergetic pore‐forming strategy that combines direct foaming and sacrificial template method together. The slurry is composed of a vinyl‐containing liquid polycarbosilane, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres, and composite inorganic fillers. The expandable PMMA served a dual role as both foaming agent and sacrificial template, while the liquid polycarbosilane was used as both binder and preceramic polymer. The green bodies foamed from precursor slurry were pyrolyzed at 1150, 1400, and 1600°C, respectively, to produce corresponding SiC ceramic foams. The pyrolysis behavior of the green body foams and the crystallization behavior of the SiC ceramic foams were studied. Notably, the SiC ceramic foam derived from the slurry containing 65 wt% filler exhibited low density (0.26 g/cm3), high porosity (90.3%), high compressive strength (3.87 MPa), and low thermal conductivity (0.34 W/mK). The SiC ceramic foams displayed attractive oxidation resistance, and the foams with a porosity of 90.3% can retain 75.2% of their initial compressive strength after oxidation for 10 h at 1400°C.
Pfaffia glomerata by‐product: drying, characterisation and utilisation in cereal bars
Authors: Alves Bruna Hungaro Micheletti , Micheletti Débora Hungaro , de Oliveira Isabella Domingues , Sakai Otávio Akira , Porciuncula Barbara Daniele Almeida , Barros Beatriz Cervejeira Bolanho
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the convective drying of a by‐product obtained by hydrodistillation of Pfaffia glomerata roots (PGB) and investigate the utilisation of the resulting powder in the preparation of cereal bars. Drying at 80 °C for 120 min was the selected condition for PGB due to the higher levels of phenolic acids (gallic, coumaric and ferulic) catechin and higher antioxidant activity than drying at 60 °C for 180 min, and, better technological properties and higher β‐ecdysone content than drying at 100 °C for 100 min. There was an increase in fibre content (110%), antioxidant compounds (97%) and compressive strength (377%) and a decrease in lipid content (31%) when the PGB content of cereal bars was increased from 0% to 9%. Colour parameters, purchase intention and most sensory parameters were similar among cereal bar formulations, indicating that PGB is a promising ingredient for the nutritional enrichment of cereal bars.
Characteristics of Garcinia seed fats and their potential usages as functional ingredients: A review
Authors: Zeng Wei , Zhang Yafei , Hou Xueying , Chen Yuhang , Chi Juanjuan , Jin Jun , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo
Published: December 2023

Fruits of commercial Garcinia genus have been used for centuries in subtropic and tropic areas. However, large amounts of their seeds and included kernels are generally discarded as wastes or treated as low‐value agricultural products due to lack of appropriate processing technologies. The kernels have considerable values as sources of specialty fats and liposoluble bioactive compounds. Typical Garcinia seed fats for commercial purposes are mainly kokum (Garcinia indica) butter, mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) seed fat and yellow mangosteen (Garcinia xanthochymus). These fats contained special sn‐1,3‐disaturated‐2‐unsaturated triacylglycerols, especially StOSt, POSt, StLSt and PLSt (P, palmitic acid; St, stearic acid; O, oleic acid and L, linolic acid), which are quite different from the triacylglycerol structure in common vegetable oils. Their improved usages in chocolate fats, trans‐free shortenings, dressings, salad and cooking oils, oleogels and antioxidants were concluded in this review. The health benefits contributed by their functional micronutrients (e.g. tocopherols, phytosterols, polyphenols and flavonoids) were further discussed to expand their application in functional foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Migración laboral internacional, barbecho, diversificación económica y tecnología en Nepal
Authors: KARKI NEPAL Apsara , NEPAL Mani , BLUFFSTONE Randall
Published: December 2023

Se investiga el efecto de la migración laboral internacional en la práctica del barbecho, la adopción de tecnologías de intensificación agrícola y la diversificación de medios de subsistencia en Nepal. Aplicando métodos empíricos que admiten inferencias causales a datos nacionales representativos, se observa que la probabilidad de tener tierras en barbecho (estimada con el emparejamiento por puntaje de propensión) es más de un 50 por ciento mayor en los hogares con migrantes que en los demás. La migración promueve las tecnologías de intensificación agrícola y la diversificación de los medios de subsistencia. El barbecho aumenta la inseguridad alimentaria, pero la intensificación agrícola puede reducirla, con un efecto neto incierto.
La transparencia como factor de cambio en las relaciones capital‐trabajo del sector de la confección. Análisis crítico del Acuerdo de Bangladesh
Authors: COLLINS Jenny , YATES Julian S.
Published: December 2023

No abundan los estudios sobre modelos innovadores de regulación laboral privada en las redes mundiales de producción de prendas de vestir. Este artículo trata de remediar esa deficiencia examinando los aspectos estructurales conflictivos del Acuerdo sobre la Protección contra Incendios y la Seguridad de los Edificios en Bangladesh: 1) su condición jurídica vinculante, 2) un órgano de gobierno equilibrado en cuanto a la representación de los trabajadores, 3) una masa crítica corporativa y 4) la transparencia. El análisis arroja luz sobre los mecanismos híbridos de gobernanza, que combinan la acción cooperativa de varias organizaciones con la dinámica tradicional capital‐trabajo para influir en la regulación laboral con enfoques nuevos y contradictorios.
Persistent predominance of the Victoria lineage of influenza B virus during COVID‐19 epidemic in Nanchang, China
Authors: Zhou Xianfeng , Lin Ziqi , Tu Junling , Zhu Chunlong , Li Hui
Published: December 2023

The sentinel hospital‐based influenza‐like illness (ILI) surveillance network was established in China since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. This network plays important roles in monitoring influenza virus variation and identifying novel respiratory pathogens. In this study, we characterized the pathogen spectrum pattern (PSP) of ILI based on three sentinel hospitals and analyzed the significant change of PSP during the COVID‐19 epidemic. The notable change of influenza virus spectrum was observed since the beginning of COVID‐19 outbreak, and we found persistent domination of Victoria lineage of influenza B virus and “extinction” of A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B/Yamagata during the dynamic Zero‐COVID‐19 pandemic in Nanchang, China. However, these strains intermittently co‐circulated before the COVID‐19.
Impact of fast‐track rehabilitation nursing on pressure ulcers and postoperative complications in patients with inter‐trochanteric fractures: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhai Chunxia , Lin Yufeng
Published: December 2023

We sought to investigate the effects of fast‐track rehabilitation nursing on pressure ulcers, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications in patients with inter‐trochanteric fractures (ITF). The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to September 2023 on the application of fast‐track rehabilitative nursing to ITF. Two investigators independently screened the literature and performed data extraction and quality assessments using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. The meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Overall, 22 RCTs involving 1904 patients were included. Meta‐analysis revealed that after fast‐track rehabilitation nursing intervention in patients with ITF, the occurrence of pressure ulcers (odds ratio [OR]: 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–0.47; p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.14–0.26; p < 0.001) were significantly reduced and hospital stay was significantly shorter (standardised mean difference: –3.10; 95% CI: −3.82 to −2.38; p < 0.001). Nursing care for patients with ITF based on the concept of fast‐track rehabilitation is conducive to reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers, lowering the occurrence of complications, shortening the length of hospitalisation and promoting postoperative rehabilitation.
Global genetic diversity and historical demography of the Bull Shark
Authors: Postaire Bautisse D. , Devloo‐Delva Floriaan , Brunnschweiler Juerg M. , Charvet Patricia , Chen Xiao , Cliff Geremy , Daly Ryan , Drymon J. Marcus , Espinoza Mario , Fernando Daniel , Glaus Kerstin , Grant Michael I. , Hernandez Sebastian , Hyodo Susumu , Jabado Rima W. , Jaquemet Sébastien , Johnson Grant , Naylor Gavin J. P. , Nevill John E. G. , Pathirana Buddhi M. , Pillans Richard D. , Smoothey Amy F. , Tachihara Katsunori , Tillet Bree J. , Valerio‐Vargas Jorge A. , Lesturgie Pierre , Magalon Hélène , Feutry Pierre , Mona Stefano
Published: December 2023

Aim

Biogeographic boundaries and genetic structuring have important effects on the inferences and interpretation of effective population size (Ne) temporal variations, a key genetics parameter. We reconstructed the historical demography and divergence history of a vulnerable coastal high‐trophic shark using population genomics and assessed our ability to detect recent bottleneck events.

Location

Western and Central Indo‐Pacific (IPA), Western Tropical Atlantic (WTA) and Eastern Tropical Pacific (EPA).

Taxon

Carcharhinus leucas (Müller & Henle, 1839).

Methods

A DArTcap™ approach was used to sequence 475 samples and assess global genetic structuring. Three demographic models were tested on each population, using an ABC‐RF framework coupled with coalescent simulations, to investigate within‐cluster structure. Divergence times between clusters were computed, testing multiple scenarios, with fastsimcoal. Ne temporal variations were reconstructed with STAIRWAYPLOT. Coalescent simulations were performed to determine the detectability of recent bottleneck under the estimated historical trend for datasets of this size.

Results

Three genetic clusters corresponding to the IPA, WTA and EPA regions were identified, agreeing with previous studies. The IPA presented the highest genetic diversity and was consistently identified as the oldest. No significant within‐cluster structuring was detected. Ne increased globally, with an earlier onset in the IPA, during the last glacial period. Coalescent simulations showed that weak and recent bottlenecks could not be detected with our dataset, while old and/or strong bottlenecks would erase the observed ancestral expansion.

Main Conclusions

This study further confirms the role of marine biogeographic breaks in shaping the genetic history of large mobile marine predators. Ne historical increases in Ne are potentially linked to extended coastal habitat availability. The limited within‐cluster population structuring suggests that Ne can be monitored over ocean basins. Due to insufficient amount of available genetic data, it cannot be concluded whether overfishing is impacting Bull Shark genetic diversity, calling for whole‐genome sequencing.
Comorbidities, healthcare resource utilization & treatment pattern among patients with prurigo nodularis, compared to a benchmark in Germany: A real‐world evidence claims data study
Authors: Ständer Sonja , Ketz Miriam , Akumo Divine , Kossack Nils , Pignot Marc , Chavda Rajeev , Gabriel Sylvie
Published: December 2023

Background

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a rare chronic inflammatory skin disease with a high disease burden, but data on clinical and economic burden are still scarce.

Objective

To describe the real‐world epidemiologic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics and related economic burden of patients with PN compared to a benchmark population in Germany.

Methods

This retrospective study was based on an excerpt of German Statutory Health Insurance data of patients with an initial PN diagnosis between 2012 and 2016. PN cohort contained no record of PN in eight quarters before the index quarter and was followed up for eight quarters (unless deceased). Benchmark cohort without PN was calculated using direct standardization and 1:1 matching to PN cohort.

Results

Out of 4,536,002 insured patients, 2309 incident patients with PN were identified and matched to the benchmark cohort out of 3,018,382 patients without PN. Patients were mostly between 45 and 80 years when diagnosed with PN. Higher comorbidity rates were reported for PN than benchmark, with a rising disease burden at follow‐up. Most patients with PN (91.3%) were diagnosed outpatient and had >50% more outpatient visits than the benchmark cohort. Hospitalization rates were higher in PN (53.9%) versus benchmark (35.1%), yielding twice longer mean hospital stays for PN (12 days) compared to benchmark (6 days) (p < 0.001). The most common initial therapy for patients with PN was topical corticosteroids (47.6%); ≥10% of patients were treated with antidepressants, antihistamines or systemic corticosteroids. Therapy rates were higher for PN compared to benchmark (p < 0.001). Mean initial costs were twofold higher in PN versus benchmark for outpatient, inpatient and drugs. During follow‐up, an increase of >70% in mean PN costs compared to benchmark was identified for outpatient, inpatient and concomitant treatments (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study highlights the significantly higher clinical and economic burden incurred by PN compared to benchmark patients in Germany, reflecting the unmet medical need for PN.
Confirmatory test of active IHHNV infection in shrimp by immunohistochemistry and IHHNV‐LongAmp PCR
Authors: Imsonpang Supapong , Pudgerd Arnon , Chotwiwatthanakun Charoonroj , Srisala Jiraporn , Sanguanrut Piyachat , Kasamechotchung Chanadda , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya , Taengchaiyaphum Suparat , Vanichviriyakit Rapeepun
Published: December 2023

The presence of endogenous viral elements (EVE) in the penaeid shrimp genome has been recently reported and suggested to be involved in the host recognition of viral invaders. Our previous report of a search for EVE of infectious hypodermal and haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV‐EVE) in the Thai Penaeus monodon whole genome sequence project (GenBank accession no. JABERT000000000) confirmed the presence of three clusters of EVE derived from IHHNV in the shrimp genome. This study aimed to compare an immunohistochemistry method (IHC) and a PCR method to detect infectious IHHNV infection in shrimp. First, specimens collected from farms were checked for IHHNV using three PCR methods; two methods were recommended by WOAH (309 and 389 methods), and a newly established long‐range PCR for IHHNV (IHHNV‐LA PCR) targeting almost the whole genome (>90%) of IHHNV. Among 29 specimens tested, 24 specimens were positive for WOAH methods (at least one method). Among 24 WOAH‐positive specimens (WOAH+), there were 18 specimens with positive IHHNV‐LA PCR method (WOAH+/LA+), six specimens with negative IHHNV‐LA PCR method (WOAH+/LA−). Six specimens were negative for all methods (WOAH−/LA−). The positive signals detected by IHC method were found only in the specimens with WOAH+/LA+. The results suggest that the WOAH+/LA− specimens were not infected with IHHNV, and the positive WOAH method might result from the EVE‐IHHNV. The study recommends combining the IHHNV‐LA PCR method and IHC with positive PCR results from WOAH's recommended methods to confirm IHHNV infection.
Legal Risk and Insider Trading
Authors: KACPERCZYK MARCIN , PAGNOTTA EMILIANO S.
Published: December 2023

Do illegal insiders internalize legal risk? We address this question with hand‐collected data from 530 SEC (the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) investigations. Using two plausibly exogenous shocks to expected penalties, we show that insiders trade less aggressively and earlier and concentrate on tips of greater value when facing a higher risk. The results match the predictions of a model where an insider internalizes the impact of trades on prices and the likelihood of prosecution and anticipates penalties in proportion to trade profits. Our findings lend support to the effectiveness of U.S. regulations' deterrence and the long‐standing hypothesis that insider trading enforcement can hamper price informativeness.
Increased risk of placenta previa and preterm birth in pregnant women with endometriosis/adenomyosis: A propensity‐score matching analysis of a nationwide perinatal database in Japan
Authors: Kato Kosuke , Iriyama Takayuki , Hara Konan , Suzuki Kensuke , Hashimoto Ayako , Sayama Seisuke , Ichinose Mari , Toshimitsu Masatake , Seyama Takahiro , Sone Kenbun , Kumasawa Keiichi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Hirota Yasushi , Koga Kaori , Osuga Yutaka
Published: December 2023

Aim

We aimed to investigate the associations of endometriosis and adenomyosis with pregnancy complications by using a large‐scale Japanese database.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 145 590 singleton pregnancies from the Japan Perinatal Registry Network Database. Pregnant women registered as having endometriosis or adenomyosis were designated as the case group (EA), whereas the control group (non‐EA) was selected using propensity‐score matching adjusted for variables such as age, parity, BMI, smoking history, and the use of assisted reproductive technology. The main outcomes included placental malposition, preterm birth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

Results

In total, 1203 patients from both the EA and non‐EA groups were matched and evaluated. The EA group showed significantly higher rates of placenta previa (odds ratio [OR], 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84–4.92), low‐lying placenta (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.06–3.86), and preterm birth (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.13–1.84) than the non‐EA group. However, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of HDP (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.90–1.66).

Conclusion

The use of propensity‐score matching to analyze a nationwide perinatal database in Japan clarified that EA was associated with increased pregnancy complications, specifically placental malposition, including placenta previa and low‐lying placenta, and preterm birth, but not with HDP.
Food deserts and dental care utilization in the United States
Authors: Testa Alexander , Mungia Rahma , van den Berg Alexandra , C. Hernandez Daphne
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Although food deserts are known to impact health and healthcare utilization, no research has investigated the relationship between food deserts and dental care utilization. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing the relationship between living in a food desert and self‐reported dental care utilization in the past year.

Methods

Data are from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 10,495). The association between food deserts and dental care utilization was assessed using covariate‐adjusted multiple logistic regression.

Results

Living in a food desert was associated with higher odds of not utilizing dental care in the past year. This association was concentrated among high‐poverty areas (≥20% poverty rate).

Conclusions

The current study is the first to assess the relationship between living in a food desert and dental care utilization. The findings demonstrate that individuals living in low‐income urban food deserts may be at increased risk for not utilizing dental care.
Herbarium specimens reveal that mycorrhizal type does not mediate declining temperate tree nitrogen status over a century of environmental change
Authors: Michaud Talia J. , Cline Lauren C. , Hobbie Erik A. , Gutknecht Jessica L. M. , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: December 2023

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (CO2) and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition have contrasting effects on ectomycorrhizal (EM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses, potentially mediating forest responses to environmental change.

In this study, we evaluated the cumulative effects of historical environmental change on N concentrations and δ15N values in AM plants, EM plants, EM fungi, and saprotrophic fungi using herbarium specimens collected in Minnesota, USA from 1871 to 2016. To better understand mycorrhizal mediation of foliar δ15N, we also analyzed a subset of previously published foliar δ15N values from across the United States to parse the effects of N deposition and CO2 rise.

Over the last century in Minnesota, N concentrations declined among all groups except saprotrophic fungi. δ15N also declined among all groups of plants and fungi; however, foliar δ15N declined less in EM plants than in AM plants. In the analysis of previously published foliar δ15N values, this slope difference between EM and AM plants was better explained by nitrogen deposition than by CO2 rise.

Mycorrhizal type did not explain trajectories of plant N concentrations. Instead, plants and EM fungi exhibited similar declines in N concentrations, consistent with declining forest N status despite moderate levels of N deposition.
ldi‐miR396‐LdPMaT1 enhances reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity and promotes drought tolerance in Lilium distichum Nakai autotetraploids
Authors: Fu Linlan , Zhang Jing , Li Min , Wang Chunxia , Chen Yang , Fan Xinyue , Sun Hongmei
Published: December 2023

Drought is a key environmental stress that inhibits plant growth, development, yield and quality. Whole‐genome replication is an effective method for breeding drought resistant cultivars. Here, we evaluated the tolerance of Lilium distichum Nakai diploids (2n = 2× = 24) and artificially induced autotetraploids (2n = 4× = 48) to drought simulated by polyethylene glycol (PEG) stress. Autotetraploids showed stronger drought tolerance than diploids, and high‐throughput sequencing during PEG stress identified five differentially expressed miRNAs. Transcriptome analysis revealed significantly different reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenger expression levels between diploids and autotetraploids, which increased the drought tolerance of autotetraploids. Specifically, we identified ldi‐miR396b and its only target gene (LdPMaT1) for further study based on its expression level and ROS‐scavenging ability in response to drought stress (DS). Autotetraploids showed higher expression of LdPMaT1 and significantly downregulated expression of ldi‐miR396b under DS compared with diploids. Through a short tandem target mimic (STTM) in transgenic lilies, functional studies revealed that miR396b silencing promotes LdPMaT1 expression and the DS response. Under PEG stress, STTM393 transgenic lines showed improved drought resistance mediated by lowered MDA content but exhibited high antioxidant enzyme activity, consistent with the autotetraploid results. Collectively, these findings suggest that ldi‐miR396b‐LdPMaT1 potentially enhances ROS‐scavenging ability, which contributes to improved stress adaptation in autotetraploid lilies.
Unveiling the intricacies of COVID‐19: Autoimmunity, multi‐organ manifestations and the role of autoantibodies
Authors: Ding Zetao , Wei Xingyi , Pan Haoyu , Shi Hui , Shi Yue
Published: December 2023

COVID‐19 is a severe infectious disease caused by a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. It has caused a global pandemic and can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Beyond the respiratory system, the disease manifests in multiple organs, producing a spectrum of clinical symptoms. A pivotal factor in the disease's progression is autoimmunity, which intensifies its severity and contributes to multi‐organ injuries. The intricate interaction between the virus' spike protein and human proteins may engender the generation of autoreactive antibodies through molecular mimicry. This can further convolute the immune response, with the potential to escalate into overt autoimmunity. There is also emerging evidence to suggest that COVID‐19 vaccinations might elicit analogous autoimmune responses. Advanced technologies have pinpointed self‐reactive antibodies that target diverse organs or immune‐modulatory proteins. The interplay between autoantibody levels and multi‐organ manifestations underscores the importance of regular monitoring of serum antibodies and proinflammatory markers. A combination of immunosuppressive treatments and antiviral therapy is crucial for managing COVID‐19‐associated autoimmune diseases. The review will focus on the generation of autoantibodies in the context of COVID‐19 and their impact on organ health.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐B*15:648 allele by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Gatouillat Grégory , Walencik Alexandre , Tabary Thierry , Tonye‐Libyh Marcelle , Giusti Delphine
Published: December 2023

HLA‐B*15:648 differs from HLA‐B*15:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 77 in exon 2.
Intravenous albumin utilization audit at a large community hospital
Authors: Jug Rachel , Callum Jeannie , Ruijs Theodora , Liu Yang , Barty Rebecca , Thompson Troy
Published: December 2023

Background

There is a literature gap in terms of albumin utilization practices.

Methods/Materials

We conducted a single‐center retrospective observational electronic audit of adult admitted patients who received one or more vials of albumin (5% or 25%) between September 1, 2019 and August 31, 2020 at a large community hospital. The Research Ethics Board approval was obtained. Utilization data identified through the laboratory information system were independently adjudicated by two reviewers and resolved by consensus as appropriate‐acceptable, appropriate‐may be acceptable, or inappropriate. The primary objective of this audit is to determine the proportion of 5% and 25% intravenous albumin infusions meeting a priori appropriateness criteria for indication. Secondary outcomes include determining the patterns of practice surrounding intravenous albumin use: patient demographics, most responsible diagnosis, location at time of order, clinical outcomes of albumin recipients, and types, volumes, and cost of albumin infused.

Results

The mean total albumin administered was 569.2 mL across 456 total recipients (58% male) with a 29% appropriateness rate. This cohort had an in‐hospital mortality rate of 38%, with an average of 6 days from first dose of albumin to death. The mean length of stay was 14 days, with a mean intensive care length of stay of 8 days. The purchase cost of inappropriately transfused albumin was CAD $65,538.

Conclusion

Based on a lack of or an unacceptable indication provided, 71% of patients were inappropriately transfused. Albumin use deviating from guideline recommendations may be contributing to increased healthcare costs, pressure on limited supply, and potential patient harm.
Annealing modulated microstructural and electrical properties of plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition-derived HfO2/SiO2 nanolaminates on AlGaN/GaN
Authors: Wang Boxun , Li Yao , Chen Minran , Cao Duo , Liu Feng , Wang Zhongjian
Published: December 2023

In current work, HfO2/SiO2 nanolaminates and HfO2 films were grown on AlGaN/GaN substrates via plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. A comparative study of how rapid thermal annealing modulates the microstructural and electrical properties of both films has been presented. It is found that the HfO2/SiO2 nanolaminate keeps an amorphous structure when thermally treated below 600 °C, whereas crystal grains appear within the 800 °C annealed sample. High-temperature annealing facilitates the transformation from Hf–O and Si–O to Hf–O–Si in the HfO2/SiO2 nanolaminates, forming an HfSiO4 composite structure simultaneously. The 800 °C annealed HfO2/SiO2 shows a low k value and large leakage current density. While the 600 °C annealed HfO2/SiO2 possesses an effective dielectric constant of 18.3, a turn-on potential of 9.0 V, as well as a leakage density of 10−2 μA/cm2 at gate biases of both −10 and 2 V, revealing good potential in fabricating high electron mobility transistors.
Integrating shear flow and trypsin treatment to assess cell adhesion strength
Authors: Patel Antra , Bhavanam Bhavana , Keenan Trevor , Maruthamuthu Venkat
Published: December 2023

Cell adhesion is of fundamental importance in cell and tissue organization and for designing cell-laden constructs for tissue engineering. Prior methods to assess cell adhesion strength for strongly adherent cells using hydrodynamic shear flow either involved the use of specialized flow devices to generate high shear stress or used simpler implementations like larger height parallel plate chambers that enable multihour cell culture but generate low wall shear stress and are, hence, more applicable for weakly adherent cells. Here, we propose a shear flow assay for adhesion strength assessment of strongly adherent cells that employs off-the-shelf parallel plate chambers for shear flow as well as simultaneous trypsin treatment to tune down the adhesion strength of cells. We implement the assay with a strongly adherent cell type and show that wall shear stress in the 0.07–7 Pa range is sufficient to dislodge the cells with simultaneous trypsin treatment. Imaging of cells over a square centimeter area allows cell morphological analysis of hundreds of cells. We show that the cell area of cells that are dislodged, on average, does not monotonically increase with wall shear stress at the higher end of wall shear stresses used and suggest that this can be explained by the likely higher resistance of high circularity cells to trypsin digestion. The adhesion strength assay proposed can be used to assess the adhesion strength of both weakly and strongly adherent cell types and has the potential to be adapted for substrate stiffness-dependent adhesion strength assessment in mechanobiology studies.
Simultaneous pharmacokinetic modeling of unbound and total darunavir with ritonavir in adolescents: a substudy of the SMILE trial
Authors: Abdalla Seef , Compagnucci Alexandra , Riault Yoann , Chan Man K. , Bamford Alasdair , Nolan Aoife , Ramos José T. , Constant Valentin , Nguyen Thao-Nguyen , Zheng Yi , Tréluyer Jean-Marc , Froelicher-Bournaud Léo , Neveux Nathalie , Saidi Yacine , Cressey Tim R. , Hirt Déborah ,   on behalf of the SMILE study group
Published: December 2023

Darunavir (DRV) is an HIV protease inhibitor commonly used as part of antiretroviral treatment regimens globally for children and adolescents. It requires a pharmacological booster, such as ritonavir (RTV) or cobicistat. To better understand the pharmacokinetics (PK) of DRV in this younger population and the importance of the RTV boosting effect, a population PK substudy was conducted within SMILE trial, where the maintenance of HIV suppression with once daily integrate inhibitor + darunavir/ritonavir in children and adolescents is evaluated. A joint population PK model that simultaneously used total DRV, unbound DRV, and total RTV concentrations was developed. Competitive and non-competitive models were examined to define RTV’s influence on DRV pharmacokinetics. Linear and non-linear equations were tested to assess DRV protein binding. A total of 443 plasma samples from 152 adolescents were included in this analysis. Darunavir PK was best described by a one-compartment model first-order absorption and elimination. The influence of RTV on DRV pharmacokinetics was best characterized by ritonavir area under the curve on DRV clearance using a power function. The association of non-linear and linear equations was used to describe DRV protein binding to alpha-1 glycoprotein and albumin, respectively. In our population, simulations indicate that 86.8% of total and unbound DRV trough concentrations were above 0.55 mg/L [10 times protein binding-adjusted EC
50
for wild-type (WT) HIV-1] and 0.0243 mg/L (10 times EC
90
for WT HIV-1) targets, respectively. Predictions were also in agreement with observed outcomes from adults receiving 800/100 mg DRV/r once a day. Administration of 800/100 mg of DRV/r once daily provides satisfactory concentrations and exposures for adolescents aged 12 years and older.
The
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
MmpL3 inhibitor MSU-43085 is active in a mouse model of infection
Authors: Williams John T. , Giletto Matthew , Haiderer Elizabeth R. , Aleiwi Bilal , Krieger-Burke Teresa , Ellsworth Edmund , Abramovitch Robert B.
Published: December 2023

Addressing drug resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb) requires the development of new drugs with new targets. We previously identified 13 MmpL3 inhibitors from a screen of a small library of Mtb growth inhibitors. In this report, we describe the biological activities of a set of HC2099 analogs active against Mtb
in vitro
, intracellular Mtb, as well as
M. abscessus
and
M. avium
. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies identified MSU-43085 as orally bioavailable with a short half-life. High dosing (100 mg/kg) saturates clearance processes, enabling efficacy studies. The results of an
in vivo
efficacy study found that MSU-43085 was active against Mtb in an acute murine TB infection model but lacked activity in a chronic murine TB infection model. The results of this study serve as a proof of concept for this series and support further optimizations of the HC2099 series of MmpL3 inhibitors.

IMPORTANCE

MmpL3 is a protein that is required for the survival of bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. This report describes the discovery and characterization of a new small molecule, MSU-43085, that targets MmpL3 and is a potent inhibitor of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb) and
M. abscessus
survival. MSU-43085 is shown to be orally bioavailable and efficacious in an acute model of Mtb infection. However, the analog is inactive against Mtb in chronically infected mice. Pharmacokinetic and metabolite identification studies identified
in vivo
metabolism of MSU-43085, leading to a short half-life in treated mice. These proof-of-concept studies will guide further development of the MSU-43085 series for the treatment of TB or NTM infections.
Exploring disease-related and treatment-related issues and concerns experienced by adults with spondyloarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis to identify unmet needs: a qualitative clinical concept mapping study
Authors: Stisen Zara R , Skougaard Marie , Christensen Katrine Risager , Ainsworth Mark Andrew , Hansen Rebekka Lund , Thomsen Simon Francis , Mogensen Mette , Dreyer Lene , Kristensen Lars Erik , Jørgensen Tanja Schjødt
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Exploring patients’ perspectives for significant factors of relevance in living with a chronic disease is important to discover unmet needs and challenges. The primary objective of this study was to explore disease-related and treatment-related issues and concerns experienced by adults with spondyloarthropathies (SpA) and associated diseases. As a secondary objective, we wanted to explore whether these factors were generic or disease dependent.

Design

We used group concept mapping (GCM), a validated qualitative method, to identify disease-related and treatment-related issues and concerns. Participants generated statements in the GCM workshops and organised them into clusters to develop concepts. Furthermore, participants rated each statement for importance from 1: ‘not important at all’ to 5: ‘of great importance’.

Setting

Participants were recruited during routine care at the outpatient clinic at the hospitals in the period from May 2018 to July 2022.

Participants

Eligible participants were adults ≥18 years and diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriasis (PsO) or inflammatory bowel disease —split into Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).

Results

52 patients participated in the 11 workshops divided into groups according to their diagnosis. They created a total of 1275 statements that generated 10 AxSpA concepts, 7 PsA concepts, 7 PsO concepts, 10 CD concepts and 11 UC concepts. The highest rated concepts within each disease group were: AxSpA, ‘lack of understanding/to be heard and seen by healthcare professionals’ (mean rating 4.0); PsA, ‘medication (effects and side effects)’ (mean rating 3.8); PsO, ‘social and psychological problems, the shame’ (mean rating 4.0); CD, ‘positive attitudes’ (mean rating 4.3) and UC; ‘take responsibility and control over your life’ (mean rating 4.0).

Conclusion

People with SpA and associated diseases largely agree on which concepts describe their disease-related and treatment-related issues and concerns with a few of them being more disease-specific.
Investigating inequalities in HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa: spatial analysis of cross-sectional population-based surveys in 25 countries
Authors: Ante-Testard Pearl Anne , Carrasco-Escobar Gabriel , Benmarhnia Tarik , Temime Laura , Jean Kévin
Published: December 2023

Objectives

We aim to explore spatial variations in socioeconomic inequalities in HIV testing uptake in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at different geographical scales to identify potential geographical hotspots of inequalities. Additionally, to evaluate the potential benefits of HIV testing programmes, we assess whether local levels of HIV testing match the local levels of HIV prevalence.

Design

A multi-country analysis of population-based cross-sectional surveys in SSA.

Setting

We analysed data from 25 SSA countries with Demographic and Health Surveys between 2011 and 2019.

Participants

Country-level analysis included 473 775 participants (312 104 women and 161 671 men) and cluster-level analysis included 328 283 individuals (241 084 women and 87 199 men). Women aged 15–49 years and men aged 15–54/59 years in selected households who were tested for HIV in the last 12 months were eligible. We quantified inequalities in self-reported recent HIV testing with the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) across geographical scales to capture sex-specific within-country spatial variations. We also conducted local Getis-Ord Gi* statistics to consider the autocorrelation in fine-scale SII and RII across countries. To assess the efficiency of HIV testing programmes, we measured the correlation between recent HIV testing and HIV prevalence through Spearman correlation across geographical scales.

Results

We observed varying inequalities in recent HIV testing in magnitude and spatial distribution on both absolute and relative scales in many countries for both sexes at national and subnational levels. Hotspots of absolute and relative inequalities were mostly observed in Western and Central Africa with a few regions in Eastern and Southern Africa. Despite significant sex-specific correlations between testing and prevalence in all countries when assessed at the national level, we report an absence of such a correlation at fine scale in 17 of 50 sex-country combinations.

Conclusions

We highlight the importance of investigating the spatial variability of various HIV indicators and related inequalities across different geographical levels. Results may help inform an equitable distribution of HIV testing services.
Estimated effect of age of marriage on utilisation of India’s Integrated Child Development Service programme
Authors: Rai Rajesh Kumar , Bromage Sabri
Published: December 2023

Background

Age of marriage among women is considered an important indicator of their readiness for familial integration and parenting. This study estimated the effect of age of marriage of young mothers (aged 15–24 years) on utilisation of various services for their children, provided under the Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) programme in India.

Methods

Data from the nationally representative 2019–2021 National Family Health Survey of India were analysed. Mothers’ age of menarche was used as an instrumental variable to isolate the effect of age of marriage on whether their children received (1) food, (2) health check-up, (3) immunisation, (4) early childhood care or preschooling or (5) weight measurement services from ICDS.

Results

Nationally, 67.9% (95% CI 67.6%, 68.3%) of children received food (sample: 60 578), 61.8% (95% CI 61.4%, 62.1%) received a health check-up (sample: 60 316), 60.0% (95% CI 59.6%, 60.4%) received immunisation services (sample: 60 537), 52.0% (95% CI 51.6%, 52.4%) received early childhood care or preschooling (sample: 60 458) and 62.9% (95% CI 62.5%, 63.3%) received weight measurement services (sample: 60 278). Findings from instrumental variable analysis suggest that a 1-year increase in age of marriage could yield a 9 percentage point increase (95% CI 4%–13%; p<0.001) in utilisation of immunisation services. Although postponement of marriage positively affected utilisation of each of the other four ICDS components, these effects were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Postponing age of marriage among young women is an effective intervention for promoting uptake of child immunisation services. Our findings support the Government of India’s 2021 Bill to raise legal age of marriage of women.
Implementation of a novel thoracostomy tube trainer with real-time feedback
Authors: Hegde Shruti , Hofman Emily , Dubagunta Sruthi , Awad Daniel , Khan Omar , Eisaman Kraigen , Hossain Ifti , Walker James , Sherman Bradley , Kadakia Yash , Najjar Alex , Park Caroline
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Simulation-based training leads to improved clinical performance but may be influenced by quality and frequency of training. Within simulation training, chest tube insertion remains a challenge as one of the main pitfalls of insertion is a controlled pleural entry. This study evaluates the efficacy of a novel training model with real-time pressure monitoring, the average force to pleural entry in a model and the utility of audio and visual feedback.

Methods

This proprietary training model comprised a modified Kelly clamp device with three force sensors at the index finger (sensor 1) and two finger loops (sensors 2 and 3), and a manikin with a replaceable chest wall pad. Standard force values (Newtons (N)) were obtained by experts; expert data revealed that 3–5 s was an acceptable time range to complete the chest tube insertion. Participant level ranged from Post-graduate Year (PGY)-1 to PGY-6 with 13 total participants. Each individual was provided an introduction to the procedure and chest tube trainer. Force (N) and time (ms) measurements were obtained from entry through dermis to pleural space puncture. A significant pressure drop suggested puncturing through the chest wall (completion of the procedure).

Results

Force data were captured during each phase of the procedure—linear, plateau, and drop. Linear phase (~3000 ms) was from start of procedure to point of maximum force (<30 N). Plateau phase was from maximum force to just before a drop in pressure. Drop phase was a drop in pressure by 5+ N in a span of 150 ms signaling completion of procedure. All participants were able to complete the task successfully. Force for pleural entry ranged from 17 N to 30 N; time to pleural entry ranged from 7500 to 15 000 ms. There was variability in use of all three sensors. All participants used the index sensor, however there was variability in the use of the loop sensors depending on the handedness of the participant. Left-handed users relied more on sensors 1 and 3 while right-handed users relied more on sensors 1 and 2. Given this variability, only force measurements from sensor 1 were used for assessment.

Conclusions

This novel force-sensing chest tube trainer with continuous pressuring monitoring has a wide range of applications in simulation-based training of emergency surgical tasks. Next steps include evaluating its impact on accuracy and efficiency. Applications of real-time feedback measuring force are broad, including vascular access, trocar placement and other common procedures.

Level of evidence

Level IV, prospective study.