bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Household Composition and Smoking Behavior in a Prospective Longitudinal Australian Cohort
Authors: Saxby Karinna , Ireland Andrew , Ghijben Peter , Sweeney Rohan , Sia Kah-Ling , Chen Esa , Farrell Michael , McRobbie Hayden , Courtney Ryan , Petrie Dennis
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study estimates the extent to which individuals’ smoking cessation and relapse patterns are associated with the smoking behavior of their household members.

Aims and Methods

Longitudinal data on household members’ smoking behavior was sourced from a representative sample of 12 723 Australians who ever reported smoking between 2001 and 2019. Controlling for a rich set of confounders, multivariate regression analyses were used to predict the likelihood of smoking cessation and relapse given other household members’ smoking status and their relationship type. The models were then used to forecast smoking prevalence over 10 years across different household types.

Results

Individuals living with a smoking spouse were less likely to quit (OR 0.77 [95% CI 0.72;0.83]) and more likely to relapse (OR 1.47 [95% CI 1.28;1.69]) compared to those living with nonsmoking spouses. Subsequently, the proportion of smokers living with other smoking household members increased by 15% between 2011 and 2019. A 10-year forecast using the smoking cessation and relapse models predicts that, on average, smokers living with nonsmokers will reduce by 43%, while those living alone or with a smoking partner will only reduce by 26% and 28% respectively.

Conclusions

Over time, those who are still smoking are more likely to live with other smokers. Therefore, the current cohort of smokers is increasingly less likely to quit and more likely to relapse. Smoking projection models that fail to account for this dynamic risk may overstate the downstream health benefits and health cost savings. Interventions that encourage smoking cessation at the household level, particularly for spouses, may assist individuals to quit and abstain from smoking.

Implications

The current and future paradigm shift in the smoking environment suggests that smoking cessation and relapse prevention policies should consider household structure. Policies designed to affect smoking at the household level are likely to be particularly effective. When estimating the long-term benefits of current smoking policies intrahousehold smoking behavior needs to be considered.
The intracellular immune receptor like gene SNC1 is an enhancer of effector-triggered immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Zhixue , Yang Leiyun , Hua Jian
Published: November 2022

Plants contain many nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins that are postulated to function as intracellular immune receptors but do not yet have an identified function during plant–pathogen interactions. SUPPRESSOR OF NPR1-1, CONSTITUTIVE 1 (SNC1) is one such NLR protein of the Toll-interleukin 1 receptor (TIR) type, despite its well-characterized gain-of-function activity and its involvement in autoimmunity in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Here, we investigated the role of SNC1 in natural plant–pathogen interactions and genetically tested the importance of the enzymatic activities of its TIR domain for its function. The SNC1 loss-of-function mutants were more susceptible to avirulent bacterial pathogen strains of Pseudomonas syringae containing specific effectors, especially under constant light growth condition. The mutants also had reduced defense gene expression induction and hypersensitive responses upon infection by avirulent pathogens under constant light growth condition. In addition, genetic and biochemical studies supported that the TIR enzymatic activity of SNC1 is required for its gain-of-function activity. In sum, our study uncovers the role of SNC1 as an amplifier of plant defense responses during natural plant–pathogen interactions and indicates its use of enzymatic activity and intermolecular interactions for triggering autoimmune responses.
The top 10 research priorities in psoriatic arthritis: a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership
Authors: Hailey Louise , Bundy Chris , Burstow Helen , Chandler David , Cowper Russ , Helliwell Philip , Joannes Lucille , Kelly Andy , Kennedy Bronagh , Kinsella Suzannah , McAteer Helen , Mukherjee Sandeep , Packham Jon , Wise Elspeth , Young Helen , Coates Laura C
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To identify and prioritize the top 10 research questions for PsA.

Methods

The British Psoriatic Arthritis Consortium (BritPACT) formed a Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) comprising of people living with PsA, carers and clinicians, supported by the James Lind Alliance (JLA). This PSP followed the established three-stage JLA process: first, an online survey of people living with PsA, carers and clinicians to identify PsA questions, asking, ‘What do you think are the most important unanswered questions in psoriatic arthritis research?’ The questions were checked against existing evidence to establish ‘true uncertainties’ and grouped as ‘indicative questions’ reflecting the overarching themes. Then a second online survey ranked the ‘true uncertainties’ by importance. Finally, a workshop including people living with PsA and clinician stakeholders finalized the top 10 research priorities.

Results

The initial survey attracted 317 respondents (69% people living with PsA, 15% carers), with 988 questions. This generated 46 indicative questions. In the second survey, 422 respondents (78% people living with PsA, 4% carers) prioritized these. Eighteen questions were taken forward to the final online workshop. The top unanswered PsA research question was ‘What is the best strategy for managing patients with psoriatic arthritis including non-drug and drug treatments?’ Other top 10 priorities covered diagnosis, prognosis, outcome assessment, flares, comorbidities and other aspects of treatment (https://www.jla.nihr.ac.uk).

Conclusion

The top 10 priorities will guide PsA research and enable PsA researchers and those who fund research to know the most important questions for people living with PsA.
The Phosphatase VdPtc3 Regulates Virulence inVerticillium dahliaeby Interacting with VdAtg1
Authors: Liu Tao , Qin Jun , Shang Wenjing , Chen Jieyin , Subbarao Krishna V. , Hu Xiaoping
Published: November 2022

Type 2C protein phosphatases regulate various biological processes in eukaryotes. However, their functions in Verticillium dahliae have not been characterized. In this study, homologs VdPtc1, VdPtc3, VdPtc5, VdPtc6, and VdPtc7 were identified in V. dahliae on the basis of homologous comparison with those in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. VdPtc2 and VdPtc4 are missing in the genome of the V. dahliae XJ592 strain. VdPtc3 is the homolog of Ptc2, Ptc3, and Ptc4 proteins in S. cerevisiae, implying that VdPtc3 may play versatile functions in V. dahliae. VdPtc3 promoted conidium development, melanin, and microsclerotium formation in V. dahliae. The Δ VdPtc3 strains showed increased sensitivity to NaCl and sorbitol and augmented the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase homolog Hog1 induced by osmotic stress. Besides, the Δ VdPtc3 strains also showed milder Verticillium wilt symptom on cotton. Furthermore, VdPtc3 interacts with VdAtg1, which modulates melanin and microsclerotium formation, as well as pathogenicity.
A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Gender and Career Status Differences in the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Underrepresented Postdoctoral Fellows and Early-Career Faculty
Authors: White Gretchen E. , Proulx Chelsea N. , Morone Natalia E. , Thakar Maya S. , Murrell Audrey J. , Althouse Andrew D. , Rubio Doris M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the biomedical workforce is pronounced and those from underrepresented backgrounds encounter more challenges than their majority counterparts. The extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early-career investigators from underrepresented backgrounds is not yet fully understood. To examine the impact of the pandemic on underrepresented early-career biomedical researchers, this study evaluated differences in productivity, research, and psychological well-being by gender and career status.

Method

This was a cross-sectional analysis of preintervention data, collected in September–October 2020, from 220 participants enrolled in the Building Up a Diverse Biomedical Research Workforce study. Participants were from 25 academic medical centers in the United States and were underrepresented early-career researchers. The primary outcomes were agreement on a 5-point Likert scale with pandemic impact statements (e.g., “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted my ability to conduct research”). Thematic analysis was conducted on responses to 2 open-ended questions assessing the pandemic’s impact.

Results

Most participants were female (79.9%), of non-Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish origin Black/African American (33.2%) or Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish origin (34.1%), and early-career faculty (53.4%). Over half of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their ability to work (55.7%) and conduct research (70.7%). Themes from qualitative analysis suggested lower research productivity, concerns about the academic job market and funding, and psychological distress due to the pandemic. Women were more likely to attribute lost productivity and psychological distress to homeschooling and childcare responsibilities. Postdoctoral fellows were concerned about more competition for fewer academic positions.

Conclusions

In this study of early-career underrepresented biomedical researchers, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was widely felt by participants, varying by gender and career status. For those postdoctoral fellows and early-career faculty who are underrepresented, it is critical for institutions to offer flexibility in their positions.
Engaging Retired Physicians as Educators: Motivations and Experiences of Participants in a Novel Educational Program
Authors: Plotnick Laurie H. , Sternszus Robert , Macdonald Mary Ellen , Steinert Yvonne
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Physician retirement has important impacts on medical learners as well as retiring physicians themselves. Retiring physicians take with them a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and expertise and can feel a loss of identity, lack of fulfillment, and reduced social connectedness after leaving the institution. To address this, a novel educational program providing retired physicians with renewed educational roles was implemented in 2018 within a university-associated pediatric department. This study sought to explore the retired physicians’ experiences in this new intergenerational program, including their motivations to reengage as educators after retirement.

Method

The authors designed this study using qualitative description. Semistructured interviews were conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of McGill University in 2019 with retired physicians who participated in the educational program’s inaugural year. Role theory and psychosocial development theory were used to design the interview guide and inform the thematic analysis. Iterative analysis of the interview transcripts was deductive and inductive.

Results

Of the 8 retired physicians who participated in the program’s first cohort, 7 participated in this study. Analysis of the data yielded 4 main themes: a challenging shift to retirement, a desire for reengagement after retirement, role dissonance, and gaining by giving. The retired physicians were motivated to engage as educators. Although they experienced some discomfort in their new nonclinical roles, they described their experiences as fulfilling, with benefits such as intellectual stimulation, social connectedness, and a sense of purpose.

Conclusions

Retired physicians’ motivations to reengage academically and their experiences contributing to educational activities in this program highlight the importance of supporting physicians during the transition to retirement and establishing formal programs to engage retired physicians as educators.
Randomized controlled trial of intrathecal oxytocin on speed of recovery after hip arthroplasty
Authors: Eisenach James C. , Shields John S. , Weller Robert S. , Curry Regina S. , Langfitt Maxwell K. , Henshaw Daryl S. , Pollock David C. , Edwards Christopher J. ,   Spinal Oxytocin Hip Surgery Collaborators, Houle Timothy T.
Published: November 2022

Recovery from surgery is quicker in the postpartum period, and this may reflect oxytocin action in the spinal cord. We hypothesized that intrathecal injection of oxytocin would speed recovery from pain and disability after major surgery. Ninety-eight individuals undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive either intrathecal oxytocin (100 μg) or saline. Participants completed diaries assessing pain and opioid use daily and disability weekly, and they wore an accelerometer beginning 2 weeks before surgery until 8 weeks after. Groups were compared using modelled, adjusted trajectories of these measures. The study was stopped early due to the lack of funding. Ninety patients received intrathecal oxytocin (n = 44) or saline (n = 46) and were included in the analysis. There were no study drug–related adverse effects. Modelled pain trajectory, the primary analysis, did not differ between the groups, either in pain on day of hospital discharge (intercept: −0.1 [95% CI: −0.8 to 0.6], P = 0.746) or in reductions over time (slope: 0.1 pain units per log of time [95% CI: 0-0.2], P = 0.057). In planned secondary analyses, postoperative opioid use ended earlier in the oxytocin group and oxytocin-treated patients walked nearly 1000 more steps daily at 8 weeks (P < 0.001) and exhibited a clinically meaningful reduction in disability for the first 21 postoperative days (P = 0.007) compared with saline placebo. Intrathecal oxytocin before hip replacement surgery does not speed recovery from worst daily pain. Secondary analyses suggest that further study of intrathecal oxytocin to speed functional recovery without worsening pain after surgery is warranted.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Northern Israel: Insights From a Large Referral Laboratory
Authors: Kridin Khalaf , Ingram Batsheva , Becker Daniella , Shiloah Noga , Azrad Maya , Habib Sonia , Peretz Avi
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The aims of the study are to investigate the distribution and frequency of different sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among a large study population of individuals undergoing STD investigation both in inpatient and STD clinic settings and to evaluate influence of test anonymity on the positivity rate of pathogens.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study retrieved epidemiologic data from the following 3 sources: a secondary referral hospital and 2 STD clinics in Northern Israel. Positivity rate of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) was assessed and stratified based on age, sex, site of sampling, and anonymity of test. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 3,753 assays were performed on 2,407 patients who were screened for STD. Chlamydia trachomatis (4.8%) was the most frequently detected STD, followed by NG (2.1%), MG (1.9%), and TV (0.6%). Mycoplasma genitalium (OR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.70–10.97; p = .001) and NG (OR, 6.08; 95% CI, 2.18–16.96; p < .001) were significantly associated with male sex, while TV was more frequently encountered among female individuals (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.49–12.50; p = .003). Mycoplasma genitalium infection was detected most commonly by urine samples, while rectal swabs were the leading source of positive tests for CT. Compared with fully identified patients, those tested anonymously were 6-fold more likely to be tested positive for TV (adjusted OR, 6.49; 95% CI, 2.06–20.42; p = .001).

Conclusions

Chlamydia trachomatis and NG are the leading non-HIV STDs in Northern Israel. Anonymous tests predict higher positivity of TV. Rectal sampling should be increasingly used because of its efficacy in detecting CT infections.
Spontaneous healing and complete disappearance of an intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm: A case report
Authors: Wu Qiaowei , Li Tianxiao , Li Li , Chang Kaitao , Shao Qiuji
Published: November 2022

Rationale:

Intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms (VBDAs) are associated with a greater tendency to rupture and a greater risk of worse outcomes than anterior circulation aneurysms. Spontaneous healing of a VBDA is very rare, and there have been very few case reports of spontaneous healing of an aneurysm. We describe a case of intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm that healed spontaneously and disappeared completely on follow-up images.

Patient concerns:

A 40-years-old woman was referred to the neurology department because of a persistent headache, especially in the left occiput.

Diagnoses:

Magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography angiography showed a left vertebral artery dissection-like aneurysm (4.5 × 2.0 × 2.5 mm in size) with proximal parent artery mild stenosis (40%).

Interventions:

Flunarizine hydrochloride was administered for symptomatic treatment and follow-up angiography was performed.

Outcomes:

Digital subtraction angiography and magnetic resonance angiography showed that the aneurysm had completely disappeared at 3 months follow-up. High-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging revealed intimal thickening and mild stenosis in the left intracranial vertebral artery without an aneurysm signal. In addition, enhancement scanning revealed that the aneurysm area was moderately enhanced. MR-vessel wall imaging at 7 months follow-up showed that the enhancement was slightly reduced compared with the previous time.

Lessons:

This case illustrates the relatively plastic nature of a vertebral dissecting aneurysm, indicating that spontaneous healing remains possible.
Meditation programs for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Jiayu , Mei Manxue , Sun Haoxiang , Chen Xiaofang , Zhu Wei , Song Jianping
Published: November 2022

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is intimately linked to chronic stress. Meditation programs belong to mind-body therapies, which could benefit patients’ disease management. Though some clinical trials have proved that meditation programs have the ability to improve level of blood glucose quality of life, body mass index and blood indexes related to metabolism in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the efficacy of meditation programs needs further confirmation. Thus we will conduct this systematic evaluation and meta-analysis to summarize and analyze all the results included to obtain reliable evidence.

Methods:

We will search several English and Chinese databases for relevant clinical trials published up to July 2021, and randomized controlled trials or controlled trials among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus are included. Two reviewers will extract data and assess the quality of included studies independently. The main outcomes of this research are glycosylated hemoglobin level and fasting blood glucose level. The secondary outcomes are high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, body mass index, remission of depression and anxiety, and quality of life. Stata v.14.0 and Review Manager V5.3 will be used to synthesize and analyze all data included.

Results:

Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation will be used to evaluate the quality of the assessments. Our study will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Conclusion:

This systematic review is the first to analyze the efficacy of different types of meditation for type 2 diabetes mellitus, which could provide evidence for the use of mediation programs as non-drug approaches.

Trial registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021274508.
Relationship between K-line distance and surgical outcome in cases of laminoplasty for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Miyazaki Masashi , Ishihara Toshinobu , Kanezaki Shozo , Hirakawa Masashi , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Abe Tetsutaro , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

Although previous studies indicate that changes in cervical alignment after laminoplasty and dynamic factors influence surgical outcomes of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), the relationship between the surgical outcomes, the distance between the kyphosis-line (K-line) and OPLL, and dynamic factors have not yet been quantitatively evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationship between ΔK-line distance and surgical outcomes in cases of laminoplasty for OPLL of the cervical spine. We retrospectively reviewed 46 consecutive patients (33 men and 13 women) with cervical OPLL who underwent laminoplasty. “K-line distance” was measured as the minimum interval between the K-line and OPLL on lateral radiographs. The following factors were analyzed: K-line distance in neutral, flexion, and extension neck positions, ΔK-line distance, preoperative C2-7 range of motion (ROM), preoperative segmental ROM, preoperative C2-7 lordotic angle, occupying ratio of the OPLL, disease duration, preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and recovery rate. Patients were divided into flexion K-line (+) and flexion K-line (−) groups. We then analyzed the influence of the K-line distance on surgical outcomes and conducted multivariate analysis to analyze the factors affecting surgical outcomes. The JOA score recovery rate in the flexion K-line (−) group was significantly lower than that in the flexion K-line (+) group (P = .024). The ΔK-line distance was significantly negatively correlated with the JOA score recovery rate (r = −0.531, P < .001). Additionally, multivariate analysis showed that ΔK-line distance (OR = −2.143, P = .015) was negatively correlated with the JOA score recovery rate. The ΔK-line distance is considered useful for the quantitative evaluation of dynamic factors and static compression factors due to OPLL through the measurement of dynamic radiographic images.
Risk factors for in-stent restenosis after coronary stent implantation in patients with coronary artery disease: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Zhang Juan , Zhang Qian , Zhao Ke , Bian Yu-Jing , Liu Yang , Xue Yi-Tao
Published: November 2022

To explore the risk factors for in-stent restenosis (ISR) after stent implantation in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) using logistic regression analysis. From February 2020 to February 2022, 350 patients with CHD after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were divided into a stent stenosis group and a stent nonstenosis group based on coronary angiography results performed 2 years after PCI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the factors related to ISR after coronary stent implantation in patients with CHD. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Patient signed informed consent. Of the 350 patients with CHD, 138 (39.43%) had stent restenosis while 212 did not. Univariate analysis showed that a family history of CHD, history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and drinking, discontinuation of aspirin, use of conventional dose statins, calcified lesions, ≥ 3 implanted stents, stent length ≥ 30 mm, stent diameter < 3 mm, and tandem stent increased the risk of restenosis. The incidence of restenosis was higher in the stent group than that in the nonstent group (P < .05). There were no significant differences in the blood lipid level, left ventricular ejection fraction, clopidogrel/ticagrelor or beta-blocker withdrawal, location of culprit vessels, and thrombotic lesions between the 2 groups (P > .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that family history of CHD, history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and drinking, aspirin withdrawal, use of conventional doses of statins, calcified lesions, ≥ 3 implanted stents, stent length ≥ 30 mm, stent diameter < 3 mm, and tandem stenting were risk factors for ISR within 2 years after PCI. A family history of CHD, history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and drinking, discontinuation of aspirin, use of conventional dose statins, calcified lesions, ≥ 3 stent implantations, stent length ≥ 30 mm, stent diameter < 3 mm, and tandem stenting are risk factors for ISR within 2 years after PCI in patients with CHD.
Chinese herbal bath therapy for the treatment of Atopic dermatitis in children: A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Guo Zheng , Li Yongjun , Hou Yiming , Wang Youpeng , Liang Yuan , Si Xiuying , Pan Guangxia , Wang Yijie , Hu Qihui
Published: November 2022

Background:

To conduct a systematic review of the efficacy of Chinese herbal bath therapy on children with Atopic dermatitis.

Methods:

We searched Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang) and English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane library) for studies from the establishment of the database to September 2022. The included literature was randomized control studies investigating the treatment of Atopic dermatitis in children by Chinese herbal bath therapy. The outcomes included the cure rate, scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) index, adverse reactions and recurrence rate. RevMan 5.4 was used to analyze the extracted data.

Results:

A total of 8 related studies were included containing 854 cases. The meta-analysis showed that Chinese herbal bath therapy group was superior to control group in terms of cure rate, SCORAD index, adverse reactions and recurrence rate in children with Atopic dermatitis [RR = 1.11, 95%(1.02, 1.21), P = .01; SMD = –0.77, 95%(-0.99, -0.55), P < .00001; RR = 0.44, 95%CI(0.28,0.67), P = .0002; RR = 0.25, 95%CI(0.10, 0.59), P = .0002].

Conclusion:

The present study shows that Chinese herbal bath therapy is an effective treatment for children with Atopic dermatitis in China.
Mitochondrial regulatory mechanisms in spinal cord injury: A narrative review
Authors: Liu Chengjiang , Liu Yidong , Ma Boyuan , Zhou Mengmeng , Zhao Xinyan , Fu Xuanhao , Kan Shunli , Hu Wei , Zhu Rusen
Published: November 2022

Spinal cord injury is a severe central nervous system injury that results in the permanent loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions below the level of injury with limited recovery. The pathological process of spinal cord injury includes primary and secondary injuries, characterized by a progressive cascade. Secondary injury impairs the ability of the mitochondria to maintain homeostasis and leads to calcium overload, excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress, further exacerbating the injury. The defective mitochondrial function observed in these pathologies accelerates neuronal cell death and inhibits regeneration. Treatment of spinal cord injury by preserving mitochondrial biological function is a promising, although still underexplored, therapeutic strategy. This review aimed to explore mitochondrial-based therapeutic advances after spinal cord injury. Specifically, it briefly describes the characteristics of spinal cord injury. It then broadly discusses the drugs used to protect the mitochondria (e.g., cyclosporine A, acetyl-L-carnitine, and alpha-tocopherol), phenomena associated with mitochondrial damage processes (e.g., mitophagy, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis), mitochondrial transplantation for nerve cell regeneration, and innovative mitochondrial combined protection therapy.
Adolescent Confidentiality and Consent in an Emergency Setting
Authors: Mientkiewicz Lauren , Grover Purva
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The adolescent population comprises a large volume of emergency department visits each year. A recent study showed that 20% of the ambulatory care visits of adolescent patients aged 15 to 25 years were made to the emergency department. This specific population often has poor access to health care and often is a vulnerable population, causing medical care to be a challenge. The purpose of this article was to review the standard practice and the specific laws regarding confidentiality and consent when treating an adolescent patient to provide the best possible care and treatment.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was done to examine key aspects of adolescent confidentiality and informed consent in an emergency setting. The literature was then compiled into a review article.

Results

The article outlines the specific laws for emergency providers to be aware of regarding patient confidentiality and consent. The adolescent patient can consent to medical care without parental consent, when involving emergency care, contraceptive services, sexually transmitted infections, prenatal care, drug or alcohol related care, mental health services, and sexual assault services. Also, emancipated minors and mature minors are both situations in which a minor has the legal authority to refuse care and make decisions regarding their health care.

Conclusions

Patient confidentiality and informed consent are complex and complicated topics when dealing with the pediatric patient. Although some laws may vary state to state, there are specific details regarding adolescent confidentiality and informed consent that every provider should be aware of. The adolescent population is more likely to seek emergency care if the visit is confidential and the patient feels a sense of trust. Although it is important for providers to respect patient confidentiality when treating adolescents, it is also important for providers to encourage adolescents to confide in their parents regarding health issues.
Are we waiting for the sky to fall? Predictors of withdrawal of life-sustaining support in older trauma patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Badrinathan Avanti , Ho Vanessa P. , Tinkoff Glen , Houck Olivia , Vazquez Daniel , Gerrek Monica , Kessler Ann , Rushing Amy
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist regarding the impact of advanced care planning for injured geriatric patients. We hypothesized that patients with advance directives limiting care (ADLC) compared with those without ADLC are more likely to undergo withdrawal of life-sustaining support (WLSS).

METHODS

This is a propensity-matched analysis utilizing American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program patients 65 years or older who presented between 2017 and 2018. Patients with and without ADLC on admission were compared. The primary outcome was WLSS and days prior to WLSS. Additional factors examined included hospital length of stay (LOS), unplanned operations, unplanned intensive care unit admissions, and in-hospital cardiac arrests. Prior to matching, logistic regression model assessed factors associated with WLSS. Patients with and without ADLC were matched 1:1 via a propensity score using patient and injury factors as covariates, and matched pair analysis compared differences in WLSS between patients with and without ADLC.

RESULTS

There were 597,840 patients included: 44,001 patients with an ADLC (7.36%) compared with 553,839 with no ADLC (92.64%). Patients with an ADLC underwent WLSS more often than those with no ADLC (7.68% vs. 2.48%, p < 0.001). In a 1:1 propensity-matched analysis, patients with ADLC were more likely to undergo WLSS (odds ratio [OR], 2.38’ 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.22–2.55), although stronger predictors of WLSS included severity of injury (Injury Severity Score, 25+; OR, 23.84; 95% CI, 21.55–26.36), unplanned intensive care unit admissions (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.89–3.75), and in-hospital cardiac arrests (OR, 4.97; 95% CI, 4.02–6.15).

CONCLUSION

A small proportion of the geriatric trauma population had ADLC on admission. While ADLC was predictive of WLSS, adverse events were more strongly associated with WLSS. To ensure patient-centered care and reduce futile interventions, surgeons should delineate goals of care early regardless of ADLC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.
Frederick Robert Whatley. 26 January 1924—14 November 2020
Authors: John Philip
Published: November 2022

Frederick Robert (Bob) Whatley was a plant biochemist who made fundamental discoveries that form the basis of our present textbook understanding of photosynthesis, the process by which green plants harness the energy of sunlight to incorporate atmospheric carbon dioxide, and upon which all life on Earth depends. Bob was born in Wiltshire and graduated from the University of Cambridge with a first class degree in biochemistry and a PhD supervised by Robin Hill FRS. He brought biochemical expertise and insight to a small team under the leadership of Daniel Arnon at the University of California at Berkeley, which, in the decade from 1953, discovered that chloroplasts were capable of conserving light energy as adenosine triphosphate by what the Berkeley group named photosynthetic phosphorylation. The Berkeley group also defined the role of the enzyme cofactor NADP
+
. By demonstrating that isolated chloroplasts were capable of the complete process of light-driven carbon dioxide fixation, they revolutionized the contemporary conception of the process, and provided a solid basis for subsequent research. In the 1960s Bob Whatley contributed to identifying the important role of the key protein, ferredoxin, in photosynthesis, and he established an important centre for photosynthesis research at King's College London. In the 1970s and 1980s as Sherardian professor of botany at Oxford he advanced several areas of biochemical research. Bob Whatley was a meticulous experimenter and clear thinker. He had a gentle manner and, for all his scientific achievements, Bob possessed an inherent modesty.
Colwellia maritima sp. nov. and Polaribacter marinus sp. nov., isolated from seawater
Authors: Kristyanto Sylvia , Jung Jaejoon , Kim Jeong Min , Kim Keunpil , Lee Mi-hwa , Hao Lujiang , Jeon Che Ok
Published: November 2022

Two Gram-stain-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive, and aerobic bacteria, strains MSW7T and MSW13T, were isolated from seawater. Cells of strains MSW7T and MSW13T are motile and non-motile rods, respectively. Strain MSW7T optimally grew at 25 °C and pH 7.0 and in the presence of 3 % (w/v) NaCl, whereas strain MSW13T optimally grew at 25 °C and pH 6.0–7.0 and in the presence of 2 % NaCl. As the sole respiratory quinone and the major fatty acids and polar lipids, strain MSW7T contained ubiquinone-8, C16 : 0, C15 : 1
 ω8c, C17 : 1
 ω8c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
 ω7c and/or C16 : 1
 ω6c), and phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, respectively, whereas strain MSW13T contained menaquinone-6, C15 : 1
 ω6c, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, and phosphatidylethanolamine, respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strains MSW7T and MSW13T were 37.3 and 29.9 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains MSW7T and MSW13T were most closely related to

Colwellia echini

A3T and

Polaribacter atrinae

WP25T with 98.8 and 98.1 % sequence similarities, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain MSW7T and

C. echini

A3T and between strain MSW13T and

P. atrinae

KACC 17473T were 73.6 and 22.6 % and 80.4 and 23.8 %, respectively. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strains MSW7T and MSW13T represent novel species of the genera

Colwellia

and

Polaribacter

, respectively, for which the names Colwellia maritima sp. nov. and Polaribacter marinus sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strains of C. maritima sp. nov. and P. marinus sp. nov. are MSW7T (=KACC 22339T=JCM 35001T) and MSW13T (=KACC 22341T=JCM 35021T), respectively.
Novel subthreshold retinal laser treatment with ERG-based thermal dosimetry activates hormetic heat response in pig RPEin vivo
Authors: Amirkavei Mooud , Kaikkonen Ossi , Turunen Teemu , Meller Anna , Åhlgren Johanna , Kvanta Anders , André Helder , Koskelainen Ari
Published: November 2022

Boosting natural mechanisms to retain cellular homeostasis and combat oxidative stress by inducing a hormetic heat shock to retinal pigment epithelium with non-damaging transpupillary laser heating, i.e., with subthreshold laser treatment (SLT), has been suggested as a promising therapeutic target for many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. However, the therapeutic temperature window for the treatments is narrow and thermal dosimetry is unavailable. Here we introduce an SLT modality where the retinal temperature is monitored with electroretinography (ERG)-based thermal dosimetry and demonstrate its feasibility with anesthetized pigs. In 60-second treatments with 810 nm laser, the ED50peak temperature for visible lesion generation was 48°C and the relative temperature determination error was below 10% from the temperature increase. Heat shock protein expression increased, and autophagy was activated at 44.2 °C and no signs of oxidative stress or apoptosis emerged at 44.2 °C or 46.5 °C. The demonstrated method permits a controlled activation of intracellular chaperones and waste clearance in RPE cell with a clear temperature margin for adverse events. In the clinical setting, ERG-based dosimetry would allow safe and personalized SLTs for retinal diseases currently lacking effective treatments.
Image-based quantification ofArabidopsis thalianastomatal aperture from leaf images
Authors: Takagi Momoko , Hirata Rikako , Aihara Yusuke , Hayashi Yuki , Mizutani-Aihara Miya , Ando Eigo , Yoshimura-Kono Megumi , Tomiyama Masakazu , Kinoshita Toshinori , Mine Akira , Toda Yosuke
Published: November 2022

The quantification of stomatal pore size has long been a fundamental approach to understand the physiological response of plants in the context of environmental adaptation. Automation of such methodologies not only alleviates human labor and bias, but also realizes new experimental research methods through massive analysis. Here, we present an image analysis pipeline that automatically quantifies stomatal aperture ofArabidopsis thalianaleaves from brightfield microscopy images containing mesophyll tissue as noisy backgrounds. By combining a YOLOX-based stomatal detection submodule and a U-Net-based pore segmentation submodule, we achieved 0.875 mAP50(mean average precision; stomata detection performance) and 0.745 IoU (intersection of union; pore segmentation performance) against images of leaf discs taken with a brightfield microscope. Moreover, we designed a portable imaging device that allows easy acquisition of stomatal images from detached/undetached intact leaves on-site. We further combined this device with fine-tuned models of the pipeline we generated here and recapitulated manual measurement of stomatal responses against pathogen inoculation. Utilization of our hardware and pipeline for automated stomatal aperture measurements is expected to accelerate research on stomatal biology of model dicots.
Crystal structures of arylsulfonylation products of 2-alkyl-5-substituted-1H-benzimidazoles
Authors: Okmanov Rasul Ya. , Abdireymov Kudaybergen B. , Matchanova Dinara R. , Olimova Manzura I. , Turgunov Kambarali K.
Published: November 2022

Mixed crystals of 1-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-2,5-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole and 1-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-2,6-dimethyl-1H-benzimidazole (ratio 0.707:0.293; two molecules in the asymmetric unit), 0.707C15H13ClN2O2S·0.293C15H13ClN2O2S, (I), and of 2-n-butyl-1-(4-tert-butylphenylsulfonyl)-5-chloro-1H-benzimidazole and 2-n-butyl-1-(4-tert-butylphenylsulfonyl)-6-chloro-1H-benzimidazole [ratio 0.731 (2):0.269 (2); one molecule in the asymmetric unit], 0.731C21H25ClN2O2S·0.269C21H25ClN2O2S, (II), were obtained from the arylsulfonylation reaction of the corresponding 2-alkylbenzimidazoles. In addition, two products were obtained from the reaction of 2-n-butyl-5-chloro-1H-benzimidazole with 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride. These reaction products were separated by column chromatography and the crystal structure of one of the products, 2-n-butyl-5-chloro-1-(4-methylphenylsulfonyl)-1H-benzimidazole (one molecule in the asymmetric unit), C18H19ClN2O2S, (III), was determined. In the crystal structures of (I)–(III), there is a difference in the arrangement of the planar benzimidazole and arylsulfonyl fragments. The formation of weak C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions is characteristic of all three crystal structures.
Internal legitimacy crises: the roles of the regulatory focus and relational social capital of headquarters and subsidiaries
Authors: Gammelgaard Jens , Kumar Rajesh
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further the understanding of how the regulatory foci of the multinational enterprises (MNE) headquarters and the subsidiary lead to internal legitimacy crises. This paper discusses how pragmatic and moral legitimacy crises affect relational social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual.

Findings

This paper highlights the importance of internal legitimacy as well as the motivational orientations of headquarters and subsidiaries for the functioning of MNEs. Internal legitimacy management is crucial for building relational social capital. This study proposes that legitimacy crises are particularly likely to occur in cases of goal incongruence between headquarters and subsidiaries. This study postulates that organizations with a promotion-oriented institutional logic are concerned by the absence of pragmatic legitimacy processes. In contrast, given their aim of protecting the status quo, prevention-oriented institutional logic MNEs are concerned about the absence of moral legitimacy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to explore the relationship between regulatory focus, internal legitimacy and relational social capital.
Parameters optimization design method for LLC resonant converter based on impedance model
Authors: Yao Xuliang , Han Xiao , Liao Yuefeng , Wang Jingfang
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to better design the resonant tank parameters for LLC resonant converter. And, it is found that under heavy load, the voltage gain is affected by junction capacitors of the primary side switching and the parasitic parameters of the secondary side diodes converted to the primary side, which will cause the voltage gain decreased when the switching frequency decreased.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an optimization parameters design method to solve this problem, which was based on impedance model considering the parasitic parameters of switching devices and diodes.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by impedance Bode plots and experimental results.

Originality/value

From the perspective of impedance modeling, this paper finds the reasons for the insufficient voltage regulation capability of LLC resonant converters under heavy load and finds solutions through analysis.
Young adults' financial well-being: current insights and future directions
Authors: She Long , Waheed Hassam , Lim Weng Marc , E-Vahdati Sahar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Financial well-being among young adults is an emerging and important field of research. This study aims to shed light on the current insights and future directions for young adults’ financial well-being research.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was performed using (1) the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol to curate the corpus and (2) the bibliometric-content analysis technique to review that corpus on young adults’ financial well-being research.

Findings

Young adults’ financial well-being is influenced by contextual factors such as changes in macroeconomic environment, market factors, technological advancement and financial social comparisons, as well as personal factors such as sociodemographics, personality traits and values, skills and attitudes, financial practices, financial socialization, lifestyles and early life experiences, and subjective financial situation and mental health. Noteworthily, interest in this field is growing with a plethora of journals, countries, authors, theories, methods and measures.

Research limitations/implications

Several noteworthy gaps exist in the literature on young adults’ financial well-being, which include the lack of international collaboration, the lack of interventions to improve young adults’ financial well-being, the limited range of theoretical lenses, the limited consensus on measuring young adults’ financial well-being, the limited understanding of contextual factors, and the inconsistencies between personal factors and young adults’ financial well-being. Potential ways forward are proposed to address these gaps.

Originality/value

This review contributes to a seminal synthesis of young adults’ financial well-being research, providing both retrospective insights and prospective ways forward.
Linking big data, sustainable supply chain management and corporate performance: the moderating role of circular economy thinking
Authors: Le Thanh Tiep
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to assess how big data–driven supply chain management (BDSCM) influences sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) to achieve sustainable corporate performance (SCP) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an emerging economy such as Vietnam, besides exploring whether Circular Economy Thinking Application (CETA) moderates the relationship between BDSCM and SSCM.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected survey data from 495 SMEs in the food supply chain sector. It employed the PLS-SEM (Partial Least-Squares Structural Equation Modeling) technique to evaluate the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

This study found that BDSCM positively, directly and indirectly, impacted SCP. SSCM partially mediated the correlation between BDSCM and SCP. Additionally, CETA moderated the relationship between BDSCM and SSCM. CETA had a direct and positive effect on SSCM.

Originality/value

The insights into how BDSCM influences SSCM to achieve SCP for SMEs in the food value chain in an emerging economy like Vietnam provides an original value. Moreover, the novelty of this study is further reinforced by the coverage of the newfound mechanism, where CETA moderates the relationship between BDSCM and SSCM, directly and positively enhancing SSCM. These contributions could interest business practitioners and academics.
Systemic risk in China new energy stock markets
Authors: Hong Hui , Wu Shitong , Lee Chien-Chiang
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to assess the systemic risk in the new energy stock markets of China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first uses the VaR method to study individual stock market risks. It then introduces the DCC model to capture the dynamic conditional correlation among the new energy stock markets.

Findings

The paper shows a generally upward trend of the stock market risk over time in the recent decade. Among all the markets considered, the solar power market demonstrates the highest risk, closely followed by the wind power market, while the hydropower market exhibits the lowest risk. Furthermore, the average dynamic conditional correlations among the new energy markets stay high during the period under investigation though daily correlations vary and significantly declined in 2020.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind to study the systemic risk within the new energy stock market context. In addition, it not only investigates individual new energy stock market risks but also examines the dynamic linkages among those markets, thus providing comprehensive and unprecedented evidence of systemic risk in China new energy markets, which have useful implications for both regulators and investors.