bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence and behaviour of the new standard setters in the sustainability reporting arena: implications for the Global Reporting Initiative’s current position
Authors: Afolabi Hammed , Ram Ronita , Rimmel Gunnar
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence and behaviour of the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG)/European Commission, and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation/International Sustainability Standards Board in the standardisation of sustainability reporting arena and their implications for the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) current position.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the arena concept, particularly the work of Renn (1992) and Georgakopoulous and Thomson (2008), to explore the EFRAG and the IFRS Foundation’s behaviour towards the standardisation of the sustainability reporting arena and their implications for the GRI’s current position. Further, the documents and public releases pertinent to the activities and output of the GRI, the EFRAG/European Commission and the IFRS Foundation are used. The documents are screened and analysed based on the key elements of arena concept that emerged, which includes “agenda, claims, network of bodies and group engaged, interaction and behaviour with arena issues (audience, materiality, scope and core priorities, purpose of reporting and relevance to sustainable development)”.

Findings

This study reveals the source of motivation and influence of the new standard setters in the sustainability reporting arena and documents the relevance of their behaviour as an actionable strategy to change the arena rule. Particularly, this paper demonstrates the perceived fall away from driving business behaviour towards the pursuit of sustainable development if the GRI and its standards cease to exist.

Practical implications

The pathway to achieve sustainable development and improve sustainability impact disclosure remains a debatable issue among policymakers and users of sustainability reporting standards. This study reconstructs the awareness of different dynamics at play inhibiting the harmonisation of sustainability reporting standardisation and the importance of the GRI in pursuing global sustainable development.

Social implications

The pattern of behaviour and agenda of sustainability institutions and influential standard setters harnessed in this paper are aimed at enabling the existence of the rules that can uphold the primary focus of the sustainability reporting arena, particularly in achieving global sustainable development.

Originality/value

This paper furthers the understanding of the importance of the GRI in upholding the key tenets and traditional agenda of sustainability reporting and sustainable development.
Outcomes after inter‐hospital transfer of intensive care patients with haemorrhagic stroke: a 5‐year retrospective review
Authors: Kam Jeffrey K. P. , Dodds Jarron M. , Kam Jeremy K. T. , Dawes Bryden H. , Ghani Manisa
Published: March 2023

Background

Inter‐hospital transfer (IHT) of intensive care patients is a limited resource. We assessed the outcomes of patients with haemorrhagic stroke requiring IHT and intensive care and aimed to identify early prognostic factors of poor neurological outcome.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of patients admitted to a single tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) with haemorrhagic stroke after IHT between January 2014 and December 2018. Primary outcome was poor neurological outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥4 at time of discharge from hospital or rehabilitation unit). Secondary outcomes were mortality rate, rate of intervention, rate of organ donation surgery (ODS) and potentially avoidable transfer (PAT). PAT was defined as transfer where the patient did not receive an intervention and had a poor neurological outcome.

Results

Ninety patients were included in this study, 48 with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and 42 with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Fifty‐one (56.7%) patients had a poor neurological outcome, including 30 (33%) who died. Factors significantly associated with poor neurological outcome included age > 80 years, lower presenting Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and bilaterally fixed and dilated pupils. Stepwise logistic regression demonstrated history of hypertension as significantly associated with poor neurological outcome in patients with ICH (P = 0.021). Seven (7.8%) patients had ODS. Sixty‐four (71.1%) patients received intervention and 20 (22.2%) transfers were potentially avoidable.

Conclusions

Patients in this cohort are at high risk of poor neurological outcome. Prognostic factors identified in this study may help referring, retrieval and receiving clinicians to discuss futility prior to pursuing IHT.
Altered GABAA receptor function in women with endometriosis: a possible pain‐related mechanism
Authors: Sandström Anton , Bixo Marie , Bäckström Torbjörn , Möller Anna , Turkmen Sahruh
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The mechanism underlying endometriosis‐related pain remains poorly understood. Previous studies have indicated that γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A (GABAA) receptors and GABAergic substances (eg endogenous neurosteroids) play important mechanistic roles in various pain conditions. Our primary objective was to compare GABAA receptor function between women with endometriosis and healthy controls by performing a challenge test with diazepam, a GABAA receptor agonist, using the saccadic eye velocity as the main outcome. The secondary objective was to investigate the relation between GABAA receptor function and serum levels of allopregnanolone, an endogenous positive modulator of the GABAA receptor, in the participating women.

Material and methods

15 women with pelvic pain and laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and 10 healthy, symptom‐free, control women, aged 18–40 years, underwent the diazepam challenge test during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Basal serum allopregnanolone levels were measured prior to diazepam injection.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, women with pelvic pain and confirmed endometriosis had a significantly smaller change in saccadic eye velocity after GABAA receptor stimulation with diazepam, indicating lower sensitivity to diazepam. The saccadic eye velocity response was not correlated with the serum allopregnanolone levels.

Conclusions

Women with painful endometriosis show altered GABAA receptor function, depicted as a muted response to an exogenous GABAA receptor agonist.
Lymphomatoid papulosis with DUSP22–IRF4 rearrangement: A case report and literature review
Authors: Niu Na , Heberton Meghan M. , Tang Zhenya , Aung Phyu P. , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Curry Jonathan L. , Prieto Victor G. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Cho Woo Cheal
Published: March 2023

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) with DUSP22–IRF4 rearrangement is a rare, recently described variant of LyP histopathologically characterized by a biphasic growth pattern, with epidermotropic small‐to‐medium‐sized atypical T‐cells and dermal large and transformed T‐cells diffusely expressing CD30. LyP with DUSP22–IRF4 rearrangement can mimic other cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders, particularly primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) or transformed mycosis fungoides (MF). Unlike PCALCL or transformed MF, LyP with DUSP22–IRF4 rearrangement shows an indolent clinical behavior, with frequent spontaneous regression of untreated lesions. Thus, it is important to recognize this rare variant of LyP to avoid misclassification, which may potentially lead to unnecessarily aggressive patient management. To our knowledge, only 13 cases of LyP with DUSP22–IRF4 rearrangement have been reported to date in the English literature. Herein, we describe an additional case of LyP with DUSP22–IRF4 rearrangement in a 63‐year‐old man and provide a comprehensive literature review with regards to the clinical, histopathologic, and molecular features of this novel entity.
Incidence, prognostic factors, and survival outcomes in patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: A retrospective study in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database
Authors: Lin Xiaojing , Wang Li , Hu Qian , Zhu Jinbing , Tao Yali , Huang Li , Niu Ting
Published: March 2023

There are few large‐scale epidemiological and prognostic studies on blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) due to its rarity. We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival trends of BPDCN. The age‐adjusted incidence of BPDCN had a bimodal pattern with peaks in those under 20 and 60 years and older. Of 697 patients, the median age at diagnosis was 31 years. The most common primary sites were lymph nodes (59.4%), followed by bone marrow (17.1%) and skin (11.6%). Extranodal involvement (59.7%) was more common in patients aged 60 years and older, while lymph node involvement was predominant in other age groups. The 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates were 90.7%, 83.7%, and 82.3% in patients aged under 20, but dropped to 53.1%, 27.7%, and 20.0% in patients aged 60 and older. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, sex, and first malignancy were independent prognostic factors for OS. Based on this regression model, a nomogram was built with high discrimination and calibration. The incidence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of BPDCN patients vary by age group. Moreover, using the nomogram to predict OS can help guide individualized evaluations and clinical decisions.
A novel Reelin construct, R36, recovered behavioural deficits in the heterozygous reeler mouse
Authors: Morrill Nicole K. , Li Qingyou , Joly‐Amado Aurelie , Weeber Edwin J. , Nash Kevin R.
Published: March 2023

Reelin, a large extracellular glycoprotein, plays a critical role in prenatal brain development and postnatally in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Dysregulation of Reelin signalling has been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism, depression and Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that Reelin's central fragment, R3456, binds to ApoER2, inducing ApoER2 clustering and subsequent intracellular signalling. We previously reported the development of a novel luciferase complementation assay, which we used to demonstrate that R3456 can lead to ApoER2 receptor dimerization. Using this same assay, we explored various smaller fragments and combinations from R3456, and we identified a construct of repeats 3 and 6 (R36), which could still elicit equivalent receptor dimerization. The purpose of this study was to test R36 for biological effects in vitro and in vivo. We show that R36 was capable of initiating intracellular signalling in primary neuronal cultures. In addition, we demonstrate that a single intracerebroventricular injection of R36 protein into a model of Reelin deficiency, the heterozygous reeler mice, can significantly improve cognition. These data support a role for the new construct R36 to enhance the Reelin pathway, and the future possibility of exploring gene therapy approaches with R36 in diseases characterized by reduced levels of Reelin.
Effect of high‐content ultrasonically emulsified lard on the physicochemical properties of surimi gels from silver carp enhanced by microbial transglutaminase
Authors: Tong Yuqian , Wang Yudong , Chen Min , Zhong Qian , Zhuang Yang , Su Hongchen , Yang Hong
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasonically emulsified lard combined with microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) on the physicochemical characteristics of surimi gel from silver carp. Surimi gel with ultrasonically emulsified lard had higher whiteness, gel strength and water‐holding capacity. Storage modulus and loss modulus decreased with the addition of lard or ultrasonically emulsified lard to the surimi. However, the gel strength and WHC presented a decreasing tendency in surimi gels with more addition of ultrasonically emulsified lard, because the gel network could not overcome the damaging effect of higher ultrasonically emulsified lard (>6 g 100 g−1). MTGase increased the cross‐linking degree of gels (P < 0.05) regardless of the presence or absence of lard or ultrasonically emulsified lard. MTGase provided a denser and stronger gel network to ensure the stability of oil droplets. In general, the combination of ultrasonically emulsified lard and MTGase could effectively improve the color, textural and rheological characteristics of surimi‐based products.
Digital image analysis of erythroblastic islands in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Zhang Ranran , Drumheller Bradley , Wang Li‐Ping , Obstfeld Amrom E. , Lake Jonathan I. , Bagg Adam
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) encompass a diverse group of myeloid neoplasms for which the diagnosis of low‐grade subtypes remains challenging. Erythroblastic islands (EBIs) are highly organized units of erythroid proliferation, differentiation, and enucleation. EBI disruption is frequently observed and is believed to be one of the early changes in MDS.

Methods

In this study, we digitally analyzed bone marrow biopsies dual stained with alpha‐hemoglobin stabilizing protein (AHSP) and CD163 to quantitatively study features of EBIs in MDS, among MDS subtypes, as well as those in normal marrows and marrows with other causes of anemia.

Results

EBIs in MDS specimens were smaller in size and higher in density compared to both normal and non‐MDS anemia specimens. Increased CD163 expression within the EBIs is observed in both MDS and other causes of anemia. A combination of increased EBI density and CD163 expression is seen in association with MDS with high‐risk cytogenetics and multiple adverse mutations.

Conclusion

As a proof‐of‐concept study, we show that EBI features can be relatively easily quantified with AHSP/CD163 dual immunohistochemistry and open‐source imaging analysis software, highlighting those that are unique to MDS, and which may be prognostically relevant. Further studies of the measurable EBI features may provide valuable and novel tools to aid MDS diagnosis and prognostication in the era of digital pathology.
Occlusive wound closure prevents prolonged wound discharge—A randomised controlled trial in patients undergoing tumour resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction of the proximal femur because of metastatic bone disease
Authors: Hettwer Werner H. , Wu Chunsen , Horstmann Peter F. , Jensen Claus L. , Krarup‐Hansen Anders , Petersen Michael M.
Published: March 2023

Prolonged wound discharge is a common postoperative complication of orthopaedic procedures and a risk factor for implant‐related infection. Occlusive wound closure methods have previously been suggested to reduce or even prevent this complication. We performed a randomised controlled trial on 70 patients who underwent surgical treatment for metastatic bone disease involving the proximal femur at our centre between January 2017 and August 2018. At conclusion of the tumour resection and endoprosthetic reconstruction procedure, patients were randomised to either occlusive wound closure (n = 35), using the Dermabond Prineo‐22 skin closure system, or routine wound closure with conventional skin staples (n = 35). Skin closure with occlusive wound closure resulted in a lesser degree (P < .0001) and shorter duration of postoperative wound discharge (HR 2.89 [95% CI 1.6–5.05], P < .0018). Compared with staples, surgical wounds were already dry after a mean of 3.5 days [95% CI 3.2–3.9] versus 6.1 days [95% CI 4.8–7.3] (P < .0001). Prolonged wound discharge for 7 days or more was observed in 23% of patients (n = 8) in the Staples‐group but was entirely absent in the occlusive wound closure group (P < .003). This study provides strong evidence that occlusive wound closure reduces frequency, degree, and duration of wound discharge in a patient population at particularly high risk for this complication.
Zn:DLC films via PECVD-HIPIMS: Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity to mammalian cells
Authors: F. B. de O. Correia Rebeca , G. Sampaio Aline , V. M. Milhan Noala , Capote Ariel , Gerdes Holger , Lachmann Kristina , J. Trava-Airoldi Vladimir , Koga-Ito Cristiane Yumi , Bandorf Ralf
Published: March 2023

DLC films were grown with Zn via a combined plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) process. The films were deposited on textiles in an atmosphere of Ar and C2H2, and the percentage of metal in the DLC was varied by controlling the acetylene gas flow. At first, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, a screening test with the ISO 22196 standard was carried out. Afterward, AATCC TM100:2019 was used to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of the films on textiles. The antimicrobial effectiveness of the coating was studied against a Gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli), a Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), and a fungus (Candida albicans), after a 24 h contact. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the samples to mammalian cells was evaluated by indirect contact. For this, the samples were soaked into the growth media for 1 and 7 days, and then, the extracts were collected and put in contact with keratinocytes for 24 h. Finally, the properties of the films were also evaluated as a function of the Zn content, such as their structural quality, morphology, hardness, wear resistance, and coefficient of friction. The films showed excellent results against all microorganisms, with 100% effectiveness in some cases. The pure extracts obtained from all the samples with the incorporation of metals were cytotoxic. Despite that, the cell viability after contact with some Zn-DLC diluted extracts (10%) was not different from that observed in the uncoated group. Besides, increasing the Zn content resulted in a film with poorer mechanical properties but did not affect the coefficient of friction of the coating.
Effects of culling vampire bats on the spatial spread and spillover of rabies virus
Authors: Viana Mafalda , Benavides Julio A. , Broos Alice , Ibañez Loayza Darcy , Niño Ruby , Bone Jordan , da Silva Filipe Ana , Orton Richard , Valderrama Bazan William , Matthiopoulos Jason , Streicker Daniel G.
Published: March 2023

Controlling pathogen circulation in wildlife reservoirs is notoriously challenging. In Latin America, vampire bats have been culled for decades in hopes of mitigating lethal rabies infections in humans and livestock. Whether culls reduce or exacerbate rabies transmission remains controversial. Using Bayesian state-space models, we show that a 2-year, spatially extensive bat cull in an area of exceptional rabies incidence in Peru failed to reduce spillover to livestock, despite reducing bat population density. Viral whole genome sequencing and phylogeographic analyses further demonstrated that culling before virus arrival slowed viral spatial spread, but reactive culling accelerated spread, suggesting that culling-induced changes in bat dispersal promoted viral invasions. Our findings question the core assumptions of density-dependent transmission and localized viral maintenance that underlie culling bats as a rabies prevention strategy and provide an epidemiological and evolutionary framework to understand the outcomes of interventions in complex wildlife disease systems.
High-throughput genetic engineering of nonmodel and undomesticated bacteria via iterative site-specific genome integration
Authors: Elmore Joshua R. , Dexter Gara N. , Baldino Henri , Huenemann Jay D. , Francis Ryan , Peabody George L. , Martinez-Baird Jessica , Riley Lauren A. , Simmons Tuesday , Coleman-Derr Devin , Guss Adam M. , Egbert Robert G.
Published: March 2023

Efficient genome engineering is critical to understand and use microbial functions. Despite recent development of tools such as CRISPR-Cas gene editing, efficient integration of exogenous DNA with well-characterized functions remains limited to model bacteria. Here, we describe serine recombinase–assisted genome engineering, or SAGE, an easy-to-use, highly efficient, and extensible technology that enables selection marker–free, site-specific genome integration of up to 10 DNA constructs, often with efficiency on par with or superior to replicating plasmids. SAGE uses no replicating plasmids and thus lacks the host range limitations of other genome engineering technologies. We demonstrate the value of SAGE by characterizing genome integration efficiency in five bacteria that span multiple taxonomy groups and biotechnology applications and by identifying more than 95 heterologous promoters in each host with consistent transcription across environmental and genetic contexts. We anticipate that SAGE will rapidly expand the number of industrial and environmental bacteria compatible with high-throughput genetics and synthetic biology.
Six-month effective treatment of corneal graft rejection
Authors: Meng Tuo , Zheng Jinhua , Chen Min , Zhao Yang , Sudarjat Hadi , M.R. Aji Alex , Kulkarni Vineet , Oh Yumin , Xia Shiyu , Ding Zheng , Han Hyounkoo , Anders Nicole , Rudek Michelle A. , Chow Woon , Stark Walter , Ensign Laura M. , Hanes Justin , Xu Qingguo
Published: March 2023

Topical corticosteroid eye drop is the mainstay for preventing and treating corneal graft rejection. While the frequent topical corticosteroid use is associated with risk of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and poor patient compliance that leads to graft failure and the requirement for a repeated, high-risk corneal transplantation. Here, we developed dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP)–loaded dicarboxyl-terminated poly(lactic acid) nanoparticle (PLA DSP-NP) formulations with relatively high drug loading (8 to 10 weight %) and 6 months of sustained intraocular DSP delivery in rats with a single dosing. PLA DSP-NP successfully reversed early signs of corneal rejection, leading to rat corneal graft survival for at least 6 months. Efficacious PLA DSP-NP doses did not affect IOP and showed no signs of ocular toxicity in rats for up to 6 months. Subconjunctival injection of DSP-NP is a promising approach for safely preventing and treating corneal graft rejection with the potential for improved patient adherence.
Closed-loop recyclable plastics from poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate)
Authors: Christy Allison J. , Phillips Scott T.
Published: March 2023

Ethyl cyanoacrylate is a highly reactive monomer that has been used nearly exclusively to make Super Glue and related fast-setting adhesives. Here, we describe transformation of this highly abundant, readily available monomer into a closed-loop recyclable plastic that could supplant currently used (and often unrecycled/unrecyclable) plastics, such as poly(styrene). We report polymerization conditions, plastic-processing methods, and plastic-recycling protocols for poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) plastics that make the Super Glue monomer a viable starting material for a next generation of closed-loop recyclable plastics. The processes described are scalable, and the plastics can be recycled in a closed-loop process with >90% yields, even when combined with a heterogeneous mixture of other types of plastic.
An ASO therapy for Angelman syndrome that targets an evolutionarily conserved region at the start of the
UBE3A-AS
transcript
Authors: Dindot Scott V. , Christian Sarah , Murphy William J. , Berent Allyson , Panagoulias Jennifer , Schlafer Annalise , Ballard Johnathan , Radeva Kamelia , Robinson Ruth , Myers Luke , Jepp Thomas , Shaheen Hillary , Hillman Paul , Konganti Kranti , Hillhouse Andrew , Bredemeyer Kevin R. , Black Lauren , Douville Julie ,   on behalf of the FIRE consortium, Weeber Edwin , Segal David , Anderson Anne , Nash Kevin , Silverman Jill
Published: March 2023

Angelman syndrome is a devastating neurogenetic disorder for which there is currently no effective treatment. It is caused by mutations or epimutations affecting the expression or function of the maternally inherited allele of the ubiquitin-protein ligase E3A (
UBE3A
) gene. The paternal
UBE3A
allele is imprinted in neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) by the
UBE3A
antisense (
UBE3A-AS
) transcript, which represents the distal end of the small nucleolar host gene 14 (
SNHG14
) transcription unit. Reactivating the expression of the paternal
UBE3A
allele in the CNS has long been pursued as a therapeutic option for Angelman syndrome. Here, we described the development of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy for Angelman syndrome that targets an evolutionarily conserved region demarcating the start of the
UBE3A-AS
transcript. We designed and chemically optimized gapmer ASOs targeting specific sequences at the start of the human
UBE3A-AS
transcript. We showed that ASOs targeting this region precisely and efficiently repress the transcription of
UBE3A-AS
, reactivating the expression of the paternal
UBE3A
allele in neurotypical and Angelman syndrome induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neurons. We further showed that human-targeted ASOs administered to the CNS of cynomolgus macaques by lumbar intrathecal injection repress
UBE3A-AS
and reactivate the expression of the paternal
UBE3A
allele throughout the CNS. These findings support the advancement of this investigational molecular therapy for Angelman syndrome into clinical development (
ClinicalTrials.gov
, NCT04259281).
Maize Antifungal Protein AFP1 Elevates Fungal Chitin Levels by Targeting Chitin Deacetylases and Other Glycoproteins
Authors: Ma Lay-Sun , Tsai Wei-Lun , Damei Florensia Ariani , Kalunke Raviraj M. , Xu Meng-Yun , Lin Yu-Han , Lee Hui-Chun
Published: March 2023

Plants alert immune systems by recognizing the fungal pathogen cell wall component chitin via pattern recognition cell surface receptors. Successful fungal pathogens escape the perception by deacetylating chitin to chitosan, which is also necessary for fungal cell development and virulence.
Role of the Extracytoplasmic Function Sigma Factor SigE in the Stringent Response of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Baruzzo Giacomo , Serafini Agnese , Finotello Francesca , Sanavia Tiziana , Cioetto-Mazzabò Laura , Boldrin Francesca , Lavezzo Enrico , Barzon Luisa , Toppo Stefano , Provvedi Roberta , Manganelli Riccardo , Di Camillo Barbara
Published: March 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
can enter a dormant state enabling it to establish latent infections and to become tolerant to antibacterial drugs. Dormant bacteria’s physiology and the mechanism(s) used by bacteria to enter dormancy during infection are still unknown due to the lack of reliable animal models.
Neutralizing Antibody Response of the Wild-Type/Omicron BA.1 Bivalent Vaccine as the Second Booster Dose against Omicron BA.2 and BA.5
Authors: Kawasuji Hitoshi , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Tani Hideki , Saga Yumiko , Yamada Hiroshi , Yoshida Yoshihiro , Takegoshi Yusuke , Kaneda Makito , Murai Yushi , Kimoto Kou , Ueno Akitoshi , Miyajima Yuki , Nagaoka Kentaro , Ono Chikako , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Niimi Hideki , Yamamoto Yoshihiro
Published: March 2023

Although Omicron BA.1-containing bivalent vaccines have been authorized, real-world data validating their safety and antibody responses remain scarce. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study to assess the safety, immunogenicity, and reactogenicity of the second booster dose with the Omicron BA.1 bivalent vaccine in health care workers.
Mental health of healthcare professionals during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative investigation from the first and second pandemic years
Authors: Duden Gesa S , Reiter Julia , Paswerg Angela , Weibelzahl Stephan
Published: March 2023

Healthcare staff have been facing particular mental health challenges during the COVID-19-pandemic. Building on a first study at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, we aimed to investigate among healthcare professionals in Germany and Austria (1) how mental health may have changed in professionals over the course of the ongoing pandemic, (2) whether there are differences between different professional groups regarding mental health, (3) which stress factors may explain these mental health outcomes and (4) whether help-seeking behaviour is related to caretaker self-image or team climate. Between March and June 2021, N=639 healthcare professionals completed an online survey including the ICD-10 Symptom Rating checklist, event-sampling questions on pandemic-related stressors and self-formulated questions on help-seeking behaviour and team climate. Findings were analysed using t-tests, regressions and comparisons to a sample of healthcare professionals assessed in 2020 as well as to norm samples. Results show that mental health symptoms, particularly for depression and anxiety, persist among healthcare staff in the second pandemic year, that symptom prevalence rates are higher among nursing staff compared with physicians and paramedics and that team climate is associated with mental health outcomes. Implications of these findings in relation to the persisting pandemic and its aftermath are discussed.
Management of traumatic dental injuries: a survey of paediatric emergency department health professionals
Authors: Gallichan Nathalie , Albadri Sondos , Watkins Francine , Jarad Fadi , Messahel Shrouk , Hartshorn Stuart , Gartshore Laura
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess paediatric emergency department (PED) health professionals’ confidence, experience and awareness in managing traumatic dental injuries (TDIs).

Design

A cross-sectional online survey.

Setting

PED at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Results

94 ED health professionals responded. One-third of responders (n=26) encounter children with dental trauma daily or weekly. TDI teaching during undergraduate training was received by 13% (n=12) of responders, and 32% (n=30) had never received training. Responders thought they would benefit from online resources and regular teaching on paediatric TDIs, in addition to an easy-to-use decision-making tool to signpost families.

ED health professionals’ confidence in giving advice to families following a TDI, and in recognising types of TDIs, was notably low; −79 and −76 Net Promotor Score, respectively.

Responders’ awareness of how to recognise and manage TDIs was varied. Majority were aware of the need to attempt to reimplant an avulsed permanent tooth, and the need to refer a child presenting with a complex permanent tooth injury to the oncall dentist. However, very few responders commented on the importance of follow-up. Responders also raised concerns about the lack of dental services to treat TDIs in children.

Conclusions

There is a need to enhance dental trauma teaching for all ED health professionals who encounter TDIs to increase their confidence and enable them to triage and advise patients appropriately. Additionally, increased signposting for families to the appropriate service could in turn improve outcomes and experience for children who experience a TDI.
Effectiveness and safety profile of greater occipital nerve blockade in cluster headache: a systematic review
Authors: Gordon Alexander , Roe Thomas , Villar-Martínez María Dolores , Moreno-Ajona David , Goadsby Peter J , Hoffmann Jan
Published: March 2023

Background

Greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade is a short-term preventive therapy for cluster headache (CH). We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of GON blockade in patients with CH.

Methods

On 23 October 2020, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Embase Classic, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Web of Science databases from their inception date. Studies included participants with a CH diagnosis who received corticosteroid and local anaesthetic suboccipital region injections. Outcomes were change in the frequency/severity/duration of attacks; proportion of participants responding to treatment, time to attack freedom from an attack, change in attack bout length and/or the presence of adverse effects after GON blockade. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias V.2.0 (RoB2)/Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS- I) tools and a specific tool for case reports/series.

Results

Two RCTs, eight prospective and eight retrospective studies, and four case reports were included in the narrative synthesis. Every effectiveness study found a significant response in one or more of frequency/severity/duration of individual attacks or proportion of patients responding to treatment (47.8%–100.0%). There were five instances of potentially irreversible adverse effects. A higher injectate volume and use of concurrent prophylaxis may be associated with an increased likelihood of response. Methylprednisolone may have the best safety profile of available corticosteroids.

Discussion

GON blockade is safe and effective for CH prevention. Higher injectate volumes may improve likelihood of response, and the likelihood of serious adverse events may be reduced by using methylprednisolone.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020208435.
Methodological quality of systematic reviews of the local management of anogenital warts: a systematic review using AMSTAR II, ROBIS and PRISMA
Authors: Desmoulin Anissa , Joly Elisa , Tran Phuong , Derancourt Christian , Bertolotti Antoine
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Anogenital warts (AGWs) are among the most common STDs. Many therapy options are available but are not codified. Systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) are helpful to elaborate recommendations on the management of AGWs. The objective of our study was to assess the quality and consistency of SRs for the local management of AGWs using three international tools.

Methods

Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to 10 January 2022 for this SR. The intervention of interest was any local treatment of AGWs. There was no restriction on language and population. The methodological quality, reporting quality and risk of bias (ROB) of the included SRs for the local treatments of AGWs were assessed independently by two investigators with A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews version II (AMSTAR II), Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA).

Results

Twenty-two SRs/MAs met all inclusion criteria. According to the results of the AMSTAR II, nine included reviews were rated critically as being of low quality, and only five were of high quality. Based on the ROBIS tool, only nine SRs/MAs had a low ROB. The domain-assessed ‘study eligibility criteria’ were mostly rated at a low ROB, unlike the other domains. With PRISMA, the reporting checklist was relatively complete for ten SRs/MAs, but some reporting weaknesses remained in the topics of the abstract, protocol and registration, ROB and funding.

Discussion

Several therapy options are available for the local management of AGWs and are widely studied. However, due to the many ROB and low quality of these SRs/MAs, only a few of them have the sufficient methodological quality to support guidelines.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021265175.
Inhaled pirfenidone solution (AP01) for IPF: a randomised, open-label, dose–response trial
Authors: West Alex , Chaudhuri Nazia , Barczyk Adam , Wilsher Margaret L , Hopkins Peter , Glaspole Ian , Corte Tamera Jo , Šterclová Martina , Veale Antony , Jassem Ewa , Wijsenbeek Marlies S , Grainge Christopher , Piotrowski Wojciech , Raghu Ganesh , Shaffer Michele L , Nair Deepthi , Freeman Lisa , Otto Kelly , Montgomery A Bruce
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Oral pirfenidone reduces lung function decline and mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Systemic exposure can have significant side effects, including nausea, rash, photosensitivity, weight loss and fatigue. Reduced doses may be suboptimal in slowing disease progression.

Methods

This phase 1b, randomised, open-label, dose–response trial at 25 sites in six countries (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) registration number ACTRN12618001838202) assessed safety, tolerability and efficacy of inhaled pirfenidone (AP01) in IPF. Patients diagnosed within 5 years, with forced vital capacity (FVC) 40%–90% predicted, and intolerant, unwilling or ineligible for oral pirfenidone or nintedanib were randomly assigned 1:1 to nebulised AP01 50 mg once per day or 100 mg two times per day for up to 72 weeks.

Results

We present results for week 24, the primary endpoint and week 48 for comparability with published trials of antifibrotics. Week 72 data will be reported as a separate analysis pooled with the ongoing open-label extension study. Ninety-one patients (50 mg once per day: n=46, 100 mg two times per day: n=45) were enrolled from May 2019 to April 2020. The most common treatment-related adverse events (frequency, % of patients) were all mild or moderate and included cough (14, 15.4%), rash (11, 12.1%), nausea (8, 8.8%), throat irritation (5, 5.5%), fatigue (4, 4.4%) and taste disorder, dizziness and dyspnoea (three each, 3.3%). Changes in FVC % predicted over 24 and 48 weeks, respectively, were −2.5 (95% CI −5.3 to 0.4, −88 mL) and −4.9 (−7.5 to −2.3,–188 mL) in the 50 mg once per day and 0.6 (−2.2 to 3.4, 10 mL) and −0.4 (−3.2 to 2.3, −34 mL) in the 100 mg two times per day group.

Discussion

Side effects commonly associated with oral pirfenidone in other clinical trials were less frequent with AP01. Mean FVC % predicted remained stable in the 100 mg two times per day group. Further study of AP01 is warranted.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618001838202 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
High concentrations of fructose cause brain damage in mice
Authors: Cargnin-Carvalho Anderson , da Silva Mariella Reinol , Costa Ana Beatriz , Engel Nicole Alessandra , Farias Bianca Xavier , Bressan Joice Benedet , Backes Kassiane Mathiola , de Souza Francielly , da Rosa Naiana , de Oliveira Junior Aloir Neri , Goldim Mariana Pereira de Souza , Correa Maria Eduarda Anastácio Borges , Venturini Ligia Milanez , Fortunato Jucélia Jeremias , Prophiro Josiane Somariva , Petronilho Fabrícia , Silveira Paulo Cesar Lock , Ferreira Gabriela Kozuchovsk , Rezin Gislaine Tezza
Published: March 2023

Excessive fructose consumption is associated with the incidence of obesity and systemic inflammation, resulting in increased oxidative damage and failure to the function of brain structures. Thus, we hypothesized that fructose consumption will significantly increase inflammation, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the mouse brain and, consequently, memory damage. The effects of different fructose concentrations on inflammatory and biochemical parameters in the mouse brain were evaluated. Male Swiss mice were randomized into four groups: control, with exclusive water intake, 5%, 10%, and 20% fructose group. The 10% and 20% fructose groups showed an increase in epididymal fat, in addition to higher food consumption. Inflammatory markers were increased in epididymal fat and in some brain structures. In the evaluation of oxidative damage, it was possible to observe significant increases in the hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. In the epididymal fat and in the prefrontal cortex, there was a decrease in the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and an increase in the striatum. Furthermore, short memory was impaired in the 10% and 20% groups but not long memory. In conclusion, excess fructose consumption can cause fat accumulation, inflammation, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can damage brain structures and consequently memory.
Evaluating regional length limits in freshwater fisheries
Authors: Shamaskin Andrew C. , Colvin Michael E. , Miranda L. E.
Published: March 2023

Length limits are often used in recreational fisheries management to prevent overharvest and manipulate fish size distributions. These regulations are ideally customized to meet water-specific stock dynamics and fishery objectives. However, in districts with numerous discrete waters, fisheries are commonly managed with a universal regional regulation. Evaluating alternative regional length limits requires consideration of management objectives that may not be important at the single-system level but that emerge as relevant at the regional scale, such as uniformity of regional harvest, diversity of average catch sizes, and opportunity to harvest. We developed a flexible tool for evaluating regional length limits. The tool joins the well-established Beverton–Holt yield-per-recruit model with elements of decision-support methods. The model quantifies regional management objectives as utility functions that are weighted and summed into a single value used to evaluate alternative length limits. The flexibility of the tool stems from its capacity to consider a mixture of stock parameters and associated uncertainty to evaluate multiple length limits, weighting an array of regional fishery objectives quantified by various performance metrics. This adjustability affords flexibility to consider a diversity of options that can stimulate innovation in setting regional length limits. We demonstrate the model by evaluating varying length limits on fishery objectives related to the management of hypothetical yellow perch ( Perca flavescens) populations and real black crappie ( Pomoxis nigromaculatus) populations.
Functional histology of the integument of the thin-spined porcupine, Chaetomys subspinosus
Authors: Chapman David M. , Giné Gastón Andrés Fernandez , Roze Uldis
Published: March 2023

This study examines the functional histology of the thin-spined porcupine's ( Chaetomys subspinosus (Olfers, 1818)) quills and integument, and compares them with the North American porcupine ( Erethizon dorsatum (Linnaeus, 1758)) equivalents. Erethizon quills disseminate warnings to potential predators. An olfactory warning is generated by sebaceous glands of the lower back, disseminated by osmetrichial specializations of lower-back quills. Chaetomys skin lacks functional sebaceous glands, and generates no warning odor. Erethizon quills also carry a visual warning, effective even in dim light. Chaetomys quills carry no warning color. The straight, stiff quills of Erethizon are tipped with one-way barbs and can be elevated to 90°. A protective collagenous spool at the base of the quill prevents back-stabbing on impact. Chaetomys quills lack barbs and the basal collagenous spool is poorly developed. The quill shafts are wavy and angled at the base, allowing them to act as shock absorbers during a fall from a tree. Nevertheless, Chaetomys quills of the head and shoulders can be elevated to 90° to function as stabbing devices. Major defensive quills of Erethizon protect the back; in Chaetomys, the front. Though both species have 1–3 arrector muscles, they differ in the details of quill stabilization. The Chaetomys quill surface has regional cuticular patterns, of which the distal, longest region is highly pitted. The function of the pitted region remains a mystery.
Dynamical analysis in regularized 4D Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity with non-minimal coupling
Authors: Bayarsaikhan Bilguun , Khimphun Sunly , Rithy Phearun , Tumurtushaa Gansukh
Published: March 2023

We investigate the regularized four-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (4DEGB) gravity with a non-minimal scalar coupling function, which is an extension of the regularized 4DEGB theory. By introducing non-minimal coupling to the Gauss-Bonnet term, we demonstrate the additional contribution to the dynamical equations which is otherwise absent in the dimensionally regularized theory. Furthermore, we analyze the stability of the system by using the dynamical system approach based on fixed points. Then, we consider time evolution to investigate the history of the universe and to constrain observational data to obtain the cosmological parameters of the model.
Application of CFD-DSMC coupling method in H2 flow and heat transfer in microtube
Authors: Jiang Linsong , Yu Huanli , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Yang , Qi Haotian , Suo Shaoyi , Xie Maozhao
Published: March 2023

In the research of porous media and the interior of microelectronic devices, fluids frequently shuttle among pores and wall cracks, therefore it is of great significance to explore the influence of media wall on fluid flow and heat transfer. In this paper, CFD-DSMC coupled iterative algorithm is first used in the research of the flow and heat transfer of gas near the wall in the porous media, which simplified into the flow and heat transfer in micron-scale tube with smooth and rough wall conditions. It is found that compared with the pure CFD method, the velocity field obtained by the coupled method is quite different in the region close to the wall, and this will affect the flow field in the mainstream region, that is, with the higher roughness of the wall, the velocity in the central region will be smaller. There is no significant difference in the temperature distribution in the microtube before and after coupling, but the temperature in the mainstream decreases with the increase of the roughness of the wall. In addition, the temperature jump was found from some of the coupling results close to the wall. The results will contribute to a deeper understanding of the influence of rough surfaces on gas flow and heat transfer near the wall, and provide guidance for the regulation of flow and heat transfer in porous media.
Synthesis of Pt–Ni Alloy Nanoparticles with Gamma Irradiation and Their Electrocatalytic Performances
Authors: Li Zhigang , Li Jinfeng , Zhang Nan , Tian Bo , Zhao Hongtao
Published: March 2023

Pt–Ni alloy with highly efficient and durable property might be of great significance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein we present an efficient one-pot gamma irradiation method to prepare alloyed PtNi, PtNi3 and Pt3Ni nanoparticles with inter-crossed network structure on a large scale. The electrochemical characterization evidenced that the catalytic activity and durability of Pt3Ni were comparable with those of commercial Pt/C for HER at the current density of 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] in 0.5[Formula: see text]M H2SO4. We believed that the convenient and scalable gamma irradiation technique might open a way for large-scale preparation of advanced water splitting catalysts.
FPIC: A Novel Semantic Dataset for Optical PCB Assurance
Authors: Jessurun Nathan , Dizon-Paradis Olivia P. , Harrison Jacob , Ghosh Shajib , Tehranipoor Mark M. , Woodard Damon L. , Asadizanjani Navid
Published: March 2023

Outsourced PCB fabrication necessitates increased hardware assurance capabilities. Several assurance techniques based on AOI have been proposed that leverage PCB images acquired using digital cameras. We review state-of-the-art AOI techniques and observe a strong, rapid trend toward ML solutions. These require significant amounts of labeled ground truth data, which is lacking in the publicly available PCB data space. We contribute the FPIC dataset to address this need. Additionally, we outline new hardware security methodologies enabled by our dataset.