bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the management of analytical interferences affecting red blood cells on XN‐10 (Sysmex®)
Authors: Henry Sylvain , Gérard Delphine , Salignac Sylvain , Perrin Julien
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Interferences on red blood cells (RBCs) measurement and the associated parameters in haematology analyzers are very common. Many sources of interferences are described but their management remains uncertain depending on the measurement system; we aimed at developing an optimized scheme allowing the accurate management of most interferences affecting RBCs, based on the alternative “optical” parameters from SYSMEX XN‐10.

Methods

Samples from 12 groups of relevant interferences were analysed and compared with a control group allowing (1) the determination of deviation thresholds beyond which an interference is likely, and (2) the development of two flowcharts for their subsequent management. These flowcharts were then evaluated among a bank of retrospective typical cases of interferences and in the routine flow of the laboratory.

Results

After verifying the excellent agreement between standard and alternative parameters, the comparative study between analytical channels allowed to determine an acceptable deviation and then discriminate technical concerns caused by cold agglutinins, leukocytosis and plasma‐related interferences. This led to the development of flowcharts ensuring the accurate management of these interferences, whether MCHC is <320 or >365 g/L. These proposed flowcharts allowed the correction of 63/65 historical confirmed interferences cases (97%). Furthermore, they corrected 18 results among 901 unselected prospective samples.

Conclusion

The resulting flowcharts allow a relevant correction for most common interferences affecting RBCs and are now definitively included in the routine analytical management and will be directly incorporated in the middleware of the laboratory.
An improved algorithm to harmonize child overweight and obesity prevalence rates
Authors: Cole Tim J. , Lobstein Tim
Published: August 2022

Background

Prevalence rates of child overweight and obesity for a group of children vary depending on the BMI reference and cut‐off used. Previously we developed an algorithm to convert prevalence rates based on one reference to those based on another.

Objective

To improve the algorithm by combining information on overweight and obesity prevalence.

Methods

The original algorithm assumed that prevalence according to two different cut‐offs A and B differed by a constant amount on the z‐score scale. However the results showed that the z‐score difference tended to be greater in the upper tail of the distribution and was better represented by , where was a constant that varied by group. The improved algorithm uses paired prevalence rates of overweight and obesity to estimate for each group. Prevalence based on cut‐off A is then transformed to a z‐score, adjusted up or down according to and back‐transformed, and this predicts prevalence based on cut‐off B. The algorithm's performance was tested on 228 groups of children aged 6–17 years from 20 countries.

Results

The revised algorithm performed much better than the original. The standard deviation (SD) of residuals, the difference between observed and predicted prevalence, was 0.8% (n = 2320 comparisons), while the SD of the difference between pairs of the original prevalence rates was 4.3%, meaning that the algorithm explained 96.7% of the baseline variance (88.2% with original algorithm).

Conclusions

The improved algorithm appears to be effective at harmonizing prevalence rates of child overweight and obesity based on different references.
John Calvin's Apoiconic Vision of the Body and the Blood
Authors: Capps Franklin Tanner
Published: August 2022

This article offers a reading of a feature of John Calvin's theology that has received little attention – the role of visuality in his writings on the sacraments as developed between the years of 1536 and 1561. As an intervention into longstanding debates over the legacy of his sacramental theology, I argue that Calvin's use of visual categories to describe the sacramental event is best understood in terms of what I will call the ‘apoiconic’: a vision of divinity had through visual negation. I suggest that for Calvin the sacramental elements signal a divine absence that, in turn, redirects the gaze upward to Christ, whose spiritual presence constitutes the sacraments' substance. To make this argument, I trace the trinitarian dynamics of this ‘apoiconic vision’, where the Spirit unveils the living Christ by illumining the eyes of faith to comprehend the power of God that dwells therein. I close by reflecting on ‘apoiconicity’ as a strategy for moving beyond anxieties over materiality's idolatrous entanglements and for developing a sacramental theology that is cosmic in scope.
Crystallization‐induced suppression of intumescence in aqueous alkali silicates
Authors: Mohsin Hamza , Burov Ekaterina , Tusseau‐Nenez Sandrine , Maron Sébastien , Devys Lucie , Gacoin Thierry , Gouillart Emmanuelle
Published: August 2022

Thermal properties of aqueous alkali silicates have been investigated to establish a fundamental understanding of the structural state of silicate network and its impact on intumescence, up to 450°C. Foaming behavior is dependent upon the type of alkali ion (Na, K, Li) as well as composition as evidenced from a combination of tools involving thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X‐ray diffraction. Na silicates show extensive foaming, Li‐silicates do not foam, whereas K‐silicates exhibit an intermediate behavior depending upon the starting state and heating kinetics. Crystallization is observed for K‐ and Li‐silicates but not in the case of Na‐silicates and appears to be a limiting factor for macroscopic structural expansion. Quantitative analysis of different species reveals the network to be relatively mobile, in terms of its ability to reorganize, in pre‐dried (at 150°C) Na‐silicates. A reduction in this mobility is seen for K‐silicates as crystallization reduces K ions and silanols in the amorphous phase at and above 150°C, thus reducing the extent of foaming. In contrast, phase separation coupled with crystallization resulting in a complete exit of Li ions from the amorphous phase tends to suppress completely the intumescent phenomenon.
Study on the surface properties of different commercially available CAD/CAM materials for implant‐supported restorations
Authors: Vulović Stefan , Todorović Aleksandar , Stančić Ivica , Popovac Aleksandra , Stašić Jovana N. , Vencl Aleksandar , Milić‐Lemić Aleksandra
Published: August 2022

Objective

To determine if there are any differences in surface characteristics (surface roughness and contact angle) among different CAD/CAM materials indicated for fabricating implant‐supported restorations, following all the material preparation protocols provided by the manufacturer.

Materials and Methods

One‐hundred forty‐four specimens were divided into six groups: RBC (resin‐based composite), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), ZP (zirconia polished), ZG (zirconia glazed) and CoCr4 (CoCr4 alloy). The experimental part included surface roughness (SR) and contact angle of water (WCA) analyses, fulfilled with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) view of surface topography. The data were analyzed using Kruskal‐Wallis test with a Dunn's post hoc analysis, the correlation between measurements was tested using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and all data were presented as mean ± SD.

Results

ZG specimens were significantly rougher compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.05). The WCA measurements revealed significantly lower mean values in ZG group (p ≤ 0.05), contrary to PEEK and CoCr4, where significantly higher mean values were observed, compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.05). There exist a moderate negative correlation between the SR and WCA (ρ = −0.41). AFM 3D and SEM 2D images presented more or less heterogeneous surface of all materials.

Conclusions

There were statistically significant differences in surface roughness and contact angle among tested material groups. Moderate negative correlation was found between surface roughness and contact angle of tested material groups.

Clinical Significance

The study gives us a better understanding of influence of physicochemical characteristics of investigated materials on their surface properties and provides useful knowledge for future researches in a view of material's behavior under in vivo conditions, when it comes to a question of features related to surface quality, such as microbial adhesion, corrosion, wear, biocompatibility and esthetics.
Care disruptions among the homebound during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An analysis of the role of dementia
Authors: Reckrey Jennifer M. , Kim Patricia S. , Zhao Duzhi , Zhang Meng , Xu Emily , Franzosa Emily , Ornstein Katherine A.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Seriously ill people with dementia living at home may be particularly vulnerable to disruptions in their care during times of crisis. The study sought to describe care experiences of those receiving home‐based primary care in New York City during the COVID‐19 pandemic and compare the experiences of people with and without dementia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all electronic medical record notes between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020 among a sample of home‐based primary care recipients (n = 228), including all deaths that occurred in the spring of 2020. Drawing from administrative records and using an abstraction tool that included both structured (e.g., documented COVID‐19 exposure) and unstructured (e.g., text passage describing caregiver burden) data, we identified salient COVID‐19 related care experiences and identified and categorized major disruptions in care.

Results

Both people with and without dementia experienced significant disruptions of paid caregiving, family caregiving, and home‐based services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. While the paid caregivers of people with dementia reported more burden to the home‐based primary care team as compared to people without dementia, we found little evidence of differences in quantity or type of COVID‐19 related disruptions relative to dementia status.

Discussion

While those with dementia have distinct care needs, our findings emphasize the way that dementia may be one piece of a larger clinical picture of serious illness. In order to support all patients with high care needs in crisis, we need to understand the interdependence of clinical care, long‐term care, and family caregiving support for older adults and view dementia within the larger context of serious illness and care need.
Serine racemase modulation for improving brain insulin resistance
Authors: Duarte João M. N.
Published: August 2022

This Editorial highlights an interesting study in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry in which Zhou et al. report new data showing that the ablation of serine racemase increases local insulin production in neurons of the hippocampus. The authors explored some of the possible mechanisms mediating the interaction between dampening production of D‐serine and the local synthesis of insulin, and they further propose that stimulating insulin production could counteract hippocampal insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most importantly, they leave open a number of questions that need to be experimentally addressed to ascertain whether D‐serine modulation of neuronal insulin expression can effectively improve insulin sensitivity in AD, as well as in metabolic disease with neurological impact.
Factors influencing the immune response over 15 months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A longitudinal population‐wide study in the Faroe Islands
Authors: Petersen Maria Skaalum , Pérez‐Alós Laura , Armenteros Jose Juan A. , Hansen Cecilie B. , Fjallsbak Jógvan Páll , Larsen Sólrun , Hansen Jóhanna L. , Jarlhelt Ida , Kristiansen Marnar F. , við Streym Fríða , á Steig Bjarni , Christiansen Debes H. , Møller Lars F. , Strøm Marin , Andorsdóttir Guðrið , Gaini Shahin , Weihe Pál , Garred Peter
Published: August 2022

Background

The durability of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response and the resulting immunity to COVID‐19 is unclear.

Objectives

To investigate long‐term humoral immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2.

Methods

In this nationwide, longitudinal study, we determined antibody response in 411 patients aged 0–93 years from two waves of infections (March to December 2020) contributing 1063 blood samples. Each individual had blood drawn on 4–5 occasions 1–15 months after disease onset. We measured total anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD) antibody using a qualitative RBD sandwich ELISA, IgM, IgG and IgA levels using an quantitative in‐house ELISA‐based assay  and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) using an in‐house ELISA‐based pseudoneutralizing assay. IgG subclasses were analyzed in a subset of samples by ELISA‐based assay. We used nonlinear models to study the durability of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody responses and its influence over time.

Results

After 15 months, 94% still had detectable circulating antibodies, mainly the IgG isotype, and 92% had detectable NAbs. The distribution of IgG antibodies varied significantly over time, characterized by a biphasic pattern with an initial decline followed by a plateau after approximately 7 months. However, the NAbs remained relatively stable throughout the period. The strength of the antibody response was influenced by smoking and hospitalization, with lower IgG levels in smokers and higher levels in hospitalized individuals. Antibody stability over time was mainly associated with male sex and older age with higher initial levels but more marked decrease.

Conclusions

The humoral immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection varies depending on behavioral factors and disease severity, and antibody stability over 15 months was associated with sex and age.
Rhetorical History as Institutional Work
Authors: Suddaby Roy , Israelsen Trevor , Bastien Francois , Saylors Rohny , Coraiola Diego
Published: August 2022

Rhetorical history has emerged as a useful theoretical construct that bridges the long recognized gap between historical and organizational scholarship. Despite its growing popularity, the precise nature of rhetorical history as a construct, its scope conditions, and its utility in resolving critical issues in historical organizational analysis remains unclear. This paper addresses these issues. We define rhetorical history and contextualize the construct by elaborating its relationship to associated concepts like collective memory, rhetoric, and narrative. We ground the construct by reviewing literature that has applied rhetorical history in both theory and empirical research. Our inductive review identifies four recurring themes in which rhetorical history is used to construct perceptions of; (a) continuity and discontinuity, (b) similarity and difference, (c) winners and losers, and (d) morality and immorality. We conclude with a discussion of how rhetorical history is an essential mechanism of institutional work.
Trends in lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal cancer mortality in the United States, 1999–2019
Authors: Farhadi Kameron , Rojanaworarit Chanapong , Bhurosy Trishnee , Olokunlade Temitope , Karaye Ibraheem M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Changes in the epidemiology of lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal (LOCP) cancers have been reported in the United States. This study aimed to examine recent trends in LOCP cancer mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2019.

Methods

National mortality data were extracted from CDC WONDER, 1999–2019. International Classification of Diseases Codes, 10th Revision—C00‐C14, were used to identify decedents of malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx. LOCP cancer mortality trends were assessed by fitting a Joinpoint regression model overall, and by race/ethnicity, sex, age, and US Census Region. Annual Percentage Changes (APC) were derived to estimate variations in mortality trends over time.

Results

The age‐adjusted mortality rate (AAMR) for LOCP cancers was 2.5 per 100 000 (95% CI: 2.5–2.5), equivalent to 180 532 deaths during 1999–2019. Overall mortality trends have stabilized since 2009 (APC = 0.3; 95% CI: −0.1, 0.7), but an examination by subtype revealed rising mortality trends from cancers of the lip and oral cavity (APC = 1.2; 95% CI: 0.7, 1.6) and pharynx (APC = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7, 4.8), and declining trends in malignancies of other and ill‐defined areas of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx (APC = −2.7; 95% CI: −3.4, −2.0). Trend variations were also noted by sex, age, US Census Region, and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

There are differential trends in mortality from LOCP cancers in the United States. Investigating the biological, individual, and contextual factors related to LOCP cancers would guide effective public health intervention efforts.
How paediatricians communicate with parents who access online health information
Authors: Karatas Ceylan , Caldwell Patrina HY , Scott Karen M
Published: August 2022

Aims

Recent years have seen an exponential increase in the proportion of parents searching for online health information on their child's medical condition. We investigated the experiences, attitudes and approaches of paediatricians interacting with parents who search for online health information and the impact on the doctor–parent relationship.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted utilising semi‐structured interviews with 17 paediatric physicians, surgeons, anaesthetists and trainees working in an Australian children's hospital. Data were analysed through deductive and inductive thematic analysis using line‐by‐line coding.

Results

Three key themes were identified: paediatricians' experiences with, and attitudes towards, parents using online health information; paediatricians' communication approaches; and the perceived impact on the doctor–parent relationship. These themes demonstrated that most paediatricians acknowledged the information parents found and directed parents to reliable websites. Following discussions with Internet‐informed parents, a few changed their management plans and a few reported discouraging parents from further searching online.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that paediatricians predominantly used patient‐centred communication strategies to care for patients in partnership with parents. Paediatricians contextualising online health information can contribute to a quality partnership with parents and facilitate shared decision‐making, potentially fostering better health outcomes for children. Our conclusions may inform clinicians' communication approaches when interacting with Internet‐informed parents and stimulate research about more effective doctor–parent communication approaches. In a digital age, paediatricians may benefit from employing more time‐efficient approaches to manage increasing workloads with their new role of digital stewardship of parents.
Reviewing demand regimes in open economies with Penn World Table data
Authors: Marques André M.
Published: August 2022

This paper uses the Penn World Table dataset to examine capacity utilization response to changes in the wage share in six developed countries from 1960 to 2019. Our vector autoregression model allows regression coefficients and volatilities to be time‐varying in nature. A rolling window shows that capacity utilization response to the wage share is unstable. We find that a 1‐standard deviation shock to the wage share generates a significant negative capacity utilization response in the U.S. and U.K. However, a rise in the wage share decreases capacity utilization of the remaining sample countries only conditional on exogenous wage share changes.
Exclusive breastfeeding: Measurement to match the global recommendation
Authors: Alayón Silvia , Varela Veronica , Mukuria‐Ashe Altrena , Alvey Jeniece , Milner Erin , Pedersen Sarah , Yourkavitch Jennifer
Published: August 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recommend exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life. To estimate the proportion of infants that are exclusively breastfed, many agencies use the point prevalence of EBF among infants currently 0–5.9 months of age, as recommended by WHO and UNICEF. This measure tends to overestimate the percentage of infants that are exclusively breastfed for the entire recommended period. We compared five methods of measuring EBF, using data from three large‐scale cross‐sectional surveys. The five methods were: the WHO/UNICEF recommended method (EBF‐24H); an estimate of EBF for 6 months, using the 24‐h recall among infants 4–5.9 and 6–7.9 months (EBF‐24H‐Pul); a since birth recall (EBF‐SB); an estimate of EBF for 6 months, using the since‐birth recall among infants 4–5.9 and 6–7.9 months (EBF‐SB‐Pul); a retrospective measure of EBF collected from infants 6–11.9 months, based on the age of introduction of liquids and foods (EBF‐AI). EBF‐24H‐Pul and EBF‐SB‐Pul produced lower estimates of EBF than other measures, while also aligning better with the WHO recommendation, but may be difficult to estimate from multipurpose surveys due to sample size limitations. The EBF‐AI method produced estimates between these, aligns well with the WHO recommendation and can be easily collected in large‐scale household surveys. Additional validation of the EBF‐24‐Pul, EBF‐SB‐Pul, and EBF‐AI methods is recommended to understand how accurately they measure EBF for the recommended 6‐month period.
The N‐terminus of a Fusarium graminearum‐secreted protein enhances broad‐spectrum disease resistance in plants
Authors: Xu Qiang , Hu Su , Jin Minxia , Xu Yangjie , Jiang Qiantao , Ma Jian , Zhang Yazhou , Qi Pengfei , Chen Guoyue , Jiang Yunfeng , Zheng Youliang , Wei Yuming
Published: August 2022

Fusarium head blight is a destructive disease caused by Fusarium species. Little is known about the pathogenic molecular weapons of Fusarium graminearum. The gene encoding a small secreted protein, Fg02685, in F. graminearum was found to be upregulated during wheat head infection. Knockout mutation of Fg02685 reduced the growth and development of Fusarium in wheat spikes. Transient expression of Fg02685 or recombinant protein led to plant cell death in a BAK1‐ and SOBIR1‐independent system. Fg02685 was found to trigger plant basal immunity by increasing the deposition of callose, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the expression of defence‐related genes. The Fg02685 signal peptide was required for the plant's apoplast accumulation and induces cell death, indicating Fg02685 is a novel conserved pathogen‐associated molecular pattern. Moreover, its homologues are widely distributed in oomycetes and fungal pathogens and induced cell death in tobacco. The conserved α‐helical motif at the N‐terminus was necessary for the induction of cell death. Moreover, a 32‐amino‐acid peptide, Fg02685 N‐terminus peptide 32 (FgNP32), was essential for the induction of oxidative burst, callose deposition, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signal activation in plants. Prolonged exposure to FgNP32 enhanced the plant's resistance to Fusarium and Phytophthora. This study provides new approaches for an environment‐friendly control strategy for crop diseases by applying plant immune inducers to strengthen broad‐spectrum disease resistance in crops.
A known ilarvirus is associated with a novel viral disease in pepper
Authors: Orfanidou Chrysoula G. , Katiou Dimitra , Papadopoulou Efthalia , Katis Nikolaos I. , Maliogka Varvara I.
Published: August 2022

In 2020, a new pepper disease was recorded in a greenhouse crop in Drama, Greece, exhibiting mild concentric chlorotic rings and deformation on the fruits. High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) of total RNA from a plant with symptoms revealed three viral RNA segments closely related (>90% nucleotide identity) to those of four recently identified Ilarvirus species, Solanum nigrum ilarvirus 1 (SnIV1), surrounding legume associated ilarvirus (sLaIV), Erysiphe necator associated ilar‐like virus (ENaIlV1) and grapevine associated ilarvirus (GaIV). Nucleotide comparisons indicated that SnIV1, sLaIV, ENaIlV1, GaIV and the herein detected ilarvirus are isolates of the same virus species. All these ilarviruses were also discovered with the aid of HTS on different hosts; however, no data existed so far regarding their putative association with a disease. To fulfil Koch's postulates, we conducted mechanical inoculation to indicator plants and cultivated solanaceous species. The virus was transmitted only to Nicotiana benthamiana and Capsicum annuum ‘Arlequin’ plants; mild concentric rings, like the original symptoms, also appeared in the fruits of the pepper plants. We suggest that the new ilarvirus isolate PD be classified as SnIV1. However, the nomenclature of the species, including all the recently determined ilarviruses, should be ultimately addressed by the relevant ICTV group. Finally, a small‐scale survey revealed that SnIV1‐PD is currently not present in other geographical regions; nonetheless, more surveys are needed in Greece and abroad to unravel the geographical distribution, the biological characteristics and the evolutionary history of this virus.
Tobacco necrosis virus A overcomes local cell death response in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Garcia Lucila , Gerhardt Nadia , Martin Ana P. , Martínez María F. , Alemano Sergio , Marano María R.
Published: August 2022

Tobacco necrosis virus A (TNVA) belongs to the genus Alphanecrovirus in the Tombusviridae family. Symptoms induced by TNVA include necrotic lesions on inoculated leaves in a wide host range. The necrotic cell death response to certain viruses is poorly understood. This study characterizes the mechanisms underlying the local cell death triggered by TNVA in Nicotiana tabacum, showing that it shares several components with the hypersensitive response (HR) mediated by resistance proteins. TNVA perception triggers the accumulation of local viral‐derived small interference RNA and the regulation of biological processes related to pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP)‐triggered immunity (PTI), including hydrogen peroxide accumulation, cell wall reinforcement, the activation of unfolded protein response and the induction of salicylic acid (SA) and SA‐dependent pathways. However, these antiviral defences do not prevent either local virus multiplication or systemic movement, leading to disease development. Nevertheless, SA‐deficient NahG tobacco plants challenged with TNVA showed an increase in virus accumulation on noninoculated leaves, which was correlated with the development of systemic necrosis, highlighting the role of SA signalling in TNVA‐induced defence. In addition, SA treatment enhanced the local defence response to TNVA infection and suppressed systemic necrosis in N. benthamiana. Taken together, our data suggest that TNVA induces an impaired plant defence response by modulating host factors to persist at low levels in distal tissues.
How robust is the relationship between neural processing speed and cognitive abilities?
Authors: Schubert Anna‐Lena , Löffler Christoph , Hagemann Dirk , Sadus Kathrin
Published: August 2022

Individual differences in processing speed are consistently related to individual differences in cognitive abilities, but the mechanisms through which a higher processing speed facilitates reasoning remain largely unknown. To identify these mechanisms, researchers have been using latencies of the event‐related potential (ERP) to study how the speed of cognitive processes associated with specific ERP components is related to cognitive abilities. Although there is some evidence that latencies of ERP components associated with higher‐order cognitive processes are related to intelligence, results are overall quite inconsistent. These inconsistencies likely result from variations in analytic procedures and little consideration of the psychometric properties of ERP latencies in relatively small sample studies. Here we used a multiverse approach to evaluate how different analytical choices regarding references, low‐pass filter cutoffs, and latency measures affect the psychometric properties of P2, N2, and P3 latencies and their relations with cognitive abilities in a sample of 148 participants. Latent correlations between neural processing speed and cognitive abilities ranged from −.49 to −.78. ERP latency measures contained about equal parts of measurement error variance and systematic variance, and only about half of the systematic variance was related to cognitive abilities, whereas the other half reflected nuisance factors. We recommend addressing these problematic psychometric properties by recording EEG data from multiple tasks and modeling relations between ERP latencies and covariates in latent variable models. All in all, our results indicate that there is a substantial and robust relationship between neural processing speed and cognitive abilities when those issues are addressed.
The role of an advisory opinion of ITLOS in addressing climate change: Some preliminary considerations on jurisdiction and admissibility
Authors: Tanaka Yoshifumi
Published: August 2022

As shown in the Antigua and Barbuda‐Tuvalu Agreement of 31 October 2021, the possible role of an advisory opinion of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) as a full court in addressing climate change is attracting growing attention. Adverse impacts of climate change on the oceans can be considered as ‘marine pollution’ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. However, to obtain an advisory opinion addressing climate change from ITLOS as a full court is not a straightforward matter because there is a need to cross some procedural hurdles. In light of this, it is necessary to examine some preliminary issues with regard to the Tribunal's advisory jurisdiction. This article therefore offers some preliminary considerations on an ITLOS advisory opinion in addressing climate change, focusing particularly on the legal basis for the advisory jurisdiction of ITLOS as a full court and the admissibility of an advisory opinion.
Office job sitting demand scale: Evidence of construct and predictive validity
Authors: Kovacs Peter , Vîrgă Delia
Published: August 2022

Drawing on sedentary behavior and Job Demands‐Resources theory, we developed a new scale for assessing office job sitting demand, conceptualized as job demand, and validated it using two independent samples. In Study 1 (N = 252), we developed the items and tested the Office Job Sitting Demand scales' factor structure through exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2 (N = 248), we tested the scales' factorial validity through confirmatory factor analysis. Indicators of measurement invariance showed no differences between participants who engage in leisure‐time sport and participants who do not. Moreover, we tested convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. We found significant positive associations with exhaustion, work pressure, and musculoskeletal complaints. The construct was unrelated to proactive vitality management and relaxation. Our results illustrate the relation between this new job demand in the workplace with employee well‐being. Based on our findings, this newly developed instrument is valid and reliable and can be used to assess office job sitting demand to prevent burnout and health complaints.
Detection of the novel allele, HLA‐A*32:165, in a French individual by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Verdez Simon , Chevarin Martin , Couturier Victor , Leleu Damien , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel
Published: August 2022

The HLA‐A*32:165 allele has one non‐synonymous nucleotide change from HLA‐A*32:01:01 at nucleotide 242 in exon 2.
Methyltransferase like 3 enhances pinin mRNA stability through N6‐methyladenosine modification to augment tumourigenesis of colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: He Min , Jiang Danling , Xun Anying , Yang Jian , Luo Qianjiang , Wu Huihua
Published: August 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the role of pinin (PNN) in the malignant phenotype of colon adenocarcinoma cells and the underlying mechanism?

What is the main finding and its importance?

PNN mRNA can be stabilized and upregulated by methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3), which promotes glycolysis in colon adenocarcinoma and augments cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness. METTL3 and PNN might serve as potential targets for the treatment of colon adenocarcinoma.

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a fatal malignancy with high morbidity and mortality rates globally. Pinin (PNN), a desmosome associated protein, has been revealed as a tumour driver in several malignancies. This study aims to probe the expression and role of PNN in COAD and the underlying mechanism. PNN was expressed at high levels in clinically collected COAD tumours and was linked to poor prognosis of patients. Downregulation of PNN reduced glucose uptake, lactate production and ATP levels in COAD cells and suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasiveness. Methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3) was positively associated with PNN levels in COAD tumour tissues. RNA immunoprecipitation and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) quantification assays indicated that METTL3 enhanced PNN mRNA stability and expression in COAD through m6A modification with the involvement of the m6A ‘reader’ protein YT521‐B homology domain family member 1. Downregulation of METTL3 reduced COAD cell glycolysis and proliferation in vitro and suppressed growth and metastasis of xenograft tumours in vivo, but further overexpression of PNN restored malignant behaviours of COAD cells and tumour growth. In summary, this study demonstrates that METTL3 promotes PNN mRNA stability and expression in COAD through m6A modification, which augments glycolysis and proliferation of COAD cells and leads to the resultant tumour progression.
Static and Dynamic Nonlinear In-Plane Effect in the Response of a Cantilevered Plate With Tip Mass Load: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Piccolo Serafim Luisa , Werner Everett , Zhou Joey , Dowell Earl H.
Published: August 2022

In this article, two nonlinear effects are investigated. One is the effect of the static stiffness nonlinearity in changing the linear dynamic natural frequency, and the other is the combination of nonlinear stiffness and nonlinear inertia effects in changing the nonlinear dynamic transient response due to a change in the initial release state of the system. A theoretical model has been developed for a cantilevered thin plate with a range of length-to-width ratio using beam theory and considering both stiffness and inertial nonlinearities in the model. Lagrange's equation was used to deduce nonlinear inertia and stiffness matrices for a modal representation. Some insights into how these nonlinear components influence the beam response are presented. Measurements with both a hammer test and also a release test of cantilevered thin plates were done using different configurations and tip mass values. Results from static and dynamic analyses using the linear and the nonlinear theoretical models show good agreement between theory and experiment for natural frequencies and the amplitude displacements versus time.
Genome Sequences of Two Soil-Dwelling Bacteria Belonging to the Family
Comamonadaceae
Authors: Biessy Adrien , Ciotola Marie , Cadieux Mélanie , Albert Daphné , Filion Martin
Published: August 2022

Members of the family
Comamonadaceae
are rod-shaped betaproteobacteria found in various environments. Here, we report the genome sequences of 2 bacteria belonging to this family. They were isolated from agricultural soils located in the Montérégie region (Quebec, Canada) and display biocontrol activity against various lettuce bacterial pathogens.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 6571-UB Laboratory Strain
Authors: Norton Paul , Chua Kah-Ooi , Katsikogianni Maria , Thornton M. Julie , Chan Kok-Gan , Chang Chien-Yi
Published: August 2022

We report the draft genome sequence of the laboratory strain
Staphylococcus aureus
NCTC 6571-UB, a strain that was derived from
S. aureus
NCTC 6571. This strain was selected for sequencing in order to provide information on the genome dynamics and the acquired resistance genes for penicillin G, trimethoprim, and sulfamethoxazole resistance.
Oral administration of caffeine metabolite 7-methylxanthine is associated with slowed myopia progression in Danish children
Authors: Trier Klaus , Cui Dongmei , Ribel-Madsen Søren , Guggenheim Jeremy
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Myopia is associated with an increased risk of permanent vision loss. The caffeine metabolite 7-methylxanthine (7-MX), licensed in Denmark since 2009 as a treatment to reduce the rate of childhood myopia progression, is the only orally administered therapy available. The purpose of the current study was to assess the rate of myopia progression in children taking 7-MX.

Methods

Longitudinal cycloplegic refraction and axial length data for 711 myopic children from Denmark treated with varying doses of oral 7-MX (0–1200 mg per day) were analysed using linear mixed models.

Results

The median age at baseline was 11.1 years (range 7.0 –15.0 years). Children were followed for an average of 3.6 years (range 0.9–9.1 years) and the average myopia progression was 1.34 dioptres (D) (range −6.50 to +0.75 D). Treatment with 7-MX was associated with a reduced rate of myopia progression (p<0.001) and axial elongation (p<0.002). Modelling suggested that, on average, an 11-year-old child taking 1000 mg 7-MX daily would develop −1.43 D of myopia over the next 6 years, compared with −2.27 D if untreated. Axial length in this child would increase by 0.84 mm over 6 years when taking a daily dose of 1000 mg of 7-MX, compared with 1.01 mm if untreated. No adverse effects of 7-MX therapy were reported.

Conclusions

Oral intake of 7-MX was associated with reduced myopia progression and reduced axial elongation in this sample of myopic children from Denmark. Randomised controlled trials are needed to determine whether the association is causal.
Evaluating how clear the questions being investigated in randomised trials are: systematic review of estimands
Authors: Cro Suzie , Kahan Brennan C , Rehal Sunita , Chis Ster Anca , Carpenter James R , White Ian R , Cornelius Victoria R
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate how often the precise research question being addressed about an intervention (the estimand) is stated or can be determined from reported methods, and to identify what types of questions are being investigated in phase 2-4 randomised trials.

Design

Systematic review of the clarity of research questions being investigated in randomised trials in 2020 in six leading general medical journals.

Data source

PubMed search in February 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Phase 2-4 randomised trials, with no restrictions on medical conditions or interventions. Cluster randomised, crossover, non-inferiority, and equivalence trials were excluded.

Main outcome measures

Number of trials that stated the precise primary question being addressed about an intervention (ie, the primary estimand), or for which the primary estimand could be determined unambiguously from the reported methods using statistical knowledge. Strategies used to handle post-randomisation events that affect the interpretation or existence of patient outcomes, such as intervention discontinuations or uses of additional drug treatments (known as intercurrent events), and the corresponding types of questions being investigated.

Results

255 eligible randomised trials were identified. No trials clearly stated all the attributes of the estimand. In 117 (46%) of 255 trials, the primary estimand could be determined from the reported methods. Intercurrent events were reported in 242 (95%) of 255 trials; but the handling of these could only be determined in 125 (49%) of 255 trials. Most trials that provided this information considered the occurrence of intercurrent events as irrelevant in the calculation of the treatment effect and assessed the effect of the intervention regardless (96/125, 77%)—that is, they used a treatment policy strategy. Four (4%) of 99 trials with treatment non-adherence owing to adverse events estimated the treatment effect in a hypothetical setting (ie, the effect as if participants continued treatment despite adverse events), and 19 (79%) of 24 trials where some patients died estimated the treatment effect in a hypothetical setting (ie, the effect as if participants did not die).

Conclusions

The precise research question being investigated in most trials is unclear, mainly because of a lack of clarity on the approach to handling intercurrent events. Clear reporting of estimands is necessary in trial reports so that all stakeholders, including clinicians, patients and policy makers, can make fully informed decisions about medical interventions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42021238053.
How does domestic migration pose a challenge in achieving equitable social health insurance benefits in China? A national cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Haiqin , Liang Di , Zhang Donglan , Hou Zhiyuan
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the benefit distribution of social health insurance among domestic migrants in China.

Design

A national cross-sectional survey.

Setting

348 cities from 32 provincial units in China.

Participants

1165 domestic migrants who used inpatient care services in the city of a new residence and had social health insurance.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The probability of receiving reimbursements from social health insurance, the amounts and ratio of reimbursement received.

Results

Among migrants who used inpatient care in 2013, only 67% received reimbursements from social health insurance, and the reimbursement amount only accounted for 47% of the inpatient care expenditure. The broader the geographical scope of migration, the lower the probability of receiving reimbursement and the reimbursement ratio, but the higher the reimbursement amount. Specifically, the probability of receiving reimbursements for those who migrated across cities or provinces was significantly lower by 14.7% or 26.0%, respectively, than those who migrated within a city. However, they received significantly higher reimbursement amounts by 33.4% or 27.2%, respectively, than those who migrated within a city. And those who migrated across provinces had the lowest reimbursement ratio, although not reaching significance level.

Conclusions

The unequal benefit distribution among domestic migrants may be attributed to the fragmented health insurance design that relies on localised administration, and later reimbursement approach that migrating patients pay for health services up-front and get reimbursement later from health insurance. To improve the equity in social health insurance benefits, China has been promoting the portability of social health insurance, immediate reimbursement for inpatient care used across regions, and a more integrated health insurance system. Efforts should also be made to control inflation of healthcare expenditures and prevent inverse government subsidies from out-migration regions to in-migration regions. This study has policy implications for China and other low/middle-income countries that experience rapid urbanisation and domestic migration.
Relationship between working conditions and psychological distress experienced by junior doctors in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Dunning Alice , Teoh Kevin , Martin James , Spiers Johanna , Buszewicz Marta , Chew-Graham Carolyn , Taylor Anna Kathryn , Gopfert Anya , Van Hove Maria , Appleby Louis , Riley Ruth
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This paper explored the self-reported prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among junior doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also reports the association between working conditions and psychological distress experienced by junior doctors.

Design

A cross-sectional online survey study was conducted, using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and Health and Safety Executive scale to measure psychological well-being and working cultures of junior doctors.

Setting

The National Health Service in the UK.

Participants

A sample of 456 UK junior doctors was recruited online during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to January 2021.

Results

Junior doctors reported poor mental health, with over 40% scoring extremely severely depressed (45.2%), anxious (63.2%) and stressed (40.2%). Both gender and ethnicity were found to have a significant influence on levels of anxiety. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis outlined the specific working conditions which significantly predicted depression (increased demands (β=0.101), relationships (β=0.27), unsupportive manager (β=−0.111)), anxiety (relationships (β=0.31), change (β=0.18), demands (β=0.179)) and stress (relationships (β=0.18), demands (β=0.28), role (β=0.11)).

Conclusions

The findings illustrate the importance of working conditions for junior doctors’ mental health, as they were significant predictors for depression, anxiety and stress. Therefore, if the mental health of junior doctors is to be improved, it is important that changes or interventions specifically target the working environment rather than factors within the individual clinician.
Epidemiology of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests caused by anaphylaxis and factors associated with outcomes: an observational study
Authors: Murasaka Kenshi , Yamashita Akira , Wato Yukihiro , Inaba Hideo
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Describe the epidemiologic features of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) caused by anaphylaxis and identify outcome-associated factors.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Data from the Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency database.

Participants

A total of 292 patients from 879 057 OHCA events between 2013 and 2019 with OHCA caused by anaphylaxis and for whom prehospital resuscitation was attempted were included in the analysis.

Outcome measures

The incidence of anaphylaxis-induced OHCA, neurologically favourable 1-month survival, defined as cerebral performance category 1 or 2, and 1-month survival.

Results

The proportion of OHCAs caused by anaphylaxis was high in non-elderly and male patients from July to September and during business hours. Bystander-witnessed (adjusted OR=4.43; 95% CI 1.84 to 10.7) and emergency medical service-witnessed events (adjusted OR=3.28; 95% CI 1.21 to 8.87) were associated with higher rates of neurologically favourable 1-month survival as well as better 1-month survival. Shockable initial ECG rhythms were recorded in only 19 patients (6.5%), and prehospital defibrillation was attempted in 16 such patients (84.2%). Neither shockable initial rhythms nor prehospital defibrillation was associated with better outcomes. Patients requiring advanced airway management had poor neurological outcomes (adjusted OR=0.17; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.42) and worse 1-month survival (adjusted OR=0.28; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.58).

Conclusions

Few cases of OHCA were attributable to anaphylaxis. Witnessed OHCAs, particularly those witnessed by bystanders, were associated with better neurological outcomes. Airway complications requiring advanced airway management were likely associated with poor outcomes.