bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, characterization, theoretical studies, and dyeing properties of new novel diazo salicylaldehyde Schiff base catalyzed with ceric (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) as an eco-friendly catalyst
Authors: Ali Ali A. , Abd El-Wahab H. , Abusaif Moustafa S. , Ragab Ahmed , Abdel-Jaid Omar A. , Eldeeb E.A. , Ammar Yousry A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to the preparation of novel disperse dye based on azo salicylaldehyde derivatives TF-A [2-hydroxy-5-((3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)diazenyl)benzaldehyde] and full evaluation of their use as disperse dye TF-ASC [bis 2-hydroxy-5-((3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)diazenyl)benzaldehyde Schiff base with 4,4'-methylenedianiline] for dyeing polyester fabric at various conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The dispersed dye was synthesized via Schiff base condensation in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate cerium ammonium nitrate 10 mmole% as an eco-friendly catalyst at room temperature. The chemical structure of the prepared dye was characterized via elemental analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H- and 13 C-NMR spectroscopic analysis tools. This study thoroughly examined the dyeing of disperse dye TF-ASC on polyester at various conditions. The characteristics of dyed polyester fabric were measured by colour measurements, as well as light, washing, crock fastness and finally, colour strength. The discrete fourier transform (DFT) theoretical studies, including EHOMO, ELUMO and optimized geometrical structure, were assumed and discussed in detail.

Findings

The results showed that the synthesized organic dye TF-ASC was highly functional and appropriate for this kind of dyeing method. The dyeing fabrics obtained from disperse dye TF-ASC, properties possess high colour strength as well as good overall fastness properties. These dyes had a high affinity for polyester fabric, with just a tiny change in dye affinity when the pH was changed, even under alkaline circumstances. The dye levelness and shade depth of the colour results were good, and there were a variety of hues from light brownish yellow to deep brownish yellow. The results obtained from DFT computational studies such as EHOMO, ELUMO, optimized structure, diploe moment µ and electrophilicity index deduced that prepared organic dye TF-ASC is more applicable as a dispersed dye.

Originality/value

This research is significant because it provides a new dye for dyeing polyethylene terephthalate fibres with exceptional brightness and levelness; the method of preparation is a useful pathway due to its being known as a green chemistry method.
Microfoundations of dynamic coopetition capabilities in firms from a microbrewery cluster
Authors: da Silva Luciana Maines , da Silveira Alexandre Borba , Monticelli Jefferson Marlon , Kretschmer Caroline
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The objective of this research is to analyze the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities used by microbreweries in Porto Alegre (Brazil) in their coopetition strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study with a qualitative approach was developed. Data were collected during interviews with owners of 11 microbreweries, via analysis of documents and nonparticipatory observation. The authors used the content analysis technique to infer knowledge.

Findings

The authors identified the microfoundations of dynamic coopetition capabilities including collective purchases, shared distribution expenses, shared production, education of consumers and other beer producers, group interaction and a business roundtable with entrepreneurs from the food and drink sector in the hospitality industry.

Research limitations/implications

The authors developed a framework that considers the relationship between the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities and coopetition regarding the paradox between competition and cooperation. It is relevant to identify different actors’ movements and the potential outcomes of coopetitive strategies, which yield a competitive advantage for the cluster.

Practical implications

Together, the microfoundations of dynamic capabilities contribute to the competitive advantage of the cluster.

Originality/value

The study highlights how small companies can jointly develop competitive advantage in a market dominated by a large company.
Introducing peer-to-peer reference services in a community college library
Authors: Scripa Allison , Spencer Mary Ellen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The authors discuss the challenges and successes in implementing a peer reference service model in a community college library.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a case study about the development of a peer reference service at a community college library. The article includes a chronological overview of the program, a brief literature review, the authors’ own observations, interviews with student employees, comments from librarians working with the students and reference service data. They reviewed local reference service data, conducted a limited review of the literature, interviewed librarians at a university with a peer reference assistance program and incorporated their own observations to create the Pellissippi Ambassadors for Library Success program.

Findings

Findings suggest that peer reference services benefit student employees, student researchers and librarians.

Research limitations/implications

The article does not include a comprehensive literature review.

Originality/value

The study discusses peer reference services in a community college library setting and can be of use to librarians implementing peer reference services.
Experiences of overseas doctoral researchers in Australian business schools: implications for stakeholders
Authors: Ong Wee Ming , Dhakal Subas Prasad
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Although the international education sector is one of the significant contributors to the Australian economy, international students continue to experience various forms of social inequalities. This paper aims to focus on overseas doctoral researchers (ODRs) – candidates and graduates – and capture their experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the adaptive capacity framework, an exploratory qualitative study was carried out based on interviews with doctoral candidates (n = 6), doctoral graduates (n = 5) and supervisors (n = 4) in various Business Schools in Australian universities. Given this study’s exploratory and interpretive nature, the research question was deliberately broad: what insights can be generated for key stakeholders by capturing the experiences of ODRs in Australia through the lens of adaptive capacity?

Findings

Findings indicate that financial pressure, social exclusion and cultural bias were the three main challenges ODRs had to overcome; female ODRs perceived that supervisors and faculties often overlooked the mental health aspects; and better pedagogy of research supervision, institutional support and national policies are needed to develop adaptive ODRs.

Research limitations/implications

If ODRs are to become an integral part of the knowledge economy, key stakeholders need to focus on support mechanisms for these researchers. That way, Australian universities can not only improve their image of treating international students only as a part of the revenue flow but also enhance the educational experiences of ODRs and set them up for future success.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is twofold. First, it demonstrates the utility of the adaptive capacity lens to capture the experiences of ODRs. Second, it discusses research implications for the three key stakeholders: supervisors, higher education institutions and the government.
Investigating gender variations of using attitude choices in letters of recommendations
Authors: Alotaibi Hmoud
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The main objective of the present study is to explore whether there are variations in the employment of evaluative language resources by male and female writers. More specifically, the study focuses on variations, if any, that can be attributed to difference in gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The study compared and contrasted forty recommendation letters written by male academics to the same number of letters written by female recommenders. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Findings

The investigation of three attitudinal resources in letters of recommendations showed that the most employed resource was the judgment sub-system. The appreciation domain was in the second position, and the least frequent was the affect. The results also revealed no statistically significant variations in attitude sub-systems: Affect and appreciation as the writers in both groups (males and females) employed almost the same options in each. In respect with judgment, however, the analysis explored significant differences between the two sets as male academics used more judgment resources than females.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this study may be as follows: first, it is one of very few studies drawing on the attitude-category of appraisal system, as an analytical tool to examine gender differences in recommendation letters very particularly on the ones written by non-native speakers of English. Second, the gender factor is central in the genre of the recommendation letters and hence researchers should be cognizant of its role as certain variations might be impacted by it. Third, the lists of tokens can be offered as heuristics for academics to have most common words or phrases to use in their letters. Finally, the findings can hopefully bear some important pedagogical implications, very specifically for novice and non-native academic writers of recommendations letters.
Differences in the regulatory strategies of marine oligotrophs and copiotrophs reflect differences in motility
Authors: Noell Stephen E. , Brennan Elizabeth , Washburn Quinn , Davis Edward W. , Hellweger Ferdi L. , Giovannoni Stephen J.
Published: February 2023

Aquatic bacteria frequently are divided into lifestyle categories oligotroph or copiotroph. Oligotrophs have proportionately fewer transcriptional regulatory genes than copiotrophs and are generally non‐motile/chemotactic. We hypothesized that the absence of chemotaxis/motility in oligotrophs prevents them from occupying nutrient patches long enough to benefit from transcriptional regulation. We first confirmed that marine oligotrophs are generally reduced in genes for transcriptional regulation and motility/chemotaxis. Next, using a non‐motile oligotroph (Ca. Pelagibacter st. HTCC7211), a motile copiotroph (Alteromonas macleodii st. HOT1A3), and [14C]l‐alanine, we confirmed that l‐alanine catabolism is not transcriptionally regulated in HTCC7211 but is in HOT1A3. We then found that HOT1A3 took 2.5–4 min to initiate l‐alanine oxidation at patch l‐alanine concentrations, compared to <30 s for HTCC7211. By modelling cell trajectories, we predicted that, in most scenarios, non‐motile cells spend <2 min in patches, compared to >4 min for chemotactic/motile cells. Thus, the time necessary for transcriptional regulation to initiate prevents transcriptional regulation from being beneficial for non‐motile oligotrophs. This is supported by a mechanistic model we developed, which predicted that HTCC7211 cells with transcriptional regulation of l‐alanine metabolism would produce 12% of their standing ATP stock upon encountering an l‐alanine patch, compared to 880% in HTCC7211 cells without transcriptional regulation.
Economic Growth Theory and Natural Resource Constraints: A Stocktake and Critical Assessment
Authors: Maris Robbie , Holmes Mark
Published: February 2023

Society is facing significant environmental challenges. The effects of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation are being increasingly felt worldwide. In recent years, researchers have attempted to adapt neoclassical and endogenous growth theory to account for constraints imposed by scarce natural resources. In this article, we review where, and how, researchers tend to incorporate natural resources and natural capital into growth theory. We then outline areas and questions that remain unanswered, including how novel impact investing and the eroding trade‐off between GDP and the environment affect growth theory.
‘That was all over the shop’: Exploring the COVID‐19 response in disability residential settings
Authors: McAllister Ashley , Dickinson Helen , Huska Marie , Devine Alexandra , Dimov Stefanie , Kavanagh Anne
Published: February 2023

People with disability are an ‘at‐risk’ group in a pandemic context for various clinical and structural reasons. However, in the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic, people with disability were not identified as a priority group, which exacerbated this risk, particularly for those living in congregate settings. This paper examines inter‐organisational issues during the second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in disability residential settings gathered from senior managers, team leaders, and disability support workers. We use Victoria as a case study since several Victorian disability residential settings were in mid‐transition from state provision to non‐profit organisations. We argue that residential settings in mid‐transition had clearer lines of organisational accountability and communication, which was thought to reduce the impact of outbreaks compared to residential settings in other States and Territories with multiple lines of communication and blurred accountability. The paper contributes to the literature on inter‐organisational collaboration by reinforcing the necessity of clear lines of accountability and leadership in collaborative governance during emergencies. The evidence suggests how government and disability residential settings could better support residents and staff in future COVID‐19 outbreaks or other pandemics.

Points for practitioners

People with disability, particularly those living in congregate settings, are often at heightened risk during public health emergencies.

Clearer lines of responsibility, administrative, and communication arrangements across organisations and governments, alongside tailored responses within residential settings, are required to keep ‘at‐risk’ individuals safe.

Emergency management block funding could be designed to alleviate the financial pressures identified in this study for residential disability services in future pandemic responses.
On Market‐Friendly Central Bankers*
Authors: Gai Prasanna , Wu Sherry X.
Published: February 2023

We study the two‐way interaction between central banks and financial markets using a beauty contest framework. The analysis identifies when asset prices reveal useful information about fundamentals and when they reflect back the central bank's pronouncements. In equilibrium, the central bank is overly dependent on financial market signals and the information value of asset prices is diminished. Our results highlight the need to guard against giving undue prominence to market signals during monetary policy deliberations, but they can be specific to the mathematical model employed in the paper.
John Pechey (1654–1718) and the Popularization of Learned Medicine
Authors: Rovelli Giulia
Published: February 2023

This essay offers a corpus‐based linguistic analysis of the paratexts of the works of John Pechey (1654–1718), a licentiate physician and prolific medical author and popularizer, whose ideas and practice brought him into conflict with the Royal College of Physicians. Following the methodology of corpus‐assisted discourse analysis, historical discourse analysis, and historical sociopragmatics, the essay analyses the paratextual material of Pechey's medical publications, with the aims of (a) collecting a corpus of texts published under his name, (b) assessing his role in the popularization of learned medicine, and (c) tracing how he constructed and performed his identity both as a knowledgeable medical practitioner and as a critic of the beliefs and practices of the Royal College of Physicians.
Refining stereotactic body radiation therapy as a bridge to transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: An institutional experience
Authors: Chen Beini , Butler Nick , O'Rourke Thomas , Hodgkinson Peter , Stuart Katherine , Shih Edwin , Leggett David , Pryor David , Liu Howard , Lee Dominique
Published: February 2023

Background

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been established as a safe and effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, there are no consensus guidelines to advise optimal patient selection and radiotherapy planning parameters to minimise the risk of surgical and medical complications after liver transplant (LT) in patients who have had prior SBRT for HCC, whilst optimising treatment benefit.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients who received liver SBRT as a bridge to LT at a tertiary institution between 2017 and 2019.

Results

Nine patients received SBRT as bridging therapy to LT. HCC location varied from peripheral to central/hilar regions and HCC diameter was 13–54 mm. Median time between SBRT and LT was 141 days (range 27–461 days). Median operating time was 360 min (range 270–480 min). Four patients (44%) had visible SBRT reaction or fibrosis at the time of LT. SBRT reaction resulted in clinical impact in one patient (11%) only, where vascular clamping of the IVC was required for 10 min.

Conclusion

SBRT is a safe and effective treatment for HCC enabling patients to remain within LT criteria, even for lesions not amenable to other more conventional bridging therapies. We describe a preliminary decision pathway to guide the optimal use of SBRT as a bridge to LT developed in our institution.
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis with eosinophilic gastroenteritis: An unusual relationship
Authors: Fan Junyu , Jiang Ting , Qin Yingying , Ding Qin , Cheng Xia , He Dongyi
Published: February 2023

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare disease with poorly defined therapeutic strategies. Here, we report the case of a patient with eosinophilic gastroenteritis who developed MRH after 5 years. The patient presented with disabling and rapidly progressive polyarthralgia, eosinophilic gastroenteritis, and resistance to first‐line therapies. However, there was a marked improvement in the arthritis symptoms following treatment with tofacitinib. This presentation provides a useful perspective for the therapeutic management of complex scenarios involving MRH.
Carboxypeptidase vitellogenic like facilitates resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors in breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Lin , Yang Xuhui
Published: February 2023

Objective

Inhibitors of cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) are targeted therapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment. The mechanism of resistance to these inhibitors requires further investigation.

Methods

We used bioinformatics to screen differentially expressed genes between cells that were susceptible and resistant to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was used to identify gene expressions in different cell lines. Cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle, and apoptosis assays were used to evaluate the effect of carboxypeptidase vitellogenic like (CPVL) on breast cancer cells under the condition of CDK4/6 inhibitors. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested the potential regulatory pathway of CPVL in breast cancer. Xenograft formation assay was conducted in nude mice to study the role of CPVL in vivo.

Results

Based on bioinformatics analysis and qRT‐PCR, CPVL was identified more abundantly in cells that were resistant than sensitive to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Overexpressed or knocked down CPVL regulated the effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors in resistant cell lines. GSEA showed that resistance might be induced by CPVL through altered phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)‐related pathways. Our findings showed that CPVL negatively regulates PTEN to impact the anticancer effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

CPVL might be a key factor in regulating breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Aggrelyte‐2 promotes protein solubility and decreases lens stiffness through lysine acetylation and disulfide reduction: Implications for treating presbyopia
Authors: Panja Sudipta , Nahomi Rooban B. , Rankenberg Johanna , Michel Cole R. , Gaikwad Hanmant , Nam Mi‐Hyun , Nagaraj Ram H.
Published: February 2023

Aging proteins in the lens become increasingly aggregated and insoluble, contributing to presbyopia. In this study, we investigated the ability of aggrelyte‐2 (N,S‐diacetyl‐L‐cysteine methyl ester) to reverse the water insolubility of aged human lens proteins and to decrease stiffness in cultured human and mouse lenses. Water‐insoluble proteins (WI) of aged human lenses (65–75 years) were incubated with aggrelyte‐2 (500 μM) for 24 or 48 h. A control compound that lacked the S‐acetyl group (aggrelyte‐2C) was also tested. We observed 19%–30% solubility of WI upon treatment with aggrelyte‐2. Aggrelyte‐2C also increased protein solubility, but its effect was approximately 1.4‐fold lower than that of aggrelyte‐2. The protein thiol contents were 1.9‐ to 4.9‐fold higher in the aggrelyte‐2‐ and aggrelyte‐2C‐treated samples than in the untreated samples. The LC–MS/MS results showed Nε‐acetyllysine (AcK) levels of 1.5 to 2.1 nmol/mg protein and 0.6 to 0.9 nmol/mg protein in the aggrelyte‐2‐ and aggrelyte‐2C‐treated samples. Mouse (C57BL/6J) lenses (incubated for 24 h) and human lenses (incubated for 72 h) with 1.0 mM aggrelyte‐2 showed significant decreases in stiffness with simultaneous increases in soluble proteins (human lenses) and protein‐AcK levels, and such changes were not observed in aggrelyte‐2C‐treated lenses. Mass spectrometry of the solubilized protein revealed AcK in all crystallins, but more was observed in α‐crystallins. These results suggest that aggrelyte‐2 increases protein solubility and decreases lens stiffness through acetylation and disulfide reduction. Aggrelyte‐2 might be useful in treating presbyopia in humans.
Immunolocalization of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 and exocytosis‐related proteins in afferent nerve endings innervating taste buds in the rat incisive papilla
Authors: Yokoyama Takuya , Ito Motoi , Yamamoto Yoshio , Hirakawa Masato , Sakanoue Wakana , Sato Kenichi , Saino Tomoyuki
Published: February 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the immunolocalization of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) 1 and 2, and proteins associated with exocytosis, i.e., core components of the soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex (synaptosomal‐associated protein of 25 kDa, syntaxin 1, and vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2) and synaptotagmin‐1 (Syt1), in incisive papillary taste buds of rats using double‐indirect immunofluorescence. No VGLUT1 immunoreactivity was observed, whereas VGLUT2‐immunoreactive punctate products were closely associated with guanine nucleotide‐binding protein G(t) subunit α3‐immmunoreactive cells in taste buds. VGLUT2 was immunolocalized in P2X3 purinoceptor‐expressing afferent nerve endings. Synaptosomal‐associated protein of 25 kDa, syntaxin 1, and vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2 were immunolocalized in nerve endings containing VGLUT2‐immunoreactive products as well as a few cells in taste buds. VGLUT2 was co‐immunolocalized in some intragemmal nerve endings immunoreactive for Syt1, a calcium sensor implicated in vesicle membrane fusion. The present results suggest that afferent nerve endings innervating incisive taste buds release glutamate by exocytosis to modulate taste cell function.
Access to community water fluoridation in rural Victoria: It depends where you live…
Authors: Dickson‐Swift Virginia , Crocombe Leonard , Bettiol Silvana , Bracksley‐O'Grady Stacey
Published: February 2023

Objective

To explore the water fluoridation status of rural Victorian towns over 1000 population and document the oral health profile in the local government areas (LGAs) currently with no water fluoridation. To assist/inform future LGA planning, we describe a case study of a community‐based co‐design approach to increase access to fluoridated water in rural communities.

Design

A descriptive design and a case study.

Setting

Rural Victorian towns over 1000 population.

Participants

Twenty‐nine LGAs in rural areas.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

LGA water fluoridation status and oral health profiles.

Results

Sixty‐six (33%) of the 203 Victorian rural towns with >1000 population, representing 149 251 people, did not have access to fluoridated water. Towns in 29 rural LGAs were included with 62% without water fluoridation with many having higher than the Victorian average of preventable hospital admissions due to dental conditions in children aged 0–9 years. Over 50% of children aged 0–12 years living in these rural nonfluoridated LGAs had above‐the‐state average rates of decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT). In those aged 0–5 years, this was the highest with 78% above‐the‐state average. In the case study, meetings were well attended, and the group resolved to lobby for water fluoridation, which was successful.

Conclusion

Many Victorian rural towns do not have access to fluoridated water. A community‐based co‐design approach can dispel ill‐informed concerns about dangers of water fluoridation to successfully lobby the state government to fluoridate the local water supply.
Cultural values, system justification, meritocratic beliefs, and evaluations of governments' performance in handling the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Zhai Yida , Wu Qidi , Lu Yizhen
Published: February 2023

System justification and meritocratic beliefs legitimize the status quo of economic, social, and political arrangements, and may correlate with favourable evaluations of governments' performance during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study furthers research on this topic by examining (1) the cultural value antecedents of system justification and meritocratic beliefs, and (2) the differential effects of these on attitudes toward ingroups and outgroups from an intergroup perspective. The results show that collectivist values positively predict system justification and meritocratic beliefs, whereas a similar effect was not observed for individualist values. As hypothesized, system justification motivation was positively associated with favourable evaluation of the Chinese government (an ingroup). By contrast, system justification and meritocratic beliefs were negatively associated with evaluation of the American government (an outgroup). We discussed the implications for understandings of the cultural value bases of system justification and meritocratic beliefs, and the relevance of the lens of intergroup relations in studying those beliefs.
Effects of topical corticosteroid versus tacrolimus on insulin sensitivity and bone homeostasis in adults with atopic dermatitis—A randomized controlled study
Authors: Gether Lise , Storgaard Heidi , Kezic Sanja , Jakasa Ivone , Hartmann Bolette , Skov‐Jeppesen Kirsa , Holst Jens J. , Pedersen Anders J. , Forman Julie , van Hall Gerrit , Sørensen Ole E. , Skov Lone , Røpke Mads A. , Knop Filip K. , Thyssen Jacob Pontoppidan
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Topical corticosteroids (TCS), used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), have been associated with type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis in epidemiological studies, possibly explained by systemic absorption.

Objectives

We examined whether intensive daily whole‐body TCS treatment over 2 weeks followed by twice weekly application for 4 weeks could elicit insulin resistance and increase bone resorption in adults with AD.

Methods

A randomized parallel‐group double‐blind double‐dummy non‐corticosteroid‐based active comparator study design was completed in Copenhagen, Denmark. Thirty‐six non‐obese, non‐diabetic adults with moderate‐to‐severe AD were randomized to whole‐body treatment with betamethasone 17‐valerate 0.1% plus a vehicle once daily or tacrolimus 0.1% twice daily after washout. Insulin sensitivity assessed by the hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp combined with tracer infusions and biomarkers of bone formation (P1NP) and resorption (CTX) were evaluated at baseline, after 2 weeks of daily treatment and after further 4 weeks of twice‐weekly maintenance treatment.

Results

AD severity improved with both treatments and systemic inflammation was reduced. After 2 weeks, we observed similar increase in peripheral insulin sensitivity with use of betamethasone (n = 18) and tacrolimus (n = 18). Bone resorption biomarker, CTX, was unchanged, while bone formation marker, P1NP, decreased after betamethasone treatment after both 2 and 6 weeks but remained unchanged in the tacrolimus arm.

Conclusions

Whole‐body treatment with TCS leads to systemic exposure but appears not to compromise glucose metabolism during short‐term use, which may be a result of reduced systemic inflammatory activity. The negative impact on bone formation could be regarded an adverse effect of TCS.
European study showed that children with congenital anomalies often underwent multiple surgical procedures at different ages across Europe
Authors: Garne Ester , Loane Maria , Tan Joachim , Ballardini Elisa , Brigden Joanna , Cavero‐Carbonell Clara , Coi Alessio , Damkjær Mads , Garcia‐Villodre Laura , Gissler Mika , Given Joanne , Heino Anna , Jordan Sue , Limb Elizabeth , Neville Amanda , Rissmann Anke , Santoro Michele , Scanlon Ieuan , Urhoj Stine Kjaer , Wellesley Diana , Morris Joan
Published: February 2023

Aim

Children with congenital anomalies often require surgery but data on the burden of surgery for these children are limited.

Methods

A population‐based record‐linkage study in Finland, Wales and regions of Denmark, England, Italy and Spain. A total of 91 504 children with congenital anomalies born in 1995–2014 were followed to their tenth birthday or the end of 2015. Electronic linkage to hospital databases provided data on inpatient surgical procedures and meta‐analyses of surgical procedures were performed by age groups.

Results

The percentage of children having surgery in the first year was 38% with some differences across regions and 14% also underwent surgery at age 1–4 years. Regional differences in age at the time of their first surgical procedure were observed for children with cleft palate, hydronephrosis, hypospadias, clubfoot and craniosynostosis. The children had a median of 2.0 (95% CI 1.98, 2.02) surgical procedures before age 5 years with children with oesophageal atresia having the highest median number of procedures (4.5; 95% CI 3.3, 5.8).

Conclusion

A third of children with congenital anomalies required surgery during infancy and often more than one procedure was needed before age 5 years. There was no European consensus on the preferred age for surgery for some anomalies.
Meta‐analysis: Placebo rates in microscopic colitis randomised trials and applications for future drug development using a historical control arm
Authors: Hamilton Patrick , Buhler Katherine , MacDonald John K. , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Seow Cynthia H. , Lu Cathy , Novak Kerri L. , Andrews Christopher N. , Singh Siddharth , Jairath Vipul , Panaccione Remo , Ma Christopher
Published: February 2023

Background

Effective medical therapies for patients with microscopic colitis (MC) who fail budesonide are lacking. However, conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in MC has been challenging due to small sample sizes. Understanding placebo responses can help inform more efficient future trials.

Aims

The aim of this study is to estimate clinical and histologic placebo response rates and to determine factors associated with placebo response in MC.

Methods

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL were searched until 7 January 2022, to identify placebo‐controlled RCTs in adult patients with MC. Clinical and histologic response in the placebo arms were pooled using random‐effects models. Stratified analyses based on disease‐ and trial‐level characteristics, leave‐one‐out meta‐analysis, and cumulative meta‐analysis were performed.

Results

Twelve RCTs enrolling a total of 391 patients (placebo n = 163) with MC were included. Pooled clinical and histologic placebo response rates were 24.4% (95% CI: 12.4%–38.4%), I2 = 60.8%, p < 0.01, and 19.9% (95% CI: 5.3%–39.0%), I2 = 66.4%, p = 0.01 (tests for heterogeneity), respectively. Clinical response to placebo was numerically higher in patients with lymphocytic compared to collagenous colitis (39.9% vs. 19.8%, p = 0.08). Heterogeneity in clinical response to placebo was significantly reduced when the Miehlke 2014 RCT was excluded in the leave‐one‐out meta‐analysis or when a more stringent secondary definition of response based on the Hjortswang criteria was applied.

Conclusions

Approximately one‐quarter of patients in MC trials respond to placebo, although with substantial heterogeneity, reflecting the need for standardised outcome definitions and study designs for MC. This analysis also serves to inform future MC trials that may consider incorporating an external, historical placebo control arm, rather than directly randomising patients to placebo.
Reframing well‐being: Lessons from Aotearoa New Zealand's first wave COVID‐19 response
Authors: Stronge Dean C. , Greenaway Alison , Kannemeyer Robyn L. , Howard Chris
Published: February 2023

Well‐being is increasingly being promoted and used to describe social progress. However, tension exists between framings that focus on enhancing individual well‐being (living well) and societal or collective framings of well‐being (living well together). Well‐being is central to Aotearoa New Zealand's COVID‐19 response and recovery. The COVID‐19 pandemic reopened debates about what kind of society people want to live in. Our research explored the ‘shared typical’ or commonality of experiences of the first wave of COVID‐19 response in Aotearoa New Zealand. Semi‐structured interviews provided insights into a wide range of concerns participants faced and what that meant for their well‐being and the well‐being of Aotearoa New Zealand. We found that well‐being is both multidimensional and hierarchical, and while people talked about their own well‐being, it was often in the context of broader social well‐being. These findings support research showing that well‐being is relational. We suggest that Indigenous models of well‐being are well placed to inform policy strategies enabling holistic well‐being, but this needs to be done in ways that pair Indigenous and Western knowledge, rather than integrating or assimilating this knowledge into Western science approaches.
A sociological (Re)construction of the reflexive self: A convergence between Foucault and classical Confucian ethics
Authors: He Longtao
Published: February 2023

The emergence of a body of work on ethics since the 1990s with a special interest in the self in the Western academia, inspired by Michel Foucault's earlier work, resonates with a concomitant renewed scholarly interest in classical Confucian ethics both in China and internationally. An emphasis on culture and the rejection of a Euro‐centric universalist self in these bodies of work accompanies the disavowal of the very possibility of a generic reflexive self. This article seeks to critically examine the ontological positions on the self of these bodies of work, of Foucault's later thoughts, and of classical Confucian ethics. It is argued that there is a theoretical affinity between Foucault's later thoughts and classical Confucian ethics, with both philosophers acknowledging reflexivity as a universally inherited nature of self and making a special consideration of cultural equality and commonality. The examination includes advocacy for a more nuanced approach to notions of cultural equality that relies on targeted research and intercultural dialogue to avoid any predetermining of cultural differences, to allow better‐informed appreciation of differences, and to develop a more dynamic conceptualization of culture. This article concludes by initiating a discussion about the design of an integrated approach to cultivate reflexivity through training practices that bring together Foucauldian and Confucian ideas.
Barriers and enablers to delivering opportunistic behaviour change interventions during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study in healthcare professionals
Authors: Vogt Katharina Sophie , Johnson Judith , Conner Mark , Armitage Christopher J. , Keyworth Chris
Published: February 2023

Background

In line with public health policy, healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in the UK's National Health Service (NHS) are encouraged to deliver opportunistic health behaviour change interventions during routine consultations. The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare delivery has been wide‐ranging, but little is known about how the pandemic has affected the delivery of health behaviour change interventions. The present study aimed to examine the barriers and enablers to delivering opportunistic behaviour change interventions during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Twenty‐five qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted in January 2022 with a range of patient‐facing healthcare professionals (including nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, doctors and midwives) working in the NHS. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Two overarching themes were generated: (1) the healthcare system's response to COVID‐19, and (2) maintaining good HCP‐patient relationships: reluctance and responsibility. COVID‐19‐related barriers included exacerbated staffing pressures and a perceived inability to use IT equipment to facilitate conversations about health behaviour change (due to poor internet connectivity or ill‐equipped platforms). COVID‐19‐related enablers included the use of video consultations enabling less awkward and more honest conversations about health behaviours.

However, some barriers and enablers remained the same as pre‐pandemic, such as issues of role responsibility for discussing health behaviour change with patients, balancing holistic wellbeing advice with maintaining positive patient‐HCP relationships, and reluctance to deliver opportunistic behaviour change interventions.

Discussion

The increased use of remote consultations may facilitate the delivery of opportunistic health behaviour change interventions by healthcare professionals. However, there is also a strong need to improve staffing levels, in order that staff have the psychological and physical capabilities to engage patients in these conversations.
Compositional variation of the Zechstein Group in the Norwegian North sea: Implications for underground storage in salt caverns
Authors: Marín Dora , Cardozo Néstor , Escalona Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Halite beds in the upper Permian Zechstein Group represent an opportunity for the future development of underground storage caverns. However, geological factors such as lithological heterogeneities, cap rock characteristics and depth can affect the sealing capacity and the integrity of the cavern or contaminate the stored fluid. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate these factors focusing on the compositional variation of the Zechstein Group in different salt structures in the Norwegian North Sea, and related opportunities and challenges for salt cavern storage. Based on deformation style, geometry, height and thickness of the salt structures, we have divided the Zechstein Group into four main categories: (1) thin beds, which can be either carbonate‐anhydrite or clastic dominated. Halite is absent and therefore there is no potential for the development of salt caverns. (2 and 3) bedded to weakly deformed evaporites and intermediate size salt structures, where thick halite beds of more than 300 m are present, but they are usually deeper than 2000 m. Lithological heterogeneities in the halite consist of a mix of competent and incompetent (K‐Mg salts) lithologies. (4) Tall diapirs, characterized by shallower structures (<2000 m), with large deformation and poor seismic image. Thin layers of incompetent K‐Mg salts are observed in these diapirs. The composition, thickness and deformation of the cap rock vary greatly in the area. Thick halite beds are recognized in most salt structures, suggesting an opportunity for underground storage. The challenges are related to the depth of the halite, amount and type of heterogeneities, characteristics of the cap rock and deformation in the different salt structures. These results also have implications for the distribution of reservoir and source rocks, and the evolution of the Northern Permian Basin.
Generation of human otic neuronal organoids using pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Sun Gaoying , Tang Mingming , Wang Xinyue , Li Da , Liu Wenwen , Qi Jianhuan , Wang Haibo , Hu Baoyang
Published: February 2023

Otic neurons, also known as spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in mammalian cochlea, transmit electrical signals from sensory hair cells to cochlear nuclei of the auditory system. SGNs are sensitive to toxic insults, vulnerable to get irreversible damaged and hardly regenerate after damage, causing persistent sensorineural hearing loss. Yet, to get authentic SGNs for research or therapeutic purpose remains challenging. Here we developed a protocol to generate human otic neuronal organoids (hONOs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs), in which hESCs were step‐wisely induced to SGNs of the corresponding stages according to their developmental trajectory. The hONOs were enriched for SGN‐like cells at early stage, and for both neurons and astrocytes, Schwann cells or supporting cells thereafter. In these hONOs, we also determined the existence of typical Type I and Type II SGNs. Mature hONOs (at differentiation Day 60) formed neural network, featured by giant depolarizing potential (GDP)‐like events and rosette‐organized regions‐elicited calcium traces. Electrophysiological analysis confirmed the existence of glutamate‐responsive neurons in these hONOs. The otic neuronal organoids generated in this study provide an ideal model to study SGNs and related disorders, facilitating therapeutic development for sensorineural hearing loss.
The impact of the distance between patient residency and heart transplant center on outcomes after heart transplantation
Authors: Lechiancole Andrea , Ferrara Veronica , Sponga Sandro , Benedetti Giovanni , Guzzi Giorgio , Nalli Chiara , Nora Concetta Di , Maiani Massimo , Spagna Enrico , Daffarra Cristian , Piani Daniela , Meneguzzi Matteo , Bressan Marilyn , Calandruccio Rubens Maria , Brindicci Ylenia , Vendramin Igor , Livi Ugolino
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Heart transplant (HTx) recipients require continuous monitoring and care in order to prevent and treat possible complications related to the graft function or to the immunosuppressive treatment promptly. Since heart transplantation centers (HTC) are more experienced in managing HTx recipients than other healthcare facilities, the distance between patient residency and HTC could negatively affect the outcomes.

Methods

Data of patients discharged after receiving HTx between 2000 and 2021, collected into our institutional database, were retrospectively analyzed. The population was divided into three groups: A (n = 180), B (n = 157), and C (n = 134), according to the distance tertiles between patient residency and HTC. The primary end‐point was survival, secondary end‐points were incidences of complications.

Results

Recipient and donor characteristics did not differ between the three groups. Survival at 10 years was 66 ± 4%, 66 ± 4%, and 65 ± 5%, respectively, for groups A, B, and C (p = .34). Immunosuppressive regimen and rate of complications did not differ between groups. However, the rates of outpatient visits and of hospitalization performed at HTC were higher in group A than others.

Conclusion

Distance from the HTC does not represent a barrier to a successful outcome for HTx recipients, as long as regular and continuous follow‐up is provided.
Diagnosis of acinic cell carcinoma of the salivary gland on cytology specimens: Role of NOR‐1 (NR4A3) immunohistochemistry
Authors: Meiklejohn Karleen , Hrones Morgan , Wang Minhua , Prasad Manju L. , Cai Guoping , Adeniran Adebowale , Gilani Syed M.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC) is often a challenging diagnosis on cytology. Recently, NOR‐1 (NR4A3) has been demonstrated as a sensitive and specific marker for AcCC. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate NOR‐1 expression in AcCC cytology specimens and to compare its reactivity in other salivary gland tumours (non‐AcCC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our database and selected cytology cases with available cell blocks, including 10 AcCC and 24 non‐AcCC tumours (12 benign tumours and 12 malignant tumours). NOR‐1 (1:50 dilution; SC393902 [H‐7]; Santa Cruz Biotech) immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on all cases.

Results

All AcCC cases except two (2/10, 80%) showed positive nuclear staining of variable intensity for NOR‐1, with the majority of cases (75%) demonstrating at least moderately intense nuclear expression. All non‐AcCC cases were negative for NOR‐1, demonstrating a specificity of 100%.

Conclusion

We conclude that NOR‐1 IHC is sensitive and very specific on cytology specimens and is able to distinguish AcCC from its mimickers reliably and classify them appropriately for further management.
Haemoglobin spherulosis: Fine needle aspiration biopsy of an unusual ocular lesion
Authors: Challa Bindu S. , Wakely Paul E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Haemoglobin spherulosis (HS) is a rare lesion occurring post‐vitreous haemorrhage that is absent from the cytopathology literature.

Methods

We present the fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy cytological features of a case of HS occurring in a 73‐year‐old woman.

Results

FNA smears of hemorrhagic vitreous fluid showed numerous variably sized smooth glassy spherules ranging from 3‐20 μm. Occasional red cells and a rare lymphocyte were observed, but other cell types were absent. Immunohistochemical staining of a cell block showed diffuse positive staining of spherules with haemoglobin A.

Conclusions

HS is a rare lesion that occurs post‐subretinal haemorrhage and may be encountered by pathologists examining ocular cytological specimens.