bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Females outperform males in spatial learning despite increased amyloid plaques and microgliosis in a TgF344-AD rat model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chaudry Osama , Ndukwe Kelechi , Xie Lei , Serrano Peter A. , Figueiredo-Pereira Maria E. , Rockwell Patricia
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and is the sixth leading cause of death in the US. AD is more prevalent in females than males. While estrogen provides neuroprotection in females, sex mediated differences in the development of AD pathology are not fully elucidated. Therefore, a comparison of the events that develop between sexes in the early-stage of AD pathology may reveal new potential targets for more effective therapeutic intervention. To address sex differences, we analyzed early stage 9-month male and female TgF344-AD (Tg-AD) rats, an AD model carrying the APPswe and Presenilin 1 (PS1ΔE9) mutations that develops progressive age-dependent AD pathology similar to humans. Using active place avoidance (aPAT) tests that assess hippocampal-dependent spatial learning and memory, we found significant deficits in Tg-AD females compared to wild type females, but no significant difference between the two male genotypes. Moreover, significant sex differences were observed in that Tg-AD females outperformed Tg-AD males in several measures of the aPAT test. Unexpectedly, Tg-AD females displayed higher levels of hippocampal amyloid plaques and amoeboid microglia than their Tg-AD male littermates. Furthermore, Tg-AD females experienced less hippocampal neuronal loss and had higher GluA2 subunit levels than Tg-AD males. Based on our findings, we propose that estrogen may protect females against cognitive impairment at early stages of AD by regulating GluA2 levels independently of amyloid plaque deposition and gliosis. Elucidating this potential protective mechanism of action of estrogen in AD could lead to new targets for early intervention.
Stress during work placement – examining positive outcomes for hospitality students in a work-integrated learning programme
Authors: Ramgoolam-Atchiamith Anusha , Khan Aila , Rodrigues Cristina , Wardle Karina Michelle
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is an integral part of hospitality curriculums in Australia. Experiencing stress during WIL is expected, as students try to balance work and other responsibilities. Previous studies have usually examined the negative impact of stress on individuals. By referring to relevant theories, this paper argues the positive impact of stress and reports on a study which aimed to investigate whether stress – experienced by students during WIL – leads to resilience and well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Hospitality students from different backgrounds enrolled at a tertiary institution completed an online survey. This study uses structural equation modelling (SEM), to test the proposed links between stress, resilience and well-being.

Findings

The study results show that “academic pressure” (mean score = 3.57) is the most common stressor identified by hospitality students. This was followed by stress caused by “time pressure” (mean score = 3.01). Model testing reveals that experiencing “career development concerns” has a statistically significant association with resilience. Moreover, there is a strong link (β = 0.624) between resilience and well-being.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution by proposing positive outcomes related to stress during WIL. A handful of studies have looked at similar concepts. However, this paper uses statistical techniques to measure and analyse relationships between different variables. By running an SEM, the authors were able to test a linear causal relationship which identifies stressors leading to a significant impact on resilience. Similarly, the strength of relationship between resilience and well-being is also empirically tested.
Corporate internet reporting in Egypt: a pre- and peri-uprising analysis
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed Hassan , Elmaghrabi Mohamed , Burton Bruce , Dunne Theresa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed descriptive account and analysis of corporate internet reporting (CIR) practices among non-financial companies listed on the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) at two points in time – December 2010 (pre) and December 2013 (peri) political and social unrest in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed a disclosure index to determine the extent of CIR practices among all non-financial companies listed on the EGX in December 2010 and December 2013. The study uses ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions and isometric log-ratio transformations for compositional independent variables to empirically examine the factors affecting CIR in Egypt using a modern institutional theory lens.

Findings

The findings of this investigation suggest that listed companies in Egypt have started embracing the power of the internet as a disclosure channel, but the extent of these practices increased significantly over the investigated period, with great variations evident among the sampled companies in this regard. Such variations were chiefly dependent on the changing institutional actors over the two time frames. Additionally, the findings show that the time factor is particularly important for a given institutional field to induce a sufficient diffusion of corporate practices, especially in periods with drastic institutional change.

Practical implications

The evidence presented reflects the voluntary nature of CIR practices and the absence of a reinforced regulatory framework for organizing and monitoring such practices, with companies having discretion in terms of the amount and type of information disclosed via their websites. The results should, therefore, provide useful guidelines for regulators and standard-setters in identifying best practices, which, in turn, should allow CIR practices to become more consistent, making them easier to monitor and govern.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines CIR practices at two points in time using a comprehensive disclosure index and a modern institutional theory lens.
Are university “living labs” able to deliver sustainable outcomes? A case-based appraisal of Deakin University, Australia
Authors: Martek Igor , Hosseini M. Reza , Durdyev Serdar , Arashpour Mehrdad , Edwards David J.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Universities have recognized their rich endowments in research, academic skills and facilities, as uniquely suited to finding “green” solutions. Moreover, the campus setting itself presents as a microcosm of greater society through which to investigate and test innovations. Thus, the “living lab” was born, a means of coupling sufficient resources and active stakeholders in the pursuit of practical, sustainable solutions. Much of the work to date, however, remains piecemeal, small-scale and disparate. This study aims to propose that the work of such labs must ultimately be directed, coordinated and integrated under a “university sustainability office,” if they are to be ultimately effective.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach is twofold. In the first instance, a literature review charting the history and progress of living labs is reported, with emphasis of the university context. Second, a case study appraisal of Deakin University’s initiatives in adopting and promoting sustainability through the living lab framework is undertaken.

Findings

A main finding of this paper is that current efforts remain piecemeal and peripheral. If the apparent ambiguity regarding commitment is to be overcome, Deakin University should adopt measures as adopted by peer leaders in the field. Specifically, the setting up of a centralizing sustainability function bestowed with the capacity to coordinate university-wide living lab efforts, and at such a scale that substantial benefits transferable to greater society is generated.

Originality/value

This paper stands out among previous studies in the field through facilitating a transition to living lab for other universities, where findings facilitate that progress and consider how the lessons learnt might inform the further evolution of university living lab initiatives.
Factors affecting users’ stickiness of fitness apps: an empirical study based on the S-O-R perspective
Authors: Teng Xianzhong , Bao Zheshi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Despite fitness applications (apps) are increasingly downloaded by smartphone users in recent years, the usage behavior after initial adoption often lasts for a short period of time for most users. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors affecting stickiness of fitness app and then indicate how to retain existing users.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was developed based on stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) model. Using the data collected from 231 fitness app users through an online survey, the established model was empirically assessed by structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results show that human-to-information interaction and human-to-human interaction as environmental stimuli affect individuals' internal state, including social comparison and perception of fitness self-management, which consequently influence the stickiness of fitness apps.

Originality/value

The study provides new insights into the mechanism regarding why users are willing to continuously use fitness apps. Moreover, the understanding of social comparison among users in such process was also deepened.
Governance structures and price volatility perceptions in the Indonesian chilli value chain
Authors: Muflikh Yanti Nuraeni , Adhikari Rajendra , Abdul Aziz Ammar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the governance structures of the Indonesian chilli value chain, price volatility issues across the chain and to critically explore the value chain actors' perceptions and responses to price volatility.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used semi-structured interviews with 148 primary actors of the Indonesian chilli value chain. In-depth interviews with 22 key stakeholders – from local, provincial and national levels – were conducted in order to obtain additional information about their roles and the current policies and challenges in the chilli industry. The authors also conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers and support providers and held a national workshop to gather governance and price volatility risk-related information.

Findings

The Indonesian chilli value chains are long, complex and involve multiple actors. Most relationships within the value chains are based on market governance in which price regulates transactions. Most value chain actors shared a similar perception of price volatility and its causes. Under different governance structures, the value chain actors identified production, product characteristics and marketing as a major cause of price volatility. Although strategies applied by the value chain actors varied, in the main they are all aimed at minimising the impact of price volatility. Contractual arrangements are viable alternatives to minimising price risk.

Research limitations/implications

This research relies primarily on qualitative data derived from purposive data collection methods, which may reduce the ability to generalise the findings. A quantitative analysis is required to validate the level of price volatility perceived by the stakeholders and to assess the cause and impact of price volatility across the chain. Future research should focus on proposing and assessing potential policy interventions that address price volatility, in order to facilitate the development of the Indonesian chilli industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the governance structures of the Indonesia chilli value chain, the value chain actors' perceptions of price volatility and their responses under the different types of governance in a developing country context.
Native advertising relevance effects and the moderating role of attitudes toward social networking sites
Authors: Yoon Hye Jin , Huang Yan , Yim Mark Yi-Cheon
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Native advertising on social media continues to be a popular ad placement for marketers. With native ad-content relevance in need of further exploration regarding individual differences and social media public sentiment waning, this study set out to test the effects of ad-content relevance of native ads varying by users' pre-existing social networking site (SNS) attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were conducted with native ads relevant and irrelevant to the surrounding media content with SNS attitude as a measured moderator and perceived ad importance as the mediator.

Findings

Across Instagram and Twitter, SNS attitude moderated the effect of ad relevance on ad responses. Users that had lower SNS attitudes had significantly higher ad ratings that were relevant (vs. irrelevant) to the media content, while those that had higher SNS attitudes did not show differences. The lower SNS attitude individuals showed a greater appreciation for the relevant ads through the mediating effect of perceived importance.

Practical implications

Marketers need to look beyond traditional ad attitude models and craft ad content strategies that consider target audiences' SNS preferences. Layering targeting tactics on Instagram and Twitter such as “interests” and “life events” with demographic targeting could help increase the chances of ad-content relevance. SNSs should advance their ad placement tools and utilize image, speech, and text recognition algorithms to help achieve ad-content relevance for greater ad effectiveness.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature by identifying SNS attitude as a qualifier of ad-content relevance effect for SNS native ads and uncovering perceived ad importance as the underlying psychological mechanism.
Designing a collection tree using Omeka
Authors: Mandal Sukumar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to look into the three major new innovative components such as collection tree, tags cloud and geolocation for developing digital library system. This study aims to develop and design an integrated framework for enhancing this services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study will develop a single purpose-driven framework for the domain. It will vary user-friendly architecture on expanding the collection tree based on a high-level operating system and plugins. Now software programs are available in the Omeka Web repository. The whole integrated framework has been designed based on the Linux Operating platform and LAMP architecture towards depends on proper installation and configuration of the “Collection Tree” module with Omeka for both the administration and user interfaces.

Findings

With this integrated structure, keyword cloud users will have easy access to objects and full-text content. Because it can save readers time, the collection tree is helpful in them. This integrated framework for constructing and designing the collection tree for the digital library allows geolocation-based searches from multiple collections.

Originality/value

The integrated domain-specific framework has been designed and developed for the libraries. So, it is feasible to provide better library services in inter-operability and crosswalk through the Omeka collection tree interface. It increases the advanced search mechanism for users using this innovative module and techniques towards creating collection trees based on tag clouds and geolocation for library professionals and advanced level users from multiple collections of hierarchy.
Financing Approaches to Social Prescribing Programs in England and the United States
Authors: SANDHU SAHIL , ALDERWICK HUGH , GOTTLIEB LAURA M.
Published: March 2022

Policy Points

The number of social prescribing practices, which aim to link patients with nonmedical services and supports to address patients’ social needs, is increasing in both England and the United States.

Traditional health care financing mechanisms were not designed to support social prescribing practices, and flexible payment approaches may not support their widespread adoption.

Policymakers in both countries are shifting toward developing explicit financing streams for social prescribing programs. Consequently, we need an evaluation of them to assess their success in supporting both the acceptance of these programs and their impacts.

Investment in community‐based organizations and wider public services will likely be crucial to both the long‐term effectiveness and the sustainability of social prescribing.
Psychopathic femicide: The influence of psychopathy on intimate partner homicide
Authors: Santos‐Hermoso Jorge , González‐Álvarez José Luis , López‐Ossorio Juan José , García‐Collantes Ángel , Alcázar‐Córcoles Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2022

High scores in psychopathy were associated with acts of violence, and the prevalence of this condition is greater among the prison population than among the general population. In terms of its relation to femicide, two studies, one carried out in Sweden and another in Spain with a prison population, found that psychopathy is an uncommon condition among perpetrators of femicide. This study analyzes 97 cases of femicide in the whole of Spain, in which it was possible to evaluate the degree of psychopathy of the perpetrators using the Psychopathy Checklist‐Revised (PCL‐R). The scores are analyzed not only directly, but also in terms of Factors and Facets. The results show an average in the total score of the PCL‐R of 14.4, with only 13 subjects (13.4%) presenting scores of 25 or more, and just 3 (3.1%) of these presenting scores of 30 or higher. It was found that, in general, high scores in psychopathy are associated with shorter relationships and less time between the first complaint, the breakup, and the femicide. What is more, characteristics of the victims, such as addiction to toxic substances or economic dependency, also demonstrated a relationship to the scores of the perpetrators of femicide in the PCL‐R. Lastly, it was found that the scores in the different dimensions of psychopathy are associated with different types of violence, whereby there was a noteworthy difference between the most explicit violence and control exercised over the partner.
That's Not a Two-Sided Test! It's Two One-Sided Tests!
Authors: Rubin Mark
Published: March 2022

When reporting tests of significance, researchers might claim to have conducted a two-sided test when in fact they have conducted two one-sided tests. Mark Rubin explains the confusion and how to avoid it.
Remembering Sir David Cox, 1924–2022
Authors: Firth David , Reid Nancy , Mayo Deborah G. , Battey Heather
Published: March 2022

Sir David Cox died on 18 January 2022 at the age of 97. News of his passing was met with an outpouring of tributes. To the Royal Statistical Society, he was “one of the most important statisticians of the past century”. At Nuffield College, Oxford, he was hailed as “a pioneering statistician”. The MRC Biostatistics Unit at Cambridge called him “a giant in the field”, while at St John's College, Cambridge, he was celebrated as “an inspiring scholar”. In this special collection of articles, friends and colleagues remember Sir David in their own way, while also reflecting on his immense contributions to statistics
An exploratory study of industry perspectives to inform undergraduate nutrition employability initiatives
Authors: Croxford Sharon , Stirling Emma , McLeod Susan , Biesiekierski Jessica , Murray Emily , Ng Ashley H. , Bramley Andrea , Forsyth Adrienne
Published: March 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore nutrition professionals' perspectives of nutrition graduates' employability skills, and knowledge and skills required in the industry to understand gaps in undergraduate nutrition curriculum.

Methods

Nutrition professionals (n = 26) across Australia were approached to participate in semi‐structured interviews via telephone in 2018. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, data analysed using thematic analysis, and results interpreted and discussed.

Results

Nine participants across six work environments completed interviews. Common work roles were identified in their diverse areas of practice: nutrition educators, food developers, team members, and business leaders. Nutrition professionals identified that, in addition to evidence‐based discipline knowledge, key skills and knowledge needed for their roles were interpersonal communication, including writing and listening. Participants highlighted the need for employability skills to be embedded within curriculum with emphasis on professional skills, business skills and discipline‐specific skills in communicating complex science messages to a range of audiences. Networking, and formal and informal work‐integrated learning were viewed as important vehicles for developing required skills. Participants expected that universities develop curriculum to address gaps; however, reflection by the academic researchers suggested this should be a joint role.

Conclusions

Early career planning, professional skill development, work experience and networking opportunities should enhance graduate employability.
Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside, cyanidin, and oxidation products of cyanidin protect neuronal function through alleviating inflammation and oxidative damage
Authors: Zhu Zhenzhu , Yang Lipin , Li Zhong , Liu Qin
Published: March 2022

Neurotoxicity seriously affects the normal function of the nervous system. Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) is the most abundant anthocyanin widely distributed in plants. Using β‐amyloid (Aβ) transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans and cell models, the neuroprotective effect of C3G was examined. The results showed that C3G remarkably suppressed Aβ aggregation, enhanced antioxidant capacity, improved the sensitive capacity towards chemical compounds, and boosted the memory ability of C. elegans. There was no significant difference between preventive and long‐term treatment groups at the same dosage of C3G. Given the rapid metabolism and oxidation of C3G in vivo, the antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory activities of C3G, the metabolite cyanidin (Cy), oxidation products of Cy (OP), as well as protocatechuic acid (PCA) at the corresponding level in OP were compared by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated BV2 microglia cell model. The results indicated that C3G, Cy, and OP could prevent BV2 cells against LPS‐induced inflammation and oxidative damage. There was no significant difference on antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory activities among C3G, Cy, and OP at the same level. Notably, PCA at the corresponding concentration in OP exhibited limited antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory activities. The results suggested that C3G could exert neuroprotective function through the metabolite Cy and its oxidation products by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative damage, and PCA was not the primary bioactive species in OP.

Practical Application

This study confirmed the neuroprotection of cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans. C3G, its metabolite cyanidin (Cy), and oxidation products of Cy (OP) alleviated both neuroinflammation and oxidative damage. It highlighted that C3G‐rich foods could exert neuroprotective potential through their oxidation products, the constitution, and existence of OP in vivo need further study.
Thymoma exhibiting spontaneous regression with developing myasthenia gravis: A case report
Authors: Nishina Kazuhisa , Suzuki Mikito , Nakamura Azusa , Shimizu Reiko , Shima Toshiyuki , Harada Masahiko , Hishima Tsunekazu , Horio Hirotoshi
Published: March 2022

Spontaneous regression (SR) of thymoma is rare. A 44‐year‐old man with right chest pain underwent computed tomography (CT), which showed an 11.0 cm mass in the anterior mediastinum and right pleural effusion. He refused surgery and was sent home without medication and additional treatment. One year later, the mass had regressed to 5.5 cm, and the right pleural effusion had disappeared. He was then lost to follow‐up. Four years after the initial visit, he presented with diplopia and fatigue. A significant increase in his anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibody levels led to myasthenia gravis (MG) diagnosis. CT revealed a regressed mediastinal mass (3.0 cm). After extended thymectomy, histologic analysis confirmed a thymoma type B2, Masaoka stage IIa. The SR was due to intratumoral infarction. This report is the first to describe MG developing during SR. Anterior mediastinal tumors undergoing SR should be differentiated from thymomas and MG perioperative development should be considered.
Congenital syphilis prevention in the context of methamphetamine use and homelessness
Authors: Plotzker Rosalyn E. , Burghardt Nicole O. , Murphy Ryan D. , McLean Rachel , Jacobson Kathleen , Tang Eric C. , Seidman Dominika
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

Congenital syphilis (CS) is increasing in the United States and is associated with intersecting social and structural determinants of health. This study aimed to delineate birthing parent characteristics associated with CS in an adjusted model.

Methods (n = 720)

People diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy from 2017 to 2018 who were interviewed and linked to infants in the California state surveillance system were included (herein, “birthing parents”). Sociodemographic and clinical CS risk factors informed a stepwise multivariable logistic regression model in which the outcome of interest was infants born with CS. CS prevention continuums delineated the proportion of pregnant people with syphilis who completed steps (e.g., prenatal care entry, syphilis testing, treatment) needed to prevent CS; the outcome was delivering an infant without CS. We stratified continuums by homelessness and methamphetamine use to explore differences in CS outcomes.

Results

Of 720 birthing parents, 245 (34%) delivered an infant with CS. Although CS was initially associated with homelessness (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6, 4.0) and methamphetamine use (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.1), the addition of prenatal care into a final adjusted model attenuated these associations to not significant. In CS prevention continuums, delivering an infant without CS was less likely for people who reported methamphetamine use (p < .001) and/or homelessness (p < .001). However, when examining only those who received prenatal care, statistical differences for these predictors no longer existed. In the final adjusted model the following were associated with CS: no prenatal care (OR = 16.7, 95% CI: 9.2, 30.3) or late prenatal care (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.9, 4.2); early stage of syphilis (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.8, 3.7); living in Central California (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.2).

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

This is the first analysis to explore birthing parent characteristics associated with delivering an infant with CS in an adjusted model. We demonstrate that prenatal care, when accessed, can result in effective CS prevention among people who are unhoused and/or using methamphetamine equally well compared to counterparts without these risk factors.
Industry Specialization and Audit Quality: Evidence from Audit Firm Switches in China*
Authors: Ding Fangfei , Qiao Ziwei , Hu Mingxia , Lu Minkang
Published: March 2022

Numerous studies have investigated the consequences of auditor switching. This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the impact of industry specialization on audit quality using audit firm switches in China. We find that changing from a non‐specialist to a specialist at the auditor partner level rather than the audit firm level decreases discretionary accruals and increases value relevance and the likelihood of modified audit opinions and going‐concern opinions. These results suggest that upward partner‐level industry specialization improves audit quality for clients, which attenuates the negative impact of an audit switch.
Improving operative documentation in colorectal cancer surgery: synoptic notes pave the way forward
Authors: Buchanan Jayvee , McCombie Andrew , Connor Saxon , Eglinton Tim
Published: March 2022

Background

Synoptic operative reports may improve reporting of key operative information. This study aimed to compare information included in synoptic reports with narrative notes following the introduction of a synoptic reporting system at a tertiary colorectal cancer referral centre.

Methods

A standardized synoptic template incorporating the operative fields in the Australasian Bi‐National Colorectal Cancer Audit (BCCA) was introduced for colorectal cancer surgery at the host institution in 2017. Colorectal cancer patients were identified from a prospectively collected database to collate samples of synoptic and narrative operative reports for comparison. The primary outcome was reporting of colon and rectal cancer‐specific quality measures. Synoptic reporting of quality measures by clinician grade and uptake of synoptic reporting were also measured.

Results

Five hundred and ninety‐five operative reports were reviewed; 84% of all quality measures were included in synoptic reports and 43% in narrative reports describing colon cancer surgery (P <0.001). Synoptic reports describing rectal cancer surgery included 84% of quality measures with 40% reported in narrative reports (P <0.001). Reporting for most individual quality measures did not change depending on clinician experience. Synoptic reporting methods were used to document 80% of all colon cancer surgery and 84% of rectal cancer surgery.

Conclusion

Synoptic operative reports were superior to narrative reports in documenting quality measures. Synoptic reporting facilitates simultaneous data capture and bulk upload for audits including the BCCA. Development of synoptic operative reports standardized across Australasian colorectal cancer centres should be further investigated as a tool to facilitate collaborative audit and research.
Biogeographic and evolutionary history of Crotonoideae based on pollen evidence from Indian Late Cretaceous and Paleogene sediments
Authors: Bansal Mahi , Mishra Shreya , Prasad Vandana
Published: March 2022

Euphorbiaceae Juss. is a globally distributed angiosperm family with considerable diversity. It is divided into five subfamilies, each of which possesses pollen of distinct morphology. The subfamily Crotonoideae, occurring in evergreen, moist deciduous as well as dry deciduous forests of the world, shows a disjunct distribution pattern in Gondwana and Southeast Asia. This subfamily underwent multiple speciation and extinction events during the northward voyage of the Indian Plate during the Late Cretaceous‐early Paleogene. We studied Crotonoideae fossil pollen from the Late Cretaceous Deccan Intertrappeans (Central India) and early Paleogene sediments from the western Indian lignite mines, and as a result, report 10 pollen fossils showing similarity with the extant generaBlachia,Croton,Endospermum,Jatropha,Klaineanthus, andTetrorchidium, representing 4 tribes of Crotonoideaeviz. Adenoclineae, Codiaeae, Crotoneae, and Jatropheae. Fossil evidences from the present study suggest a Gondwanan origin for Crotonoideae. Based on the extant and fossil species, Africa could be the place of origin for most of the Crotonoideae lineages that later dispersed to India via the Kohistan‐Ladakh Island Arc during the late Maastrichtian‐Paleocene time. The former distribution of Crotonoideae in mid‐high latitudinal regions is due to the dispersal of the subfamily from Africa to mid latitudinal regions of northern hemisphere during the early Paleogene via the boreotropical dispersal route. This study also corroborates the “Out of India” hypothesis for the dispersal of Crotonoideae from India to Southeast Asia. The present deep‐time fossil records from India discussed in this study substantiate the evolutionary and biogeographic history of subfamily Crotonoideae.
Which recipient pretransplant factors, such as MELD, renal function, sarcopenia, and recent sepsis influence suitability for and outcome after living donor liver transplantation? A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Roll Garrett R. , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Jalal Arif , Yan Cheung Tsz , Olthoff Kim M. , Caicedo Juan C. , Lee Kwang‐Woong , Yagi Shintaro , Cattral Mark S. , Soin Arvinder S. ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: March 2022

Background

Varied access to deceased donors across the globe has resulted in differential living donor liver transplant (LDLT) practices and lack of consensus over the influence of models for end stage liver disease (MELD), renal function, sarcopenia, or recent infection on short‐term outcomes.

Objectives

Consider these risk factors in relation to patient selection and provide recommendations.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central.

Methods

PRIMSA systematic review and GRADE. PROSPERO ID: RD42021260809

Results

MELD >25–30 alone is not a contraindication to LDLT, and multiple studies found no increase in short term mortality in high MELD patients. Contributing factors such as muscle mass, acute physiologic assessment and chronic health evaluation score, donor age, graft weight/recipient weight ratio, and inclusion of the middle hepatic vein in a right lobe graft influence morbidity and mortality in high MELD patients. Higher mortality is observed with pretransplant renal dysfunction, but short‐term mortality is rare. Sarcopenia and recent infection are not contraindications to LDLT. Morbidity and prolonged LOS are common, and more frequent in patients with renal dysfunction, nutritional deficiency or recent infection.

Conclusions

When individual risk factors are studied mortality is low and graft loss is infrequent, but morbidity is common. MELD, especially with concomitant risk factors, had the greatest influence on short term outcome, and recent infection had the least. A multidisciplinary team of experts should carefully assess patients with multiple risk factors, and an optimal graft is recommended.
Vulnerability of facial attractiveness perception to early and multi‐year visual deprivation
Authors: Gupta Priti , Shah Pragya , Shrestha Swochchhanda , Gilad‐Gutnick Sharon , Ganesh Suma , Gandhi Tapan , Sinha Pawan
Published: March 2022

Judgments of facial attractiveness invariably accompany our perception of faces. Even neonates appear to be capable of making such judgments in a manner consistent with adults. This suggests that the processes supporting facial attractiveness require little, if any, visual experience to manifest. Here we investigate the resilience of these processes to several years of early‐onset visual deprivation. Specifically, we study whether congenitally blind children treated several years after birth possess the ability to rate facial attractiveness in a manner congruent to normally sighted individuals. The data reveal significant individual variability in the way each newly sighted child perceives attractiveness. This is in marked contrast to data from normally sighted controls who exhibit strong across‐subject agreement in facial attractiveness ratings. This variability may be attributable, in part, to atypical facial encoding strategies used by the newly sighted children. Overall, our results suggest that the development of facial attractiveness perception is likely to be vulnerable to early visual deprivation, pointing to the existence of a possible sensitive period early in the developmental trajectory.
Recognition of facial emotion expressions and perceptual processes in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Buzzanca Antonino , Accinni Tommaso , Frascarelli Marianna , Troisi Eloisa , Kotzalidis Georgios D. , Di Bonaventura Carlo , Fanella Martina , Putotto Carolina , Marino Bruno , Pasquini Massimo , Biondi Massimo , Di Fabio Fabio
Published: March 2022

Background

Social cognition (SC) deficits and of its facial emotion expression (FEE) component have been described in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS), a high‐risk for schizophrenia (SCZ) systemic genetic syndrome. Correlations between deficits in FEE skills and visual‐spatial abilities in people with 22q11.2DS warrant investigation.

Methods

The sample consisted of 37 patients with 22q11.2DS (DEL), 19 with 22q11.2DS and psychosis (DEL‐SCZ), 23 with idiopathic SCZ, and 48 healthy controls. We assessed FEE through The Ekman 60 Faces test (EK‐F60), visual‐spatial skills with Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices, and symptom severity with the positive And negative syndrome scale. Statistics were conducted through multivariate analysis of variance and correlation analysis.

Results

Patients with 22q11.2DS performed worse that the other groups in recognizing Surprise, Disgust, Rage, Fear, and Neutral expressions on the EK‐F60. Recognition of Surprise and Disgust correlated positively with visual‐spatial abilities in patients with 22q11.2DS; negative and cognitive symptoms correlated negatively with recognition of Sadness, Surprise, and Disgust.

Conclusions

Patients with 22q11.2DS show impairments of both peripheral and central steps of the emotional recognition process, leading to SC deficits. The latter are present regardless of the presence of a full‐blown psychosis.
Cerebrovascular disease in suspected non‐Alzheimer's pathophysiology and cognitive decline over time
Authors: Saridin Francis Nicole , Chew Kimberly Ann , Reilhac Anthonin , Gyanwali Bibek , Villaraza Steven Gayoles , Tanaka Tomotaka , Scheltens Phillip , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Chen Christopher Li Hsian , Hilal Saima
Published: March 2022

Background

The underlying cause of cognitive decline in individuals who are positive for biomarkers of neurodegeneration (N) but negative for biomarkers of amyloid‐beta (A), designated as Suspected non‐Alzheimer's pathophysiology (SNAP), remains unclear. We evaluate whether cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) is more prevalent in those with SNAP compared to A−N− and A+N+ individuals and whether CeVD is associated with cognitive decline over time in SNAP patients.

Methods

A total of 216 individuals from a prospective memory clinic cohort (mean [SD] age, 72.7 [7.3] years, 100 women [56.5%]) were included and were diagnosed as no cognitive impairment (NCI), cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND), Alzheimer's dementia (AD) or vascular dementia (VaD). All individuals underwent clinical evaluation and neuropsychological assessment annually for up to 5 years. Carbon 11‐labeled Pittsburgh Compound B ([11C]‐PiB) or [18F]‐flutafuranol‐positron emission spectrometry imaging was performed to ascertain amyloid‐beta status. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess neurodegeneration as measured by medial temporal atrophy ≥2, as well as significant CeVD (sCeVD) burden, defined by cortical infarct count ≥1, Fazekas score ≥2, lacune count ≥2 or cerebral microbleed count ≥2.

Results

Of the 216 individuals, 50 (23.1%) A−N+ were (SNAP), 93 (43.1%) A−N−, 36 (16.7%) A+N− and 37 (17.1%) A+N+. A+N+ individuals were significantly older, while A+N+ and SNAP individuals were more likely to have dementia. The SNAP group had a higher prevalence of sCeVD (90.0%) compared to A−N−. Moreover, SNAP individuals with sCeVD had significantly steeper decline in global cognition compared to A−N− over 5 years (p = 0.042).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CeVD is a contributing factor to cognitive decline in SNAP. Therefore, SNAP individuals should be carefully assessed and treated for CeVD.
On electron loss lowering at hematite photoelectrode interfaces
Authors: Bedin Karen C. , Rodríguez‐Gutiérrez Ingrid , Peregrino Lizandra R. P. , Vayssieres Lionel , Souza Flavio L.
Published: March 2022

Photoelectrodes nanoscale interface design has become a key factor to enhancing their photoelectrochemical performance for water splitting by reducing the photogenerated charge recombination, thus ensuring their efficient separation, transport, and collection. In this work, hematite (α‐Fe2O3) photoanodes were prepared from a simple and scalable methodology capable of synergistically mitigating the charge loss and recombination at all interfaces (i.e., fluorine‐doped tin oxide/hematite, hematite/hematite, and hematite/electrolyte) and achieving overall efficiency of ∼50% for the water oxidation reaction compared to pristine photoelectrodes. The external quantum efficiency at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode of pristine hematite was enhanced 6.7 times with the modifications of the three interfaces (Al2O3/NbH/NiFeOx). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and intensity‐modulated photocurrent spectroscopies were applied to probe and monitor the photogenerated charge carrier dynamics revealing a substantial improvement in charge separation and collection at the back‐contact interface as well as a partial mitigation of the surface states at the hematite–electrolyte interface.
Assessing the nonlinear decay of community similarity: Permutation and site‐block resampling significance tests
Authors: Martínez‐Santalla Sara , Martín‐Devasa Ramiro , Gómez‐Rodríguez Carola , Crujeiras Rosa M. , Baselga Andrés
Published: March 2022

Aim

Modelling how community similarity decays with spatial distance is a key tool for the study of the processes behind community variation (beta diversity). Distance‐decay models are computed from pairwise metrics (i.e. community similarity and spatial distance between localities) and hence suffer from pairwise dependence in the data, precluding the use of standard significance tests. Besides, distance‐decay patterns are inherently nonlinear because similarity is bounded between 1 and 0. However, the only standard method to assess model significance under pairwise dependency is the Mantel test, which considers a linear model. To allow the use of nonlinear models in the assessment of distance‐decay patterns, we introduce here a nonlinear significance test combining a pseudo‐R2 statistic with either permutations or block‐site resampling with replacement.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Applicable to any taxon.

Methods

To assess the performance of the pseudo‐R2 significance test (i.e. type I error and statistical power), we have applied this method to exponential and power‐law generalized linear models of simulated distance‐decay data. We compared its performance with the one of a linear model (i.e. Mantel test) and illustrated its use with real data.

Results

The pseudo‐R2 significance test has generally good type I error and statistical power, even for highly nonlinear relationships. The Mantel test shows an adequate empirical approximation of type I error, but presents lower statistical power when the distance‐decay relationship highly departs from linearity.

Main conclusions

The proposed pseudo‐R2 significance test for nonlinear models is adequate for exponential and power‐law models of distance‐decay of similarity and should be preferred over the linear Mantel test. Furthermore, this significance test could also be used in other nonlinear distance‐based regressions. The novel site‐block resampling method could also be applied to other statistical questions related to distance‐decay models that cannot be tackled using permutations, such as estimating the variance of model parameters.
Long‐term effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination in the nursing home setting
Authors: Rivasi Giulia , Bulgaresi Matteo , Bandinelli Chiara , Balzi Daniela , Tarantini Francesca , Tognelli Silvia , Lorini Chiara , Buscemi Primo , Baggiani Lorenzo , Landini Giancarlo , Ungar Andrea , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo , Mossello Enrico , Benvenuti Enrico
Published: March 2022

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination has significantly reduced infection, hospitalization, and lethality rates among nursing home (NH) residents, but durability of vaccine effects remains unknown.

This study investigated the long‐term impact of BNT162b2 SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine on breakthrough infection rates in the NHs of Florence, Italy.

Methods

Participants included residents living in Florence NHs as of April 1st, 2021, who had completed the primary SARS‐CoV2 vaccination course by February 15th, 2021. Weekly rates of breakthrough infection were calculated between April 1st and October 31st 2021, with 7‐day incidence defined as the number of new confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive residents over the vaccinated resident census. Hospital admissions and deaths were recorded from local administrative and clinical sources. Patients admitted to NHs after April 1st were excluded to avoid confounding effect of different vaccination timing.

Results

Among 2271 vaccinated residents (mean age 86.6, 74% female), we recorded 105 cases of breakthrough infections. Rates of breakthrough infection remained very low in the 6 months after vaccination, but started to rise over the following months, peaking at 0.94%, and then became stable around 0.2%–0.3%. Over the study period, infection rates remained low as compared to the incidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pre‐vaccination period. Overall hospitalization and lethality rates were 8%.

Conclusions

Among vaccinated NH residents, rates of breakthrough SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, hospitalization and lethality remained low up to 9 months following primary vaccination course. A mild resurgence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, after 6 months from vaccination, suggests a decline of vaccine effectiveness in preventing transmission.
Mortgage Lending, Default, and the Community Reinvestment Act
Authors: RINGO DANIEL
Published: March 2022

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) encourages banks to lend to low‐ and moderate‐income individuals. This paper estimates the effect of the CRA on mortgage lending, exploiting variation in the set of banks whose lending performance is assessed in a given neighborhood due to redefinitions of Metropolitan Statistical Areas in 2003. Incorporating a typical tract into one additional banks' assessment area increased mortgage lending there by approximately 2%. Lending to low‐income borrowers was particularly affected. While income‐conditional default risk was little changed, CRA‐induced loans were riskier than average, due to their borrowers' lower incomes.
Evaluation of correlated studies using liquid cell and cryo‐transmission electron microscopy: Hydration of calcium sulphate and the phase transformation pathways of bassanite to gypsum
Authors: Ilett M. , Freeman H. M. , Aslam Z. , Galloway J. M. , Klebl D. P. , Muench S. P. , McPherson I. J. , Cespedes O. , Kim Y‐Y. , Meldrum F. C. , Yeandel S. R. , Freeman C. L. , Harding J. H. , Brydson R. M. D.
Published: March 2022

Insight into the nucleation, growth and phase transformations of calcium sulphate could improve the performance of construction materials, reduce scaling in industrial processes and aid understanding of its formation in the natural environment. Recent studies have suggested that the calcium sulphate pseudo polymorph, gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) can form in aqueous solution via a bassanite (CaSO4·0.5H2O) intermediate. Some in situ experimental work has also suggested that the transformation of bassanite to gypsum can occur through an oriented assembly mechanism. In this work, we have exploited liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) to study the transformation of bassanite to gypsum in an undersaturated aqueous solution of calcium sulphate. This was benchmarked against cryogenic TEM (cryo‐TEM) studies to validate internally the data obtained from the two microscopy techniques. When coupled with Raman spectroscopy, the real‐time data generated by LCTEM, and structural data obtained from cryo‐TEM show that bassanite can transform to gypsum via more than one pathway, the predominant one being dissolution/reprecipitation. Comparisons between LCTEM and cryo‐TEM also show that the transformation is slower within the confined region of the liquid cell as compared to a bulk solution. This work highlights the important role of a correlated microscopy approach for the study of dynamic processes such as crystallisation from solution if we are to extract true mechanistic understanding.