bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of trading partner relationships and knowledge complementarity on innovation performance
Authors: Astuti Endang Siti , Arifin Zainul , Wilopo Wilopo , Iqbal Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of environmental characteristics, business partnership relationship, knowledge complementarity, organizational characteristics on knowledge management practices and innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used primary data, i.e. data obtained directly from the distribution of questionnaires to respondents, namely, the company’s managers/leaders/directors in the companies that became the research sample. Data were collected by sending questionnaires either by mail or email to the respondents. To examine the effect of environmental characteristics, business partnership relationship, knowledge complementarity and organizational characteristics on knowledge management practices and innovation performance.

Findings

Environmental characteristics, business partnership relationship, knowledge complementarity and organizational characteristics partially have a significant effect on knowledge management practices. Environmental characteristics and business partnership relationship partially have a significant effect on innovation performance, while knowledge complementarity and organizational characteristics have no significant effect. For other constructs, knowledge management practices are able to be a moderator variable, which can relate these constructs with innovation performance.

Originality/value

The research using the diffusion of innovation paradigm, the combination of market-based and knowledge-based paradigms is expected to fill the previous research gap and become the first uniqueness and originality, as well as characteristic of this research. The second originality is this research examines the role of the knowledge management practice variable as the moderator variable. Then, the third originality is this research investigates the relationship between business partner relationship and innovation performance. These three originalities are still rarely studied in previous studies, so this research will further complement, expand the study, especially in the knowledge management, innovation performance area.
Effect of on-farm testing on adoption of banana production technologies among smallholder farmers in Meru region, Kenya
Authors: Kirimi Florence Kaumi , Onyari Charles Nyambane , Njeru Lucy Karega , Mogaka Hezron Rasugu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of on-farm testing on the adoption of banana production technologies among smallholder farmers in the Meru region, Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a pragmatic paradigm and a cross-sectional survey design, sampling 370 and 30 farmers proportionately from 269,499 to 19,303 smallholder banana farmers in Meru and Tharaka-Nithi Counties of Kenya, respectively.

Findings

The study revealed that there was an association between belonging to a banana farming testing group and the adoption of banana technology. The study also revealed that most farmers were not interested in adopting banana technologies as they preferred the use of conventional methods, due to unstable market prices, lack of subsidized banana production input, inaccessibility to technological materials, few extension experts and lack of enough demonstrations.

Research limitations/implications

Some respondents were not willing to freely offer the information required for this study. This was delimited by assuring the informants of the confidentiality of their responses.

Originality/value

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The agricultural extension service providers will have more light on the underlying issues that need to be considered if meaningful interventions are to be done on various aspects of the banana value chain.
From “personal” to “interpersonal”: a multilevel approach to uncovering the relationship between job satisfaction and knowledge sharing among IT professionals
Authors: Lei Yang , Zhou Qiang , Ren Jifan , Cui Xiling
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine how job satisfaction (JS) affects two types of knowledge sharing (KS), in-role KS and extra-role KS. It also investigates the mediating effect of knowledge sharing self-efficacy (KSSE) and the moderating effect of team collaborative culture (TCC) between JS and two types of KS.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies attribution theory to develop a cross-level model and validate it through paired data collected from 322 information technology professionals nested within 80 teams. Hierarchical linear modeling is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

JS positively influences in-role and extra-role KS via KSSE and TCC positively moderates the relationship between JS and extra-role KS.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to investigate the mechanism underlying the influence of JS on two types of KS. It also identifies the mediating and moderating effects of this mechanism.
Institutional complexity and family business development: a case study of the Charoen Pokphand group
Authors: Wang Bo , Liang Qiang , Song Lihong , Xu Erming
Published: September 2021

Purpose

With features of both “family” and “business,” family businesses must seek a balance between the emotional aspect of “family” and the economic aspect of “business” in its organizational and decision-making processes to ensure the sustainability of the family’s entrepreneurship. This study aims to focus on how internal institutional complexity combined evolves alongside the growth of the family business.

Design/methodology/approach

The research looks, from the perspective of institutional logic, into the Charoen Pokphand Group, which is an epitome of overseas Chinese family businesses and proceeds to build a model of family business growth in the context of institutional complexity.

Findings

The research finds that as a family business grows, institutional complexity inside the organization would change from aligned period to sustaining period and then to dominant period. Then further elucidates the process of proactive response in different stages of the development of a family business. Attaching equal importance to the cultivation of entrepreneurship and to the continuation of family values and culture is the crucial mechanism by which Chinese family businesses seek a balance between family logic and business logic.

Originality/value

This paper unveils the change of institutional complexity in the evolution of family businesses and the process of action of its agency as an organization, and simultaneously partly reveals the features of entrepreneurship that overseas Chinese family businesses have as they grew, which is of positive significance for exploring and building a path of growth unique to Chinese family businesses.
Descriptive Data Analysis of Inequality of Economic Opportunity using the Queensland Family Cohort Pilot Study
Authors: Gannon Brenda , Jayawardana Danusha , Clifton Vicki
Published: September 2021

The Queensland Family Cohort Pilot Study follows 450 women over the course of their pregnancy and after giving birth, collecting a wealth of information on socioeconomic characteristics, health, healthcare use and biological samples. The focus of this paper is to demonstrate how these data may be used to measure inequality of opportunity, between advantaged and disadvantaged populations, for mothers, partners and babies, in terms of their mental health and use of scarce health care resources. This paper provides the foundation for future analyses when a wider Queensland study is proposed to collect data from 12,500 families.
Disciplinary exclusion: wicked problems in wicked settings
Authors: Hallett Fiona , Hallett Graham
Published: September 2021

This paper uses Rittel and Webber’s categorisation of wicked problems in order to interrupt discourses around school behaviour. Each of the 10 characteristics suggested by Rittel and Webber are examined using the English education system as a vehicle by which to consider and interrogate their complexity. This endeavour is crucial as although the characteristics of wicked problems naturally overlap, the cannot, and should not, be conflated if we wish to understand how different facets of a wicked problem shed light, and create shadows, that impact on all members of a school community. That school communities can be wicked settings adds nuance to the complexity of the problems that we face when educating students whose behaviours challenge the norms of their educational environment.
Indigenising the curriculum: Transcending Australian geography’s dark past
Authors: Williams Stewart , Anders Robert , Vreugdenhil Roger , Byrne Jason
Published: September 2021

Australian geography has been implicated in the White settler colonial project, including in the dispossession of Aboriginal peoples from their lands and the denigration of Aboriginal knowledges. Recognising the harm caused by this racist past is crucial if geography education is to play a stronger role in decolonisation. Much work is already underway. This article reports on a process to Indigenise the curriculum, building a partnership between Aboriginal people and Australian geography educators at the University of Tasmania. Tasmanian geographers and spatial scientists have begun working with Aboriginal people to come to terms with the discipline’s history of genocide, dispossession and cultural politics of extinction. A workshop that was the foundation for this process generated valuable insights into how to include the knowledge and practices of Aboriginal peoples in geography and planning curricula; build communities of practice; and learn to live lawfully and lore‐fully on Country. Lessons learned have informed curriculum renewal and are helping to build new relationships.
Mineral content, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds of gluten‐free tarhana formulated with different cereal and pulse flours
Authors: Çalışkan Koç Gülşah , Tekgül Yeliz , Erten Edibe Seda , Akdoğan Arda
Published: September 2021

This research was intended to determine the effect of different cereal and pulse flours and commercial gluten‐free flour on the mineral content, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds of the gluten‐free tarhana (cereal‐based fermented dry soup). In order to produce the gluten‐free tarhana, white bean (BF), chickpea (CF), commercial gluten‐free (GWF), yellow lentil (LF), and rice (RF) flours were used. The Mg, K, Al, and Mn contents of tarhanas obtained using different pulse and cereal flours were found to be quite high compared to tarhanas produced with commercial GWF. The utilization of different cereal and pulse flours in the tarhana formulation resulted in an increase in the percentage (30.37–51.47%) of the total polyunsaturated fatty acid (TPUFA). The highest (452.4 µg/g) and the lowest (241.17 µg/g) total concentration of all compounds were detected in BF and GWF, respectively. The highest number (21) of compounds belonged to terpenes and terpenoids, followed by acids, hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and alkanes.

Practical Application

This study shows that cereal and pulse flours can be used to produce acceptable tarhana with improved nutritional quality in terms of mineral and fatty acid contents. The results of the current study may be useful and applicable to food manufacturers producing gluten‐free products for celiac patients.
Continuous‐surface geographic assignment of migratory animals using strontium isotopes: A case study with monarch butterflies
Authors: Reich Megan S. , Flockhart D. T. Tyler , Norris D. Ryan , Hu Lihai , Bataille Clément P.
Published: September 2021

Strontium isotope ratios (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) have shown promise for tracing the geographic origin of animal tissues because they have high‐resolution and show discrete spatial patterns independent and complementary to those of light isotopes. In this study, we provide a complete quantitative framework to apply ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr for tracking migratory animals using the eastern North American population of monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus as a case study.

To enable continuous‐surface geographic assignment using ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, we recommend following five key steps: (a) assessing feasibility, (b) sample collection, (c) laboratory analysis, (d) modelling the isoscape and (e) geographic assignment. We provide a detailed outline of these steps and then focus on steps 3–5 for the case study. For monarchs, using an extensive plant ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr dataset (n = 400), geospatial data and a machine learning approach, we first calibrate a regional, high‐resolution ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isoscape (i.e. a baseline for ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr assignment) over their eastern North American summer breeding range. We then use the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isoscape to estimate the posterior probability surface of natal origin for 100 monarchs of unknown origin.

Our results demonstrate that ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr can greatly improve the precision of isotope‐based geographic assignment. Furthermore, combining δ2H and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr into a dual assignment provides the most constrained area of natal origin.

We provide a framework for ecologists and palaeoecologists to apply ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr‐based geographic assignments for animal movement studies using contemporary or archived samples. The addition of the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr assignment tool will enhance our ability to study migration and dispersal in a wide variety of animals.
Frequency, indications and success of out‐of‐hospital intubations in Finnish children
Authors: Elonheimo Lauri , Ljungqvist Harry , Harve‐Rytsälä Heini , Jäntti Helena , Nurmi Jouni
Published: September 2021

Background

Earlier studies have shown variable results regarding the success of paediatric emergency endotracheal intubation between different settings and operators. We aimed to describe the paediatric population intubated by physician‐staffed helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) and evaluate the factors associated with overall and first‐pass success (FPS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study in Finland including all children less than 16 years old who required endotracheal intubation by a HEMS physician from January 2014 to August 2019. Utilising a national HEMS database, we analysed the incidence, indications, overall and first‐pass success rates of endotracheal intubation.

Results

A total of 2731 children were encountered by HEMS, and intubation was attempted in 245 (9%); of these, 22 were younger than 1 year, 103 were aged 1–5 years and 120 were aged 6–15 years. The most common indications for airway management were cardiac arrest for the youngest age group, neurological reasons (e.g., seizures) for those aged 1–5 years and trauma for those aged 6–15. The HEMS physicians had an overall success rate of 100% (95% CI: 98–100) and an FPS rate of 86% (95% CI: 82–90). The FPS rate was lower in the youngest age group (p = .002) and for patients in cardiac arrest (p < .001).

Conclusions

Emergency endotracheal intubation of children is successfully performed by a physician staffed HEMS unit even though these procedures are rare. To improve the care, emphasis should be on airway management of infants and patients in cardiac arrest.
Tranexamic acid for prevention of bleeding in cesarean delivery: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Hurskainen Tomi , Deng Mimi X. , Etherington Cole , Burns Joseph K. , Martin Calderon Leonardo , Moher David , Edwards Wesley , Boet Sylvain
Published: September 2021

Background

Bleeding is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the world. Tranexamic acid reduces bleeding in trauma and surgery. Several systematic reviews of randomized trials have investigated tranexamic acid in the prevention of bleeding in cesarean delivery. However, the conclusions from systematic reviews are conflicting. This overview aims to summarize the evidence and explore the reasons for conflicting conclusions across the systematic reviews.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted from inception to April 2021. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessments were performed by two independent reviewers. A Measurement Tool to Assess Reviews 2 and the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews were used for study appraisal. A qualitative synthesis of evidence is presented.

Results

In all, 14 systematic reviews were included in our analysis. Across these reviews, there were 32 relevant randomized trials. A modest reduction in blood transfusions and bleeding outcomes was found by most systematic reviews. Overall confidence in results varied from low to critically low. All of the included systematic reviews were at high risk of bias. Quality of evidence from randomized trials was uncertain.

Conclusions

Systematic reviews investigating prophylactic tranexamic acid in cesarean delivery are heterogeneous in terms of methodological and reporting quality. Tranexamic acid may reduce blood transfusion and bleeding outcomes, but rigorous well‐designed research is needed due to the limitations of the included studies. Data on safety and adverse effects are insufficient to draw conclusions.
Sensitivity of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging in transient global amnesia as a function of time from symptom onset
Authors: Wong Matthew L. , e Silva Lucas Oliveira J. , Gerberi Danielle J. , Edlow Jonathan A. , Dubosh Nicole M.
Published: September 2021

Background

The objective was to systematically evaluate the sensitivity of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) for transient global amnesia (TGA) across various time frames compared to the reference‐standard clinical criteria.

Methods

All indexed publications related to TGA and MRI through June 2020 were retrieved by a medical librarian. Two independent reviewers identified original research studies of adults with a clinical diagnosis of TGA using Caplan and Hodges and Warlow criteria (reference standard) who were evaluated with DW‐MRI. Pooled estimates and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the proportion of acute TGA patients with positive DW‐MRI (i.e., sensitivity) were obtained using random‐effects meta‐analysis for various time frames. Quality assessment was performed using the revised Quality of Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐2) tool.

Results

After screening 665 reports, we identified 81 potentially relevant studies. Twenty‐three studies representing 1688 patients met eligibility criteria, but not all studies had data available for meta‐analysis. The pooled sensitivity (also described as positivity rate) of DW‐MRI was 15.6% (95% CI = 2.6%–35.0%) between 0 and 12 h from symptom onset, 23.1% (95% CI = 6.1%–45.7%) at 0–24 h, 72.8% (95% CI = 40.8%–96.3) at 12–24 h, 68.8% (95% CI = 44.8%–88.8%) at 24–36 h, 72.4% (95% CI = 59.8%–83.5%) at 36–48 h, 82.8% (95% CI = 54.7%–99.6%) at 48–60 h, 66.9% (95% CI = 47.5%–83.9%) at 60–72 h, and 72.0% (95% CI = 30.1%–100.0%) at 72–96 h. There was significant concern for risk of bias in the QUADAS‐2 domains of patient selection and index test, yielding a low level of certainty in the pooled estimates.

Conclusion

DW‐MRI lesions are uncommon in patients with TGA early after symptom onset, but the sensitivity (i.e., positivity rate) of DW‐MRI increases with time. Despite the limited quality of existing evidence, obtaining an early DW‐MRI in patients with clinical diagnosis of TGA in the acute setting is likely a low‐yield test.
Share‐loan pledging and relaxation of share‐repurchase restrictions in China
Authors: Guo Qi , Kryzanowski Lawrence , Li Mingyang , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2021

We examine a period in which the in‐principle prohibition of share repurchases was relaxed in 2018 to allow for the repurchase of shares whose prices dropped materially or were below book value. We find that share‐loan pledges by controlling shareholders are significantly and positively associated with share repurchases for a sample of 3,531 Chinese firms. This finding is robust using entropy and propensity score matched samples, 2SLS IV regressions, regression discontinuity design (RDD), and two exogenous shocks (the China–US trade war in 2018 and the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020). The association remains robust but becomes less strong with state ownership and with above industry average firm agency problems, leverage ratios and financial constraints/distress (i.e., other share repurchase motives). Our findings highlight the importance of financial market regulations on share‐loan pledging and share repurchases in emerging markets during periods of heightened firm‐specific and systemic margin call risk and impending liquidation of share‐loan pledges.
Reducing craving and consumption in individuals with drug addiction, obesity or overeating through neuromodulation intervention: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of its follow‐up effects
Authors: Song Sensen , Zilverstand Anna , Gui Wenjun , Pan Xuefei , Zhou Xiaolin
Published: September 2021

Background and aims

Non‐invasive brain stimulation has shown potential in clinical applications aiming at reducing craving and consumption levels in individuals with drug addiction or overeating behaviour. However, it is unclear whether these intervention effects are maintained over time. This study aimed to measure the immediate, short‐ and long‐term effects of excitatory transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting at dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) in people with drug addiction or overeating.

Methods

A systematic review and random effects meta‐analysis. We included 20 articles (total of 22 studies using randomized controlled trials: 3 alcohol dependence, 3 drug dependence, 12 smoking, 4 overeating; total: 720 participants) from January 2000 to June 2020, which reported at least one follow‐up assessment of craving, consumption or abstinence levels after the intervention. We compared effects of active versus sham stimulation immediately after the intervention and at the last follow‐up assessment, as compared with baseline.

Results

Excitatory neuromodulation of dlPFC activity reduced craving and consumption immediately after the intervention (craving: g = 0.734, CI = 0.447–1.021, P < 0.001; consumption: g = 0.527, CI = 0.309–0.745; P < 0.001), as well as during short‐, mid‐ and long‐term abstinence (craving: g = 0.677, CI = 0.440–0.914, P < 0.001; consumption: g = 0.445, CI = 0.245–0.645, P < 0.001; abstinence levels: g = 0.698, CI = 0.433–0.963, P < 0.001; average time of follow‐up: 84 ± 83 days after last stimulation). Additional analysis demonstrated that the intervention effects were sustained in all populations studied (food, nicotine, alcohol or drug abuse) and with both stimulation techniques used (rTMS, tDCS). Interventions targeting at the left (vs right) hemisphere may be more effective.

Conclusions

Excitatory neuromodulation targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex appears to lead to a sustained reduction of craving and consumption in individuals with addiction or overeating behaviour.
Oncostatin M stimulates immature Leydig cell proliferation but inhibits its maturation and function in rats through JAK1/STAT3 signaling and induction of oxidative stress in vitro
Authors: Tian Lili , Li Xueyun , Wang Yiyan , Chen Quanxu , Li Xiaoheng , Ge Ren‐Shan , Li Xingwang
Published: September 2021

Background

: Oncostatin M (OSM) is a member of the interleukin‐6 group of cytokines, which can regulate cell proliferation, growth, and function. Immature Leydig cells have the ability to proliferate and differentiate, and adult Leydig cells have the function of testosterone synthesis. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of OSM on the proliferation and function of Leydig cells remain unclear.

Methods

: The effects of OSM on the proliferation, apoptosis, and function of immature Leydig cells isolated from 35‐day‐old rats and the function of adult Leydig cells isolated from 63‐day‐old rats in vitro.

Results

: OSM stimulated immature Leydig cell proliferation after up‐regulating the expression of Ccnd1 and Cdk4 to drive the transition of G1 phase to M2 phase in the cell cycle at 10 and 100 ng/ml. OSM did not affect the apoptosis of immature Leydig cells up to 100 ng/ml. OSM inhibited testosterone production in immature and adult Leydig cells by down‐regulating the expression of Lhcgr, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Cyp17a1 at 1–100 ng/ml. OSM induced reactive oxygen species and down‐regulated the expression of antioxidant genes and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential at 10 and 100 ng/ml in both Leydig cells. Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) antagonist filgotinib and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) antagonist S3I‐201 reversed the effect of OSM, indicating that it acts on JAK1/STAT3 signaling.

Conclusion

: Oncostatin M stimulates immature Leydig cell proliferation while inhibiting the function of immature and adult Leydig cells.
Neurodevelopmental problems and quality of life in 6‐year‐olds with a history of developmental language disorder
Authors: Ottosson Simon , Schachinger Lorentzon Ulrika , Kadesjö Björn , Gillberg Christopher , Miniscalco Carmela
Published: September 2021

Aim

To explore family‐reported neurodevelopmental functioning and quality of life in 6‐year‐olds who had screened positive for developmental language disorder at age 2.5 years.

Methods

Parents of 85 6‐year‐old children completed questionnaires about child neurodevelopmental difficulties and quality of life. The children were interviewed regarding quality of life, and their language was assessed by speech and language pathologists. Test results at 6 years identified three subgroups: children with developmental language disorder (n = 68) or speech sound disorder (n = 6) and children with no current language disorder (n = 11).

Results

Out of the 68 children with developmental language disorder, 33 (48%) had significant parent‐rated problems with language, executive functions 17 (25%), perception 15 (22%) and/or motor skills 15 (22%). Four (67%) of the children with speech sound disorder had significant problems with language. Significant problems were reported with language in five (45%) and with perception in four (36%) children with no current language disorder. The parents reported no impaired quality of life, whereas the children themselves reported impairment mainly with school functioning.

Conclusions

Overlap between language difficulties and other neurodevelopmental problems was higher in 6‐year‐olds who had screened positive for developmental language disorder about 3 years earlier, than in the general population. The parent and child reports of quality of life were not consistent.
Hispano‐American Brain Bank on Neurodevelopmental Disorders: An initiative to promote brain banking, research, education, and outreach in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Dufour Brett D. , Albores‐Gallo Lilia , Luna‐Muñoz Jose , Hagerman Randi , Miquelajauregui Amaya , Buriticá Efrain , Saldarriaga Wilmar , Pacheco‐Herrero Mar , Yris Silvestre‐Sosa Ana , Mazefsky Carla , Gastgeb Holly , Kofler Julia , Casanova Manuel , Hof Patrick R. , London Eric , Hagerman Paul , Martínez‐Cerdeño Verónica
Published: September 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are conditions that present with brain dysfunction due to alterations in the processes of brain development. They present with neuropsychiatric, cognitive, and motor symptoms. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are two of the most common NDDs. Human brain tissue is a scarce resource that is obtained from postmortem donations. In the case of NDDs, specifically autism, the reduced donation rate of brains prevents researchers to investigate its pathology and fine anatomy. The Hispano‐American Brain Bank of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Banco Hispanoamericano de CErebros de trastornos del NEurodesarrollo) or CENE is a large‐scale brain bank for neurodevelopmental disorders in Hispano‐America and the US. CENE's objectives are to collect and distribute brains of patients with NDDS, with a focus on ASD and FXS, to perform research, promote education of future scientists, and enhance public awareness about the importance of human tissue availability for scientific research on brain function and disease. CENE has thus far established a bilingual system of nodes and teams in several American countries including California‐US, Pennsylvania‐US, México, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Dominican Republic. CENE ensures that postmortem NDD samples used in research better match the world's genetic and ethnic diversity. CENE enables and expands NDD brain research worldwide, particularly with respect to ASD and FXS.
Active exercise after polypectomy reduces the risk of metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasm
Authors: Chang Wei‐Yuan , Lin Hsuan‐Ho , Chang Li‐Chun , Hsu Wen‐Feng , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Chiu Han‐Mo
Published: September 2021

Background and study aims

Exercise is associated with a lower risk of colorectal neoplasm but its association with metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasm development after polypectomy remains unclear. We aimed to investigate associations between subjects’ exercise habits and the risk of metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasm.

Patients and methods

This study analyzed subjects older than 40 years who received screening colonoscopy with polypectomy and surveillance colonoscopy between January 2009 and December 2016. All participants completed a standard questionnaire containing exercise habits before surveillance colonoscopy. Subjects’ exercise habits were quantified as weekly exercise amounts (metabolic equivalents of task‐day/week) and dichotomized (active/sedentary exercise habit) using averages as the cut‐off point. The associations between incidence of metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasm and exercise habits were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression models.

Results

A total of 1820 subjects comprised the study cohort and 86 (4.73%) of them developed metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasm during the surveillance period. An active exercise habit after polypectomy was associated with a lower risk of metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasm (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.91). Furthermore, this protective effect from exercise was specific for subjects having advanced neoplasm at screening colonoscopy (aHR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11–0.94).

Conclusions

An active exercise habit after polypectomy, a surrogate for a more active lifestyle, is associated with a lower risk for developing metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasm. A positive lifestyle modification, such as maintaining/establishing an active exercise habit, should be advised after polypectomy, especially for those with advanced colorectal neoplasm during screening.
Prevalence and clinical outcomes of myocarditis and pericarditis in 718,365 COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Buckley Benjamin J.R. , Harrison Stephanie L. , Fazio‐Eynullayeva Elnara , Underhill Paula , Lane Deirdre A. , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: September 2021

Background

COVID‐19 has a wide spectrum of cardiovascular sequelae including myocarditis and pericarditis; however, the prevalence and clinical impact are unclear. We investigated the prevalence of new‐onset myocarditis/pericarditis and associated adverse cardiovascular events in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records from a global federated health research network. Patients were included based on a diagnosis of COVID‐19 and new‐onset myocarditis or pericarditis. Patients with COVID‐19 and myocarditis/pericarditis were 1:1 propensity score matched for age, sex, race and comorbidities to patients with COVID‐19 but without myocarditis/pericarditis. The outcomes of interest were 6‐month all‐cause mortality, hospitalisation, cardiac arrest, incident heart failure, incident atrial fibrillation and acute myocardial infarction, comparing patients with and without myocarditis/pericarditis.

Of 718,365 patients with COVID‐19, 35,820 (5.0%) developed new‐onset myocarditis and 10,706 (1.5%) developed new‐onset pericarditis. Six‐month all‐cause mortality was 3.9% (n = 702) in patients with myocarditis and 2.9% (n = 523) in matched controls (p < .0001), odds ratio 1.36 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–1.53). Six‐month all‐cause mortality was 15.5% (n = 816) for pericarditis and 6.7% (n = 356) in matched controls (p < .0001), odds ratio 2.55 (95% CI: 2.24–2.91). Receiving critical care was associated with significantly higher odds of mortality for patients with myocarditis and pericarditis. Patients with pericarditis seemed to associate with more new‐onset cardiovascular sequelae than those with myocarditis. This finding was consistent when looking at pre‐COVID‐19 data with pneumonia patients.

Conclusions

Patients with COVID‐19 who present with myocarditis/pericarditis associate with increased odds of major adverse events and new‐onset cardiovascular sequelae.
Minimal models provide maximally parsimonious explanations
Authors: Biddick Matt , Burns Kevin C.
Published: September 2021

We are delighted that Diniz‐Filho et al. agree with the main premise of our paper, and we welcome their critique, as constructive debate will help foster a better understanding of size evolution on islands. Our perspective on each of their criticisms is discussed in greater detail below.
Assessing the levels of intraspecific admixture and interspecific hybridization in Iberian wild goats (Capra pyrenaica)
Authors: Cardoso Tainã Figueiredo , Luigi‐Sierra María Gracia , Castelló Anna , Cabrera Betlem , Noce Antonia , Mármol‐Sánchez Emilio , García‐González Ricardo , Fernández‐Arias Alberto , Alabart José Luis , López‐Olvera Jorge Ramón , Mentaberre Gregorio , Granados‐Torres José Enrique , Cardells‐Peris Jesús , Molina Antonio , Sànchez Armand , Clop Alex , Amills Marcel
Published: September 2021

Iberian wild goats (Capra pyrenaica, also known as Iberian ibex, Spanish ibex, and Spanish wild goat) underwent strong genetic bottlenecks during the 19th and 20th centuries due to overhunting and habitat destruction. From the 1970s to 1990s, augmentation translocations were frequently carried out to restock Iberian wild goat populations (very often with hunting purposes), but they were not systematically planned or recorded. On the other hand, recent data suggest the occurrence of hybridization events between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats (Capra hircus). Augmentation translocations and interspecific hybridization might have contributed to increase the diversity of Iberian wild goats. With the aim of investigating this issue, we have genotyped 118 Iberian wild goats from Tortosa‐Beceite, Sierra Nevada, Muela de Cortes, Gredos, Batuecas, and Ordesa and Monte Perdido by using the Goat SNP50 BeadChip (Illumina). The analysis of genotypic data indicated that Iberian wild goat populations are strongly differentiated and display low diversity. Only three Iberian wild goats out from 118 show genomic signatures of mixed ancestry, a result consistent with a scenario in which past augmentation translocations have had a limited impact on the diversity of Iberian wild goats. Besides, we have detected eight Iberian wild goats from Tortosa‐Beceite with signs of domestic goat introgression. Although rare, hybridization with domestic goats could become a potential threat to the genetic integrity of Iberian wild goats; hence, measures should be taken to avoid the presence of uncontrolled herds of domestic or feral goats in mountainous areas inhabited by this iconic wild ungulate.
Medical image analysis of multiple myeloma based on convolutional neural network
Authors: He Jinxia , Zhang Kaifeng
Published: September 2021

The staging diagnosis of multiple myeloma is conducive to the treatment of patients and can improve the survival rate of patients. In particular, the early diagnosis of multiple myeloma is more helpful to the cure of patients. However, multiple myeloma has a slow onset. Due to no obvious symptoms in the early stage, it is easily misdiagnosed. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been used in medical image detection to improve diagnosis efficiency. However, because of the slow onset of multiple myeloma in the early stage, how to segment diagnosis is a difficult point, which leads to less studies on the application of CNN algorithm in multiple myeloma. In order to fill this gap, a large number of existing multiple myeloma imaging data was used to construct a CNN model, and input the retained case image data into the constructed CNN to verify the accuracy of the neural network. The results showed that the accuracy rate of the neural network model constructed in this study was 0.87, which was higher than the accuracy rate of manual detection of 0.77. Therefore, it can be proved that the CNN model established in this paper is effective. At the same time, it is found that the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to classify and classify multiple myeloma has a high accuracy rate. Our results prove that the neural network algorithm can be applied to MRI analysis, which helps to improve the efficiency of multiple myeloma diagnosis.
Long‐term fluctuations in density of two species of caddisfly from south‐east Australia and the importance of density‐dependent mortality
Authors: Marchant Richard
Published: September 2021

The long‐term dynamics of freshwater insect populations have attracted little interest. The aim of this study was to examine the recruitment, larval mortality and reproductive output of two species of bivoltine caddisfly,Tasimia palpata(Tasimiidae) andAgapetus kimminsi(Glossosomatidae). In the Cumberland River in south‐western Victoria, both species displayed summer and winter generations and their grazing larvae occupied the same rock surfaces. Ten consecutive generations of these species were monitored to determine which life‐history phases were density dependent. If direct density dependence occurs, mortality during a phase of the life cycle should be positively correlated with the density of individuals entering that phase.

Quantitative samples (21 each month) were taken from April 2004 to March 2009 along a 190 m reach. Mean density (R1, numbers/m2) at the beginning of a generation represented the density of larval recruits. Density when pupal density was highest represented mean density at the end of a generation (R2, numbers/m2). Densities of eggs laid (S, numbers/m2) by each generation were determined from pupal densities (P, numbers/m2), development time of pupae and egg numbers per female.

The relationship between the number of recruits (R1) and egg density (S) was modelled using a Ricker stock‐recruitment curve. In this model, K1or ln (S/R1), a measure of mortality, is a linear function of S. To extend the analysis to the rest of the life cycle K2(ln [R1/R2]; larval mortality) and K3(ln [R2/P]; mortality during pupation) were calculated. K2and K3were correlated against R1and R2, respectively, to determine whether these sources of mortality were related to starting densities.

The Ricker curve forT. palpatawas an excellent fit and K1was correlated with S (r = 0.96,p = 0.03). K2was unrelated to R1(r = 0.05,p = 0.78), but K3was correlated with R2(r = 0.98,p = 0.005). Thus, population regulation ofT. palpataoccurred during recruitment and pupation, i.e. the reproductive phases of its life cycle.

The Ricker curve was a poor fit forA. kimminsiand K1was unrelated to S (r = 0.56,p = 0.29). However, K2was correlated with R1(r = 0.92,p = 0.05), but K3was unrelated to R2(r = 0.04,p = 0.84).A. kimminsithus showed density‐dependent mortality during its larval phase. Its larval mortality was also positively correlated with R1ofT. palpata(r = 0.88,p = 0.0008), increasing as the strength of eachT. palpatageneration increased. This suggests competition occurred between the species, most probably related to food or feeding. For both species, K values were unrelated to water temperature or discharge.

The populations of the two species were not affected by strong population movements (i.e. immigration or emigration). If such movements had been substantial, they would have disrupted the K values and obscured the density‐dependent trends.
Retrospective analysis of wood anatomical traits and tree‐ring isotopes suggests site‐specific mechanisms triggering Araucaria araucana drought‐induced dieback
Authors: Puchi Paulina F. , Camarero J. Julio , Battipaglia Giovanna , Carrer Marco
Published: September 2021

In 2010–2018, Northern Patagonia featured the longest severe drought of the last millennium. This extreme dry spell triggered widespread growth decline and forest dieback. Nonetheless, the roles played by the two major mechanisms driving dieback, hydraulic failure and carbon starvation, are still not clear and understudied in this seasonally dry region. Here, for the 1800–2017 period, we apply a retrospective analysis of radial growth, wood anatomical traits (lumen area, cell‐wall thickness) and δ13C and δ18O stable isotopes to assess dieback causes of the iconic conifer Araucaria araucana. We selected three stands where declining (defoliated) and nondeclining (not defoliated) trees coexisted along a precipitation gradient from the warm‐dry Coastal Range to the cool‐wet Andes. At all sites declining trees showed lower radial growth and lower theoretical hydraulic conductivity, suggesting a long‐lasting process of hydraulic deterioration in their water transport system compared to nondeclining, coexisting trees. Wood anatomical traits evidenced that this divergence between declining and nondeclining trees started at least seven decades before canopy dieback. In the drier stands, declining trees showed higher water‐use efficiency (WUE) throughout the whole period, which we attributed to early stomatal closure, suggesting a greater carbon starvation risk consistent with thinner cell walls. In the wettest stand, we found the opposite pattern. Here, a reduction in WUE coupled with thicker cell walls suggested increased carbon assimilation rates and exposure to drought‐induced hydraulic failure. The δ18O values indicated different strategies of gas exchange between sites, which are likely a consequence of microsite conditions and water sources. Multiproxy, retrospective quantifications of xylem anatomical traits and tree‐ring isotopes provide a robust tool to identify and forecast, which stands or trees will show dieback or, on the contrary, which will likely withstand and be more resilient to future hotter droughts.
Cardiac adiposity as a modulator of cardiovascular disease in HIV
Authors: Bonou Maria , Kapelios Chris J. , Protogerou Athanase D. , Mavrogeni Sophie , Aggeli Constantina , Markousis‐Mavrogenis George , Psichogiou Mina , Barbetseas John
Published: September 2021

Background

With the number of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) steadily increasing, cardiovascular disease has emerged as a leading cause of non‐HIV related mortality. People living with HIV (PLWH) appear to be at increased risk of coronary artery disease and heart failure (HF), while the underlying mechanism appears to be multifactorial. In the general population, ectopic cardiac adiposity has been highlighted as an important modulator of accelerated coronary artery atherosclerosis, arrhythmogenesis and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Cardiac adiposity is also strongly linked with obesity, especially with visceral adipose tissue accumulation.

Aims

This review aims to summarize the possible role of cardiac fat depositions, assessed by imaging modalities,as potential contributors to the increased cardiac morbidity and mortality seen in PLWH, as well as therapeutic targets in the current ART era.

Materials & Methods

Review of contemporary literature on this topic.

Discussion

Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), PLWH have evidence of persistent, HIV‐related systemic inflammation and body fat alterations. Cardiac adiposity can play an additional role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease in the HIV setting. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography, cardiac multidetector computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance have demonstrated increased adipose tissue. Studies show that high cardiac fat depots play an additive role in promoting coronary artery atherosclerosis and HFpEF in PLWH. Systemic inflammation due to HIV infection, metabolic adverse effects of ART, adipose alterations in the ageing HIV population, inflammation and immune activation are likely important mechanisms for adipose dysfunction and disproportionately occurrence of ectopic fat depots in the heart among PLWH.

Conclusions

High cardiac adiposity seems to plays an additive role in promoting coronary artery atherosclerosis and HFpEF in PLWH. The underlying mechanisms are multiple and warrant further investigation. Improved understanding of the regulating mechanisms that increase cardiovascular risk in HIV infection may give rise to more tailored therapeutic strategies targeting cardiac fat depots.
Effects of initial α‐phase content on properties of pressureless solid‐state sintered SiC ceramics
Authors: Malik Rohit , Kim Young‐Wook
Published: September 2021

α‐ and β‐SiC starting powders of similar particle sizes were used to investigate the effect of initial α‐phase content on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of pressureless solid‐state sintered (PSS) SiC ceramics with B4C and C additives. For β‐SiC starting powders, a coarse‐grained microstructure with elongated platelet grains was formed by the transformation of 3C to 6H and finally to 4H‐SiC phase. In contrast, materials prepared from α‐SiC powders exhibited a fine‐grained microstructure with platelet grains. This study revealed the beneficial effect of α‐SiC starting powders in achieving low electrical resistivity and high thermal conductivity in PSS SiC ceramics, which was attributable to their higher sinterability, lower impurity content, and lower 6H to 4H‐SiC phase transformation rate compared with β‐SiC powders. The electrical resistivity decreased by an order of magnitude and the thermal conductivity increased by 32% with an increase in initial α‐phase content from 0 to 100%. The flexural strength increased by approximately 16% with increasing initial α‐phase content due to a decreased flaw size with decreasing grain size. However, the fracture toughness and hardness were insensitive to the change in initial α‐phase content.
Exposure assessment in the Serbian population and occurrence of histamine and heavy metals in fish and seafood
Authors: Petrovic Jelena , Jovetic Milica , Štulić Milica , Vujadinović Dragan , Lorenzo José M. , Iammarino Marco , Djekic Ilija V. , Tomasevic Igor
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to conduct a quantitative exposure assessment of fish‐borne histamine, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in the Serbian adult population. The consumption survey of fish/fishery products was administered to 1 000 respondents during 2018. Determination of histamine content was performed on 974 fish; cadmium on 1 909, mercury on 1 911 and arsenic on 1 891 fish and seafood samples during five years (2014–2018). Monte Carlo analysis was used to estimate the intake of histamine/heavy metals from consumption of fish. The mean estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of fish‐borne histamine, cadmium, mercury and arsenic by the Serbian adult population were 0.0274 mg kg−1 bw/day, 0.0347 μg kg−1 bw/day, 0.2426 μg kg−1 bw/day and 0.5576 μg kg−1 bw/day, respectively. Due to consumption of fish/seafood, 0.04% of the Serbian population are exposed to histamine, 0.05% to cadmium, 15.42% to mercury and 1.24% to arsenic levels over their respective thresholds.