bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in excitability properties of ventromedial motor thalamic neurons in 6-OHDA lesioned mice
Authors: Bichler Edyta K , Cavarretta Francesco , Jaeger Dieter
Published: October 2020

The activity of basal ganglia input receiving motor thalamus (BGMT) makes a critical impact on motor cortical processing, but modification in BGMT processing with Parkinsonian conditions have not be investigated at the cellular level. Such changes may well be expected due to homeostatic regulation of neural excitability in the presence of altered synaptic drive with dopamine depletion. We addressed this question by comparing BGMT properties in brain slice recordings between control and unilaterally 6-OHDA treated adult mice. At a minimum of 1 month post 6-OHDA treatment, BGMT neurons showed a highly significant increase in intrinsic excitability, which was primarily due to a decrease in M-type potassium current. BGMT neurons after 6-OHDA treatment also showed an increase in T-type calcium rebound spikes following hyperpolarizing current steps. Biophysical computer modeling of a thalamic neuron demonstrated that an increase in rebound spiking can also be accounted for by a decrease in the M-type potassium current. Modeling also showed that an increase in sag with hyperpolarizing steps found after 6-OHDA treatment could in part but not fully be accounted for by the decrease in M-type current. These findings support the hypothesis that homeostatic changes in BGMT neural properties following 6-OHDA treatment likely influence the signal processing taking place in basal ganglia thalamocortical processing in Parkinson’s disease.

Significance Statement

Our investigation of the excitability properties of neurons in the basal ganglia input receiving motor thalamus (BGMT) is significant because they are likely to be different from properties in other thalamic nuclei due to the additional inhibitory input stream these neurons receive. Further, they are important to understand the role of BGMT in the dynamic dysfunction of cortico – basal ganglia circuits in Parkinson’s disease. We provide clear evidence that after 6-OHDA treatment of mice important homeostatic changes occur in the intrinsic properties of BGMT neurons. Specifically we identify the M-type potassium current as an important thalamic excitability regulator in the parkinsonian state.
Lu-atom-ordered oxonitridoaluminosilicate Ba0.9Ce0.1LuAl0.2Si3.8N6.9O0.1
Authors: Simura Rayko , Yamane Hisanori
Published: October 2020

A single crystal of Ba0.9Ce0.1LuAl0.2Si3.8N6.9O0.1(barium cerium lutetium aluminosilicate nitride oxide) was obtained by heating a mixed powder of Ba3N2, Si3N4, Al, Lu2O3, and CeO2at 2173 K for 1 h under N2gas at 0.85 MPa. X-ray single-crystal structure analysis revealed that the title oxynitride is hexagonal (lattice constants:a= 6.0378 (5) Å,c= 9.8133 (9) Å; space group:P63mc) and isostructural with BaYbSi4N7. (Ba,Ce) and Lu atoms occupy twelvefold and sixfold coordination sites, respectively.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a heterobimetallic nickel–manganese 12-metallacrown-4 methanol disolvate monohydrate compound
Authors: Hall Abigail J. , Zeller Matthias , Zaleski Curtis M.
Published: October 2020

The synthesis and crystal structure of the title compound [systematic name: di-μ-acetato-tetrakis(μ4-N,2-dioxidobenzene-1-carboximidato)hexamethanoltetramanganese(III)nickel(II) methanol disolvate monohydrate], [Mn4Ni(C7H4NO3)4(C2H3O2)2(CH4O)6]·2CH4O·H2O or Ni(OAc)2[12-MCMn(III)N(shi)-4](CH3OH)6·2CH3OH·H2O, where MC is metallacrown, −OAc is acetate, and shi3− is salicylhydroximate, are reported. The macrocyclic metallacrown is positioned on an inversion center located on the NiII ion that resides in the central MC cavity. The macrocycle consists of an MnIII–N–O repeat unit that recurs four times to generate an overall square-shaped molecule. Both the NiII and MnIII ions are six-coordinate with an octahedral geometry. In addition, the MnIII ions possess an elongated Jahn–Teller distortion along the z-axis of the coordination environment. The interstitial water molecule is slightly offset from and disordered about an inversion center.
IRB Infrastructure Investment Trust (IRB InvIT)1
Authors: Sinha Sidharth
Published: October 2020

This case is based on the IPO of the first Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) in India that was based on a portfolio of operating toll roads. InvIT enabled the construction company, which was also the sole equity investor, to release part of its equity to future toll road investments. The case describes the structure and functioning of the InvIT. It requires participants to assess its future potential for providing long term financing to not only toll roads but also other infrastructure projects.
Transformation of Indian Automobile Industry through Inter-Organization IT initiative: AutoDX (B)
Authors: Verma Sanjay
Published: October 2020

AutoDx Case narrates an exciting story of how organizations in one industry (buyers, suppliers, and suppliers of suppliers), who fiercely compete with each other in the marketplace, collaborated to develop an online platform which would bring in significant efficiency in the system and benefit all the players. The case shows that first attempt to develop such a platform failed in the late 90s. However, similar attempt, later on, was inching towards success. That shows the impact of timing of technology and Shared Beliefs. While Case A narrates the problems faced by a few managers and needs for autoDx, Case B details how the project became successful and was under the process of adoption by various organizations.
Narrative fidelity: making the UN Sustainable Development Goals fit
Authors: van den Broek Onna
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper empirically examines how firms have discursively adopted the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More precisely, it studies firms' ability to constitute their organizational identity by way of associating their past, present, and future practices with the newly established Goals. By focussing on the temporal dynamics of change, this paper provides analytical clarity on the role “narrative fidelity”.

Design/methodology/approach

The author collected all online available SDG-related communications, including financial and non-financial reports, of 29 large French multinationals throughout 2016 and 2017. These data were analysed using a systematic narrative approach incorporating open-ended coding cycles.

Findings

Four narratives were distilled: the descriptive narrative, which promotes general knowledge; the past narrative, which reinterprets the organizational past by retelling and reviewing actions; the present narrative, which associates prevailing organizational strategies with new categories; and the future narrative, which articulates and prioritizes new ambitions.

Originality/value

Current performativity theories in Corporate Social Responsibility scholarship focus solely on future narratives, such as “aspirational talk”, and fail to incorporate how revising and redefining past and present stories creates an imperative “fit” between an organization's identity and a new framework. This study goes beyond future narratives and contributes to our understanding of the dynamic nature of temporal narratives (past – present – future). By building on narrative fidelity, it shows how all four narratives are crucial, sequential steps that help build a new corporate identity.
Leader readiness of Gen Z in VUCA business environment
Authors: Deepika  , Chitranshi Jaya
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the leadership competencies of the Z generation (born after 1997) in the VUCA business environment. In today’s scenario, the business works differently than it used to previously. The young workforce wants not just to contribute their energy to the organisation but to their colleagues and themselves too, with the leading global sceneries.

Design/methodology/approach

An unstructured questionnaire was prepared by testing the reliability and validity of the data. Multiples linear regression analyses were used to derive results and to check whether the competencies are dependent on the VUCA skill sets. Entrepreneurial leadership, enabling leadership, operational leadership and architectural leadership are chosen to be the independent variables for this study.

Findings

The findings reveal that the dependability is on all the four factors for the VUCA business environment and hence the need is to practice the same in the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

The test has been done on a sample having 260 respondents. This study reveals data of the workspace environment only and not how Gen Z will behave to the conditions as individuals. Gender-perspective is not taken into account in this study.

Practical implications

The implications can be seen for the organisations’ understanding of how to deal with generation Z and empower them. The organisation-structure and processes that were developed previously will not be limited now just to making the organisations function but also impact self-development for Gen Z, the development that is focussed on work-teams of Gen Z and so the global market eventually.

Originality/value

The originality is in the variables that have been taken for this study. As the world is growing rapidly, the mind-set and the style in which the manager works are changing. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account what leadership style will affect the current business environment.
Designing new sizing bulletproof vests for Taiwanese soldiers
Authors: Wen Chih-Hao , Shih Yuh-Chuan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Combining the collected human body variables by a 3D body scanner and the research results of medical computed tomography (CT) imaging, this research aims to develop a military bulletproof vest that is both protective and fit. In particular, the protective part must be able to cover the vital human internal organs completely. The results of this research help to make military bulletproof vests of different sizes for Taiwanese male and female soldiers. At the same time, the research results can provide a reference for the industry of making special-purpose clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

17 important human body variables of 988 participants (male: 716, 72.5%; female 272, 27.5%) are used for the analysis. The K-means algorithm firstly builds clusters of different body shapes for both sexes; the silhouette coefficient helps to determine the optimal number of clusters to be six. Thus, the standard size of the bulletproof vest for soldiers is determined. The specifications of the bulletproof vest's inner core and textile vest are calculated for each cluster user. Our research then makes twelve prototypes of the bulletproof vest. After that, 12 subjects are invited to try on the new version (the vest designed in this study) and the old version (the vest currently used) to contrast the differences between the two.

Findings

According to the index of the silhouette coefficient, the optimal number of clusters is determined to be six for both male and female clusters. Therefore, this study has designed six sizes of the bulletproof vest for male and female soldiers in Taiwan. After trying the new and old vests on, the subjects all indicate that the new vest fits better than the old one. In addition, the coverage of the bulletproof vest designed in this study is 94.38% for male users and 92.75% for female users.

Originality/value

The design of bulletproof vests must take note of the fit of the clothing itself and its protective function. Apart from the size design of general clothing only focusing on the human shape exteriorly, the bulletproof vest also needs to pay attention to the relative positions of vital organs inside the human body. Besides, for practical applications, it is quite effective to use the silhouette coefficient to determine the results of cluster analysis. Thus, the value of this research lies in the cross-field combination, enabling the integration of body measurement, data science and clothing design. Generally, bulletproof vests of newly designed sizes can meet the requirements of Taiwan's military. The research results can be used in the development of various military clothing for Taiwanese military personnel. At the same time, the results can be provided to the clothing industry as relevant parameters for designing unique functional clothing.
Determinants of savings among non-Ricardian households in South Africa
Authors: De Vos Chantel , Obokoh Lawrence Ogechukwu , Abiola Babatunde Abimbola
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the determinants of savings among low-income households, regarded as non-Ricardian households (NRHs), in South Africa. NRHs comprise low-income households largely depending on government welfare benefits for sustenance. This research investigates socio-economic factors determining savings pattern of low-income households in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The research makes use of the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) data set wave one to five. The longitudinal survey models are analysed in determining the socio-economic characteristics of NRH in South Africa. The estimators include Pooled ordinary least square (OLS), fixed and random effects methods.

Findings

The household grant contributes positively to the level of savings, but the savings level is still considerably low: majority of the low-income households have zero or negative savings. The average size of a NRH is about twice the size of the Ricardian, despite the NRHs’ debt burden impoverishing them.

Research limitations/implications

The self-perpetuated poverty problem makes every factor in the vicious cycle both cause and effect of another factor, warranting reverse causality and threatening the reliability of Pooled OLS estimates for the research.

Practical implications

The growing cost of government grant hinges on the increased level of inflation while largely depending on the number of households entering the low-income threshold.

Social implications

The study recommends that the government creates a more enabling environment for NRHs to engage in productive activities. Also they create more low-skilled jobs and encourage reduction of birth rate among low-income households; this will reduce their expenditure and increase their level of savings and will assist in pulling them out of the vicious circle of poverty. Government can boost NRHs’ savings through increase in various grants.

Originality/value

The study makes significant contribution towards addressing the unfortunate situation of household savings among low-income brackets in South Africa. The research corroborates other studies on the effectiveness of the fiscal stimulus package to boost the welfare and savings condition of NRHs in South Africa. The result explicitly confirmed the redistribution policy of the grant to the low-income household. The grant has a significant positive effect on the savings pattern of the household. An increase in it beyond the poverty threshold could indeed break the vicious circle of poverty since the effect does not only stop at expenditure but also pass through to savings, which may ultimately boost investment. Further studies should continue the investigation of grant transmission channels to investment and income.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2019-0692
China’s financial sector sustainability and “green finance” disclosures
Authors: Dong Shidi , Xu Lei , McIver Ron
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a longitudinal analysis of influences on China’s financial sector’s sustainability reporting practices, examines “green finance” disclosures and undertakes subsector comparisons. The state’s impact on the quantity and quality of reporting practices is analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis is used to examine the volumes, frequency and content of sustainability disclosures by China’s financial institutions. Survival analysis is used to identify factors significant in firms’ initiation of these disclosures. In total, 308 firm-year observations on disclosures are examined for 2007–2016.

Findings

China’s financial sector’s sustainability reporting pieces of evidence an “emerging stage” (2007–2009), “developing stage” (2010) and “greening stage” (2011–2016). The roles of institutional theory and regulatory pressure in explaining Chinese financial firms’ reporting behaviours are supported.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. Firstly, given data restrictions, use of a relatively small sample size. Secondly, it examines different categories of disclosures made by financial firms, not more detailed content. Thirdly, is the potential overlap in disclosure themes under the classification scheme.

Practical implications

China’s financial sector’s adoption of sustainability reporting has been institutionalized, mainly in its banking subsector, consistent with general regulatory pressures.

Social implications

“Greening the finance system” is examined in China’s context, as the country transforms from a resource and pollution-intensive to a green economy.

Originality/value

The financial sector is normally excluded from in-depth qualitative research. This study examines China’s financial sector’s responses to recent governmental pressures on green finance disclosures.
Observing the unwatchable: Integrating automated sensing, naturalistic observations and animal social network analysis in the age of big data
Authors: Smith Jennifer E. , Pinter‐Wollman Noa
Published: October 2020

In the 4.5 decades since Altmann (1974) published her seminal paper on the methods for the observational study of behaviour, automated detection and analysis of social interaction networks have fundamentally transformed the ways that ecologists study social behaviour.

Methodological developments for collecting data remotely on social behaviour involve indirect inference of associations, direct recordings of interactions and machine vision.

These recent technological advances are improving the scale and resolution with which we can dissect interactions among animals. They are also revealing new intricacies of animal social interactions at spatial and temporal resolutions as well as in ecological contexts that have been hidden from humans, making the unwatchable seeable.

We first outline how these technological applications are permitting researchers to collect exquisitely detailed information with little observer bias. We further recognize new emerging challenges from these new reality‐mining approaches.

While technological advances in automating data collection and its analysis are moving at an unprecedented rate, we urge ecologists to thoughtfully combine these new tools with classic behavioural and ecological monitoring methods to place our understanding of animal social networks within fundamental biological contexts.
Physiological dormancy in seeds of tropical montane woody species in Hawai`i
Authors: Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. , Yoshinaga Alvin , Wolkis Dustin
Published: October 2020

Worldwide, there is relatively little information on seed dormancy and germination of tropical montane species. Our aim was to help fill this knowledge gap by conducting seed dormancy/germination studies on woody species from this vegetation zone in Hawai`i. All species had water‐permeable seeds with a fully developed embryo. Seeds of 29 species (23 genera) were incubated in light/dark at 15/6, 20/10 and 25/15°C and germination monitored at 2‐week intervals for 16–128 weeks. Seeds of Chenopodium oahuense, Dubautia menziesii and Silene lanceolata were non‐dormant (ND) and those of 26 other species had physiological dormancy (PD); 10 of the 26 species had conditional PD. The optimum germination temperature regime(s) was (were) 25/15°C, 17 species; 25/10 and 20/10°C, 2; 20/10°C, 6; 20/10 and 15/6°C, 2; and 15/6°C, 2. Worldwide, PD in the woody genera included in our study is more common than ND. In addition to its contribution to the world biogeography of seed dormancy/germination, this study will be useful to conservation biologists who need to germinate seeds of tropical montane species.
Incidence and associated predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes of maternal syphilis in China, 2016–19: a Cox regression analysis
Authors: Li Z , Wang Q , Qiao Y , Wang X , Jin X , Wang A
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and associated predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) among pregnant women infected with syphilis.

Design

Cox regression analysis.

Setting

China.

Population or sample

Pregnant women who were tested for and diagnosed with syphilis during the index pregnancy and delivered at a gestational age ≥28 weeks between 2016 and 2019.

Methods

Data were extracted from China’s Information System of Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of Syphilis Management. Descriptive analysis provided profiles and pregnancy outcomes of maternal syphilis, as well as the incidence of APOs. Log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate factors influencing APOs in infected mothers with singleton births.

Main outcome measures

The incidence of APOs and the hazard ratios of associated predictors using Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Syphilis treatment data were available from 83.86% of diagnosed women. Including deliveries from the total study population, 13.33% experienced APOs. Cox regression indicated that APOs were more likely in women tested and diagnosed in the late trimester, at delivery or postpartum. Women who accepted non‐standardised treatment and who received standardised treatment had less risk of APOs.

Conclusions

China has made huge progress over the last decades in the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of syphilis, but the incidence of APOs among pregnant women infected with syphilis remains high. It is essential to further strengthen access to early detection and standardised treatment of infected women to reduce the risk of APOs.

Tweetable abstract

Access to early detection and standardised treatment reduces the risk of APOs due to maternal syphilis.
Detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in vaginal swabs of women with acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: a prospective study
Authors: Schwartz A , Yogev Y , Zilberman A , Alpern S , Many A , Yousovich R , Gamzu R
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is present in the vaginal secretions of both reproductive‐aged and postmenopausal women during acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

A single tertiary, university‐affiliated medical centre in Israel. Time period, 1 June 2020 through to 31 July 2020.

Population

Women who were hospitalised in a single tertiary medical centre, who were diagnosed with acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by a nasopharyngeal RT‐PCR test.

Methods

Women were diagnosed with acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by a nasopharyngeal RT‐PCR test. Vaginal RT‐PCR swabs were obtained from all study participants after a proper cleansing of the perineum.

Main outcome measures

Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 in vaginal RT‐PCR swabs.

Results

Vaginal and nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 35 women, aged 21–93 years. Twenty‐one women (60%) were in their reproductive years, of whom, five were in their third trimester of pregnancy. Most of the participants (57%) were healthy without any underlying medical conditions. Of the 35 patients sampled, 2 (5.7%) had a positive vaginal RT‐PCR for SARS‐CoV‐2, one was premenopausal and the other was a postmenopausal woman. Both women had mild disease.

Conclusion

Our findings contradict most previous reports, which did not detect the presence of viral colonisation in the vagina. Although passage through the birth canal exposes neonates to the vaginal polymicrobial flora, an acquisition of pathogens does not necessarily mandate neonatal infection or clinical disease. Nevertheless, when delivering the infant of a woman with acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, a clinician should consider the possibility of vaginal colonisation, even if it is uncommon.

Tweetable abstract

When delivering the infant of a woman with acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, a clinician should consider the possibility of vaginal colonisation.
Somatotropic‐Testicular Axis: A crosstalk between GH/IGF‐I and gonadal hormones during development, transition, and adult age
Authors: Tenuta Marta , Carlomagno Francesco , Cangiano Biagio , Kanakis George , Pozza Carlotta , Sbardella Emilia , Isidori Andrea M. , Krausz Csilla , Gianfrilli Daniele
Published: October 2020

Background

The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐somatotropic (HPS) axes are strongly interconnected. Interactions between these axes are complex and poorly understood. These interactions are characterized by redundancies in reciprocal influences at each level of regulation and the combination of endocrine and paracrine effects that change during development.

Objectives

To comprehensively review the crosstalk between the HPG and HPS axes and related pathological and clinical aspects during various life stages of male subjects.

Materials and methods

A thorough search of publications available in PubMed was performed using proper keywords.

Results

Molecular studies confirmed the expressions of growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) receptors on the HPG axis and reproductive organs, indicating a possible interaction between HPS and HPG axes at various levels. Insulin growth factors participate in sexual differentiation during fetal development, indicating that normal HPS axis activity is required for proper testicular development. IGF‐I contributes to correct testicular position during minipuberty, determines linear growth during childhood, and promotes puberty onset and pace through gonadotropin‐releasing hormone activation. IGF‐I levels are high during transition age, even when linear growth is almost complete, suggesting its role in reproductive tract maturation. Patients with GH deficiency (GHD) and insensitivity (GHI) exhibit delayed puberty and impaired genital development; replacement therapy in such patients induces proper pubertal development. In adults, few studies have suggested that lower IGF‐I levels are associated with impaired sperm parameters.

Discussion and conclusion

The role of GH‐IGF‐I in testicular development remains largely unexplored. However, it is important to evaluate gonadic development in children with GHD. Additionally, HPS axis function should be evaluated in children with urogenital malformation or gonadal development alterations. Correct diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention are needed for healthy puberty, attainment of complete gonadal development during transition age, and fertility potential in adulthood.
Serum amylase elevation following pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatogastrostomy is strongly associated with major complications
Authors: Zimmitti Giuseppe , Langella Serena , Sega Valentina , Manzoni Alberto , Bogoni Selene , Russolillo Nadia , Ferrero Alessandro , Rosso Edoardo
Published: October 2020

Background

Recent reports suggest that, following pancreatic resection, serum amylase elevation (SAE) may be a surrogate indicator of post‐operative acute pancreatitis (PAP) and predict post‐operative pancreatic fistula (POPF). However, POPF may not account for the majority of complications when pancreatoenteric continuity is restored by pancreatogastrostomy. We aimed to evaluate, among patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatogastrostomy, the correlation between SAE, radiological changes consistent with PAP and types of post‐operative complications overall and specific for pancreatic surgery.

Methods

Perioperative data from 102 patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatogastrostomy at two Italian hospitals (January 2015–January 2017) were retrospectively analysed. SAE was defined as serum amylase more than three times the normal concentration at post‐operative day 1. Post‐operative abdominal computed tomography scan was routinely performed and retrospectively and blindly re‐assessed for findings consistent with PAP.

Results

Among 102 study patients, overall and major complications and mortality occurred in 68% and 24% and 3% of cases, respectively. POPF and post‐pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) occurred in 12% and 21%, respectively. In 75% of patients developing PPH, it occurred in the absence of POPF. SAE occurred in 36 patients who, compared to 66 non‐SAE patients, more frequently showed computed tomography scan findings consistent with pancreatic stump inflammation (P = 0.002), confirming association between SAE and PAP. SAE was independently associated with the occurrence of major complications, POPF and PPH (hazard ratio (HR) 3.27, P = 0.032; HR 3.94, P = 0.012; HR 12.26, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

SAE can be considered a valid surrogate of PAP and is strongly associated with a higher rate of post‐operative major complications, both overall and specific for pancreatic resection.
Breast reconstruction in South Western Sydney
Authors: Karimi Neda , Descallar Joseph , Girgis Afaf , Soon Patsy S.
Published: October 2020

Background

The rates of breast reconstruction in Australian patients of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are currently unknown. This retrospective study determined the rate of breast reconstruction in women who had mastectomy as treatment for breast cancer at public hospitals in South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) – a culturally diverse health district in New South Wales, Australia – and compared the rate of reconstruction in the CALD and non‐CALD populations.

Methods

The demographic and clinical data of all female patients who had mastectomy with or without reconstruction for treatment of breast cancer at the five public hospitals in SWSLHD between January 2006 and December 2015 were obtained from the clinical information department of each hospital and from electronic medical records.

Results

The average rate of reconstruction in SWSLHD was 9.4% for 2006–2015. Although the reconstruction rate was higher among English‐speaking women (9.9%) compared to women from a CALD background (8.6%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.57). The type (autologous versus implant) and timing (immediate versus delayed) of reconstruction did not differ between groups (P = 0.19 and P = 0.22, respectively). The Index of Relative Socio‐Economic Disadvantage was not significantly associated with reconstruction (P = 0.74). However, younger patients were more likely to have reconstruction (P < 0.0001) and patients with adjuvant therapy were more likely to have a delayed reconstruction (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

This study found a low breast reconstruction rate in public hospitals in SWSLHD. The reconstruction rate did not differ between CALD or English‐speaking patients, or between patients from diverse socio‐economic backgrounds.
Consent for spine surgery: an observational study
Authors: Li Ching Ng Angela , McRobb Lucinda S. , White Sarah J. , Cartmill John A. , Cyna Allan M. , Seex Kevin
Published: October 2020

Background

The tension between the ideal of informed consent and the reality of the process is under‐investigated in spine surgery. Guidelines around consent imply a logical, plain‐speaking process with a clear endpoint, agreement and signature yet surgeons' surveys and patient interviews suggest that surgeons' explanation is anecdotally variable and patient understanding remains poor. To obtain a more authentic reflection of practice, spine surgeons obtaining ‘informed consent’ for non‐instrumented spine surgery were studied via video recording and risk/benefit discussions were analysed.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at a single neurosurgical institution. Twelve video recordings involving six surgeons obtaining an informed consent for non‐instrumented spine surgery were transcribed verbatim and blindly analysed using descriptive quantification and linguistic ethnography.

Results

Ten (83%) consultations discussed surgical benefit but less than half (41%) quantified the likelihood of benefit from surgery. The most discussed risks were nerve damage or paralysis (92%), bleeding (92%), infection (92%), cerebrospinal fluid leak (83%) and bowel and bladder dysfunction (75%). Surgeons commonly used a quantitative statement of risk (58%) but only half of the risks were explained in words patients were likely to understand.

Conclusions

This study highlights inconsistencies in the way spine surgeons explain risks and obtain informed consent for ‘simple’ spine procedures in a real‐world setting. There are wide disparities in the provision of informed consent, which may be encountered in other surgical fields. Direct observation and qualitative analysis can provide insights into the limitations of current informed consent practice and help guide future practice.
Interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase‐4 gene variation may increase post‐bronchiolitis asthma risk
Authors: Korppi Matti , Teräsjärvi Johanna , Lauhkonen Eero , Törmänen Sari , He Qiushui , Nuolivirta Kirsi
Published: October 2020

Aim

Evidence based on studies of the encoding genes suggests that interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase‐4 (IRAK4) plays a role in childhood asthma and allergy. Our aim was to evaluate the associations of six IRAK4 gene polymorphisms with presence of asthma and allergic rhinitis and use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) for asthma at 5‐7 and 11‐13 years of ages after hospitalisation for bronchiolitis at younger than 6 months of age.

Methods

IRAK4 rs4251513, rs4251520, rs4251522, rs4251578, rs79154645 and rs13852554 polymorphisms were determined in 141 former bronchiolitis patients prospectively followed up until 5‐7 and in 125 children until 11‐13 years of age.

Results

The homozygous variant IRAK4 rs4251513 genotype was associated with the presence of asthma and allergic rhinitis and use of ICSs at 5‐7 and 11‐13 years of ages in univariate analyses. Statistical significance remained for the presence of asthma and use of ICSs but was lost in the case of allergic rhinitis in multivariate analyses. The adjusted odds ratios were 3.48 and 4.16 for asthma and 5.22 and 14.00 for ICS use at these two ages.

Conclusion

The homozygous variant IRAK4 rs4251513 genotype was constantly associated with post‐bronchiolitis asthma and asthma medication in school‐aged children.
Is Passive Sport Engagement Positively Associated with Happiness?
Authors: Lera‐López Fernando , Ollo‐López Andrea , Sánchez‐Santos José Manuel
Published: October 2020

Background

Previous empirical evidence has shown the positive relationship between happiness or subjective well‐being (SWB) and sport participation. Nevertheless, passive sport participation has traditionally been ignored as a correlate with happiness.

Methods

Based on a sample of 1,632 Spanish people, one ordered probit model and three extended ordered probit models with an ordinal endogenous covariate technique and robust standard errors were applied.

Results

We find that different forms of passive sport participation—such as frequency of attending sporting events and a set of other forms of passive sports participation such as watching sports on TV, listening to sports programmes, reading sports news, and talking to others about sports—are positively associated with happiness.

Conclusions

The results indicate that passive sport participation generally appears to have a closer relationship with individual happiness than active sport participation and emphasise the role played by some forms of sport participation as a source of relational goods. This current research extends the field’s understanding of sport participation and happiness, including passive participation, and the relevance of social interactions to account for this association. Finally, the relational aspect of different forms of sport participation offers new implications for the analysis of sport engagement and happiness.
The trepidations of a PhD researcher – Who are you and why are you here?
Authors: Talleh Nkobou Atenchong
Published: October 2020

Researchers are not a homogenous group and the world of the researcher is a non‐static social construction ridden with power struggles. A non‐native researcher may fail in their attempt to world‐travel if they are not open to self‐construction.
Robust methods to correct for measurement error when evaluating a surrogate marker
Authors: Parast Layla , Garcia Tanya P. , Prentice Ross L. , Carroll Raymond J.
Published: October 2020

The identification of valid surrogate markers of disease or disease progression has the potential to decrease the length and costs of future studies. Most available methods that assess the value of a surrogate marker ignore the fact that surrogates are often measured with error. Failing to adjust for measurement error can erroneously identify a useful surrogate marker as not useful or vice versa. We investigate and propose robust methods to correct for the effect of measurement error when evaluating a surrogate marker using multiple estimators developed for parametric and nonparametric estimates of the proportion of treatment effect explained by the surrogate marker. In addition, we quantify the attenuation bias induced by measurement error and develop inference procedures to allow for variance and confidence interval estimation. Through a simulation study, we show that our proposed estimators correct for measurement error in the surrogate marker and that our inference procedures perform well in finite samples. We illustrate these methods by examining a potential surrogate marker that is measured with error, hemoglobin A1c, using data from the Diabetes Prevention Program clinical trial.
The influence of mantle flow on intracontinental basins: Three examples from Australia
Authors: Young Alexander , Flament Nicolas , Hall Lisa , Merdith Andrew
Published: October 2020

During the Paleozoic, sedimentary basins developed within Gondwana without evolving to diverging plate boundaries. Such intracontinental basins present long subsidence histories with multiple phases of accelerated subsidence that are not always easily explained by far‐field tectonic forces, and may be driven by processes other than rifting and thermal subsidence. Here we investigate the subsidence of Paleozoic Australian intracontinental basins by comparing one‐dimensional backstripped tectonic subsidence histories from the western Australian Canning and Southern Carnarvon Basins and the central Australian Cooper Basin to forward subsidence models for pure shear lithospheric thinning. We make the hypothesis that differences between observed and model subsidence may be explained by mantle‐flow driven topography, in addition to tectonic forces. To test this hypothesis, we compute dynamic topography from the first geodynamic models of mantle flow spanning the entire Phanerozoic Eon, and we analyse the relationship between dynamic topography and anomalous basin subsidence to dynamic topography and mantle flow. Although reconstructions of mantle flow in deep geological times are uncertain, our results suggest that long‐wavelength dynamic topography could explain aspects of the complex tectonic histories intracontinental basins. In the presented reconstruction of mantle flow, topographic rebound following the sinking of a Cambrian aged slab resulted in a minor phase of dynamic uplift in the Cooper Basin in middle Permian times. Throughout Carboniferous‐Triassic times Australia was positioned above a mantle upwelling driven by a hot structure at the base of the mantle. Structural uplift in the Canning and Southern Carnarvon basins during the Triassic‐Jurassic interval was augmented by dynamic uplift produced by that large‐scale upwelling, and possibly augmented by a focused active mantle plume during the Permo‐Triassic. In Late Jurassic‐Cretaceous times, Australia drifted east away from the mantle upwelling, resulting in a period of subsidence in the Canning and Southern Carnarvon basins. During the Cretaceous the Cooper Basin moved over a downwelling produced by long‐lived subduction along the east Australian margin, resulting in a period of accelerated subsidence.
How should a clever baboon choose and move rocks?
Authors: Maré Celesté , Landman Marietjie , Kerley Graham I. H.
Published: October 2020

Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) intentionally overturn rocks to feed on the invertebrates beneath. However, baboons do not move all the rocks they encounter, with this presumably reflecting cost–benefit (or effort–reward) trade‐offs in their foraging behavior. We ask, how do “clever baboons” choose rock sizes and shapes and move these rocks? Using optimal foraging theory, we predicted that baboons would prefer to move medium‐sized rocks, a trade‐off between moving larger rocks that might require more effort to move, and smaller rocks that likely do not provide enough prey (the reward) to make the effort worthwhile. We also expected baboons to prefer rounded rocks as these will require less energy to move by rolling (rather than being flipped as for flat rocks) and that the effort of rock movement might be offset by moving rocks along the shortest axis. We show that baboons have clear preferences for specific rock sizes (medium‐sized) and shapes (angular and flat when these were medium‐sized), and the way in which rocks are moved (along the shortest axis). Prey occurred infrequently under rocks. The low predictability of prey beneath rocks suggests that such prey, when encountered, is of considerable value to baboons for them to expend the search effort, and also explains the extensive nature of rock movement by baboons in the landscape. Our study provides a novel application of the optimal foraging theory concept and has important implications for understanding and predicting how animals choose to move rocks.
Different subsets of haematopoietic cells and immune cells in bone marrow between young and older donors
Authors: Yao W-L , Wen Q , Zhao H-Y , Tang S-Q , Zhang Y-Y , Wang Y , Xu L-P , Zhang X-H , Huang X-J , Kong Y
Published: October 2020

Young donors are reported to be associated with better transplant outcomes than older donors in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), but the mechanism is still unclear. The current study compared the different subsets of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and their progenitors as well as immune cells in bone marrow (BM) between young and older donors. The frequencies of HSCs, multipotent progenitors (MPPs) and myeloid progenitors, including common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) and megakaryocyte–erythroid progenitors (MEPs), were decreased, whereas those of lymphoid progenitors, including multi-potent lymphoid progenitors (MLPs) and common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), were increased in the BM of young donors compared with in that of older donors. Lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were observed in BM HSCs and six progenitor lines in young donors. Furthermore, young donors demonstrated higher frequencies of naive T cells and immune suppressor cells, such as alternative macrophages (M2) and lower frequencies of memory T cells and immune effectors, including T helper-1 and T cytotoxic-1 cells, in BM than older donors. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that donor age was independently correlated with BM HSC frequency. Although further validation is required, our results suggest that the differences in the frequency and immune differentiation potential of HSCs in BM between young donors and older donors may partly explain the different outcomes of allo-HSCT.
microRNA exchange via extracellular vesicles in cancer
Authors: Vu Luyen Tien , Gong Jinhua , Pham Thach Tuan , Kim Yeokyeong , Le Minh T. N.
Published: October 2020

Cells utilize different means of inter‐cellular communication to function properly. Here, we review the crosstalk between cancer cells and their surrounding environment through microRNA (miRNA)‐containing extracellular vesicles (EVs). The current findings suggest that the export of miRNAs and uptake of miRNA‐containing EVs might be an active process. As post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression, cancer‐derived miRNAs that are taken up by normal cells can change the translational profile of the recipient cell towards a transformed proteome. Stromal cells can also deliver miRNAs via EVs to cancer cells to support tumour growth and cancer progression. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of EV‐mediated inter‐cellular communication in the tumour microenvironment might lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
High collocation of sand lance and protected top predators: Implications for conservation and management
Authors: Silva Tammy L. , Wiley David N. , Thompson Michael A. , Hong Peter , Kaufman Les , Suca Justin J. , Llopiz Joel K. , Baumann Hannes , Fay Gavin
Published: October 2020

Spatial relationships between predators and prey provide critical information for understanding and predicting climate‐induced shifts in ecosystem dynamics and mitigating human impacts. We used Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary as a case study to investigate spatial overlap among sand lance (Ammodytes dubius), a key forage fish species, and two protected predators: humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and great shearwaters (Ardenna gravis). We conducted 6 years (2013–2018) of standardized surveys and quantified spatial overlap using the global index of collocation. Results showed strong, consistent collocation among species across seasons and years, suggesting that humpback whales and great shearwater distributions are tightly linked to sand lance. We propose that identifying sand lance habitats may indicate areas where humpbacks and shearwaters aggregate and are particularly vulnerable to human activities. Understanding how sand lance influence predator distributions can inform species protection and sanctuary management under present and future scenarios.
A famous failure: Why were cane toads an ineffective biocontrol in Australia?
Authors: Shine Richard , Ward‐Fear Georgia , Brown Gregory P.
Published: October 2020

In 1935, cane toads (Rhinella marina) were brought to Australia to control insect pests. The devastating ecological impacts of that introduction have attracted extensive research, but the toads' impact on their original targets has never been evaluated. Our analyses confirm that sugar production did not increase significantly after the anurans were released, possibly because toads reduced rates of predation on beetle pests by consuming some of the native predators of those beetles (ants), fatally poisoning others (varanid lizards), and increasing abundances of crop‐eating rodents (that can consume toads without ill‐effect). In short, any direct benefit of toads on agricultural production (via consumption of insect pests) likely was outweighed by negative effects that were mediated via the toads' impacts on other taxa. Like the toad's impacts on native wildlife, indirect ecological effects of the invader may have outweighed direct effects of toads on crop production.