bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The microbiome of a Pacific moon jellyfish Aurelia coerulea
Authors: Ohdera Aki H. , Mansbridge Maille , Wang Matthew , Naydenkov Paulina , Kamel Bishoy , Goentoro Lea
Published: April 2024

The impact of microbiome in animal physiology is well appreciated, but characterization of animal-microbe symbiosis in marine environments remains a growing need. This study characterizes the microbial communities associated with the moon jellyfish Aurelia coerulea, first isolated from the East Pacific Ocean and has since been utilized as an experimental system. We find that the microbiome of this Pacific Aurelia culture is dominated by two taxa, a Mollicutes and Rickettsiales. The microbiome is stable across life stages, although composition varies. Mining the host sequencing data, we assembled the bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). The bacterial MAGs are highly reduced, and predict a high metabolic dependence on the host. Analysis using multiple metrics suggest that both bacteria are likely new species. We therefore propose the names Ca. Mariplasma lunae (Mollicutes) and Ca. Marinirickettsia aquamalans (Rickettsiales). Finally, comparison with studies of Aurelia from other geographical populations suggests the association with Ca. Mariplasma lunae occurs in Aurelia from multiple geographical locations. The low-diversity microbiome of Aurelia provides a relatively simple system to study host-microbe interactions.
The effectiveness of Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy in the treatment of juvenile antisocial behavior: A study protocol of a Multiple Case Experimental Design
Authors: van Cappellen S. Marjolein , Creemers Hanneke E. , Hoogsteder Larissa , van Horn Joan , Asscher Jessica J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Juvenile antisocial behavior can have long-lasting and devastating effects for juveniles themselves, victims, and society. Evidence-based treatment is vital. Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy (Forensische Ambulante Systeem Therapie; FAST) is a promising treatment for juveniles showing severe antisocial behavior including aggression, (domestic) violence, and delinquent behavior. FAST has a flexible intensity and length, addresses individual and systemic risk and protective factors, and is responsive to the abilities of the client (system), intervention characteristics all considered crucial for effective treatment. The current study will investigate whether FAST is effective in reducing aggression of the juvenile, reaching client formulated subgoals, and improving family functioning. Processes of change will be examined, as well as mediation by reaching client formulated subgoals and improved family functioning.

Methods

A Multiple Case Experimental Design (MCED) with an ABC design will be performed (A = baseline, B = intervention, and C = follow-up). Juveniles with primary aggression and/or anger problems (N = 15) and their caregiver(s) will be recruited. Data collection will consist of self-report questionnaires and case file analysis. Participants fill out frequent short self-report questionnaires (twice a week during phase A, every other week during phase B, and every week during phase C) and two main questionnaires at the start of the intervention and immediately after intervention end, thereby covering a period of 5 to 11 months. Both visual and statistical analyses will be performed.

Discussion

This study will generate robust knowledge and inform clinical practice on the effectiveness, processes of change, and mediating mechanisms of FAST, aiming to improve the treatment of future families within youth forensic care.

Trial registration

This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 28/08/2023, protocol ID 60-63600-98-1138a.
The functional connectivity of the human claustrum, according to the Human Connectome Project database
Authors: Rodríguez-Vidal Lluviana , Alcauter Sarael , Barrios Fernando A.
Published: April 2024

The claustrum is an irregular and fine sheet of grey matter in the basolateral telencephalon present in almost all mammals. The claustrum has been the object of several studies using animal models and, more recently, in human beings using neuroimaging. One of the most extended cognitive processes attributed to the claustrum is the salience process, which is also related to the insular cortex. In the same way, studies with human subjects and functional magnetic resonance imaging have reported the coactivation of the claustrum/insular cortex in the integration of sensory signals. This coactivation has been reported in the left claustrum/insular cortex or in the right claustrum/insular cortex. The asymmetry has been reported in task studies and literature related to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia, relating the severity of delusions with the reduction in left claustral volume. We present a functional connectivity study of the claustrum. Resting-state functional and anatomical MRI data from 100 healthy subjects were analyzed; taken from the Human Connectome Project (HCP, NIH Blueprint: The Human Connectome Project), with 2x2x2 mm3 voxel resolution. We hypothesize that 1) the claustrum is a node involved in different brain networks, 2) the functional connectivity pattern of the claustrum is different from the insular cortex’s pattern, and 3) the asymmetry is present in the claustrum’s functional connectivity. Our findings include at least three brain networks related to the claustrum. We found functional connectivity between the claustrum, frontoparietal network, and the default mode network as a distinctive attribute. The functional connectivity between the right claustrum with the frontoparietal network and the dorsal attention network supports the hypothesis of claustral asymmetry. These findings provide functional evidence, suggesting that the claustrum is coupled with the frontoparietal network serving together to instantiate new task states by flexibly modulating and interacting with other control and processing networks.
In vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam, cefiderocol, meropenem/vaborbactam and imipenem/relebactam against clinical strains of the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex
Authors: Méndez-Sotelo Braulio Josué , Delgado-Beltrán Mónica , Hernández-Durán Melissa , Colín-Castro Claudia Adriana , Esquivel-Bautista José , Ortega-Oliva Sandra Angélica , Ortiz-Álvarez Jossue , García-Contreras Rodolfo , Franco-Cendejas Rafael , Lopez Jacome Luis Esau
Published: April 2024

Background

Infections caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and related species are increasing worldwide. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited, whereas the antimicrobial resistance is increasing.

Methods

We included clinical isolates identified as S. maltophilia by VITEK 2 Compact. Ceftazidime/avibactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, imipenem/relebactam, cefiderocol, quinolones, and tetracycline family members were evaluated by broth microdilution method and compared with first-line treatment drugs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were reported for all antibiotics. We sequenced the Whole Genome of cefiderocol resistant strains (CRSs) and annotated their genes associated with cefiderocol resistance (GACR). Presumptive phylogenetic identification employing the 16S marker was performed.

Results

One hundred and one clinical strains were evaluated, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, levofloxacin and minocycline showed susceptibilities of 99.01%, 95.04% and 100% respectively. Ceftazidime was the antibiotic with the highest percentage of resistance in all samples (77.22%). Five strains were resistant to cefiderocol exhibiting MIC values ≥ 2 μg/mL (4.95%). The β-lactamase inhibitors meropenem/vaborbactam and imipenem/relebactam, failed to inhibit S. maltophilia, preserving both MIC50 and MIC90 ≥64 μg/mL. Ceftazidime/avibactam restored the activity of ceftazidime decreasing the MIC range. Tigecycline had the lowest MIC range, MIC50 and MIC90. Phylogeny based on 16S rRNA allowed to identify to cefiderocol resistant strains as putative species clustered into Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex (Smc). In these strains, we detected GARCs such as Mutiple Drug Resistance (MDR) efflux pumps, L1-type β-lactamases, iron transporters and type-1 fimbriae.

Conclusion

Antimicrobial resistance to first-line treatment is low. The in vitro activity of new β-lactamase inhibitors against S. maltophilia is poor, but avibactam may be a potential option. Cefiderocol could be considered as a potential new option for multidrug resistant infections. Tetracyclines had the best in vitro activity of all antibiotics evaluated.
Cultural landscape resilience evaluation of Great Wall Villages: A case study of three villages in Chicheng County
Authors: Xie Dan , Wang Meng , Zhang Weiya
Published: April 2024

The Great Wall Villages (GWVs) are linked to the Great Wall in history, culture, and ecology. The cultural landscape resilience of Great Wall Villages (CLRGWVs) is distinctly significant. However, it is influenced by urbanization, pollution, and a lack of awareness of cultural landscape protection. Therefore, conservation and development practices still lack scientific strategies and guidance. This study proposes a new assessment system to quantify CLRGWVs, an analysis of the main influencing factors of resilience, and optimization paths to maintain sustainable development. Based on the socio-ecological system, this research designed the assessment with three criteria, eleven factors, and thirty-three indexes from the perspective of CLRGWVs. Furthermore, a demonstration test was constructed in Ningyuanbao Village, Dushikou Village, and Longmensuo Village in Chicheng County, Hebei Province, China. The results showed that there is some disparity between the three GWVs, with the resilience score of Dushikou Village being the highest in terms of resistance and learning. In contrast, Ningyuanbao Village’s resilience score is the lowest since resistance, recovery, and learning capacity are lower than in Dushikou and Longmensuo. Some influencing factors were found to be highly related to adaptive capacity. Lastly, some low-resilience aspects were identified as critical improvement targets for which corresponding optimization strategies should be proposed. This could be applied to streamline resilience optimization paths according to local conditions. This paper provides new ideas and directions for dealing with the sustainable development of villages and the conservation of cultural landscapes. It will also help villages deal with the relationship between socio-economic development and the conservation of cultural landscapes.
Transcriptome analysis of Burkitt lymphoma cells treated with anti-convulsant drugs that are inhibitors of Epstein–Barr virus lytic reactivation
Authors: Gorres Kelly L. , Reineke David M. , Miller George
Published: April 2024

Herpesviruses have two distinct life cycle stages, latency and lytic replication. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a gamma-herpesvirus, establishes latency in vivo and in cultured cells. Cell lines harboring latent EBV can be induced into the lytic cycle by treatment with chemical inducing agents. In the Burkitt lymphoma cell line HH514-16 the viral lytic cycle is triggered by butyrate, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Butyrate also alters expression of thousands of cellular genes. However, valproic acid (VPA), another HDAC inhibitor with global effects on cellular gene expression blocks EBV lytic gene expression in Burkitt lymphoma cell lines. Valpromide (VPM), an amide derivative of VPA, is not an HDAC inhibitor, but like VPA blocks induction of the EBV lytic cycle. VPA and VPM are the first examples of inhibitors of initial stages of lytic reactivation. We compared the effects of VPA and VPM, alone and in combination with butyrate, on host cellular gene expression using whole transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq). Gene expression was analyzed 6 h after addition of the compounds, a time before the first EBV lytic transcripts are detected. The results address two alternative, yet possibly complementary, mechanisms for regulation of EBV lytic reactivation. First, cellular genes that were up- or down-regulated by butyrate, but no longer altered in the presence of VPA or VPM, represent genes that correlated with EBV lytic reactivation. Second, genes regulated similarly by VPA and VPM in the absence and presence of butyrate are candidates for suppressors of EBV reactivation. Two genes upregulated by the lytic cycle inhibitors, CHAC1 and SLC7A11, are related to redox status and the iron-dependent cell death pathway ferroptosis. This study generates new hypotheses for control of the latency to lytic cycle switch of EBV and provides the first description of effects of the anti-convulsant drug VPM on global human cellular gene expression.
From theory to practice: Monetary policy transmission and bank risk dynamics
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Clovis Joel , Moffatt Peter , Wang Wenxue
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between monetary policy and bank risk-taking by introducing a model wherein banks expend a level of costly monitoring effort to select low-risk projects, thereby reducing the risk associated with the loans they grant. The impact of monetary policy on bank risk-taking is examined through both theoretical models and empirical analysis. The paper compares theoretical models with different assumptions, revealing an unambiguous negative effect without the assumption of limited liability for banks, and an ambiguous effect with the assumption of limited liability for banks, influenced by the equity ratio. The empirical model employs unique quarterly data comprising balance sheet information for top-listed banks in the U.S. banking system from 2000 to 2017. The findings indicate that low-interest rates contribute to an increase in bank risk-taking. Moreover, this effect is more pronounced after the financial crisis and weaker before the crisis. Additionally, the impact is evident for undercapitalized banks and more substantial for those financed with a higher proportion of equity.
Evaluation of radiological capacity and usage in paediatric TB diagnosis: A mixed-method protocol of a comparative study in Mozambique, South Africa and Spain
Authors: Munyangaju Isabelle , José Benedita , Esmail Ridwaan , Palmer Megan , Santiago Begoña , Hernanz-Lobo Alicia , Mutemba Crimenia , Perez Patricia , Tlhapi Liebe Hendrietta , Mudaly Vanessa , Pitcher Richard D. , Jahnen Andreas , Carruana Eliseo Vañó , López-Varela Elisa , Thierry-Chef Isabelle
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Tuberculosis remains one of the top ten causes of mortality globally. Children accounted for 12% of all TB cases and 18% of all TB deaths in 2022. Paediatric TB is difficult to diagnose with conventional laboratory tests, and chest radiographs remain crucial. However, in low-and middle-income countries with high TB burden, the capacity for radiological diagnosis of paediatric TB is rarely documented and data on the associated radiation exposure limited.

Methods

A multicentre, mixed-methods study is proposed in three countries, Mozambique, South Africa and Spain. At the national level, official registry databases will be utilised to retrospectively compile an inventory of licensed imaging resources (mainly X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) scan equipment) for the year 2021. At the selected health facility level, three descriptive cross-sectional standardised surveys will be conducted to assess radiology capacity, radiological imaging diagnostic use for paediatric TB diagnosis, and radiation protection optimization: a site survey, a clinician-targeted survey, and a radiology staff-targeted survey, respectively. At the patient level, potential dose optimisation will be assessed for children under 16 years of age who were diagnosed and treated for TB in selected sites in each country. For this component, a retrospective analysis of dosimetry will be performed on TB and radiology data routinely collected at the respective sites. National inventory data will be presented as the number of units per million people by modality, region and country. Descriptive analyses will be conducted on survey data, including the demographic, clinical and programmatic characteristics of children treated for TB who had imaging examinations (chest X-ray (CXR) and/or CT scan). Dose exposure analysis will be performed by children’s age, gender and disease spectrum.

Discussion

As far as we know, this is the first multicentre and multi-national study to compare radiological capacity, radiation protection optimization and practices between high and low TB burden settings in the context of childhood TB management. The planned comparative analyses will inform policy-makers of existing radiological capacity and deficiencies, allowing better resource prioritisation. It will inform clinicians and radiologists on best practices and means to optimise the use of radiological technology in paediatric TB management.
CIDER: Context-sensitive polarity measurement for short-form text
Authors: Young James C. , Arthur Rudy , Williams Hywel T. P.
Published: April 2024

Researchers commonly perform sentiment analysis on large collections of short texts like tweets, Reddit posts or newspaper headlines that are all focused on a specific topic, theme or event. Usually, general-purpose sentiment analysis methods are used. These perform well on average but miss the variation in meaning that happens across different contexts, for example, the word “active” has a very different intention and valence in the phrase “active lifestyle” versus “active volcano”. This work presents a new approach, CIDER (Context Informed Dictionary and sEmantic Reasoner), which performs context-sensitive linguistic analysis, where the valence of sentiment-laden terms is inferred from the whole corpus before being used to score the individual texts. In this paper, we detail the CIDER algorithm and demonstrate that it outperforms state-of-the-art generalist unsupervised sentiment analysis techniques on a large collection of tweets about the weather. CIDER is also applicable to alternative (non-sentiment) linguistic scales. A case study on gender in the UK is presented, with the identification of highly gendered and sentiment-laden days. We have made our implementation of CIDER available as a Python package: https://pypi.org/project/ciderpolarity/.
Distributed dynamic event-triggered algorithm for optimization problem with time delay
Authors: Jiang Lu , Xia Lunchao , Zhao Zhongyuan
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on studying the optimization problem of multi-agent systems (MAS) under undirected graph. To reduce the communication frequency among agents, a zero-gradient-sum (ZGS) algorithm based on dynamic event-triggered (DET) mechanism is investigated. The event-triggered condition of each agent only uses its own state information and the neighbor’s state information at the previous triggering instants, without requiring continuous state information from the neighbor. In addition, the designed algorithm allows for the sampling period to be arbitrarily large. The Lyapunov method is utilized to derive the sufficient conditions that incorporate time delay and parameters. As the event is only checked at the periodic moment, zeno behavior can be directly excluded. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
How social evaluations shape trust in 45 types of scientists
Authors: Gligorić Vukašin , van Kleef Gerben A. , Rutjens Bastiaan T.
Published: April 2024

Science can offer solutions to a wide range of societal problems. Key to capitalizing on such solutions is the public’s trust and willingness to grant influence to scientists in shaping policy. However, previous research on determinants of trust is limited and does not factor in the diversity of scientific occupations. The present study (N = 2,780; U.S. participants) investigated how four well-established dimensions of social evaluations (competence, assertiveness, morality, warmth) shape trust in 45 types of scientists (from agronomists to zoologists). Trust in most scientists was relatively high but varied considerably across occupations. Perceptions of morality and competence emerged as the most important antecedents of trust, in turn predicting the willingness to grant scientists influence in managing societal problems. Importantly, the contribution of morality (but not competence) varied across occupations: Morality was most strongly associated with trust in scientists who work on contentious and polarized issues (e.g., climatologists). Therefore, the diversity of scientific occupations must be taken into account to more precisely map trust, which is important for understanding when scientific solutions find their way to policy.
Enhancing system safety in critical architectures: Augmented hypothesis testing with early design knowledge
Authors: M. Rashid Fryad Khalid
Published: April 2024

Hypothesis testing is a valuable method used to investigate ideas and test predictions arising from theories based on available data. In the context of critical system architecture, there is a need to effectively utilize hypothesis testing to identify faulty paths and improve system safety. This research aims to propose guidelines and best practices for presenting hypothesis testing in critical system architecture. The problem addressed in this study is the underutilization of hypothesis testing in life-critical system methods, resulting in a lack of identification of faulty paths. To address this challenge, we propose an enhanced pathway analysis technique that integrates error-derived information from a system’s architectural description, thereby augmenting traditional hypothesis testing methods. By investigating various paths, we aim to identify false positive and false negative errors in life-critical system architecture. Furthermore, the proposed method is validated based on specific validation criteria for each step such as system boundary, assumption, content/architecture, and traceability validations. Also, the method is evaluated based on our claims. The results of our research highlight the significance of tracing errors in early system knowledge. By leveraging the augmented hypothesis testing method, we are able to identify hazards, safety constraints, and specific causes of unsafe actions more effectively. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating early design knowledge into hypothesis testing for enhanced hazard identification and improved system safety.
Analysis of learning curves in predictive modeling using exponential curve fitting with an asymptotic approach
Authors: Vianna Leonardo Silva , Gonçalves Alexandre Leopoldo , Souza João Artur
Published: April 2024

The existence of large volumes of data has considerably alleviated concerns regarding the availability of sufficient data instances for machine learning experiments. Nevertheless, in certain contexts, addressing limited data availability may demand distinct strategies and efforts. Analyzing COVID-19 predictions at pandemic beginning emerged a question: how much data is needed to make reliable predictions? When does the volume of data provide a better understanding of the disease’s evolution and, in turn, offer reliable forecasts? Given these questions, the objective of this study is to analyze learning curves obtained from predicting the incidence of COVID-19 in Brazilian States using ARIMA models with limited available data. To fulfill the objective, a retrospective exploration of COVID-19 incidence across the Brazilian States was performed. After the data acquisition and modeling, the model errors were assessed by employing a learning curve analysis. The asymptotic exponential curve fitting enabled the evaluation of the errors in different points, reflecting the increased available data over time. For a comprehensive understanding of the results at distinct stages of the time evolution, the average derivative of the curves and the equilibrium points were calculated, aimed to identify the convergence of the ARIMA models to a stable pattern. We observed differences in average derivatives and equilibrium values among the multiple samples. While both metrics ultimately confirmed the convergence to stability, the equilibrium points were more sensitive to changes in the models’ accuracy and provided a better indication of the learning progress. The proposed method for constructing learning curves enabled consistent monitoring of prediction results, providing evidence-based understandings required for informed decision-making.
The effectiveness of emerging markets’ legal structure in explaining financial development
Authors: Anser Muhammad Khalid , Khan Muhammad Asif , Khan Mohammed Arshad , Huizhen Wang , Haider Ahsanuddin
Published: April 2024

This article examines the role of legal structure in explaining financial development in twenty-three emerging markets, which has not been explored in institutional economics literature before. This study relied on Pedroni, and Kao cointegration tests, which is followed by the renowned panel cointegration technique. The results of the Pedroni and Kao cointegration tests show that the variables understudy is cointegrated in the long-run. These findings are confirmed by the panel cointegration showing that legal structure (LS) has positive impact on financial development (FIND) in long-run that support Law and Finance, and New Institutional Economics theories in emerging markets. This study is the first to directly examine the long-run impact of LS on FIND in emerging markets, and the result remains consistent across alternative measure of FIND. The findings of this study have important policy implications for emerging markets. Policymakers should focus on creating a legal environment that is conducive to financial development. This includes strengthening the legal framework, improving regulatory regimes, and promoting market autonomy. Additionally, policymakers should work to attract foreign investment, which can help spur economic growth and development in emerging markets. The findings of the study are consistent across battery of robustness testing.
Health care utilisation of asylum seekers and refugees in the South-West of Germany
Authors: Bockey Annabelle J. , Braun Cornelia , Camp Johannes , Janda Aleš , Kern Winfried V. , Müller Anne-Maria , Stete Katarina , Rieg Siegbert R. , Lange Berit
Published: April 2024

Background

Limited evidence on utilisation of health care by recently arrived asylum seekers and refugees in high-income countries is available. This study aims to describe the implementation of an integrated care facility (ICF) in an initial reception centre and measure the utilisation of care and the influence of operational parameters.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study design, using medical records, we followed inhabitants of a reception centre in Germany between 11.10.2015 and 30.05.2018. We assessed frequency of visits and revisits to a newly established integrated care facility (ICF), and the effects of the ICF on visits to the local emergency department (LED) in the regional tertiary hospital using survival analysis and time series regression. We also explore the influence of operational parameters on the different implementation phases; phase 1: provisional clinic with 1–2 hours of physician presence daily, phase 2: implementation of ICF with 2–4 hours of care by a team of doctors and nurses daily, phase 3: routine running of ICF with daily operational hours of 10am–2pm with care provided by an interdisciplinary team of doctors and nurses.

Results

14,419 total medical visits were recorded from 1,883 persons seeking health care in the ICF. The absolute number of visits per day remained similar over the study period (19·9/day), yet the relative number of visits changed from 2·2 to 15 per 100 inhabitants from phase 2 to 3, respectively. Most visits were due to respiratory infections (612/3080, 20%), and trauma and musculoskeletal conditions (441/3080, 14%). The rate of revisits to ICF was 2·9 per person per month (95%CI 2·9–3), more for those older, female, from North Africa and those with a translator present. The ratio of visits to the LED changed from 0·3/100 inhabitants per day to 0·14/100 inhabitants after implementation of the ICF and back to 0·3/100 inhabitants during the routine running.

Conclusions

Though seasonal variation and referral practices must be considered, a high rate of revisits to the ICF were recorded. While visits to the LED decreased after the implementation of the ICF, visits returned to the pre-ICF levels during the routine running of the ICF. The results show that AS&R require reliable access to health care, yet the needs of specific groups of migrants may be different, especially those with language barriers, minority groups or those from certain regions. As such, care should be migrant sensitive and adapt to the changing needs of the population. Though more research is required to better understand the differing needs of migrants, this study may help to inform guidelines surrounding migrant sensitive standards of care in Germany.
Using Implementation Mapping to develop an intervention program to support veterinarians’ adherence to the guideline on Streptococcus suis clinical practice in weaned pigs
Authors: Wayop Isaura Y. A. , de Vet Emely , Leerlooijer Joanne N. , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Speksnijder David C.
Published: April 2024

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infections in weaned pigs are common and responsible for a high consumption of antimicrobials, and their presence is assumed to be multi-factorial. A specific evidence-based veterinary guideline to support the control of S. suis in weaned pigs was developed for veterinary practitioners in the Netherlands in 2014. Adherence to the S. suis clinical practice guideline helps veterinary practitioners to prevent and control the disease in a systematical approach and thereby improve antimicrobial stewardship and contribute to the prevention of antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans. The impact of such a clinical practice guideline on (animal) disease management depends not only on its content, but also largely on the extent to which practitioners adhere to the clinical guideline in practice. When the S. suis guideline was published, no specific activities were undertaken to support veterinarians’ uptake and implementation, thereby contributing to suboptimal adherence in clinical practice. As the S. suis guideline was comprehensively written by veterinary experts following an evidence-based approach, our aim was not to judge the (scientific) quality of the guideline but to study the possibility to improve the currently low adherence of this guideline in veterinary practice. This paper describes the systematic development, using Implementation Mapping, of a theory-based intervention program to support swine veterinarians’ adherence to the S. suis guideline. The knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities, and beliefs about consequences domains are addressed in the program, which includes seven evidence-based methods (modelling, tailoring, feedback, discussion, persuasive communication, active learning, and self-monitoring) for use in program activities such as a peer-learning meeting and an e-learning module. The intervention program has been developed for practicing swine veterinarians, lasts eight months, and is evaluated through a stepped-wedge design. The Implementation Mapping approach ensured that all relevant adopters and implementers were involved, and that outcomes, determinants (influencing factors), and objectives were systematically discussed.
A comprehensive analysis of ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 for carcinogenesis in pan-cancer
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Rong , Zhang Jing , Zeng Peng
Published: April 2024

Background

Although there is evidence that ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) is associated with numerous cancers, pan-cancer analysis has seldom been conducted. This study aimed to explore the potential carcinogenesis of RRM2 in pan-cancer using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Methods

Data from the UCSC Xena database were analyzed to investigate the differential expression of RRM2 across multiple cancer types. Clinical data such as age, race, sex, tumor stage, and status were acquired to analyze the influence of RRM2 on the clinical characteristics of the patients. The role of RRM2 in the onset and progression of multiple cancers has been examined in terms of genetic changes at the molecular level, including tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), biological pathway changes, and the immune microenvironment.

Results

RRM2 was highly expressed in most cancers, and there was an obvious correlation between RRM2 expression and patient prognosis. RRM2 expression is associated with the infiltration of diverse immune and endothelial cells, immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Moreover, the cell cycle is involved in the functional mechanisms of RRM2.

Conclusions

Our pan-cancer study provides a comprehensive understanding of the carcinogenesis of RRM2 in various tumors.
Paternal depression in the postpartum year and children’s behaviors at age 5 in an urban U.S. birth cohort
Authors: Schmitz Kristine , Jimenez Manuel E. , Corman Hope , Noonan Kelly , Reichman Nancy E.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate associations between postpartum depression in fathers and children’s behaviors at age 5 in a national high-risk U.S. sample.

Study design

A secondary data analysis of 1,796 children in a national birth cohort study that oversampled non-marital births was conducted. Paternal depression was assessed 1 year after the child was born and children’s behaviors were assessed by their primary caregivers when the children were 5 years old. Unadjusted and adjusted negative binomial regression models of associations between paternal depression and child behavior scores and logistic regression models of associations between paternal depression and high scores (at least 1.5 or 2.0 standard deviations above the mean) were estimated.

Results

In negative binomial regression models that adjusted for child, paternal, and family characteristics and maternal depression, paternal depression was associated with a 17% higher total externalizing behavior score (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR): 1.17; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.07–1.27), a 17% higher aggressive subscale score (IRR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08–1.27), and an 18% higher delinquent subscale score (IRR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03–1.35). In adjusted logistic regression models for scores ≥2.0 standard deviations above the mean, paternal depression was associated with high total externalizing scores (e.g., Odds Ratio (OR): 3.09; 95% CI: 1.77–5.41), high aggressive behavior scores (OR: 2.40; 95% CI: 1.30–4.43), and high delinquent behavior scores (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.01–4.27). There were suggestive but non-robust associations between paternal depression and attention problems and no associations between paternal depression and internalizing behaviors or social problems.

Conclusion

Fathers’ depression at age 1 was associated with children’s externalizing behaviors at age 5, an important developmental stage when children transition to school. These findings suggest a need to identify and support fathers with depressive symptoms to promote optimal child development.
Effect of AGTR1 A1166C genetic polymorphism on coronary artery lesions and mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Tran Duy Cong , Le Linh Hoang Gia , Thai Truc Thanh , Van Hoang Sy , Do Minh Duc , Truong Binh Quang
Published: April 2024

The pathogenesis and prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Findings on the relationship of polymorphisms in various genes encoding the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system with coronary artery lesions and mortality in AMI patients are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine whether theAGTR1A1166C genetic polymorphism affects coronary artery lesions and 1-year mortality in post-AMI patients. Patients with their first AMI admitted to Cho Ray Hospital, Vietnam, from January 2020 to August 2021 were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. All participants underwent invasive coronary angiography and were identified as having the genotypes ofAGTR1A1166C by way of a polymerase chain reaction method. All patients were followed up for all-cause mortality 12 months after AMI. The association of theAGTR1A1166C polymorphism with coronary artery lesions and 1-year mortality was evaluated using logistic regression and Cox regression analysis, respectively. Five hundred and thirty-one AMI patients were recruited. The mean age was 63.9 ± 11.6 years, and 71.6% of the patients were male. There were no significant differences in the location and number of diseased coronary artery branches between the AA and AC+CC genotypes. The AC and CC genotypes were independently associated with ≥ 90% diameter stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery (odds ratio = 1.940; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.059–3.552,p= 0.032). The 1-year all-cause mortality rate difference between patients with the AC and CC genotypes versus those with the AA genotype was not statistically significant (hazard ratio = 1.000, 95% CI: 0.429–2.328,p= 1.000). TheAGTR1A1166C genetic polymorphism is associated with very severe luminal stenosis of the LAD but not with mortality in AMI patients.
Long-term shareholder perks and stock price reaction
Authors: Gao Yao , Nose Yoshiaki
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to examine the impact and source of announcements introducing additional long-term shareholder perks on stock prices of Japanese listed companies. We produced more precise analysis results by categorizing the total sample into favorable change and unfavorable change sample. As a result, we found that long-term shareholder perks have a positive impact on stock prices through the expansion of the shareholder base in the case of a favorable change, whereas there is no negative impact on stock liquidity due to an increased number of long term individual shareholders. On the contrary, in the case of an unfavorable change, we found a weak trend of shrinkage in the shareholder base due to individual shareholders’ defection and a consequent decrease in stock liquidity. In the case of a favorable change, the long-term shareholder perks program functions as a means to increase the number of shareholders and encourage them to hold the shares for a longer period of time.
Spatio-temporal heterogeneity of China’s import and export trade, factors influencing it, and its implications for developing countries’ trade
Authors: Wang Haisong , Wu Yuhuan , Zhu Ning
Published: April 2024

This study constructed a multidimensional indicator system to evaluate spatio-temporal heterogeneity of China’s import and export trade of 31 provinces from 2000 to 2022. This study describes the distribution of China’s import and export trade by using location Gini coefficient and exploratory spatial analysis. Additionally, Multiple linear regression was used to ascertain the extent of contribution by various factors on the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of import and export trade. The simulation results show that inter-provincial import and export trade displayed distinct spatio-temporal differentiation characteristics with a prominent east-to-west disparity from 2000 to 2022. The trade links between various regions of the country have gradually strengthened, with a corresponding high correlation to the level of economic development. GDP, financial expenditure, freight transportation volume, technology market turnover, foreign investment, and disposable income of all residents, significantly influence the per capita export and import volume. In general, it is suggested that China and developing countries should take effective measures to promote balanced trade development, strengthen regional cooperation and coordination, and promote green trade and sustainable development.
Billing rules / global period affect postoperative follow-up practices following total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Ratnasamy Philip P. , Oghenesume Oghenewoma P. , Joo Peter Y. , Grauer Jonathan N.
Published: April 2024

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure following which postoperative visits are important to optimize outcomes. The associated global billing period includes the 90 postoperative days (or approximately 13 weeks), during which professional billing is included with the surgery itself. The current study assessed clinical practice patterns relative to the global billing period.

Methods

Using the PearlDiver M91Ortho dataset, the incidence and timing of Evaluation and Management (E&M) codes in the 26 weeks following THA were assessed. The follow-up visits within and beyond the global billing period, and those conducted by surgeons versus non-surgeon advanced practice providers (APPs) were determined.

Results

77,843 THAs were identified. Follow-up visits peaked at postoperative weeks 3, 7, and 14. The greatest week-to-week variation in the number of follow-ups was from weeks 13 to 14 immediately following the global billing period (representing a greater than 4-fold increase in visits.) During the first 13 postop weeks, 73.8% of patients were seen by orthopedic surgeons (as opposed to APPs). In the following 13 weeks, a significantly greater percentage of visits were with surgeons (86.8%, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Following the THA global billing period, there was marked increase in the number of follow-ups and transition to a greater percentage being performed by the surgeons. These results provide interesting insight into the potential impact of the billing structure on how practice is pursued.
Land-use classification based on high-resolution remote sensing imagery and deep learning models
Authors: Hao Mengmeng , Dong Xiaohan , Jiang Dong , Yu Xianwen , Ding Fangyu , Zhuo Jun
Published: April 2024

High-resolution imagery and deep learning models have gained increasing importance in land-use mapping. In recent years, several new deep learning network modeling methods have surfaced. However, there has been a lack of a clear understanding of the performance of these models. In this study, we applied four well-established and robust deep learning models (FCN-8s, SegNet, U-Net, and Swin-UNet) to an open benchmark high-resolution remote sensing dataset to compare their performance in land-use mapping. The results indicate that FCN-8s, SegNet, U-Net, and Swin-UNet achieved overall accuracies of 80.73%, 89.86%, 91.90%, and 96.01%, respectively, on the test set. Furthermore, we assessed the generalization ability of these models using two measures: intersection of union and F1 score, which highlight Swin-UNet’s superior robustness compared to the other three models. In summary, our study provides a systematic analysis of the classification differences among these four deep learning models through experiments. It serves as a valuable reference for selecting models in future research, particularly in scenarios such as land-use mapping, urban functional area recognition, and natural resource management.
Well-being effect of international migration and remittance on human and gender development in South Asian countries
Authors: Nasrin Nishad , Haider Mohammed Ziaul , Ahsan Md. Nasif
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the well-being effect of international migration and remittance on human and gender development in selected South Asian countries. The study has adopted panel regression analysis using secondary data from the World Development Indicators and United Nations Development Programme. This database contains information on seven South Asian countries from 1995 to 2020. The study simultaneously applied the Levin-Lin-Chu, Breitung and IM-Pesaran unit root tests to check the stationarity of data. After satisfying the condition, econometric models such as Fixed and Random Effects were executed. Pesaran’s test of cross-sectional independence, the Westerlund test for cointegration and VIF tests were performed in order to check the robustness of the results. As a post-diagnostic tool, the Hausman test suggests that the Fixed Effect models are appropriate for each estimation. The results demonstrate that personal remittance positively and significantly affects human and gender development. Similarly, international migration significantly influences human development while negatively affecting gender development. The study suggests that these countries should prioritize attaining higher remittances by sending more international migrants. Similarly, the provision of cheaper formal channels for remitting money and giving incentives can be effective for higher remittance inflow. Moreover, negotiation at the government-to-government level can effectively expand the international labour market of the selected countries.
Understanding the uptake and determinants of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services in East Africa: Mixed methods systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Astawesegn Feleke Hailemichael , Mannan Haider , Stulz Virginia , Conroy Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Background

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV service is conceptualized as a series of cascades that begins with all pregnant women and ends with the detection of a final HIV status in HIV-exposed infants (HEIs). A low rate of cascade completion by mothers’ results in an increased risk of HIV transmission to their infants. Therefore, this review aimed to understand the uptake and determinants of key PMTCT services cascades in East Africa.

Methods

We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and AIM databases using a predetermined search strategy to identify studies published from January 2012 through to March 2022 on the uptake and determinants of PMTCT of HIV services. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A random-effects model was used to obtain pooled estimates of (i) maternal HIV testing (ii) maternal ART initiation, (iii) infant ARV prophylaxis and (iv) early infant diagnosis (EID). Factors from quantitative studies were reviewed using a coding template based on the domains of the Andersen model (i.e., environmental, predisposing, enabling and need factors) and qualitative studies were reviewed using a thematic synthesis approach.

Results

The searches yielded 2231 articles and we systematically reduced to 52 included studies. Forty quantitative, eight qualitative, and four mixed methods papers were located containing evidence on the uptake and determinants of PMTCT services. The pooled proportions of maternal HIV test and ART uptake in East Africa were 82.6% (95% CI: 75.6–88.0%) and 88.3% (95% CI: 78.5–93.9%). Similarly, the pooled estimates of infant ARV prophylaxis and EID uptake were 84.9% (95% CI: 80.7–88.3%) and 68.7% (95% CI: 57.6–78.0) respectively. Key factors identified were the place of residence, stigma, the age of women, the educational status of both parents, marital status, socioeconomic status, Knowledge about HIV/PMTCT, access to healthcare facilities, attitudes/perceived benefits towards PMTCT services, prior use of maternal and child health (MCH) services, and healthcare-related factors like resource scarcity and insufficient follow-up supervision.

Conclusion

Most of the identified factors were modifiable and should be considered when formulating policies and planning interventions. Hence, promoting women’s education and economic empowerment, strengthening staff supervision, improving access to and integration with MCH services, and actively involving the community to reduce stigma are suggested. Engaging community health workers and expert mothers can also help to share the workload of healthcare providers because of the human resource shortage.