bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting investors’ intention to invest in the stock market during COVID-19: can we use an extended theory of planned behavior?
Authors: Kumari J.S. , Senani K.G.P. , Ajward Roshan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explain investors’ intention to invest in the stock market amid the COVID-19 pandemic by expanding the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a quantitative approach, and a questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect responses from existing and potential individual investors. To test the relationships between variables, structural equation modeling was used.

Findings

The findings indicated that investors’ attitude and perceived behavioral control had a significant influence on investment intentions. Further, perceived knowledge of COVID-19 improved the ability to predict the intention to invest. Moreover, psychological risk significantly moderated the association between subjective norms related to investors and their attitudes. Overall, the tested model was able to better account for the intention of investors in stock market investments.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, only the investor reactions in the context of an emerging market were evaluated, and future studies could focus on different market contexts and perform comparative studies. Financial markets could be considered as a mechanism that has a direct impact on the wealth distribution of society, and the key findings of this study could be used to promote investment in emerging markets, where participation is comparatively low.

Originality/value

The TPB was expanded by incorporating investors’ perceived knowledge of COVID-19 and psychological risk dimensions, which were then tested in an emerging market context to fill the knowledge gap identified in the contemporary behavioral finance literature.
Capitalizing online knowledge networks: from individual knowledge acquisition towards organizational achievements
Authors: Vătămănescu Elena-Mădălina , Bratianu Constantin , Dabija Dan-Cristian , Popa Simona
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationships among several key constructs which link the individual’s motivation for knowledge acquisition to his affiliation with online knowledge networks, to further access the intellectual capital of the network as a prerequisite for organizational achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey with 227 members of higher education and research centers from 30 countries was carried out between July and September 2021. The data were analyzed by means of partial least squares structural equation modeling technique, using the statistics software package SmartPLS 3.0.

Findings

Individual motivation to acquire knowledge has a significant influence on the affiliation with online academic networks approached as online knowledge networks. Further, active engagement with the network’s intangible resources leads to a significant harnessing of the three-component intellectual capital, that is, human, structural and relational capital. Human and relational capital is proven to exert a significant effect on organizational achievements, whereas structural capital falls short of reporting a meaningful influence on the dependent variable.

Research limitations/implications

This research adds new knowledge to the capitalization of online knowledge networks and its influence on organizational achievements via intellectual capital.

Originality/value

A novel perspective is advanced in which online knowledge networks are acknowledged as a pivotal bond and nonlinear integrator between the individual level of knowledge fields and organizational knowledge leveraged into organizational achievements.
The effect of personalized audit communication and evidence inconsistency on auditor judgments and decision-making
Authors: Vagner Brandon
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of personalized task communication and examine auditor willingness to rely on and factor into their judgments and decisions historically accurate internal evidence suggesting a less conservative collectability judgment and audit adjustment decision than unfavorable external and less credible internal evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a 2 × 2 between-subjects experimental design manipulating whether participants receive source credibility insights leading to an evidence set consisting of mixed internal evidence signals, where historically accurate internal evidence suggests either a less conservative or similar collectability signal as unfavorable external evidence; and receive personalized or non-personalized task communication.

Findings

Through experimental analysis of 103 Big Four audit senior associates, the author found auditors factor into their collectability judgments and audit adjustment decisions historically accurate internal evidence suggesting less conservative collectability judgments and audit adjustment decisions than unfavorable external and less credible internal evidence. The author also found evidence that communication personalization elicits affect and increases effort levels for purposes of improving pre-task information processing and subsequent collectability judgments. The results also indicate that the influence of perceived personalization may not incrementally influence reliance on internal evidence that is consistent with unfavorable external evidence.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to examine auditor reliance behaviors when internal evidence suggests a less conservative collectability judgment and audit adjustment decision than unfavorable external evidence and is the first to explore communication personalization as a tool for effective audit knowledge transfer.
Fabrication, characterization and properties of silver nanoparticles using poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer as an ecofriendly non-fibrous textile
Authors: Mostafa Khaled , Ramadan Mohamed , El-Sanabary Azza
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to address a comprehensive and integrated investigations pertaining to the preparation of AgNPs with well-defined nano-sized scale using the aforementioned poly (meth acrylic acid [MAA])–chitosan graft copolymer, which is cheap, nontoxic, biodegradable and biocompatible agent as a substitute for the traditionally used toxic reducing agents.

Design/methodology/approach

AgNPs are prepared under a range of conditions, containing silver nitrate and poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer concentrations, time, temperature and pH of the preparation medium. To classify AgNPs obtained under the various conditions, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy spectra and transmission electron microscopy images are used for characterization of AgNPs instrumentally in addition to the visual color change throughout the work. The work was further extended to study the application of the so prepared AgNPs on cotton fabric to see their suitability as antibacterial agent as well as their durability after certain washing cycles.

Findings

According to the current investigation, the optimal conditions for AgNPs formation of nearly 3–15 nm in size are 5 g/l, poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer and 300 ppm AgNO3 in addition to carrying out the reaction at 60°C for 30 min at pH 12. Besides, the application of the so prepared AgNPs on cotton fabric displayed a substantial reduction in antibacterial efficiency against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria estimated even after 10 washing cycles in comparison with untreated one.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ information, no comprehensive study of the synthesis of AgNPs using poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer with a graft yield of 48% has been identified in the literature.
3D-printed medical models supply chain: barriers modeling and analysis
Authors: Verma Virendra Kumar , Kamble Sachin S. , Ganapathy L.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify 3D-printed medical model (3DPMM) supply chain barriers that affect the supply chain of 3DPMM in the Indian context and investigate the interdependencies between the barriers to establish hierarchical relations between them to improve the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to identify the hierarchical and contextual relations among the barriers to the 3DPMM supply chain.

Findings

A total of 15 3DPMM supply chain barriers were identified in this study. The analysis identified limited materials options, slow production speed, manual post-processing, high-skilled data analyst, design and customization expert and simulation accuracy as the significant driving barriers for the medical models supply chain for hospitals. In addition, the authors identified linkage and dependent barriers. The present study findings would help to improve the 3DPMM supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

There were no experts from other nations, so this study might have missed a few 3DPMM supply chain barriers that would have been significant from another nation’s perspective.

Practical implications

ISM would help practitioners minimize 3DPMM supply chain barriers, while DEMATEL allows practitioners to emphasize the causal effects of 3DPMM supply chain barriers.

Originality/value

This study minimizes the 3DPMM supply chain barriers for medical applications through a hybrid ISM and DEMATEL methodology that has not been investigated in the literature.
Plant spectra as integrative measures of plant phenotypes
Authors: Kothari Shan , Schweiger Anna K.
Published: July 2022

Spectroscopy at the leaf and canopy scales has attracted considerable interest in plant ecology over the past decades. Using reflectance spectra, ecologists can infer plant traits and strategies—and the community‐ or ecosystem‐level processes they correlate with—at individual or community levels, covering more individuals and larger areas than traditional field surveys.

Because of the complex entanglement of structural and chemical factors that generate spectra, it can be tricky to understand exactly what phenotypic information they contain. We discuss common approaches to estimating plant traits from spectra—radiative transfer and empirical models—and elaborate on their strengths and limitations in terms of the causal influences of various traits on the spectrum. Many chemical traits have broad, shallow and overlapping absorption features, and we suggest that covariance among traits may have an important role in giving empirical models the flexibility to estimate such traits.

While trait estimates from reflectance spectra have been used to test ecological hypotheses over the past decades, there is also a growing body of research that uses spectra directly, without estimating specific traits. By treating positions of species in multidimensional spectral space as analogous to trait space, researchers can infer processes that structure plant communities using the information content of the full spectrum, which may be greater than any standard set of traits. We illustrate this power by showing that co‐occurring grassland species are more separable in spectral space than in trait space and that the intrinsic dimensionality of spectral data is comparable to fairly comprehensive trait datasets. Nevertheless, using spectra this way may make it harder to interpret patterns in terms of specific biological processes.

Synthesis. Plant spectra integrate many aspects of plant form and function. The information in the spectrum can be distilled into estimates of specific traits, or the spectrum can be used in its own right. These two approaches may be complementary—the former being most useful when specific traits of interest are known in advance and reliable models exist to estimate them, and the latter being most useful under uncertainty about which aspects of function matter most.
High C‐reactive protein and number of previous episodes at diagnosis increase the risk of catheter removal in peritoneal dialysis‐related peritonitis in children
Authors: Keskin Gözmen Şükran , Serdaroğlu Erkin
Published: July 2022

Background

A minority of patients with peritonitis require removal of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters. We examined risk factors at diagnosis that could predict the removal of PD catheter before obtaining the results of treatment success in children with peritonitis.

Methods

We analyzed 156 peritonitis episodes in 57 pediatric PD patients.

Results

The peritonitis rate was 0.68 peritonitis episode per patient year. Catheter removal was required in 22 of 156. C‐reactive protein (CRP) ≥ ×10 of upper limit at diagnosis and increased previous episode number were found to be associated with catheter removal (OR [95% CI] 6.4 [2.3–18.1], p = 0.001 and 3.8 [1.4–10.6], p = 0.009).

Conclusion

These findings supported that CRP could be an early marker in predicting catheter removal even before obtaining the results of treatment success. Furthermore, it should be kept in mind that the risk of catheter removal is high in patients with high number of previous episodes especially of three or more.
Airway stenosis complicated by endobronchial ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition: A case report
Authors: Uchimura Keigo , Furuse Hideaki , Imabayashi Tatsuya , Matsumoto Yuji , Tsuchida Takaaki
Published: July 2022

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)‐guided tissue acquisition (TA) performed by transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is the main diagnostic procedure in mediastinal and hilar lymph node (LN) biopsy. EBUS‐guided intranodal forceps biopsy (EBUS‐IFB) and EBUS‐guided cryobiopsy can achieve higher diagnostic yield of lymphomas, uncommon tumors, and benign diseases. However, these techniques require the creation of a tract to insert biopsy devices, which may result in critical complications. Here, we report a rare case of airway stenosis (AS) that occurred after EBUS‐TA for mediastinal LN biopsy. An 80‐year‐old man had multiple pulmonary nodules and an enlarged mediastinal LN. EBUS‐TBNA and EBUS‐IFB were performed for histological diagnosis. Cutaneous adnexal carcinoma (CAC) was diagnosed. The patient underwent chemotherapy. Four months later, he was hospitalized for AS due to a tracheal tumor with dyspnea. Chest computed tomography and bronchoscopy revealed that the tracheal tumor was caused by invasion from the biopsied LN into the tracheal lumen by tract seeding (TS) caused by EBUS‐TA. Cryotherapy was performed. The tracheal tumor was pathologically consistent with CAC and is currently under control with radiotherapy. TS‐associated EBUS‐TA is rare but may increase in frequency with aggressive tissue sampling techniques. Bronchoscopists should perform EBUS‐TA with awareness of the potentially serious complications.
Sedative polypharmacy mediates the effect of mechanical ventilation on delirium in critically ill COVID‐19 patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bose Somnath , Kelly Lauren , Shahn Zachary , Novack Lena , Banner‐Goodspeed Valerie , Subramaniam Balachundhar
Published: July 2022

Background

Polypharmacy of sedatives (PP) is a potentially modifiable, iatrogenic risk factor for ICU delirium. The extent to which sedative PP influenced development of high rates of delirium among critically ill COVID‐19 patients is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that PP, defined as the use of four or more classes of intravenous agents, is a mediator in the causal pathway of mechanical ventilation and delirium.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of adults admitted with a primary diagnosis of RT‐PCR+ for SARS‐CoV2 to ICUs of a tertiary‐level academic medical center between February 2020 and April 2021. Mediation analysis was conducted with bootstrap estimation to assess whether an association between mechanical ventilation and delirium was mediated by PP. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders related to mechanical ventilation, mediator, and outcome, including age, gender, vasopressor use, median RASS scores, SOFA score within 24 h of admission, and maximum CRP levels.

Results

A total of 212 patients were included in the analysis. Of total patients, 72.6%(154/212) of patients had delirium (CAM‐ICU+) during ICU stay. 54.7%(116/212) patients received PP. Mechanical ventilation (OR 3.81 [1.16–12.52]) and PP (OR 7.38 [2.4–22.68]) were identified as risk factors for development of ICU delirium after adjusting for prespecified confounders. PP acts as a mediator in the causal pathway between mechanical ventilation and delirium. 39% (95% CI: 17%–94%) of the effect of mechanical ventilation on delirium was mediated through PP.

Conclusion

PP mediates approximately 39% of the effect of mechanical ventilation on delirium, which is clinically and statistically significant. Studies should assess whether mitigating PP could lead to reduction in ICU delirium.

Implication Statement

PP of sedatives (defined as use of four or more intravenous agents) mediates approximately 39% of the effect of mechanical ventilation on development of ICU delirium. Avoidance of sedative PP may represent a viable strategy for reduction of ICU delirium.
Goal directed fluid removal with furosemide versus placebo in intensive care patients with fluid overload: A trial protocol for a randomised, blinded trial (GODIF trial)
Authors: Wichmann Sine , Itenov Theis S. , Berthelsen Rasmus E. , Lange Theis , Perner Anders , Gluud Christian , Lawson‐Smith Pia , Nebrich Lars , Wiis Jørgen , Brøchner Anne C. , Hildebrandt Thomas , Behzadi Meike T. , Strand Kristian , Andersen Finn H. , Strøm Thomas , Järvisalo Mikko , Damgaard Kjeld A. J. , Vang Marianne L. , Wahlin Rebecka R. , Sigurdsson Martin I. , Thormar Katrin M. , Ostermann Marlies , Keus Frederik , Bestle Morten H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Fluid overload is a risk factor for mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Administration of loop diuretics is the predominant treatment of fluid overload, but evidence for its benefit is very uncertain when assessed in a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. The GODIF trial will assess the benefits and harms of goal directed fluid removal with furosemide versus placebo in ICU patients with fluid overload.

Methods

An investigator‐initiated, international, randomised, stratified, blinded, parallel‐group trial allocating 1000 adult ICU patients with fluid overload to infusion of furosemide versus placebo. The goal is to achieve a neutral fluid balance. The primary outcome is days alive and out of hospital 90 days after randomisation. Secondary outcomes are all‐cause mortality at day 90 and 1‐year after randomisation; days alive at day 90 without life support; number of participants with one or more serious adverse events or reactions; health‐related quality of life and cognitive function at 1‐year follow‐up. A sample size of 1000 participants is required to detect an improvement of 8% in days alive and out of hospital 90 days after randomisation with a power of 90% and a risk of type 1 error of 5%. The conclusion of the trial will be based on the point estimate and 95% confidence interval; dichotomisation will not be used. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04180397.

Perspective

The GODIF trial will provide important evidence of possible benefits and harms of fluid removal with furosemide in adult ICU patients with fluid overload.
Does Type A personality have a positive or negative impact on the delayed retirement intention of older workers?
Authors: Li Yuqin , Zhang Feng , Feng Danjun
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To determine whether the effects of Type A personality were positive or negative on the intention to delay retirement when taking into account both its direct and indirect effects mediated by occupational stressors and psychological distress.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey on the intention to delay retirement, psychological distress, occupational stressors, and Type A personality among 1752 older Chinese workers was conducted, and a structural equation approach was employed to examine these effects.

Results

The delayed retirement intention of Chinese workers was low (i.e., individuals were unwilling to delay retirement), and the expected retirement age was significantly lower than the official retirement age (i.e., the age when individuals become eligible for government pensions). Type A personality was directly associated with significantly higher intentions to delay retirement, but its indirect effects mediated by occupational stressors and psychological distress were insignificant.

Conclusions

The total effects of Type A personality on the intention to delay retirement were positive. Personalized intervention strategies based on Type A personality may be beneficial in motivating the work potential of older workers.
Risk factors for the occurrence of sexual misconduct during archaeological and anthropological fieldwork
Authors: Bradford Danielle J. , Crema Enrico R.
Published: July 2022

Fieldwork is crucial to advancing knowledge in archaeology and anthropology, but previous works suggests that between 64 and 68 percent of respondents experience sexual misconduct during fieldwork. Going forward, fieldwork must be made safe and inclusive. To achieve this, we must understand why sexual misconduct takes place during fieldwork. We surveyed an international sample of archaeologists and anthropologists (n=300) about their most recent fieldwork experience. We examine evidence for risk factors predicting sexual misconduct in fieldsites, and our findings suggest that length of fieldwork, presence and communication of policies and protocols, and the gender and sexuality of the individual are all significant. In particular, we find evidence for increased risk to nonmale and nonheterosexual individuals. We also gathered qualitative evidence from our respondents, who reported that in some cases they were discouraged from reporting and faced retaliation, they were dissatisfied with the handling of complaints, and fieldsite policies and protocols were not consistently or effectively implemented. Fieldwork can be a high‐risk environment for marginalized individuals to experience sexual misconduct, and when clear policies and procedures are lacking, it can also be a low‐risk environment for perpetrators in terms of consequences. To make fieldwork a safe environment for all, policies and protocols that mitigate the risk of sexual misconduct must be consistently implemented and properly communicated.
Evaluation of the feasibility of screening for paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Draijer Laura , Voorhoeve Maaike ,   Amsterdam Paediatric Obesity Collaboration, Benninga Marc , Koot Bart
Published: July 2022

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility of screening for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in clinical practice and the acceptance of a screening strategy, and to identify factors that determine compliance.

Methods

A screening protocol, based on alanine aminotransferase measurement and introduced to healthcare workers of Dutch outpatient obesity clinics in 2017, was evaluated. Medical files of children who visited the largest outpatient obesity clinic between 2017 and 2020 were evaluated. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 14 healthcare workers who had been using the screening protocol.

Results

Screening for NAFLD was performed in 477/571 (84%) of the children. Loss of follow‐up was the major reason for inadequate screening. Follow‐up was performed in 81/134 children with an abnormal screening result (61%). The FGDs indicated 13 barriers for screening, regarding guideline‐ and knowledge‐related issues.

Conclusion

Screening for NAFLD was performed in the vast majority of the children. However, adherence to the guideline after an abnormal initial screening result needs to be improved. This can be achieved by improving the loss of follow‐up of patients' and physicians' awareness of the relevance of mildly elevated ALT levels.
Mid‐Cretaceous calcarenite in stone products from the Roman colony of Emona, Regio X (modern Ljubljana, Slovenia)
Authors: Brajkovič Rok , Djurić Bojan , Gerčar David , Cvetko Tešović Blanka , Rožič Boštjan , Gale Luka
Published: July 2022

Over the course of studying stone products from the Roman colony of Emona (Regio X), stratigraphically undefined calcarenite that was used to make simple sepulchral and architectural stone products was detected. The calcarenite used is late Aptian to early Cenomanian in age. The corresponding facies were found in the Lower Flyschoid Formation outcropping near the town of Medvode, within the local radius of Emona. The Roman quarry was likely located in this area near the Sava River. According to the collected data, the quarry was in operation mainly in the 1st century.
Climate variability induced livelihood vulnerability: A systematic review and future prospects
Authors: Kumari Geeta , Sajjad Haroon , Rahaman Md Hibjur , Masroor Md , Roshani  , Ahmed Raihan , Sahana Mehebub
Published: July 2022

Climate variability has increased the frequency of disasters and affected the livelihood of the people to a greater extent. Therefore, livelihood vulnerability assessment assumes greater significance for understanding the interlinkages between climate variability induced disasters and livelihood pattern. In this paper, an attempt has been made to trace knowledge gaps, examine trends of research, and suggest future direction. We first collected 191 papers in the domain from Web of Science and Google scholar search engines from 1999 to 2019. Descriptive and thematic attributes of these papers were reviewed for identifying the missing links between climate variability and livelihood vulnerability and recommending future research action. Findings revealed that most of the studies were conducted at the local and regional level where the agricultural sector has taken dominance over other sectors. There is limited interdisciplinary coordination on the subject leading to limited cross‐scale interactions. Geographically, more studies were carried out in the plains. Future research should focus on mountains and coastal areas. Forest, aquaculture, and dairy farming should accord priority in such ecosystems. Empirical studies with an interdisciplinary approach need to be carried out for livelihood vulnerability assessment.
Whole‐transcriptome sequencing identifies neuroinflammation, metabolism and blood–brain barrier related processes in the hippocampus of aged mice during perioperative period
Authors: Suo Zizheng , Yang Jing , Zhou Bowen , Qu Yinyin , Xu Wenjie , Li Min , Xiao Ting , Zheng Hui , Ni Cheng
Published: July 2022

Aim

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) occur frequently after surgery and anesthesia, especially in aged patients. Previous studies have shown multiple PND related mechanisms in the hippocampus; however, their relationships remain unclear. Meanwhile, the perioperative neuropathological processes are sophisticated and changeable, single period study could not reveal the accurate mechanisms. Thus, multiperiod whole‐transcriptome study is necessary to elucidate the gene expression patterns during perioperative period.

Methods

Aged C57BL/6 mice were subjected to exploratory laparotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia. Whole‐transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq analysis) was performed on the hippocampi from control condition (Con), 30 min (Day0), 2 days (Day2), and 7 days (Day7) after surgery. Gene Ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, quantitative real‐time PCR, immunofluorescence, and fear conditioning test were also performed to elucidate the pathological processes and modulation networks during the period.

Results

Through RNA‐seq analysis, 328, 3597, and 4179 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out in intraoperative period (Day0 vs. Con), early postoperative period (Day2 vs. Day0), and late postoperative period (Day7 vs. Day2). The involved GO biological processes were divided into 9 categories, and positive‐regulated processes were more than negative‐regulated ones. Seventy‐four transcription factors were highlighted. The potential synaptic and neuroinflammatory pathways were constructed for Neurotransmitter, Synapse and Neuronal alteration categories with 9 genes (Htr1a, Rims1, and Ezh2, etc.). The metabolic and mitochondrial pathways were constructed for metabolism, oxidative stress, and biological rhythm categories with 9 genes (Gpld1, Sirt1, and Cry2, etc.). The blood–brain barrier and neurotoxicity related pathways were constructed for blood–brain barrier, neurotoxicity, and cognitive function categories with 10 genes (Mmp2, Itpr1, and Nrf1, etc.).

Conclusion

The results revealed gene expression patterns and modulation networks in the aged hippocampus during perioperative period, which provide insights into overall mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of perioperative central nervous system diseases, such as PND, from the genetic level.
Climate drives anuran breeding phenology in a continental perspective as revealed by citizen‐collected data
Authors: Forti Lucas Rodriguez , Hepp Fábio , de Souza Juliana Macedo , Protazio Airan , Szabo Judit K.
Published: July 2022

Aim

As anuran reproduction is generally linked to the availability of water, frogs and toads are particularly sensitive to climate. We tested the effect of climate on anuran reproductive phenology and daily activity by analysing temporal patterns of reproductive behaviour based on citizen‐collected observations.

Location

Brazil.

Methods

We obtained vocalizations and photographs of frogs with inflated air sacs, as well as images of amplectant couples, nests, eggs or tadpoles in initial stages of development from iNaturalist. We analysed hourly patterns, seasonality and duration of the reproductive period using circular statistics in different climate types and tested phylogenetic signals. We analysed data for Bufonidae, Hylidae, Leptodactylidae and Phyllomedusidae in detail. We also reviewed relevant literature.

Results

Among the 8478 (acoustic and photographic) records, 738 (8.7%) had evidence of reproduction with 284 acoustic records and 454 photographs, representing 184 taxa identified at the species level belonging to 16 families. Climate affected the period and duration of the reproductive season, as well as daily patterns of vocalization. These results were considered phylogenetically independent, as the reconstructions of ancestral character states did not suggest strong phylogenetic signals for temporal patterns of vocalization or reproduction. In Brazil, most frogs reproduce between October and January. Patterns were similar to the results of the literature review, however in the literature data, Bufonidae start reproduction 2 months earlier, and many Hylidae species reproduce until February. In general, frogs from warmer and drier climate regions had shorter and aggregated reproductive seasons, while in tropical monsoon climate they had a uniform temporal pattern.

Main conclusions

At the continental scale, reproductive phenology of anurans and their daily activity is affected by climatic conditions regardless of phylogeny. We found that community science can provide valuable information in Brazil that can be harnessed to monitor effects of climate change on amphibian reproduction.
Gel immersion endoscopic ultrasonography for the transgastric observation of jejunal tumor
Authors: Tomita Yusuke , Yane Kei , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya
Published: July 2022

Watch a video of this article.
Patient‐led rapid titration of basal insulin in gestational diabetes is associated with improved glycaemic control and lower birthweight
Authors: McGovern Andrew P. , Hirwa Kagabo D. , Wong Abigail K. , Holland Claire J. E. , Mayne Isabelle , Hashimi Aisha , Thompson Rachael , Creese Vicky , Havill Sarah , Sanders Tina , Blackman Jennifer , Vaidya Bijay , Hattersley Andrew T.
Published: July 2022

Aims

Elevated fasting blood glucose in gestational diabetes (GDM) is a key predictor of high birthweight babies and adverse pregnancy outcomes but is hard to treat. We implemented a simple, patient‐led, insulin dose titration algorithm aiming to improve fasting glycaemic control in GDM.

Methods

In women with GDM, initiating basal insulin, we recommended a daily four‐unit dose increase after every fasting glucose value ≥5.0 mmol/mol (90 mg/dl). This approach augmented our pre‐existing intensive (weekly) specialist nursing input. Using a before‐and‐after retrospective observational study design, we examined insulin doses and glucose values at 36 weeks gestation and maternal and neonatal outcomes in 105 women completing pregnancy before and 93 women after the intervention.

Results

The baseline characteristics of women in the before and after groups were the same. Women initiated on insulin after implementation (n = 30 before, n = 43 after) achieved substantially higher doses at 36 weeks (53 vs. 36 units/day; 0.56 vs. 0.37 units/kg/day; p = 0.027). 36‐week mean fasting glucose was lower in those on insulin after implementation (4.6 vs. 5.1 mmol/L [83 vs. 92 mg/dl]; p = 0.031). Birthweight was significantly reduced (birthweight Z‐scores 0.34 vs. 0.92; p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in macrosomia (after; 2% vs. before; 17% p = 0.078) or caesarean sections (after; 33% vs. before; 47%; p = 0.116). No women experienced severe hypoglycaemia. There were no outcome differences before versus after intervention in women not treated with insulin.

Conclusions

Patient‐led daily insulin titration in gestational diabetes leads to higher insulin dose use lower fasting glucose and is associated with lower birthweight without causing significant hypoglycaemia.
Evolutionary insights into porcine genomic structural variations based on a novel‐constructed dataset from 24 worldwide diverse populations
Authors: Gong Huanfa , Liu Weiwei , Wu Zhongzi , Zhang Mingpeng , Sun Yingchun , Ling Ziqi , Xiao Shijun , Ai Huashui , Xing Yuyun , Yang Bin , Huang Lusheng
Published: July 2022

Structural variations (SVs) are important DNA polymorphisms that contribute to genetic diversity and evolution in humans, animals, and plants. In this study, we present a novel swine SV dataset of 79,919 deletions, 23,638 duplications, and 9333 inversions with average sequence depths of 24.1× from 24 varieties of worldwide pig populations, encompassing 305 individuals. Genotypes of SVs, particularly deletions, can accurately group individuals based on their population identity. We showed that exon‐covering deletions were subject to negative selection. Fixation index and differential allele frequency analysis identified highly differentiated SVs between European and Asian indigenous pigs, including deletions in NR6A1 and PLAG1, which are significantly associated with vertebrate numbers and growth performances, respectively. The growth‐enhancing allele at the deletion in PLAG1 was shared by European commercial pigs and Northern Chinese indigenous pigs including Laiwu and Min pigs, suggesting potential introgression from European commercial breeds into Chinese indigenous breeds. Moreover, we uncovered highly differentiated SVs in 139 genes between domesticated pigs and wild boars in Asia, temperature and altitude adaptation‐associated SVs in 41 genes, and population‐specific SVs in 718 genes. This study provides novel insights into the role of porcine SVs in domestication, environmental adaptation, and breed formation.
Marine animal evolutionary developmental biology—Advances through technology development
Authors: Stracke Katharina , Hejnol Andreas
Published: July 2022

Evolutionary developmental biology, the interdisciplinary effort of illuminating the conserved similarities and differences during animal development across all phylogenetic clades, has gained renewed interest in the past decades. As technology (immunohistochemistry, next‐generation sequencing, advanced imaging, and computational resources) has advanced, so has our ability of resolving fundamental hypotheses and overcoming the genotype–phenotype gap. This rapid progress, however, has also exposed gaps in the collective knowledge around the choice and representation of model organisms. It has become clear that evo‐devo requires a comparative, large‐scale approach including marine invertebrates to resolve some of the most urgent questions about the phylogenetic positioning and character traits of the last common ancestors. Many invertebrates at the base of the tree of life inhabit marine environments and have been used for some years due to their accessibility, husbandry, and morphology. Here, we briefly review the major concepts of evolutionary developmental biology and discuss the suitability of established model organisms to address current research questions, before focussing on the importance, application, and state‐of‐the‐art of marine evo‐devo. We highlight novel technical advances that progress evo‐devo as a whole.
Equine recurrent uveitis—A review
Authors: Fischer Britta M. , Brehm Walter , Reese Sven , McMullen Richard J.
Published: July 2022

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is still the leading cause of blindness in horses worldwide. It has a tremendous physical, emotional and economic impact on horses and their owners, respectively. This article will review the proposed aetiologies and discuss the complex and enigmatic relationship between ERU and leptospirosis as a cause. Typical clinical signs and ERU classifications will be discussed, and the current state of diagnostic testing evaluated. Much diagnostic data have been collected and published, and our thorough discussion of these results may serve to ease interpretation when routinely evaluating cases. Ultimately, the most current treatment options will be compared with regard to nonrecurrence rates, visual outcomes and associated complication rates.
Macro‐meso damage cracking and volumetric dilatancy of fault block‐in‐matrix rocks induced by freeze–thaw‐multistage constant amplitude cyclic (F‐T‐MSCAC) loads
Authors: Wang Yu , Yi Xuefeng , Li Peng , Cai Meifeng , Sun Tao
Published: July 2022

In this study, we experimentally investigated the mechanical behaviors of a fault unwelded bimrock exposed to first freeze–thaw weathering and then disturbed stress conditions. The impact of freeze–thaw damage on volumetric deformation, damage propagation, and mesoscopic instability mode was studied. Test results show that the block‐matrix interface cracking easily occurs after freeze–thaw treatment. The strain rate increases with the increase of the freeze–thaw cycle, and an early instability precursor is issued from the evolution of volumetric strain rare. In addition, a coupled evolution model considering the mechanical damage and the freeze–thaw weathering damage was defined, and it was suggested that the model pattern has obviously correlation with the occurrence of freeze–thaw damage. Moreover, posttest CT scanning revealed the influence of freeze–thaw on meso‐cracking and volumetric dilatancy pattern. It is found that the block contact, interlocking, occlusion, and separation contribute a lot to bimrock volumetric expansion.
Contrasting seasonal effects of climate change influence density in a cold‐adapted species
Authors: Kumar Alexander V. , Zimova Marketa , Martin Thomas E. , Mills L. Scott
Published: July 2022

Many ecological processes are profoundly influenced by abiotic factors, such as temperature and snow. However, despite strong evidence linking shifts in these ecological processes to corresponding shifts in abiotic factors driven by climate change, the mechanisms connecting population size to season‐specific climate drivers are little understood. Using a 21‐year dataset and a Bayesian state space model, we identified biologically informed seasonal climate covariates that influenced densities of snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), a cold‐adapted boreal herbivore. We found that snow and temperature had strong but conflicting season‐dependent effects. Reduced snow duration in spring and fall and warmer summers were associated with lowered hare density, whereas warmer winters were associated with increased density. When modeled simultaneously and under two climate change scenarios, the negative effects of reduced fall and spring snow duration and warmer summers overwhelm the positive effect of warmer winters, producing projected population declines. Ultimately, the contrasting population‐level impacts of climate change across seasons emphasize the critical need to examine the entire annual climate cycle to understand potential long‐term population consequences of climate change.
Decomposing the spatial and temporal effects of climate on bird populations in northern European mountains
Authors: Bradter Ute , Johnston Alison , Hochachka Wesley M. , Soultan Alaaeldin , Brommer Jon E. , Gaget Elie , Kålås John Atle , Lehikoinen Aleksi , Lindström Åke , Piirainen Sirke , Pavón‐Jordán Diego , Pärt Tomas , Øien Ingar Jostein , Sandercock Brett K.
Published: July 2022

The relationships between species abundance or occurrence versus spatial variation in climate are commonly used in species distribution models to forecast future distributions. Under “space‐for‐time substitution”, the effects of climate variation on species are assumed to be equivalent in both space and time. Two unresolved issues of space‐for‐time substitution are the time period for species' responses and also the relative contributions of rapid‐ versus slow reactions in shaping spatial and temporal responses to climate change. To test the assumption of equivalence, we used a new approach of climate decomposition to separate variation in temperature and precipitation in Fennoscandia into spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal components over a 23‐year period (1996–2018). We compiled information on land cover, topography, and six components of climate for 1756 fixed route surveys, and we modeled annual counts of 39 bird species breeding in the mountains of Fennoscandia. Local abundance of breeding birds was associated with the spatial components of climate as expected, but the temporal and spatiotemporal climatic variation from the current and previous breeding seasons were also important. The directions of the effects of the three climate components differed within and among species, suggesting that species can respond both rapidly and slowly to climate variation and that the responses represent different ecological processes. Thus, the assumption of equivalent species' response to spatial and temporal variation in climate was seldom met in our study system. Consequently, for the majority of our species, space‐for‐time substitution may only be applicable once the slow species' responses to a changing climate have occurred, whereas forecasts for the near future need to accommodate the temporal components of climate variation. However, appropriate forecast horizons for space‐for‐time substitution are rarely considered and may be difficult to reliably identify. Accurately predicting change is challenging because multiple ecological processes affect species distributions at different temporal scales.
Platelet extracellular vesicles and the secretory interactome join forces in health and disease
Authors: Boilard Eric , Bellio Marie
Published: July 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane‐bound vesicles released by cells under various conditions. They are found in the extracellular milieu in all biological fluids. As the concentrations, contents, and origin of EVs can change during inflammation, the assessment of EVs can be used as a proxy of cellular activation. Here, we review the literature regarding EVs, more particularly those released by platelets and their mother cells, the megakaryocytes. Their cargo includes cytokines, growth factors, organelles (mitochondria and proteasomes), nucleic acids (messenger and non‐coding RNA), transcription factors, and autoantigens. EVs may thus contribute to intercellular communication by facilitating exchange of material between cells. EVs also interact with other molecules secreted by cells. In autoimmune diseases, EVs are associated with antibodies secreted by B cells. By definition, EVs necessarily comprise a phospholipid moiety, which is thus the target of secreted phospholipases also abundantly expressed in the extracellular milieu. We discuss how platelet‐derived EVs, which represent the majority of the circulating EVs, may contribute to immunity through the activity of their cargo or in combination with the secretory interactome.
An optimization method for characterizing two groups of data
Authors: Salehipour Amir
Published: July 2022

Feature selection aims to choose a subset of features, out of the set of candidate features, such that the selected set best represents the whole in a particular aspect. We propose an optimization model for the problem of selecting features in the presence of two groups of data. The objectives include minimizing the number of selected features and maximizing similarities within the same group and differences between different groups. We use the lexicographic method and prove several properties of the problem. We show that obtaining even feasible solutions for the problem can be challenging. Therefore, we propose matheuristic algorithms. We test our algorithms on both randomly generated and real‐world datasets. The computational results indicate that the proposed matheuristics deliver quality solutions in a reasonable amount of time.
Rare left‐sided accessory pathway successfully ablated with atrial insertion site at the left‐side fossa ovalis
Authors: Yang Hongliang , Sun Huan , Li Ying , Si Daoyuan , Zhang Wenqi , He Yuquan
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Left‐sided accessory pathway (AP) with atrial insertion away from the annulus is an atypical variation. Conventional mapping and ablation performed along mitral annulus (MA) is usually ineffective.Methods: A 14‐year‐old girl without structural heart disease presented with recurrent episodes of sudden onset palpitations and electrocardiogram (ECG) showed a narrow QRS complex tachycardia.Results: Electrophysiology study (EPS) was done and anterograde atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) with AP was diagnosed. Conventional mapping and ablation performed along TA and MA was failed. 3D‐activation mapping found the retrograde atrial insertion site of AP on the left atrium fossa ovalis (FO), and AP was successfully abolished by radiofrequency ablation at that site.Conclusion: As reported, this patient is the first report of ablating a left‐sided AP with retrograde atrial insertion on the left atrium FO.