bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary divergence between homologous X-Y chromosome genes shapes sex-biased biology
Authors: DeCasien Alex R. , Tsai Kathryn , Liu Siyuan , Thomas Adam , Raznahan Armin
Published: March 2024

Sex chromosomes are a fundamental aspect of sex-biased biology, but the extent to which homologous X–Y gene pairs (“the gametologs”) contribute to sex-biased phenotypes remains hotly-debated. Although these genes exhibit large sex differences in expression throughout the body (XX females express both X members; XY males express one X and one Y member), there is conflicting evidence regarding the degree of functional divergence between the X and Y gametologs. Here, we use co-expression fingerprint (CF) analysis to characterize functional divergence between the X and Y members of 17 gametolog gene pairs across >40 human tissues. Gametologs exhibit functional divergence between the sexes that is driven by divergence between the X vs. Y gametologs (assayed in males) and is greatest among evolutionary distant gametolog pairs. These patterns reflect that X vs. Y gametologs show coordinated patterns of asymmetric coupling with large sets of autosomal genes, which are enriched for functional pathways and gene sets implicated in sex-biased biology and disease. These findings suggest that the X and Y gametologs have diverged in function, and prioritize specific gametolog pairs for future targeted experimental studies.
Human chorionic gonadotropin decreases cerebral cystic encephalomalacia and parvalbumin interneuron degeneration in a pro-inflammatory model of mouse neonatal hypoxia-ischemia
Authors: Miller Ben , Crider Alexander , Aravamuthan Bhooma , Galindo Rafael
Published: March 2024

The pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is an immunoregulatory and neurotrophic glycoprotein of potential clinical utility in the neonate at risk for cerebral injury. Despite its well-known role in its ability to modulate the innate immune response during pregnancy, hCG has not been demonstrated to affect the pro-degenerative actions of inflammation in neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Here we utilize a neonatal mouse model of mild HI combined with intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the neuroprotective actions of hCG in the setting of endotoxin-mediated systemic inflammation. Intraperitoneal treatment of hCG shortly prior to LPS injection significantly decreased tissue loss and cystic degeneration in the hippocampal and cerebral cortex in the term-equivalent neonatal mouse exposed to mild HI. Noting that parvalbumin immunoreactive interneurons have been broadly implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, it is notable that hCG significantly improved the injury-mediated reduction of these neurons in the cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus. The above findings were associated with a decrease in the amount of Iba1 immunoreactive microglia in most of these brain regions. These observations implicate hCG as an agent capable of improving the neurological morbidity associated with peripheral inflammation in the neonate affected by HI. Future preclinical studies should aim at demonstrating added neuroprotective benefit by hCG in the context of therapeutic hypothermia and further exploring the mechanisms responsible for this effect. This research is likely to advance the therapeutic role of gonadotropins as a treatment for neonates with neonatal brain injury.

Key points

Intraperitoneal administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) decreases lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-augmented hypoxic-ischemic neurodegeneration in the term-equivalent mouse neonate

Pretreatment with hCG reduces LPS-mediated cystic encephalomalacia of the cerebral cortex and ameliorates hippocampal tissue loss after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI)

hCG decreases LPS+HI-mediated parvalbumin immunoreactive interneuron loss in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and dorsal striatum.

hCG decreases LPS+HI-augmented microglial Iba1 immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
The laminar organization of cell types in macaque cortex and its relationship to neuronal oscillations
Authors: Lichtenfeld M.J. , Mulvey A.G. , Nejat H. , Xiong Y.S. , Carlson B.M. , Mitchell B.A. , Mendoza-Halliday D. , Westerberg J.A. , Desimone R. , Maier A. , Kaas J.H. , Bastos A.M.
Published: March 2024

The canonical microcircuit (CMC) has been hypothesized to be the fundamental unit of information processing in cortex. Each CMC unit is thought to be an interconnected column of neurons with specific connections between excitatory and inhibitory neurons across layers. Recently, we identified a conserved spectrolaminar motif of oscillatory activity across the primate cortex that may be the physiological consequence of the CMC. The spectrolaminar motif consists of local field potential (LFP) gamma-band power (40-150 Hz) peaking in superficial layers 2 and 3 and alpha/beta-band power (8-30 Hz) peaking in deep layers 5 and 6. Here, we investigate whether specific conserved cell types may produce the spectrolaminar motif. We collected laminar histological and electrophysiological data in 11 distinct cortical areas spanning the visual hierarchy: V1, V2, V3, V4, TEO, MT, MST, LIP, 8A/FEF, PMD, and LPFC (area 46), and anatomical data in DP and 7A. We stained representative slices for the three main inhibitory subtypes, Parvalbumin (PV), Calbindin (CB), and Calretinin (CR) positive neurons, as well as pyramidal cells marked with Neurogranin (NRGN). We found a conserved laminar structure of PV, CB, CR, and pyramidal cells. We also found a consistent relationship between the laminar distribution of inhibitory subtypes with power in the local field potential. PV interneuron density positively correlated with gamma (40-150 Hz) power. CR and CB density negatively correlated with alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (13-30 Hz) oscillations. The conserved, layer-specific pattern of inhibition and excitation across layers is therefore likely the anatomical substrate of the spectrolaminar motif.

Significance Statement

Neuronal oscillations emerge as an interplay between excitatory and inhibitory neurons and underlie cognitive functions and conscious states. These oscillations have distinct expression patterns across cortical layers. Does cellular anatomy enable these oscillations to emerge in specific cortical layers? We present a comprehensive analysis of the laminar distribution of the three main inhibitory cell types in primate cortex (Parvalbumin, Calbindin, and Calretinin positive) and excitatory pyramidal cells. We found a canonical relationship between the laminar anatomy and electrophysiology in 11 distinct primate areas spanning from primary visual to prefrontal cortex. The laminar anatomy explained the expression patterns of neuronal oscillations in different frequencies. Our work provides insight into the cortex-wide cellular mechanisms that generate neuronal oscillations in primates.
Violated predictions enhance the representational fidelity of visual features in perception
Authors: Rideaux Reuben , Dang Phuong , Jackel-David Luke , Buhmann Zak , Rangelov Dragan , Mattingley Jason B
Published: March 2024

Predictive coding theories argue that recent experience establishes expectations that generate prediction errors when violated. In humans, brain imaging studies have revealed unique signatures of violated predictions in sensory cortex, but the perceptual consequences of these effects remain unknown. We had observers perform a dual-report task on the orientation of briefly presented gratings within predictable or random sequences, while we recorded their pupil size as an index of surprise. Observers first made a speeded response to categorize grating orientation (clockwise or counterclockwise from vertical), then reproduced the orientation without time pressure by rotating a bar. This allowed us to separately assess response speed and precision for the same stimuli. Critically, on half the trials, the target orientation deviated from the spatiotemporal structure established by the preceding gratings. Observers responded faster and more accurately to unexpected gratings, and pupillometry provided physiological evidence of observers’ surprise in response to these events. In a second experiment, we cued the spatial location and timing of the grating and found the same pattern of results, demonstrating that unexpected orientation information is sufficient to produce faster and more precise responses, even when the location and timing of the relevant stimuli are fully expected. These findings indicate that unexpected events are prioritized by the visual system both in terms of processing speed and representational fidelity.
Preferences and uptake of home-based HIV self-testing for maternal retesting in Kenya
Authors: Drake Alison L. , Jiang Wenwen , Kitao Peninah , Farid Shiza , Richardson Barbra A. , Katz David A. , Wagner Anjuli D. , Johnson Cheryl C , Matemo Daniel , Stewart Grace-John , Kinuthia John
Published: March 2024

Objective

To compare preferences, uptake, and cofactors for unassisted home-based oral self-testing (HB-HIVST) versus clinic-based rapid diagnostic blood tests (CB-RDT) for maternal HIV retesting.

Design

Prospective cohort

Methods

Between November 2017 and June 2019, HIV-negative pregnant Kenyan women receiving antenatal care were enrolled and given a choice to retest with HB-HIVST or CB-RDT. Women were asked to retest between 36 weeks gestation and 1 week post-delivery if the last HIV test was <24 weeks gestation or at 6 weeks postpartum if ≥24 weeks gestation, and self-report on retesting at a 14 week postpartum.

Results

Overall, 994 women enrolled and 33% (n=330) selected HB-HIVST. HB-HIVST was selected because it was private (68%), convenient (63%), and offered flexibility in timing of retesting (63%), whereas CB-RDT was selected due to trust of providers to administer the test (77%) and convenience of clinic testing (64%). Among 905 women who reported retesting at follow-up, 135 (15%) used HB-HIVST. Most (94%) who selected CB-RDT retested with this strategy, compared to 39% who selected HB-HIVST retesting with HB-HIVST. HB-HIVST retesting was more common among women with higher household income and those who may have been unable to test during pregnancy (both retested postpartum and delivered <37 weeks gestation) and less common among women who were depressed. Most women said they would retest in the future using the test selected at enrollment (99% HB-HIVST; 93% CB-RDT-RDT).

Conclusions

While most women preferred CB-RDT for maternal retesting, HB-HIVST was acceptable and feasible and may increase retesting coverage and partner testing.
Optogenetics-integrated gut organ culture system connects enteric neurons dynamics and gut homeostasis
Authors: Naim Gitali , Romano Hadar , Amidror Sivan , Levy David Jessula , Cohen Adva , Sochen Carmel , Yarden Yasmin , Feng Mengyang , Farah Nairouz , Tsentsarevsky Rotem , Brodie Ziv , Reich Yasmin , Simon Ariel , Toister Einat , Shoval Irit , Mandel Yossi , Biton Moshe , Yissachar Nissan
Published: March 2024

The enteric nervous system (ENS) senses microbiota-derived signals and orchestrates mucosal immunity and epithelial barrier functions, in health and disease. However, mechanistic dissections of intestinal neuro-immune-microbiota communications remain challenging and existing research methods limit experimental controllability and throughput. Here, we present a novel optogenetics-integrated gut organ culture system that enables real-time, whole-tissue stimulation of specific ENS lineages, allowing for detailed analysis of their functional impact. We demonstrate that optogenetic activation of enteric cholinergic neurons rapidly modulates intestinal physiology. Interestingly, distinct neuronal firing patterns differentially modulate neuro-immunological gene expression and epithelial barrier integrity. Furthermore, diverse enteric neuronal lineages exert distinct regulatory roles. While cholinergic activation promotes gene-sets associated with type-2 immunity, tachykininergic enteric neurons differentially control mucosal defense programs. Remarkably, luminal introduction of the immunomodulatory bacteriumC. ramosumsignificantly remodeled cholinergic-induced neuro-immunological transcription. These findings suggest that complex combinatorial signals delivered by gut microbes and enteric neurons are locally integrated to fine-tune intestinal immunity and barrier defense. Collectively, we provide a powerful platform for systematic discovery and mechanistic exploration of functional neuroimmune connections, and their potential modulation by drugs, microbes, or metabolites.

Short abstract

The enteric nervous system senses microbiota-derived signals and orchestrates mucosal immunity and epithelial barrier functions. Mechanistic dissections of intestinal neuro-immune-microbiota communications remain challenging. We developed an optogenetics-integrated gut organ culture system for real-time neuronal stimulation and analysis. We revealed neuronal-specific activity patterns, which differentially regulate intestinal transcription and epithelial barrier integrity. Collectively, we provide a powerful platform to test neuroimmune connections and their potential modulation by drugs, microbes, or metabolites.
Resting-state fMRI reveals altered functional connectivity associated with resilience and susceptibility to chronic social defeat stress in mouse brain
Authors: Lupinsky Derek , Nasseef Md Taufiq , Parent Carine , Craig Kelly , Diorio Josie , Zhang Tie-Yuan , Meaney Michael J.
Published: March 2024

Chronic stress is a causal antecedent condition for major depressive disorder and associates with altered patterns of neural connectivity. There are nevertheless important individual differences in susceptibility to chronic stress. How stress-induced alterations in functional connectivity amongst depression-related brain regions associates with resilience and susceptibility to chronic stress is largely unknown. We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to examine functional connectivity between established depression-related regions in susceptible (SUS) and resilient (RES) adult mice following chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Seed-seed FC analysis revealed that the ventral dentate gyrus (vDG) exhibited the greatest number of group differences in functional connectivity with targeted brain regions. SUS mice showed greater functional connectivity between the vDG and subcortical regions compared to both control (CON) or RES groups. Whole brain vDG seed-voxel analysis supported seed-seed findings in SUS mice and indicated significantly decreased connectivity between the vDG and anterior cingulate area compared to CON mice. Interestingly, RES mice exhibited enhanced connectivity between the vDG and anterior cingulate area compared to SUS mice. Moreover, RES mice showed greater connectivity between the infralimbic prefrontal cortex and the nucleus accumbens shell. These findings indicate unique differences in functional connectivity patterns in SUS and RES mice that could represent a neurobiological basis for vulnerability for stress-induced depression.
The Neural Basis of Attentional Blink as a Selective Control Mechanism in Conscious Perception
Authors: Xin Q. , Forman S. , Christison-Lagay K. L. , Micek C. , Kronemer S. I. , Aksen M. , Grobois L. , Ramirez V. Contreras , Khalaf A. , Jin D. , Aerts S. , Chun M. M. , Crowley M. J. , Blumenfeld H.
Published: March 2024

Conscious perception of visual stimuli involves large-scale brain networks with multiple activation-deactivation dynamics. Previous works have shown that early detection networks may be switched off about 200ms to 300ms after presentation of a visual stimulus. We hypothesize that these deactivations represent a selective control mechanism of the brain to conserve resources for post-perceptual processing. To this end, we used attentional blink as a behavioral measure for this mechanism. We showed that attentional blink is more likely to occur when a previous visual stimulus was consciously perceived. Using high-resolution eye-tracking, we found prolonged decrease in pupil diameter and transient decrease in blink probability associated with attentional blink. Using scalp EEG data, we further showed that attentional blink is associated with more pronounced event-related potentials related to visual processing and report.

One sentence summary

attentional blink may represent a selective control mechanism of neural processing resources underlying conscious perception.
Low-Dimensional Representations of Visuomotor Coordination in Natural Behavior
Authors: Keshava Ashima , Wächter Maximilian A. , Boße Franca , Schüler Thomas , König Peter
Published: March 2024

Understanding how eyes, head, and hands coordinate in natural contexts is a critical challenge in visuomotor coordination research, often limited by sedentary tasks or constrained settings. To address this gap, we conducted an experiment where participants proactively performed pick-and-place actions on a life-size shelf in a virtual environment and recorded concurrent gaze and body movements. Subjects exhibited intricate translation and rotation movements of the eyes, head, and hands during the task. We employed a time-dependent principal component analysis to study the relationship between the movements of the eye, head, and hand relative to the onset of the action. We reduced the overall dimensionality into 2D representations, capturing up to 65% just in time of the actions. Our analysis revealed a synergistic coupling of the eye-head and eye-hand systems. While generally loosely coupled, they synchronized at the moment of action, with variations in coupling observed in horizontal and vertical planes, indicating distinct mechanisms for coordination in the brain. Crucially, the head and hand were tightly coupled throughout the observation period, suggesting a shared neural code driving these effectors. Notably, the low-dimensional representations demonstrated maximum predictive accuracy ∼200ms before the action onset, highlighting a just-in-time coordination of the three effectors. Furthermore, the predictive accuracy was significantly influenced by the location of the upcoming action. Our study emphasizes the differential visuomotor control in natural behaviors, providing insights into the dynamic interplay of eye, head, and hand movements during reach-to-grasp tasks.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Studying natural, self-initiated, complex visuomotor coordination, we observe low-dimensional dynamics with distinct patterns along horizontal and vertical axes. The eye’s horizontal movement showed notable independence, aligning with head and hand movements just in time for action. Importantly, around critical events, the dimensionality of the complex movements is further reduced, indicating dynamic correspondence of eye-head-hand coordination.
Influential factors in the adoption of clinical decision support systems in hospital settings: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Shakibaei Bonakdeh Erfan , Sohal Amrik , Rajabkhah Koorosh , Prajogo Daniel , Melder Angela , Nguyen Dinh Quy , Bingham Gordon , Tong Erica
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Adoption of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) is a crucial step towards the digital transition of the healthcare sector. This review aims to determine and synthesise the influential factors in CDSS adoption in inpatient healthcare settings in order to grasp an understanding of the phenomenon and identify future research gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature search of five databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus) was conducted between January 2010 and June 2023. The search strategy was a combination of the following keywords and their synonyms: clinical decision support, hospital or secondary care and influential factors. The quality of studies was evaluated against a 40-point rating scale.

Findings

Thirteen papers were systematically reviewed and synthesised and deductively classified into three main constructs of the Technology–Organisation–Environment theory. Scarcity of papers investigating CDSS adoption and its challenges, especially in developing countries, was evident.

Practical implications

This study offers a summative account of challenges in the CDSS procurement process. Strategies to help adopters proactively address the challenges are: (1) Hospital leaders need a clear digital strategy aligned with stakeholders' consensus; (2) Developing modular IT solutions and conducting situational analysis to achieve IT goals; and (3) Government policies, accreditation standards and procurement guidelines play a crucial role in navigating the complex CDSS market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review to address the adoption and procurement of CDSS. Previous literature only addressed challenges and facilitators within the implementation and post-implementation stages. This study focuses on the firm-level adoption phase of CDSS technology with a theory refining lens.
Capital market effects of corporate transparency and sustainability: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Ko YoungKyung , Subramaniam Ravichandran , Devi Susela
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study aims to examine the association between corporate transparency and firm value (capital market effect) and investigate whether auditor choice moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance (2017) data set, which provides scores on anti-corruption commitment, organisational transparency and sustainability of Malaysia’s top 100 listed firms. The methodology entails an ordinary pooled least square regression method for empirical research.

Findings

The positive association between corporate transparency and firm value is more evident in anti-corruption and sustainability initiatives. More importantly, government-linked companies have higher scores. Firms with enhanced anti-corruption commitment are more likely to have higher firm value, and this relationship is more evident for politically connected firms. This study also finds that auditor choice is associated with the firm value in the sampled listed firms.

Practical implications

The findings provide implications for investors and regulators on the role of corporate transparency in an emerging capital market.

Social implications

The study recommends that emerging market regulators continue enhancing corporate governance codes and practices to improve reporting transparency for listed firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the growing literature on sustainability disclosures by incorporating corporate reporting transparency, explicitly relating to firms’ commitment to anti-corruption, organisational transparency and sustainability.
Exploring gender dynamics: multigroup analysis of workplace persuasion and intimate co-creation using structural equation modeling
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Umar
Published: March 2024

Purpose

One of the novel concepts in the management literature is intimate co-creation. Considering it as the outcome of workplace persuasion, this study examines its effect via team-member exchange and ethical climate for the assessment of multigroup analysis. Finding a relationship among variables is not the core objective of the study. The core objective was to assess multigroup analysis for examining measurement scales' uniformity or perceptual differences across the male and female groups using measurement invariance.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a quantitative study for a survey of faculty members from the top 10 Pakistani universities. It employed state-of-the-art statistical techniques, including the application of the foundational social exchange theory and the utilization of multigroup analysis in structural equation modeling (SEM) with the Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS). The research methodology was designed to investigate the relationships between workplace persuasion, ethical climate, team member exchange and intimate co-creation. A specific emphasis was placed on assessing whether gender influences these relationships consistently across male and female groups, as determined by measurement invariance tests.

Findings

This study underscores the significant impact of ethical persuasion in the workplace on enhancing intimate co-creation among individuals, offering invaluable insights for organizational leaders. Importantly, it emphasizes that gender dynamics do not influence this relationship, underscoring the imperative of addressing gender-related workplace issues to optimize intimate co-creation. This holds particular relevance for service-based organizations, such as universities in this case.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution by exploring the concept of intimate co-creation within the realm of organizational science, while also highlighting the crucial importance of considering workplace gender dynamics. It offers fresh insights into how these dynamics influence group creativity, guiding human resource practices toward fostering innovation within gender-inclusive workplaces. These insights gain added relevance in the evolving post-COVID-19 era and in the context of AI integration. Notably, a distinctive contribution of this study to social exchange theory lies in its innovative application of multigroup analysis to variables related to gender.
Compatibility as a pivotal design factor for digital concierge apps: exploring hotel guests’ socio-psychological dynamics
Authors: Tan Chai Ching , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Sinha Rupa , Shehata Ali Elsayed , Selem Kareem M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper addresses a crucial research need by examining the influence of compatibility, a pivotal design element for hotel concierge apps, on the socio-psychological dynamics of digital hotel guests. While prior research has examined the constructs, their application to digital concierge apps introduces a unique context. We posit that compatibility significantly influences central variables rooted in theory of planned behaviors (TPBs) and technology acceptance model (TAM), fostering positive usage intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing data from 668 four-star hotel guests through PLS-SEM substantiates compatibility’s role, endorsing the theoretical amalgamation of affordance, TPB, and TAM frameworks.

Findings

Compatibility positively affected perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and attitude toward behavior. Besides, usage intention positively affected willingness to pay a price premium and revisit intention.

Originality/value

This paper adopts compatibility as a unifying force for integrating TPB and TAM; the predictive ability of digital concierges' usage intentions on revisit intentions to upscale hotels. Further, this paper is the first attempt to highlight employing compatibility as a pivotal design factor for digital concierge apps in the hospitality setting.
An elicitation study to understand the equity investment motivation and decisions among Indian millennials
Authors: Ahuja Sonal , Kumar Brajesh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Millennials are a vital generational cohort of the Indian population, and understanding their motivation to participate in the stock market is crucial. This study aims to understand the investment decision-making behavior among millennials in the Indian Stock Market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional research design that entails in-depth personal interviews, this study aims to understand the equity investment behavior of millennials. Verbatim texts from interview transcripts were used to analyze the content and arrive at themes.

Findings

The study investigated the motivation to enter the stock market and gained insights into how individuals make equity investment decisions considering economic and behavioral dimensions. The basis for stock selection was predominantly on the self-analysis of investors. Multiple stock selection priorities are also discussed. In addition, informants ensured asset diversification and exercised various strategies to overcome emotions. Furthermore, they suffered from various behavioral biases.

Practical implications

Individual investors are the least informed and most impacted stakeholders in the stock markets; therefore, this study contributes fresh insights to enhance their financial security. The paper also examines some noticeable behavioral tendencies retail investors exhibit and gathers helpful strategies for mitigating behavioral biases.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of the research lies in its adoption of a qualitative methodology that uses the investment experience of millennial investors to reveal the components of decision-making behavior and investor psychology. The findings are thereby unique and have significant managerial implications.
Copula: a decentralized solution for construction project monitoring using blockchain
Authors: Lafhaj Zoubeir , Rebai Slim , Hamdi Olfa , Jabbar Rateb , Ayech Hamdi , Yim Pascal
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to introduce and evaluate the COPULA framework, a construction project monitoring solution based on blockchain designed to address the inherent challenges of construction project monitoring and management. This research aims to enhance efficiency, transparency and trust within the dynamic and collaborative environment of the construction industry by leveraging the decentralized, secure and immutable nature of blockchain technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a comprehensive approach encompassing the formulation of the COPULA model, the development of a digital solution using the ethereum blockchain and extensive testing to assess performance in terms of execution cost, time, integrity, immutability and security. A case analysis is conducted to demonstrate the practical application and benefits of blockchain technology in real-world construction project monitoring scenarios.

Findings

The findings reveal that the COPULA framework effectively addresses critical issues such as centralization, privacy and security vulnerabilities in construction project management. It facilitates seamless data exchange among stakeholders, ensuring real-time transparency and the creation of a tamper-proof communication channel. The framework demonstrates the potential to significantly enhance project efficiency and foster trust among all parties involved.

Research limitations/implications

While the study provides promising insights into the application of blockchain technology in construction project monitoring, future research could explore the integration of COPULA with existing project management methodologies to broaden its applicability and impact. Further investigations into the solution’s scalability and adaptation to various construction project types and sizes are also suggested.

Originality/value

This research offers a comprehensive blockchain solution specifically tailored for the construction industry. Unlike prior studies focusing on theoretical aspects, this paper presents a practical, end-to-end solution encompassing model formulation, digital implementation, proof-of-concept testing and validation analysis. The COPULA framework marks a significant advancement in the digital transformation of construction project monitoring, providing a novel approach to overcoming longstanding industry challenges.
Association of Hospitals' Experience with Bundled Payment for Care Improvement Model with the Diffusion of Acute Hospital Care at Home
Authors: Kang So‐Yeon
Published: March 2024

Objective

To examine whether hospitals' experience in a prior payment model incentivizing care coordination is associated with their decision to adopt a new payment program for a care delivery innovation.

Data Sources

Data were sourced from Medicare fee‐for‐service claims in 2017, the list of participants in Bundled Payment for Care Improvement initiatives (BPCI and BPCI‐Advanced), the list of hospitals approved for Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) between November 2020 and August 2022, and the American Hospital Association Survey.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study. Hospitals' adoption of AHCaH was measured as a function of hospitals' BPCI experiences. Hospitals' BPCI experiences were categorized into five mutually exclusive groups: (1) direct BPCI participation, (2) indirect participation through physician group practices (PGPs) after dropout, (3) indirect participation through PGPs only, (4) dropout only, and (5) no BPCI exposure.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

All data are derived from pre‐existing sources. General acute hospitals eligible for both BPCI initiatives and AHCaH are included.

Principal Findings

Of 3248 hospitals included in the sample, 7% adopted AHCaH as of August 2022. Hospitals with direct BPCI experience had the highest adoption rate (17.7%), followed by those with indirect participation through BPCI physicians after dropout (11.8%), while those with no exposure to BPCI were least likely to participate (3.2%). Hospitals that adopted AHCaH were more likely to be located in communities where more peer hospitals participated in the program (median 10.8% vs. 0%). After controlling for covariates, the association of the adoption of AHCaH with indirect participation through physicians after dropout was as strong as with early BPCI adopter hospitals (average marginal effect: 5.9 vs. 6.2 pp, p < 0.05), but the other categories were not.

Conclusions

Hospitals that participated in the bundled payment model either directly or indirectly PGPs were more likely to adopt a care delivery innovation requiring similar competence in the next period.
A dose–response analysis of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on cognitive development
Authors: Jacobson Joseph L. , Akkaya‐Hocagil Tugba , Jacobson Sandra W. , Coles Claire D. , Richardson Gale A. , Olson Heather Carmichael , Day Nancy L. , Carter R. Colin , Dodge Neil C. , Dang Khue‐Dung , Cook Richard J. , Ryan Louise M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Most studies of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on cognitive function have assumed that the dose–response curve is linear. However, data from a few animal and human studies suggest that there may be an inflection point in the dose–response curve above which PAE effects are markedly stronger and that there may be differences associated with pattern of exposure, assessed in terms of alcohol dose per drinking occasion and drinking frequency.

Methods

We performed second‐order confirmatory factor analysis on data obtained at school age, adolescence, and early adulthood from 2227 participants in six US longitudinal cohorts to derive a composite measure of cognitive function. Regression models were constructed to examine effects of PAE on cognitive function, adjusted for propensity scores. Analyses based on a single predictor (absolute alcohol (AA)/day) were compared with analyses based on two predictors (dose/occasion and drinking frequency), using (1) linear models and (2) nonparametric general additive models (GAM) that allow for both linear and nonlinear effects.

Results

The single‐predictor GAM model showed virtually no nonlinearity in the effect of AA/day on cognitive function. However, the two‐predictor GAM model revealed differential effects of maternal drinking pattern. Among offspring of infrequent drinkers, PAE effects on cognitive function were markedly stronger in those whose mothers drank more than ~3 drinks/occasion, and the effect of dose/occasion was strongest among the very frequent drinkers. Frequency of drinking did not appear to alter the PAE effect on cognitive function among participants born to mothers who limited their drinking to ~1 drink/occasion or less.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that linear models based on total AA/day are appropriate for assessing whether PAE affects a given cognitive outcome. However, examination of alcohol dose/occasion and drinking frequency is needed to fully characterize the impact of different levels of alcohol intake on cognitive impairment.
Dose–response effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on perinatal outcomes
Authors: Bakhireva Ludmila N. , Ma Xingya , Wiesel Alexandria , Wohrer Fiona E. , DiDomenico Jared , Jacobson Sandra W. , Roberts Melissa H.
Published: March 2024

Background

A better understanding of the effects of lower levels of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), as a common exposure, is needed. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of mild–moderate PAE and episodic binge drinking on perinatal outcomes.

Methods

The data were obtained from three prospective cohorts with a combined sample of 281 participants: 125 with PAE and 156 without PAE. Alcohol‐related measures included the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, timeline follow‐back questionnaires (covering the periconceptional period, mid‐gestation, and late gestation), and biomarkers. Absolute alcohol per day (AAD) and per drinking day (AADD), number of binge episodes, and maximum number of drinks in a 24‐h period were estimated. Perinatal outcomes included gestational age and anthropometric measures. Data were analyzed using correlation and multivariable regression analysis.

Results

Among women with PAE, average alcohol consumption across the periconceptional period and pregnancy was 0.37 oz ± 0.74 AA/day (~5 drinks/week). After adjusting for tobacco co‐exposure and sociodemographic characteristics, significant associations between all alcohol measures and gestational age at delivery were observed, including cumulative measures of AAD (β = −0.58; 95% CI: −0.98; −0.17) and AADD (β = −0.58; 95% CI: −0.90; −0.26) during pregnancy and the periconceptional period. A significant association between the maximum number of drinks in a 24‐h period and birth length percentile (β = −0.70; 95% CI: −1.36; −0.04) was observed in the final model. PAE was associated with lower birth weight percentile in univariate analyses only.

Conclusions

Results of this study demonstrate a negative association between mild–moderate PAE and episodic binge drinking with gestational age at delivery and birth length percentile after controlling for other factors. Robust negative effects of PAE, including in the periconceptional period before pregnancy recognition, on duration of gestation highlight the need for primary prevention efforts aimed at PAE in persons of reproductive age.
Effects of glossopharyngeal nerve block on pain control after tonsillectomy: a systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kang Yun Jin , Stybayeva Gulnaz , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: March 2024

Background

We investigated the role of perioperative intraoral glossopharyngeal nerve block to minimize postoperative pain in patients undergoing tonsillectomy through a meta‐analysis of the relevant literature.

Methods

We retrieved eight studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to August 2023. We compared perioperative glossopharyngeal nerve block with a control group, in order to examine postoperative pain, analgesic use, and other postoperative morbidities.

Results

Postoperative pain was significantly reduced at 1–4 h (SMD −1.26, 95% CI [−2.35; −0.17], I2 = 94.7%, P = 0.02) and 5–8 hours (SMD −1.40, 95% CI [−2.47; −0.34], I2 = 96.1%, p = 0.01) in the treatment groups compared to the control group. However, glossopharyngeal nerve block showed no efficacy in reducing pain or use of analgesic drugs after 12 h compared to the control group. The incidences of postoperative bleeding (OR 0.95, 95% CI [0.35; 2.52], I2 = 0.0%), local agent toxicity (OR 4.14, 95% CI [0.44; 38.63], I2 = 0.0%), nasal problems (OR 1.25, 95% CI [0.60; 2.61], I2 = 0.0%), postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR 1.35, 95% CI [0.78; 2.33], I2 = 0.0%), swallowing difficulty (OR 1.61, 95% CI [0.76; 3.42], I2 = 56.0%), and voice change (OR 3.11, 95% CI [0.31; 30.80], I2 = 0.0%) were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups. The treatment group showed higher prevalence of respiratory problems and dry mouth compared to control without statistical significance, but a significant increase in throat discomfort (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Intraoral glossopharyngeal nerve block for tonsillectomy did not significantly impact postoperative pain management and was associated with some adverse effects with increases in respiratory problems, dry mouth, and throat discomfort compared to controls.
Aspirin resistance in patients with ventricular assist devices: A follow‐up study
Authors: Flieder Tobias , Blaesen Sonja , Schulte Katrin , Blasberg Jost , Lauenroth Volker , Knabbe Cornelius , Schramm René , Morshuis Michiel , Gummert Jan , Birschmann Ingvild
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite combined anticoagulation therapy consisting of a vitamin K antagonist and an antiplatelet agent, thromboembolic complications often occur in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). In addition, bleeding events are also common. Resistance to antiplatelet drugs is a well‐known phenomenon; however, the utilization of laboratory chemistry testing for the presence of such resistance, and then switching therapy, is controversial.

Methods

We tested 132 patients with LVAD (HeartWare n = 57, HeartMate II n = 22, HeartMate 3 n = 53) on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) therapy for resistance and followed them for a maximum of 7 years regarding pump thrombosis. Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and impedance aggregometry (IPA) were performed for testing platelet function.

Results

We could show that patients with ASA resistance displayed an increased risk of pump thrombosis, regardless of the test used (LTA: OR = 6.20, CI [1.86–20.64], p = 0.003; IPA: OR = 12.14, CI [3.00–49.07], p < 0.001). In patients with a HeartMate 3, we could not detect any pump thrombosis associated with aspirin resistance. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in bleeding events between patients with ASA resistance and ASA responders.

Conclusion

Laboratory testing of ASA resistance seems to be a good tool to detect an increased risk of pump thrombosis, at least for patients with a HeartWare or HeartMate II. The extent to which these thromboses can be prevented with a change of medication has to be investigated in further studies. No pump thrombosis was detected in patients with a HeartMate 3, and the question should be asked as to what constellation of underlying and concomitant diseases must be present to justify ASA therapy for these patients.
Preclinical validation of a customized circuit for ex situ uninterrupted cold‐to‐warm prolonged perfusion of the liver
Authors: Scatton Olivier , Turco Célia , Savier Eric , Pelissié Jérôme , Legallais Cécile , Sakka Medhi , Aoudjehane Lynda , Wendum Dominique , Migliazza John , Spiritelli Sandra , Conti Filomena , Goumard Claire
Published: March 2024

Context

Clinical adoption of ex situ liver perfusion is growing. While hypothermic perfusion protects against ischemia–reperfusion injury in marginal grafts, normothermic perfusion enables organ viability assessment and therefore selection of borderline grafts. The combination of hypothermic and normothermic perfusion, known as “cold‐to‐warm,” may be the optimal sequence for organ preservation, but is difficult to achieve with most commercial perfusion systems. We developed an adaptable customized circuit allowing uninterrupted “cold‐to‐warm” perfusion and conducted preclinical studies on healthy porcine livers and discarded human livers to demonstrate the circuit's efficacy.

Methods

In collaboration with bioengineers, we developed a customized circuit that adapts to extracorporeal circulation consoles used in cardiovascular surgery and includes a proprietary reservoir enabling easy perfusate change without interrupting perfusion. This preclinical study was conducted on porcine and human livers. Perfusion parameters (pressures, flows, oxygenation) and organ viability were monitored.

Results

The customized circuit was adapted to a LivaNova S5® console, and the perfusions were flow‐driven with real‐time pressure monitoring. Ten porcine liver and 12 discarded human liver perfusions were performed during 14 to 18 h and 7 to 25 h, respectively. No hyperpressure was observed (porcine and human portal pressure 2–6 and 2–8 mm Hg; arterial pressure 10–65 and 20–65 mm Hg, respectively). No severe histological tissue injury was observed (Suzuki score ≤ 3 at the end of perfusion). Seven (70%) porcine livers and five (42%) human livers met the UK viability criteria.

Conclusion

The customized circuit and system design enables smooth uninterrupted “cold‐to‐warm” perfusion not present in current commercial perfusion systems.
Toxicity due to steroid treatment in ITP remains a concern
Authors: Frederiksen Henrik
Published: March 2024

Corticosteroids are the preferred first‐line treatment in ITP in guidelines. The analyses by Wang et al. shows that hospital‐registered steroid‐related toxicity occurs frequently and emphasizes that exposure should be for a limited duration of time.

Commentary on: Wang et al. Longitudinal evaluation of adverse events due to steroid use in primary immune thrombocytopenia: a population‐based study. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1986‐1993.
Niche expansion of capuchin monkeys to forest floor on guild‐reduced islands increases interspecific spatio‐temporal overlap
Authors: Fox‐Rosales Lester A. , Monteza‐Moreno Claudio M. , Barret Brendan J. , Goldsborough Zoë , Jansen Patrick A. , McLean Kevin , Crofoot Margaret C.
Published: March 2024

Interspecific interactions play an important role in structuring wildlife communities. On islands, which often have reduced species assemblages, species may expand their niches resulting in unusual patterns of interactions with other members of the ecological community. In this study, we compared spatio‐temporal interactions of two food competitors between a site with predators and two predator‐free islands in the Coiba archipelago, Panama. Here, capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus imitator) exhibit high levels of terrestriality, and some groups engage in stone tool use. This potentially leads to competition with sympatric agoutis (Dasyprocta coibae), which have overlapping diets. We used camera‐trap surveys to estimate temporal overlap between both species, distinguishing between arboreal and terrestrial activity of capuchins. We also compared detection rates and intervals between consecutive detections of both species at sites in which the monkeys use stone tools (tool‐use area) and sites in which they do not (non‐tool‐use area). We found high spatio‐temporal overlap between agouti and capuchin on the forest floor of both islands. While capuchins visited the tool‐use area four times as often as the non‐tool‐use area, agoutis avoided the tool‐use area, capture rates being 25 times as low. Waiting times were shorter for both species at the tool‐use area. These results suggest temporal overlap and spatial segregation. Niche expansions on islands thus cause unique interactions that do not occur on the mainland.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Imaging assessment of conjunctival goblet cells in dry eye disease
Authors: Liu Yushuang , Duan Zhengyu , Yuan Jin , Xiao Peng
Published: March 2024

Dry eye disease (DED) is a widespread, multifactorial, and chronic disorder of the ocular surface with disruption of tear film homeostasis as its core trait. Conjunctival goblet cells (CGCs) are specialised secretory cells found in the conjunctival epithelium that participate in tear film formation by secreting mucin. Changes in both the structure and function of CGCs are hallmarks of DED, and imaging assessment of CGCs is important for the diagnosis, classification, and severity evaluation of DED. Existing imaging methods include conjunctival biopsy, conjunctival impression cytology and in vivo confocal microscopy, which can be used to assess the morphology, distribution, and density of the CGCs. Recently, moxifloxacin‐based fluorescence microscopy has emerged as a novel technique that enables efficient, non‐invasive and in vivo imaging of CGCs. This article presents a comprehensive overview of both the structure and function of CGCs and their alterations in the context of DED, as well as current methods of CGCs imaging assessment. Additionally, potential directions for the visual evaluation of CGCs are discussed.