bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decomposition of retinal ganglion cell electrical images for cell type and functional inference
Authors: Wu Eric G. , Rudzite Andra M. , Bohlen Martin O. , Li Peter H. , Kling Alexandra , Cooler Sam , Rhoades Colleen , Brackbill Nora , Gogliettino Alex R. , Shah Nishal P. , Madugula Sasidhar S. , Sher Alexander , Litke Alan M. , Field Greg D. , Chichilnisky E.J.
Published: November 2023

Identifying neuronal cell types and their biophysical properties based on their extracellular electrical features is a major challenge for experimental neuroscience and the development of high-resolution brain-machine interfaces. One example is identification of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types and their visual response properties, which is fundamental for developing future electronic implants that can restore vision. The electrical image (EI) of a RGC, or the mean spatio-temporal voltage footprint of its recorded spikes on a high-density electrode array, contains substantial information about its anatomical, morphological, and functional properties. However, the analysis of these properties is complex because of the high-dimensional nature of the EI. We present a novel optimization-based algorithm to decompose electrical image into a low-dimensional, biophysically-based representation: the temporally-shifted superposition of three learned basis waveforms corresponding to spike waveforms produced in the somatic, dendritic and axonal cellular compartments. Large-scale multi-electrode recordings from the macaque retina were used to test the effectiveness of the decomposition. The decomposition accurately localized the somatic and dendritic compartments of the cell. The imputed dendritic fields of RGCs correctly predicted the location and shape of their visual receptive fields. The inferred waveform amplitudes and shapes accurately identified the four major primate RGC types (ON and OFF midget and parasol cells), a substantial advance. Together, these findings may contribute to more accurate inference of RGC types and their original light responses in the degenerated retina, with possible implications for other electrical imaging applications.
Transcriptomic signatures across a critical sedimentation threshold in a major reef-building coral
Authors: Lock Colin , Gabriel Melissa M. , Bentlage Bastian
Published: November 2023

Sedimentation is a major cause of global near-shore coral reef decline. While negative impacts of sedimentation on coral reef community composition have been well documented, the effects of sedimentation on coral metabolismin situhave received comparatively little attention. Using transcriptomics, we identified gene expression patterns changing across a previously defined sedimentation threshold that was deemed critical due to changes in coral cover and community composition. We identified genes, pathways, and molecular processes associated with this transition that may allow corals, such asPorites lobata, to tolerate chronic, severe sedimentation and persist in turbid environments. Alternative energy generation pathways may helpPorites lobatamaintain a persistent stress response to survive while light and oxygen availability are diminished. We found evidence for the expression of genes linked to increased environmental sensing and cellular communication that likely allowPorites lobatato efficiently respond to sedimentation stress and associated pathogen challenges. Cell damage increases under stress; consequently, we found apoptosis pathways over-represented under severe sedimentation, a likely consequence of damaged cell removal to maintain colony integrity. The results presented here provide a framework for the response ofPorites lobatato sedimentation stress under field conditions. Testing this framework and its related hypotheses using multi-omics approaches can further our understanding of metabolic plasticity and acclimation potential of corals to sedimentation and their resilience in turbid reef systems.
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on the likelihood of children identified as sources of infection in the NIH workforce: a cohort study
Authors: van Loben Sels Jessica M. , Bailin Heike B. , Bell Michael R. , McCormick-Ell Jessica , Das Sanchita , Roder Allison E. , Ghedin Elodie , McGann Michael , Castel Amanda D. , Rebecca Prevots D. , Kwan Jennifer L.
Published: November 2023

Background

Children (<18 years old) were not initially considered significant sources of infection (SOIs) for SARS-CoV-2. Risk mitigation strategies were thus prioritized for adults, and vaccination was inaccessible for children until mid-2021. Emergence of novel variants led to significant increases in COVID-19 cases in both children and adults. Whether these emergence events and increased vulnerability of unvaccinated children had a synergistic effect resulting in increased caseloads in adults requires further exploration.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 3,545 workers diagnosed with COVID-19. Case details were compiled during contact investigations. Variants of concern were identified following sequencing of biological samples collected through employer-based testing programs. Logistic regression was performed to compare the odds of having a child SOI based on the dominant variant in the workforce.

Results

One-fourth (24.5%) of the cohort reported having a child in-residence; 11.2% identified a child as their SOI. In Alpha-dominant months, the odds of having a child SOI were 0.3, and the child SOI was likely older (5-17 years old). The odds of having a child SOI increased to 1.3 and 2.2 in Delta- and Omicron-dominant months, respectively. The odds of having younger child SOIs (<5 years old) were significantly higher in Omicron-dominant months.

Conclusions

Children were highly likely to acquire the virus and posed a significant risk of transmission to their adult caretakers during Delta- and Omicron-dominant months. Without proper mitigation strategies in both the home and the workplace, child-associated transmission can threaten operations in the forms of staff shortages.

What is already known on this topic

Increases in transmission trends related to SARs-CoV-2 Variants of Concern have been documented in the literature at the population level and in workplaces.

What this study adds

This study looks more closely at the role that children played in transmission to adult workers, and therefore their potential to seed transmission outside of the home. This interface of transmission has been neglected in the literature but is key for future policy development.

How this study might affect research, practice, or policy

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from children to their caretakers may cause significantly increased odds of infection in a worker population. This may have second order effects for staffing, particularly in workgroups with employees of childbearing age. Employers should consider this in the design of their policies for continuity of operations, telework, and leave.
Quantifying18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in Perianal Fistulas on PET/CT: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Huang Katherine , Garuba Favour , Ganapathy Aravinda , Bishop Grace , Zhang Hanjing , Lovato Adriene , Itani Malak , Viswanath Satish E. , Fraum Tyler J. , Deepak Parakkal , Ballard David H.
Published: November 2023

Rationale and Objectives

The use of18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in assessing inflammatory diseases has shown significant promise. Uptake patterns in perianal fistulas, which may be an incidental finding on PET/CT, have not been purposefully studied. Our aim was to compare FDG uptake of perianal fistulas to that of the liver and anal canal in patients who underwent PET/CT for hematologic/oncologic diagnosis or staging.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively identified patients who underwent FDG- PET/CT imaging between January 2011 and May 2023, where the report described a perianal fistula or abscess. PET/CTs of patients included in the study were retrospectively analyzed to record the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the fistula, abscess, anal canal, rectum, and liver. Fistula-to-liver and Fistula-to-anus SUVmaxratios were calculated. We statistically compared FDG activity among the fistula, liver, and anal canal. We also assessed FDG activity in patients with vs. without anorectal cancer, as well as across different St. James fistula grades.

Results

The study included 24 patients with identifiable fistulas. Fistula SUVmax(mean=10.8±5.28) was significantly higher than both the liver (mean=3.09±0.584, p<0.0001) and the anal canal (mean=5.98± 2.63, p=0.0005). Abscess fistula SUVmaxwas 15.8 ± 4.91. St. James grade 1 fistulas had significantly lower SUVmaxcompared to grades 2 and 4 (p= 0.0224 and p=0.0295 respectively). No significant differences existed in SUVmaxratios between anorectal and non-anorectal cancer groups.

Conclusion

Perianal fistulas have increased FDG avidity with fistula SUVmaxvalues that are significantly higher than the anal canal.
Transcriptomic changes during the replicative senescence of human articular chondrocytes
Authors: Atasoy-Zeybek Aysegul , Hawse Gresin P. , Nagelli Christopher V. , De Padilla Consuelo Lopez , Abdel Matthew P. , Evans Christopher H.
Published: November 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Aging is a major risk factor for OA, but the specific mechanisms underlying this connection remain unclear. Although chondrocytes rarely divide in adult articular cartilage, they undergo replicative senescencein vitrowhich provides an opportunity to study changes related to aging under controlled laboratory conditions. In this pilot study, we performed bulk RNA sequencing on early- and late-passage human articular chondrocytes to identify transcriptomic changes associated with cellular aging. Chondrocytes were isolated from the articular cartilage of three donors, two with OA (age 70-80 years) and one with healthy cartilage (age 26 years). Chondrocytes were serially passaged until replicative senescence and RNA extracted from early- and late-passage cells. Principal component analysis of all genes showed clear separation between early- and late- passage chondrocytes, indicating substantial age-related differences in gene expression. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis confirmed distinct transcriptomic profiles between early- and late-passage chondrocytes. Hierarchical clustering revealed contrasting expression patterns between the two isolates from osteoarthritic samples and the healthy sample. Focused analysis of DEGs on transcripts associated with turnover of the extra-cellular matrix and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) showed consistent downregulation of Col2A1 and ACAN, and upregulation of MMP19, ADAMTS4, and ADAMTS8 in late passage chondrocytes across all samples. SASP components including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-7, p16INK4A(CDKN2A) and CCL2 demonstrated significant upregulation in late passage chondrocytes originally isolated from OA samples. Pathway analysis between sexes with OA revealed shared pathways such as extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, collagen formation, skeletal and muscle development, and nervous system development. Sex-specific differences were observed, with males showing distinctions in ECM organization, regulation of the cell cycle process as well as neuron differentiation. In contrast, females exhibited unique variations in the regulation of the cell cycle process, DNA metabolic process, and the PID-PLK1 pathway.
Genetic requirement ofdact1/2to regulate noncanonical Wnt signaling andcalpain 8during embryonic convergent extension and craniofacial morphogenesis
Authors: Carroll Shannon H. , Schafer Sogand , Kawasaki Kenta , Tsimbal Casey , Julé Amélie M. , Hallett Shawn A. , Li Edward , Liao Eric C.
Published: November 2023

Wnt signaling plays crucial roles in embryonic patterning including the regulation of convergent extension during gastrulation, the establishment of the dorsal axis, and later, craniofacial morphogenesis. Further, Wnt signaling is a crucial regulator of craniofacial morphogenesis. The adapter proteins Dact1 and Dact2 modulate the Wnt signaling pathway through binding to Disheveled. However, the distinct relative functions of Dact1 and Dact2 during embryogenesis remain unclear. We found thatdact1anddact2genes have dynamic spatiotemporal expression domains that are reciprocal to one another suggesting distinct functions during zebrafish embryogenesis. Bothdact1anddact2contribute to axis extension, with compound mutants exhibiting a similar convergent extension defect and craniofacial phenotype to thewnt11f2mutant. Utilizing single-cell RNAseq and an established noncanonical Wnt pathway mutant with a shortened axis (gpc4), we identifieddact1/2specific roles during early development. Comparative whole transcriptome analysis between wildtype andgpc4and wildtype anddact1/2compound mutants revealed a novel role fordact1/2in regulating the mRNA expression of the classical calpaincapn8. Over-expression ofcapn8phenocopiesdact1/2craniofacial dysmorphology. These results identify a previously unappreciated role ofcapn8and calcium-dependent proteolysis during embryogenesis. Taken together, our findings highlight the distinct and overlapping roles ofdact1anddact2in embryonic craniofacial development, providing new insights into the multifaceted regulation of Wnt signaling.
GADY algorithm: Towards an evolutionary protocol for bottom-up design of synthetic bacteria
Authors: Iñiguez Ulises Sánchez , Villaescusa Sara Lledó , Lahoz-Beltra Rafael
Published: November 2023

Synthetic biology applications are currently based on the programming of bacteria with tailor-made circuits designedad hocby applying a top-down strategy. We introduce a novel algorithm oriented to design synthetic bacteria according to a bottom-up approach, i.e. via an ‘evolutionary programming’ algorithm. The proposed algorithm has been referred to as GADY: an acronym forGet signal,Antidote,Die when a killer gene is expressed, emitsYellow fluorescence. We include in this technical note a script of the algorithm in Gro cellular programming language, programming a colony of synthetic bacteria and illustrating its usefulness in a case of bioremediation or elimination of a strain of pathogenic bacteria.
A multi-faceted analysis of synapses reveals the role of neuroligin-1 cleavage in presynaptic vesicle accumulation in the lateral amygdala
Authors: Thomas Connon I. , Anderson Jordan R. , Alexis Arman , Guerrero-Given Debbie , Chavez Abigail , McNabb Micaiah C. , Unal Bengi , Ehlers Michael D. , Bolton McLean M. , Kamasawa Naomi
Published: November 2023

Neuroligin-1 (NLGN1) is a cell adhesion molecule found at excitatory glutamatergic synapses in the brain which regulates synaptic function and maturation. Extracellular cleavage of NLGN1 by proteases has been shown to control vesicle release in cultured neurons, but nothing is known about the underlying changes to synapse structure that accompany this, or how synapse function is affected in brain tissue. We found that prevention of NLGN1 cleavage through mutation to the extracellular stalk domain increases synaptic vesicle docking and miniature excitatory post-synaptic current frequency at synapses of the lateral amygdala. Using a novel volume electron microscopy (vEM) analysis pipeline based on deep learning extraction of thousands of synapses and vesicles clouds and subsequent spatial analyses, we found that the total pool of synaptic vesicles shifts closer to the synapse in mutants. Furthermore, we observed an increased frequency of incomplete synapses that lack vesicle accumulation, pointing towards disruption of synaptic pruning and accumulation of putatively non-functioning synapses. Our study provides evidence of a structural and functional role of NLGN1 cleavage in native brain tissue, and establishes a foundation for vEM analysis of synapse-vesicle spatial relationships in other animal models of dysfunction and disease.
Bni5 tethers myosin-II to septins to enhance retrograde actin flow and the robustness of cytokinesis
Authors: Okada Hiroki , Chen Xi , Wang Kangji , Marquardt Joseph , Bi Erfei
Published: November 2023

The collaboration between septins and myosin-II in driving processes outside of cytokinesis remains largely uncharted. Here, we demonstrate that Bni5 in the budding yeastS. cerevisiaeinteracts with myosin-II, septin filaments, and the septin-associated kinase Elm1 via distinct domains at its N- and C-termini, thereby tethering the mobile myosin-II to the stable septin hourglass at the division site from bud emergence to the onset of cytokinesis. The septin and Elm1-binding domains, together with a central disordered region, of Bni5 control timely remodeling of the septin hourglass into a double ring, enabling the actomyosin ring constriction. The Bni5-tethered myosin-II enhances retrograde actin cable flow, which contributes to the asymmetric inheritance of mitochondria-associated protein aggregates during cell division, and also strengthens cytokinesis against various perturbations. Thus, we have established a biochemical pathway involving septin-Bni5-myosin-II interactions at the division site, which can inform mechanistic understanding of the role of myosin-II in other retrograde flow systems.

Okada et al. have determined the molecular mechanism underlying the Bni5 interactions with septins and myosin-II at the cell division site and uncovered its roles in promoting retrograde actin flow and the robustness of cytokinesis in budding yeast.
Mimicking Clinical Trials with Synthetic Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Using Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Eckardt Jan-Niklas , Hahn Waldemar , Röllig Christoph , Stasik Sebastian , Platzbecker Uwe , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Serve Hubert , Baldus Claudia D. , Schliemann Christoph , Schäfer-Eckart Kerstin , Hanoun Maher , Kaufmann Martin , Burchert Andreas , Thiede Christian , Schetelig Johannes , Sedlmayr Martin , Bornhäuser Martin , Wolfien Markus , Middeke Jan Moritz
Published: November 2023

Clinical research relies on high-quality patient data, however, obtaining big data sets is costly and access to existing data is often hindered by privacy and regulatory concerns. Synthetic data generation holds the promise of effectively bypassing these boundaries allowing for simplified data accessibility and the prospect of synthetic control cohorts. We employed two different methodologies of generative artificial intelligence – CTAB-GAN+ and normalizing flows (NFlow) – to synthesize patient data derived from 1606 patients with acute myeloid leukemia, a heterogeneous hematological malignancy, that were treated within four multicenter clinical trials. Both generative models accurately captured distributions of demographic, laboratory, molecular and cytogenetic variables, as well as patient outcomes yielding high performance scores regarding fidelity and usability of both synthetic cohorts (n=1606 each). Survival analysis demonstrated close resemblance of survival curves between original and synthetic cohorts. Inter-variable relationships were preserved in univariable outcome analysis enabling explorative analysis in our synthetic data. Additionally, training sample privacy is safeguarded mitigating possible patient re-identification, which we quantified using Hamming distances. We provide not only a proof-of-concept for synthetic data generation in multimodal clinical data for rare diseases, but also full public access to synthetic data sets to foster further research.

Graphical Abstract
Development of a privacy preserving large language model for automated data extraction from thyroid cancer pathology reports
Authors: Lee Denise T , Vaid Akhil , Menon Kartikeya M , Freeman Robert , Matteson David S , Marin Michael P , Nadkarni Girish N
Published: November 2023

Background

Popularized by ChatGPT, large language models (LLM) are poised to transform the scalability of clinical natural language processing (NLP) downstream tasks such as medical question answering (MQA) and may enhance the ability to rapidly and accurately extract key information from clinical narrative reports. However, the use of LLMs in the healthcare setting is limited by cost, computing power and concern for patient privacy. In this study we evaluate the extraction performance of a privacy preserving LLM for automated MQA from surgical pathology reports.

Methods

84 thyroid cancer surgical pathology reports were assessed by two independent reviewers and the open-source FastChat-T5 3B-parameter LLM using institutional computing resources. Longer text reports were converted to embeddings. 12 medical questions for staging and recurrence risk data extraction were formulated and answered for each report. Time to respond and concordance of answers were evaluated.

Results

Out of a total of 1008 questions answered, reviewers 1 and 2 had an average concordance rate of responses of 99.1% (SD: 1.0%). The LLM was concordant with reviewers 1 and 2 at an overall average rate of 88.86% (SD: 7.02%) and 89.56% (SD: 7.20%). The overall time to review and answer questions for all reports was 206.9, 124.04 and 19.56 minutes for Reviewers 1, 2 and LLM, respectively.

Conclusion

A privacy preserving LLM may be used for MQA with considerable time-saving and an acceptable accuracy in responses. Prompt engineering and fine tuning may further augment automated data extraction from clinical narratives for the provision of real-time, essential clinical insights.
Identifying markers of health-seeking behaviour and healthcare access in UK electronic health records
Authors: Graham S. , Walker J.L. , Andrews N. , Nitsch D. , Parker P.K.E. , McDonald H. I
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess the feasibility of identifying markers of health-seeking behaviour and healthcare access in UK electronic health records (EHR), for identifying populations at risk of poor health outcomes, and adjusting for confounding in epidemiological studies.

Design

Cross sectional observational study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum pre-linked to Hospital Episode Statistics.

Setting

Individual-level routine clinical data from 13 million patients across general practices (GPs) and secondary data in England.

Participants

Individuals aged ≥66 years on 01/09/2019.

Main outcome measures

We used the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) model and the literature to iteratively develop criteria for markers selection. Based on this we selected 15 markers: those that represented uptake of public health interventions, markers of active healthcare access/use and markers of lack of access/underuse. We calculated the prevalence of each marker using relevant lookback periods prior to index date (01/09/2019) and compared to national estimates. We assessed the correlation coefficients (phi) between markers with inferred hierarchical clustering.

Results

We included 1,991,284 individuals (mean age: 75.9 and 54.0% females). The prevalence of markers ranged from <0.1% (low-value prescriptions) to 92.6% (GP visits), and most were in line with national estimates; e.g., 73.3% for influenza vaccination in the 2018/2019 season, compared to 72.4% in national estimates. Screening markers e.g., abdominal aortic aneurysm screening were under-recorded even in age-eligible groups (54.3% in 65–69 year-olds vs 76.1% in national estimates in men). Overall, marker correlations were low (<0.5) and clustered into groups according to underlying determinants from the TPB model.

Conclusion

Overall, markers of health-seeking behaviour and healthcare access can be identified in UK EHRs. The generally low correlations between different markers of health-seeking behaviour and healthcare access suggest a range of variables are needed to capture different determinants of healthcare use.

Strengths and limitations of this study

This is the first known study in the UK that has identified proxies or markers of health-seeking behaviour or healthcare access.

We utilised linked electronic health records from primary and secondary care so that a range of different health utilisation markers could be identified.

We identified a large population of over 2 million individuals.

For some of the markers (e.g., bone density scans), health need could not be entirely separated from health behaviour and access.

Marker prevalences showed different patterns by age, and these findings might not be generalisable to younger age groups (<65 years).
Heart generation via blastocyst complementation in Mesp1/2-deficient mice
Authors: Abe Yuto , Sadahiro Taketaro , Fujita Ryo , Yamada Yu , Akiyama Tatsuya , Nakano Koji , Honda Seiichiro , Tanimoto Yoko , Suzuki Hayate , Mizuno Seiya , Takahashi Satoru , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Masaki Hideki , Hattori Kosuke , Mashimo Tomoji , Ieda Masaki
Published: November 2023

Heart transplantation is the only curative option available for patients with advanced heart failure. However, donor organ shortage and graft rejection remain critical challenges in heart transplantation. Blastocyst complementation using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be used to generate organs such as the pancreas and kidneys in animal models with abnormalities in essential developmental genes. Nonetheless, whether functional adult hearts can be generated with blastocyst complementation remains unclear, and it is unknown if parenchyma, blood vessels, and stroma can be generated concomitantly from PSCs using blastocyst complementation to avoid graft rejection. Here, we show the generation of functional adult hearts in acardiac Mesp1 and Mesp2 double-knockout (Mesp1/2-DKO) mice via blastocyst complementation using mouse PSCs. Our result shows that the generated hearts were structurally and functionally normal and restored embryonic lethality in Mesp1/2-DKO mice. All four cardiovascular lineages, including cardiomyocytes, vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and cardiac fibroblasts, were virtually entirely derived from exogenous PSCs in the myocardium. Exogenous rat PSCs also generated rat-derived xenogeneic hearts in Mesp1/2-DKO mice via interspecies blastocyst complementation. Thus, blastocyst complementation is a viable technique for generating hearts derived from PSCs and may represent significant progress toward generating rejection-free hearts.
Digitalized organoids: integrated pipeline for 3D high-speed analysis of organoid structures using multilevel segmentation and cellular topology
Authors: Ong Hui Ting , Karatas Esra , Grenci Gianluca , Dilasser Florian , Mohamad Raffi Saburnisha Binte , Blanc Damien , Poquillon Titouan , Drimaracci Elise , Mikec Dimitri , Thiel Cora , Ullrich Oliver , Racine Victor , Beghin Anne
Published: November 2023

Analysing the tissue morphogenesis and function is crucial for unravelling the underlying mechanisms of tissue development and disease. Organoids, 3Din vitromodels that mimic the architecture and function of human tissues, offer a unique opportunity to study effects of external perturbators that are difficult to replicatein vivo. However, large-scale screening procedures for studying the effects of different ‘stress’ on cellular morphology and topology of these 3D tissue-like system face significant challenges, including limitations in high-resolution 3D imaging, and accessible 3D analysis platforms. These limitations impede the scale and throughput necessary to accurately quantify the effects of mechanical and chemical cues. Here, we present a novel, fine-tuned pipeline for screening morphology and topology modifications in 3D cell culture using multilevel segmentations and cellular topology, based on confocal microscopy and validated across different image qualities. Our pipeline incorporates advanced image analysis algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) for multiscale 3D segmentation, enabling quantification of morphology changes at both the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels, as well as at the organoid scale. Additionally, we investigate cell relative position and employ neighbouring topology analysis to identify tissue patterning and their correlations with organoid microniches. Eventually, we have organized all the extracted features, 3D segmented masks and raw images into a single database to allow statistical and data mining approaches to facilitate data analysis, in a biologist-friendly way. We validate our approach through proof-of-concept experiments, including well-characterized conditions and poorly explored mechanical stressors such as microgravity, showcasing the versatility of our pipeline. By providing a powerful tool for discovery-like assays in screening 3D organoid models, our pipeline has wide-ranging interests from biomedical applications in development and aging-related pathologies to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Northern Textiles (A)
Authors: Varma Jayanth R. , Ghosh Rahul
Published: November 2023

Northern Textiles (NTL) used highly complex derivatives to hedge its currency risk, and these structured products have been profitable in the past. But in 2008, unanticipated movements in exchange rates have led to serious losses. Seth, the Chairman of NTL, has come to know about the losses on a specific deal, but the Treasurer has ensured that he is the only person who understands the derivative book in its entirety. Though Seth is not aware of how grave the problem is, he realizes that he must review NTL's risk management policies and perhaps even replace the CFO.
Liliana Lemaître’s technological race: innovate or fall behind
Authors: Alba Cabañas Marisleidy , Gómez García Luis Demetrio
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this case study, students will be able to analyze the interplay between small business growth and innovation in sustainable entrepreneurial success; evaluate factors influencing the adoption of technological innovations within startups; and decide on the optimal technological innovation for achieving sustainable growth in a startup.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study is about Liliana, a young Colombian entrepreneur. She had to decide how to innovate in her process of providing regulatory compliance and due diligence consulting services. According to Law 1778 of 2016, compliance and due diligence services became mandatory for companies with international operations in Colombia. Lemaître, Liliana’s venture, provided this service in an artisanal way. However, her market required the incorporation of technologies. Liliana must choose what to automate in her process and what to keep traditional. Not innovating meant Lemaître would be unable to grow, causing the sustainability of the business would to be at risk.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for use for master of business administration students and in executive education short courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
“One size doesn't fit all”. Bank switching decisions and customer vulnerability in Europe
Authors: Fernández-Gutiérrez Marcos , Ashton John
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the relationships between bank switching and both customer vulnerability and consumer-oriented policies (financial education and disclosure practices).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis employs microdata from the Special Eurobarometer on Financial Products and Services, for 24 European nations. It carries out a probit estimation on the factors explaining propensity of bank switching, focusing on three characteristics associated with customer vulnerability: an advanced age, low educational attainment and residence in a rural or a relatively poor region.

Findings

The authors report that the probability of bank switching is significantly lower for three groups of vulnerable customers: the elderly, the less educated and those living in deprived regions. Further the authors identify that national financial education policies and disclosure practices have no significant effects on bank switching.

Research limitations/implications

Based on these results, the authors propose more targeted policies recognising customers' heterogeneity are required to increase bank switching behaviour.

Originality/value

This paper exploits a unique source of information on bank switching behaviour and customer characteristics across European nations. These data are complemented with information about consumer financial education policies and disclosure practices from the World Bank and geographical, market and regulatory factors at the regional and national levels. The paper contributes to two academic areas. First, it presents further evidence on heterogeneity of bank customer switching behaviour, addressed at improving the understanding of customer vulnerability in banking services. Second, it examines the efficacy of consumer-oriented policies (financial literacy and disclosure practices) in encouraging bank switching.
Analysis of output and output volatility connectedness of Nigeria, USA, China and India: new empirical insights from the global financial crisis versus 2016 Nigerian recession
Authors: Anthony-Orji Onyinye Imelda , Nwodo Ikenna Paulinus , Orji Anthony , Ogbuabor Jonathan E.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine Nigeria’s dynamic output and output volatility connectedness with USA, China and India using quarterly data from 1981Q1 to 2019Q4.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the network approach of Diebold and Yilmaz (2014) and used the normalized generalized forecast error variance decomposition from an underlying vector error correction model to build connectedness measures.

Findings

The findings show that the global financial crisis (GFC) increased the connectedness index far more than the 2016 Nigeria economic recession. The moderate effect of the 2016 Nigeria economic recession on the connectedness index underscores the fact that Nigeria is a small, open economy with minimal capacity to spread output shock. For both real output and its volatility, the total connectedness index rose smoothly and systematically through time, thereby leaving the economies more connected in the long run.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first to examine Nigeria’s dynamic output and output volatility connectedness with the USA, China and India using new empirical insights from the GFC versus 2016 Nigerian recession. The study, therefore, concludes that the Nigerian economy should be diversified immediately as a hedge against future real output shocks, while the USA, China and India should maintain and sustain their current policy frameworks to remain less vulnerable to real output shocks.
Voting stake of the largest shareholder, ownership concentration and leverage
Authors: Gödecke Timm , Schiereck Dirk
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of the largest shareholder's voting stake on the firm's capital structure decision.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically analyze the influence of the voting stake on leverage, a large sample of 814 exchange-listed firms is applied. The baseline regression analysis is complemented by several robustness tests and a difference-in-difference regression analysis to mitigate endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The authors find a negative relationship between the voting stake of the largest shareholder and leverage, consistent with the notion that large, undiversified shareholders have the incentive to reduce risk. Additionally, results reveal that family control has a positive moderating effect, indicating that the negative relationship is less pronounced for family controlled firms.

Research limitations/implications

The authors contribute to the research by suggesting ownership concentration as another determinant of capital structure. Further, the authors add to the literature by showing how the association between ownership concentration and leverage is moderated by family control and that the identity of the largest shareholder is of great importance.

Practical implications

The paper provides important insights to the current debate on the proposal of the European Commission to reintroduce shares with multiple votes as part of the Listing Act. The authors expect the regulation to exacerbate the concentration of voting rights, which results in lower leverage and thus limits corporate growth.

Originality/value

The authors differentiate from previous studies by focusing the largest shareholders' voting stake, instead of using the ownership stake, to assess the impact of ownership concentration on leverage.
Global impacts of COVID‐19 pandemic on sexual and reproductive health services: An international comparative study on primary care from the INTRePID Consortium
Authors: Peng Kangning , Tu Karen , Li Zhuo , Hallinan Christine Mary , Laughlin Adrian , Manski‐Nankervis Jo‐Anne , Apajee Jemisha , Lapadula María Carla , Ortigoza Angela , Da Roza Cecilia Clara , Baste Valborg , Flottorp Signe , Wensaas Knut‐Arne , Goh Lay Hoon , Ling Zheng Jye , Kristiansson Robert , Gaona Gabriela , Pace Wilson D. , Westfall John M. , Ng Amy Pui Pui , Wong William Chi‐Wai
Published: November 2023

Objective

To understand how the COVID‐19 pandemic has impacted sexual and reproductive health (SRH) visits.

Design

An ecological study comparing SRH services volume in different countries before and after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Setting

Seven countries from theINTernational ConsoRtium ofPrimary Care BIgData Researchers (INTRePID) across four continents.

Population

Over 3.8 million SRH visits to primary care physicians in Australia, China, Canada, Norway, Singapore, Sweden and the USA.

Methods

Difference in average SRH monthly visits before and during the pandemic, with negative binomial regression modelling to compare predicted and observed number of visits during the pandemic for SRH visits.

Main outcome measures

Monthly number of visits to primary care physicians from 2018 to 2021.

Results

During the pandemic, the average volume of monthly SRH visits increased in Canada (15.6%, 99% CI 8.1–23.0%) where virtual care was pronounced. China, Singapore, Sweden and the USA experienced a decline (−56.5%, 99% CI −74.5 to −38.5%; −22.7%, 99% CI −38.8 to −6.5%; −19.4%, 99% CI −28.3 to −10.6%; and −22.7%, 99% CI −38.8 to −6.5%, respectively); while Australia and Norway showed insignificant changes (6.5%, 99% CI −0.7 to –13.8% and 1.7%, 99% CI −6.4 to –9.8%). The countries that maintained (Australia, Norway) or surpassed (Canada) pre‐pandemic visit rates had the greatest use of virtual care.

Conclusions

In‐person SRH visits to primary care decreased during the pandemic. Virtual care seemed to counterbalance that decline. Although cervical cancer screening appeared insensitive to virtual care, strategies such as incorporating self‐collected samples for HPV testing may provide a solution in a future pandemic.
Three‐dimensional modelling and morphological investigation of the bones of the Articulatio genus using computed tomography images in Van cats
Authors: Dursun Süleyman , Yilmaz Osman , Demircioğlu İsmail
Published: November 2023

In this study, it was aimed to make three‐dimensional reconstruction of the stifle joint computed tomography (CT) images of the Van cats, to obtain their osteometric measurements, and to determine the statistical biometric differences of these measurement values in terms of both sexual dimorphism and homotypic variations. A total of 16 healthy adult Van cats of both sexes were used. The stifle joints of the cats were scanned with a CT device and images were obtained. Three‐dimensional reconstructions of the bony structures of the stifle joint were performed using CT images using the MIMICS 20.1 modelling program. Then, osteometric measurements were calculated, and statistical analysis was performed. When the morphometric measurement values were examined in terms of gender, it was observed that almost all of the osteometric measurement values of the stifle joint in Van cats (except SPW measurement) were higher in male cats. According to homotypic variations, right side TPW (p = 0.009), TPCMA (p = 0.003) and TPMCA (p = 0.032) measurement values in female cats and right side TPLCA (p = 0.002) measurement values in male cats were found to be statistically significantly higher than the left side from the measurements of only the proximal tibia (p < 0.05). In general, although there were negative correlations between morphometric measurement values with age and body weight, mostly strong positive correlations were seen. As a result, statistical differences of the biometric values and anatomical features of the stifle joint between the sexes in Van cats between the sexes were examined using CT and a three‐dimensional modelling program.
Global trends in the burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to type 2 diabetes: An age‐period‐cohort analysis
Authors: Liu Wenli , Zhang Duo , Wang Ruobing , Chen Junhui , Zhang Jiaqi , Tao Di , Liu Chaonan
Published: November 2023

Aim

To assess temporal trends of chronic kidney disease (CKD) attributable to type 2 diabetes (T2D) globally and in five sociodemographic index (SDI) regions.

Materials and Methods

We extracted the population data and CKD burden attributable to T2D from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We evaluated the trends of disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, prevalence and incidence through age‐period‐cohort modelling, and calculated net drifts (overall annual percentage changes), local drifts (annual percentage changes in each age group), longitudinal age curves (fitted longitudinal age‐specific rates), period relative risks (RRs) and cohort RRs.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the global burden of CKD attributable to T2D showed increasing trends in general. The burden of CKD attributable to T2D was highest in the middle SDI region and lowest in the low SDI region. Age effects increased with age, and peaked at the ages of 75‐79 and 80‐84 years for incidence and prevalence, respectively. Period RRs in the burden of CKD attributable to T2D increased, with the high SDI being the most remarkable in DALYs and mortality, and the middle SDI being the most notable in incidence. Cohort RRs showed unfavourable trends in incidence and prevalence among recent cohorts.

Conclusions

After a lengthy period of multi‐initiative diabetes management, the high‐middle SDI region exhibited improvement. However, unresolved issues and improvement gaps were still remarkable. Future efforts to reduce the burden of CKD attributable to T2D in the population should prioritize addressing the unfavourable patterns identified.
Prognostic value of transvalvular flow rate in patients with low‐gradient severe aortic stenosis: A dobutamine stress echocardiography study
Authors: Onishi Hirokazu , Izumo Masaki , Nishikawa Haruka , Suzuki Tomomi , Sato Yukio , Watanabe Mika , Kuwata Shingo , Kamijima Ryo , Naganuma Toru , Nakamura Sunao , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: November 2023

Backgrounds

There are limited data on the clinical relevance of transvalvular flow rate (Qmean) at rest (Qrest) and at peak stress (Qstress) during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in patients with low‐gradient severe aortic stenosis (LG‐SAS).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with LG‐SAS who underwent DSE. LG‐SAS was defined as an aortic valve (AV) area index of < .6 cm2/m2 and a mean AV pressure gradient (AVPG) of < 40 mm Hg. The primary endpoint included all‐cause death and heart failure hospitalization.

Results

Of 100 patients (mean age 79.5 ± 7.3 years; men, 45.0%; resting left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 52.1% ± 15.9%; resting stroke volume index 35.8 ± 7.7 mL/m2; Qrest 171.8 ± 34.9 mL/s), the primary endpoint occurred in 51 patients during a median follow‐up of 2.84 (interquartile range 1.01–5.21) years. When the study patients were divided into three subgroups based on Qrest and Qstress, the multivariate analysis showed that Qrest < 200 mL/s and Qstress ≥200 mL/s (hazard ratio 3.844; 95% confidence interval 1.143–12.930; p = .030), as well as Qrest and Qstress < 200 mL/s (hazard ratio 9.444; 95% confidence interval 2.420–36.850; p = .001), were significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes with Qrest and Qstress ≥200 mL/s as a reference after adjusting for resting LVEF, resting mean AVPG, chronic kidney disease, New York Heart Association functional class III/IV, and AV replacement.

Conclusions

Flow conditions based on the combination of Qrest and Qstress are helpful for risk stratification in LG‐SAS patients.
Reciprocal altruism in Norway rats
Authors: Engelhardt Sacha C. , Taborsky Michael
Published: November 2023

Reciprocal altruism has been proposed to generate evolutionarily stable levels of cooperation, but empirical evidence in non‐human animals is contentious. A series of experimental studies on Norway rats revealed that these animals reciprocate received help by using decision rules characterising direct and generalized reciprocity. The direct reciprocity decision rule states that individuals should help someone who previously helped them, whereas the generalized reciprocity decision rule implies that individuals should help anyone after having received help from someone. Here, we present results from meta‐analyses assessing if Norway rats generally help partners according to the direct and generalized reciprocity decision rules by giving more help sooner and matching help received either to previously cooperative partners or to anyone after having received help from a conspecific. We also compared the rats' performance when applying the direct or generalized reciprocity decision rules. Results from these meta‐analyses clearly show that female and male focal rats help partners according to the direct reciprocity decision rule. Rats did not adjust the amount of help they gave by matching the help they received according to both the direct and generalized reciprocity decision rules; however, they may adjust the duration to the first help they gave by matching the help they received according to the direct reciprocity decision rule. Female, but not male, focal rats help partners according to the generalized reciprocity decision rule. There was no apparent difference in the help given by female rats to partners between the direct and generalized reciprocity decision rules. These results (i) demonstrate, across a wide range of studies, the reciprocal cooperation of Norway rats by use of decision rules denoting direct and generalized reciprocity, and (ii) suggest that rats may frequently apply the cognitively less demanding decision rule of generalized reciprocity, unless they need to distinguish between individuals differing in helpfulness.