bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal and caudate network specificity is altered in older adults
Authors: Freedberg Michael V.
Published: July 2022

The hippocampal and the caudate networks, defined by their intrinsic resting state functional connectivity (FC), exhibit strong network specificity. This is reflected as strong within-network and weak between-network FC, as well as their dissociable roles in cognition. Aging typically reduces the specificity of brain networks. However, whether the hippocampal and caudate networks show age-related decreases in network specificity is unclear. Further, whether any age-related decreases in network specificity are due to reduced within-network FC, increased between-network FC, or some combination of both, is also unclear. Using a large-scale fMRI data set acquired from healthy younger (n = 101, aged 18–40 years) and older (n = 101, 55–75 years) adults, networks centered on the left anterior hippocampus and the head of the right caudate nucleus were compared. These sub-regions were chosen based on their distinct contributions to cognition, their known interactions, and their susceptibility to age-related changes. A mixed effect model was used to identify brain regions where network specificity differed between groups. For younger adults, hippocampal network specificity was strong in the medial frontal gyrus (MFG), while caudate network specificity was strong in the basal nuclei. However, network specificity in these same regions was significantly reduced in older adults. Reduced specificity in each network was due to a weakening of within-network connectivity rather than an increase in between-network connectivity. These results indicate that hippocampal and caudate network specificity decreases with advancing age, raising the possibility that these reductions may contribute to age-related changes in memory.

Impact Statement

Older adults represent an increasing proportion of the population, thus increasing the urgency for us to understand the neurological changes that contribute to age-related memory loss. Aging is associated with a loss of network specificity, reflected as reduced within-network, and increased between-network, connectivity. My work shows that this phenomenon is not restricted to the hippocampal and caudate networks, which are critical for learning facts and skills, respectively: Both networks decreased in network functional connectivity. These results raise the possibility that “blurring” between these networks relates to age-related memory loss, possibly as a compensatory mechanism to protect memory in old age.
Familiarity of Background Music Modulates the Cortical Tracking of Target Speech at the Cocktail Party
Authors: Brown Jane A. , Bidelman Gavin M.
Published: July 2022

The “cocktail party” problem – how a listener perceives speech in noisy environments – is typically studied using speech (multi-talker babble) or noise maskers. However, realistic cocktail party scenarios often include background music (e.g., coffee shops, concerts). Studies investigating music’s effects on concurrent speech perception have predominantly used highly controlled synthetic music or shaped noise which do not reflect naturalistic listening environments. Behaviorally, familiar background music and songs with vocals/lyrics inhibit concurrent speech recognition. Here, we investigated the neural bases of these effects. While recording multichannel EEG, participants listened to an audiobook while popular songs (or silence) played in the background at 0 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Songs were either familiar or unfamiliar to listeners and featured either vocals or isolated instrumentals from the original audio recordings. Comprehension questions probed task engagement. We used temporal response functions (TRFs) to isolate cortical tracking to the target speech envelope and analyzed neural responses around 100 ms (i.e., auditory N1 wave). We found that speech comprehension was, expectedly, impaired during background music(s) compared to silence. Target speech tracking was further hindered by the presence of vocals. When masked by familiar music, response latencies to speech were less susceptible to informational masking, suggesting concurrent neural tracking of speech was easier during music known to the listener. These differential effects of music familiarity were further exacerbated in listeners with less musical ability. Our neuroimaging results and their dependence on listening skills are consistent with early attentional gain mechanisms where familiar music is easier to tune out (listeners already know the song’s expectancies) and thus can allocate fewer attentional resources to the background music to better monitor concurrent speech material.
A biallelic loss-of-function variant in MYZAP is associated with a recessive form of severe dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Maver Aleš , Žigman Tamara , Rangrez Ashraf Yusuf , Ćorić Marijana , Homolak Jan , Šarić Dalibor , Škifić Iva , Udovičić Mario , Zekušić Marija , Saleem Umber , Laufer Sandra D. , Hansen Arne , Frey Norbert , Barić Ivo , Peterlin Borut
Published: July 2022

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a primary disorder of the cardiac muscle, characterized by dilatation of the left ventricle and contractile dysfunction. About 50% of DCM cases can be attributed to monogenic causes, whereas the etiology in the remaining patients remains unexplained. We report a family with two brothers affected by severe DCM with onset in the adolescent period. Using exome sequencing, we identified a homozygous premature termination variant in the MYZAP gene in both affected sibs. MYZAP encodes for myocardial zonula adherens protein—a conserved cardiac protein in the intercalated disc structure of cardiomyocytes. The effect of the variant was demonstrated by light and electron microscopy of the heart muscle and immunohistochemical and western blot analysis of the MYZAP protein in the heart tissue of the proband. Functional characterization using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes revealed significantly lower force and longer time to peak contraction and relaxation consistent with severe contractile dysfunction. We provide independent support for the role of biallelic loss-of-function MYZAP variants in dilated cardiomyopathy. This report extends the spectrum of cardiac disease associated with dysfunction of cardiac intercalated disc junction and sheds light on the mechanisms leading to DCM.
Phase retrieval based on a total-variation-regularized Poisson model for X-ray ptychographic imaging of low-contrast objects
Authors: Yatabe Kohei , Takayama Yuki
Published: July 2022

Hard X-ray ptychography has become an indispensable tool for observing the microscopic structure of a thick specimen. It measures diffraction patterns by scanning an X-ray beam and visualizes the complex-valued refractive index of the specimen by a computational reconstruction called phase retrieval. The quality of imaging is dependent on the used phase-retrieval algorithm, especially when the intensity of the diffraction patterns in the high-spatial-frequency range is low and/or when the spatial overlap of the illumination area is small. In this paper, a phase-retrieval algorithm, AMPAM, based on the Poisson model and total variation (TV) is proposed. It applies alternating minimization using primal-dual splitting and gradient-descent algorithms to compute the result without matrix inversion. The imaging capability of the proposed algorithm from low-dose and/or sparsely scanned data was investigated by numerical simulations. The proposed algorithm was compared with ADPr, which is the state-of-the-art algorithm based on the TV-regularized Poisson model. The results indicated that AMPAM can provide good-quality images with a computational cost 7–11 times less than ADPr. In addition, ink toner and macroporous silica particles were imaged at SPring-8 BL24XU to confirm the applicability of the algorithm to actual measurements.
Metal-free enantiomorphic perovskite [dabcoH2]2+[H3O]+Br−
3 and its one-dimensional polar polymorph
Authors: Budzianowski Armand , Petřiček Vaclav , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: July 2022

The structure and stoichiometry of a new metal-free and ammonium-free compound [dabcoH2]2+H3O+Br−
3 (where [dabcoH2]2+ = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane dication) correspond to the general formula ABX
3 characteristic of perovskites. In enantiomorphic trigonal polymorph α of [dabcoH2]2+H3O+Br−
3, the corner-sharing [H3O]Br6 octahedra combine into a 3D framework embedding [dabcoH2]2+ dications in pseudo-cubic cages. In the more dense polymorph β, the face-sharing [H3O]Br6 octahedra form 1D polyanionic columns separated by [dabcoH2]2+ dications. These different topologies correlate with different crystal fields around the cations and their different disorder types: orientational disorders of [dabcoH2]2+ dications and H3O+ cations in polymorph α and positional disorder of [H3O]+ cations in polymorph β. The orientational disorder increases the lengths of OH...Br hydrogen bonds in polymorph α, but NH...Br distances of ordered dabcoH2 dications are longer in polymorph β. The presence of polar [H3O]+ cations in [dabcoH2]2+H3O+Br−
3 polymorphs offers additional polarizability of the centres compared with analogous metal-free [dabcoH2]2+[NH4]+Br−
3 perovskite.
Accurate crystal structure of ice VI from X-ray diffraction with Hirshfeld atom refinement
Authors: Chodkiewicz Michal L. , Gajda Roman , Lavina Barbara , Tkachev Sergey , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Dera Przemyslaw , Wozniak Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

Water is an essential chemical compound for living organisms, and twenty of its different crystal solid forms (ices) are known. Still, there are many fundamental problems with these structures such as establishing the correct positions and thermal motions of hydrogen atoms. The list of ice structures is not yet complete as DFT calculations have suggested the existence of additional and – to date – unknown phases. In many ice structures, neither neutron diffraction nor DFT calculations nor X-ray diffraction methods can easily solve the problem of hydrogen atom disorder or accurately determine their anisotropic displacement parameters (ADPs). Here, accurate crystal structures of H2O, D2O and mixed (50%H2O/50%D2O) ice VI obtained by Hirshfeld atom refinement (HAR) of high-pressure single-crystal synchrotron and laboratory X-ray diffraction data are presented. It was possible to obtain O—H/D bond lengths and ADPs for disordered hydrogen atoms which are in good agreement with the corresponding single-crystal neutron diffraction data. These results show that HAR combined with X-ray diffraction can compete with neutron diffraction in detailed studies of polymorphic forms of ice and crystals of other hydrogen-rich compounds. As neutron diffraction is relatively expensive, requires larger crystals which can be difficult to obtain and access to neutron facilities is restricted, cheaper and more accessible X-ray measurements combined with HAR can facilitate the verification of the existing ice polymorphs and the quest for new ones.
Accentuating the interconnection between green intellectual capital, green human resource management and sustainability
Authors: Yong Jing Yi , Yusliza Mohd Yusoff , Ramayah T. , Farooq Khalid , Tanveer Muhammad Imran
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the relationships between green intellectual capital, green human resource management (HRM), and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on information gathered from 112 large Malaysian manufacturing companies.

Findings

The study findings revealed that green human capital and green relational capital positively influence green HRM. In addition, green HRM positively related to social, environmental and economic performance. Besides, green HRM positively mediates the relationships between green human capital and economic, social and environmental performance. Finally, green relational capital improves sustainability (economic, environmental, and social performance) mediated by green HRM.

Originality/value

The current study contributes to the literature by examining green IC (green human capital, green structural capital, and green relational capital) as an independent variable and green HRM as a mediating variable for sustainability (economic, environmental, and social performance). The findings and recommended for the managers of large manufacturing firms and practitioners to invest in green IC to achieve sustainability through green HRM.
A hybrid approach for predicting missing follower–followee links in social networks using topological features with ensemble learning
Authors: Bhattacharya Riju , Nagwani Naresh Kumar , Tripathi Sarsij
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Social networking platforms are increasingly using the Follower Link Prediction tool in an effort to expand the number of their users. It facilitates the discovery of previously unidentified individuals and can be employed to determine the relationships among the nodes in a social network. On the other hand, social site firms use follower–followee link prediction (FFLP) to increase their user base. FFLP can help identify unfamiliar people and determine node-to-node links in a social network. Choosing the appropriate person to follow becomes crucial as the number of users increases. A hybrid model employing the Ensemble Learning algorithm for FFLP (HMELA) is proposed to advise the formation of new follower links in large networks.

Design/methodology/approach

HMELA includes fundamental classification techniques for treating link prediction as a binary classification problem. The data sets are represented using a variety of machine-learning-friendly hybrid graph features. The HMELA is evaluated using six real-world social network data sets.

Findings

The first set of experiments used exploratory data analysis on a di-graph to produce a balanced matrix. The second set of experiments compared the benchmark and hybrid features on data sets. This was followed by using benchmark classifiers and ensemble learning methods. The experiments show that the proposed (HMELA) method predicts missing links better than other methods.

Practical implications

A hybrid suggested model for link prediction is proposed in this paper. The suggested HMELA model makes use of AUC scores to predict new future links. The proposed approach facilitates comprehension and insight into the domain of link prediction. This work is almost entirely aimed at academics, practitioners, and those involved in the field of social networks, etc. Also, the model is quite effective in the field of product recommendation and in recommending a new friend and user on social networks.

Originality/value

The outcome on six benchmark data sets revealed that when the HMELA strategy had been applied to all of the selected data sets, the area under the curve (AUC) scores were greater than when individual techniques were applied to the same data sets. Using the HMELA technique, the maximum AUC score in the Facebook data set has been increased by 10.3 per cent from 0.8449 to 0.9479. There has also been an 8.53 per cent increase in the accuracy of the Net Science, Karate Club and USAir databases. As a result, the HMELA strategy outperforms every other strategy tested in the study.
How appreciative leadership affects employees' helping behaviors? The mediating role of emotions and the moderating role of organizational trust
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Liu Zhiying , Ghani Usman , Athar Nadeem Muhammad , Farva Hashmi Umme , Xu Yi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study, based on social exchange theory, aims to explore the association between appreciative leadership and employees' helping behaviors by investigating the mediation role of emotional reactions (pride, anxiety), and choosing organizational trust as a boundary condition between appreciative leadership and helping behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

A total sample of 285 reliable questionnaires were collected in three time lags from employees working in the Pakistani education and banking sectors. PROCESS macro using SPSS and AMOS are employed for data analyses of the proposed model.

Findings

The findings reveal that appreciative leadership has positive impacts on employees' helping behaviors and emotional reactions (pride, anxiety) mediate the relationship of appreciative leadership and employees' helping behaviors. In addition, the results show that high organizational trust strengthens the positive relationship between appreciative leadership and employees' helping behaviors.

Practical implications

This research has provided empirical proof between the relationship of appreciative leadership and helping behaviors and the findings are of great significance for managers, employees, and organizations. The study proposes that leaders should have appreciative behavior while treating their subordinates. Moreover, it is revealed that the role of organizational trust should be given more attention and importance because it is a factor moderating the employees' helping behaviors.

Originality/value

The present study, among the first empirical efforts investigating the relationship between appreciative leadership and helping behaviors, organizational trust as a moderator, enriches the existing academic literature of and provides worthy insight into the research on appreciative leadership and helping behaviors.
Service encounter and repurchase intention in fitness centers: perceived value as a mediator and service innovativeness as a moderator
Authors: Wang Fong Jia , Chiu Weisheng
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study examined the relationships between service encounter, perceived value, and repurchase intention in the fitness service sector through the theoretical lens of service-dominant logic. In addition, the mediating role of perceived value and the moderating role of service innovativeness were examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants (n = 806) were drawn from fitness center customers in Taiwan using a convenience sampling technique. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses in the research model.

Findings

The results showed that service encounter had a positive impact on perceived value, which in turn affected repurchase intention. Moreover, the full mediating effect of perceived value was identified in the relationship between service encounter and repurchase intention. In addition, service innovativeness positively moderated the effect of service encounter on repurchase intention.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on the impact of staff-customer interactions (i.e. service encounter) on customers' perceptions and behaviors and identifies the critical role of perceived value as a mediating mechanism as well as a facilitating role of service innovativeness in enhancing repurchase intention.
The Tunisian stock market before invoking Article 80 of the Constitution: the (in)direct impact of government interventions during the sanitary crisis
Authors: Ben Ayed Wassim
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of government policies adopted by the Tunisian government to cope with the COVID-19 sanitary crisis on stock market return.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses daily data from March 2, 2020, to July 23, 2021.

Findings

The author finds that policies interventions have a negative impact on Tunisia's stock market, particularly stock market returns due to stringency, confinement and health measures. Also, Government announcements regarding economic has a negative impact on Tunisia's stock market but this impact is insignificant. By conducting an additional analysis, the author shows that the government interventions policies amplify the negative effect of COVID-19 on stock returns.

Research limitations/implications

These results will be useful for policy authorities seeking to consider the advantages and drawbacks of government measures. Finally, a legislative proposal about the audit of public debt should be included in the Constitution to spur Tunisia's economic and social recovery.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the related literature in two ways: First, it is the first study to examine the impact of government actions on stock market performance. Second, it bridges a gap in the literature by investigating the case of Tunisia, because most studies focus on developed and emerging economies.
Subcorneal pustular dermatosis‐type IgA pemphigus associated with multiple myeloma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Koga Hiroshi , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Teye Kwesi , Ishii Norito , Yamaguchi Maki , Nagafuji Koji , Nakama Takekuni
Published: July 2022

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) pemphigus, also known as intercellular IgA dermatosis, is a rare autoimmune bullous disease presenting with IgA anti‐keratinocyte cell surface autoantibodies. Concomitant lymphoproliferative disorders have been reported in IgA pemphigus, including IgA monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and IgA type multiple myeloma (MM). A 35‐year‐old Japanese woman with a 3‐year history of pruritic papulovesicles on her lower legs and trunk was referred to our department. Histopathological examination revealed acantholytic blisters, and results of both direct and indirect immunofluorescence were negative. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence were still negative 3 years and 7 months later. Approximately 7 years after her first visit, the patient was re‐referred to us because of disease exacerbation. Histopathological findings revealed subcorneal blistering with acantholysis, in which neutrophil‐dominant inflammatory cells were present. Indirect immunofluorescence was positive for IgA on the epidermal cell surface and both desmoglein (Dsg) 1/3 and (Dsc) desmocollin 1–3 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for IgA were positive. The histological findings and positive Dsc1 IgA ELISA led to the diagnosis of subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SPD)‐type IgA pemphigus. Further examination revealed hyper‐IgA globulinemia, increased serum IgA‐κ protein, and increased plasma cells in the bone marrow, enabling the diagnosis of IgA type MM. Daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (DLd) therapy was effective for both the MM and the skin lesions, resulting in negative results on Dsg1/3 and Dsc1‐3 IgA ELISAs. The association between IgA pemphigus and IgA type multiple myeloma remains unclear, and only seven cases including the present case have been reported. Literature review revealed associations between SPD‐type and IgA κ chain in IgA pemphigus and MM, and that in most cases the onset or diagnosis of MM was simultaneous or occurred after the diagnosis of IgA pemphigus. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the development of multiple myeloma during the clinical course of patients with SPD‐type IgA pemphigus.
Drivers and consequences of structure in plant–lemur ecological networks
Authors: DeSisto Camille , Herrera James Paul
Published: July 2022

Species interactions shape the diversity and resilience of ecological networks. Plant and animal traits, as well as phylogeny, affect interaction likelihood, driving variation in network structure and tolerance to disturbance.

We investigated how traits and phylogenetic effects influenced network‐wide interaction probabilities and examined the consequences of extinction on the structure and robustness of ecological networks.

We combined both mutualistic and antagonistic interactions of animals (55 species, Infraorder Lemuriformes, Order Primates) and their food plants (590 genera) throughout Madagascar to generate ecological networks. We tested the effects of both lemur and plant traits, biogeographic factors and phylogenetic relatedness on interaction probability in these networks using exponential random graph models. Next, we simulated animal and plant extinction to analyse the effects of extinction on network structure (connectance, nestedness and modularity) and robustness for mutualistic, antagonistic and combined plant–animal networks.

Both animal and plant traits affected their interaction probabilities. Large, frugivorous lemurs with a short gestation length, occurring in arid habitats, and with a Least Concern threat level had a high interaction probability in the network, given all other variables. Closely related plants were more likely to interact with the same lemur species than distantly related plants, but closely related lemurs were not more likely to interact with the same plant genus. Simulated lemur extinction tended to increase connectance and modularity, but decrease nestedness and robustness, compared to pre‐extinction networks. Networks were more tolerant to plant than lemur extinctions.

Lemur–plant interactions were highly trait structured and the loss of both lemurs and plants threatened the tolerance of mutualistic, antagonistic and combined networks to future disturbance.
Prey defence phenotype mediates multiple‐predator effects in tri‐trophic food webs
Authors: Guariento Rafael Dettogni , Dalponti Guilherme , Carneiro Luciana Silva , Caliman Adriano
Published: July 2022

The emphasis on mechanisms governing the interaction among predators (e.g. cooperation, competition or intraguild predation) has driven the understanding of multiple‐predator effects on prey survival and dynamics. However, overwhelming evidence shows that prey can adaptively respond to predators, exhibiting multiple defensive phenotypes to cope with predation. Nevertheless, there is still a relatively scarce theory connecting the emergence of prey defences in complex multi‐predator scenarios and their ecological consequences.

Using a mathematical approach, we evaluated the prevalence of defended prey phenotypes as a function of predator‐induced mortality in a two‐predator system, and how prey and phenotype dynamics affect trophic cascades. We also evaluated such responses when prey manifests a general defence against both predators (i.e. risk reducing) or a specialized defence against one predator at the expense of defence against the other predator (i.e. risk trade‐off), and when such phenotypes induce fitness and foraging costs.

We showed that the emergence of defended phenotypes under multiple predators depends on predator‐induced mortality rates, the magnitude of phenotype costs and the effect of the defensive phenotype on the performance of all predators.

Risk‐reducing phenotypes enhance prioritized responses to predators with high killing rates, but prioritized responses are diminished when prey manifest risk trade‐off phenotypes. Finally, we showed that resource abundance across the predation gradient directly depends on the prevalence of certain prey phenotypes and their effect on foraging costs.

Ultimately, our results depict the implications of prey defences on prey and basal resources abundance in a multiple predators' environment, highlighting the role of the identity of defensive strategies in mediating the strength and nature of trophic cascades, via consumptive or non‐consumptive effects.
Wide distribution of the sad gene cluster for sub‐terminal oxidation in alkane utilizers
Authors: Yin Chao‐Fan , Xu Ying , Li Tao , Zhou Ning‐Yi
Published: July 2022

Alkane constitutes major fractions of crude oils, and its microbial aerobic degradation dominantly follows the terminal oxidation and the sub‐terminal pathways. However, the latter one received much less attention, especially since the related genes were yet to be fully defined. Here, we isolated a bacterium designated Acinetobacter sp. strain NyZ410, capable of growing on alkanes with a range of chain lengths and derived sub‐terminal oxidation products. From its genome, a secondary alcohol degradation gene cluster (sad) was identified to be likely involved in converting the aliphatic secondary alcohols (the sub‐terminal oxidation products of alkanes) to the corresponding primary alcohols by removing two‐carbon unit. On this cluster, sadC encoded an alcohol dehydrogenase converting the aliphatic secondary alcohols to the corresponding ketones; sadD encoded a Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase catalysing the conversion of the aliphatic ketones to the corresponding esters; SadA and SadB are two esterases hydrolyzing aliphatic esters to the primary alcohols and acetic acids. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that the sad cluster was widely distributed in the genomes of probable alkane degraders, apparently coexisting (64%) with the signature enzymes AlkM and AlmA for alkane terminal oxidation in 350 bacterial genomes. It suggests that the alkane sub‐terminal oxidation may be more ubiquitous than previously thought.
Hierarchical phylogenetic community assembly of soil protists in a temperate agricultural field
Authors: Roy Julien , Mazel Florent , Dumack Kenneth , Bonkowski Michael , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: July 2022

Protists are abundant, diverse and perform essential functions in soils. Protistan community structure and its change across time or space are traditionally studied at the species level but the relative importance of the processes shaping these patterns depends on the taxon phylogenetic resolution. Using 18S rDNA amplicon data of the Cercozoa, a group of dominant soil protists, from an agricultural field in western Germany, we observed a turnover of relatively closely related taxa (from sequence variants to genus‐level clades) across soil depth; while across soil habitats (rhizosphere, bulk soil, drilosphere), we observed turnover of relatively distantly related taxa, confirming Paracercomonadidae as a rhizosphere‐associated clade. We extended our approach to show that closely related Cercozoa encounter divergent arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi across soil depth and that distantly related Cercozoa encounter closely related AM fungi across soil compartments. This study suggests that soil Cercozoa community assembly at the field scale is driven by niche‐based processes shaped by evolutionary legacy of adaptation to conditions primarily related to the soil compartment, followed by the soil layer, giving a deeper understanding on the selection pressures that shaped their evolution.
Drawing a line in the sand: Environmental DNA population genomics
Authors: Wilcox Taylor Matthew , Jensen Mads Reinholdt
Published: July 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling uses genetic material in the environment to infer species presence sight‐unseen. The method has rapidly become a powerful tool for monitoring biodiversity. However, biological diversity, as per the Convention on Biological Diversity definition of “diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems” is more inclusive than most eDNA studies cover: The vast majority focus only on between‐species and ecosystem‐level biodiversity. However, a tantalizing prospect, as illustrated by Farrell et al. (2022) in this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, is that we might also be able to unlock information about individual and population‐level diversity via population genomic analysis of these environmental samples. Farrell et al. (2022) found that targeted samples of beach sand contained genetic material not just informative about sea turtle presence, but also indicated the presence of pathogens and genome‐wide mitochondrial and nuclear sequences that could accurately infer individual turtle source population. Moving from proof‐of‐concept to robust, population genomic inference will require a growth of genomic resources for nonmodel organisms and careful study design considerations, some of which have already been pioneered by related fields.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of lithium‐treated older adults with bipolar disorder
Authors: Forlenza Orestes V. , Hajek Tomas , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Beunders Alexandra J. M. , Blumberg Hilary P. , Briggs Farren B. S. , De‐Paula Vanessa J. R. , Dols Annemiek , Eyler Lisa T. , Forester Brent P. , Gildengers Ariel , Jimenez Esther , Korten Nicole C. M. , Lafer Beny , McWhinney Sean R. , Mulsant Benoit , Rej Soham , Sarna Kaylee , Schouws Sigfried , Sutherland Ashley , Tsai Shangying , Vieta Eduard , Yala Joy , Sajatovic Martha ,   GAGE‐BD initiative
Published: July 2022

Objectives

There is limited information on the characteristics of older adults with bipolar disorder (OABD) treated with lithium, along with safety concerns about its use by older adults.

The aim of the present study is to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of OABD receiving lithium therapy, using data from the Global Ageing & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder (GAGE‐BD).

Experimental Procedures

Cross‐sectional analysis of the GAGE‐BD dataset to determine differences and similarities between lithium users and non‐users. We analysed data from 986 participants aged 50 years or older (mean age 63.5 years; 57.5% females) from 12 study sites. Two subgroups (‘Lithium’; ‘Non‐lithium’) were defined according to the current prescription of lithium. We compared several outcomes between these groups, controlling for age, gender, and study site.

Results

OABD treated with lithium had lower scores on depression rating scales and were less likely to be categorised as with moderate or severe depression. There was a lower proportion of lithium users than non‐users among those with evidence of rapid cycling and non‐bipolar psychiatric diagnoses. Assessment of global cognitive state and functionality indicated better performance among lithium users. The current use of antipsychotics was less frequent among lithium users, who also reported fewer cardiovascular comorbidities than non‐users.

Conclusion

We found several potentially relevant differences in the clinical profile of OABD treated with lithium compared with those treated with other mood stabilisers. However, the interpretation of the present results must take into account the methodological limitations inherent to the cross‐sectional approach and data harmonisation.
Patient‐centered dupilumab dosing regimen leads to successful dose reduction in persistently controlled atopic dermatitis
Authors: Spekhorst Lotte S. , Bakker Daphne , Drylewicz Julia , Rispens Theo , Loeff Floris , Boesjes Celeste M. , Thijs Judith , Romeijn Geertruida L. E. , Loman Laura , Schuttelaar Marie‐Louise , van Wijk Femke , de Graaf Marlies , de Bruin‐Weller Marjolein S.
Published: July 2022

Background

At present, no real‐world studies are available on different dupilumab dosing regimens in controlled atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate a patient‐centered dupilumab dosing regimen in patients with controlled AD and to relate this to serum drug levels and serum biomarkers.

Methods

Ninety adult AD patients from the prospective BioDay registry were included based on their dupilumab administration interval according to a predefined patient‐centered dosing regimen. Group A (n = 30) did not fulfill the criteria for interval prolongation and continued using the standard dupilumab dosage (300 mg/2 weeks), group B (n = 30) prolonged dupilumab interval with 50% (300 mg/4 weeks), and group C (n = 30) prolonged dupilumab interval with 66%–75% (300 mg/6–8 weeks). AD severity score, patient‐reported outcomes, serum dupilumab levels, and serum biomarkers were analyzed over time.

Results

Disease severity scores did not significantly change over time during the tapering period in any of the groups. In groups B and C, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)‐pruritus temporarily significantly increased after interval prolongation but remained low (median NRS‐pruritus≤4). Median dupilumab levels remained stable in group A (standard dosage), but significantly decreased in groups B and C (24.1 mg/L (IQR = 17.1–45.6); 12.5 mg/L (IQR = 1.7–22.3)) compared with the levels during the standard dosage (88.2 mg/L [IQR = 67.1–123.0, p < .001]). Disease severity biomarker levels (CCL17/CCL18) remained low in all study groups during the whole observation period.

Conclusions

This study showed that dose reduction was successful in a subgroup of patients with controlled AD by using a patient‐centered dosing regimen. These patients showed stable low disease activity and low severity biomarkers over time.
QRS fragmentation is associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in high‐risk patients; Data from the SMASH 1 Study
Authors: Sourour Nur , Riveland Egil , Rømo Terje , Næsgaard Patrycja , Kjekshus Harald , Larsen Alf Inge , Omland Torbjørn , Røsjø Helge , Myhre Peder Langeland
Published: July 2022

Introduction

QRS fragmentation (fQRS), defined as the presence of additional spikes within the QRS complex, has been associated with myocardial conduction abnormalities and arrhythmogenicity.

Objective

We aimed to assess whether fQRS is associated with incident ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in high‐risk patients treated with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) for primary and secondary prevention.

Methods

In a prospective observational multicenter study, we included 495 patients treated with ICD. fQRS was analyzed according to previously validated criteria, by two physicians blinded for outcome data. Incident VA were obtained from ICD recordings.

Results

ECG recordings interpretable for fQRS were available in 459 patients (93%), aged 66 ± 12 years with left ventricular ejection fraction 40% ± 13%. fQRS was present in 52 patients (11%) with comparable baseline characteristics to patients without fQRS, except higher age, higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), lower prevalence of cardiomyopathy, and more frequently a secondary prevention ICD indication. Among patients with native QRS, those with fQRS had similar QRS duration and axis to those without fQRS. During 3.1 ± 0.7 years follow‐up, 126 patients (28%) had ≥1 VA . fQRS was associated with increased risk of VA (HR 3.41 [95% CI 2.27–5.13], p < .001), which persisted after adjusting for age, gender, sex, BMI, CAD, heart failure, renal function, ICD indication, QRS duration, QRS axis, Q waves, and bundle branch block. fQRS was more strongly associated with VA in patients with a primary (HR 6.05 [95% CI 3.16–11.60]) versus secondary (HR 2.39 [95% CI 1.41–4.04]) ICD indication (p‐for‐interaction = .047).

Conclusions

fQRS is associated with threefold increased risk of VA in high‐risk patients, independent of established risk factors.
Every decade counts: a narrative review of functional recovery after partial nephrectomy
Authors: Campbell Steven C. , Campbell Jack A. , Munoz‐Lopez Carlos , Rathi Nityam , Yasuda Yosuke , Attawettayanon Worapat
Published: July 2022

Objective

To provide a narrative review of the major advances regarding ischaemia and functional recovery after partial nephrectomy (PN), along with the ongoing controversies.

Methods

Key articles reflecting major advances regarding ischaemia and functional recovery after PN were identified. Special emphasis was placed on contributions that changed perspectives about surgical management. Priority was also placed on randomized trials of off‐clamp vs on‐clamp cohorts.

Results

A decade ago, ‘Every minute counts' was published, showing strong correlations between duration of ischaemia and development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease after clamped PN. This reinforced perspectives that ischaemia was the main modifiable factor that could be addressed to improve functional outcomes and helped spur efforts towards reduced or zero ischaemia PN. These approaches were associated with strong functional recovery and some peri‐operative risk, although they were generally safe in experienced hands. Further research demonstrated that, when parenchymal volume changes were incorporated into the analyses, ischaemia lost statistical significance, and percent parenchymal volume saved proved to be the main determinant. Cold ischaemia was confirmed to be highly protective, and limited warm ischaemia also proved to be safe. The reconstructive phase of PN, with avoidance of parenchymal devascularization, appears to be most important for functional outcomes. Randomized trials of on‐clamp vs off‐clamp PN have shown minimal impact of ischaemia on functional recovery.

Conclusions

The past decade has witnessed great progress regarding functional recovery after PN, with many lessons learned. However, there are still unanswered questions, including: What is the threshold of warm ischaemia at which irreversible ischaemic injury begins to develop? Are some cohorts at increased risk for AKI or irreversible ischaemic injury? and Which patients should be prioritized for zero‐ischaemia PN?
Decreased febrile neutropenia during inpatient chemotherapy for urologic cancer during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Toriumi Ren , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Kadomoto Suguru , Iwamoto Hiroaki , Iijima Masashi , Kawaguchi Shohei , Nohara Takahiro , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Izumi Kouji , Kadono Yoshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi
Published: July 2022

Since 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to the widespread practice of hand hygiene and wearing face masks, not only among medical personnel, but also among the general population. Thus, the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the incidence of febrile neutropenia should be verified. This study aimed to examine the incidence of febrile neutropenia in hospitalized patients receiving chemotherapy at Kanazawa University Hospital. Among inpatients at the Department of Urology receiving chemotherapy, we compared the incidence of febrile neutropenia between 317 cases in 2018–2019 and 276 cases in 2020. We retrospectively analyzed the factors of febrile neutropenia via binomial logistic regression analysis based on patient characteristics and the characteristics of primary diseases, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 20/317 cases in 2018–2019 and 1/276 cases in 2020, with a significant decrease in the latter (p = 0.005). In a multivariate analysis, we identified the following independent risk factors for febrile neutropenia: non‐coronavirus disease 2019 era (p = 0.005), first course of therapy (p = 0.005), malnutrition (p = 0.032), and past history of febrile neutropenia (p = 0.018). Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, hygiene policies for medical personnel and quarantine measures for patients were thoroughly implemented. Therefore, the incidence of febrile neutropenia in 2020 decreased to 1/15 of the previous incidence. Thus, the hygiene for medical personnel and patients during the expected period of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia is important for febrile neutropenia prevention.
Parents' perceptions of children's emotional well‐being during spring 2020 COVID‐19 restrictions: A qualitative study with parents of young children in England
Authors: Chambers Stephanie , Clarke Joanne , Kipping Ruth , Langford Rebecca , Brophy Rachel , Hannam Kim , Taylor Hilary , Willis Kate , Simpson Sharon A.
Published: July 2022

Background

During COVID‐19 restrictions in England in spring 2020, early years settings for young children were closed to all but a small percentage of families, social contact was limited and play areas in parks were closed. Concerns were raised about the impact of these restrictions on young children's emotional well‐being. The aim of this study was to explore parents' perceptions of young children's emotional well‐being during these COVID‐19 restrictions.

Methods

We interviewed 20 parents of children 3–4 years due to begin school in England in September 2020. Interviews were conducted via telephone (n = 18) and video call (n = 2), audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interviews focused on childcare arrangements, children's behaviour and transition to school. A sample of transcripts were coded line by line to create a coding framework, which was subsequently applied to the remaining transcripts. Coded data were then analysed using a nurture lens to develop themes and further understanding.

Results

Participants were predominantly mothers (n = 16), White British (n = 10) and educated to degree level (n = 13), with half the sample living in the highest deprivation quintile in England (n = 10). Five were single parents. Three themes developed from nurturing principles were identified: creating age‐appropriate explanations, understanding children's behaviour and concerns about school transition. Parents reported that their children's emotional well‐being was impacted and described attempts to support their young children while looking ahead to their transition to primary school.

Conclusions

This study is one of the first to examine in‐depth perceptions of COVID‐19 restrictions on young children's emotional well‐being. The longer term impacts are not yet understood. Although young children may be unable to understand in detail what the virus is, they undoubtedly experience the disruption it brings to their lives. The well‐being of families and children needs to be nurtured as they recover from the effects of the pandemic to allow them to thrive.
The potential for utilising in‐hospital glucose measurements to detect individuals at high risk of previously undiagnosed diabetes: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Farmer Andrew J. , Shine Brian , Armitage Laura C. , Murphy Noel , James Tim , Guha Nishan , Rea Rustam
Published: July 2022

Background

Many people with undiagnosed diabetes have hyperglycaemia when admitted to hospital. Inpatient hyperglycaemia can be an indication of diabetes mellitus but can also indicate a stress response. This study reports the extent to which an in‐hospital maximum observed random glucose measurement is an indicator of the need for in‐hospital (or subsequent) HbA1c measurement to look for undiagnosed diabetes.

Methods

Blood glucose, HbA1c, age and sex were collected for all adults following admission to a UK NHS trust hospital from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. We restricted the analysis to those participants who were registered with a GP practice that uses the trust laboratory and who had at least some tests requested by those practices since 2008. We stratified individuals according to their maximum in‐hospital glucose measurement and report the number of these with HbA1c measurement ≥48 mmol/mol (6.5%) prior to the index admission, and during and after admission. We calculated an estimated proportion of individuals in each blood glucose stratum without a follow‐up HbA1c who could have undiagnosed diabetes.

Results

In toal, 764,241 glucose measurements were recorded for 81,763 individuals who were admitted to the Oxford University Hospitals Trust. The median (Q1, Q3) age was 70 (56, 81) years, and 53% were males. Of the population, 70.7% of individuals declared themselves to be of White ethnicity, 3.1% of Asian background, and 1.1% of Black background, with 23.1% unstated. Of those individuals, 22,375 (27.4%) had no previous HbA1c measurement recorded. A total of 1689 individuals had a diabetes‐range HbA1c during or after their hospital admission (2.5%) while we estimate an additional 1496 (2.2%) may have undiagnosed diabetes, with the greatest proportion of these having an in‐hospital glucose of ≥15 mmol/L. We estimate that the number needed to detect a possible new case of diabetes falls from 16 (in‐hospital glucose 8 mmol/L to <9 mmol/L) to 4 (14 mmol/L to <15 mmol/L).

Conclusion

The number of people who need to be tested to identify an individual who may have diabetes decreases as a testing threshold based on maximum in‐hospital glucose concentration increases. Among those with hyperglycaemia and no previous HbA1c measurement in the diabetes range, there appears to be a lack of subsequent HbA1c measurement. This work identifies the potential for integrating the testing and follow‐up of people, with apparently unrecognised hospital hyperglycaemia across primary and secondary care.