bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information technology investment and working capital management efficiency: evidence from India survey data
Authors: Gill Amarjit , Kang Parminder , Amiraslany Afshin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to test the relationship between information technology investment (IT_INVEST) and working capital management (WCM) efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a survey research design to collect data from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owners in India.

Findings

Empirical results show that perceived IT_INVEST plays a role in improving WCM efficiency by decreasing the inventory holding period and reducing the cash conversion cycle (CCC) in India. A three-stage least square model (3SLS) shows that IT_INVEST decreases CCC directly and indirectly through the inventory holding period, accounts receivable period and accounts payable period. The empirical analysis also shows that IT_INVEST decreases the inventory holding period and CCC by 16.80% and 26.40%, respectively, for the examined firms.

Research limitations/implications

If MSMEs' owners perceive a higher level of IT_INVEST, then the owners perceive a higher WCM efficiency and vice versa.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the relationship between IT_INVEST and WCM efficiency. This study may encourage further studies of IT investment and WCM efficiency using data from other industries and countries. MSME owners may find empirical results beneficial to improve WCM efficiency. Moreover, financial management consultants may find results helpful to provide consulting services.
Restoration priorities for Caatinga dry forests: Landscape resilience, connectivity and biodiversity value
Authors: Antongiovanni Marina , Venticinque Eduardo M. , Tambosi Leandro R. , Matsumoto Marcelo , Metzger Jean Paul , Fonseca Carlos Roberto
Published: March 2022

Restoration actions can halt biodiversity loss and rescue its services. However, in order to be effective, priority areas for restoration should be chosen based on objective large‐scale restoration planning. Here, a multicriteria graph theory framework was used to propose restoration priority areas for the Brazilian Caatinga, the largest seasonally dry tropical forest of the New World, based on landscape resilience, landscape connectivity and biodiversity conservation value, focusing on threatened endemic plant species.

We applied this graph theory framework to 10,406 Caatinga catchment basins. Vegetation cover and within‐catchment connectivity were used to select catchments of intermediate landscape resilience, which in principle offer more effective opportunities for restoration. Then, such catchments were independently classified into (a) three classes according their contribution for between‐catchment connectivity and (b) three classes according their value for biodiversity conservation, estimated by the richness of threatened, endemic plant species. By the integration of landscape resilience, landscape connectivity and biodiversity conservation values, three priority classes for restoration were generated.

The multicriteria framework generated several restoration priority cut‐offs. Prioritization based on landscape resilience selected 36% of the Caatinga catchments as high priority for restoration. By independently adding landscape connectivity and biodiversity conservation value, only 12% and 3% of the catchments, respectively, were considered as high priority. By combining all three criteria, 9% of the catchments were selected as high priority and <1% as top priority for restoration.

Synthesis and applications. Restoration of drylands can contribute immensely to the conservation of its threatened biodiversity but large‐scale planning is quintessential. Here, a multicriteria graph theory framework was applied to indicate priority areas for restoration, which maximizes the effectiveness of restoration actions, landscape connectivity for climate change adaptation and conservation of threatened species. The framework was applied to the Caatinga, the largest seasonally dry tropical forest of the new world, but it can be applied world‐wide under different budged limitations and spatial scales, being useful for private, state and federal initiatives.
Understanding Consumer Inflation Expectations during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Detmers Gunda‐Alexandra , Ho Sui‐Jade , Karagedikli Özer
Published: March 2022

We study how individuals' formation of inflation expectations are affected by the stringent containment and economic support measures put in place during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using the New York Fed Survey of Consumer Expectations (SCE) and the Oxford COVID‐19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), we find that policies aimed at containing the pandemic lead to an increase in individuals' inflation expectations and inflation uncertainty. We also find some heterogeneity in the impact across different demographic groups.
Association between lipid profile and residual renal function in incident peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Honda Yu , Maruyama Yukio , Nakamura Mami , Nakao Masatsugu , Matsuo Nanae , Tanno Yudo , Ohkido Ichiro , Ikeda Masato , Yokoo Takashi
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Residual renal function (RRF) is one of the most crucial factors in the management of peritoneal dialysis (PD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between lipid profile and preservation of RRF among incident PD patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study investigated 113 patients (male, 72%; age, 59 ± 14 years) who initiated PD between 2006 and 2017. We investigated the relationships between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) at PD initiation and change in renal Kt/V during the first year after PD initiation.

Results

Alterations in renal Kt/V during the first year after PD initiation correlated negatively with HDL‐C at PD initiation but not with LDL‐C. On multivariate analysis, HDL‐C at PD initiation was independently associated with a change in renal Kt/V during the first year after PD initiation.

Conclusion

These results suggest the importance of lipid management among incident PD patients for the preservation of RRF.
Angioedema‐like presentation as the presenting finding of juvenile myositis and juvenile dermatomyositis in 2 patients
Authors: Karaca Ömer , Güngör Mesut , Sakarya Güneş Ayfer , Eser Şimşek Işıl , Anık Yonca , Kara Bülent
Published: March 2022

Background

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common subtype of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies in childhood. Gottron’s papules, shawl sign, periorbital heliotrope rash, and periungual telengiectasis are characteristic skin findings of the disease. Besides characteristic skin involvement, some other skin findings, such as angioedema, may be seen prior or in the course of the disease. The presence of angioedema in JDM is emphasized in this report.

Case presentations

We present 2 unrelated girls, aged 2 (case 1) and 12 years (case 2), who had developed symmetrical weakness in the proximal muscles, muscle pain, elevated muscle enzymes and angioedema. Both cases had abnormal muscle magnetic resonance imaging findings, suggestive of inflammatory myositis. Muscle biopsy was performed only in case 1, and major histocompatibility complex‐1 expression on myofibers was shown consistent with JDM. Cases were diagnosed as probable and definite JDM, respectively. Angioedema was prominent, particularly in the lips and extremities of both cases, without laboratory evidence of C1 inhibitor deficiency or capillary leak syndrome, and absence of family history. Mast cell‐mediated, acquired angioedema was the most likely diagnosis. In both cases, skin and muscle findings improved significantly with steroid treatment.

Conclusion

We suggest that angioedema may be among the characteristic skin findings in JDM, and may be included in subsequent definitions.
Leptomeningeal enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging predicts poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients with leptomeningeal metastasis
Authors: Gao Xiaoxing , Pan Ruili , Chen Minjiang , Zhao Jing , Zhong Wei , Wang Hanping , Si Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaotong , Zhang Li , Xu Yan , Wang Mengzhao
Published: March 2022

Background

To investigate the prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the prognosis of patients with leptomeningeal metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Patients with lung adenocarcinoma complicated with cytologically confirmed leptomeningeal metastasis who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital (blinded for review) between January 2012 and July 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. We collected the patients' clinical and neuroimaging findings and pathological data. The presence of leptomeningeal enhancement on initial contrast MRI was used to divide patients into MRI‐positive and MRI‐negative groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate prognostic factors.

Results

Eighty‐six patients (38 men and 48 women; median age = 56 [range, 25–80]) were included. Seventy‐three patients (84.9%) had targetable genetic alterations. Only 30 patients (34.88%) had leptomeningeal enhancement on initial contrast MRI. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of demographics, driver gene status, intracranial pressure, complicated brain/spinal metastasis, or treatment strategies between the two groups. The median overall survival of patients in the MRI‐positive group was significantly shorter than that in the negative group (182 days vs. 352 days, p = 0.036). Cox regression analysis indicated that the presence of leptomeningeal enhancement on the initial diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging was an independent predictor of an unfavourable prognosis of leptomeningeal metastasis (hazard ratio = 1.707, p = 0.044).

Conclusions

This is the first time that positive initial contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the neuroaxis has been proposed as a risk factor for the prognosis of leptomeningeal metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma with contemporary survival data.
Prevalence of self‐reported alcohol consumption among pregnant women in Russia between 1994 and 2018
Authors: Kotelnikova Zoya
Published: March 2022

Background

Although pregnant women in Russia are thought to have a high level of alcohol consumption, nationwide data have not been available. We compared changes in consumption among pregnant and nonpregnant women of childbearing age from 1994 to 2018 and examined predictors of consumption among the pregnant women.

Methods

Data were obtained from the annual, nationally representative Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS‐HSE), comprising 1,943 pregnant and 80,237 nonpregnant women of childbearing age. Past 30‐day alcohol prevalence and current pregnancy status were self‐reported. Logistic regressions using generalized linear mixed models examined two dependent variables: (1) current drinkers (any alcohol in the past 30 days) versus nondrinkers and (2) current drinkers and occasional drinkers (ever drinkers at any level) versus nondrinkers. Analyses included a series of predictors and control variables.

Results

Between 1994 and 2018, a decrease in the 30‐day prevalence of alcohol consumption was observed in both pregnant (from 25.6 (95% CI ± 3.3) to 9.4% (95% CI ± 2.2)) and nonpregnant (from 57.3 (95% CI ± 0.7) to 39.0% (95% CI ± 0.6)) women. Between 2006 and 2018, the percentage of pregnant abstainers increased from 46.8% (95% CI ± 4.2) to 54.6% (95% CI ± 3.6) while occasional drinking among pregnant women remained at 35% (95% CI ± 4.0). Time period, preventative check‐ups, hospitalization, and frequent doctor's visits were significant predictors of the decrease in the 30‐day prevalence of alcohol intake in pregnant women, but these did not predict the prevalence of occasional drinking.

Conclusion

Despite significant reductions in consumption among pregnant women in Russia, a substantial proportion reported occasional drinking. Conflicting information on how low alcohol intake affects health risks limited efforts to promote abstinence. Occasional drinking reflects a self‐control domain for women that, depending on perceptions of a healthy pregnancy, is framed by social institutions and the environment.
The systemic management of central nervous system metastases and leptomeningeal disease from advanced lung, melanoma, and breast cancer with molecular drivers: An Australian perspective
Authors: Senko Clare , Gunjur Ashray , Balasubramanian Adithya , Gan Hui K. , Parakh Sagun , Cher Lawrence
Published: March 2022

The advent of systemic therapies with high intracranial efficacy in recent years is changing the therapeutic paradigm and renewing interest in the management of central nervous system (CNS) and leptomeningeal metastases from solid organ tumors. CNS metastases have traditionally heralded a dismal prognosis with median survival of 3–10 months, and were primarily treated with local therapeutic modalities, such as surgery or radiation therapy. Although these modalities still have a role in the management of CNS disease, newer agents, such as small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune‐checkpoint inhibitors, are now paving the way as an alternative therapeutic option for those with oligometastatic or low‐volume intracranial disease, potentially eliminating or delaying the need for local treatment modalities in this setting. Herein, we summarize the systemic treatments with proven intracranial efficacy, currently approved for use in Australia for advanced mutation‐driven non‐small cell lung cancer, melanoma, and breast cancer, as well as novel agents in preclinical and clinical trial development.
Understanding mammographic breast density profile in China: A Sino‐Australian comparative study of breast density using real‐world data from cancer screening programs
Authors: Li Tong , Li Jing , Heard Rob , Gandomkar Ziba , Ren Jiansong , Dai Min , Brennan Patrick
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study aims at understanding mammographic density profile in China by comparing the density between women in China and Australia.

Methods

Data of 3250 women aged 45–69 were obtained from the Cancer Screening Program in Urban China and data of 1384 Australian counterparts at same age range were gathered from the Lifepool project. Demographic and reproductive details and mammograms for each cohort were collected. Mammographic density was assessed using AutoDensity, and two metrics, percentage density (PD) and dense area (DA), were applied. T‐tests were used to compare the means of mammographic density between two populations of all, premenopausal, and postmenopausal women. Two‐way ANOVA was conducted to examine interactions of population (Chinese/Australian) and each variable of interest upon mammographic density.

Results

Chinese women had 9.61%, 8.20%, and 9.28% higher PD than their Australian counterparts in all, premenopausal, and postmenopausal women, respectively (all p < 0.001). The mean differences in DA between two population were 1.81 cm2 (p < 0.001), 0.55 cm2 (p = 0.472), and 1.76 cm2 (p = 0.003) for all, premenopausal, and postmenopausal women, respectively. There were significant interactions between population and age (F[4, 4624] = 4.12, p = 0.003), BMI (F[2, 4628] = 3.92, p = 0.020), age at first birth (F[1, 4250] = 11.69, p < 0.001), breastfeeding history (F[1, 4479] = 17.79, p < 0.001), and breastfeeding duration (F[1, 3526] = 66.90, p < 0.001) upon PD. Interaction was only found for breastfeeding history (F[1, 4479] = 4.79, p = 0.029) and breastfeeding duration (F[1, 3526] = 17.72, p < 0.001) for DA.

Conclusions

Both PD and DA were found to be higher in Chinese women compared to Australian women. The density difference by menopause status was shown and breastfeeding history affected breast density differently in both populations.
Developmental trajectories of sensory patterns from infancy to school age in a community sample and associations with autistic traits
Authors: Chen Yun‐Ju , Sideris John , Watson Linda R. , Crais Elizabeth R. , Baranek Grace T.
Published: March 2022

This prospective study examined the latent growth trajectories of sensory patterns among a North Carolina birth cohort (N = 1517; 49% boys, 87% White) across infancy (6–19 months), preschool (3–4 years), and school years (6–7 years). Change rates of sensory hyper‐ and hyporesponsiveness better differentiated children with an autism diagnosis or elevated autistic traits from those with other developmental conditions, including non‐autistic children with sensory differences. More sensory hyper‐ and hyporesponsiveness at infancy followed by steeper increases differentially predicted more autistic traits at school age. Further, children of parents with higher education tended to show stable or improving trajectories. These findings highlight the importance of tracking sensory patterns from infancy for facilitating early identification of associated challenges and tailored support for families.
Legal hunting for conservation of highly threatened species: The case of African rhinos
Authors: ’t Sas‐Rolfes Michael , Emslie Richard , Adcock Keryn , Knight Michael
Published: March 2022

Legal hunting of threatened species—and especially the recreational practice of “trophy hunting”—is controversial with ethical objections being increasingly voiced. Less public attention has been paid to how hunting (even of threatened species) can be useful as a conservation tool, and likely outcomes if this was stopped. As case studies, we examine the regulated legal hunting of two African rhino species in South Africa and Namibia over the last half‐century. Counter‐intuitively, removing a small number of specific males can enhance population demography and genetic diversity, encourage range expansion, and generate meaningful socioeconomic benefits to help fund effective conservation (facilitated by appropriate local institutional arrangements).

Legal hunting of African rhinos has been sustainable, with very small proportions of populations hunted each year, and greater numbers of both species today in these countries than when controlled recreational hunting began. Terminating this management option and significant funding source could have negative consequences at a time when rhinos are being increasingly viewed as liabilities and revenue generation for wildlife areas is being significantly impacted by COVID‐19. Provided that there is appropriate governance, conservation of certain highly threatened species can be supported by cautiously selective and limited legal hunting.
A review on reverse micellar approach for natural fiber dyeing
Authors: Bairabathina Venkatesh , Shanmugam Kubera Sampath Kumar , Chilukoti Govardhana Rao , Ponnam Vijetha , Raju Gobinath , Chidambaram Prakash
Published: March 2022

This study reviews the need and importance of non‐aqueous dyeing systems in the chemical processing industry, especially using the reverse micellar system in the dyeing of natural fibres. When it comes to conventional dyeing systems, which use large quantities of water, chemical, and energy, cause a lot of effluent load to the environment. Again the effluent water has to be treated well to eliminate all the harmful substances in it. To overcome the issues, a lot of research has been carried out in this area to minimise the use of water and chemicals in the dyeing process. Like use of low material to liquor ratio (M:L) in dyeing, dyes with high fixation at lower temperatures, low/salt less dyeing in case of reactive dyeing with cotton, cottonseed oil dyeing, microwave‐assisted dyeing, and use of supercritical carbon dioxide in case of polyester dyeing and many more. All the above said methods are aqueous‐based and, after the completion of dyeing, results in wastewater generation, which requires further treatment to reduce the harmful chemicals. Therefore, to further minimise the use of water and chemicals in the dyeing of natural fibres reverse micellar system has been introduced with the help of surfactants of both Ionic and nonionic in nature. As of today, a lot of work has been carried out in the dyeing of natural fibres with this system by employing ionic, nonionic, and mixed surfactants. Fascinating results were obtained in the dyeing with good levelness, high exhaustion, and fixation values, and results were compared with conventional dyeing. Computer colour matching studies were also done better to understand the applicability of these systems in the industry and found nearer results.
Defining relevant conservation targets for the endangered Southern California distinct population segment of the mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa)
Authors: Chambert Thierry , Backlin Adam R. , Gallegos Elizabeth , Baskerville‐Bridges Bradd , Fisher Robert N.
Published: March 2022

The endangered mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa) has been reduced to <10 isolated populations in the wild. Due to frequent catastrophic events (floods, droughts, wildfires), the recent dynamics of these populations have been erratic, making the future of the species highly uncertain. In 2018, a recovery plan was developed to improve the species status by reducing the impacts of various threats (predation, disease, habitat destruction), as well as reinforcing wild populations through the reintroduction of captive‐bred frogs. The short‐term goal stated in this plan was to reach a minimum of 20 populations of 50 adults each (hereafter, the 20/50 target), before the species can be considered for downlisting from the U.S. Endangered Species Act. However, there is no guarantee that this 20/50 target will be sufficient to ensure the species persistence in the long run. Using 19 years of mark‐recapture data, we estimated populations' demographic trends and assessed the viability of R. muscosa from a starting state of 20 populations of 50 adults each (i.e., the downlisting criteria). Our results reveal that, from this 20/50 state, the species has high chances of persistence only at a short time horizon (50 years). Moreover, >80% of populations would be extinct 50 years later. Therefore, the species will not be able to persist without implementation of the reintroduction program. We found that it is more important to increase the number of suitable sites occupied by R. muscosa than to simply reinforce or augment existing populations. Expanding the current distribution by establishing new populations at suitable sites, even after the “20 populations” mark has been reached, would increase the likelihood of the species' persistence in the longer term.
One step forward in resolving the controversies around post‐peroral endoscopic myotomy gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Shimamura Yuto , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: March 2022

This Editorial refers to the article by M. Ramchandan et al., p 325‐333 of this issue DEN 34:2.
Medical complications in children with achondroplasia
Authors: Armstrong Jennifer A. , Pacey Verity , Tofts Louise J.
Published: March 2022

Aim

To determine the rates of medical investigations, complications, interventions, and outcomes in children with achondroplasia.

Method

Children and adolescents with achondroplasia born between 2000 and 2019, aged between 0 and 18 years of age, and seen at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead skeletal dysplasia clinic were included. Data were collected retrospectively from clinical records. Standard descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results

The study included 108 participants, 58 males and 50 females. Ninety‐nine participants (91.7%) entered the study at birth. The other nine (8.3%) participants entered the study after birth (mean age = 2 years 4 months, SD = 1 year 8 months). The median age of exit from the study was 8 years 8 months (IQR = 8 years 9 months) with a median follow‐up of 8 years 8 months (IQR = 8 years 9 months). Fifty‐two (48%) participants presented with craniocervical stenosis, 15 (13.9%) with hydrocephalus, 66 (61.1%) with hearing impairment, 44 (40.7%) with sleep‐disordered breathing, 46 (42.6%) with lower‐limb malalignment, 24 (22.2%) with thoracolumbar kyphosis, 10 (9.3%) with symptomatic spinal stenosis, 12 (11.1%) with obesity, and 16 (14.8%) who had at least one admission for respiratory illness. Two children died during the study period.

Interpretation

We report contemporary rates of medical complications in an Australian population of children with achondroplasia. Recommendations for surveillance in clinical practice are discussed. This information will help guide clinicians with their expectant management of achondroplasia and provide prognostic information to the families of children with achondroplasia.
Serum bile acid response to oral glucose is attenuated in patients with early type 2 diabetes and correlates with 2‐hour plasma glucose in individuals without diabetes
Authors: Wang Xuyi , Chen Chang , Xie Cong , Huang Weikun , Young Richard L. , Jones Karen L. , Horowitz Michael , Rayner Christopher K. , Sun Zilin , Wu Tongzhi
Published: March 2022

Aim

To determine the serum bile acid (BA) response to 75‐g oral glucose in individuals without diabetes, and whether this is attenuated in patients with ‘early’ type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related to the glycaemic response at 2 hours in either group.

Methods

Forty newly diagnosed, treatment‐naïve Han Chinese T2D subjects and 40 age‐, gender‐, and body mass index‐matched controls without T2D ingested a 75‐g glucose drink after an overnight fast. Plasma glucose and serum concentrations of total and individual BAs, fibroblast growth factor‐19 (FGF‐19), total glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), and insulin, were measured before and 2 hours after oral glucose.

Results

Fasting total BA levels were higher in T2D than control subjects (P < .05). At 2 hours, the BA profile exhibited a shift from baseline in both groups, with increases in conjugated BAs and/or decreases in unconjugated BAs. There were increases in total BA and FGF‐19 levels in control (both P < .05), but not T2D, subjects. Plasma glucose concentrations at 2 hours related inversely to serum total BA levels in control subjects (r = −0.42, P = .006). Total GLP‐1 and the insulin/glucose ratio were increased at 2 hours in both groups, and the magnitude of the increase was greater in control subjects.

Conclusions

The serum BA response to a 75‐g oral glucose load is attenuated in patients with ‘early’ T2D, as is the secretion of FGF‐19 and GLP‐1, while in individuals without T2D it correlates with 2‐hour plasma glucose levels. These observations support a role for BAs in the regulation of postprandial glucose metabolism.
Assortative Learning
Authors: Eeckhout Jan , Weng Xi
Published: March 2022

Because of sorting, more skilled workers are more productive in higher‐type firms. They also learn at different rates about their productivity and therefore expect different wage paths across firms. We show that under strict supermodularity, there is always positive assortative matching: differential learning is always dominated by the impact of productivity. Surprisingly, this holds even if learning is faster in the low‐type firm. The key assumption driving this result is that this is a pure Bayesian learning model. The model provides realistic predictions about wage variance, turnover and the wage distribution that are in line with recent work that estimates the value of learning from co‐workers.
Escalating the conflict? Intersex genetic correlations influence adaptation to environmental change in facultatively migratory populations
Authors: Kane Adam , Ayllón Daniel , O’Sullivan Ronan James , McGinnity Philip , Reed Thomas Eric
Published: March 2022

Males and females are often subject to different and even opposing selection pressures. When a given trait has a shared genetic basis between the sexes, sexual conflict (antagonism) can arise. This can result in significant individual‐level fitness consequences that might also affect population performance, whilst anthropogenic environmental change can further exacerbate maladaptation in one or both sexes driven by sexual antagonism. Here, we develop a genetically explicit eco‐evolutionary model using an agent‐based framework to explore how a population of a facultatively migratory fish species (brown trout Salmo trutta) adapts to environmental change across a range of intersex genetic correlations for migration propensity, which influence the magnitude of sexual conflict. Our modelled focal trait represents a condition threshold governing whether individuals adopt a resident or anadromous (sea migration) tactic. Anadromy affords potential size‐mediated reproductive advantages to both males and females due to improved feeding opportunities at sea, but these can be undermined by high background marine mortality and survival/growth costs imposed by marine parasites (sea lice). We show that migration tactic frequency for a given set of environmental conditions is strongly influenced by the intersex genetic correlation, such that one sex can be dragged off its optimum more than the other. When this occurred in females in our model, population productivity was substantially reduced, but eco‐evolutionary outcomes were altered by allowing for sneaking behaviour in males. We discuss real‐world implications of our work given that anadromous salmonids are regularly challenged by sea lice infestations, which might act synergistically with other stressors such as climate change or fishing that impact marine performance, driving populations towards residency and potentially reduced resilience.
Visuo‐spatial learning and memory impairments in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: Effects of age, sex, albinism, and motor impairments
Authors: O'Leary Timothy P. , Brown Richard E.
Published: March 2022

The 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) rapidly develops AD‐related neuro‐behavioral pathology. Learning and memory impairments in 5xFAD mice, however, are not always replicated and the size of impairments varies considerably across studies. To examine possible sources of this variability, we analyzed the effects of age, sex, albinism due to background genes (Tyrc, Oca2p) and motor impairment on learning and memory performance of wild type and 5xFAD mice on the Morris water maze, from 3 to 15 months of age. The 5xFAD mice showed impaired learning at 6–9 months of age, but memory impairments were not detected with the test procedure used in this study. Performance of 5xFAD mice was profoundly impaired at 12–15 months of age, but was accompanied by slower swim speeds than wild‐type mice and a frequent failure to locate the escape platform. Overall female mice performed worse than males, and reversal learning impairments in 5xFAD mice were more pronounced in females than males. Albino mice performed worse than pigmented mice, confirming that albinism can impair performance of 5xFAD mice independently of AD‐related transgenes. Overall, these results show that 5xFAD mice have impaired learning performance at 6–9 months of age, but learning and memory performance at 12–15 months is confounded with motor impairments. Furthermore, sex and albinism should be controlled to provide an accurate assessment of AD‐related transgenes on learning and memory. These results will help reduce variability across pre‐clinical experiments with 5xFAD mice, and thus enhance the reliability of studies developing new therapeutics for AD.
Rapid evolution fuels transcriptional plasticity to ocean acidification
Authors: Kang Jingliang , Nagelkerken Ivan , Rummer Jodie L. , Rodolfo‐Metalpa Riccardo , Munday Philip L. , Ravasi Timothy , Schunter Celia
Published: March 2022

Ocean acidification (OA) is postulated to affect the physiology, behavior, and life‐history of marine species, but potential for acclimation or adaptation to elevated pCO2 in wild populations remains largely untested. We measured brain transcriptomes of six coral reef fish species at a natural volcanic CO2 seep and an adjacent control reef in Papua New Guinea. We show that elevated pCO2 induced common molecular responses related to circadian rhythm and immune system but different magnitudes of molecular response across the six species. Notably, elevated transcriptional plasticity was associated with core circadian genes affecting the regulation of intracellular pH and neural activity in Acanthochromis polyacanthus. Gene expression patterns were reversible in this species as evidenced upon reduction of CO2 following a natural storm‐event. Compared with other species, Ac. polyacanthus has a more rapid evolutionary rate and more positively selected genes in key functions under the influence of elevated CO2, thus fueling increased transcriptional plasticity. Our study reveals the basis to variable gene expression changes across species, with some species possessing evolved molecular toolkits to cope with future OA.
The UK government audit reforms fail to deal with the audit crisis
Authors: Sikka Prem
Published: March 2022

This paper is a brief commentary upon the recent auditing reforms proposed by the government and a number of state‐sponsored reports. It argues that the government proposals fail to tackle the recurring faultlines in external audits.
High success rate of nocturnal enuresis treatment during the stay‐home period for COVID‐19
Authors: Kimiya Takahisa , Shinjoh Masayoshi , Asanuma Hiroshi , Inoguchi Tomohiro , Takahashi Takao
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To clarify whether enuresis treatment was more effective during the stay‐home period for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, when restrictions on activities enabled patients to concentrate on treatment.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, nonrandomized cohort study for monosymptomatic enuresis during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (March–June 2020) and a 2‐year comparator period (March–June 2018 and March–June 2019). Primary outcome was treatment response, defined as a change in the number of wet nights per week within 6 months following enrollment. The time‐dependent occurrence of treatment response was evaluated with the Kaplan–Meier method and the log‐rank test. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify risk factors for treatment response. The range of appropriate sample sizes for this primary outcome was 39–48.

Results

Of our 41 enrolled patients, 28 (68%) were male and mean age was 8.8 years. The complete response rate was 73% during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period and 27% during the comparator period. Log‐rank tests showed a higher cumulative incidence of complete response in the pandemic period (P = 0.020). Cox regression analysis identified treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (hazard ratio 2.533; 95% confidence interval 1.069–6.006) and dinner before 19:00 (hazard ratio 4.184; 95% confidence interval 1.56–11.252) as significantly associated with treatment response.

Conclusions

The rate of enuresis treatment response was uncommonly high during the stay‐home period for the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Restrictions on daily life may provide opportunities to concentrate on treatments for chronic illnesses, leading to more success.
Boron neutron capture therapy for urological cancers
Authors: Takahara Kiyoshi , Miyatake Shin‐Ichi , Azuma Haruhito , Shiroki Ryoichi
Published: March 2022

Boron neutron capture therapy is based on a nuclear reaction between the nonradioactive isotope boron‐10 and either low‐energy thermal neutrons or high‐energy epithermal neutrons, which generate high linear energy transfer α particles and a recoiled lithium nucleus (7Li) that selectively destroys the DNA helix in tumor cells. Boron neutron capture therapy is an emerging procedure aimed at improving the therapeutic ratio for the traditional treatment of various malignancies, which has been studied clinically in a variety of diseases, including glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, cutaneous melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, and extramammary Paget’s disease. However, boron neutron capture therapy has not been clinically performed for urological cancers, excluding genital extramammary Paget's disease that appeared at the scrotum to penis area. In this review, we aimed to provide an updated summary of the current clinical literature of patients treated with boron neutron capture therapy and to focus on the future prospects of boron neutron capture therapy for urological cancers.
The effects of antiracism education on intended confrontation of institutional discrimination: A game theory approach
Authors: Wedell Emma , Dickter Cheryl L. , Bravo Adrian J.
Published: March 2022

Confrontation is an important mechanism to reduce racial prejudice. Yet, little research has examined White adults’ intended confrontation within the context of discriminatory policies that pose barriers to Black Americans seeking employment. Moreover, less research has investigated reactions to zero‐sum and negative‐sum anti‐Black institutional discrimination. The present study investigated the effects of an antiracism educational exercise on White adults’ intended confrontation of zero‐sum and negative‐sum institutional discrimination. Participants aged 20–85 years (n = 195; Mage = 54.16) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) antiracism education with writing reflection, (2) antiracism education alone, or (3) a control condition. Participants then reported how they would respond in situations that described zero‐sum (i.e., new hire recruitment exclusively from predominantly White institutions) and negative‐sum anti‐Black institutional discrimination (i.e., hairstyle discrimination). Participants in the antiracism education alone condition intended to confront more assertively in both scenarios compared to participants in the control condition. Across conditions, participants were more likely to intend to confront, and intended to confront more assertively, in the zero‐sum discrimination scenario than the negative‐sum discrimination scenario. We conclude that a brief antiracism education exercise may hold promise for increasing White adults’ assertive confrontation of institutional discrimination, but the effects may be contingent on whether a reflective writing task is included and the characteristics of the discriminatory policy.
Networked Health Cooperation in the European Union: Horizontal or Hierarchical?
Authors: Schrama Reini , Martinsen Dorte Sindbjerg , Mastenbroek Ellen
Published: March 2022

During the COVID‐19 crisis, European Union (EU) health policy has become high politics. Key parts of EU health cooperation have, however, long developed more discretely in European administrative networks (EANs) and become core building blocks in the institutional architecture of an EU health policy. In these networks, health experts interact regularly and, by doing so, pool key resources and develop common standards. However, are some network members more influential than others in defining the way forward, and if so, why? In this paper, we examine the structure of networked health cooperation in the case of health technology assessment (HTA), by means of unique survey data and social network analysis, employing exponential random graph models (ERGMs) for different types of interaction. A horizontal structure of interaction fosters cooperation by and for all, whereas a hierarchical structure allows certain members to set agendas and place themselves in a powerful position. We find that the network structure is indeed hierarchical, with some members constituting the core of the network based on their national HTA experience as well as external contact relations.
Prevalence and potential risk factors of chronic pruritus among community middle‐aged and older population in Beijing, China
Authors: Ju Y. , Pei H. , Kang N. , Zhang Y. , Zhang C. , Chen G. , Xie Z. , Wang D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Chronic pruritus is a common problem among older adults, with a significant impact on their quality of life. However, it is under‐studied epidemiologically, especially among Chinese older adults.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and explore the risk factors of chronic pruritus among the middle‐aged and older adults in Beijing, China.

Methods

A total of 929 participants aged ≥35 years from six communities in Beijing, China, were interviewed. The survey collected the demographic characteristics, the experience of chronic pruritus (>6 weeks), chronic disease history, the level of physical activities and sleep quality. A population‐based case–control study was conducted, including 178 chronic pruritus cases and 697 controls. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to explore the risk factors of chronic pruritus. Additionally, a random forest algorithm was used to rank the importance of potential risk factors and analyse the overall interpretation of risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of chronic pruritus was 19.48% (181/929) among the Beijing middle‐aged and elderly population. The findings indicated that older adults aged 65 years old or above, male, with college or higher degree, alcohol drinking, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, digestive system disease and osteoarthritis/rheumatism, and middle or low sleep quality were associated with the increased risk of chronic pruritus respectively. Physical activity level (≥3000 Met) was associated with a decreased risk of chronic pruritus. The rank according to the most contribution of chronic pruritus risk was sleep quality, education, physical activity level, osteoarthritis/rheumatism, age and gender.

Conclusion

Prevalence of chronic pruritus was high among the Chinese middle‐aged and elderly population. Age, gender, high education, alcohol drinking, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, digestive system disease, osteoarthritis /rheumatism and poor sleep quality may serve as risk factors of chronic pruritus. Moderate and high physical activity levels may serve as protective factors of chronic pruritus risk.
Resilience of art cities to flood risk: A quantitative model based on depth‐idleness correlation
Authors: Arrighi Chiara , Carraresi Andrea , Castelli Fabio
Published: March 2022

Cultural heritage (CH) is threatened by floods; however, the understanding of exposure and vulnerability is challenging and makes risk and resilience assessment rarely practiced. CH is crucial for post‐disaster resilience, especially when the local economy is based on tourism. The work presents a novel framework for evaluating flood resilience, indirect impacts, and associated risk in art cities. The exposure of CH is estimated using the number of visitors as a proxy variable for the social appreciation. A new depth‐idleness vulnerability function assigning a reopening time to flood depth is developed from post‐event reports. A resilience model is conceived to (i) describe the recovery dynamics, (ii) estimate the indirect impacts in terms of lost visitors to CH for different probabilistic scenarios, (iii) calculate risk, and (iv) identify mitigation actions. The application of the model to the art city of Florence (Italy), a UNESCO site visited by approximately 10 million people a year, shows that a medium recurrence interval flood requires a recovery time of 351 days and causes a loss of 10.5 million visitors. The annual average number of lost visitors is 88,000 approximately. Resilience can be increased by accelerating the reopening and by reinforcing the attractivity of the city.
Single‐item chronotype is associated with dim light melatonin onset in lymphoma survivors with fatigue
Authors: de Bruijn Linske , Starreveld Daniëlle E. J. , Schaapveld Michael , van Leeuwen Flora E. , Bleiker Eveline M. A. , Berentzen Nina E.
Published: March 2022

Chronotype is frequently assessed in human observational studies using various morningness–eveningness questionnaires. An alternative single‐item chronotype question has been proposed for its reduced administration time and its accessibility to all types of populations. We investigated whether this single‐item chronotype is associated with dim light melatonin onset, the “gold standard” for estimating the endogenous circadian phase. We used data from a randomised trial in 166 (non‐)Hodgkin lymphoma survivors with cancer‐related fatigue. All participants completed a questionnaire, including a single‐item chronotype question. A subsample of 47 participants also provided saliva samples before sleep onset for melatonin measurement. Using multiple linear regression, we examined whether chronotype based on a single question was associated with dim light melatonin onset. The subsample of 47 participants had a mean age of 44.6 years. The mean (SD) dim light melatonin onset was at 8:42 (1:19) p.m. and the most common chronotype was more evening than morning person (29.2%). A gradual increase in dim light melatonin onset with later chronotype (i.e. evening preference) was observed, with a mean ranging from 7:45 p.m. in definite morning persons to 9:16 p.m. in definite evening persons. Our study shows that single‐item chronotype is associated with dim light melatonin onset as a marker of the endogenous circadian phase of fatigued lymphoma survivors. This type of chronotype assessment can therefore be a useful alternative for more extensive morningness–eveningness questionnaires.
Impact of electrolyte solution on electrochemical oxidation treatment of Escherichia coli K-12 by boron-doped diamond electrodes
Authors: Budil Jakub , Szabó Ondrej , Lišková Petra , Štenclová Pavla , Izsák Tibor , Potocký Štěpán , Kromka Alexander
Published: March 2022

We studied the disinfection efficacy of boron-doped electrodes on Escherichia coli-contaminated water-based solutions in three different electrolytes, physiological solution (NaCl), phosphate buffer (PB), and phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The effect of the electrochemical oxidation treatment on the bacteria viability was studied by drop and spread plate cultivation methods, and supported by optical density measurements. We have found that bacterial suspensions in NaCl and PBS underwent a total inactivation of all viable bacteria within 10 min of the electrochemical treatment. By contrast, experiments performed in the PB showed a relatively minor decrease of viability by two orders of magnitude after 2 h of the treatment, which is almost comparable with the untreated control. The enhanced bacterial inactivation was assigned to reactive chlorine species, capable of penetrating the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane and killing bacteria from within.
Isolation, identification and virulence gene characterization of Aeromonas dhakensis isolated from sea lion (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Jin S. , Guan T. , Hu M. , Li W. , Liu Y.
Published: March 2022

Species of Aeromonas are ubiquitous pathogens of fish and aquatic animals and can infect humans and other animals through the food chain. However, there are few reports of marine mammalian infections. In 2020, a sea lion (Zalophus californianus) died acutely at an aquarium in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China. In order to explore the cause of death, we dissected the animal and observed pathological changes. Ogans were aseptically collected and used for bacterial isolation and culture. This revealed that the sea lion had died of sepsis caused by a bacterial infection. Isolated bacteria were investigated by morphology, biochemical phenotype and molecular identification, and this determined the pathogen as A. dhakensis. The isolate contained six virulence genes, hlyA, aerA, act, lafA, ela, fla, and was susceptible to most antibiotics. This is the first report of A. dhakensis associated with septicaemia in pinnipeds and a description of its virulence and resistance profiles. Its presence in aquatic environments poses a potential threat to marine mammals.