bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid-pregnancy sleep disturbances are not associated with mid-pregnancy maternal glycemia
Authors: Hawkins Marquis , Feghali Maisa , Abebe Kaleab Z , Scifres Christina M. , Lalama Christina M , Costacou Tina , Catalano Patrick , Simhan Hyagriv , Orris Steve , Mendez Dara , Buysse Daniel J. , Davis Esa M
Published: April 2023

Background

In pregnancy, epidemiological data have consistently shown strong associations between sleep quality and duration and maternal glycemia. However, other sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep are common in pregnancy. They may contribute to impaired maternal glycemia through sympathetic nervous system activity, systemic inflammation, and hormonal pathways. However, there is little research examining associations between these specific sleep disturbances and maternal glycemia.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the associations of sleep disturbances during mid-pregnancy and mid-pregnancy maternal glycemia and gestational diabetes subtypes.

Study Design

This is a secondary data analysis of the Comparison of Two Screening Strategies for Gestational Diabetes trial. Participants (n = 828) self-reported the frequency of sleep disturbances (i.e., trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, waking several times per night, and waking feeling tired or worn out) in mid-pregnancy. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed using either the International Associations of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups or Carpenter-Coustan approach. We defined gestational diabetes subtypes based on the degree of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine associations of sleep disturbances with gestational diabetes status (i.e., normal, mild glycemic dysfunction, and gestational diabetes) and gestational diabetes subtypes (i.e., neither insulin resistance or beta-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance only, beta-cell dysfunction only, and insulin resistance and beta- cell dysfunction).

Results

A total of 665 participants (80%) had normal glycemia, 81 (10%) mild hyperglycemia, and 80 (10%) had gestational diabetes. Among participants with gestational diabetes, 62 (78%) had both insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, 15 (19 %) had insulin resistance only, and 3 had beta-cell dysfunction only or neither insulin resistance nor beta-cell dysfunction. Sleep disturbance frequency was not associated with maternal glycemia or gestational diabetes subtypes.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbances in mid-pregnancy were not associated with maternal glycemia during mid-pregnancy. Future research should collect data on sleep disturbances at multiple time points in pregnancy and in combination with other sleep disturbances to determine whether sleep plays any role in maternal glycemic control.
Surveillance of Vermont wildlife in 2021-2022 reveals no detected SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA
Authors: Despres Hannah W. , Mills Margaret G. , Schmidt Madaline M. , Gov Jolene , Perez Yael , Jindrich Mars , Crawford Allison M. L. , Kohl Warren T. , Rosenblatt Elias , Kubinski Hannah C. , Simmons Benjamin C. , Nippes Miles C. , Goldenberg Anne J. , Murtha Kristina E. , Nicoloro Samantha , Harris Mia J. , Feeley Avery C. , Gelinas Taylor K. , Cronin Maeve K. , Frederick Robert S. , Thomas Matthew , Johnson Meaghan E. , Murphy James , Lenzini Elle B. , Carr Peter A. , Berger Danielle H. , Mehta Soham P. , Floreani Christopher J. , Koval Amelia C. , Young Aleah L. , Fish Jess H. , Wallace Jack , Chaney Ella , Ushay Grace , Ross Rebecca S. , Vostal Erin M. , Thisner Maya C. , Gonet Kyliegh E. , Deane Owen C. , Pelletiere Kari R. , Rockafeller Vegas C. , Waterman Madeline , Barry Tyler W. , Goering Catriona C. , Shipman Sarah D. , Shiers Allie C. , Reilly Claire E. , Duff Alanna M. , Shirley David J. , Jerome Keith R. , Pérez-Osorio Ailyn C. , Greninger Alexander L. , Fortin Nick , Mosher Brittany A. , Bruce Emily A.
Published: April 2023

Previous studies have documented natural infections of SARS-CoV-2 in various domestic and wild animals. More recently, studies have been published noting the susceptibility of members of the Cervidae family, and infections in both wild and captive cervid populations. In this study, we investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in mammalian wildlife within the state of Vermont. 739 nasal or throat samples were collected from wildlife throughout the state during the 2021 and 2022 harvest season. Data was collected from red and gray foxes (Vulpes vulplesandUrocyon cineroargentus, respectively), fishers (Martes pennati), river otters (Lutra canadensis), coyotes (Canis lantrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus rufus), black bears (Ursus americanus), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 via quantitative RT-qPCR using the CDC N1/N2 primer set and/or the WHO-E gene primer set. Our results indicate that no sampled wildlife were positive for SARS-CoV-2. This finding is surprising, given that most published North America studies have found SARS-CoV-2 within their deer populations. The absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in populations sampled here may provide insights in to the various environmental and anthropogenic factors that reduce spillover and spread in North American’s wildlife populations.
A hybrid machine learning approach for analysis of stegomalware
Authors: Kadebu Prudence , Shoniwa Robert T.R. , Zvarevashe Kudakwashe , Mukwazvure Addlight , Mapanga Innocent , Thusabantu Nyasha Fadzai , Gotora Tatenda Trust
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Given how smart today’s malware authors have become through employing highly sophisticated techniques, it is only logical that methods be developed to combat the most potent threats, particularly where the malware is stealthy and makes indicators of compromise (IOC) difficult to detect. After the analysis is completed, the output can be employed to detect and then counteract the attack. The goal of this work is to propose a machine learning approach to improve malware detection by combining the strengths of both supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques. This study is essential as malware has certainly become ubiquitous as cyber-criminals use it to attack systems in cyberspace. Malware analysis is required to reveal hidden IOC, to comprehend the attacker’s goal and the severity of the damage and to find vulnerabilities within the system.

Design/methodology/approach

This research proposes a hybrid approach for dynamic and static malware analysis that combines unsupervised and supervised machine learning algorithms and goes on to show how Malware exploiting steganography can be exposed.

Findings

The tactics used by malware developers to circumvent detection are becoming more advanced with steganography becoming a popular technique applied in obfuscation to evade mechanisms for detection. Malware analysis continues to call for continuous improvement of existing techniques. State-of-the-art approaches applying machine learning have become increasingly popular with highly promising results.

Originality/value

Cyber security researchers globally are grappling with devising innovative strategies to identify and defend against the threat of extremely sophisticated malware attacks on key infrastructure containing sensitive data. The process of detecting the presence of malware requires expertise in malware analysis. Applying intelligent methods to this process can aid practitioners in identifying malware’s behaviour and features. This is especially expedient where the malware is stealthy, hiding IOC.
Supply chain network structures and firm financial performance: the moderating role of international relations
Authors: Luo Peng , Ngai Eric W.T. , Cheng T.C. Edwin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the relationship between supply chain network structures and firm financial performance and the moderating role of international relations. In this study, which is grounded in social capital theory and applies the perspective of systemic risk, the authors theorize the effects of supply chain network structures on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors extracted data from two Chinese databases and constructed a supply chain network of the firms concerned based on nearly 4,300 supply chain relations between 2009 and 2018. The authors adopted the fixed effects model to investigate the relationship between supply chain network structures and firm financial performance.

Findings

The econometrics results indicate that network structures, including the degree, centrality, clustering coefficients and structural holes, are significantly related to firm financial performance. A significant and negative relationship exists between international relations and firm financial performance. The authors also find that international relations strongly weaken the relationship between supply chain network structures and firm financial performance.

Originality/value

This study, which collects secondary data from developing countries (e.g. China) and explores the impacts of supply chain network structures on firm stock performance, contributes to the existing literature and provides practical implications.
The effects of firm-generated content on different social media platforms on viral marketing
Authors: Zhang Renping , Chen Xingyu , Wang Wei , Shafi Mohsin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of firm-generated content (FGC) on viral marketing on multiple social media platforms, and how social ties embedded in different social media platforms affect the motives for social dissemination.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies were conducted to test the model. A quasi-field experiment (Study 1) supported this main effect. Studies 2 and 3 examined the underlying mechanism and enhanced the internal and external validity of the findings.

Findings

The findings revealed that warmth (vs competence)-oriented FGC is consistent with the communion (vs agency) mode and elicits greater social dissemination on social media embedded with strong (vs weak) ties.

Practical implications

This study illustrates that FGC that matches communication modes on multiple social media platforms embedded with different social ties will trigger viral marketing and being aware of this match is crucial for policymakers.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on the effects of FGC on viral marketing on multiple social media platforms embedded in different social ties.
Practice Briefing Valuations for secured lending: the problem of restricted marketing periods
Authors: Thorne Chris
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim of this practice briefing is to provide clarity on property valuations provided for secured lending. The principal basis of valuation is market value but there is confusion on when and where it is appropriate or inappropriate to provide a valuation with an assumption of a restricted marketing period, sometimes referred to as a “forced sale”. This practice briefing examines the nature of the problem and steps which a valuer can take to provide advice which is consistent with the valuation standards.

Design/methodology/approach

This practice briefing is an overview of the role of valuation standards when providing valuations for secured lending and specifically what to do when asked for a value with an assumed restricted marketing period.

Findings

This briefing is a review of valuation standards and practice.

Practical implications

The role of the practising valuer, when providing valuations for secured lending, is to provide a valuation to aid and underpin the lender in assessing the risk attached to the loan. This briefing considers the provision of valuations in practice.

Originality/value

This provides guidance on how to undertake valuations for secured lending.
Does executive compensation mechanism balance performance with risk-taking? Evidence from China's banking system
Authors: Jiang Yunsong , Yuan Chao , Zhang Jinyi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In this study, the authors demonstrate the inherent connections between bank risk-taking, performance and executive compensation in the banking sector of China by developing a theoretical model and performing empirical tests with simultaneous equation models.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a multi-task principal-agent model to capture agency problems in China, and the model can be extended to various cases. In empirical tests, simultaneous equation models are used to examine the theoretical predictions by eliminating endogenous concerns efficiently compared with the methods in the existing literature.

Findings

The results indicate that the regulator fails to provide bank managers with positive incentives to control risk, whereas the compensation guidance policy (2010) proposed by the CBRC alleviates this problem in China. Additionally, the authors established that shareholders reward bank managers for better and more stable performance. The authors propose the introduction of restricted stock options into the compensation design, as the existing compensation design fails to balance the performance and risk-taking of banks.

Research limitations/implications

First, the executive compensation structure and details in China are not available. In addition, the equity-based incentive compensation is forbidden. Therefore, this paper cannot provide more details about how the compensation structure affects bank manager behaviours. Secondly, the database consists only 25 listed commercial banks. Luckily, the assets of these banks could account for the vast majority of China's banking assets. The authors also expect that new methodologies such as machine learning and deep learning will be adopted in the research on bank risk management.

Practical implications

First, the regulator should optimise the compositions and payment rule of bank executive compensations. Secondly, it is advisable to adopt restricted deferred share reward or stock option compensation in due course. Thirdly, the regulator can require the banks that undertake excessive risks and troubled by moral hazard to increase the independent director proportion on the bank board according to the authors' empirical tests that higher independent proportion prevents the risk accumulations effectively. Fourthly, except for absolute compensation, the gap between executives' salary and average employee's income should be taken account.

Originality/value

This study provides a theoretical framework that incorporates the manager behaviours, executive compensation and bank regulations, and it provides empirical tests by solving endogenous concerns. Additionally, this study examines the effects of China's compensation guidelines issued in 2010. The authors believe that this study adds value to the existing literature by illustrating the compensation mechanism in China.
Responsible leadership and turnover intentions in health-care professionals: the mediating role of burnout
Authors: Marques Tânia , Crespo Cátia Fernandes , Pina e Cunha Miguel , Caçador Mariana , Dias Sara Simões
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Drawing on social identity theory, this study aims to test how responsible leadership predicts turnover intentions by considering the mediating role of burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 213 Portuguese health-care workers was collected and analysed through partial least squares-structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings indicate a negative relationship between responsible leadership and turnover intentions. Burnout is positively associated with turnover intentions, and, in turn, responsible leadership is negatively associated with burnout. Burnout also partially mediates the association of responsible leadership with turnover intention.

Originality/value

The findings provide a fresh perspective on leadership dynamics in the health-care context by expressing the role of responsible leadership in reducing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of work, thus mitigating intentions to leave.
A comparative assessment of Composite Environmental Sustainability Index for emerging economies: a multidimensional approach
Authors: Jain Neha , Mohapatra Geetilaxmi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to construct and compare Composite Environmental Sustainability Index (CESI) for 20 emerging countries for the period 1990–2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The study constructs CESI using the principal component analysis (PCA). Furthermore, for the preparation of index weights, varimax rotation is used to get component loadings.

Findings

The study finds that the overall CESI values lies between 2 and 4.8 for the 20 emerging countries considered in the study. This study depicts a diverse picture of environmental sustainability among emerging countries. The study also shows the trend of CESI values from 1990 to 2020. The bottom three countries whose CESI is very low compared to others are Iran, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. However, Brazil, Columbia and Chile are top three highest scorers in 2020.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by constructing a composite index comprising of three sub-indices to measure the environmental sustainability of an economy. These sub-indices include seven indicators that are more inclusive and comprehensive. To the authors' knowledge, this is a pioneering attempt in the construction of the index for emerging countries.
Launching the strategic plan: a critical but missing piece of strategic management education and practice
Authors: Cory Kenneth D.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Numerous core concepts in the field of strategic management lack a clear definition or receive relatively little attention in most traditional strategic management classes with the concept of “implementation” being chief among them. The authors explore and describe one of the most important steps of implementation, the strategic plan launch project. It is the first impression that stakeholders have of what changes the company will be making to its business model, which businesses or departments will receive increased or decreased financial support, and the sense of urgency and prioritization the company is attaching to its new program.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on extensive executive and consulting experience, plus a review of existing scholarly literature, a seven-step model is described and explained that includes best practices for the final steps of formulation through the initial phase of implementation.

Findings

The authors could not find any academic literature on how companies finish the formulation process and transition into an efficient and effective deployment of the plan. It is critical to clarify at least two kinds of budgets and clearly designate authorities prior to gaining board approval. Thereafter, a well-developed dissemination and launch project is necessary for clear communication of strategic intent and objectives.

Originality/value

This paper fills in a critical gap in scholarly literature while providing practitioners with a foundational model to help organize and monitor the successful launch of a new organizational strategy.
Times are changing: the case of Movado Group
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Anh , Pan Wenting
Published: April 2023

Research methodology

To develop the case, the authors used secondary sources including company annual reports, industry reports, news articles, social media sites, academic journal articles and company websites. This case has been classroom tested with students in the MBA Program and Master of Science in Management and Technology Program, and with undergraduates in an operations management course.

Case overview/synopsis

Movado Group, which has been a fierce competitor in the luxury watch market, has been facing unprecedented challenges posed by consumers’ enthusiasm for smartwatches and by their love of shopping online. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these problems and brought new setbacks. This case examines these challenges to the company’s current business model. It then explores opportunities that could transform Movado into an innovative, digitally oriented organization capable of reaching consumers in a dynamic market while combating intense competition from the smart wearable devices that threaten traditional watch companies. The case also discusses the importance of building a robust supply chain through the lens of Industry 4.0 to guard against future supply chain disruptions.

Complexity academic level

Instructors can use this case in operations and supply chain management classes at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The focus of the case aligns with discussions of supply chain management and Industry 4.0. In particular, the case uses supply chain innovation theory to investigate the implications of Industry 4.0 in the watch industry and dovetails into discussions of omni-channel experience and virtual reality in retail that integrate multiple points of contact to reach consumers efficiently.
Generation Z response toward sponsorship disclosure on Instagram: Where do they look? What do they perceive? How do they act?
Authors: Ianelli Rocha Patrícia , Lourenção Marina , Alves Teixeira Adriano , Araújo Elton Gean , de Moura Engracia Giraldi Janaina , Caldeira de Oliveira Jorge Henrique
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the visual attention, transparency perception and attitude of Brazilian women from generation Z toward sponsorship disclosures with a different number of text messages used in native advertisements made by a digital influencer.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative and multi-method experiment was conducted through a within-subjects experimental design with 149 women. The eye-tracker assessed visual attention and questionnaires measured transparency perception of sponsorship and attitude toward native advertisements. To analyze eye-tracking and transparency perception data, Friedman’s analysis of variance was used. Structural equations were modeled for analyzing attitude data.

Findings

The quantitative results indicate that disclosures with a single textual message obtain more visual attention than multiple textual messages. However, sponsorship disclosures with multiple textual messages obtain the best transparency perception and generate a better attitude toward native advertisements.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the theory by investigating the relationship between visual attention to sponsorship disclosure with a different number of textual messages and the target audience's responses to them.

Practical implications

The analysis of Brazilian generation Z women's responses to native ads might contribute to companies, marketing professionals and digital influencers obtaining great visual attention, transparency perception and attitude toward ethical and transparent ads to this audience.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyze Brazilian generation Z women's visual attention, transparency perception and attitude toward sponsorship disclosure with single and multiple textual messages in native advertisements.
Overview of the seized and examined pharmaceutical in the state of Minas Gerais‐Brazil by the Civil Police from 2017 to 2022: A fundamental analysis of the recent impact over the drugs market
Authors: de Moura Fabiana , Diniz Mariana C. C. , Machado Yuri , Ricoy Cláudia D. R. , Piccin Evandro
Published: April 2023

This work presents a data survey regarding the qualitative chemical analysis of drugs seized by the Police in the state of Minas Gerais between July 2017 and June 2022, including an evaluation of labeling of 265 samples of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) seized in 2020. The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) present in the samples were identified through chemical analysis and classified by system Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) methods. Analysis of the labeling information for 265 samples of AAS followed the guidance of legislation RDC 71 (2009) from ANVISA. For this study 6355 seized pharmaceuticals underwent qualitative chemical analysis that corresponded to 7739 APIs successfully identified and classified. Among the components studied AAS, psychostimulants, anesthetics, and analgesics were the most commonly examined. AAS seized and tested increased by over 100% and for the majority of the samples analyzed were found to not match the labeling on the packaging. In the meantime, anti‐obesity drugs presented a prominent increase of 400% from 2020/1 to 2021/2, during covid‐19 quarantine. Seized pharmaceuticals and tests can support information in the planning of public health and safety policies.
Traditional, transitional and new performance management practices in Australian organisations: incidence, coverage and perceived effectiveness
Authors: Shields John , Kim Sunghoon , Chhetri Anjali , Stanton Pauline , Nankervis Alan
Published: April 2023

The shortcomings of traditional performance management practices (PMS) are widely acknowledged. There is growing interest in ‘New Performance Management’, suggesting a shift from an evaluative to a developmental focus. In Australia, little is known about the current utilisation of both ‘old’ and ‘new’ practices. Using survey data from Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) members we examine the incidence, coverage and perceived effectiveness of ‘traditional’, ‘transitional’ and ‘new’ practices in Australian organisations. Further, since data were gathered during the COVID‐19 pandemic, we examine the reported effects of pandemic‐related disruptions on practice intensity. Although descriptive results suggest that both workforce size and sector may be associated with practice incidence, regression results indicate that sectoral effects are non‐significant, and size matters only in relation to traditional practice use. However, our regression results indicate that COVID‐19's impact is significantly related to all three practice categories. Furthermore, overall PMS effectiveness is not rated highly.
A vegetação nativa do Cerrado é um refúgio para as aves na trajetória atual da mudança climática
Authors: Hidasi‐Neto José , Gomes Nicole Mércia Alves , Pinto Nelson Silva
Published: April 2023

A mudança climática já é vista como uma das maiores ameaças à biodiversidade no século XXI. Poucos estudos direcionam a atenção para seus efeitos em comunidades inteiras de hotspots ameaçados. Neste trabalho, combinamos a modelagem de nicho climático (ENM) com um futuro cenário climático de emissões de gases de efeito estufa para estudar as futuras mudanças na diversidade alfa e beta das aves do bioma Cerrado brasileiro, um hotspot da biodiversidade com alta velocidade de mudança climática e expansão agrícola. Esperávamos que o sul do Cerrado (altamente modificado) apresentasse a maioria das mudanças negativas. Em geral, encontramos resultados heterogêneos para mudanças na riqueza de espécies, na diversidade beta taxonômica e funcional espacial e temporal, e na diferenciação ecológica média. Analisamos 1301 aves, 1115 Menos Preocupantes, 83 Quase Ameaçadas, 63 Vulneráveis, 33 Em Perigo, cinco Criticamente em Perigo e duas Extintas na natureza. Ao contrário de um estudo anterior sobre mamíferos do Cerrado, espera‐se que a riqueza de espécies aumente no norte do Cerrado, onde a homogeneização das comunidades (diminuição da rotatividade espacial) também deve ocorrer especialmente através de invasões locais. Mostramos que a homogeneização biótica crescente (similaridade entre as comunidades) ocorrerá em dois grupos biológicos, mas através de subprocessos diferentes: extinções locais para mamíferos e invasões locais para aves. Ações distintas de manejo da conservação devem ser direcionadas dependendo dos resultados das análises de diversidade alfa e beta espacial e temporal, por exemplo, controlando invasões de espécies no norte do Cerrado. Também mostramos prioridades em nível de espécies para as aves do Cerrado. Os estudos de conservação devem continuar estudando o Cerrado no Brasil mesmo durante a pandemia de covid, pois a situação ambiental no país não é boa e os incentivos para estudos científicos são quase inexistentes. Também consideramos que o norte do Cerrado poderia ser visto como um refúgio potencial para outros grupos de organismos (morcegos, borboletas, sapos etc.). Portanto, é crucial que os tomadores de decisão tomem medidas ambiciosas de conservação.
Association between TH/MAOB gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and excitability in Labrador Retrievers
Authors: Bai Jing , Chen Shuting , Zhou Zijuan , Zhao Xuerong , Song Mengyu , Guo Yijun , Wang Fujin , Wang Jingyu
Published: April 2023

Excitability is a pivotal quality in guide dogs because moderately active dogs are more trainable. Excessive activity is associated with behavioral problems and pet surrender. Excitability is a highly heritable trait, yet the relevant genetic factors and markers associated with this condition are poorly characterized. In the present study, we selected six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of two genes that are possibly related to excitability in dogs (TH c.264G > A, TH c.1208A > T, TH c.415C > G, TH c.168C > T, TH c.180C > T and MAOB c.199 T > C). We measured the excitability of dogs using seven variables from three behavioral tests: the play test (interest in play, grabbing in throw and tug‐of‐war), the chase test (following and forward grabbing) and the passive test (moving range and moving time). These behavioral tests are part of the Dog Mentality Assessment developed by Svartberg & Forkman. The activity scores in the guide dog group were higher than in the temperament withdrawal group, and significant differences were detected in the aggregate score (p = 0.02), passive activity score (p = 0.007) and moving range score (p = 0.04). Analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test and non‐parametric Steel–Dwass test to evaluate the relationship between these SNPs and behavioral variable scores revealed that TH c.264G > A was associated with aggregate scores of excitability‐related behavioral variables (adj. p = 0.03), object‐interaction activity scores (adj. p = 0.03), following scores (adj. p = 0.03) and forward grabbing scores (adj. p = 0.03) in Labrador dogs and MAOB c.199 T > C was associated with moving range scores in these dogs (adj. p = 0.004). However, these results had low power. To explain the behavioral traits, further genetic studies more reliable than candidate gene studies are needed.
Detecting and Deterring Information Search in Online Surveys
Authors: Graham Matthew H.
Published: April 2023

This article introduces a framework for evaluating methods of combatting information search in online surveys. Three empirical studies based on the framework suggest that search is a serious but manageable problem. Search frequency varies substantially according to question content, ranging from 2% to 30% in batteries of general political knowledge questions. Deterrence works: a pledge not to cheat reduces search by half. Detection also works: web browser paradata identify 70% to 85% of search, while 60% to 85% of search on knowledge questions is undertaken by respondents who correctly answer “catch” questions about obscure Supreme Court cases. Detection and deterrence are complementary: deterrence reduces search ex ante, while detection quantifies success and provides ex post options for dealing with undeterred search. In combination, the three methods tested (pledge, paradata, and catch) deter or detect more than 90% of search, leaving search to affect about 0.5% of the remaining observations.
Endometriosis and menopause—management strategies based on clinical scenarios
Authors: Jakson Ivika , Hirschberg Angelica Lindén , Gidlöf Sebastian B.
Published: April 2023

Endometriosis is largely considered a premenopausal disease with symptoms often improving during menopausal transition. However, 2%–4% of postmenopausal women are affected by endometriosis symptoms. At the same time, many peri‐ and postmenopausal women experience menopausal symptoms and inquire about treatment. Because of the estrogen‐dependent nature of endometriosis, treatment with menopausal hormone therapy requires careful assessment of the patient but should nevertheless be considered. Recurrence of endometriosis symptoms and risk for malignant transformation are potential risks to weigh when prescribing menopausal hormonal therapy. Choice of treatment should be guided by the presence and severity of current endometriosis symptoms, nature of menopausal symptoms, risk assessment of potential contraindications for treatment in patient history, and preferences of the woman after an informative discussion. Recurrence of endometriosis symptoms in a postmenopausal patient should always prompt rigorous evaluation, both in the presence and absence of hormonal treatment. Many recommendations on the topic are based on expert opinion and new studies are urgently needed to obtain evidence for optimal patient care.
Altered serum bile acid composition is associated with cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis
Authors: Wiese Signe , Danielsen Karen V. , Busk Troels , Hove Jens D. , Ytting Henriette , Hansen Svend Høime , Andersen Klaus Kaae , Voiosu Andrei , Møller Søren , Bendtsen Flemming
Published: April 2023

Background

Elevated serum bile acids (BA) are harmful to the heart and alterations in the BA composition have been suggested to cause cardiovascular disturbances in cirrhosis.

Aim

To investigate any associations between specific groups or individual serum BA and structural and functional cardiac abnormalities in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

An explorative study in 86 patients with cirrhosis. All participants underwent extensive cardiac assessment, including cardiac MRI with quantification of myocardial extracellular volume (ECV), which is indicative of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. A panel of 15 individual serum BA and C4, a marker of de novo bile acid synthesis, were assessed.

Results

Patients with advanced cirrhosis had higher levels of total BA and conjugated BA, as well as lower C4 levels (p < 0.001). Conjugated BA levels were higher in patients with a high cardiac index (p < 0.001), increased left atrial volume index (LAVI) (p < 0.001), and in those with an abnormal myocardial ECV (p < 0.05). We also found several strong correlations between conjugated BA, both as a group and individually, and parameters of cardiac dysfunction. In a model adjusted for sex, age, BMI and MELD, conjugated BA remained significantly associated with LAVI, septal e′, left ventricular volumes and cardiac index. In addition, taurocholic acid correlated closely with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Increased serum concentrations of conjugated BA are associated with several cardiac parameters, indicating a potential role in the development of hyperdynamic circulation and cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis. Moreover, taurine‐conjugated BA are associated with portal hypertension.
Optimized synthesis, polymer conjugation, and proof‐of‐concept studies of the gd‐IgA1 epitope for antibody‐scavenging therapies in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Bechtler Clément , Barneoud‐Rousset Ouliana , Pang Lijuan , Martin Kea , König Katrin F. , Hänggi Pascal , Pearson Nick , Ricklin Daniel
Published: April 2023

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerular autoimmune disease and has severe long‐term consequences for patients, with 40% of the patients eventually progressing to end‐stage renal disease. Despite the severity, no causal treatment is currently available. While the pathogenesis of IgAN is complex, disease severity is linked to autoantibodies against the gd‐IgA1 epitope, a stretch in the hinge region of IgA1 that lacks O‐glycans and is found in the characteristic immune complexes deposited in the kidneys of IgAN patients. One elegant, causal approach would be to remove the anti‐gd‐IgA1 autoantibodies and consequently reduce the immune complex burden on the kidneys. The administration of synthetic polymers that present autoantigens in a multivalent manner have been established as promising therapeutic strategies in other autoimmune diseases and may be applied to IgAN. We here present an improved protocol for the synthesis of the gd‐IgA1 epitope, its successful coupling to a poly‐L‐lysine polymer and proof‐of‐concept experiments that the polymer‐bound synthetic glycopeptide is able to capture the IgAN autoantibodies, making this approach a promising way forward for developing a targeted treatment option for IgAN patients.
Blood eosinophil percentage as a predictor of response to inhaled corticosteroid in bronchiectasis
Authors: Kwok Wang Chun , Tam Terence Chi Chun , Lam David Chi Leung , Ip Mary Sau Man , Ho James Chung Man
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The role of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) among patients with bronchiectasis remains controversial. There is limited evidence of using baseline eosinophil count (absolute and percentage) as a marker to predict the role of ICS among patients with bronchiectasis.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was conducted in a major regional hospital and tertiary respiratory referral centre in Hong Kong, including 140 Chinese patients with noncystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis, to investigate the exacerbation risks of bronchiectasis among ICS users and nonusers with different baseline eosinophil counts.

Results

ICS user had significantly lower risk to develop bronchiectasis exacerbation with adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.461 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.225–0.945, p‐value 0.035). Univariate logistic regression was performed for different cut‐offs of blood eosinophil count (by percentage) from 2% to 4% (with a 0.5% grid each time). Baseline eosinophil 3.5% was found to be the best cut‐off among all with adjusted OR of 0.138 (95% CI = 0.023–0.822, p‐value = 0.030).

Conclusion

Baseline eosinophil count of 3.5% might serve as a marker to predict the benefits of ICS on exacerbation risk among patients with non‐CF bronchiectasis.
Ligustrazine alleviates pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats by promoting the formation of myocardin transcription complex in the nucleus of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Yu Xichao , Wu Mingjie , Meng Qinhai , Zhu Weijie , Zhang Chenyan , Liu Bowen , Qi Yuewen , Gu Shuqun , Wang Xinyu , Wen Jingli , Li Yu , Qi Xu
Published: April 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pathophysiological state of abnormally elevated pulmonary arterial pressure caused by drugs, inflammation, toxins, viruses, hypoxia, and other risk factors. We studied the therapeutic effect and target of tetramethylpyrazine (tetramethylpyrazine [TMP]; ligustrazine) in the treatment of PAH and we speculated that dramatic changes in myocardin levels can significantly affect the progression of PAH. In vivo, the results showed that administration of TMP significantly prolonged the survival of PAH rats by reducing the proliferative lesions, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), and the Fulton index in the heart and lung of PAH rats. In vitro, TMP can regulate the levels of smooth muscle protein 22‐alpha (SM22‐α), and myocardin as well as intracellular cytokines such as NO, transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in a dose‐dependent manner (25, 50, or 100 μM). Transfection of myocardin small interfering RNA (siRNA) aggravated the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PSMCs), and the regulatory effect of TMP on α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and osteopontin (OPN) disappeared. The application of 10 nM estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) inhibitor MPP promoted the proliferation of PSMCs, but it does not affect the inhibition of TMP on PSMCs proliferation. Finally, we found that TMP promoted the nucleation of myocardin‐related transcription factor‐A (MRTF‐A) and combined it with myocardin. In conclusion, TMP can inhibit the transformation of PSMCs from the contractile phenotype to the proliferative phenotype by promoting the formation of the nuclear (MRTF‐A/myocardin) transcription complex to treat PAH.
Mortality during and after specialist alcohol and other drug treatment: Variation in rates according to principal drug of concern and treatment modality
Authors: Havard Alys , Jones Nicola , Bharat Chrianna , Gisev Natasa , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Shakeshaft Anthony , Farrell Michael , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: April 2023

Introduction

For people accessing treatment for problems with drugs other than opioids, little is known about the relationship between treatment and mortality risk, nor how mortality risk varies across treatment modalities. We addressed these evidence gaps by determining mortality rates during and after treatment for people accessing a range of treatment modalities for several drugs of concern.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using linked data on publicly funded specialist alcohol or other drug treatment service use and mortality for people receiving treatment in New South Wales between January 2012 and December 2018. We calculated and compared during‐treatment and post‐treatment crude mortality rates and age‐ and sex‐standardised mortality rates, separately for each principal drug of concern and modality.

Results

Over the study period, 45,026 people accessed treatment for problems with alcohol, 26,407 for amphetamine‐type stimulants, 23,047 for cannabinoids and 21,556 for opioids. People treated for alcohol or opioid problems had higher crude mortality rates (1.48, 1.91, 1.09 per 100 person years, respectively) than those with problems with amphetamine‐type stimulants or cannabinoids (0.46, 0.30 per 100 person years, respectively). Mortality rates differed according to treatment status and modality only among people with alcohol or opioid problems.

Discussion and Conclusions

The observed variation in mortality rates indicates there is scope to reduce mortality among people accessing treatment with alcohol or opioid problems. Future research on mortality among people accessing drug and alcohol treatment should account for the variation in mortality by drug of concern and treatment modality.
Cardiovascular risk in chronic myeloid leukaemia: A multidisciplinary consensus on screening and management
Authors: Milojkovic Dragana , Lyon Alexander R. , Mehta Priyanka , Dimitriadou Evangelia , Choudhuri Satarupa , Manisty Charlotte , Cheshire Nick , Crozier Kirsty , Basker Nanda , Amer Karim , Purcell Simon , Tan Susan , Clark Richard E.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the mainstay of treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), but cardiovascular (CV) risk and exacerbation of underlying risk factors associated with TKIs have become widely debated. Real‐world evidence reveals little application of CV risk factor screening or continued monitoring within UK CML management. This consensus paper presents practical recommendations to assist healthcare professionals in conducting CV screening/comorbidity management for patients receiving TKIs.

Methods

We conducted a multidisciplinary panel meeting and two iterative surveys involving 10 CML specialists: five haematologists, two cardio‐oncologists, one vascular surgeon, one haemato‐oncology pharmacist and one specialist nurse practitioner.

Results

The panel recommended that patients commencing second‐/third‐generation TKIs undergo formal CV risk assessment at baseline, with additional investigations and involvement of cardiologists/vascular surgeons for those with high CV risk. During treatment, patients should undergo CV monitoring, with the nature and frequency of testing dependent on TKI and baseline CV risk. For patients who develop CV adverse events, decision‐making around TKI interruption, cessation or change should be multidisciplinary and balance CV and haematological risk.

Conclusion

The panel anticipates these recommendations will support healthcare professionals in implementing CV risk screening and monitoring, broadly and consistently, and thereby help optimise TKI treatment for CML.
Deep learning based spatio‐temporal hand gesture recognition system in complex environment
Authors: Saboo Shweta , Singha Joyeeta , Laskar Rabul Hussain
Published: April 2023

Gesture recognition nowadays has grabbed the attention of researchers as they represent human behaviour in multiple practical ways. Amongst a variety of gestures available, hand gestures play an essential role in the field of human‐computer interaction when recognised efficiently in complex and dynamic environments. In this paper, we propose a dynamic hand gesture recognition system to recognise hand gestures appearing in different indoor and outdoor environments. Hand detection and tracking uses a two‐level system resulting in the formation of gesture trajectory in challenging conditions in which existing detection and tracking algorithms could not do so. A set of 45 features is provided as input to the various classification techniques. The redundancy problem has been reduced by selecting a set of optimum features using the analysis of variance method, which ranks the list of features. An incremental feature selection technique calculates recognition accuracy by selecting features according to rankings. This system provides an accuracy of 96.32% when used with machine learning and 97.5% when used with deep learning techniques. Recognition accuracy is calculated for various environments, including an extra hand, multiple persons in the video frame, and outdoor environment. All machine‐learning classifiers are combined using classifier combination to calculate the accuracy according to the majority‐voting rule. Based on the experimental results, it has been observed that deep learning provides better results compared to machine learning.
Sedimentary DNA can reveal the past population dynamics of a pelagic copepod
Authors: Nakane Kai , Liu Xin , Doi Hideyuki , Dur Gaël , Kuwae Michinobu , Ban Syuhei , Tsugeki Narumi
Published: April 2023

Copepods play a key trophic role as secondary producers, transferring primary production to higher trophic levels such as fish. Copepod production contributes significantly to successful fish recruitment. Despite their importance, knowledge of copepod dynamics over several decades remains limited due to the lack of long‐term data series with adequate sampling and analysis. However, an understanding of long‐term copepod dynamics is urgently required to strive toward better management for sustainable aquatic ecosystems and fish recruitment.

Sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) has been developing as a useful tool for reconstructing past plankton dynamics. This study evaluates whether sedDNA targeting the pelagic copepod, Eodiaptomus japonicus, in Lake Biwa (Japan) can be an effective tool for elucidating its past population dynamics.

We applied a quantitative polymerase chain reaction method targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene on two sediment cores and compared the detected sedDNA concentrations with the unique long‐term dataset of demographic traits, biomass, specific growth rate, production, subitaneous eggs, and resting eggs of E. japonicus.

The sedDNA concentration of E. japonicus recovered from sediment layers correlated significantly with in situ production, biomass, and production of immediately hatching eggs but not with resting eggs or specific growth rate. Our study provides evidence for the effective use of sedDNA as a tracking tool for assessing past copepod production dynamics.