bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the Drosophila maternal haploid gene for functional divergence and a role in hybrid incompatibility
Authors: Castillo Dean M , Kean Connor M , McCormick Benjamin , Natesan Sahana , Barbash Daniel A
Published: March 2022

Crosses between D. simulans females and D. melanogaster males produce viable F1 sons and poorly viable F1 daughters. Unlike most hybrid incompatibilities, this hybrid incompatibility violates Haldane’s rule, the observation that incompatibilities preferentially affect the heterogametic sex. Further, it is important to understand fully the genetic basis of this incompatibility because the causal allele in D. melanogaster is a large species-specific block of complex satellite DNA on its X chromosome known as the 359-bp satellite, rather than a protein-coding locus. The causal allele(s) in D. simulans are unknown but likely involve maternally expressed genes or factors since the F1 females die during early embryogenesis. The maternal haploid (mh) gene is an intriguing candidate because it is expressed maternally and its protein product localizes to the 359-bp repeat. We found that this gene has diverged extensively between D. melanogaster and D. simulans. This observation led to the hypothesis that D. melanogaster mh may have co-evolved with the 359-bp repeat, and that hybrid incompatibility thus results from the absence of a co-evolved mh allele in D. simulans. We tested for functional divergence of mh by creating matched transformants of D. melanogaster and D. simulans orthologs in both D. melanogaster and D. simulans strains. Surprisingly, we find that D. simulans mh fully complements the female sterile phenotype of D. melanogaster mh mutations. Contrary to our hypothesis, we find no evidence that adding a D. melanogaster mh gene to D. simulans increases hybrid viability.
Measuring plant diversity in a two-stage sampling design by Bayesian updated relative abundances
Authors: Damgaard Christian , Pedersen Malthe Holst , Bendsen Nikolaj Bjerg , Mikkelsen Ditte Lønborg , Ehlers Bodil K. , Bataillon Thomas
Published: March 2022

The two-stage sampling design provides good local estimates of both the number of plant species and the relative abundances. However, it is a problem to calculate Hill diversity indices at the local scale, because some of the species found in the large plot are not present in the small plot and such species should then incorrectly be weighted with zero relative abundance. A new method for calculating local Hill diversity indices from species richness and relative abundances data is therefore needed. We suggest to replace the local relative abundances with Bayesian updated relative abundance estimates, where the prior probability distribution of the relative abundances are empirically estimated from all plots of the same habitat types. The method is applied on Danish Nardus grasslands.
Full-length transcriptomic analysis in murine and human heart reveals diversity of PGC-1α promoters and isoforms regulated distinctly in myocardial ischemia and obesity
Authors: Oehler Daniel , Spychala André , Gödecke Axel , Lang Alexander , Gerdes Norbert , Ruas Jorge , Kelm Malte , Szendroedi Julia , Westenfeld Ralf
Published: March 2022

Background

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) acts as a transcriptional coactivator and regulates mitochondrial function. Various isoforms are generated by alternative splicing and differentially regulated promoters. In the heart, total PGC-1α deficiency knockout leads to dilatative cardiomyopathy, but knowledge on the complexity of cardiac isoform expression of PGC-1α remains sparse. Thus, this study aims to generate a reliable dataset on cardiac isoform expression pattern by long-read mRNA sequencing, followed by investigation of differential regulation of PGC-1α isoforms under metabolic and ischemic stress, using high-fat-high-sucrose-diet-induced obesity and a murine model of myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

Murine (C57Bl/6J) or human heart tissue (obtained during LVAD-surgery), was used for long-read mRNA sequencing, resulting in full-length transcriptomes including 58,000 mRNA isoforms with 99% sequence accuracy. Automatic bioinformatic analysis as well as manual similarity search against exonic sequences lead to identification of putative coding PGC-1α isoforms, validated by PCR and Sanger-Sequencing. Thereby, 12 novel transcripts generated by hitherto unknown splicing events were detected. In addition, we postulate a novel promoter with homologous and strongly-conserved sequence in human heart. High-fat-diet as well as ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury transiently reduced cardiac expression of PGC-1α-isoforms, with the most pronounced effect in the infarcted area. Recovery of PGC-1α-isoform expression was even more decelerated when I/R was performed in diet-induced obese mice.

Conclusions

We deciphered for the first time a complete full-length-transcriptome of the murine and human heart, identifying novel putative PGC-1α coding transcripts including a novel promoter. These transcripts are differentially regulated in I/R and obesity suggesting transcriptional regulation and alternative splicing that may modulate PGC-1α function in the injured and metabolically challenged heart.
An open source 16-channel fluidics system for automating sequential fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)-based imaging
Authors: Deng Zhaojie , Beliveau Brian J.
Published: March 2022

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) can provide spatial information about DNA/RNA targets in fixed cells and tissues. However, the workflows of multiplexed FISH-based imaging that use sequential rounds of hybridization quickly become laborious as the number of rounds increases because of liquid handling demands. Here, we present an open-source and low-cost fluidics system that is purpose built for automating the workflows of sequential FISH-based imaging. Our system features a fluidics module with 16 addressable channels in which flow is positive pressure-driven and switched on/off by solenoid valves in order to transfer FISH reagents to the sample. Our system also includes a controller with a main printed circuit board that can control up to 120 solenoid valves and allows users to control the fluidics module via serial communication. We demonstrate the automatic and robust fluid exchange with this system by targeting the alpha satellite repeat in HeLa cell with 14 rounds of sequential hybridization and imaging. We anticipate that this simple and flexible system will be of utility to researchers performing multiplexed in situ assays in a range of experimental systems.

Abstract Figure

Specifications table
An optimized method for high-quality RNA extraction from distinctive intrinsic laryngeal muscles in the rat model
Authors: Kemfack Angela M. , Hernández-Morato Ignacio , Moayedi Yalda , Pitman Michael J.
Published: March 2022

Challenges related to high-quality RNA extraction from post-mortem tissue have limited RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) application in certain skeletal muscle groups, including the intrinsic laryngeal muscles (ILMs). The present study identified critical factors contributing to substandard RNA extraction from the ILMs and established a suitable method that permitted high-throughput analysis. Here, standard techniques for tissue processing were adapted, and an effective means to control confounding effects during specimen preparation was determined. The experimental procedure consistently provided sufficient intact total RNA (N = 68) and RIN ranging between 7.0 and 8.6, which was unprecedented using standard RNA purification protocols. This study confirmed the reproducibility of the workflow through repeated trials at different postnatal time points and across the distinctive ILMs. High-throughput diagnostics from 90 RNA samples indicated no sequencing alignment scores below 70%, validating the extraction strategy. Significant differences between the standard and experimental conditions suggest circumvented challenges and broad applicability to other skeletal muscles. This investigation remains ongoing given the prospect of therapeutic insights to voice, swallowing, and airway disorders. The present methodology supports pioneering global transcriptome investigations in the larynx previously unfounded in literature.
Differences in neuroinflammation in the olfactory bulb between D614G, Delta and Omicron BA.1 SARS-CoV-2 variants in the hamster model
Authors: Bauer Lisa , Rissmann Melanie , Benavides Feline F. W. , Leijten Lonneke , Begeman Lineke , Kroeze Edwin Veldhuis , van Run Peter , Koopmans Marion P. G. , Rockx Barry , van Riel Debby
Published: March 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with various neurological complications. SARS-CoV-2 infection induces neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS), whereat the olfactory bulb seems to be involved most frequently. Here we show differences in the neuroinvasiveness and neurovirulence among SARS-CoV-2 variants in the hamster model five days post inoculation. Replication in the olfactory mucosa was observed in all hamsters, but most prominent in D614 inoculated hamsters. We observed neuroinvasion into the CNS via the olfactory nerve in D614G-, but not Delta (B.1.617.2)- or Omicron BA.1 (B.1.1.529) inoculated hamsters. Neuroinvasion was associated with neuroinflammation in the olfactory bulb of hamsters inoculated with D614G but hardly in Delta or Omicron BA.1. Altogether, this indicates that there are differences in the neuroinvasive and neurovirulent potential among SARS-CoV-2 variants in the acute phase of the infection in the hamster model.
SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies as powerful tools for diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Authors: Schlör A. , Hirschberg S. , Ben Amor G. , Meister T.L. , Arora P. , Pöhlmann S. , Hoffmann M. , Pfaender S. , Kamal Eddin O. , Kamhieh-Milz J. , Hanack K.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation caused by SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern such as B.1.617.2 (Delta) and recently, B.1.1.529 (Omicron) is posing multiple challenges to humanity. The rapid evolution of the virus requires adaptation of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Objectives

In this study, we describe camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies (hcAb) as useful for novel in vitro diagnostic assays and for therapeutic applications due to their neutralizing capacity.

Methods

Five antibody candidates were selected out of a naïve camelid library by phage display and expressed as full-length IgG2 antibodies. The antibodies were characterized by Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, surface plasmon resonance with regard to their specificity to the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and to SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles. Neutralization assays were performed with authentic SARS-CoV-2 and pseudotyped viruses (wildtype and Omicron).

Results

All antibodies efficiently detect recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles in different ELISA setups. The best combination was shown with hcAb B10 as catcher antibody and HRP-conjugated hcAb A7.2 as the detection antibody. Further, four out of five antibodies potently neutralized authentic wildtype SARS-CoV-2 and particles pseudotyped with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins of the wildtype and Omicron variant, sublineage BA.1 at concentrations between 0.1 and 0.35 ng/mL (ND50).

Conclusion

Collectively, we report novel camelid hcAbs suitable for diagnostics and potential therapy.

Graphical Abstract
More structure or better social practices? Using a contingency lens to address ambidexterity gaps in innovative SMEs
Authors: Rojas-Córdova Carolina , Pertuze Julio A. , Williamson Amanda Jasmine , Leatherbee Michael
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Environmental uncertainty (EU) and firm size (FS) generate inertial forces that can push small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to emphasize either exploration or exploitation. In this article, the authors explore how structural (e.g. formal processes, control and discipline) and social (e.g. employee support and decision-making involvement) managerial instruments counteract such inertial forces and enable SME ambidexterity. Building on the organization-context literature, the authors propose a model in which EU and firms' size moderate the relationship between structural and social managerial instruments on SME ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined a moderation model using surveys of chief executive officers (CEOs) and performance archival data from 237 Chilean SMEs.

Findings

The authors find that the positive effect of structure on SME ambidexterity decreases with FS. In contrast, social instruments have a positive effect on ambidexterity for larger firms, especially for those operating in uncertain environments. In cases in which EU and firms' size reinforce the exploration or exploitation tendencies of SMEs, structural and social instruments play a complementary role in achieving ambidexterity.

Originality/value

The authors contribute by proposing a contingent mix of structural and social instruments to enable SME ambidexterity. These results inform policymakers and SME managers by suggesting strategies to promote ambidexterity based on firms' size and EU.
Foreign direct investment inflows and energy diversification in emerging seven economies: evidence from a panel data analysis
Authors: Irfan Mohd , Ojha Raj Kumar
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Higher economic growth accompanied by rising energy demand poses severe challenges to the long-term environmental sustainability of E7 economies, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia and Turkey. Thus, this paper explores the influence of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on energy diversification for E7 economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The dataset is panel data for emerging seven (E7) economies, covering the period 1992–2017. The empirical investigation relies on econometric techniques: panel cointegration test and panel autoregressive distributed lag model.

Findings

The findings reveal that energy diversification and FDI inflows are cointegrated. In the long run, higher FDI inflows encourage energy diversification, but energy efficiency improvements discourage energy diversification. In the short run, the effects of FDI inflows on energy diversification vary across E7 economies, highlighting the role of country-specific factors in determining the short-run influence of FDI inflows on energy diversification.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggested that FDI policies should encourage the adoption of nonconventional energy resources to stimulate energy diversification in E7 economies. Besides, better coordination between energy diversification and energy efficiency policies is required in the long run for a successful transition towards low-carbon economy goals.

Originality/value

This study is a unique empirical exercise that uncovers a cointegrating relationship between energy diversification and FDI inflows for E7 economies. Moreover, the analysis provides homogenous long-run and heterogeneous (country-specific) short-run coefficient estimates for the effect of FDI inflows on energy diversification.
Anatomization of the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) for various machines in a tool and die shop
Authors: Raju Sagarika , Kamble Harsha Arun , Srinivasaiah Rashmi , Swamy Devappa Renuka
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to discover equipment losses and assess the accomplishment of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) values.

Design/methodology/approach

Industries specialized in die shops often have issues regarding their efficiencies, conferring to statistics further production line department procedure for various machines frequently suffered restrictions owing to excessive downtime and speed losses in machines thus, reducing their effectiveness and efficiency. OEE is a means of determining how effective a piece of equipment is when in working condition. Calculation of OEE finds the heart of the issue and the root cause for the underlying problem.

Findings

The dimensional outcomes suggest that the average machine effectiveness has not attained the norm of >85%, but there is still room for progression.

Originality/value

One recommended procedure to reduce losses is to keep the actual pace of operation and downtime of equipment constant. Many such suggestions are provided to reduce the losses.
‘When it comes to relational trauma, you need people at the table’
Authors: Simons Aletta , Noordegraaf Martine , Van Regenmortel Tine
Published: March 2022

This study aims to contribute to the evaluation of online therapy during Covid‐19 pandemic lockdowns, by exploring family therapists’ experiences of therapy for twelve Sibling Sexual Abuse (SSA) families in the Netherlands. Seven transcripts of interviews with highly specialised Dutch family therapists were analysed using thematic analysis (TA). Two main findings emerged from this study. First, the Dutch therapists reported no acute worries about their clients’ sexual safety during the pandemic lockdowns. Nonetheless, the switch to online therapy for the SSA families created concern regarding victim safety in speaking out freely at home. Second, while the sudden switch to online therapy enabled SSA therapists to stay connected with their SSA families, therapists experienced a decline in therapy quality and in their own well‐being. In the therapists’ experience, it was almost impossible to conduct their most fundamental interventions online, such as intervening in family relationships.
Exploring class identification among Finnish party members
Authors: Tiihonen Aino , Koivula Aki , Saarinen Arttu , Sivonen Jukka
Published: March 2022

Class cleavage has been an important factor in forming the West‐European party systems, and class identification can still be considered one of the key types of social identity, especially among members of older parties. Nevertheless, previous research has ignored the importance of party members' class identifications. In this study, we hypothesise that party affiliation can form a context of social identity in which party members' class identification is also strengthened. By analysing unique survey data of 12,427 members of the six largest Finnish parties, we examine the extent to which party members' class identifications stem from their party affiliations and how the relationship is reinforced by their partisan identity. The results suggest that traditional class‐cleavage elements still appear within class identification among the members of older parties. Members of left‐wing parties identified with the working class, and conversely, upper‐class identification was more prominent among members of centre‐right parties. Among members of newer political parties, the class was less relevant compared to members of traditional class‐based parties. Furthermore, we found that working‐class identification was strongly related to the strength of partisan identity.
Dealing with complicity in fieldwork: Reflections on studying genetic research in Pakistan
Authors: Sheikh Zainab Afshan
Published: March 2022

Health‐related ethnography undertaken in a context marked by social inequalities and colonial legacies requires critical attention to power imbalances in the fieldwork. In this paper, I draw on my own experiences from studying genetic research in Pakistan. As a Danish‐born female researcher with roots in Pakistan, I have followed genetic researchers and families dealing with genetic conditions in Pakistan. Through examples I unearth how encounters in the field were shaped by complicities of being in‐between the Danish and the Pakistani, of studying and doing international research at the same time, and of my inaction towards suffering families. I base my analysis on the notion that complicity manifests in a generative, and unavoidable, engagement with both complex structures of inequality and interlocutors. We can never fully understand the specificities or consequences of complicity—whether moral or epistemic—when entering, engaging with or representing our fields. However, by staying constructively with the tensions, instead of attempting to move beyond the discomfort that they might create, we can learn how to deal with the consequences and in that, build further the value of ethnographic activity.
Temporality in the social sciences: New directions for a political sociology of time
Authors: Gokmenoglu Birgan
Published: March 2022

Time and temporality are common themes in the social sciences and sociology. The sociological literature on time remains solipsistically empirical, while theoretical elaborations are focused on modernity, capitalism, and technology, through notions of speed and acceleration. Although existing studies on time are imbued with political issues and processes, as the subfield that studies relations of power and politics, political sociology has yet to consolidate a temporal lexicon for studying structures of power and political phenomena. This review situates three recent books on time and politics within a broader sociological literature on time and calls for a political sociology of time. I argue that developing a conceptual apparatus that takes time as an element of power is fundamental to building dialogue across the empirical material and across disciplines. I conclude by offering three avenues for the development of a political sociology of time.
Behavioural drivers influencing emergency department attendance in Victoria during the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic: A mixed methods investigation
Authors: Buntine Paul , Aldridge Emogene S , Craig Simon , Crellin Dianne , Stella Julian , Gill Stephen D , Wright Breanna , Mitchell Rob D , Arendts Glenn , Rawson Helen , Rojek Amanda M
Published: March 2022

Objective

To identify behavioural drivers and barriers that may have contributed to changes in ED attendance during the first 10 months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in Victoria.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods analysis of patients who attended one of eight participating EDs between 1 November 2019 and 31 December 2020. A random sample of patients were chosen after their visit and invited to participate in an online survey assessing behavioural drivers and barriers to attendance. The study timespan was divided into four periods based on local and world events to assess changes in attitudes and behaviours over this period.

Results

A total of 5600 patients were invited to complete the survey and 606 (11%) submitted sufficient information for analysis. There were significant differences in participants' attitudes towards healthcare and EDs, levels of concern about contracting and spreading COVID‐19 and the influence of mask wearing. Patients expressed more concern about the safety of an ED during the largest outbreak of COVID‐19 infections than they did pre‐COVID, but this difference was not sustained once community infection numbers dropped. General concerns about hospital attendance were higher after COVID than they were pre‐COVID. A total of 27% of patients specifically stated that they had delayed their ED attendance.

Conclusion

Patients expressed increased concerns around attending ED during the first 10 months of the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic and frequently cited COVID‐19 as a reason for delaying their presentation. These factors would be amenable to mitigation via focussed public health messaging.
A phase II feasibility study of carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients with interstitial lung disease (YLOG0114)
Authors: Sakashita Hiroyuki , Uchibori Ken , Jin Yasuto , Tsutsui Toshiharu , Honda Takayuki , Sakakibara Rie , Mitsumura Takahiro , Nukui Yoshihisa , Shirai Tsuyoshi , Masuo Masahiro , Suhara Kozo , Furusawa Haruhiko , Yamashita Takaaki , Ohba Takehiko , Saito Kazuhito , Takagiwa Jun , Miyashita Yoshihiro , Inase Naohiko , Miyazaki Yasunari
Published: March 2022

Background

A standard treatment regimen for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) has not been established since most clinical trials exclude such patients because of the high risk of acute exacerbation of ILD. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the efficacy and safety of carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel as a first‐line regimen for NSCLC patients with ILD.

Methods

The enrolled patients had treatment‐naïve advanced NSCLC with ILD. The patients received 4–6 cycles of carboplatin (area under the curve = 5) on day 1 and nab‐paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of four or more cycles. Secondary endpoints included toxicity, overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Twenty‐five patients were enrolled in this study. Nine patients had adenocarcinoma, 11 had squamous cell carcinoma, one had large cell carcinoma, and four had NSCLC, not otherwise specified. The completion rate of ≥4 cycles was 76% (95% confidence interval: 56.2%–88.8%), which met the primary endpoint. The ORR and DCR were 44% and 88%, respectively. The median PFS and OS were 5.8 months and 15.8 months, respectively. Three patients experienced grade ≥2 pneumonitis, and one patient met the acute exacerbation criteria.

Conclusion

The 4‐week modified regimen of carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel showed tolerable toxicity with favorable efficacy in NSCLC patients with ILD. This regimen may be an effective treatment option for patients in real clinical settings.
High‐dose preoperative glucocorticoid for prevention of emergence and postoperative delirium in liver resection: A double‐blinded randomized clinical trial substudy
Authors: Awada Hussein Nasser , Steinthorsdottir Kristin Julia , Schultz Nicolai A. , Hillingsø Jens G. , Larsen Peter Nørgaard , Jans Øivind , Kehlet Henrik , Aasvang Eske Kvanner
Published: March 2022

Background

Emergence delirium (ED) and postoperative delirium (POD) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and occur in up to one‐third of patients undergoing major non‐cardiac surgery, where the underlying pathogenesis is multifactorial, including increased inflammation. We aimed to assess the effect of pre‐operative high‐ versus low‐dose glucocorticoid on the occurrence of ED and POD.

Methods

This was a substudy from a randomized, double‐blinded clinical trial. Patients ≥18 years, undergoing open liver resection were randomized 1:1 to high‐dose (HD, 10 mg/kg methylprednisolone) or low‐dose (LD, 8 mg dexamethasone) glucocorticoid and assessed for ED and POD for a maximum of 4 days during hospitalization. The 3‐min Diagnostic Interview for CAM‐defined delirium (3D‐CAM) was used for assessment, 15 and 90 min after arrival in the post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU), and subsequently once daily in the ward.

Results

Fifty‐three patients were included in this secondary substudy (26 HD‐group and 27 LD‐group). ED occurred in n = 5 HD versus n = 6 LD patients 15 min after PACU arrival. At 90 min after PACU arrival, 4 patients had ED, all from LD‐group, and resulted in significantly longer PACU admission, 273 versus 178 min in ED versus Non‐ED patients. During the first 4 days in the ward, n = 5 patients had at least one occurrence of POD, all from LD‐group.

Conclusions

The primary finding of the current substudy was a lower occurrence of ED/POD in the PACU 90 min after arrival and during the first four postoperative days in patients receiving high‐dose glucocorticoid compared with patients receiving low‐dose glucocorticoid. The two study groups were not evenly balanced concerning known explanatory factors, i.e., age and size of surgery, which calls for larger studies to elucidate the matter.
The Ex‐Services Human Rights Association of Australia, the Vietnam War, and the Remaking of the Anzac Tradition
Authors: Piccini Jon
Published: March 2022

The Ex‐Services Human Rights Association of Australia (ESHRAA) emerged in 1966, supporting conscientious objectors to national service and opposing the Vietnam War. Unlike the cornucopia of similarly focussed groups, ESHRAA members publicly identified as ex‐service people, a privileged category of citizens in Australia with particular purchase on public debate. In this article, I locate ESHRAA within the long tradition of Australian opposition to conscription and national service, describe how the expulsion of its leading personality from the Returned and Services League in mid‐1967 contributed to perceptions of that organisation as increasingly outdated, and finally argue that it sought to refashion the hallowed Anzac tradition from the veneration of brave soldiers to equally valiant resisters. In so doing, I unearth an under‐examined protest organisation during the Vietnam War, challenge the notion of a monolithic ex‐services community, and complicate emerging scholarly understandings of how Anzac was re‐invented in the late twentieth century.
Does undertaking rural placements add to place of origin as a predictor of where health graduates work?
Authors: Skinner Timothy C. , Semmens Libby , Versace Vincent , Bish Melanie , Skinner Isabelle K.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the work location (metropolitan, regional, rural and remote) of graduates in nursing, allied health and oral health disciplines who complete their professional training, end‐to‐end training, in a regional or rural area noting the potential inclusion of a metropolitan‐based placement for speciality practice not available in rural or regional Victoria.

Methods

We tracked the place of employment from the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) of all graduates from a regional/rural tertiary education provider. The student home address at enrolment, locations where they undertook all placements and their current place of work were described using an objective geographical model of access, the Modified Monash Model.

Results

Seventy‐five per cent of 5506 graduates were located in the AHPRA database. About one third of graduates were working in metropolitan areas, 1/3 in regional cities and 1/3 in rural areas. Students' origin accounted for 1/3 of variance in current workplace location. The more placement days students completed in regional/ rural areas was also a significant predictor of working in a regional or rural area.

Conclusion

End‐to‐end training in regional/rural areas is an effective approach to retaining a regional/rural workforce. Student origin is a strong predictor of working rural or regionally, as is undertaking placements in rural areas. This suggests that priority for rural/ regional student placements should be given to students in end‐to‐end regional/ rural programs and students from a regional/ rural background.
Social media addiction and personality: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Chiungjung
Published: March 2022

This meta‐analysis examines the relations between social media addiction and Big Five traits, together with moderating effects on the associations. Sixty‐three studies comprising 74 samples (N = 32,032) were identified. The correlations between social media addiction and neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness are  = .17, .03, −.03, −.07 and −.15, respectively. The findings indicate that neuroticism is a risk factor for social media addiction, whereas agreeableness and conscientiousness are protective factors. The moderating effects of the country studied and measures of Big Five traits and social media addiction are mixed, whereas those for mean age and gender composition of the sample are not significant.
Ocular surface health of the Finnish elderly population
Authors: Aapola Ulla , Nättinen Janika , Suurkuukka Ilona , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Keinänen‐Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Saramies Jouko , Uusitalo Hannu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical ocular surface characteristics in a population‐based sample of Finnish elderly people.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 601 subjects (335 females, 266 males) born between the years 1933–1956 and living in Savitaipale, Finland. Ocular surface health was evaluated using a comprehensive set of diagnostic tests. Previous dry eye (DE) diagnosis and history of drug treatment of DE were also recorded. Differences between sexes were estimated with Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher's exact test.

Results

Overall, 10% and 33% of people displayed signs of DE and ocular surface disease (OSD), respectively, and 30% had been previously diagnosed with DE and 36% used some form of drugs for DE. Men displayed more severe signs of meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis and conjunctival redness (p < 0.001), while women had higher scores in corneal staining (p = 0.005) and OSD Index (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Signs of OSD and DE are common among the Finnish elderly population. However, the diagnosis is affected by the diagnostic criteria used and significant differences exist between sexes. Although women were more frequently diagnosed with DE and OSD and experienced more ocular surface irritation, men had more often lid and meibomian gland‐related issues. The current diagnostic criteria of DE pose a risk of misclassifying men, who commonly display less severe symptoms in comparison with women yet exhibit more severe clinical signs associated especially with the lid margin.
Automated artificial intelligence‐based system for clinical follow‐up of patients with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Potapenko Ivan , Thiesson Bo , Kristensen Mads , Hajari Javad Nouri , Ilginis Tomas , Fuchs Josefine , Hamann Steffen , la Cour Morten
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In this study, we investigate the potential of a novel artificial intelligence‐based system for autonomous follow‐up of patients treated for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

A temporal deep learning model was trained on a data set of 84 489 optical coherence tomography scans from AMD patients to recognize disease activity, and its performance was compared with a published non‐temporal model trained on the same data (Acta Ophthalmol, 2021). An autonomous follow‐up system was created by augmenting the AI model with deterministic logic to suggest treatment according to the observe‐and‐plan regimen. To validate the AI‐based system, a data set comprising clinical decisions and imaging data from 200 follow‐up consultations was collected prospectively. In each case, both the autonomous AI decision and original clinical decision were compared with an expert panel consensus.

Results

The temporal AI model proved superior at detecting disease activity compared with the model without temporal input (area under the curve 0.900 (95% CI 0.894–0.906) and 0.857 (95% CI 0.846–0.867) respectively). The AI‐based follow‐up system could make an autonomous decision in 73% of the cases, 91.8% of which were in agreement with expert consensus. This was on par with the 87.7% agreement rate between decisions made in the clinic and expert consensus (p = 0.33).

Conclusions

The proposed autonomous follow‐up system was shown to be safe and compliant with expert consensus on par with clinical practice. The system could in the future ease the pressure on public ophthalmology services from an increasing number of AMD patients.
Heritability of retinal drusen in the Copenhagen Twin Cohort Eye Study
Authors: Belmouhand Mohamed , Rothenbuehler Simon Paul , Hjelmborg Jacob B. , Dabbah Sami , Bjerager Jakob , Sander Birgit Agnes , Dalgård Christine , Larsen Michael
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To study age‐ and sex‐adjusted heritability of small hard drusen and early age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in a population‐based twin cohort.

Methods

This was a single‐centre, cross‐sectional, classical twin study with ophthalmic examination including refraction, biometry, best‐corrected visual acuity assessment, colour and autofluorescence fundus photography, and fundus optical coherence tomography. Grading and categorization of drusen was by diameter and location.

Results

The study enrolled 176 same‐sex pairs of twins of mean (SD) age 58.6 (9.9) years. The prevalence of the four phenotypes ≥20 small hard macular drusen (largest diameter < 63 μm), ≥20 small hard extramacular drusen, intermediate drusen (63–125 μm) anywhere, and large drusen (>125 μm) anywhere was 12.4%, 36.4%, 5.8%, and 8.4%, respectively, and the respective heritabilities, adjusted for age and sex, were 78.2% [73.5–82.9], 69.1% [62.3–75.9], 30.1% [4.1–56.1], and 65.6% [26.4–100]. Age trajectory analysis supported a gradual transition to larger numbers of small hard drusen with increasing age. The heritability of ≥20 small hard drusen was markedly lower than the 99% found in the 40% overlapping twin cohort that was seen 20 years earlier.

Conclusion

Numerous (≥20) small hard drusen and larger drusen that fit the definition of dry AMD were highly heritable. Small hard drusen counts increased with age. Decreasing heritability with increasing age suggests that the impact of behavioural and environmental factors on the development of small hard drusen increases with age.
Concurrent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy and robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for patients with synchronous prostate cancer and small renal tumor: A case series of five patients
Authors: Kanehira Mitsugu , Tamura Daichi , Matsuura Tomohiko , Maekawa Shigekatsu , Kato Renpei , Kato Yoichiro , Takata Ryo , Obara Wataru
Published: March 2022

Robotic surgery has become widely used in the field of urology. We experienced concurrent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for the complex cases of synchronous primary cancers. Concurrent RARP and RAPN with horseshoe kidney have not been reported to date. Mean operative time was 398.6 minutes and mean total console time was 259.6 minutes. Total mean estimated blood loss was 313.4 mL. None of the patients required conversion to open surgery, none needed blood transfusion, and no perioperative complications occurred. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 month postoperatively was maintained compared to pre‐operative value. Positive surgical margin was shown in one patient with RARP. Concurrent RARP and RAPN using reusable ports can be safely performed. This combined surgery may be considered one of the treatment choices for synchronous prostate cancer and small renal tumor.
Changes in suspected adverse drug reaction reporting via the yellow card scheme in Wales following the introduction of a National Reporting Indicator
Authors: Deslandes Paul N. , Bracchi Robert , Jones Karen , Haines Kath E. , Carey Emma , Adams Alana , Walker Jenna , Thomas Alison , Routledge Philip A.
Published: March 2022

Aims

This study aimed to assess the impact of a National Reporting Indicator (NRI) on rates of reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions using the Yellow Card scheme following the introduction of the NRI in Wales (UK) in April 2014.

Methods

Yellow Card reporting data for general practitioners and other reporting groups in Wales and England for the financial years 2014–15 (study period 1) and 2015–16 (study period 2) were obtained from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and compared with those for 2013–14 (pre‐NRI control period).

Results

The numbers of Yellow Cards submitted by general practitioners in Wales were 271, 665 and 870 in the control period, study period 1 and study period 2, respectively. This is equivalent to an increase of 145% in study period 1 and 221% in study period 2 compared with the 12‐month control period (2013–14). Corresponding increases in England were 17% and 37%, respectively (P < .001 chi–squared test). The numbers of Yellow Cards submitted by other groups in Wales were 906, 795 and 947 in each of the study periods.

Conclusions

Introduction of the NRI corresponded with a significant increase in the number of Yellow Cards submitted by general practitioners in Wales. General practitioner reporting rates continued to increase year on year through to 2018–19 with the NRI still in place. No concomitant change was found in reporting rates by other groups in the health boards in Wales.
Cardiovascular drugs and COVID‐19 clinical outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Asiimwe Innocent G. , Pushpakom Sudeep P. , Turner Richard M. , Kolamunnage‐Dona Ruwanthi , Jorgensen Andrea L. , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: March 2022

Aims: To update our previously reported systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies on cardiovascular drug exposure and COVID‐19 clinical outcomes by focusing on newly published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: More than 500 databases were searched between 1 November 2020 and 2 October 2021 to identify RCTs that were published after our baseline review. One reviewer extracted data with other reviewers verifying the extracted data for accuracy and completeness.

Results: After screening 22 414 records, we included 24 and 21 RCTs in the qualitative and quantitative syntheses, respectively. The most investigated drug classes were angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) and anticoagulants, investigated by 10 and 11 studies respectively. In meta‐analyses, ACEI/ARBs did not affect hospitalization length (mean difference −0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.83; 0.98 d, n = 1183), COVID‐19 severity (risk ratio/RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.71; 1.15, n = 1661) or mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.92, 95% CI 0.58; 1.47, n = 1646). Therapeutic anticoagulation also had no effect (hospitalization length mean difference −0.29, 95% CI −1.13 to 0.56 d, n = 1449; severity RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.70; 1.04, n = 2696; and, mortality RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.77; 1.13, n = 5689). Other investigated drug classes were antiplatelets (aspirin, 2 trials), antithrombotics (sulodexide, 1 trial), calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, 1 trial) and lipid‐modifying drugs (atorvastatin, 1 trial).

Conclusion: Moderate‐ to high‐certainty RCT evidence suggests that cardiovascular drugs such as ACEIs/ARBs are not associated with poor COVID‐19 outcomes, and should therefore not be discontinued. These cardiovascular drugs should also not be initiated to treat or prevent COVID‐19 unless they are needed for an underlying currently approved therapeutic indication.
Predictors of functional impairment in bipolar disorder: Results from 13 cohorts from seven countries by the global bipolar cohort collaborative
Authors: Burdick Katherine E. , Millett Caitlin E. , Yocum Anastasia K. , Altimus Cara M. , Andreassen Ole A. , Aubin Valerie , Belzeaux Raoul , Berk Michael , Biernacka Joanna M. , Blumberg Hilary P. , Cleare Anthony J. , Diaz‐Byrd Claudia , Dubertret Caroline , Etain Bruno , Eyler Lisa T. , Forester Brent P. , Fullerton Janice M. , Frye Mark A. , Gard Sébastien , Godin Ophelia , Haffen Emmanuel , Klaus Federica , Lagerberg Trine Vik , Leboyer Marion , Martinez‐Aran Anabel , McElroy Susan , Mitchell Philip B. , Olie Emilie , Olorunfemi Phebe , Passerieux Christine , Peters Amy T. , Pham Daniel L. , Polosan Mircea , Potter Julia R. , Sajatovic Martha , Samalin Ludovic , Schwan Raymund , Shanahan Megan , Solé Brisa , Strawbridge Rebecca , Stuart Amanda L. , Torres Ivan , Ueland Torrill , Vieta Eduard , Williams Lana J. , Wrobel Anna L. , Yatham Lakshmi N. , Young Allan H. , Nierenberg Andrew A. , McInnis Melvin G.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Persistent functional impairment is common in bipolar disorder (BD) and is influenced by a number of demographic, clinical, and cognitive features. The goal of this project was to estimate and compare the influence of key factors on community function in multiple cohorts of well‐characterized samples of individuals with BD.

Methods

Thirteen cohorts from 7 countries included n = 5882 individuals with BD across multiple sites. The statistical approach consisted of a systematic uniform application of analyses across sites. Each site performed a logistic regression analysis with empirically derived “higher versus lower function” as the dependent variable and selected clinical and demographic variables as predictors.

Results

We found high rates of functional impairment, ranging from 41 to 75%. Lower community functioning was associated with depressive symptoms in 10 of 12 of the cohorts that included this variable in the analysis. Lower levels of education, a greater number of prior mood episodes, the presence of a comorbid substance use disorder, and a greater total number of psychotropic medications were also associated with low functioning.

Conclusions

The bipolar clinical research community is poised to work together to characterize the multi‐dimensional contributors to impairment and address the barriers that impede patients' complete recovery. We must also identify the core features which enable many to thrive and live successfully with BD. A large‐scale, worldwide, prospective longitudinal study focused squarely on BD and its heterogeneous presentations will serve as a platform for discovery and promote major advances toward optimizing outcomes for every individual with this illness.
Walking the talk about corporate social responsibility communication: An elaboration likelihood model perspective
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony
Published: March 2022

Large organizations, including listed businesses, financial service providers as well as public services entities are increasingly disclosing information on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues through corporate websites or via social media. Therefore, this research uses valid measures from the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to explore the individuals’ attitudes toward online corporate social responsibility (CSR) communications. The data were gathered from a structured questionnaire among three hundred ninety‐two respondents (n = 392). A structural equations modeling partial least squares (SEM‐PLS 3) approach was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that the timeliness, relevance and accuracy of information as well as the source expertise were highly significant antecedents that were affecting the research participants’ attitudes toward CSR communications. This contribution implies that there is scope for content curators to publish quality online information on their business activities to improve their trustworthiness and positive credentials among stakeholders.
Examining the relationship between negative media coverage and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Pan Xin , Chen Xuanjin , Yang Xue
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the relationship between negative media coverage and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We suggest that CSR can compensate for the loss of legitimacy in a firm only when it receives negative media coverage of a given magnitude. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms, the results suggest that in relation to CSR, negative media coverage has an inverted U‐shaped curve. When we explore two industrial‐level boundary conditions, we find that this nonlinear relationship is more pronounced in firms with higher industrial concentration and dynamism. The results are robust after controlling for endogeneity. This study contributes to CSR and communication literature by deepening our understanding of the nonlinear impact of negative media coverage on firms.