bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Model Comparison with Transaction Costs
Authors: DETZEL ANDREW , NOVY‐MARX ROBERT , VELIKOV MIHAIL
Published: March 2023

Failing to account for transaction costs materially impacts inferences drawn when evaluating asset pricing models, biasing tests in favor of those employing high‐cost factors. Ignoring transaction costs, Hou, Xue, and Zhang (2015, Review of Financial Studies, 28, 650–705) q‐factor model and Barillas and Shanken (2018, The Journal of Finance, 73, 715–754) six‐factor models have high maximum squared Sharpe ratios and small alphas across 205 anomalies. They do not, however, come close to spanning the achievable mean‐variance efficient frontier. Accounting for transaction costs, the Fama and French (2015, Journal of Financial Economics, 116, 1–22; 2018, Journal of Financial Economics, 128, 234–252) five‐factor model has a significantly higher squared Sharpe ratio than either of these alternative models, while variations employing cash profitability perform better still.
‘Bleeding’ flowers of Ceropegia gerrardii (Apocynaceae‐Asclepiadoideae) mimic wounded insects to attract kleptoparasitic fly pollinators
Authors: Heiduk Annemarie , Brake Irina , Shuttleworth Adam , Johnson Steven D.
Published: March 2023

Kleptomyiophily, where flowers imitate wounded insects to attract ‘kleptoparasitic’ flies as pollinators, is one of the most specialized types of floral mimicry and often involves physical trapping devices. However, the diversity of pollinators and functional floral traits involved in this form of mimicry remain poorly understood. We report a novel example of kleptomyiophily in the nontrapping flowers of Ceropegia gerrardii and explore the floral traits responsible for attracting pollinators.

The pollinators, reproductive biology and floral traits (including epidermal surfaces, spectral reflectance and the composition of nectariferous petal secretions and scent) were investigated. Attractive volatiles were identified using electrophysiological and behavioural experiments.

Ceropegia gerrardii was predominantly pollinated by kleptoparasitic Desmometopa spp. (Milichiidae) flies. The flower corollas extrude a protein‐ and sugar‐containing secretion, similar to the haemolymph of wounded insects, on which the flies feed. Floral scent was chemically similar to that of injured honey bees. Four out of 24 electrophysiologically active compounds, all released by injured honey bees, were identified as key players in pollinator attraction.

Our results suggest that C. gerrardii flowers chemically mimic wounded honey bees to attract kleptoparasitic flies and reward them with a secretion similar to the haemolymph on which they would normally feed.
A Holistic Approach to Family Life Course Change across 1930–1978 Chinese Birth Cohorts
Authors: Van Winkle Zachary , Wen Fangqi
Published: March 2023

Family formation in China has undergone dramatic changes. Despite increasing academic attention, few studies have taken a holistic approach to study cohort change in Chinese family life courses. In this study, we assess how family life course patterns and diversity changed across 1930–1978 birth cohorts. Moreover, we evaluate to what extent changing norms, economic constraints, and institutional reforms drove cohort differences. Data from the China Family Panel Studies and sequence analysis are applied to identify family life course patterns and to calculate sequence diversity. While we found a shift in family life course patterns across 1930–1978 birth cohorts, there is no evidence that Chinese family lives have become more diverse. On the contrary, our results demonstrate that family life courses have become relatively standardized around relatively early marriage and a single child. We find that factors associated with economic constraints and educational attainment—not ideational change or institutional reforms—account for a considerable portion of cross‐cohort variation in the diversity of family life courses. Rather than a second demographic transition, the family demographic behavior of 1930–1978 Chinese birth cohorts is marked by continuity despite change.
Neural responses to emotional stimuli across the dissociative spectrum: Common and specific mechanisms
Authors: Cavicchioli Marco , Ogliari Anna , Maffei Cesare , Mucci Clara , Northoff Georg , Scalabrini Andrea
Published: March 2023

Aim

Departing from existing neurobiological models of dissociation, the current study aims at conducting a quantitative meta‐analytic review of neural responses to emotional stimuli among individuals ascribed to the dissociative spectrum (DS). Accordingly, the study explored common and specific brain mechanisms across borderline personality disorder, conversion/somatoform disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder related to repeated interpersonal traumatic experiences, and dissociative disorders.

Methods

The meta‐analysis included studies that administered emotional stimuli during functional magnetic resonance imaging acquisition among individuals included in the DS. There were two conducted meta‐analytic procedures: (i) a Bayesian network meta‐analysis for a region‐of‐interest–based approach; and (ii) robust voxel‐based approach.

Results

Forty‐four independent studies were included for a total of 1384 individuals (DS = 741 patients). The network meta‐analysis showed specific patterns of neural activity considering an extended brain network involved in emotion regulation for each condition ascribed to the DS. The voxel‐based meta‐analysis highlighted an increased activity of dorsal anterior cingulate cortex as a common neurological signature of the DS.

Conclusion

The common neural feature of the DS captures an implicit appraisal of emotion‐eliciting stimuli as threatening and/or noxious for mental and physical integrity of the individual together with painful subjective experiences associated with physiological emotional reactions. Specific brain responses across the DS suggested the engagement in different mechanisms to address emotional stimuli, including implicit avoidance reactions and attempts to overcontrol of affective states together with a disruption of integrative processes of emotional mind–body features.
Barriers to COVID‐19 contact tracing: View from frontline healthcare students in Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Phuong Anh , Tran Ngoc Tran , Nguyen Thi Hoa Huyen , Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong
Published: March 2023

In the context of the complicated continuous waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Vietnam, contact tracing, along with social distancing and lock‐down, proved its crucial role in the suppression of epidemic spreading and management. With the high demand for responsiveness, healthcare students were constantly involved in the process, and challenges have emerged along the way. This study aims to identify the barriers faced by healthcare students while performing the contact tracing task at the frontline of the pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted in July 2021 in a health center in Binh Duong province, Vietnam. A total of 20 healthcare students were invited through random recruitment of participants and interviewed until the principle of saturation was reached. Three main barriers were identified including ineffective work management of local managers, lack of capability of human resources and facilities, and uncooperative attitude of local residents. Given the existing barriers, cooperative, innovative strategies, shared data systems, and timely public awareness campaigns, especially among primary health centers of the healthcare system, are imperative to reduce the workload and optimize the efficacy of healthcare students' support.
National data linkage assessment of live births and deaths in Mexico: Estimating under‐five mortality rate ratios for vulnerable newborns and trends from 2008 to 2019
Authors: Suárez‐Idueta Lorena , Pita Robespierre , Blencowe Hannah , Barranco Arturo , Gonzalez Jesus F. , Paixao Enny S. , Barreto Mauricio L. , Lawn Joy E. , Ohuma Eric O.
Published: March 2023

Background

Linked datasets that enable longitudinal assessments are scarce in low and middle‐income countries.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the linkage of administrative databases of live births and under‐five child deaths to explore mortality and trends for preterm, small (SGA) and large for gestational age (LGA) in Mexico.

Methods

We linked individual‐level datasets collected by National statistics from 2008 to 2019. Linkage was performed based on agreement on birthday, sex, residential address. We used the Centre for Data and Knowledge Integration for Health software to identify the best candidate pairs based on similarity. Accuracy was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We evaluated completeness by comparing the number of linked records with reported deaths. We described the percentage of linked records by baseline characteristics to identify potential bias. Using the linked dataset, we calculated mortality rate ratios (RR) in neonatal, infants, and children under‐five according to gestational age, birthweight, and size.

Results

For the period 2008–2019, a total of 24,955,172 live births and 321,165 under‐five deaths were available for linkage. We excluded 1,539,046 records (6.2%) with missing or implausible values. We succesfully linked 231,765 deaths (72.2%: range 57.1% in 2009 and 84.3% in 2011). The rate of neonatal mortality was higher for preterm compared with term (RR 3.83, 95% confidence interval, [CI] 3.78, 3.88) and for SGA compared with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (RR 1.22 95% CI, 1.19, 1.24). Births at <28 weeks had the highest mortality (RR 35.92, 95% CI, 34.97, 36.88). LGA had no additional risk vs AGA among children under five (RR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.90, 0.93).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the utility of linked data to understand neonatal vulnerability and child mortality. We created a linked dataset that would be a valuable resource for future population‐based research.
The ebb and flow of capital in Indonesian coastal production systems
Authors: Rahmat Yunie N. , Neilson Jeff
Published: March 2023

The global fisheries sector has undergone both rapid industrialization and considerable resource depletion. Unlike fisheries in the Northern Hemisphere, the Indonesian (and indeed Southeast Asian) sector is still largely dominated by small‐scale producers, who are partially embedded within a subsistence economy. Changes in the nature of production and livelihoods in the fisheries sector appear similar to those in land‐based agriculture but have received far less attention in the literature and demand further analysis given the distinct characteristics of the natural resource base. Using national datasets complemented by insights from a two‐month period of fieldwork in South Sulawesi, this paper presents the process of capital intensification underpinning national fisheries growth and how it is transforming small‐scale production systems. Despite increasing market integration, we found that smallholders have persisted across coastal production systems to an even stronger degree than land‐based agriculture. We suggest some reasons why this is so. However, we also observed evidence of internal class differentiation within coastal communities. Such differentiation, combined with resource degradation and depletion, exposes the poorest in the community to enhanced livelihood vulnerability.
“Like with like” or “do like?” Modeling peer effects in the classroom
Authors: Pratschke Jonathan , Abbiati Giovanni
Published: March 2023

Objective

The authors discuss the role of peer networks in shaping the decision to enroll at university. Using panel data from Italy, they apply innovative statistical methods to study a sample of students as they complete high school and decide whether or not to attend university.

Methods

The authors use simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) models to analyze a four‐wave panel database of Italian students. They explore the role of endogenous, exogenous, and correlated peer effects in relation to the decision about whether or not to enroll at university.

Results

The findings suggest that endogenous peer effects exert a significant influence on the probability of enrolling after controlling for homophilous preferences and a range of variables. Exogenous peer effects do not appear to influence this outcome. Sensitivity tests suggest that the results of the estimation are robust to selection.

Conclusions

This article contributes to an emerging body of literature on the use of SAR models to study peer effects, illustrating its considerable potential in the study of educational outcomes.
Light mode and dark mode: Which one is suitable when using public‐facing web maps? An experimental evaluation using eye‐tracking
Authors: Qiao Lige , Wu Mingguang
Published: March 2023

Dark maps, which are also called dark modes or dark themes, have gained popularity, but their usability has not been experimentally evaluated. This article presents a user experiment that uses eye‐tracking to assess the usability of dark and light maps. Here, two widely used web maps, Google Maps and Gaode Maps, are selected at the street and city scales. Eight map‐use tasks are designed and cover four operations (identify, compare, rank, and associate) with space‐alone and attributes‐in‐space distinctions. Four pairs of map‐use tasks (light‐during‐the‐day, dark‐during‐the‐day, dark‐at‐night, and light‐at‐night) are examined from three aspects: effectiveness, efficiency, and cognitive load. The results provide preliminary evidence that the light‐during‐the‐day performance is generally the best in most cases, followed by the dark‐at‐night performance; the dark‐during‐the‐day performance is the worst in all cases, followed by the light‐at‐night performance, which suggests that aligning the map design with the environment (i.e., lighting environment) is critical for better communication. The light‐during‐the‐day performance is the best for space‐alone tasks, and the dark‐at‐night performance is the best for attributes‐in‐space tasks. Our investigation also indicates that dark maps are far less favored in practice, which suggests that users' preference for using the dark mode of public‐facing web maps needs to be shaped. Since light and dark maps are associated with photopic and scotopic vision, respectively, the results indicate the need for future studies on how to leverage scotopic vision to design better dark maps.
Differentiated service delivery for HIV treatment models in Thailand: A cross‐sectional assessment of real‐world implementation and uptake
Authors: Lujintanon Sita , Amatavete Sorawit , Photisan Nuttawoot , Suriwong Sujittra , Noopetch Preudtipong , Shanthachol Teerarat , Leenasirimakul Prattana , Meechure Jantana , Sangtong Supakarn , Sittikarn Satayu , Phoopisutthisak Poonnanat , Avery Matthew , Mills Stephen , Phanuphak Nittaya , Ramautarsing Reshmie A.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

First, to describe the antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models available in Thailand to understand differentiated service delivery for further service system optimization and expansion of best practices; second, to determine the client characteristics associated with model uptake.

Methods

Across‐sectional assessment using secondary data was conducted to describe ART models implemented as routine services at four public hospitals in three major provinces with a high‐HIV burden in Thailand. From April to October 2020, ART clients were screened consecutively according to the inclusion criteria: Thai, aged ≥18 years, and on ART for ≥6 months. HIV treatment models were categorised based on the service type, location, provider, and frequency. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors.

Results

Seven individual ART delivery models were identified: four were facility‐based and three were out‐of‐facility. No group models were identified. Of 3,366 records of ART clients reviewed, 3,213 (95.5%) met the study criteria and received ART through the following models: conventional (32.6%), nurse‐led clinical consultation (10.0%), fast‐track refill (29.0%), after‐hours clinic (10.6%), pharmacist‐led pickup center (3.6%), key population‐led community‐based organisation (2.7%), and mailing (11.5%). Age, population, duration on ART, and viral load were associated with the uptake of certain alternative service models when compared to the conventional model.

Conclusions

Among the variety of ART delivery approaches available in Thailand, facility‐based models remain the most prevalent. Future work should investigate the role of client preference and choice in choosing service models and service utilisation patterns over time, and assess the acceptability and effectiveness of these models
Effect of glycerin on immediate cutaneous reactions of histamine (positive) and phosphate‐buffered saline (negative) controls in intradermal skin testing of healthy dogs: A randomised, blinded study
Authors: Banovic Frane , Vargo Cheryl , Denley Tara
Published: March 2023

Background

Glycerinated allergen extracts contain 50% glycerin, an excellent preservative. While glycerin is a recognised irritant in humans, the utility of glycerinated extracts for intradermal testing has not been validated in dogs.

Hypothesis/objective

To determine and compare the effects of glycerin on immediate cutaneous reactions to intradermal injections of histamine and saline in healthy dogs.

Animals

Eight healthy laboratory beagles.

Materials and methods

The study was designed as a randomised, blinded study. Intradermal injections of histamine (positive control) and saline (negative control) in aqueous and glycerinated (50%) forms were performed on the right thorax. Global wheal scores (GWS) at 20 min were evaluated by two independent investigators blinded to the interventions.

Results

There were no wheal and flare reactions observed after the intradermal injections of phenolated saline. By contrast, 50% glycerosaline injections induced erythema and induration in all dogs. Global wheal scores were significantly higher in aqueous histamine (Friedman test, p < 0.0001) and 50% glycerinated histamine (Friedman test, p = 0.0084) compared to phenolated saline controls. Interestingly, only aqueous histamine (Friedman test, p = 0.01) had significantly higher GWS than 50% glycerosaline injections, while no significant difference in GWS between 50% glycerinated histamine and 50% glycerosaline groups was observed (Friedman test, p = 0.59).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

This study demonstrates that intradermal injection of 50% glycerosaline induces erythema and induration skin reactions in healthy dogs that can mimic positive reactions to allergenic extracts. Further dilutions of glycerinated positive and negative control solutions need to be optimised for intradermal testing in dogs.
Accuracy of a 3‐dimensionally printed custom endoscopy port for minimally invasive ventral slot decompression in dogs: A cadaveric study
Authors: Kang Jinsu , Lee Seungeon , Heo Suyoung , Kim Namsoo
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of a 3‐dimensionally (3D)‐printed custom endoscopy port (3DEP) for minimally invasive cervical ventral slot decompression.

Study design

Cadaveric study.

Animals

Fifteen cadavers of dogs weighing between 3.1 and 34.4 kg.

Methods

Minimally invasive cervical ventral slots were created using a 3DEP and an endoscopic system at the C3‐C4 intervertebral disc space in each dog by 1 experienced and 1 inexperienced surgeon. Postoperative computed tomography was performed to compare the planned and postoperative screw trajectories (angle, entry point, exit point, and length of the screw entering the spinal canal) and quantify slot formation dimensions.

Results

Thirty screws were inserted in 30 vertebral bodies. Mean screw angle deviation was less than 2.5°, entry and exit point deviation was less than 1.6 mm, and length of the screw entering the spinal canal was less than 0.6 mm. No differences were identified between the experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Ventral slot length ratio was 30.15 ± 1.86 for the experienced surgeon and 29.38 ± 1.61 for the inexperienced surgeon (p = .372). The mean ventral slot width ratio was 45.60 ± 1.80 for the experienced surgeon and 47.20 ± 1.54 for the inexperienced surgeon (p = .261).

Conclusion

Screw positioning and creation of ventral slots were accurately performed using the 3DEP by both inexperienced and experienced surgeons.

Clinical significance

The use of a 3DEP for minimally invasive cervical ventral slot decompression may be an alternative to the conventional ventral slot in dogs. Additional studies are needed to evaluate efficacy and safety.
Remote Sensing Data to Support Integrated Decision Making in Cultural and Natural Heritage Management. Impasses and opportunities for collaboration in agricultural areas
Authors:   University of Glasgow, Opitz Rachel , Baldwin Eamonn , De Smedt Philippe , Verhegge Jeroen , Campana Stefano , Mayoral Herrera Victorino , Powlesland Dominic , Vieri Marco , Perna Carolina , Sarri Daniele
Published: March 2023

Remote and near surface sensing data are widely used in archaeology and heritage management for feature discovery, change detection and monitoring, as an input to predictive modelling, and in the planning process. While global and regional datasets are widely used for some purposes, data are regularly acquired specifically for archaeological projects because of the very high spatial resolution required for feature detection and assessments of archaeological significance and the need for data on subsurface features. The sensing data collected for archaeology cover limited areas and only a few types of sensors, known to produce data efficiently, are regularly employed. Precision agriculture is beginning to produce large quantities of varied sensing data across extensive landscape areas. This situation creates an opportunity to adapt and reuse precision agricultural data for archaeology and heritage work, extending covering and enhancing our understanding of archaeology in contemporary agricultural landscapes. Equally, there is potential for coordinated data collection, collecting data once for multiple applications, and to add value through analyses which bring together perspectives from multiple related domains to model long-term processes in anthropogenic soil systems. This article provides a high-level overview of policy and technological developments which create the potential for sensing data reuse, coordinated data collection, and collaborative analyses across archaeological, agricultural, and agri-environmental applications while underscoring the structural barriers which, at present, constrain this potential. It highlights examples where the development of interoperable data and workflows can promote tighter integration of archaeology and cultural heritage management with sustainable agricultural land management and support integrated decision making.
Exercise Parameters for Postconcussion Symptom Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jaganathan Kannan Singaravelu , Sullivan Karen A. , Kinmond Sally , Berndt Sara , Street Steve , Haden Catherine , Greenslade Jaimi , McMahon Katie , Mitchell Gary , Kerr Graham
Published: March 2023

Context: Exercise rehabilitation for postconcussion symptoms (PCS) has shown some benefits in adolescent athletes; but a synthesis of evidence on exercise per se has been lacking. Objective: This systematic review aimed to determine if unimodal exercise interventions are useful to treat PCS and if so, to identify a set of clearly defined and effective exercise parameters for further research. Evidence Acquisition: Relevant health databases and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to June 2022. The searches used a combination of subject headings and keywords related to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), PCSs, and exercise. Two independent reviewers screened and appraised the literature. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias-2 tool for randomized controlled trials was used to assess methodological quality of studies. Evidence Synthesis: Seven studies were included in the review. Four studies were assessed to have a low overall risk of bias, 2 with low risk and 1 with some concerns. Participants in the studies comprised mostly adolescents with sports-related concussion. The review found exercise to be more beneficial than control conditions in 2 studies investigating acute PCS and 2 studies investigating persistent PCS. Within-group differences showing symptom improvement over time were observed in all 7 studies. In general, the review found support for programmatic exercise that commences after an initial period of rest for 24 to 48 hours. Recommendations for exercise parameters that can be explored in subsequent research include progressive aerobic exercise starting from 10 to 15 minutes at least 4 times a week, at a starting intensity of 50% HR of the subsymptom threshold, with length of program depending on recovery. Conclusion: The evidence in support of exercise rehabilitation for PCSs is moderate based on the small pool of eligible studies. Further research can be guided by the exercise parameters identified in this review.
Rift Valley Fever Virus Nucleoprotein Triggers Autophagy to Dampen Antiviral Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Zhu Xiangtao , Guan Zihan , Fang Yujie , Zhang Yulan , Guan Zhenqiong , Li Shufen , Peng Ke
Published: March 2023

We showed that RVFV infection induced the complete autophagy process. Depletion of the core autophagy genes
ATG5
,
ATG7
, or
SQSTM1
or pharmacologic inhibition of autophagy in macrophages strongly suppressed RVFV replication.
Functional and Taxonomic Diversity of Anaerobes in Supraglacial Microbial Communities
Authors: Pittino Francesca , Zawierucha Krzysztof , Poniecka Ewa , Buda Jakub , Rosatelli Asia , Zordan Simone , Azzoni Roberto S. , Diolaiuti Guglielmina , Ambrosini Roberto , Franzetti Andrea
Published: March 2023

Recent evidence disclosed the presence of a potential niche for anaerobic microorganisms and anaerobic processes in supraglacial sediments (cryoconite), but a detailed description of the structure and functions of the anaerobic population is still lacking. This work used rRNA and mRNA sequencing and demonstrated that anaerobes are very active in these environments and represent a relevant albeit neglected part of the ecosystem functions in these environments.
Mitofusin 1-Mediated Redistribution of Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling Protein Promotes Type 1 Interferon Response in Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Huang Kaizhao , Pei Shunjie , Sun Yi , Xu Xi , Fang Yangyang , Lai Meimei , Xiang Guangxin , Xu Feng , Zheng Xiaoqun
Published: March 2023

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is ubiquitous and is often asymptomatic in healthy individuals, but it can cause great damage to newborns, AIDS patients, and other immune deficiency patients. In this study, we found that HCMV infection caused mitochondrial fusion, and expression of mitofusin 1 (MFN1), which is a protein associated with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), positively regulates mitochondrial fusion and HCMV-induced IFN1 response.
Fungal Hyphosphere Microbiomes Are Distinct from Surrounding Substrates and Show Consistent Association Patterns
Authors: Nguyen Nhu H.
Published: March 2023

Fungi and bacteria are the most abundant and diverse organisms in soils (perhaps more so than any other habitat on earth), and together these microorganisms contribute to broad soil ecosystem processes. There is a suite of bacteria that appears consistently within the physical space called the hyphosphere, the area of influence surrounding fungal hyphae.
Phytoplankton and Microzooplankton Community Structure and Assembly Mechanisms in Northwestern Pacific Ocean Estuaries with Environmental Heterogeneity and Geographic Segregation
Authors: Sun Yi , Li Hongjun , Wang Xiaocheng , Jin Yuan , Nagai Satoshi , Lin Senjie
Published: March 2023

Understanding the underlying mechanisms shaping a metacommunity is useful to management for improving the ecosystem function. The research presented in the manuscript mainly tried to address the effects of habitat geography and environmental conditions on the phytoplankton and microzooplankton communities, and the underlying mechanisms of community assembly in temperate estuaries.
Paleomagnetism and geochronology of Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks in the eastern segment of the Lhasa terrane, Tibetan Plateau, and their tectonic implications
Authors: Cao Yong , Sun Zhiming , Li Haibing , Yang Zhenyu , Pei Junling , Ye Xiaozhou , Cao Xinwen , Wu Bailing , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2023

Paleogeographic reconstructions of the Lhasa terrane for the Cretaceous provide important constraints on the evolution of the Neo-Tethys Ocean and crustal shortening within Asia. However, the Cretaceous paleogeography of the Lhasa terrane remains contentious. A direct way to study this issue is to conduct paleomagnetic investigations of the Cretaceous rocks of the Lhasa terrane; however, most previous Cretaceous paleomagnetic investigations of the Lhasa terrane were conducted in the middle and western segments of this terrane. Different vertical-axis rotations affected different parts of the Lhasa terrane following the India-Asia collision, and therefore paleomagnetic data from the western and middle segments of the Lhasa terrane cannot necessarily be used to directly constrain the paleolatitudes of its eastern segment. This study presents paleomagnetic data from the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks with well-constrained ages from the Luolong area in the eastern segment of the Lhasa terrane. Isotope geochronology reveals that these rocks formed at 127−124 Ma. The mean high-temperature direction obtained from 17 paleomagnetic sites is declination/inclination (Ds/Is) = 21.8°/19.0° with κs = 65.8 and α95 = 4.4° (κ—best estimate of the precision parameter; α95—radius of the 95% probability ellipse around the mean direction; s—stratigraphic coordinates). Petrographic investigations, a positive fold test, a reversal test, and a paleosecular variation test indicate the primary origin of this characteristic remanence. A paleomagnetic pole of 60.9°N, 227.2°E with dp/dm = 2.4°/4.6° (dp/dm—semi-axes of the 95% probability ellipse around the mean pole) yields a paleolatitude of 9.2 ± 2.4°N for the eastern segment of the Lhasa terrane. Combined with reliable results from previous paleomagnetic studies, we draw the following conclusions. (1) During the Early Cretaceous, the Lhasa terrane was oriented WNW-ESE as a whole, and the eastern-middle segments may have been oriented nearly E-W. (2) Asia has accommodated 2050 ± 230 km of N-S crustal shortening along 96°E longitude since the Early Cretaceous. (3) The minimum N-S width of the Neo-Tethys Ocean at ca. 125 Ma was 4185 ± 300 km.
Students’ and staffs’ views and experiences of asymptomatic testing on a university campus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland: a mixed methods study
Authors: Bauld Linda , Street Alice , Connelly Roxanne , Bevan Imogen , Morlet Corti Yazmin , Baxter Mats Stage , Stagg Helen R , Christison Sarah , Mulherin Tamara , Sinclair Lesley , Aitman Tim
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To explore the acceptability of regular asymptomatic testing for SARS-CoV-2 on a university campus using saliva sampling for PCR analysis and the barriers and facilitators to participation.

Design

Cross-sectional surveys and qualitative semistructured interviews.

Setting

Edinburgh, Scotland.

Participants

University staff and students who had registered for the testing programme (TestEd) and provided at least one sample.

Results

522 participants completed a pilot survey in April 2021 and 1750 completed the main survey (November 2021). 48 staff and students who consented to be contacted for interview took part in the qualitative research. Participants were positive about their experience with TestEd with 94% describing it as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. Facilitators to participation included multiple testing sites on campus, ease of providing saliva samples compared with nasopharyngeal swabs, perceived accuracy compared with lateral flow devices (LFDs) and reassurance of test availability while working or studying on campus. Barriers included concerns about privacy while testing, time to and methods of receiving results compared with LFDs and concerns about insufficient uptake in the university community. There was little evidence that the availability of testing on campus changed the behaviour of participants during a period when COVID-19 restrictions were in place.

Conclusions

The provision of free asymptomatic testing for COVID-19 on a university campus was welcomed by participants and the use of saliva-based PCR testing was regarded as more comfortable and accurate than LFDs. Convenience is a key facilitator of participation in regular asymptomatic testing programmes. Availability of testing did not appear to undermine engagement with public health guidelines.
Patient perspectives on indwelling urinary catheters and fluid balances after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery: a qualitative study
Authors: Nollen Jeanne-Marie , Brunsveld-Reinders Anja H , Peul Wilco C , van Furth Wouter R
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To explore the perceptions and experiences of patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary gland and (para)sellar tumour surgery regarding indwelling urinary catheters (IDUCs) and the postoperative fluid balance.

Design

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews based on the attitudes, social influence and self-efficacy model and expert knowledge.

Participants

Twelve patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary gland tumour surgery and received an IDUC during or after surgery.

Setting

One patient was interviewed in the endocrinology outpatient clinic and 11 patients were interviewed on the neurosurgery ward.

Results

Five major themes emerged: (1) conflicting information and preoperative expectations, (2) IDUCs perceived as patient-friendly during bedrest, particularly for women, (3) little room for patients’ opinions, (4) physical and emotional limitations and (5) fluid balance causes confusion. Information regarding IDUC placement and fluid balance given to patients both preoperatively and postoperatively did not meet their expectations, which led to confusion and uncertainty. The IDUC was perceived as preferable if bedrest was mandatory, preferred particularly by women. Patient could not mobilise freely due to the IDUC and felt ashamed, judged by others and dependent on nurses.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the challenges patients experience in relation to the IDUC and fluid balance. Perceptions on the necessity of an IDUC varied among patients and were influenced by both physical and emotional impediments. A clear, frequent and daily communication between healthcare professionals and patients to evaluate IDUC and fluid balance use is necessary to increase patient satisfaction.
COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers: an achievable quality improvement target
Authors: Weinerman Adina S , Chirila Alexandra , Hales Brigette , Townsend Christopher , Tomiczek Nicholas , Williams Victoria R , Leis Jerome A
Published: March 2023

There is a need to optimize SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates amongst healthcare workers (HCWs) to protect staff and patients from healthcare-associated COVID-19 infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations implemented vaccine mandates for HCWs. Whether or not a traditional quality improvement approach can achieve high-rates of COVID-19 vaccination is not known. Our organization undertook iterative changes that focused on the barriers to vaccine uptake. These barriers were identified through huddles, and addressed through extensive peer outreach, with a focus on access and issues related to equity, diversity and inclusion. The outreach interventions were informed by real-time data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in our organization. The vaccine rate reached 92.3% by 6 December 2021 with minimal differences in vaccine uptake by professional role, clinical department, facility or whether the staff had a patient facing role. Improving vaccine uptake should be a quality improvement target in healthcare organizations and our experience shows that high vaccine rates are achievable through concerted efforts targeting specific barriers to vaccine confidence.
Developing a quality improvement project to tackle the desflurane problem
Authors: Ang King Sin , Low Zhao Kai , Ng Bryan Su Wei , Poh Pei Kee
Published: March 2023

Anaesthesia is associated with the routine use of volatile anaesthetic agents, all of which are potent greenhouse gases in varying degrees. Desflurane, in particular, has a high global warming potential and in recent years, there has been a global movement to reduce or remove its usage entirely from operating theatres. We work in a large tertiary teaching hospital in Singapore with deeply entrenched practices of using desflurane to facilitate high turnover of operating theatre cases. We launched a quality improvement project to (1) reduce the median usage of desflurane by 50% (by volume), and (2) reduce the number of theatre cases administering desflurane by 50% over a period of 6 months.

We collected baseline data to determine departmental monthly median usage of desflurane. We then deployed sequential quality improvement methods to educate staff and to eliminate misconceptions, as well as to promote a gradual cultural change.

We successfully reduced monthly median desflurane usage from 31.5 L to 12.2 L per month (61.3% reduction) within our targeted time frame. We also achieved a reduction in the number of theatre cases using desflurane by approximately 80%. This translated to significant cost savings of US$195 000 per year and over 840 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents saved.

Healthcare is a resource intensive industry. Anaesthetists are well placed to play an important role in reducing healthcare-related carbon emissions by choosing anaesthetic techniques and resources responsibly. Through multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and a persistent, multifaceted campaign, we achieved a sustained change in our institution.
Abstracts from international emergency medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: March 2023

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
BHLHE22 drives the immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment and associated bone metastasis in prostate cancer
Authors: Yin Chi , Wang Min , Wang Yingzhao , Lin Qijun , Lin Kaiyuan , Du Hong , Lang Chuandong , Dai Yuhu , Peng Xinsheng
Published: March 2023

Background

The molecular characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) cells and the immunosuppressive bone tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the limitations of immune checkpoint therapy (ICT). Identifying subgroups of patients with PCa for ICT remains a challenge. Herein, we report that basic helix-loop-helix family member e22 (BHLHE22) is upregulated in bone metastatic PCa and drives an immunosuppressive bone TME.

Methods

In this study, the function of BHLHE22 in PCa bone metastases was clarified. We performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of primary and bone metastatic PCa samples, and assessed the ability to promote bone metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Then, the role of BHLHE22 in bone TME was determined by immunofluorescence (IF), flow cytometry, and bioinformatic analyses. RNA sequencing, cytokine array, western blotting, IF, IHC, and flow cytometry were used to identify the key mediators. Subsequently, the role of BHLHE22 in gene regulation was confirmed using luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, DNA pulldown, co-immunoprecipitation, and animal experiments. Xenograft bone metastasis mouse models were used to assess whether the strategy of immunosuppressive neutrophils and monocytes neutralization by targeting protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5)/colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) could improve the efficacy of ICT. Animals were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Moreover, we performed IHC and correlation analyses to identify whether BHLHE22 could act as a potential biomarker for ICT combination therapies in bone metastatic PCa.

Results

Tumorous BHLHE22 mediates the high expression of CSF2, resulting in the infiltration of immunosuppressive neutrophils and monocytes and a prolonged immunocompromised T-cell status. Mechanistically, BHLHE22 binds to theCSF2promoter and recruits PRMT5, forming a transcriptional complex. PRMT5 epigenetically activatesCSF2expression. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, ICT resistance of Bhlhe22+tumors could be overcome by inhibition of Csf2 and Prmt5.

Conclusions

These results reveal the immunosuppressive mechanism of tumorous BHLHE22 and provide a potential ICT combination therapy for patients with BHLHE22+PCa.
One-year rehospitalisation and mortality after acute heart failure hospitalisation: a competing risk analysis
Authors: Marques Irene , Mendonça Denisa , Teixeira Laetitia
Published: March 2023

Objective

To identify factors that independently predict the risk of rehospitalisation and death after acute heart failure (AHF) hospital discharge in a real-world setting, considering death without rehospitalisation as a competing event.

Methods

Single-centre, retrospective, observational study enrolling 394 patients discharged from an index AHF hospitalisation. Overall survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models. For the risk of rehospitalisation, survival analysis considering competing risks was performed: rehospitalisation was the event of interest, and death without rehospitalisation was the competing event.

Results

During the first year after discharge, 131 (33.3%) patients were rehospitalised for AHF and 67 (17.0%) died without being readmitted; the remaining 196 patients (49.7%) lived without further hospitalisations. The 1-year overall survival estimate was 0.71 (SE=0.02). After adjusting for gender, age and left ventricle ejection fraction, the results showed that the risk of death was higher in patients with dementia, higher levels of plasma creatinine (PCr), lower levels of platelet distribution width (PDW) and at Q4 of red cell distribution width (RDW). Multivariable models showed that the risk of rehospitalisation was increased in patients with atrial fibrillation, higher PCr or taking beta-blockers at discharge. Furthermore, the risk of death without AHF rehospitalisation was higher in males, those aged ≥80 years, patients with dementia or RDW at Q4 on admission (compared with Q1). Taking beta-blockers at discharge and having a higher PDW on admission reduced the risk of death without rehospitalisation.

Conclusion

When assessing rehospitalisation as a study endpoint, death without rehospitalisation should be considered a competing event in the analyses. Data from this study reveal that patients with atrial fibrillation, renal dysfunction or taking beta-blockers are more likely to be rehospitalised for AHF, while older men with dementia or high RDW are more prone to die without hospital readmission.
A critique on some aspects of GUP effective metric
Authors: Ong Yen Chin
Published: March 2023

The generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) is a gravitational correction of Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which allows us to probe some features of quantum gravity even without the full theory. We are used to working with metric tensors in general relativity; they are convenient to have available when we wish to calculate physical quantities like Hawking temperature and black hole shadow. Various authors have tried to incorporate GUP into an effective metric that allows such calculations. In this note, I point out that some of these results are not correct due to working with series truncation rather than the full GUP-corrected expressions. Perhaps more importantly, we rely too much on heuristic arguments and lack a guiding principle in constructing the correct effective metric.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND AMBIDEXTERITY: A LITERATURE REVIEW ON EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION ACTIVITIES IN COMPANIES’ DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Authors: HOESSLER S. , CARBON C. C.
Published: March 2023

One major challenge in the industries is digital transformation. Ambidexterity, the ability to optimise the existing and innovate new business concepts, is widely accepted as a critical concept of sustainable success. We conducted a literature review (period from 2010 to 2021) on what differential aspects of exploration and exploitation are needed to lead a digital transformation. With the help of a structured selection process, we identified 94 relevant papers. Our findings show that all reviewed articles on digital transformation contain aspects of exploration and exploitation, often without deep specifications. We reveal that structural ambidexterity, leadership, and collaboration are the focus areas related to ambidexterity in digital transformation. Digital transformations fail by not achieving the intended innovation outcome resulting from inadequate key performance indicators and focussing on short-term profitability. Our findings provide first insights but need additional empirical research for validation and more detailed knowledge on ambidexterity in digital transformation.
Environmental Sustainability and Digital Transformation of Socio-Economic: Quality of Life Perspective
Authors: Barykin Sergey Evgenievich , Sergeev Sergey Mikhailovich , Kapustina Irina Vasilievna , Fedotov Alexander Anatolyevich , Matchinov Vitaly Anatolievich , Plaza Elena De La Poza , Mottaeva Angela Bahauovna , Sharkova Antonina Vasilievna , Borisova Anzhelika Yurievna , Karmanova Anna Evgenievna
Published: March 2023

Technological singularity has seriously affected all the social, environmental, and economic genesis factors in mankind’s history. The problem of assessing the quality of life in the digital economy is acquiring new nuances including social services. The objective of this study is to investigate unique impacts of digital transformation on economic, environment, and social progresses on the quality of life improvement in China. Environmental statistical data on the impact of investments in social, state, and other spheres of economic activity are analysed at the machine learning level. Application of high-performance computing (HPC) and big data technologies for obtaining data on socio-economic statistics in real-time, the presence of feedback in the Web 4.0 concept, transfer of a significant part of economic processes to internet platforms provide the information necessary for analysis. As a result, a basis is proposed for implementing software products in the form of institutional decision-making support systems for a long horizon of planning investments in the quality of life.