bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide screening for selection signatures in native and cosmopolitan cattle breeds reared in Türkiye
Authors: Demir Eymen , Moravčíková Nina , Kaya Sarp , Kasarda Radovan , Bilginer Ümit , Doğru Huriye , Balcıoğlu Murat Soner , Karslı Taki
Published: October 2023

Via long‐term natural and artificial selection pressure, homozygosity may extend across the genome, leaving genomic patterns called selection signatures. This study is the first attempt to assess genome‐wide selection signatures in six native Turkish and two cosmopolitan cattle breeds by 211.119 bi‐allelic SNPs recovered using the double digest restriction associated DNA sequencing method. The integrated haplotype score (iHS) statistic was utilised to reveal selection signatures within populations, whereas the cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP‐EHH) and fixation index (FST) approaches were preferred to reveal differently fixed genomic regions between native Turkish and cosmopolitan cattle breeds. Selection signatures in 142 genomic regions containing 305 genes were detected within eight cattle breeds by iHS statistics. The XP‐EHH and FST approaches revealed that 197 and 114 SNPs were under selection pressure, respectively, which overlapped with 144 and 190 genes, respectively. A total of 18 genes were detected by at least two approaches. Six genes related to disease resistance (TTP2), meat yield (DIAPH3 and METTL21C), meat quality (ZNF24 and ZNF397) and first calving interval (ZSCAN30) turned out to be differently fixed between native Turkish and cosmopolitan cattle breeds, as they were identified by both XP‐EHH and FST approaches. In addition, the iHS approach revealed that eight genes associated with visual modality (LSGN), olfaction (MOXD2, OR4C1F and OR4C1F), and immune response (TRBV3‐1 and CLDN10) were under selection pressure in both native and cosmopolitan cattle breeds. Owing to their being significantly related to survival traits, these regions may have played a key role in cattle genome evolution. Future studies utilising denser genetic data are required to obtain deeper knowledge on effects of natural and artificial selection in Anatolian cattle breeds. © 2023 Stichting International Foundation for Animal Genetics.
Organ blood flow assessment with the ModulHeart cardiorenal support device
Authors: Georges Gabriel , Trudeau François , Potvin Jeannot , Burkhoff Daniel , Généreux Philippe
Published: October 2023

Background

ModulHeart (Puzzle Medical Devices Inc) is a novel percutaneous flow entrainment pump anchored in the descending aorta. The current study evaluates the hemodynamic effect of ModulHeart support and its impact on cerebral, myocardial, and renal blood flow.

Methods

ModulHeart was implanted in the descending aorta of four healthy calves. A ramp protocol (2000 RPM increments) was performed with the pump operating at five different speeds from 14 000 to 22 000 RPM. For each speed, pressures proximal and distal to the pump, and right heart catheterization measurements were recorded. Stable‐isotope labeled microspheres were injected in the left ventricle to evaluate organ perfusion.

Results

Thermodilution cardiac output increased by 23% at 22 000 RPM. Greater pump speeds resulted in greater pump gradients, up to 10 mm Hg in mean arterial pressure at 22 000 RPM, without significant reduction of proximal perfusion pressures. Arterial pulse pressure remained stable at all speeds. ModulHeart was not associated with a reduction in cerebral or myocardial blood flow at any speed. Renal cortical and medullary blood flow increased by up to 50% and 40%, respectively.

Conclusion

The ModulHeart device implanted in the descending aorta of healthy calves resulted in significant arterial pressure gradients and preserved pulse pressure. Greater pump speeds translated into greater increases in renal blood flow, with no decrease in cerebral or myocardial perfusion.
Making salient ethics arguments about vaccine mandates: A California case study
Authors: Navin Mark C. , Attwell Katie
Published: October 2023

Vaccine mandates can take many forms, and different kinds of mandates can implicate an array of values in diverse ways. It follows that good ethics arguments about particular vaccine mandates will attend to the details of individual policies. Furthermore, attention to particular mandate policies—and to attributes of the communities they aim to govern—can also illuminate which ethics arguments may be more salient in particular contexts. If ethicists want their arguments to make a difference in policy, they should attend to these kinds of empirical considerations. This paper focuses on the most common and contentious vaccine mandate reform in the contemporary United States: the elimination of nonmedical exemptions (NMEs) to school and daycare vaccine mandates. It highlights, in particular, debates about California's Senate Bill 277 (SB277), which was the first successful recent effort to eliminate NMEs in that country. We use media, secondary sources, and original interviews with policymakers and activists to identify and evaluate three ethics arguments offered by critics of SB277: parental freedom, informed consent, and children's rights to care and education. We then turn to one ethics argument often offered by advocates of SB277: harm prevention. We note, however, that three arguments for mandates that are common in the immunization ethics literature—fairness/free‐riding, children's rights to vaccination, and utilitarianism—did not play a role in debates about SB277.
Opt‐out, mandated choice and informed consent
Authors: Saunders Ben
Published: October 2023

A number of authors criticise opt‐out (or ‘deemed consent’) systems for failing to secure valid consent to organ donation. Further, several suggest that mandated choice offers a more ethical alternative. This article responds to criticisms that opt‐out does not secure informed consent. If we assume current (low) levels of public awareness, then the explicit consent secured under mandated choice will not be informed either. Conversely, a mandated choice policy might be justifiable if accompanied by a significant public education campaign. However, if this entitles us to assume that members of the public are informed, then an opt‐out system would also be justified in the same circumstances. The alleged advantages of mandated choice seem to rest on an unfair comparison, between mandated choice with a public education campaign and an opt‐out system without one. While it may be that some countries with opt‐out systems should do more to inform their publics, I see no reason to assume that this cannot be done. Indeed, advocates of mandated choice seem committed to thinking it possible to raise awareness. If opt‐out systems adopt the same methods, such as writing to every individual, this should also address concerns about whether consent is informed.
Severity and deservedness determine signalled trustworthiness in third party punishment
Authors: Salcedo Juan C. , Jimenez‐Leal William
Published: October 2023

Studies on third‐party punishment (TPP) have shown it promotes cooperation and prosocial behaviour, albeit at a cost to the punisher. Contrary to the view that such punishment is entirely altruistic, recent research suggests that punishers gain reputational benefits from third‐party punishing in the form of increased trustworthiness. Nevertheless, both how the signal is determined and the honesty of the signalling function of TPP have not been fully examined. Here we present the results of four experiments (n = 1695, prolific.co) in which we examined how TPP signalling varies as a function of its deservedness and severity. Experiments 1A and 1B use incentivized economic game paradigms to show how deservedness, impacts the trustworthiness signalled by the punisher. Experiment 2A expands on traditional dichotomous punishment decisions to show how signalled trustworthiness depends on different levels of TPP severity. Experiment 2B isolates the signalling effectiveness of severity by decoupling it from the corresponding incurred cost to punish and examines its impact on signalled trustworthiness. Overall, we found that punishment signalling is sensitive to deservedness and severity but not independent of other factors such as the cost to punish.
Experience of a single academic institution with the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer and the resulting improvement in care
Authors: Johns Alexandra J. , Yoon Paul S. , Sabo Anthony J. , Huynh Timothy T. , Farmer Diana L. , Navarro Shannon M. , Farkas Linda M.
Published: October 2023

Aim

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Cancer developed the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) to reduce variations in rectal cancer care, standardize clinical practice and encourage multidisciplinary approaches. The aim of this study was to analyse if accreditation achieved a higher quality of care at one hospital.

Method

The University of California Davis Medical Center was accredited in 2019. A retrospective review of rectal adenocarcinoma patients was performed between the years 2013 and 2018. Patients presenting from 2013 to 2015 were discussed at a gastrointestinal tumour board while patients in 2018 had an accredited rectal cancer tumour board. Patients from 2016 to 2017 were excluded as the programme was still developing. Compliance to the NAPRC standards was compared between the cohorts.

Results

One hundred and thirty patients were evaluated, 88 (68%) in the prerectal tumour board cohort and 42 (32%) in the rectal tumour board cohort. The prerectal tumour board cohort often failed to meet attendance standards. All patients in the rectal tumour board cohort met all criteria. Similarly, clinical service compliance improved in the rectal tumour board cohort for 13 metrics, 10 of which were statistically significant. Although a high proportion of patients in both groups experienced quality surgery, i.e. complete total mesorectal excision and negative margins, the lack of complete pathological reporting in the prerectal tumour board cohort limited analysis.

Conclusion

Multidisciplinary rectal cancer tumour boards are associated with improved compliance with recommended care by the NAPRC. Patients discussed at a rectal cancer tumour board were more likely to receive appropriate staging, coordinated care and have better clinical documentation.
Age‐related changes in muscle thickness, echo intensity and shear modulus of the iliocapsularis
Authors: Sakata Haruka , Tateuchi Hiroshige , Yagi Masahide , Kobayashi Kotono , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to clarify age‐related changes in the iliocapsularis (IC) using indicators of quantity, quality, and mechanical properties. We also compared the age‐related changes in the IC and other hip muscles.

Methods

Eighty‐seven healthy women (ages: 21–82 years, mean age: 45.9 ± 15.7 years) participated in the experiment. We measured thickness, echo intensity, and shear modulus of the IC, iliacus muscle, rectus femoris, and the thickness and shear modulus of the hip joint capsule. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the association of age with variables measured in the muscles and joint capsule.

Results

Thickness of the iliacus muscle and rectus femoris decreased significantly with age, but the thickness of the IC and hip joint capsule showed no significant correlation. The echo intensities of the IC, iliacus muscle, and rectus femoris were positively correlated, which increased with age. Furthermore, the shear modulus of the iliacus, rectus femoris, and hip joint capsule showed an increase with age, whereas the shear modulus of the IC exhibited no correlation with age.

Conclusion

The muscle quality of the IC changed significantly, unlike that of the iliacus or rectus femoris. Additionally, the correlation with echo intensity was relatively weaker in the IC compared with the iliacus or rectus femoris.
Light and temperature drive the distribution of mesophotic benthic communities in the Central Indian Ocean
Authors: Diaz Clara , Howell Kerry L. , Robinson Edward , Hosegood Philip , Bolton Adam , Ganderton Peter , Arber Peter , Attrill Martin J. , Foster Nicola L.
Published: October 2023

Aim

Research on mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) has increased exponentially in recent decades, and the significance of this ecosystem has been recognised both in terms of biodiversity and distribution. However, this research has mostly focussed on corals and is globally sporadic, with the Indian Ocean remaining largely unexplored and overall MCEs under protected. Hence, baseline data on MCE benthic communities is lacking, but nonetheless essential for developing adequate management strategies. Here, we assess the variation in diversity and community structure of MCEs along the depth gradient and among sites in the Indian Ocean and the environmental parameters that are potentially driving these differences.

Location

Egmont Atoll, Chagos Archipelago, central Indian Ocean.

Time Period

Present.

Major Taxa Studied

Marine benthic invertebrates, plants.

Methods

Using a remotely operated vehicle, we collected video transects between 15 and 160 m. We analysed the diversity and composition of benthic communities and used DistLM analysis to determine the environmental drivers of the community structure over the depth gradient and between sites.

Results

We observed distinct benthic communities along the depth gradient, with a strong community break observed at ~60 m. We also identified a clear zonation of the benthic taxa with depth. This zonation was primarily driven by downward irradiance and temperature, with additional environmental processes playing a minor role in structuring the benthic communities.

Main Conclusions

We show that MCEs in the Chagos Archipelago are distinct communities, and their distribution is driven primarily by irradiance and temperature. Our results highlight the variability in benthic community structure of MCEs, both along the depth gradient and at local geographical scales for the study region. This study showcases the uniqueness of MCEs and will aid in predicting their distribution, potential refugia for shallow reefs, and in developing evidence‐based protection for MCEs, to maintain overall marine biodiversity.
The potential of ecoregional range maps for boosting taxonomic coverage in ecology and conservation
Authors: Pinkert Stefan , Sica Yanina V. , Winner Kevin , Jetz Walter
Published: October 2023

Expert range maps (ExpRMs) are frequently used to inform species distributions, but often incomplete or missing for many species, particularly among plants and invertebrates. Many species without ExpRMs also have too few occurrence records for reliable application of species distribution models (SDMs). Here we evaluate the performance of commonly used range surrogates and recommend tools that can help fill this significant knowledge gap across a wide range of understudied taxa. Specifically, we explore an alternative range surrogate (ecoregional range maps; EcoRMs), assess its performance versus traditional approaches for 624 North American butterfly species, and outline its use alone and as part of SDMs. As an alternative range estimate, we use terrestrial ecoregions that represent a regionalization of biogeographical zones and we suggest geographical filters and simplifications that improve their performance. We show that consistently across different spatial scales and both in comparison with ExpRMs and SDMs, EcoRMs have an exceptionally high sensitivity and generally a high mean performance. Particularly for species with fewer than 100 occurrence records, EcoRMs outperform other range surrogates. The congruence of species richness patterns was also similar for all approaches. The use of EcoRMs as substitute for data‐poor species without ExpRMs will strongly boost taxonomic coverage of range maps. Additionally, integrating EcoRMs as domains/masks/offsets into SDMs promises significant improvements to model accuracy. For butterflies alone, EcoRMs would thereby provide new range information for 17% and improve basic range information for 43% of all approximately nineteen thousand species. Other technical advantages of generating EcoRMs may also help to overcome issues of the availability, updateability, reproducibility, and circularity of ExpRMs, SDMs and minimum convex hulls (MCVs). In summary, ecoregion‐based range maps offer a versatile tool for ecology and conservation of terrestrial taxa and the application of the EcoRM approach may prove similarly useful for freshwater and marine ecoregions.
Male Barbary macaques choose loyal coalition partners which may increase their coalition network betweenness
Authors: Schülke Oliver , Rathke Eva‐Maria , Berghänel Andreas , Ostner Julia
Published: October 2023

Reciprocity in the form of contingent exchanges of goods and services is widespread across animals. While there is ample evidence for helping to be contingent upon the help received from a partner, less attention has been paid to partner avoidance based on harm inflicted by a partner. Here, we investigated whether partner choice for agonistic support against powerful targets is guided by loyalty received, i.e., the tendency to refrain from attacking the subject in a coalition with any third partner. We further assessed whether loyalty received by all cooperation partners may generate increased levels of betweenness in the coalition network of a group, a measure of indirect connectedness that has previously been associated with fitness benefits. Based on observational data from male coalitions against male group mates in Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), loyalty received was found to predict the frequency of cooperation in coalitions and the loyalty given to a partner. We propose that loyalty‐guided reciprocity will be favored in species with rank‐changing coalitions where defection is particularly risky. The more loyal a male's cooperation partners were, the more central he was in the coalition network in terms of higher in betweenness, suggesting a cognitively simple strategy underlying complex network positioning. Analyses of simulated data suggest strong correlations of loyalty and betweenness to be more prevalent in the relatively small groups characteristic of many primate species.
Role of defects and microstructure on the fatigue durability of Inconel 718 obtained by additive layer manufacturing route
Authors: Sanchez‐Camargo Cesar‐Moises , Nadot Yves , Cormier Jonathan , Lefebvre Fabien , Kan Wen Hao , Chiu Louis Ngai Sum , Li Chen , Huang Aijun
Published: October 2023

A Laser Powder Bed Fusion Inconel 718 produced with intentionally non‐optimized parameters is investigated to understand the role of defects and microstructure on the high‐cycle fatigue life. Samples from three built directions and three heat treatments were used for fatigue tests at room and 650°C under
. Printing orientation has a minor effect on fatigue life at both temperatures. Most samples failed from lack of fusion defects, carefully analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations. Surface defect leads to transgranular fracture surface, while subsurface initiation leads to crystallographic fracture surface.
curves related to hot isostatic pressure condition shown that defects have higher influence at
than at 650°C. Kitagawa diagrams are plotted for both temperatures to quantify the influence of defect size on fatigue limit. Natural cracks are observed at the surface in order to discuss the relative part of initiation life in the whole fatigue life.
C:N:P stoichiometry of plants, soils, and microorganisms: Response to altered precipitation
Authors: Li Jiwei , Deng Lei , Peñuelas Josep , Wu Jianzhao , Shangguan Zhouping , Sardans Jordi , Peng Changhui , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: October 2023

Precipitation changes modify C, N, and P cycles, which regulate the functions and structure of terrestrial ecosystems. Although altered precipitation affects above‐ and belowground C:N:P stoichiometry, considerable uncertainties remain regarding plant–microbial nutrient allocation strategies under increased (IPPT) and decreased (DPPT) precipitation. We meta‐analyzed 827 observations from 235 field studies to investigate the effects of IPPT and DPPT on the C:N:P stoichiometry of plants, soils, and microorganisms. DPPT reduced leaf C:N ratio, but increased the leaf and root N:P ratios reflecting stronger decrease of P compared with N mobility in soil under drought. IPPT increased microbial biomass C (+13%), N (+15%), P (26%), and the C:N ratio, whereas DPPT decreased microbial biomass N (−12%) and the N:P ratio. The C:N and N:P ratios of plant leaves were more sensitive to medium DPPT than to IPPT because drought increased plant N content, particularly in humid areas. The responses of plant and soil C:N:P stoichiometry to altered precipitation did not fit the double asymmetry model with a positive asymmetry under IPPT and a negative asymmetry under extreme DPPT. Soil microorganisms were more sensitive to IPPT than to DPPT, but they were more sensitive to extreme DPPT than extreme IPPT, consistent with the double asymmetry model. Soil microorganisms maintained stoichiometric homeostasis, whereas N:P ratios of plants follow that of the soils under altered precipitation. In conclusion, specific N allocation strategies of plants and microbial communities as well as N and P availability in soil critically mediate C:N:P stoichiometry by altered precipitation that need to be considered by prediction of ecosystem functions and C cycling under future climate change scenarios.
Helicobacter pylori infection and rheumatoid arthritis as risk enhancers' factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Dore Maria Pina , Erre Gian Luca , Piroddu Jessica , Pes Giovanni Mario
Published: October 2023

Background

In addition to established risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (aCVDs), infections and autoimmune diseases, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), have been reported as risk–enhancer factors. In this retrospective single‐center, case–control study, the relative weight of RA and H. pylori infection on aCVD was evaluated in a cohort of patients from Northern Sardinia, Italy, where both conditions are frequent.

Materials and Methods

Data were retrieved from records of subjects undergoing upper endoscopy and screened for H. pylori infection by at least four biopsies. The presence of H. pylori and chronic‐active gastritis were labeled as a current infection or a long‐lasting infection (LLHp) when atrophy and/or metaplasia and/or dysplasia were detected in at least one gastric specimen. Diagnosis of aCVD and RA was made by the cardiologist and the rheumatologist, respectively, according to guidelines. Odd ratios (ORs) for aCVD were evaluated, adjusting for age, sex, excess weight, cigarette smoking, blood hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, H. pylori status, and RA.

Results

Among 4821 records (mean age 52.1 ± 16.7 years; 66.0% female), H. pylori infection was detected in 2262 patients, and more specifically, a LLHp infection was present in 1043 (21.6%). Three‐hundred‐three (6.3%) patients were diagnosed with aCVD, and 208 (4.3%) with RA. In patients with aCVD (cases), the LLHp infection (33.3% vs. 20.8%, p < 0.0001) and RA (12.2% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.0001) were more frequent in cases compared with controls (patients without aCVD). After adjusting for traditional aCVD risk factors, ORs significantly increased for LLHp infection (1.57; 95% CI 1.20–2.06) and RA (2.63; 95% CI 1.72–4.02). Interestingly, the LLHp infection in patients with RA showed an overall addictive effect on the risk for aCVD (7.89; 95% CI 4.29–14.53).

Conclusions

According to our findings, patients with RA should benefit from being screened and eventually treated for H. pylori infection.
Mixed population trends inside a California protected area: Evidence from long‐term community science monitoring
Authors: Wright‐Ueda Julien M. , Dirzo Rodolfo , McFadden Tyler N.
Published: October 2023

Protected areas are one of the most widespread and accepted conservation interventions, yet population trends of species within protected areas are rarely compared with regional trends to gain insight into their effectiveness. Here, we leverage two long‐term community science datasets, finding mixed effects of protected areas on long‐term bird population trends. We analysed 31 years of bird transect data recorded by community volunteers across all major habitats of Stanford University's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve to determine the population trends for a sample of 66 species. We found that nearly a third of species experienced long‐term declines, and on average, species declined by 12%. Further, we averaged species trends by conservation status and key life history attributes to identify correlates and possible drivers of these trends. Observed increases in some cavity‐nesters and declines of scrub‐associated species suggest that long‐term fire suppression may be a key driver, reshaping bird communities through changes in forest and chaparral structure and composition. Additionally, we compared our results with those of the North American Breeding Bird Survey's Central California Coast region (n = 55 species) to place Jasper Ridge in a broader context. Most species experienced similar directional population trends inside and outside of the preserve and only eight species (14.5%) did better inside this small protected area. Therefore, we must identify relevant management strategies for declining populations and explicitly consider how existing protected areas target and manage each species. Further, this analysis underlines the importance of local and national community science for revealing long‐term bird population trends.
Exploring mental health consumer experiences of the strengths model of case management: A phenomenological study
Authors: Dissanayake Rashmi , Olivieri Rebecca , Aguey‐Zinsou Melissa , Yule Elisa , Dunn Leonie
Published: October 2023

The strengths of model of case management is a recovery‐oriented model of community mental health care that has been linked to positive consumer outcomes. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the consumer perspective of the strengths model of case management using a descriptive phenomenological approach. Data were collected through in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews. In total, six consumers from a metropolitan community mental health service were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Three major themes were identified: the relationship between the consumer and the case manager is valuable, the strengths assessment supports identifying strengths and areas for action and the strengths model of case management promotes recovery and goal achievement. Implications for practice include an increased understanding of consumer preferences and promoting the consumer voice, thereby supporting the provision of higher quality evidence‐based practice.
Being a child with intellectual disabilities in hospital: The need for an individualised approach to care
Authors: Oulton Kate , Gibson Faith , Kenten Charlotte , Russell Jessica , Carr Lucinda , Hassiotis Angela , Kelly Paula , Kerry Sam , Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , Whiting Mark , Wray Jo
Published: October 2023

Background

There is limited qualitative research focussed specifically on what it is like for children and young people with intellectual disabilities coming into hospital, with much of the evidence‐base being about those with Autism Spectrum Condition or adults with intellectual disabilities.

Aim

To share rich detail of the emotional and physical impact on children and young people with intellectual disabilities of attending hospital, from their own and their parent's perspective.

Methods

Talking Mats interviews, sticker survey and photography with children and young people with intellectual disabilities, and in‐depth interviews, hospital diaries and photography with their parents.

Results and Conclusions

The multiple and compounding layers of complexity surrounding hospital care of children and young people with intellectual disabilities resulted in challenges associated with loss of familiarity and routine, undergoing procedures, managing sensory overload, managing pain and having a lack of safety awareness. An individualised approach to their care is needed.
Development of a Lived Experience Panel to inform the design of embedded pragmatic trials of dementia care interventions
Authors: Bennett Antonia V. , O'Brien Kyra , Moreno Monica , Lanigan Kerry , Maslow Katie , Malone Carolyn A. , Hanson Laura C. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Karlawish Jason , Largent Emily A. , Aranda María P. , Hinton Ladson , Nicholson Brenda P. , Phillips Louise , Fazio Sam , Epstein‐Lubow Gary
Published: October 2023

Background

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Imbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Related Dementia Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory convened a Lived Experience Panel (LEP) to inform the development of research priorities and provide input on conducting embedded pragmatic clinical trials (ePCTs) of dementia care interventions. Given the importance of people with lived experience to dementia research, and the unique considerations of engaging people with dementia, we report on our process for the recruitment, selection, and initial convening of the IMPACT LEP.

Methods

The IMPACT Engaging Partners Team, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, sought nominations of individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early‐stage dementia, care partners of other people living with dementia (PLWD), and proxy representatives for individuals with mid‐to‐late stage dementia. The 11‐member LEP was composed of individuals with diverse personal experiences in part due to their age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, geography, disability, or type of dementia. In its first year, the LEP met with IMPACT's Patient and Caregiver Relevant Outcomes Core and Ethics and Regulation Core.

Results

LEP members provided valuable insights and nuanced discussion of issues relevant to ePCTs in dementia care from a broad range of personal experience. Panelists identified key research priorities and provided insight on outcomes often studied by researchers. The LEP also informed investigators' approaches to waivers and modifications of written informed consent and evaluation of minimal risk. Summary reports of the LEP meetings with each Core are available on the IMPACT website. At the end of the first year, changes were made to the composition of the LEP, and opportunities were identified for expanding panelist engagement with IMPACT investigators, as were priorities and scope for future input.

Conclusions

The IMPACT LEP provides a model for engaging PLWD and care partners in the research process as collaborators.
Evidence for a dissociation between moral reasoning and moral decision‐making in Tourette syndrome
Authors: Vicario Carmelo Mario , Maugeri Nicoletta , Lucifora Chiara , Prato Adriana , Mucciardi Massimo , Martino Davide , Rizzo Renata
Published: October 2023

Despite the growing interest on how Tourette syndrome (TS) affects social cognition skills, this field remains to date relatively under‐explored. Here, we aim to advance knowledge on the topic by studying moral decision‐making and moral reasoning in a group of adolescents with TS and a group of healthy controls. Overall, we found higher endorsement (i.e. a greater ‘yes’ response rate) for utilitarian solutions of incidental and instrumental moral dilemmas in TS compared to controls. By contrast, we reported an overall higher tendency of TS individuals to apply principles described in the moral foundation questionnaire to establish whether something is morally right or wrong. Our results document intact moral reasoning in TS and suggest that a deficit in suppressing inappropriate behaviours and/or altered sense of agency might be responsible for their higher utilitarian moral decision‐making.
Resolving the identity of commercially cultivated Ulva (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta) in integrated seaweed‐abalone aquaculture farms in South Africa
Authors: Bachoo Teejaswani , Bolton John J. , Macey Brett M. , Kandjengo Lineekela , Reddy Maggie M.
Published: October 2023

Species of Ulva have a wide range of commercial applications and are increasingly being recognized as promising candidates for integrated aquaculture. In South Africa, Ulva has been commercially cultivated in integrated seaweed‐abalone aquaculture farms since 2002, with more than 2000 tonnes of biomass cultivated per annum in land‐based paddle raceways. However, the identity of the species of Ulva grown on these farms remains uncertain. We therefore characterized samples of Ulva cultivated in five integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture farms (IMTA) across a wide geographical range and compared them with foliose Ulva specimens from neighboring seashores. The molecular markers employed for this study were the chloroplast‐encoded Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (rbcL), the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) of the nuclear, and the chloroplast elongation factor tufA. All currently cultivated specimens of Ulva were molecularly resolved as a single species, U. lacinulata. The same species has been cultivated for over a decade, although a few specimens of two other species were also present in early South African IMTA systems. The name Ulva uncialis is adopted for the Ulva “Species A” by Fort et al. (2021), Molecular Ecology Resources, 22, 86) significantly extending the distribution range for this species. A comparison with wild Ulva on seashores close to the farms resulted in five new distribution records for South Africa (U. lacinulata, U. ohnoi, U. australis, U. stenophylloides, and U. aragoënsis), the first report of a foliose form of U. compressa in the region, and one new distribution record for Namibia (U. australis). This study reiterates the need for DNA confirmation, especially when identifying morphologically simple macroalgae with potential commercial applications.
The role of dried blood spot tests in the detection of hepatitis B infection: A systematic review
Authors: Virtudazo Maria Concepcion C. , Aquino Jericho B. , Arellano Rose Nicole B. , Fortes Robert A. , Kaw Raphaela C. , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G.
Published: October 2023

Hepatitis B remains a public health problem worldwide despite vaccine availability. Although the existing diagnostic tools help detect the infection, logistics support and limited resources and technologies affect their usefulness and reliability in developing countries. This systematic review evaluated the performance of dried blood spots (DBS) as a collection and storage tool for diagnosing an hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A comprehensive search using OVID, Scopus and CINAHL databases was performed to collate articles published up to April 2023 that detected Hepatitis B infections using DBS. Five reviewers independently performed identification, screening, quality assessment and data extraction. A qualitative synthesis of the included studies was conducted. Of the 402 articles, 78 met the inclusion criteria. The results show that most studies focused on populations with known HBV, HCV and/or HIV status. Approximately half (49%) of the included studies utilized the Whatman Protein Saver Card for DBS collection. The DBS samples were then predominantly stored in room temperature conditions. In line with this, storage conditions influenced the concentration and stability of the analyte from the DBS samples, affecting the accuracy of downstream diagnostic methods. ELISA methods, using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as an HBV marker, were the most widely used diagnostic tool for detecting HBV infection in DBS samples. The simplicity and cost‐effectiveness of the ELISA technique highlight its potential to be used in low‐resource settings. In line with this, the detection of HBsAg using an ELISA immunoassay had higher sensitivity (85.6%–100%), and specificity (95%–100%) ranges as compared to other target molecules and methods. Although this review only performed a qualitative analysis, DBS offers a promising method for collecting and storing blood samples; however, the standardization of sampling, storing conditions and diagnostic techniques is required to ensure sustainable application.
Anti‐HDV reflex testing in HBsAg‐positive subjects: An efficacious strategy to identify HDV infection
Authors: Cossiga Valentina , Brusa Stefano , Montalti Roberto , De Conte Annachiara , Jannuzzi Giuseppe , Ranieri Luisa , Sorrentino Rosanna , Vallefuoco Luca , Pignata Luca , Guarino Maria , Portella Giuseppe , Morisco Filomena
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

The prevalence of HDV infection in HBsAg carriers is about 9.9% in Italy. However, the real prevalence is underestimated because the anti‐HDV test is not performed routinely in all HBsAg carriers. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and the absolute number of HDV infection identified in HBsAg‐positive subjects tested at University Hospital Federico II before and after the introduction of anti‐HDV reflex testing.

Methods

From January to December 2022, reflex test for the detection of total HDV antibodies was performed in all HBsAg‐positive subjects tested at University Hospital Federico II. The control group consisted of all the HBsAg‐positive subjects tested at the same laboratory in 2019, before the implementation of anti‐HDV reflex testing. Sera were evaluated with ADVIA Centaur HBsAgII Qualitative, Liaison Murex HBsAg Quantitative and Liaison Murex Total Anti‐HDV Qualitative.

Results

Before reflex testing, anti‐HDV had been tested in 16.4% (84/512) of HBsAg‐positive subjects, while after its implementation, 100% (484/484) of HBsAg‐positive patients was tested for anti‐HDV. The anti‐HDV positive prevalence was lower than before the introduction of reflex test (10.7% vs. 16.6%) but the absolute number of anti‐HDV positive patients increased (14 vs. 52 subjects). HDV‐RNA was detectable in 26 (53%) of 49 tested subjects.

Conclusions

Our data showed that the implementation of anti‐HDV reflex testing increased the diagnoses of HDV infection. In this setting, due to the approval of specific anti‐HDV drugs, a reflex test for anti‐HDV should be implemented to early identify patients with HBV/HDV infection.
Limited introgression from non‐native commercial strains and signatures of adaptation in the key pollinator Bombus terrestris
Authors: Franchini Paolo , Fruciano Carmelo , Wood Thomas J. , Shastry Vivaswat , Goulson Dave , Hughes William O. H. , Jones Julia C.
Published: October 2023

Insect pollination is fundamental for natural ecosystems and agricultural crops. The bumblebee species Bombus terrestris has become a popular choice for commercial crop pollination worldwide due to its effectiveness and ease of mass rearing. Bumblebee colonies are mass produced for the pollination of more than 20 crops and imported into over 50 countries including countries outside their native ranges, and the risk of invasion by commercial non‐native bumblebees is considered an emerging issue for global conservation and biological diversity. Here, we use genome‐wide data from seven wild populations close to and far from farms using commercial colonies, as well as commercial populations, to investigate the implications of utilizing commercial bumblebee subspecies in the UK. We find evidence for generally low levels of introgression between commercial and wild bees, with higher admixture proportions in the bees occurring close to farms. We identify genomic regions putatively involved in local and global adaptation, and genes in locally adaptive regions were found to be enriched for functions related to taste receptor activity, oxidoreductase activity, fatty acid and lipid biosynthetic processes. Despite more than 30 years of bumblebee colony importation into the UK, we observe low impact on the genetic integrity of local B. terrestris populations, but we highlight that even limited introgression might negatively affect locally adapted populations.
Manual censoring of impedance tracings by the Wingate consensus reduces the number of impedance episodes, impacting on reflux categorization
Authors: Kindt Sébastien , Surmont Magali
Published: October 2023

Background

The Lyon consensus classifies the evidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) based on endoscopic features and results of pH/impedance monitoring (pH‐MII) including the post‐reflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave index (PSPWI) and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI). The Wingate consensus established criteria to reduce inter‐reviewer variability when assessing reflux episodes and PSPWI by impedance. This study aims to assess the influence of the Wingate criteria on the different pH‐MII parameters obtained by automated analysis.

Methods

Thirty consecutive pH‐MII off PPI were reviewed according to Wingate criteria. Number of impedance episodes and PSPWI were compared before and after censoring from automatic analysis. Reflux categorization according to Lyon consensus between censored and uncensored data was compared. Pearson correlations between impedance parameters and censored episodes were calculated.

Key Results

Censoring the tracings significantly reduced the number of reflux episodes (66 [42–90.25] vs. 44.5 [21.5–61.5], p = 0.0105). Reasons for censoring were as follows: 1/ anterograde episode: 9.5 [6–13], 2/ impedance drop <50%: 1 [0–3], 3/ duration <4 s: 1 [0–2], 4/ <2 distal channels: 2.5 [1–4], and 5/ artifacts: 2 [1–5]. Censored episodes were in majority non‐acid (16.5 [13–26.5] vs. 2 [0–4], p < 0.00001). Censoring altered the categorization of impedance episodes (<40 episodes, 6 vs. 13 for resp. uncensored vs. censored tracings, 40–80 episodes: 13 vs. 13, and >80 episodes: 11 vs. 4, p = 0.0264), but not the symptom index, the symptom association probability, or the categorization according to the Lyon consensus. Nevertheless, individual tracings were affected. The percentage of censored episodes was inversely correlated with the number of acidic impedance episodes (r = −0.62, p = 0.0002).

Conclusion and inferences

Manual interpretation of impedance tracings based on the Wingate consensus reduces the number of impedance episodes, impacting on reflux categorization. Acidic reflux episodes are less likely to be censored, harboring a potential at improving automatic pH‐MII analysis.
Analysis of the factors contributing to residual weakness after sugammadex administration in pediatric patients under 2 years of age
Authors: Cates Alexandra C. , Freundlich Robert E. , Clifton Jacob C. , Lorinc Amanda N.
Published: October 2023

Background

Sugammadex reverses the neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium and vecuronium and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in patients aged over 2 years. There is, however, a paucity of data regarding its dosing profile in infants and children younger than 2 years.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of recurarization, or re‐paralysis, in children under 2 years of age to increase awareness on the importance of appropriate neuromuscular blocked monitoring and reversal.

Methods

All patients aged ≤24 months who underwent an operative procedure at a tertiary medical center between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021, and received both rocuronium for neuromuscular blockade and sugammadex for neuromuscular blockade reversal, were identified in the electronic medical record. Patients were excluded from analysis if they (1) received vecuronium, cisatracurium, atracurium, or succinylcholine for neuromuscular blockade, (2) received neostigmine for reversal, or (3) underwent more than one operation within 24 h. We performed a survival analysis of sugammadex redose using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

We reviewed 2923 records. Sugammadex was redosed in 123 (4.2%) cases. The median [IQR] time to redose was 7 [4–17] min, and the median [IQR] amount of redose administered was 2.74 [1.96–3.99] mg/kg. Increasing patient age (p < .01) and weight (p < .01) were associated with reduced hazard rate of sugammadex redose. For a patient of median weight, increasing age from 3 to 13 months was associated with a 53% risk reduction (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24–0.91). For a patient of median age, increasing weight from 4.7 to 9.2 kg was associated with 41% risk reduction (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.32–1.07). We failed to detect any other associations.

Conclusions

In this single‐center, retrospective cohort study of pediatric surgery patients, there was an association between the hazard of sugammadex redose with both increased age and weight.
Nature or nurture? Agency life‐cycles as a function of institutional legacy, political environment, and organizational hardwiring
Authors: Kleizen Bjorn , MacCarthaigh Muiris
Published: October 2023

A growing body of literature attempts to explain the life‐cycles of public sector organizations. Of particular interest have been the form and incidence of their birth and termination, and connecting these events to such variables as legal status and political ideology. Less attention has been given to the effect of intermediary life‐cycle events, the tasks performed by agencies, and their policy domains. This study builds on existing fixed characteristics (nature) and dynamic environmental (nurture) approaches and uniquely supplements them with a new institutional legacy paradigm that examines how previous organizational reforms influence future reform. Moreover, we advance existing studies by providing more comprehensive tests of the role that task type and policy domain play. Finally, we retest “classic” nature and nurture variables, namely, political turnover and legal form. Results suggest that nature and nurture provide important pieces of the organizational life‐cycle puzzle and that nurture comprises both external and intra‐organizational dynamics.
In search of the silver‐lining: Police officers' attributions and responses to stakeholder critique
Authors: Horton Kate E. , Jacobs Gabriele , Bayerl P. Saskia , Gascó‐Hernández Mila , Rothengatter Marloes , Elliott Karen , Giljohann Stefanie , Rus Claudia Lenuţa
Published: October 2023

Tensions between police organizations and (community) stakeholders have taken center stage in recent years, with an escalation in protests and divisive rhetoric observed in many countries. Using attribution theory, this study examines how police officers interpret negative stakeholder feedback and how these interpretations shape their behavioral responses. Qualitative analysis based on 148 interviews with European police officers shows that officers make six different attributions about the causes of stakeholder critique, and that these have direct implications for their behavioral responses. In particular, these different attribution patterns are found to play a critical and hitherto unrecognized role in shaping police‐stakeholder relations and organizational learning among police forces.
Exploring the market risk profiles of US and European stock insurers
Authors: Grochola Nicolaus , Browne Mark J. , Gründl Helmut , Schlütter Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Market risks account for an integral part of insurers' risk profiles. We explore market risk sensitivities of insurers in the United States and Europe. Based on panel regression models and daily market data from 2012 to 2018, we find that sensitivities are particularly driven by insurers' product portfolio. The influence of interest rate movements on stock returns is 60% larger for US than for European life insurers. For the former, interest rate risk is a dominant market risk with an effect that is five times larger than through corporate credit risk. For European life insurers, the sensitivity to interest rate changes is only 44% larger than toward credit default swap of government bonds, underlining the relevance of sovereign credit risk.