bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene prediction in the immunoglobulin loci
Authors: Sirupurapu Vikram , Safonova Yana , Pevzner Pavel A.
Published: May 2022

The V(D)J recombination process rearranges the variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) genes in the immunoglobulin (IG) loci to generate antibody repertoires. Annotation of these loci across various species and predicting the V, D, and J genes (IG genes) are critical for studies of the adaptive immune system. However, because the standard gene finding algorithms are not suitable for predicting IG genes, they have been semimanually annotated in very few species. We developed the IGDetective algorithm for predicting IG genes and applied it to species with the assembled IG loci. IGDetective generated the first large collection of IG genes across many species and enabled their evolutionary analysis, including the analysis of the “bat IG diversity” hypothesis. This analysis revealed extremely conserved V genes in evolutionary distant species, indicating that these genes may be subjected to the same selective pressure, for example, pressure driven by common pathogens. IGDetective also revealed extremely diverged V genes and a new family of evolutionary conserved V genes in bats with unusual noncanonical cysteines. Moreover, unlike all other previously reported antibodies, these cysteines are located within complementarity-determining regions. Because cysteines form disulfide bonds, we hypothesize that these cysteine-rich V genes might generate antibodies with noncanonical conformations and could potentially form a unique part of the immune repertoire in bats. We also analyzed the diversity landscape of the recombination signal sequences and revealed their features that trigger the high/low usage of the IG genes.
Parameter tuning of auto disturbance rejection controller based on improved glowworm swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Gao Bingwei , Shen Wei , Dai Ye , Ye Yong Tai
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study a parameter tuning method for the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) to improve the anti-interference ability and position tracking of the performance of the servo system, and to ensure the stability and accuracy of practical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a parameter self-tuning method for ADRC based on an improved glowworm swarm optimization algorithm. The algorithm is improved by using sine and cosine local optimization operators and an adaptive mutation strategy. The improved algorithm is then used for parameter tuning of the ADRC to improve the anti-interference ability of the control system and ensure the accuracy of the controller parameters.

Findings

The authors designed an optimization model based on MATLAB, selected examples of simulation and experimental research and compared it with the standard glowworm swarm optimization algorithm, particle swarm algorithm and artificial bee colony algorithm. The results show that the response time of using the improved glowworm swarm optimization algorithm to optimize the auto-disturbance rejection control is short; there is no overshoot; the tracking process is relatively stable; the anti-interference ability is strong; and the optimization effect is better.

Originality/value

The innovation of this study is to improve the glowworm swarm optimization algorithm, propose a sine and cosine, local optimization operator, expand the firefly search space and introduce a new adaptive mutation strategy to adaptively adjust the mutation probability based on the fitness value, improve the global search ability of the algorithm and use the improved algorithm to adjust the parameters of the active disturbance rejection controller.
Including greenhouse gas emissions and behavioural responses in the optimal design of PV self-sufficient energy communities
Authors: Hodencq Sacha , Coignard Jonathan , Twum-Duah Nana Kofi , Neves Mosquini Lucas Hajiro
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to consider both the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and behavioural response in the optimal sizing of solar photovoltaic systems (PV modules and batteries) for energy communities. The objective is to achieve a high self-sufficiency rate whilst taking into account the grid carbon intensity and the global warming potential of system components.

Design/methodology/approach

Operation and sizing of energy communities leads to optimization problems spanning across multiple timescales. To compute the optimisation in a reasonable time, the authors first apply a simulation periods reduction using a clustering approach, before solving a linear programming problem.

Findings

The results show that the minimum GHG emissions is achieved for self-sufficiency rates of 19% in France and 50% in Germany.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is restricted to specific residential profiles: further work will focus on exploring different types of consumption profiles.

Practical implications

This paper provides relevant self-sufficiency orders of magnitude for energy communities.

Originality/value

This paper combines various approaches in a single use case: environmental considerations, behavioural response as well as multi-year energy system sizing.
To speak or not to speak: motivators for internal whistleblowing in hotel industry
Authors: Srivastava Shalini , Gupta Pragya
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Using self-determination theory as the theoretical framework, the study examines the role of workplace spirituality in motivating internal whistleblowing in an organization and whether it gets enhanced by ethical leadership and moral courage of an employee.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was administered to 312 employees belonging to the hotel industry in north India. A three-waves study with a gap of one month each was used for data collection. The study used AMOS and PROCESS Macro to examine the hypothesized relationship.

Findings

The study found a positive association between workplace spirituality and internal whistleblowing, and a parallel mediating impact of employee’s moral courage and ethical leadership on workplace spirituality and internal whistleblowing relationship.

Practical implications

The work suggests that by recognizing and enforcing the motivating factors that encourage an employee to blow the whistle and reveal illegal, immoral or illegitimate organizational practices, an organization may be able to maintain an ethical stance and create a positive image of itself.

Originality/value

The unique contributions of this study include determining the role of workplace spirituality in supporting internal whistleblowing, especially in the Indian context. Keeping in view the huge losses incurred by hospitality sector during pandemic, internal whistleblowing by employees will create a positive image for the organizations and help in revival.
Understanding the consequences of workplace incivility: the roles of emotional exhaustion, acceptability and political skill
Authors: Moon Chanki , Morais Catarina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Workplace incivility is a common deviant behavior happening in organizational contexts, and it can have serious negative consequences such as decreasing employees’ organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and increasing their turnover intentions. This study aims to test the argument that emotional exhaustion and acceptability of workplace incivility can act as mediators in this relationship between incivility and OCB and turnover intentions. Moreover, the assumption that employees’ political skill can act as a buffer on job strain caused by incivility displayed by both coworkers and supervisors was tested.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 703 South Korean employees recruited online completed a self-assessment on their political skill first and then they were randomly assigned to one of the two conditions: either recalled a co-worker or a supervisor who had previously displayed uncivil behaviors toward them.

Findings

The stronger the employees’ experience of incivility, the lower their OCB-O and the higher their turnover intentions. These relationships were mediated by acceptability of incivility and emotional exhaustions. Interestingly, results also supported the moderating role of political skill on the relationship between incivility and turnover intentions mediated by acceptability, with higher politically skilled employees being more likely to accept incivility when compared to lower politically skilled employees.

Originality/value

Using a between-subjects design, the findings expand the current knowledge regarding the negative impacts of workplace incivility. Specifically, they showed that acceptability is an important mechanism to understand the impact of workplace incivility on OCB and turnover intention.
Exploring the effect of team climate on knowledge management in teams through team work engagement: evidence from knowledge-intensive firms
Authors: Berraies Sarra , Chouiref Abdelhak
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Based on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this paper aims to investigate the impact of team climate (TC) supporting trust, cohesion and innovativeness on knowledge management (KM) in teams through the mediating role of teamwork engagement (TWEG).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 246 employees working in Tunisian knowledge-intensive firms (KIFs) and involved in 69 service R&D teams. The authors applied the partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach for data analysis using SMART PLS 3.2 software.

Findings

Findings provide evidence that TWEG mediates the link between TC characterized by trust, cohesion and innovativeness and KM in teams. In the line of the JD-R model, results also show that such TC provides job resources to team members that act as vitamins nurturing TWEG, which in turn boosts KM in teams.

Originality/value

To shed light on the micro-level foundations of KM, this paper enriches the KM literature through pioneering the examination of the effect of TC on KM in teams. It proposes an extension of the JD-R model through highlighting the TWEG’s mediating role in the motivational pathway leading teams to invest in KM activities under a supportive TC. It provides key insights into the importance for managers to implement team-oriented policies toward cultivating trust, innovativeness and cohesion within teams to create more dedicated, vigorous and absorbed teams in which intrinsically motivated knowledge workers are likely to collectively engage in KM activities.
User-defined ecosystems in health and social care
Authors: Mickelsson Jacob , Särkikangas Ulla , Strandvik Tore , Heinonen Kristina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

People with complex health conditions must often navigate landscapes of uncoordinated public, private and voluntary health-care providers to obtain the care they need. Complex health conditions frequently transcend the scope of typical health-care service systems. The purpose of this paper is to explore and characterize such unique assemblages of actors and services as “user-defined ecosystems”.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on literature on customer ecosystems, this paper introduces the concept of the user-defined ecosystem (UDE). Using an abductive approach, the authors apply the concept in an interpretive, qualitative study of ten families with special needs children.

Findings

This study uncovers complex UDEs, where families actively combine a broad range of services. These ecosystems are unique for each family and extend beyond the scope of designed service ecosystems. Thus, the families are forced to assume an active, coordinating role.

Research limitations/implications

This paper shows how to identify ecosystems from the user’s point of view, based on the selected user unit (such as a family) and the focal value-creating function of the ecosystem for the user.

Social implications

This paper highlights how service providers can support and adapt to UDEs and, thus, contribute to user value and well-being. This can be used to understand users’ perspectives on service and systems in health and social care.

Originality/value

This study develops the concept of the UDE, which represents a customer-focused perspective on actor ecosystems and contrasts it with a provider-focused and a distributed perspective on ecosystems. This study demonstrates the practical usefulness of the conceptualization and provides a foundation for further research on the user’s perspective on ecosystems.
Bank branch outreach and access to banking services toward financial inclusion: an experimental evidence
Authors: Maity Sudarshan , Sahu Tarak Nath
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Both branch and automated teller machine (ATM) are playing a crucial role in banking coverage expansion in India. People prefer to go to an ATM for withdrawal of money rather waiting in a queue for hours at a branch. Without the existence of a full-fledged brick-and-mortar branch, ATM also plays an important role by providing basic banking services. In India, a significant part of the population is excluded from banking access. The present study aims to investigate how the branch and ATM penetration influence financial inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covers the period from 2008–2009 to 2019–2020. With the application of Welch'st-test, a comparative study is being conducted between branch and ATM. Further, with the application of regression analysis, the study analyses how the branch and ATM network expansion influence financial inclusion.

Findings

Though in recent times customers prefers to visit an ATM and its growth rate is higher than branches, the study found no significant differences between the growth of branch and ATM. Further, results of regression show both branches and ATMs have significant impacts on financial inclusion.

Originality/value

In micro concept both have a common role in respect of service provided to customers. While in macro concept a list of specific services can be provided through branch level only. This study has a significant role, considering the importance of branches or ATMs and cost of installing a physical branch.
The dark and desolate campus: what can be done to enhance students’ perceptions of safety on-campus?
Authors: Roberts Nicola
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Given their young age, students are at a heightened risk of violent victimisation. Yet few studies have considered students’ perceptions of safety and the impact of these, on a British university campus. The purpose of this research was to close this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

From late 2019–2020, using an online university wide survey, data was gathered over a three-month period from 550 students studying at a university in the north of England on “city” campuses about their perceptions of safety and security on-campus.

Findings

Students, particularly women students, felt unsafe on the university campuses because of poor lighting, limited CCTV, security patrols and the presences of others. They felt unsafe in and around teaching buildings, moving around the campuses and in transport locations.

Research limitations/implications

The response rate of the survey was 6%. Consequently, the findings are not representative of the wider student population on the campuses.

Practical implications

Campus Security should consider enhancing surveillance on the campuses.

Social implications

Students, particularly women, limited the time they spent on-campus studying because they felt unsafe. Their choices about when and how to engage in their university education were therefore restricted.

Originality/value

This study addresses the gap in research on students’ perceptions of safety and the impact of these, on a British university campus. In doing so, it forefronts the responsibility of higher education institutions to enhance students’ safety, including their perceptions of safety, on-campus.
Behavioral differences between pit‐building antlions and wormlions suggest limits to convergent evolution
Authors: MILER Krzysztof , SCHARF Inon
Published: May 2022

Antlions and wormlions are distantly related insect taxa, both digging pits in loose soil and ambushing arthropod prey. Their hunting method, which is rare in the animal kingdom, is a clear example of convergent evolution. There is little research directly comparing the 2 pit‐building taxa. Using the same experimental platform to investigate how they respond to biotic and abiotic environmental factors enables an examination of their convergence and its limits. We investigated the response of antlions and wormlions to 3 factors common in their daily life: disturbance to the pits, prey arrival, and conspecific competitors. Although both increased the pit size following disturbance, wormlions increased it faster than antlions. Antlions responded to prey faster than wormlions, but wormlions improved their response time over days. The most diverging response was toward conspecifics. Whereas antlions relocated their pits fast in response to increasing conspecific density, wormlions never relocated. We suggest explanations for the behavioral differences between the taxa. Our results imply that despite the similar hunting method of the 2 taxa they may differ greatly in their behavior, which in turn might have consequences for their habitat use and population dynamics.
Trio‐binned genomes of the woodrats Neotoma bryanti and Neotoma lepida reveal novel gene islands and rapid copy number evolution of xenobiotic metabolizing genes
Authors: Greenhalgh Robert , Holding Matthew L. , Orr Teri J. , Henderson James B. , Parchman Thomas L. , Matocq Marjorie D. , Shapiro Michael D. , Dearing M. Denise
Published: May 2022

The genomic architecture underlying the origins and maintenance of biodiversity is an increasingly accessible feature of species, due in large part to third‐generation sequencing and novel analytical toolsets. Applying these techniques to woodrats (Neotoma spp.) provides a unique opportunity to study how herbivores respond to environmental change. Neotoma bryanti and N. lepida independently achieved a major dietary feat in the aftermath of a natural climate change event: switching to the novel, toxic food source creosote bush (Larrea tridentata). To better understand the genetic mechanisms underlying this ability, we employed a trio binning sequencing approach with a N. bryanti × N. lepida F1 hybrid, allowing the simultaneous assembly of genomes representing each parental species. The resulting phased, chromosome‐level, highly complete haploid references enabled us to explore the genomic architecture of several gene families—cytochromes P450, UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), and ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters—known to play key roles in the metabolism of naturally occurring toxic dietary compounds. In addition to duplication events in the ABCG and UGT2B subfamilies, we found expansions in three P450 gene families (2A, 2B, 3A), including the evolution of multiple novel gene islands within the 2B and 3A subfamilies, which may have provided the crucial substrate for dietary adaptation. Our assemblies demonstrate that trio binning from an F1 hybrid rodent effectively recovers parental genomes from species that diverged more than a million years ago.
Intra‐continental Orogeny: Insights from Magnetotelluric Data into the Mesozoic Uplift History of the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen in South China
Authors: ZHANG Kun , LÜ Qingtian , ZHAO Jinhua , YAN Jiayong , LUO Fan , MAN Zuhui , XIAO Xiao , ZHANG Gang , YONG Fan
Published: May 2022

Despite extensive efforts to understand the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen in South China, the orogenic process and its mechanism remain a matter of dispute. Previous geodynamic studies have mostly focused on collisional orogeny, which is commonly invoked to explain the Jiangnan Orogen. However, it is difficult for such hypotheses to reconcile all the geological and geophysical data, especially the absence of ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic rocks. Based on the magnetotelluric data, we present a group of resistivity models produced through the combination of two ‐dimensional and three‐dimensional inversions, revealing the geo‐electrical structures of Jiangnan and a typical collisional orogen. In our models, the resistive crust is separated into three parts by a prominent conductive layer with opposite dipping directions on both sides. A special thrust‐nappe system, which is different from that developed in a typical collisional process, is revealed in the Jiangnan Orogen. This structure suggests a process different from the simple collisional orogeny. To interpret our observations, an ‘intra‐continental orogeny’ is proposed to address the development of the Jiangnan Orogen in the Mesozoic. Furthermore, this ‘reworked’ process may contain at least two stages caused by the decoupling of the lithosphere, which is revealed by an extra conductive layer beneath Jiangnan.
Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and disease damage in patients with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Sağlam Burçin , Kaymaz‐Tahra Sema , Kenar Gökçe , Kocaer Sinem , Omma Ahmet , Erden Abdulsamet , Kara Mete , Yazıcı Ayten , Cefle Ayşe , Gerçik Önay , Akar Servet , Aksu Kenan , Keser Gökhan , Yarkan Tuğsal Handan , Önen Fatoş , Kamalı Sevil , Alibaz‐Öner Fatma , Direskeneli Haner , Alpay‐Kanıtez Nilüfer
Published: May 2022

Objective

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the preventable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MetS on CVD and cumulative organ damage in a multi‐center, large cohort of patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study involving 192 consecutive TAK patients from seven tertiary rheumatology centers in Turkey. Clinical data of TAK patients fulfilling the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria were collected from medical records. They were evaluated for risk factors of CVD, disease activity, damage, and MetS at their last visits.

Results

A total of 192 consecutive TAK patients were included in this study. One hundred and fifty‐eight (82%) were female, the mean age was 43.3 ± 13 years, and mean disease duration was 13.5 ± 9.3 years. MetS was detected in 50 (26%) of the patients and CVD was detected in 28 (14.6%). The presence of MetS was detected as an independent risk factor for CVD (P < 0.001). In addition, the mean vasculitis damage index of the group with MetS was significantly higher than in the other patients (4.5 ± 3.3 vs 3.2 ± 2.2, respectively, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

The presence of MetS in TAK is associated with increased CVD and disease damage. Awareness and management of MetS can improve disease prognosis in patients with TAK.
Digital Nativity and Digital Diplomacy: Exploring Conceptual Differences Between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants
Authors: Manor Ilan , Kampf Ronit
Published: May 2022

The past decade has seen the accelerated digitalization of foreign ministries. In this study, we conceptualize digitalization as long term process in which diplomats adopt different technologies to obtain foreign policy goals. To date, only a handful of studies have investigated which factors influence digitalization. This study sought to address this gap by examining generational gaps within foreign ministries, while investigating how such gaps may prevent diplomats from obtaining communicative goals. The study thus employed the concept of digital nativity, while examining operational and conceptual gaps between digital natives and immigrants. Using a sample of 133 diplomats from six foreign ministries, the study finds there are few operational gaps between natives and immigrants. There are, however, substantial conceptual gaps between both generations. Specifically, digital immigrants use social networking sites (SNS) for one‐way message dissemination and influence and are also less likely to interact with, or value follower feedback. The same is not true of natives. Conceptual gaps may thus prevent foreign ministries from successfully marketing new policies online or gaining valuable insight that may be integrated into the policy formulation process. The study includes a series of policy recommendation that may help ministries of foreign affairs (MFAs) overcome gaps between natives and immigrants.
The Theater's Backstage: When Numbers Serve the Show—A Case Study on Livent (Part 2)*
Authors: Malo Angélique , Courtois Cynthia
Published: May 2022

On December 20, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada ended the suspense surrounding 20 years of court cases when it found the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche (Deloitte) guilty of negligence in its audit of the 1997 financial statements of Livent Inc. As part of a concurrent process, the Discipline Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (now CPA Ontario) also had to rule on the conduct of the professionals involved in auditing Livent. This case study asks students to play the role of members of the Discipline Committee assigned to judge the work performed by Deloitte's auditors. The students should be able to identify instances of noncompliance with professional standards, mainly Canadian Auditing Standards 200 and 240, and determine whether the auditors should be found guilty of professional misconduct. The students will be asked whether they would have arrived at the same verdict as did the Discipline Committee members.
Safety and efficacy of high‐dose cytarabine MEAM therapy and other treatments for auto‐peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Yui Shunsuke , Wakita Satoshi , Nagata Yasunobu , Kuribayashi Yasuko , Asayama Toshio , Fujiwara Yusuke , Sakaguchi Masahiro , Yamanaka Satoshi , Marumo Atsushi , Omori Ikuko , Kinoshita Ryosuke , Onai Daishi , Sunakawa Mika , Kaito Yuta , Inai Kazuki , Tokura Taichiro , Takeyoshi Atsushi , Yasuda Shunichi , Honma Shunsuke , Nakayama Kazutaka , Hirakawa Tsuneaki , Arai Kunihito , Kitano Tomoaki , Okamoto Muneo , Inokuchi Koiti , Yamaguchi Hiroki
Published: May 2022

Aim

The MEAM regimen consisting of ranimustine (MCNU), etoposide (ETP), cytarabine (Ara‐C), and melphalan (MEL) is widely used before auto‐peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto‐PBSCT) for malignant lymphoma in Japan. The MEAM regimen generally consists of 200–400 mg/m2 for 4 days, but we decided to increase the dosage of Ara‐C from the standard to 2 g/m2 for 2 days with the aim of increasing drug transferability to the central nervous system. We evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of high‐dose Ara‐C MEAM therapy.

Methods

The high‐dose Ara‐C MEAM protocol consisted of MCNU 300 mg/m2 on day –7, ETP 200 mg/m2 on days –6, –5, –4, –3 and Ara‐C 2 g/m2 on day –4 –3, and MEL 140 mg/m2 on day –2. We retrospectively analyzed 37 cases of malignant lymphoma at our institution between May 2014 and July 2020.

Results

All patients got engraftment and there were no cases of treatment‐related mortality. In all cases, the 3‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) after transplantation were 80.6% and 65.7%, respectively. Twenty‐one cases of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma recurrence, for which there is proven usefulness of auto‐PBSCT, showed good results after transplantation, with the 3‐year OS and PFS after transplantation being 100% and 74.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

The safety and efficacy of high‐dose Ara‐C MEAM therapy were demonstrated, but the expected therapeutic effect on central nervous system lesions could not be fully evaluated owing to the small number of cases.
Chinese Attitudes Toward Greta Thunberg and the History of Climate Change Research in China
Authors: Yu Lan
Published: May 2022

China and the West have different social and cultural backgrounds, political systems, and development situations, making the Chinese approach to climate change different from the Western approach. Due to these differences, Greta Thunberg and her climate movement have received different reactions from Western societies and in China. However, the Chinese people and Thunberg share a common goal of tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions. In Chinese society, it is widely believed that tackling climate change requires actions rather than slogans. At the government level, this has involved unprecedented determination, a willingness to reduce carbon emissions in an orderly manner, and an insistence on an equal emphasis on development and ecology. The Chinese academic community has carried out in‐depth research on climate change and has constantly popularized the content of climate change and environmental protection to the public. Traditional Chinese culture advocates the unity and harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The public is also active in controlling carbon emissions, choosing green energy and planting trees, and is confident in tackling climate change. For now, China is more eager to expand practical actions than to participate in Thunberg's symbolic strike.
Prostate cancer survival in South West Victoria
Authors: Chilko Natalie , Dean Samantha , Matheson Leigh M. , Grills Richard , Davidson Adee J. , Kearns Paul , Campbell David , Rogers Margaret J. , Collins Ian M.
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore reasons for survival disparities for patients with prostate cancer in the Barwon South West area of Victoria.

Design, Setting and Participants

We have described incidence, diagnostics, treatment pathways, and survival for four regions of the Barwon South Western Victoria. Analysis included all newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients from 2009 to 2015 in the Evaluation of Cancer Outcomes Barwon South West Registry. Regions included 1: Queenscliffe 2: Geelong, Colac Otway and Corangamite 3: Moyne, Warrnambool and Southern Grampians and 4: Glenelg. Across the four regions, variables were compared using a chi square statistic or analysis of variance and survival data was assessed with the Kaplan–Meier curves.

Main Outcome Measures

Incidence, treatment pathways and survival for prostate cancer patients.

Results

A total of 1776 patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer from 2009 to 2015 in the Barwon South West area. In regions 1–4, there were 298 (1.04%), 1085 (0.92%), 273 (0.97%) and 120 (1.2%) cases, respectively. There was no significant difference in Gleason score and treatment. The 5‐year survival rate was 85%, 76%, 71% and 80%, respectively, as compared with the national average of 95%. PSA scores >20 ng/ml at diagnosis, as a surrogate for high‐risk disease, occurred in 23%, 29%, 22% and 21%, respectively (p < 0.01). The proportions presenting with stage IV disease were 17%, 26%, 21% and 6%, respectively (p = 0.10).

Conclusion

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer in South West Victoria have a considerably lower 5‐year survival compared with the national average with later disease at presentation in some areas.
27‐Hydroxycholesterol promotes metastasis by SULT2A1‐dependent alteration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Taochen , Tao Baorui , Yi Chenhe , Zhang Chong , Zhang Peng , Shao Weiqing , Li Yitong , Chen Zhenmei , Lu Lu , Jia Huliang , Zhu Wenwei , Lin Jing , Chen Jinhong
Published: May 2022

Oxysterol metabolism plays an important role in the initiation and development of various tumors. However, little is known that the metabolic alternation can promote the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we identify the sulfotransferase family 2A member 1 (SULT2A1) to 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OHC) metabolic axis as playing a critical role in HCC metastasis. The level of 27‐OHC closely corresponded with HCC metastasis instead of proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Also, the expression of SULT2A1 is extremely downregulated in human HCC tissues and is correlated with poor prognosis and tumor metastasis. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies reveal that SULT2A1 suppresses the metastasis of HCC by regulating the level of 27‐OHC. Further mechanistic studies indicated that SULT2A1‐dependent alternation of 27‐OHC activates the nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway and promotes HCC metastasis by enhancing Twist1 expression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, our findings indicate the relationship between the metabolism of 27‐OHC and the metastasis of HCC. Moreover, SULT2A1 could act as a potential prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for preventing HCC metastasis.
Molecular diagnosis of adult patients with clinically unexplained hypokalemia without hypertension demonstrated a diagnostic yield of 30.5%
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Pan Xiaohui , Wan Qin , Ma Jinfang , Zhang Fang , Zhang Yuwei , Lv Qingguo , Shen Sumin , Tong Nanwei
Published: May 2022

Hypokalemia is a common disorder in clinical settings; however, nonmolecular diagnostic testing cannot explain some causes of hypokalemia. To determine the etiology of clinically unexplained hypokalemia without hypertension (CUHypoNH) and to obtain a diagnostic yield of monogenic hypokalemia without hypertension in adults (MHNHA), we enrolled 82 patients with CUHypoNH for whole‐exome sequencing or targeted gene sequencing of genes associated with 4000 monogenic disorders. Through molecular diagnosis, 25 patients were diagnosed with monogenic hypokalemia, and a diagnostic yield of 30.5% was obtained. Among patients with MHNHA, 18 patients (18/82, 22.0% and 72% of MHNHA) with Gitelman syndrome accounted for the largest proportion. Among the 29 diagnostic variants found, eight mutations have not been reported previously; these include three point mutations, one frameshift mutation, and four exon deletions. Based on the clinical presentation of patients with CUHypoNH, the diagnostic yield of monogenic hypokalemia was the highest for chronic asymptomatic hypokalemia (8/11, 72.7%). Twenty‐one patients had concomitant hypomagnesemia, when accompanied with hypocalciuria, the molecular diagnostic yield of Gitelman syndrome increased to 88.2%. Overall, this study on hospitalized adult patients explored the etiology of CUHypoNH using high‐throughput sequencing. Molecular diagnosis of CUHypoNH is clinically significant in guiding precision treatment and improving disease prognosis.
Visualization of tumor margins with red dichromatic imaging after post‐injection bleeding during tip‐in endoscopic mucosal resection for a colon polyp
Authors: Takada Kazunori , Hotta Kinichi , Imai Kenichiro
Published: May 2022

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Nomogram for prediction of adverse events after lumen‐apposing metal stent placement for drainage of pancreatic fluid collections
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Amato Arnaldo , Crinò Stefano Francesco , Sinagra Emanuele , Maida Marcello , Fugazza Alessandro , Binda Cecilia , Repici Alessandro , Tarantino Ilaria , Anderloni Andrea , Fabbri Carlo ,   i‐EUS Group
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To generate a prognostic model based on a nomogram for adverse event (AE) prediction after lumen‐apposing metal stents (LAMS) placement in patients with pancreatic fluid collections (PFC).

Methods

Data from a large multicenter series of PFCs treated with LAMS placement were retrieved. AE (overall and excluding mild events) prediction was calculated through a logistic regression model and a nomogram was created and internally validated after bootstrapping. Results were expressed in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Discrimination was assessed by c‐statistics and calibrated by comparing deciles of predicted and observed ORs.

Results

Overall, 516 patients were included (males 68%, mean age 61.6 ± 15.2 years). PFCs were predominantly walled‐off necrosis (52.1%). Independent predictors of AE occurrence were injury of main pancreatic duct (OR in the case of leak 2.51, 95% CI 1.06–5.97, P = 0.03; OR in the case of complete disruption 2.61, 1.53–4.45, P = 0.01), abnormal vessels (OR in the case of perigastric varices 2.90, 1.31–6.42, P = 0.008; OR in the case of pseudoaneurysm 2.99, 1.75–11.93, P = 0.002), using a multigate technique (OR 3.00, 1.28–5.24; P = 0.05), and need of percutaneous drainage (OR 2.81, 1.03–7.65, P = 0.04). By nomogram, a score beyond 200 points corresponded to a 50% probability of AE occurrence. The model was confirmed even when excluding mild AEs and it showed optimal discrimination (c‐index 76.8%, 95% CI 74–79), confirmed after internal validation.

Conclusion

Patients with preprocedural evidence of pancreatic duct leak/disruption, vessel alteration, requiring percutaneous drainage or a multigate technique are at higher risk for AE.
Improving pathways for girls and disadvantaged youth through secondary education and into work: Evidence and reflections from practice
Authors: Baxter Mallory , Novy‐Marx Milena , D'Angelo Sophia
Published: May 2022

Motivation

Given the changing nature of work and recent shocks to environmental, health, and economic systems, secondary education in sub‐Saharan Africa must prepare youth to be adaptive and resilient as they transition into challenging labour markets. Access to opportunities to develop relevant skills and knowledge through secondary education is critical to ensure girls and other marginalized young people can secure work or create their own entrepreneurial ventures to improve their livelihoods. Yet many girls and marginalized youth either drop out of school or progress through the education system without developing the skills needed to effectively transition into labour markets.

Purpose

This article aims to synthesize insights from Mastercard Foundation's portfolio of programming in secondary education and situate these findings in the broader literature on equitable secondary education and preparing youth for the transition to work in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Methods and approach

This article draws on Mastercard Foundation's portfolio of work in secondary education in sub‐Saharan Africa, including its flagship report Secondary education in Africa: Preparing youth for the future of work, the donor collaborative Partnership to Strengthen Innovation and Practice in Secondary Education (PSIPSE), and the Scholars Program in addition to a wider literature and evidence base. It synthesizes key findings from research and programmes focusing on equitable access to and relevant skills development in secondary education.

Findings

Three key insights are explored: the importance of targeted financing to expand access, flexible approaches to improve completion, and entrepreneurship programming to develop relevant skills—each critical for promoting secondary education that prepares young women and men for work.

Policy implications

A systems‐based approach is critical to improving the access and relevance of secondary education. Gender‐equitable approaches that account for intersecting barriers are necessary to improve inclusion of disadvantaged youth in education systems and prepare them for work.
Seizure forecasting: Bifurcations in the long and winding road
Authors: Baud Maxime O. , Proix Timothée , Gregg Nicholas M. , Brinkmann Benjamin H. , Nurse Ewan S. , Cook Mark J. , Karoly Philippa J.
Published: May 2022

To date, the unpredictability of seizures remains a source of suffering for people with epilepsy, motivating decades of research into methods to forecast seizures. Originally, only few scientists and neurologists ventured into this niche endeavor, which, given the difficulty of the task, soon turned into a long and winding road. Over the past decade, however, our narrow field has seen a major acceleration, with trials of chronic electroencephalographic devices and the subsequent discovery of cyclical patterns in the occurrence of seizures. Now, a burgeoning science of seizure timing is emerging, which in turn informs best forecasting strategies for upcoming clinical trials. Although the finish line might be in view, many challenges remain to make seizure forecasting a reality. This review covers the most recent scientific, technical, and medical developments, discusses methodology in detail, and sets a number of goals for future studies.
Rapid Field Approach to Evaluating Natural Source Zone Depletion for a Range of Light Non‐Aqueous Phase Liquid Sites
Authors: Ririe G. Todd , Sweeney Robert E.
Published: May 2022

More rapid cost‐effective approaches are required to enable field evaluation of natural source zone depletion (NSZD) at petroleum LNAPL sites. Long and costly cleanups have continued as NSZD has not become widely acceptable as a remedial option. We have developed a low cost rapid field approach (RFA) and expanded the site conceptual models (SCMs) to include NSZD. Results from two sites are presented that illustrate the benefit of the RFA in supplementing existing data and updating SCMs. At present, most NSZD guidelines follow a single generic SCM (aerobic oxidation of methane) as the primary contributor to NSZD. Aerobic oxidation of LNAPL is also possible, and can be documented by subsurface measurements of soil‐gas composition and/or heat generated from biodegradation. The RFA was developed so that sites could be easily separated into those with and without a methane plume overlying LNAPL. This distinction is important as it defines the relative rates of oxygen transport into the soil, and methane generation and release from saturated zone anaerobic biodegradation. For the RFA, evidence for direct LNAPL oxidation is absence of methane (<0.1%‐v) in the unsaturated zone above LNAPL. This measurement can be readily made in the field using existing monitoring wells. The absence of a methane plume above LNAPL would indicate that NSZD is a result of direct biodegradation of LNAPL. This alternative SCM needs to be considered and evaluated prior to implementing more costly data collection or other remediation or site management options.
Mental health services in the school environment—Future visions using a phenomenographic approach
Authors: Putkuri Tiina , Lahti Mari , Laaksonen Camilla , Sarvasmaa Anna S. , Huttunen Rauno , Axelin Anna
Published: May 2022

Aims and objectives

First, to describe the variation in stakeholders' perceptions related to the desirable mental health services in school environments. Second, to construct alternative future visions based on these perceptions. Finally, to describe stakeholders' perceptions about the actions needed to reach such an ideal state.

Background

The increased need for mental health care has challenged the role of schools and school health care in the area of mental health services for those of school‐age. There is a need for future visions and comprehensive statements concerning the mental health services provided in the school environment.

Design

The study was undertaken in Finland, between February 2020 and February 2021. Qualitative individual interviews were conducted with 15 professional stakeholders and focus group interviews with 10 stakeholders advocating for adolescents or parents.

Method

The study was conducted with the phenomenographic approach using a visioning methodology. The study is reported following the COREQ checklist.

Result

Four alternative future visions were formulated based on the perceptions of the stakeholders. They emphasised different aspects: (1) non‐medicalising the school environment, (2) early and extensive intervention by school nurses enabled by work distribution with mental health specialists, (3) a multiprofessional team providing help on overall health questions and (4) a focusing of the services on mental disorders. Necessary changes were identified at the micro‐, mezzo‐ and macro‐level.

Conclusion

The future visions are based on opposite perceptions related to the mission and focus of school health care. One extreme emphasises overall health promotion for everyone, while the other accentuates treatment for those suffering from mental disorders. The former may lead to inadequate help for mental health problems and the latter insufficient help for other health problems.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study contributes alternative future visions, promotes strategic planning and helps to clarify the future role of school nurses.
Effects of transobturator tape procedure on female sexual function at 2‐year follow‐up: A prospective cohort study with matched control group
Authors: Kender Erturk Nergis , Tasgoz Fatma Nurgul , Temur Muzaffer
Published: May 2022

Objectives

We aimed to compare the effect of elapsed time on sexual function in women who underwent a transobturator tape (TOT) procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with continent controls.

Methods

Urinary and sexual function of 70 females were assessed preoperatively at month 6 and postoperatively at month 24 in the study group. Forty‐five patients without urinary incontinence and demographically matched with the study group were assessed for sexual function at first administration and 24 months later in the control group. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used.

Results

The baseline total FSFI score (23.4 ± 3.2 vs 27.0 ± 4.3, P < .001) was significantly lower in patients with SUI. There was a slight increase (24.0 ± 3.0, P = .167) in sexual function at the end of 2 years in the study group, whereas in the control group, the total FSFI score (25.0 ± 4.5, P < .001) decreased significantly within 2 years. The success of the incontinence surgery was associated with higher long‐term sexual function scores.

Conclusions

Successful TOT surgery can improve sexual function in women with SUI. This improvement decreases less over time compared to healthy controls.
Faculty perspectives on facilitating medical students' longitudinal learning: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Shagrin Bianca S. , Gheihman Galina , Sullivan Amy M. , Li Honghe , Hirsh David A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Medical students' longitudinal care of patients supports clinical learning and promotes patient‐centredness. The literature presents little empirically derived guidance for faculty to facilitate students' longitudinal learning and care. Informed by the conceptual framework of relational learning, this study investigated faculty perspectives about longitudinal teaching, their strategies for facilitating students' longitudinal learning and perceived barriers and enablers.

Methods

Using a convergent mixed‐methods approach at a single academic medical centre, the authors conducted a survey and two focus groups in 2018–2019 with faculty members teaching in three longitudinal clinical courses. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics and chi‐square tests. Qualitative content analysis described deductive categories and identified inductive themes.

Results

Forty‐three eligible faculty (69%) completed the survey. Ninety‐one percent (n = 39) reported that teaching in a longitudinal model enhanced their experience as preceptors. Faculty described activities students performed to provide longitudinal care: spending time with patients independently (n = 38, 88%), making follow‐up phone calls (n = 35; 81%) and participating in home‐ and community‐based visits (n = 20, 47%), among others. Twelve faculty participated in two focus groups. Deductive analysis characterised strategies for facilitating students' longitudinal learning and barriers and enablers. Strategies included “encouraging students to follow patients,” “faculty adaptability,” “offering guidance and setting expectations,” and “careful patient selection.” Barriers included scheduling limitations, and enablers included student initiative. Inductive analysis identified two themes: faculty goals for students and faculty benefits from teaching. Goals included meaningful engagement with patients and their illness over time. Benefits from teaching included personal gratification, mentorship, and holistic student assessment.

Discussion

Our survey and focus group findings demonstrated positive faculty attitudes and experiences, characterised faculty goals and approaches, and identified elements of the educational context that hindered or facilitated longitudinal teaching and learning. This study's faculty perspectives build upon prior investigations of students' and patients' perspectives, offer teaching strategies, and may guide faculty development.