bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covid-19 Excess Mortality in China: A Regional Comparison
Authors: Liu Lee
Published: June 2023

Estimates of Covid-19 excess mortality are often considered to reflect the true death toll of the pandemic. As such, information on excess mortality is urgently needed to better understand the impact of the pandemic and prepare for future crises. This study estimated Covid-19 excess mortality at the provincial, regional, and national levels in China and investigated its associated regional disparities. The analyses were based on population and death rates data published by the national and provincial bureaus of statistics in China. The results suggest that excess deaths in China were over 1 million during each year of the pandemic, totaling to over 4 million by the end of 2022, at an excess death rate of 15.4%. This rate was likely comparable to that of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), but higher than the US rate. Striking disparities were discovered among the 31 provinces with excess death rates ranging from negative rates in two eastern provinces to over 30% in three inland provinces. Rates in western China were over twice as high as those in eastern China. Variations with each individual regions were the largest in the central region and the smallest in the Northeast, which was the hardest hit with excess death rate of over 23%. The regional disparities in excess mortality rates seem to reflect pre-existing regional inequalities in socio-economic development in China. Such findings suggest that China has far to go to mitigate regional inequalities, achieve sustainability, and prepare for the next major crises.
Changes in self-reported health and wellbeing outcomes in 36,951 primary school children from 2014 to 2022 in Wales: A descriptive analysis using annual survey data
Authors: Einhorn Johanna , James Michaela , Kennedy Natasha , Marchant Emily , Brophy Sinead
Published: June 2023

Abstract

This study examines the changes in childhood self-reported health and wellbeing between 2014 and 2022. An annual survey delivered by HAPPEN-Wales, in collaboration with 500 primary schools, captured self-reported data on physical health, dietary habits, mental health, and overall wellbeing for children aged 8-11 years. The findings reveal a decline in physical health between 2014 and 2022, as evidenced by reduced abilities in swimming and cycling. For example, 68% of children (95%CI: 67%-69%) reported being able to swim 25m in 2022, compared to 85% (95% CI: 83%-87%) in 2018. Additionally, unhealthy eating habits, such as decreased fruit and vegetable consumption and increased consumption of sugary snacks, have become more prevalent. Mental health issues, including emotional and behavioural difficulties, have also increased, with emotional difficulties affecting 13%-15% of children in 2017-2018 and now impacting 29% of children in 2021-2022. Moreover, indicators of wellbeing, autonomy, and competence have declined. Importantly, this trend of declining health and wellbeing predates the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting that it is not solely attributed to the pandemic’s effects. The health of primary school children has been on a declining trajectory since 2018/2019 and has continued to decline through the COVID recovery period. The study suggests that these trends are unlikely to improve without targeted intervention and policy focus.
Identification of two new genetic loci associated with atrial fibrillation in the Taiwanese population-implication of metabolism and fibrosis in atrial fibrillation mechanism
Authors: Lee Guan-Wei , Chen Jien-Jiun , Chang Sheng-Nan , Chiu Fu-Chun , Huang Pang-Shuo , Chuang Eric Y. , Tsai Chia-Ti
Published: June 2023

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in more than 100 genomic regions associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Genes for AF identified by GWAS in the Caucasian populations may show ethnic differences in the Asian populations. We sought to identify other novel AF genes in the Taiwanese population by multi-stage GWAS.

Methods

In exploratory stage, GWAS with whole genome genotypes (4,512,191 SNPs) were done in 516 young AF Patients (58.1±8.7 years-old, 438 men [84.9%]) from the National Taiwan University AF registry (NTUAFR) and 5160 normal sinus rhythm controls (57.8 ±8.7 years-old, 2460 men [47.7%]) from Taiwan Biobank. Significant loci were replicated in 1002 independent AF patients and 2003 NSR controls, and also in UK biobank (5630 AF cases and 24000 NSR controls). Quantitative trait locus mapping was performed to implicate functional significance.

Results

Stage I GWAS revealed 3 loci associated with AF with the genome-wide significance level, which included locus close to previously reportedPITX2gene (chromosome 4q25, rs2723329,P=1.53×10−10) and two novel loci close toRAP1AandHNF4Ggenes (chromosome 1p13.2, rs7525578,P= 1.24×10−26; chromosome 8q21.13, rs2980218,P=2.19×10−9, respectively). They were further validated in a stage II replication population (P=4.60×10−9, 4.45×10−10and 6.97×10−5forRAP1A, PITX2andHNF4G, respectively). These 3 genes were also validated in the UK population. These 3 significant SNPs also show significant association with tissue expressions (RAP1Aexpression in thyroid,PITX2in testicular, andHNF4Gin lymphocyte tissues, respectively).

Conclusions

GWAS in Taiwan revealed previously reportedPITX2and two novel AF genes (RAP1AandHNF4G) with the most significant locus inRAP1A.RAP1AandHNF4Ggenes may implicate fibrosis and metabolic pathways, respectively, in the mechanism of AF.
Target-decoy false discovery rate estimation using Crema
Authors: Lin Andy , See Donavan , Fondrie William E. , Keich Uri , Noble William Stafford
Published: June 2023

Assigning statistical confidence estimates to discoveries produced by a tandem mass spectrometry proteomics experiment is critical to enabling principled interpretation of the results and to assess the cost/benefit ratio of experimental follow-up. The most common technique for computing such estimates is to usetarget-decoy competition(TDC), in which observed spectra are searched against a database of real (target) peptides and a database of shuffled or reversed (decoy) peptides. TDC procedures for estimating the false discovery rate (FDR) at a given score threshold have been developed for application at the level of spectra, peptides, or proteins. Although these techniques are relatively straightforward to implement, it is common in the literature to skip over the implementation details or even to make mistakes in how the TDC procedures are applied in practice. Here we present Crema, an open source Python tool that implements several TDC methods of spectrum-, peptide- and protein-level FDR estimation. Crema is compatible with a variety of existing database search tools and provides a straightforward way to obtain robust FDR estimates.
Integrating Image and Molecular Profiles for Spatial Transcriptomics Analysis
Authors: Jiang Xi , Wang Shidan , Guo Lei , Wen Zhuoyu , Jia Liwei , Xu Lin , Xiao Guanghua , Li Qiwei
Published: June 2023

The spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) field has revolutionized our ability to comprehensively leverage image and molecular profiles to elucidate spatial organization of cellular microenvironments. Current clustering analysis of SRT data primarily relies on molecular information and fails to fully exploit the morphological features present in histology images, leading to compromised accuracy and interpretability. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a multi-stage statistical method called iIMPACT. It includes a finite mixture model to identify and define histology-based spatial domains based on AI-reconstructed histology images and spatial context of gene expression measurements, and a negative binomial regression model to detect domain-specific spatially variable genes. Through multiple case studies, we demonstrate iIMPACT outperformed existing methods, confirmed by ground truth biological knowledge. These findings underscore the accuracy and interpretability of iIMPACT as a new clustering approach, providing valuable insights into the cellular spatial organization and landscape of functional genes within spatial transcriptomics data.
Inpatient Antibacterial Drug Prescribing for Patients with COVID-19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Blais Joseph Edgar , Zhang Weixin , Lin Yun , Chui Celine SL , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Cowling Benjamin John , Wu Peng
Published: June 2023

Background

Hong Kong experienced four epidemic waves caused by the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 in 2020-2021 and a large Omicron wave in 2022. Few studies have assessed antibacterial drug prescribing for COVID-19 inpatients throughout the pandemic.

Objectives

To describe inpatient antibacterial drug prescribing for COVID-19 patients throughout the pandemic and to determine factors associated with their prescription.

Methods

This cohort study used electronic health records of COVID-19 cases admitted to public hospitals in Hong Kong from 21 January 2020 to 30 September 2022. We assessed the prevalence and rates of inpatient antibacterial drug use, using days of therapy/1000 patient days (DOT/1000PD), and examined the association of baseline factors and disease severity with receipt of an inpatient antibacterial drug prescription.

Results

Among 65,810 inpatients, 54.0% were prescribed antibacterial drugs at a rate of 550.5 DOT/1000PD. Antibacterial use was lowest during wave 4 (28.0%; 246.9 DOT/1000PD), peaked in early wave 5 (64.6%; 661.2 DOT/1000PD), and then modestly declined in late wave 5 (43.2%; 464.1 DOT/1000PD) starting on 23 May 2022.

Older age, increased disease severity, and residing in an elderly care home were strongly associated with increased odds of prescription, while receiving ≥ 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines and pre-admission use of coronavirus antivirals were associated with lower odds.

Conclusions

The rate of inpatient antibacterial prescribing initially declined during the pandemic, but increased during the Omicron wave when hospital capacity was overwhelmed. Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral drugs, antibacterial drug use among COVID-19 inpatients remained high into late 2022.

HIGHLIGHTS

The prevalence of antibacterial drug use in hospitalized COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong declined gradually during the first four COVID-19 epidemic waves to 28.0%, but increased to 64.6% with the spread of the Omicron variant in early 2022.

The majority of antibacterial drug prescriptions were for Access and Watch drugs, with limited use of combination therapy or macrolides.

Older age and more severe disease were strongly associated with an inpatient antibacterial drug prescription, while vaccination and initiation of COVID-19-specific antivirals reduced the odds of antibacterial prescription.

Despite moderate-to-high levels of vaccine coverage and the availability of antiviral drugs, 43% of COVID-19 inpatients still received antibacterial drugs in late 2022.
Temporal trends and clinical characteristics of acute hepatitis with unknown aetiology and human adenovirus infections in Oxfordshire from 2016 to 2022
Authors: Tan Cedric CS , Kelly Gavin , Cregan Jack , Wilson Joseph D , James Tim , Chand Meera , Hopkins Susan , Swets Maaike , Baillie J Kenneth , Jeffery Katie , Walker Sarah , Eyre David W , Stoesser Nicole , Matthews Philippa C
Published: June 2023

Background

An outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology (AS-Hep-UA) in children during 2022 has subsequently been linked to infections by adenovirus-associated virus 2 (AAV2) and other ‘helper viruses’, including human adenovirus (HAdV).

Aim

We investigated clinical characteristics and temporal distribution of acute hepatitis with unknown aetiology (AHUA) and of HAdV infections in Oxfordshire, UK population between 2016-2022.

Methods

We used anonymised electronic health records (EHR) to collate retrospective data for presentations of AHUA and/or HAdV infection between 2016-2022. We reviewed records of >900,000 acute presentations to emergency care at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH; UK) and performed a descriptive analysis of case numbers and clinical characteristics.

Results

Over the full study period, patients coded as AHUA had significantly higher critical care admission rates (p<0.0001, OR=41.7, 95% CI:26.3-65.0) and longer inpatient admissions (p<0.0001) compared with the rest of the patient population. Comparing events within the outbreak period (1st Oct 2021 - 31 Aug 2022), to those occurring outside this period, significantly more adults were diagnosed with AHUA (p<0.0001, OR=3.01, 95% CI: 2.20-4.12), and there were significantly more HAdV infections in children (p<0.001, OR=1.78, 95% CI:1.27-2.47). There were also more HAdV tests administered during the outbreak (p<0.0001, OR=1.27, 95% CI:1.17-1.37). There was no evidence of more acute hepatitis or increased severity of illness among patients who tested HAdV-positive compared to those testing HAdV-negative.

Conclusion

Our results highlight an increase in the number of AHUA in adults coinciding with the reported AS-Hep-UA outbreak in children, but not linked to documented HAdV infection.
Frequent asymmetric migrations suppress natural selection in spatially structured populations
Authors: Abbara Alia , Bitbol Anne-Florence
Published: June 2023

Natural microbial populations often have complex spatial structures. This can impact their evolution, in particular the ability of mutants to take over. While mutant fixation probabilities are known to be unaffected by sufficiently symmetric structures, evolutionary graph theory has shown that some graphs can amplify or suppress natural selection, in a way that depends on microscopic update rules. We propose a model of spatially structured populations on graphs directly inspired by batch culture experiments, alternating within-deme growth on nodes and migration-dilution steps, and yielding successive bottlenecks. This setting bridges models from evolutionary graph theory with Wright-Fisher models. Using a branching process approach, we show that spatial structure with frequent migrations can only yield suppression of natural selection. More precisely, in this regime, circulation graphs, where the total incoming migration flow equals the total outgoing one in each deme, do not impact fixation probability, while all other graphs strictly suppress selection. Suppression becomes stronger as the asymmetry between incoming and outgoing migrations grows. Amplification of natural selection can nevertheless exist in a restricted regime of rare migrations and very small fitness advantages, where we recover the predictions of evolutionary graph theory for the star graph.
A neuro-intestinal circuit controls mitochondrial dynamics and stress resistance
Authors: Cornell Rebecca , Cao Wei , Harradine Bernie , Handley Ava , Pocock Roger
Published: June 2023

Neurons coordinate inter-tissue protein homeostasis to systemically manage cytotoxic stress. Specific neuropeptidergic signals coordinate the systemic mitochondrial stress response (UPRmt), but whether chemical neurotransmitters also influence this process is unclear. Here, we show that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibits, and acetylcholine (ACh) promotes the UPRmtin theCaenorhabditis elegansintestine. GABA controls the UPRmtby regulating extra-synaptic ACh release through metabotropic GABAB receptors GBB-1/2. We find that elevated ACh levels in animals that are GABA-deficient or lack ACh-degradative enzymes induce the UPRmtthrough ACR-11, an intestinal nicotinic α7 receptor. This neuro-intestinal circuit is critical for nonautonomously regulating mitochondrial dynamics and organismal survival of oxidative stress. These findings establish chemical neurotransmission as a crucial regulatory layer for nervous system control of systemic protein homeostasis and stress responses.

One-Sentence Summary

Regulation of mitochondrial health with neurotransmission.
Effects of Administration of Recombinant Human Lecithin-Cholesterol Acyltransferase on Lipoprotein Metabolism in Humans
Authors: Reyes-Soffer Gissette , Matveyenko Anastasiya , Lignos James , Matienzo Nelsa , Baez Leinys S Santos , Hernandez-One Antonio , Yung Lau , Nandakumar Renu , Singh Sasha A. , Ramakrishnan Rajasekhar , Aikawa Masanori , George Richard , Ginsberg Henry N.
Published: June 2023

Lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) catalyzes the conversion of unesterified, or free cholesterol (FC), to cholesteryl ester (CE), which moves from the surface of HDL into the neutral lipid core. As this iterative process continues, nascent lipid-poor HDL is converted to a series of larger, spherical cholesterol ester enriched HDL particles that can be cleared by the liver in a process that has been termed reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). We conducted a randomized, placebo controlled, cross-over study in 5 volunteers with ASCVD, to examine the effects of an acute increase of recombinant human (rh) LCAT via intravenous administration on the in vivo metabolism of HDL apolipoprotein (APO)A1 and APOA2, and the APOB100-lipoproteins, very low density (VLDL), intermediate density (IDL), and low density (LDL) lipoproteins. As expected, rhLCAT treatment significantly increased HDL CE content. This change did not affect the fractional clearance or production rates of HDL-APOA1 and HDL-APOA2. The metabolism of APOB100-lipoproteins was likewise unaffected. Our results suggest that an acute increase in LCAT activity drives greater flux of CE through the RCT pathway without altering the clearance and production of the main HDL proteins and without affecting the metabolism of APOB100-lipoproteins. Long-term elevations of LCAT might, therefore, have beneficial effects on total body cholesterol balance and atherogenesis.
The physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions: A comparative systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis
Authors: Packheiser Julian , Hartmann Helena , Fredriksen Kelly , Gazzola Valeria , Keysers Christian , Michon Frédéric
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Receiving touch is of critical importance for human well-being. A number of studies have shown that touch promotes mental and physical health. However, effect sizes differ considerably across studies and potential moderators of touch interventions remain unknown to this day.

Methods

We conducted a preregistered (CRD42022304281) systematic review and a large-scale multivariate multilevel meta-analysis encompassing 137 studies in healthy participants and patients (166 cohorts, 9617 participants and 643 effect sizes) in the meta-analysis and 75 additional studies as part of the systematic review to identify critical factors moderating touch intervention efficacy. Included studies always featured a touch vs. no touch control intervention with health outcomes as dependent variables.

Results

We found comparable and medium-sized (Hedges’g∼ 0.5) effects of touch on both mental and physical health. Touch interventions were especially effective in regulating cortisol levels (0.78 [0.24;1.31]) and increasing weight (0.65 [0.37;0.94]) in newborns, as well as in reducing pain (0.69 [0.48;0.89]), feelings of depression (0.59 [0.40;0.78]) and state (0.64 [0.44;0.84]) or trait anxiety (0.59 [0.40;0.77]) for adults and children. Comparing touch interventions involving objects or robots with humans resulted in similar physical (0.56 [0.24;0.88] vs. 0.51 [0.38;0.64]) but lower mental health benefits (0.34 [0.19;0.49] vs. 0.58 [0.43;0.73]). Adult clinical cohorts profited stronger in mental health domains compared to healthy individuals (0.63 [0.46;0.80] vs. 0.37 [0.20;0.55]) but showed comparable physical health benefits (0.53 [0.38;0.69] vs. 0.47 [0.29;0.65]). We found no difference in children and adults comparing touch applied by a familiar person or a health professional (0.51 [0.29;0.73] vs. 0.50 [0.38;0.61]) but parental touch was more beneficial in newborns (0.69 [0.50;0.88] vs. 0.39 [0.18;0.61]). Intervention frequency positively correlated with increased health benefits in adults and children while session duration did not show significant effects.

Discussion

Leveraging those factors that influence touch intervention efficacy will help maximize the benefits of future touch interventions and focus research in this field.
Characterizing Adeno-Associated Virus Capsids with both Denaturing and Intact Analysis Methods
Authors: Ryan Jack P. , Kostelic Marius M. , Hsieh Chih-Chieh , Powers Joshua B. , Aspinwall Craig A. , Dodds James N. , Schiel John E. , Marty Michael T. , Baker Erin S.
Published: June 2023

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsids are among the leading gene delivery platforms used to treat a vast array of human diseases and conditions. AAVs exist in a variety of serotypes due to differences in viral protein (VP) sequences, with distinct serotypes targeting specific cells and tissues. As the utility of AAVs in gene therapy increases, ensuring their specific composition is imperative for correct targeting and gene delivery. From a quality control perspective, current analytical tools are limited in their selectivity for viral protein (VP) subunits due to their sequence similiaries, instrumental difficulties in assessing the large molecular weights of intact capsids, and the uncertainity in distinguishing empty and filled capsids. To address these challenges, we combine two distinct analytical workflows that assess the intact capsids and VP subunits separately. First, charge detection-mass spectrometry (CD-MS) was applied for characterization of the intact capsids and then liquid chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry, and mass spectrometry (LC-IMS-MS) separations were used for capsid denaturing measurements. This multi-method combination was applied to 3 AAV serotypes (AAV2, AAV6, and AAV8) to evaluate their intact empty and filled capsid ratios and then examine the distinct VP sequences and modifications present.
PDF neuropeptide signals independently of Bruchpilot-labelled active zones in daily remodelled terminals ofDrosophilaclock neurons
Authors: Hofbauer Benedikt , Zandawala Meet , Reinhard Nils , Rieger Dirk , Werner Christian , Evers Jan-Felix , Wegener Christian
Published: June 2023

The small ventrolateral neurons (sLNvs) are key components of the central clock in theDrosophilabrain. They signal via the neuropeptide Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) to align the molecular clockwork of different central clock neurons and to modulate downstream circuits. The dorsal terminals of the sLNvs undergo daily morphological changes that have been shown to affect presynaptic sites organised by the active zone protein Bruchpilot (BRP), a homolog of mammalian ELKS proteins. Although the circadian plasticity of the sLNv terminals is well established, whether and how it is related to the rhythmic release of PDF remains ill-defined.

Here, we combined expansion microscopy with labelling of active zones by endogenously tagged BRP to examine the spatial correlation between PDF-containing dense-core vesicles and BRP-labelled active zones. We found that the number of BRP-labelled punctae in the sLNv terminals remained stable while their density changed during circadian plasticity. The relative distance between BRP- and PDF-labelled punctae was increased in the morning, around the reported time of PDF release. Spontaneous dense-core vesicle release profiles of the sLNvs in a publicly available ssTEM dataset (FAFB) consistently lacked spatial correlation to BRP-organised active zones. RNAi-mediated downregulation ofbrpand other active zone proteins expressed by the sLNvs did not affect PDF-dependent locomotor rhythmicity. In contrast, down-regulation of genes of the canonical vesicle release machinery, the dense-core vesicle-related protein CADPS, as well as PDF impaired locomotor rhythmicity.

Taken together, our study suggests that PDF release from the sLNvs is independent of BRP-organised active zones which seem not to be circadianly destroyed and re-established.
Metagenomic survey of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Maryland surface waters differentiated by high and low human impact
Authors: Kocurek Brandon , Behling Shawn , Martin Gordon , Ramachandran Padmini , Reed Elizabeth , Grim Christopher , Mammel Mark , Zheng Jie , Franklin Alison , Garland Jay , Tadesse Daniel A. , Sharma Manan , Tyson Gregory H. , Kabera Claudine , Tate Heather , McDermott Patrick F. , Strain Errol , Ottesen Andrea
Published: June 2023

In alignment with the One Health paradigm, surface waters are being evaluated as a modality to better understand baseline antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across the environment to supplement existing AMR monitoring in pathogens associated with humans, foods, and animals. Here, we use metagenomic and quasimetagenomic sequence data to describe AMR in Maryland surface waters from developed (high human impact) and natural (low human impact) classifications by the National Land Cover Database (NLCD). Critically important β-lactamase genes were observed in twice as many high human impact zones. All data are available under BioProject PRJNA79347.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bioproject/794347
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Enhancement of Cardiogenesis-Related Signaling Pathways by S-nitroso-N-pivaloyl-D-penicillamine (SNPiP): Implications for Improved Diastolic Function and Cardiac Performance
Authors: Takenaka Yasuhiro , Hirasaki Masataka , Bono Hidemasa , Nakamura Shigeo , Kakinuma Yoshihiko
Published: June 2023

We previously reported a novel compound called S-nitroso-N-pivaloyl-D-penicillamine (SNPiP), which was screened from a group of nitric oxide (NO) donor compounds with a basic chemical structure of S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), to activate the non-neuronal acetylcholine (NNA) system. SNPiP-treated mice exhibited improved cardiac output and enhanced diastolic function, without an increase in heart rate. The NNA-activating effects included increased resilience to ischemia, modulation of energy metabolism preference, and activation of angiogenesis. Here, we performed transcriptome analysis of SNPiP-treated mice ventricles to elucidate how SNPiP exerts beneficial effects on cardiac function. A time-course study (24 and 48 h after SNPiP administration) revealed that SNPiP initially induced Wnt and cGMP-protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathways, along with upregulation of genes involved in cardiac muscle tissue development and oxytocin signaling pathway. We also observed enrichment of glycolysis-related genes in SNPiP-treated samples, indicating a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis following SNPiP administration in the hearts. Additionally, SNPiP significantly upregulated atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and sarcolipin (SLN), which play crucial roles in calcium handling and cardiac performance. These findings suggest that SNPiP may have therapeutic potential based on the pleiotropic mechanisms elucidated in this study.
Hypogonadal (Gnrh1hpg) mice reveal niche-specific influence of reproductive axis and sex on intestinal microbial communities
Authors: Sisk-Hackworth Laura , Brown Jada , Sau Lillian , Levine Andrew A. , Ivy Tam Lai Ying , Ramesh Aishwarya , Shah Reeya S. , Kelley-Thackray Evelyn T. , Wang Sophia , Nguyen Anita , Kelley Scott T. , Thackray Varykina G.
Published: June 2023

The gut microbiome has been linked to many diseases with sex bias including autoimmune, metabolic, neurological, and reproductive disorders. Numerous studies report sex differences in fecal microbial communities, but how this differentiation occurs remains unclear. Using a genetic hypogonadal mouse model that does not produce sex steroids or go through puberty, we investigated how sex and the reproductive axis impact bacterial diversity within the small and large intestine. Both sex and reproductive axis inactivation altered bacterial composition in an intestinal section and niche-specific manner. Our results also implicated factors independent of the reproductive axis (i.e., sex chromosomes) in shaping intestinal communities. Additionally, our detailed profile of intestinal communities showed that fecal samples do not reflect bacterial diversity in the small intestine. Our results have ramifications for studying the impact of sex differences on the gut microbiome, particularly in sex-biased diseases and factoring in sex and steroid levels in microbial-based therapies.
Progress in detection of and correction for low-energy contamination
Authors: Domagala Slawomir , Nourd Petrick , Diederichs Kay , Henn Julian
Published: June 2023

Contamination with low-energy radiation leads to an increased number of weighted residuals being larger in absolute terms than three standard uncertainties. For a Gaussian distribution, these rare events occur only in 0.27% of all cases, which is a small number for small- to medium-sized data sets. The correct detection of rare events – and an adequate correction procedure – thus relies crucially on correct standard uncertainties, which are often not available [Henn (2019), Crystallogr. Rev.
25, 83–156]. It is therefore advisable to use additional, more robust, metrics to complement the established ones. These metrics are developed here and applied to reference data sets from two different publications about low-energy contamination. Other systematic errors were found in the reference data sets. These errors compromise the correction procedures and may lead to under- or overcompensation. This can be demonstrated clearly with the new metrics. Empirical correction procedures generally may be compromised or bound to fail in the presence of other systematic errors. The following systematic errors, which were found in the reference data sets, need to be corrected for prior to application of the low-energy contamination correction procedure: signals of 2λ contamination, extinction, disorder, twinning, and too-large or too-low standard uncertainties (this list may not be complete). All five reference data sets of one publication show a common resolution-dependent systematic error of unknown origin. How this affects the correction procedure can be stated only after elimination of this error. The methodological improvements are verified with data published by other authors.
Goods and Service Tax and its implications on revenue efficiency of sub-national governments in India: an empirical analysis
Authors: Garg Shubham , Priyanka  , Narwal Karam Pal , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to examine the implications of the implementation of Goods and Service Tax (GST) on the revenue efficiency of the sub-national governments in India. Furthermore, the study aims to compare the revenue efficiency of the Indian states for the pre-GST and post-GST periods in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has used the annual revenue of value-added tax (VAT)/GST of the Indian states for the period ranging from 2012–2013 to 2020–2021 for the pre- and post-GST periods. The empirical results are based on the panel regression model for examining the implications of GST adoption on the Indian states.

Findings

The analysis shows that the implementation of GST in India has negatively impacted the revenue efficiency of the Indian states. Moreover, the results affirm that the contribution of the service sector to the state's Net State Domestic Product (NSDP), credit-deposit ratio (CDR) and outstanding net bank credit (ONBC) ratio of schedule commercial banks (SCBs) positively and states' dependency on central transfers (DCT) negatively impact the tax revenue efforts of the state governments. Furthermore, the GST adoption has a greater impact on the revenue efficiency of the minor states in comparison to major states which may widen the inter-state disparity gap as GST revenue constitutes a major share in the Own Tax Revenue (OTR) of the Indian states in aggregate.

Practical implications

The current study will act as a guide for government, policymakers and for the sitting of the fifteenth finance commission in India for future policy formulation on GST and compensation to the Indian states. Similarly, this study can be used as a base for conducting future studies on the implications of GST at the national, sub-national, and international levels.

Originality/value

Previous studies on the implications of GST are theoretical and conceptual. There is hardly any study at the national or sub-national level that has focused on the implications of GST on the revenue efficiency of the Indian states.
Strategic thinking dimensions between Malaysians’ and Palestinians’ dynamic and complex environment in the banking sector
Authors: Alagha Maram , Taha Azni Zarina Binti , Ismail Mohd Nazari Bin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of the external environment on the strategic thinking dimensions in Malaysia and Palestine on the banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on dynamism and complexity in political and economic external environments. This study uses qualitative methodology through a comparative case study method. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from in-depth semistructured interviews with 33 bank executives from Malaysia and 17 from Palestine.

Findings

The findings revealed that the banking sector in both Malaysia and Palestine shared five common strategic thinking dimensions, including vision, creativity, conceptual thinking, futurism and opportunity. However, a sixth dimension, intent-focused, was unique to Palestinian bank executives. This study indicates that Palestine’s financial strategic thinking environment is more dynamic and complex than Malaysia’s. Additionally, the study highlights the significant influence of both microenvironments (such as types of banks) and the macroenvironment (such as political and economic situations). These findings hold important implications for decision-makers in the banking sector of both countries.

Research limitations/implications

As with many studies, this study has some limitations. First, the analysis examines only the turbulent and stable environment in the two countries by using a qualitative approach which enables the analysis of thoughts and actions and exposes the beliefs, perceptions, mental maps and structures of belief in their perceptions (Cavana et al., 2001). As such, the results are limited to a particular time, date and geographical location; thus, opinions and perceptions might be altered due to changes in the external political and economic environment. The second limitation of this work is that the case study might not be appropriate for generalization (Stake, 1978). Finally, the limited number of female participants in Palestine shows a high level of inequality compared to Malaysian participants.

Practical implications

This study explores the implication of uncertain environments at the national level on executives’ cognition and actions, links the micro- and macro-environment of the banking industry to a theoretical perspective and develops a conceptual circular model to show the effect of macro environments on bank performance. The findings offer practical contributions to the current literature, providing insights for executives to navigate a dynamic and complex banking industry.

Originality/value

This study fills the literature gap by exploring how strategic thinking dimensions triggered by macro- and micro-environments impact banking sector performance in Malaysia and Palestine.
Utilization of simulation tools for building performance assessment among design professionals
Authors: Botchway Edward Ayebeng , Agyekum Kofi , Kotei-Martin Jenefailus Nikoi , Afram Samuel Owusu
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study explores the utilization of simulation tools for building performance assessments among design professionals in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used to obtain responses from 104 design professionals in Ghana through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was generated through a critical review of the related literature on the subject matter. Data from respondents were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

Results from the analysis indicated that design professionals in Ghana possessed a low level of awareness of the simulation tools used for building performance assessments. Subsequently, the findings also revealed that the design professionals' level of usage of the simulation tools was low.

Practical implications

Practically, the establishment of this study informs design stakeholders, educational institutions and researchers in Ghana. For design professionals, these findings will focus on enhancing their use of simulation tools for evaluating building performance in Ghana. For educational institutions, these findings will enable them to implement the necessary strategies for incorporating the concept of building performance simulation into their curriculum in order to boost awareness and utilization. Finally, researchers will also use the study's findings to identify any research gaps for future studies.

Originality/value

The findings from this study pioneer knowledge on an under-investigated topic within the Ghanaian construction industry. It also provides insight into the developing state-of-the-art technology employed in the built environment.
Navigating the emotional challenges of ethnographic accounting research: notes from first-time ethnographers
Authors: Repenning Nathalie , DeMott Kai
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to better understand the emotional challenges that inexperienced accounting researchers may face in conducting ethnographies. To do so, the authors use Arlie Russell Hochschild’s (1979, 1983) notions of “feeling rules” and “emotion work” to shed light on the possible nature and impact of these challenges, and how her ideas may also become fruitful for academic purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors take a reflective approach in sharing the raw observation notes and research diaries as first-time ethnographers in the area of management accounting. The authors use these to analyze “unprocessed” experiences of emotional challenges from the fieldwork and how the authors learned to cope with them.

Findings

The authors illustrate how emotional challenges in conducting ethnographies can be rooted in a clash with prevalent feeling rules of certain study situations. The authors explore the conditions under which these clashes occur and how they may prompt researchers to respond through means of emotion work to (re-)stabilize those situations. Based on these insights, the authors also discuss how wider conventions of the accounting academy may contribute to emotional challenges as they stand in contrast to principles of ethnographic research.

Originality/value

There remains a tendency in the accounting domain to largely omit emotional challenges in the making of ethnographies, especially in writing up studies. In this paper, the authors are motivated to break this silence and openly embrace such challenges as an asset when the authors talk about the process of creating knowledge.
Give peace a chance … for what? Paine, Kant and democratic peace
Authors: Frankel Garion , Nederman Cary J.
Published: June 2023

Paul Kelly pays scant attention to the so‐called ‘democratic peace’ thesis that has played a major role in recent International Relations scholarship, a lacuna which we regard to be serious. Our paper investigates the normative background to the connection between democracy and peace, commonly associated with Immanuel Kant. We argue that attention should be devoted instead to the critique of international conflict found in the writings of Thomas Paine, who (unlike Kant) offers a politically grounded account of both why peace among nations is desirable and how that might be achieved. In particular, we consider Paine's views on democratic peace through the lens of his goals of eliminating the tyranny of kings and aristocrats and of ameliorating the material conditions of the poor. Paine contended that the establishment of global peace paralleled a process of global democratisation that would liberate the masses from their political and economic exploitation at the hands of a powerful few, whose interests converged in the prosecution of war.
Rainfall shocks and risk aversion: Evidence from Southeast Asia
Authors: Liebenehm Sabine , Schumacher Ingmar , Strobl Eric
Published: June 2023

We analyze how individual risk aversion changes in response to shocks in an agrarian setting, and the role of changes in yields and prices as two potential channels. To do so we specify a theoretical model that describes temporal alterations in risk aversion. Empirically, we test the model's proposition by combining individual‐level panel data with historical rainfall data for rural Thailand and Vietnam. We find that rainfall shocks increase individuals risk aversion, whereby the largest effects are observed among households that are net buyers of food commodities. Regarding potential channels, only prices seem to explain–and even then just to a very small extent–the increase in net buyers' risk aversion. Our findings imply that shocks can increase risk aversion, and, in the absence of functioning credit and insurance markets, may ultimately lead to decisions that perpetuate poverty.
“This might sound paranoid …”
Authors: Butcher Georgia
Published: June 2023

What happens when the seemingly paranoid, overly cautious comments of research interlocutors start to become the researcher's reality? In this flash ethnography, the author feels the tension of paranoia creeping in while balancing necessary safety precautions in the field.
Putting first things first1: Ordering DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) in light of subsidiarity
Authors: Koenig Emery , Naughton Michael
Published: June 2023

As with any proposal for institutional reform, and especially one that has gained so much ground in such a short amount of time, this paper asks whether diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement is good for corporations. Are businesses stronger with DEI practices and ideas or weaker? We believe that the DEI movement is asking the right questions: How do we create more just and equitable institutions? The challenge, however, is whether this movement is giving the right answers to such questions. The main premise of our paper is that without deeper principles than DEI itself, these qualities of corporate life will be misunderstood, misused, and disordered in our increasingly fragmented and politicized culture. We propose in this essay that “subsidiarity” serves as one of those deeper principles that can order and enrich our understanding of DEI. It serves as a gift principle that begins to reveal the deepest nature of our work, namely, that our work allows us to exercise our gifts in serving others.
Wnt10b regulates osteogenesis of adipose‐derived stem cells through Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway in osteoporosis
Authors: Huang Kui , Cai Shuyu , Fu Ting , Zhu Qiang , Liu Lin , Yao Zhihao , Rao Pengcheng , Lan Xiaorong , Li Qing , Xiao Jingang
Published: June 2023

Our previous finding revealed that the Wnt10b RNA expression of osteoporotic adipose‐derived stem cells (OP‐ASCs) with impaired osteogenic capacity was significantly reduced than that of ASCs. There are no ideas that the relationship between the OP‐ASCs' impaired osteogenic potential and Wnt10b expression. This study aimed to indicate the potential molecular mechanisms and functional role of Wnt10b in OP‐ASCs, as well as to investigate a potential application to reverse the OP‐ASCs' impaired osteogenic differentiation potential. The OP‐ASCs and ASCs were harvested from the inguinal fat of osteoporosis (OP) mice with bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and normal mice. qPCR and WB were used to detect the different levels of the expression of the Wnt10b RNA in both OP‐ASCs and ASCs. Lentiviral‐mediated regulation of Wnt10b expression was employed for OP‐ASCs, and the detection of the expression levels of key molecules in the Wnt signalling pathway and key osteogenic factors was performed through qPCR and WB in vitro experiments. The capacity of OP‐ASCs to osteogenesis was determined using alizarin red staining. Lastly, the repair effect of the BCP scaffolds incorporating modified OP‐ASCs on the critical‐sized calvarial defects (CSCDs) in OP mice was scanned and detected by micro‐computed tomography, haematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry. First, we discovered that both the RNA and protein expression levels of Wnt10b were significantly lower in OP‐ASCs than that in ASCs. In vitro experiments, upregulation of Wnt10b could activate the Wnt signalling pathway, and increase expression of β‐catenin, Lef1, Runx2 and osteopontin (Opn), thereby enhancing the osteogenic ability of OP‐ASCs. In addition, the OP‐ASCs with Wnt10b‐overexpressing could promote the repair of CSCD in osteoporotic mice with increasing new bone volume, bone mineral density, and increased expression of Opn in new bone in vivo. Taken together, overexpression of Wnt10b could partially facilitate the differentiation of OP‐ASCs towards osteogenesis and accelerated the healing of bone defects by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway in vitro and in vivo experiments. This study confirmed the important role of Wnt10b in regulating the osteogenic differentiation capability of OP‐ASCs and indicated Wnt10b could be a potential therapeutic target for reversing the impaired osteogenic capabilities of OP‐ASCs to therapy bone defects of OP patients.
Ischemic alopecia as a complication from therapeutic embolization of the middle meningeal artery
Authors: Kidron Ariel , Lannan Ford M. , Logemann Nicholas F.
Published: June 2023

Selective endovascular embolization using microspheres is a widely used, relatively low‐risk procedure to control intracranial bleeding. Side effects such as cranial nerve palsies and stroke have been reported in the literature. Skin necrosis and alopecia are exceedingly rare complications of endovascular embolization with a reported incidence of less than 1%. We report a case of a 55‐year‐old female who developed alopecia following a therapeutic embolization of the middle meningeal artery using microspheres. The clinical‐histopathologic diagnosis and relevant literature are reviewed.
Long‐term immunogenicity, efficacy and tolerability of simoctocog alfa in patients with severe haemophilia A who had completed the NuProtect study in previously untreated patients
Authors: Mathias Mary , Abashidze Marina , Abraham Aby , Belletrutti Mark J. , Carcao Manuel , Chambost Hervé , Chan Anthony K. C. , Dubey Leonid , Ducore Jonathan , Lambert Thierry , Kavardakova Natalya , Lohade Sunil , Turea Valentin , Wu John K. M. , Klukowska Anna
Published: June 2023

Background

The NuProtect study reported data on the immunogenicity, efficacy and tolerability of simoctocog alfa (Nuwiq®) in 108 previously untreated patients with severe haemophilia A planned to be treated for ≥100 exposure days or up to 5 years. The NuProtect‐Extension study collected long‐term prophylaxis data in children with severe haemophilia A.

Methods

Patients who completed the NuProtect study according to the protocol were eligible for the NuProtect‐Extension study, a prospective, multinational, non‐controlled, Phase 3b study.

Results

Of 48 patients who entered the extension study, 47 (median age 2.8 years) received prophylaxis with simoctocog alfa for a median of 24 months, with 82%–88% on a twice‐weekly or less regimen. No patient developed FVIII inhibitors during the extension study. The median (IQR) annualized bleeding rate (ABR) during prophylaxis was 0 (0–0.5) for spontaneous bleeding episodes (BEs) and 1.00 (0–1.95) for all BEs. ABRs estimated using a negative binomial model were .28 (95% CI: .15, .53) for spontaneous and 1.62 (95% CI: 1.09, 2.42) for all BEs. During the median follow‐up of 24 months, 34 (72%) patients had zero spontaneous BEs and 46 (98%) had zero spontaneous joint BEs. Efficacy in treating BEs was excellent or good for 78.2% of rated BEs, and efficacy of surgical prophylaxis was excellent for two rated surgeries. No treatment‐related adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

No FVIII inhibitors developed during long‐term prophylaxis in the NuProtect‐Extension study. Prophylaxis with simoctocog alfa was efficacious and well‐tolerated, and is therefore an attractive long‐term option for children with severe haemophilia A.