bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of paracrine factors released by irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells on neutrophil extracellular trap formation
Authors: Klas Katharina , Ondracek Anna S , Hofbauer Thomas M , Mangold Andreas , Pfisterer Karin , Laggner Maria , Copic Dragan , Direder Martin , Bormann Daniel , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan , Mildner Michael
Published: May 2022

Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET)-formation represents an important defence mechanism for rapid clearance of infections. However, exaggerated NET formation has been shown to negatively affect tissue-regeneration after injury. As our previous studies revealed strong tissue-protective and regenerative properties of the secretome of stressed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCsec), we here investigated the influence of PBMCsec on the formation of NETs. The effect of PBMCsec on NET formation was assessed ex vivo in ionomycin stimulated neutrophils derived from healthy donors using flow cytometry, image stream analysis and quantification of released extracellular DNA. Molecular mechanisms involved in NET formation that were potentially impaired by PBMCsec treatment, including protein kinase C activity, reactive oxygen species production and peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 activity were analysed. Our results showed that PBMCsec significantly inhibited NET formation. Investigation of the different biological substance classes found in PBMCsec revealed only partial reduction of NET formation, suggesting a synergistic effect. Mechanistically, PBMCsec treatment did not interfere with calcium signalling and PKC-activation, but exerted anti-oxidant activity, as evidenced by reduced levels of reactive oxygen species and upregulation of heme oxygenase 1, hypoxia inducible-factor 1 as well as heat shock protein 27 in PBMCsec-treated neutrophils. In addition, PBMCsec strongly inhibited the activation of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), ultimately leading to the inhibition of NET formation. As therapeutics antagonizing excessive NET formation are currently not available, our study provides a promising novel treatment option for a variety of conditions resulting from exaggerated NET formation.
Investigating the differential structural organization and gene expression regulatory networks of lamin A Ig fold domain mutants of muscular dystrophy
Authors: Dutta Subarna , Kumar Vikas , Barua Arnab , Vasudevan Madavan
Published: May 2022

In metazoan cells, lamins form a proteinaceous meshwork as a major structural component of the nucleus and also play a role in regulating essential cellular processes. Lamins, along with their interactors, act as determinants for chromatin organization throughout the nucleus. The major dominant missense mutations responsible for autosomal dominant forms of muscular dystrophies reside in the Ig fold domain of lamin A. However, how lamin A contributes to the distribution of heterochromatin and balances euchromatin, and how it relocates epigenetic marks to shape chromatin states, remains poorly defined, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the prognosis of lamin A-mediated muscular dystrophies.In the first part of this report, we identified the in-vitro organization of full-length lamin A proteins due to two well-documented Ig LMNA mutations, R453W and W514R, through biophysical and electron microscopy observations. We further demonstrated that both lamin A/C mutant cells predominantly expressed nucleoplasmic aggregates with reduced amounts at the nuclear envelope. Labeling specific markers of epigenetics, such as H3K9me3, H3K27me3, H3K36me3, and HP1α, allowed correlation of lamin A mutations with epigenetic mechanisms. Immunofluorescence and biochemical analyses indicated transcriptional upregulation. In addition to manipulating epigenetic mechanisms, our proteomic studies traced diverse expressions of transcription regulators, RNA synthesis and processing proteins, protein translation components, and posttranslational modifications. These data suggest severe perturbations in targeting other proteins to the nucleus.Our study also predicts specific structural configurations of lamin A determined by its interacting partners’ patterns.

Significance

This study investigates the effects of two severe mutations in the LMNA gene associated with muscular dystrophies:R453WandW514R.

This research aims to provide new insights into the structural environment of full-length lamin A protein due to single-point mutations.

Our study employs proteomics to map expression levels of regulators involved in epigenetic states, RNA synthesis and processing, and protein synthesis and processing.

It assesses potential effects on binding affinity and transcription, as well as alterations in heterochromatin protein distribution and RNA polymerase II functionality due to mutations affecting lamin A.

A systematic investigation of lamin A interactors is conducted to explore their associations with other proteins.

Graphical Abstract

Figure:Schematic diagram representing the results. Mutations in lamin A protein evicts the nucleosome from nuclear periphery and consequently promotes aberrant gene expression.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals dysregulation of spinal cord cell types in a severe spinal muscular atrophy mouse model
Authors: Sun Junjie , Qiu Jiaying , Yang Qiongxia , Ju Qianqian , Qu Ruobing , Wang Xu , Wu Liucheng , Xing Lingyan
Published: May 2022

Although spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by the loss of survival of motor neuron (SMN) proteins, there is growing evidence that non-neuronal cells play important roles in SMA pathogenesis. However, transcriptome alterations occurring at the single-cell level in SMA spinal cord remain unknown, preventing us from fully comprehending the role of specific cells. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of the spinal cord of a severe SMA mouse model, and identified ten cell types as well as their differentially expressed genes. Using CellChat, we found that cellular communication between different cell types in the spinal cord of SMA mice was significantly reduced. A dimensionality reduction analysis revealed 29 cell subtypes and their differentially expressed gene. A subpopulation of vascular fibroblasts showed the most significant change in the SMA spinal cord at the single-cell level. This subpopulation was drastically reduced, possibly causing vascular defects and resulting in widespread protein synthesis and energy metabolism reductions in SMA mice. This study reveals for the first time a single-cell atlas of the spinal cord of mice with severe SMA, and sheds new light on the pathogenesis of SMA.
Fixational eye movements enable robust edge detection
Authors: Schmittwilken Lynn , Maertens Marianne
Published: May 2022

Human vision relies on mechanisms that respond to luminance edges in space and time. Most edge models use orientation-selective mechanisms on multiple spatial scales and operate on static inputs assuming that edge processing occurs within a single fixational instance. Recent studies, however, demonstrate functionally relevant temporal modulations of the sensory input due to fixational eye movements. Here we propose a spatiotemporal model of human edge detection which combines elements of spatial and active vision. The model augments a spatial vision model by temporal filtering and shifts the input images over time mimicking an active sampling scheme via fixational eye movements. The first model test was White’s illusion, a lightness effect that has been shown to depend on edges. The model reproduced the spatial-frequency-specific interference with the edges by superimposing narrowband noise (1-5 cpd), similar to the psychophysical interference observed in White’s effect. Second, we compare the model’s edge detection performance in natural images in the presence and absence of Gaussian white noise with human-labeled contours for the same (noise-free) images. Notably, the model detects edges robustly against noise in both test cases without relying on orientation-selective processes. Eliminating model components, we demonstrate the relevance of multiscale spatiotemporal filtering and scale-specific normalization for edge detection. The proposed model facilitates efficient edge detection in (artificial) vision systems and challenges the notion that orientation-selective mechanisms are required for edge detection.
Development of comprehensive carbon footprint and environmental impact indicators for building transportation assessment
Authors: Abdullah Kamil , Usman Abdullahi Mohammed
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to consolidate a set of indicators for assessing design and construction phase strategies for reducing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. They will also estimate the quantity of operational GHG emission and its associated reduction over assessment period.

Design/methodology/approach

Five steps framework adopted include defining the purpose of the indicators and selection of candidate indicators. Others are defining the criteria for indicator selection, selecting and defining the proposed indicators. Relevancy, measurability, prevalence, preference, feasibility and adaptability of the indicator were the criteria used for selecting the indicators.

Findings

The study consolidated public transport accessibility, sustainable parking space, green vehicle priority, proximity to amenities and alternative modes as indicators for design and construction phase strategies. Transportation accounting and carbon footprint (CFP) and their associated reduction are indicators for operational GHG emission while plan and policy is an indicator for policymakers and stakeholders.

Practical implications

The study shows that providing correct indicators for assessing direct and indirect GHG emission with easy to obtain data is essential for assessment of built environment. Stakeholder can use the indicators in developing new rating systems and researchers as an additional knowledge. Policy makers and stakeholders can use the study in monitoring and rewarding the sustainability and activities of building related industries and organisations.

Originality/value

The study was conducted at the Center for Energy and Industrial Environmental Studies (CEIES) Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and utilises existing rating systems and tools, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and GHG protocol reports and guides and several other standards, which are open for research.
Investigating the net benefits of contactless technologies in quick-service restaurants: the moderating roles of social interaction anxiety and language proficiency
Authors: Lee Kyung Young , Han Sumin , Shin Soo Il , Yang Sung-Byung
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to apply the information system success model (ISSM) to examine the relationships among actual use, use continuance intention, user satisfaction and net benefits in the context of quick-service restaurant (QSR) patrons using two contactless technologies (CT): self-service kiosks (SSK) and mobile applications (MA) for food ordering. The study also investigates the moderating roles of social interaction anxiety (SIA) and language proficiency (LP) in the abovementioned relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data from 421 QSR patrons with experience using McDonald's SSK and MA were collected and analyzed through a seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) technique.

Findings

Research findings reveal positive associations among actual use, use continuance intention and satisfaction with CT (i.e. SSK and MA). The actual use and satisfaction with CT are positively associated with individual benefits, leading to improved patron satisfaction with QSR. Findings also reveal that, in the case of MA, SIA positively moderates relationships between actual use/satisfaction and individual benefits and between satisfaction and organizational benefit, while LP shows negative moderating effects on those relationships.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts to present empirical evidence of constructs in the ISSM (actual use, use continuance intention, satisfaction and individual/organizational benefits) in the context of QSR patrons using SSK and MA. It also shows that using MA can address some patrons' psychological problems interacting with others in their food-ordering processes.
Untying the role of board gender diversity in dividend policy of politically embedded Chinese firms
Authors: Shaheen Riffat , Luo Qi , Bala Hussaini
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of board gender diversity (BGD) in dividend payout decisions of politically embedded firms (PEFs) including government-linked firms (GLFs) and non-GLFs in comparison to non-PEFs from the perspective of an emerging market, China.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the fixed-effect regression to examine the relationship between BGD and dividend payout decisions of PEFs including GLFs and non-GLFs in comparison to non-PEFs for a sample of Chinese publicly listed firms over the period 2010–2018.

Findings

The paper presents robust evidence that BGD is associated with higher dividend payments in PEFs than non-PEFs. Similarly, female directors on GLFs' boards are more likely to pay higher dividends than non-GLFs. Moreover, findings also reveal that the female directors' impact on dividend payout decisions is more pronounced in high corporate social responsibility (CSR) PEFs compared to low CSR peers, regardless of the nature of political ties.

Research limitations

The major limitation of this research that it is restricted to Chinese firms that operate under distinctive economic, social, and political environments. However, the study findings are generalizable to other emerging economies which have similar institutional settings and corporate environments with high government intervention like China.

Practical implications

The findings will enable policymakers to design policies targeted at the inclusion of female directors on PEFs' boards to reduce information asymmetry and agency conflicts. However, considering the heterogeneity of female directors' role in dividend payout decisions of GLFs and non-GLFs, the policymakers should be cautious while establishing the female quota in these firms.

Originality/value

The role of BGD in dividend policy decisions of politically connected firms remained unexplored. This study is the first to unveil the role of female directors in dividend payout decisions of PEFs and non- PEFs. In addition, this research further contributes to the literature by exploring the BGD-dividend policy link in PEFs with high- and low-CSR engagements.
Corporate social responsibility and firm value: evidence from Chinese targeted poverty alleviation
Authors: Huang Heshu , Shang Ruotong , Wang Liukai , Gong Yu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Whilst the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate financial performance has been well documented, CSR has rarely been studied from the perspective of corporate poverty alleviation. This study aims to test whether participation in targeted poverty alleviation (TPA) affects firms' market value and to explore how the magnitudes of market value vary in different CSR environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on recent Chinese TPA initiatives and on 108 TPA announcements of Chinese-listed firms from 2016 to 2020, this study adopts an event study method to investigate the impact of firm's TPA announcements on the firm's market value. Then, the authors construct a cross-sectional regression to analyse different CSR factors that may affect market reactions.

Findings

The results demonstrate that TPA announcements can increase a firm's overall market value. Additionally, the results show that TPA way and firm ownership significantly moderate the market reaction, namely the positive reaction is more significant when the TPA announcements involve charity poverty alleviation rather than industrial poverty alleviation and for privately owned firms rather than state-owned firms.

Practical implications

The empirical results help TPA practitioners obtain a nuanced understanding of whether and when to participate in poverty alleviation is worthwhile. This study also provides a reference for poverty alleviation work in countries with similar backgrounds.

Originality/value

This study not only provides empirical evidence for the consequences of poverty alleviation behaviour of firms in developing countries, but also complements the field of CSR research in developed countries.
Examining the critical factors of computer-assisted audit tools and techniques adoption in the post-COVID-19 period: internal auditors perspective
Authors: Al-Okaily Manaf , Alqudah Hamza Mohammad , Al-Qudah Anas Ali , Alkhwaldi Abeer F.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

In light of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, electronic auditing otherwise known as computer-assisted audit tools and techniques (CAATTs) has become inevitable to automate the auditing process worldwide. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of technological, organizational and environmental (TOE) factors on public sector adoption of CAATTs in developing countries such as Jordan under the COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used 136 usable responses from the managers of internal audit (IA) of the Jordanian public sector entities. The data collected were analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. The TOE framework has been used in this study to consider a wide set of TOE factors. Then, this study suggests a CAATTs adoption model that incorporates the related technology factors of the diffusion of innovation theory to environmental and organizational factors. Further, this study contributes to the TOE framework by addressing government regulations, audit bodies’ support and audit task complexity as environmental factors affecting CAATTs adoption in the context of the public sector.

Findings

The results revealed that for technological factors, only the compatibility affects CAATTs adoption by the IA departments. For organizational factors, organizational readiness, top management support, auditors’ information technology competency and entity size were found to be significant factors. From the environmental factors, both government regulation and audit task complexity influence the CAATTs adoption. Besides, entity size moderates the influence of top management support on the CAATTs adoption in the public sector.

Practical implications

The findings could highlight the significance of the CAATTs adoption in the public sector institutions (by internal auditors) post-COVID-19, taking into consideration the TOE framework’s factors. Also, the findings are significant for the decision-makers and regulators in declaring new legislation for the electronic IA profession in the Jordanian public sector.

Social implications

It turns out that the CAATTs adoption in the public sector can definitely enhance their ability to achieve the role of IA in preserving public funds and restricting corrupt practices within the public sector.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies that address the professional audit agency support and audit task complexity as environmental factors, as well as the entity size as an organizational factor, that affect CAATTs adoption in the IA department of the public sector.
Prescribing as affective clinical practice: Transformations in sexual health consultations through HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Smith Anthony K J , Newman Christy E. , Haire Bridget , Holt Martin
Published: May 2022

New medicines can transform routines and priorities in clinical practice, but how do clinicians think and feel about these changes, and how does it affect their work? In Australia, the HIV prevention regimen pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been rapidly rolled out, transforming the sexual cultures and practices of users, but less attention has been given to the ways PrEP has reconfigured clinical practice. This paper draws on 28 qualitative semi‐structured interviews conducted between 2019 and 2020 with PrEP‐providing doctors and nurses in Australia to consider how they have affectively engaged with PrEP and put it into practice. Through a reflexive thematic analysis, we explore how clinicians adapted to PrEP, how the field of HIV prevention has been transformed, and how these developments have changed how clinicians approach patients. While the introduction of PrEP was initially received with uncertainty and shock, clinicians described PrEP as enjoyable to prescribe, and better aligned with the moral duties of sexual health consultations than existing HIV prevention strategies like condoms. Through approaching clinical work as an ‘affective practice’, we argue for attending not only to how new interventions change expectations and practices, but also how these changes are felt and valued by clinicians.
Revealing the real‐time diversity and abundance of small mammals by using an Intelligent Animal Monitoring System (IAMS)
Authors: YANG Xifu , HAN Liliang , WANG Yong , GUO Cong , ZHANG Zhibin
Published: May 2022

It is challenging to reveal the real‐time spatio‐temporal change of diversity and abundance of animals in natural systems by using traditional methods. The rapid advancement of new technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and big‐data processing, provide opportunities for developing novel technologies for monitoring biodiversity and population abundance of animals with high efficacy and accuracy. In this study, by using a recently developed Intelligent Animal Monitoring System, named “Vector Intelligent Monitoring System (VIMS)”, we investigated the real‐time diversity and abundance of small mammals in the Banruosi forest, Dujiangyan region, southwest China. To make a comparison of the VIMS with traditional methods, we also surveyed the diversity and abundance of small mammals using wired live traps. Compared to live traps, the VIMS has several advantages such as automatic data collection, intelligent identification of species, data visualization, whole‐day and all‐weather operation, little disturbance to animals, real‐time monitoring, and is capable of revealing more small mammal species. However, the VIMS also has several disadvantages over live traps such as lower trapping efficiency and being more expensive than live traps. Our results suggest that the VIMS can be a complementary method to traditional ones in monitoring the real‐time spatio‐temporal change of diversity and abundance of small mammals (especially rare species). In addition, the VIMS is useful in monitoring other small animals like small carnivores, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Increased levels of sirtuin‐1 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yang Chan , Li Rong , Xu Wang‐Dong , Huang An‐Fang
Published: May 2022

Aim

We investigated plasma sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and discussed potential of plasma SIRT1 as a biomarker for SLE.

Methods

A total of 359 subjects, including 299 patients (89 SLE, 50 rheumatoid arthritis, 30 osteoarthritis, 30 gout, 38 Sjögren’s syndrome, 20 ankylosing spondylitis, 30 mixed connective tissue disease, 12 systemic sclerosis) and 60 healthy controls were recruited. SIRT1 in plasma of SLE patients was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Relationship between SIRT1 levels, clinical, laboratory characteristics in SLE patients was discussed. Plasma SIRT1 to discriminate SLE from different rheumatic patients and healthy controls was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

SIRT1 levels were elevated in SLE patients compared with healthy controls (6.28 [5.89‐6.68] vs 2.42 [2.10‐2.74] ng/mL, P < .001). SIRT1 concentration in plasma was significantly associated with disease activity (rs = .317, P < .001). Area under the ROC curve (AUC) analysis showed that compared to healthy controls, SIRT1 had a good ability for diagnosis of SLE (AUC = 0.986, P < .001). Compared with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, mixed connective tissue disease and systemic sclerosis patients, the AUC of plasma SIRT1 in SLE patients was 0.982, 0.881, 0.810, 0.860, 0.781, 0.889, 0.736, respectively. When evaluating the discriminative power of SIRT1, the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing SLE from non‐SLE patients were 95.51%, 61.43%, respectively, at the optimal cut‐off value of 4.323 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Circulating SIRT1 was elevated in SLE, and might be a promising SLE diagnostic marker.
Evidence‐Informed Audit Standard Setting: Exploring Evidence Use and Knowledge Transfer*
Authors: Hoang Kris , Luo Yi , Salterio Steven E.
Published: May 2022

Academics and practitioners agree that there are substantial barriers to systematically transferring audit research knowledge to policy‐makers. We adopt a design science approach to investigate the efficacy of employing a research synthesis, embedded in an interactive process with audit standard setters, to transfer such knowledge. We identify a standard‐setting issue that, we argue, is typical of the class of problems encountered by both parties when attempting knowledge transfer. Following design science prescriptions, we evaluate the pragmatic validity of our prototype research synthesis and its creation process. We provide initial evidence (“proof of concept”) that a research synthesis process can effectively and efficiently facilitate academic research knowledge transfer to inform audit standard setters' deliberations. Finally, we provide evidence that the problem of academic research knowledge transfer in accounting standard setting and evaluation continues. Our study and findings reflect how design science facilitates change in real‐world problem contexts through research‐based proofs of concept.
Deep learning as a tool for ecology and evolution
Authors: Borowiec Marek L. , Dikow Rebecca B. , Frandsen Paul B. , McKeeken Alexander , Valentini Gabriele , White Alexander E.
Published: May 2022

Deep learning is driving recent advances behind many everyday technologies, including speech and image recognition, natural language processing and autonomous driving. It is also gaining popularity in biology, where it has been used for automated species identification, environmental monitoring, ecological modelling, behavioural studies, DNA sequencing and population genetics and phylogenetics, among other applications. Deep learning relies on artificial neural networks for predictive modelling and excels at recognizing complex patterns.

In this review we synthesize 818 studies using deep learning in the context of ecology and evolution to give a discipline‐wide perspective necessary to promote a rethinking of inference approaches in the field. We provide an introduction to machine learning and contrast it with mechanistic inference, followed by a gentle primer on deep learning. We review the applications of deep learning in ecology and evolution and discuss its limitations and efforts to overcome them. We also provide a practical primer for biologists interested in including deep learning in their toolkit and identify its possible future applications.

We find that deep learning is being rapidly adopted in ecology and evolution, with 589 studies (64%) published since the beginning of 2019. Most use convolutional neural networks (496 studies) and supervised learning for image identification but also for tasks using molecular data, sounds, environmental data or video as input. More sophisticated uses of deep learning in biology are also beginning to appear.

Operating within the machine learning paradigm, deep learning can be viewed as an alternative to mechanistic modelling. It has desirable properties of good performance and scaling with increasing complexity, while posing unique challenges such as sensitivity to bias in input data. We expect that rapid adoption of deep learning in ecology and evolution will continue, especially in automation of biodiversity monitoring and discovery and inference from genetic data. Increased use of unsupervised learning for discovery and visualization of clusters and gaps, simplification of multi‐step analysis pipelines, and integration of machine learning into graduate and postgraduate training are all likely in the near future.
12 years of integrated reporting: A review of research
Authors: Jayasiri Nuradhi Kalpani , Kumarasinghe Sriyalatha , Pandey Rakesh
Published: May 2022

Stakeholders’ demand for forward‐looking corporate reporting that includes both financial and non‐financial stories opened the path for the evolution of a new form of reporting known as integrated reporting (IR). The purpose of this paper is to review the articles on IR published by the accounting, finance and management journals on the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) list of journals from 2009 to 2020. Our study reviews 210 articles on IR published by 64 journals. The findings reveal that the IR research spectrum has broadened over time and now includes more research into IR in practice compared with earlier research, which was mostly normative.
Landscape characteristics effects on Diptera assemblages and their relation with seasonal variations in urban green patches
Authors: Montes Marcela , Battán Horenstein Moira , Silvetti Luna F. , Ferreyra Mariana , Díaz Florentina , Molina Silvia I. , Argañaraz Carina I. , del Rosario Iglesias María , Gleiser Raquel M.
Published: May 2022

The growth of cities results in the fragmentation of natural habitats, and the alteration of the remaining ones. The effects of landscape‐level drivers on arthropod assemblages in urban green spaces remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of landscape characteristics in Diptera assemblages of urban green patches and their relation with seasonality in a southern hemisphere temperate city. Flies were sampled in urban green patches in Córdoba city, Argentina, in summer and winter of the same year. Landscape metrics derived from Sentinel 2 images were calculated at two levels of spatial heterogeneity hierarchy, at increasing buffer areas. We used generalized linear models to analyse the effects of landscape characteristics on family abundance and richness. Landscape and seasonal effects on Diptera family composition were also assessed. Abundance, richness and composition of dipteran assemblages were associated with the contrasting conditions of summer and winter, urban landscape fragmentation and the aggregation of vegetation patches. In general, fly assemblages were favoured by the aggregation of vegetation patches. The response of dipterans to landscape characteristics differed between seasons. The effects of landscape characteristics on Diptera assemblages' composition were stronger in winter. We concluded that landscape characteristics appear to have a bigger effect when environmental conditions are less favourable for these organisms. Our study provides further understanding of the effects landscape level drivers have on arthropods in green urban patches. This is particularly relevant if we wish to maintain and manage biodiversity through landscape planning.
Hyperparasitoids of polysphinctine Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in South America
Authors: Pádua Diego G , Kloss Thiago G , Tavares Marcelo T , Santos Bernardo F , Araujo Rodrigo O , Schoeninger Karine , Sobczak Jober F , Gonzaga Marcelo O
Published: May 2022

This study provides contributions to the knowledge on diversity and natural history of hyperparasitoids (Hymenoptera) associated with host–parasitoid interactions between spiders (Araneae) and polysphinctine Darwin wasps (Pimplinae) in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, South America. All hyperparasitoids emerged in the laboratory from polysphinctine cocoons that were collected in cocoon webs in the field. A total of 27 hyperparasitoid wasps emerged from polysphinctine cocoons belonging to six genera, three families and two superfamilies: Ceyxia Girault, 1911 and Conura Spinola, 1837 (Chalcidoidea: Chalcididae); Palmistichus Delvare & LaSalle, 1993 (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae); and Lymeon Förster, 1869, Mesochorus Gravenhorst, 1829, and Neotheronia Krieger, 1899 (Ichneumonoidea: Ichneumonidae). We add new biological information on nine species of hyperparasitoids, emerging from pupae of at least seven species of polysphinctine wasps, which were collected in seven different types of cocoon webs. In addition, a new species is described, Conura capixaba Tavares, sp. nov. (Chalcididae), and digital images of all hyperparasitoids are presented.
Factors associated with upgrade, malignant upgrade, and subsequent breast cancer occurrence of papillary breast lesions diagnosed on core needle biopsy
Authors: Park Junyoung , Lee Na‐Rang , Oh Hoon Kyu , Park Sung Hwan , Kim Jeong Kyeung , Jeong Young Ju
Published: May 2022

Aim

In this study, we analyzed the upgrade rate and associated factors for upgrade, malignant upgrade, and subsequent breast cancer occurrence of papillary breast lesions diagnosed on core needle biopsy (CNB).

Methods

One hundred sixty‐nine patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of papillary breast lesions diagnosed on CNB were included in this study. Medical records including radiological and pathological reports were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The overall upgrade rate was 29.6%, and upgrade rate to malignancy was 16.6%. Age over 45 years, preoperative tumor size ≥0.7 cm on breast ultrasound, pathologic tumor size ≥0.4 cm, breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS) category 4b or 4c, and personal history of breast cancer were associated with upgrade. In addition, age over 45 years, preoperative tumor size ≥0.9 cm, pathologic tumor size ≥0.6 cm, atypia in CNB, and BIRADS category 4b or 4c were associated with malignancy. The risk of subsequent breast cancer occurrence was increased in preoperative tumor size ≥0.8 cm, pathologic tumor size ≥0.5 cm, multiple and recurrent lesions.

Conclusion

Our study showed high upgrade rate of papillary breast lesions diagnosed on CNB. Our findings suggest that surgical excision is recommended for papillary breast lesions diagnosed on CNB in selected patients.
Reduced number of admissions with acute appendicitis but not severe acute appendicitis at two Sydney hospitals during the first COVID‐19 lockdown period
Authors: Al‐Abid Meryem , Petrucci Ryan , Preda Tamara C. , Lord Sally J. , Lord Reginald V.
Published: May 2022

Background

This study investigated whether there was a change in acute appendicitis, appendicectomy admissions or disease severity during the 2020 lockdown period in NSW.

Methods

A retrospective before‐and‐after study was undertaken of patients admitted to two Sydney hospitals (St. Vincent's and Liverpool Hospitals) who had appendicectomy for presumed acute appendicitis and patients who had confirmed appendicitis but did not undergo surgery. Study periods were the 2020 lockdown period (15 March–15 May 2020), the corresponding period in the previous year, and the 1‐month after these periods. Patients were classified as having no, mild or severe appendicitis using operation and histopathological reports.

Results

(Thirty‐six percent) fewer patients were admitted with acute appendicitis during the lockdown period compared with the previous year with a substantial reduction in normal/mild appendicitis presentations (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34–0.93, P = 0.03). There were 46% fewer patients with mild appendicitis during lockdown (56) compared with the previous year (103); numbers of patients with severe appendicitis were very similar (46 vs. 51). There was no increase in number of admissions with severe appendicitis, or in the time from onset of symptoms to admission, in the month following lockdown.

Conclusion

Compared with the previous year, there were markedly fewer admissions with appendicitis during lockdown, with no evidence of a shift to more cases of severe appendicitis nor delayed presentation in the post‐lockdown period. It is plausible that some patients with mild appendicitis may have recovered without hospitalization, supporting the importance of implementing trials on non‐surgical management of appendicitis.
Adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis protects women from uterine cesarean scar defect: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang Ding , Chen Sha , Cai Yanqing , Shi Liye , Shi Yiru , Zeng Min , Cheng Weiwei , Zhang Jian , Pan Hongjie
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Cesarean scar defect (CSD) is a long‐term outcome of cesarean section (CS) and associated with numerous gynecological and obstetric problems. Previous studies indicate that infection may be a risk factor for CSD. Adjunctive azithromycin was shown to reduce the risk of postoperative infection in patients undergoing non‐elective primary cesarean delivery in labor or after the rupture of membranes compared with standard antibiotic prophylaxis. This study investigated the protective effect of adjunctive azithromycin in combination with single‐dose cephalosporin against CSD in women undergoing non‐elective cesarean delivery.

Material and methods

A randomized, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted in a University hospital in Shanghai, China. A total of 242 women who underwent their first non‐elective CS were randomly assigned to receive 1500 mg cefuroxime sodium plus 500 mg intravenous azithromycin (n = 121; experimental group) or 1500 mg cefuroxime sodium plus a placebo (n = 121; placebo group). The primary outcome was CSD prevalence, as determined by transvaginal ultrasound and saline infusion sonohysterography within 6 months of delivery. Secondary outcomes were changes in infectious indicators (eg hypersensitive C‐reactive protein and procalcitonin), postoperative morbidity, and use of postoperative antibiotics. We also examined the operative procedure, pathogenic microorganism cultures, and fetal outcomes. Outcomes were compared between groups with the chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, or Student's t test.

Results

Between May 2018 and May 2021, 121 women were randomized to each arm. Because the sonographic follow up was disrupted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and strict management policies, we merged the follow‐up time points (6 weeks and 6 months) into a single time period (6 weeks to 6 months); 104 and 108 women in the experimental and placebo groups, respectively, completed the first sonographic follow up. CSD was diagnosed by sonography in 34/104 (32.7%) and 50/108 (46.3%) patients in the experimental and placebo groups, respectively (relative risk 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.50–0.99; p = 0.043). Characteristics of CSD and short‐term infection outcomes did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

A single dose of intravenous 500 mg azithromycin adjunctive to single‐dose cefuroxime prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of CSD in women undergoing non‐elective CS.
Clinical trial: a single‐centre, randomised, controlled trial of tradipitant on satiation, gastric functions, and serum drug levels in healthy volunteers
Authors: Khanna Lehar , Zheng Ting , Atieh Jessica , Torres Monique , Busciglio Irene , Carlin Jesse L. , Xiao Michael , Harmsen William S. , Camilleri Michael
Published: May 2022

Background

Tradipitant, an NK1 receptor antagonist, improved symptoms in patients with gastroparesis. It is unclear whether these effects are mediated centrally (e.g., vomiting centre) or on gastric functions. As a class, NK1 antagonists may retard gastric emptying (GE) or increase fasting and postprandial gastric volumes (GV).

Aim

To evaluate the effects of tradipitant relative to placebo on gastric motor functions, satiation, postprandial symptoms, and pharmacokinetics.

Methods

We conducted a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐centre study of tradipitant 85 mg or matching placebo b.i.d. for 9 consecutive days in 24 healthy volunteers. During the last 2 days of treatment, participants underwent scintigraphic measurements of GE of 320 kcal egg meal, fasting and postprandial GV by SPECT, and satiation by nutrient drink ingested to maximum tolerated volume (MTV) and symptoms 30 min later. Treatments were compared by Wilcoxon rank sum test. The study had 80% power to detect group differences of 23.6% in GV and 29.2% in GE T1/2.

Results

The two groups of healthy participants were well balanced based on demographic features, age, and BMI. There were nonsignificant positive correlations between blood levels of tradipitant and accommodation GV and GE at 4 h. There were no significant effects of tradipitant, 85 mg b.i.d. for 9 days compared to placebo on GE, GV, satiation, or symptoms 30 min after MTV.

Conclusion

Tradipitant, 85 mg b.i.d., does not significantly affect gastric motor functions (GV or GE). Importantly, there was no retardation of GE by tradipitant, which is important in relation to its potential use in patients with gastroparesis.

Clinic trials registry

ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT04849559.
Theoretical considerations when simulating data from the g‐and‐h family of distributions
Authors: Astivia Oscar Lorenzo Olvera , Edward Kroc
Published: May 2022

The g‐and‐h family of distributions is a computationally efficient, flexible option to model and simulate non‐normal data. In spite of its popularity, there are several theoretical aspects of these distributions that need special consideration when they are used. In this paper some of these aspects are explored. In particular, through mathematical analysis it is shown that a popular multivariate generalization of the g‐and‐h distribution may result in marginal distributions which are no longer g‐and‐h distributed, that more than one set of (g,h) parameters can correspond to the same values of population skewness and excess kurtosis, and that multivariate generalizations of g‐and‐h distributions available in the literature are special cases of Gaussian copula distributions. A small‐scale simulation is also used to demonstrate how simulation conclusions can change when different (g,h) parameters are used to simulate data, even if they imply the same population values of skewness and excess kurtosis.
Variable thermal histories across the Pyrenees orogen recorded in modern river sand detrital geo‐/thermochronology and PECUBE thermokinematic modelling
Authors: Capaldi Tomas N. , Odlum Margaret L. , Curry Magdalena Ellis , Stockli Daniel F.
Published: May 2022

The Pyrenees Mountains are a classic example of a doubly‐verging collisional orogenic system with flanking retro‐ and pro‐foreland basin systems. Previous bedrock and detrital geo‐/thermochronologic studies have observed magmatic and exhumation‐related ages that reflect a complex thermo‐tectonic evolution of the European and Iberian plate margins related to break‐up and assembly of the Gondwana, Pangea and Pyrenean‐Alpine orogenic cycles. This study integrates detrital zircon, rutile and apatite U‐Pb dating and, detrital zircon and apatite (U‐Th)/He dating from modern river sands from the northern and southern Pyrenees, with PECUBE thermokinematic modelling of bedrock cooling ages to simulate detrital age distributions in order to evaluate: (1) regional patterns in long‐term crustal processes associated with pre‐Pyrenean crustal shortening, crustal thinning and magmatism along the Iberian and European plate margin; (2) timing of regional cooling and inferred erosion related to Pyrenean orogenesis; and (3) the exhumation processes associated with post‐orogenic decay and erosion. Modern river multimineral detrital geo‐/thermochronometry results are consistent with previous bedrock thermal history models and records punctuated Variscan and Pyrenean cooling events in the pro‐wedge that contrasts with protracted Permian to Pliocene thermal history preserved in the retro‐wedge of the orogen. Detrital age distributions from PECUBE modelling predict the Pyrenean age component in both detrital apatite and zircon (U‐Th)/He age distributions, indicating the modelled exhumation patterns in the Axial Zone and Northern Pyrenean Zone can predict observed Pyrenean thermochronology ages. The presence of strong Pyrenean age peaks amongst the modern river sand and modelled detrital cooling age distributions suggests retro‐wedge deformation and exhumation remained active during the main phase of pro‐wedge activity and experienced significant orogenic decay. Isolated Miocene apatite He ages from the North Pyrenees modern river record post‐orogenic cooling, due to tectonic mode switch to extension and (or) climate‐driven enhanced exhumation.
TIFA promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation in an RSK‐ and PRAS40‐dependent manner
Authors: Shen Wenzhi , Du Wenfei , Li Yanping , Huang Yongming , Jiang Xinyu , Yang Chenglong , Tang Jiaping , Liu Huan , Luo Na , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Zhixin
Published: May 2022

Previous studies have reported that TIFA plays different roles in various tumor types. However, the function of TIFA in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Here, we showed that the expression of TIFA was markedly increased in CRC versus normal tissue, and positively correlated with CRC TNM stages. In agreement, we found that the CRC cell lines show increased TIFA expression levels versus normal control. The knockdown of TIFA inhibited cell proliferation but had no effect on cell apoptosis in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, the ectopic expression of TIFA enhanced cell proliferation ability in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the expression of mutant TIFA (T9A, oligomerization site mutation; D6, TRAF6 binding site deletion) abolished TIFA‐mediated cell proliferation enhancement. Exploration of the underlying mechanism revealed that the protein synthesis‐associated kinase RSK and PRAS40 activation were responsible for TIFA‐mediated CRC progression. In summary, these findings suggest that TIFA plays a role in mediating CRC progression. This could provide a promising target for CRC therapy.
Paths to postsecondary education enrollment among adolescents with and without childhood attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A longitudinal analysis of symptom and academic trajectories
Authors: Di Lonardo Burr Sabrina M. , LeFevre Jo‐Anne , Arnold L. Eugene , Epstein Jeffrey N. , Hinshaw Stephen P. , Molina Brooke S. G. , Hechtman Lily , Hoza Betsy , Jensen Peter S. , Vitiello Benedetto , Pelham William E. , Howard Andrea L.
Published: May 2022

We examined developmental trajectories of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, standardized achievement, and school performance for adolescents with and without ADHD who did and did not enroll in postsecondary education (PSE;N = 749; 79% boys; 63% White, 17% non‐Hispanic Black, 10% Hispanic, and 10% other ethnicities). In a multisite study (recruitment based in New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, California, and Quebec), participants were originally enrolled between 1994 and 1998 at ages 7 to 9.9 and followed up through 2012 (Mage= 25 at final follow‐up). Adolescents who eventually enrolled in PSE had less severe symptoms, but differences were modest and trajectories were similar over time. For all adolescents, standardized achievement trajectories declined up to two thirds of a standard deviation from ages 9 to 17. By the end of high school, the average GPA of adolescents with ADHD was three quarters of a point higher for those who eventually enrolled in PSE compared to those who did not. Overall, school performance mattered more than academic achievement for understanding eventual enrollment of adolescents with ADHD.