bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income-based differences in health care utilization in relation to mortality: Trends in the Swedish population between 2004-2017
Authors: Flodin Pär , Allebeck Peter , Gubi Ester , Burström Bo , Agardh Emilie E.
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite universal health care, socioeconomic differences in health care utilization (HCU) persist in modern welfare states. The aim of this study is to assess income-based differences in utilization of primary- and specialized care in relation to mortality for the Swedish general population (>15 years old) between 2004 and 2017.

Methods and Findings

Using a repeated cross-sectional register-based study design, data on utilization of i) primary-ii) specialized outpatient- and iii) inpatient care, as well as iv) cause of death, were linked to family income and sociodemographic control variables. HCU and mortality for all-disease as well as for the five disease groups causing most deaths were compared for the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q5) income quintile using logistic regression. We also analysed income-related differences in the number of health care encounters ≤5 years prior to death.

In 2017, for all diseases combined, Q1 utilized marginally more primary- and specialized outpatient care than Q5 (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =1.07, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.08; OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.05, respectively), and considerably more inpatient care (OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.43, 1.45). The largest relative inequality was observed for mortality (OR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.74, 1.82). This pattern was broadly reproduced for each of the five diseases.

Time trends in HCU inequality varied by level of care. Each year, Q1 (vs. Q5) used more inpatient care and suffered increasing mortality rates. However, usage of primary- and specialized outpatient care increased more among Q5 than in Q1. Finally, Q1 and Q5 had similar number of encounters in primary- and inpatient care ≤5 years prior to death, but Q1 had significantly fewer outpatient encounters.

Conclusions

Income-related differences in the utilization of primary and specialized outpatient care were considerably smaller than for mortality, and this discrepancy widened with time. Facilitating motivated use of primary- and outpatient care among low-income groups could help mitigate the growing health inequalities.
miRNA binding pressure channels evolution of SARS-CoV-2 genomes
Authors: Zhiyanov A. , Shkurnikov M. , Nersisyan A. , Cai H. , Baranova A. , Tonevitsky A.
Published: March 2023

In somatic cells, microRNAs (miRNAs) bind to the genomes of RNA viruses and influence their translation and replication. Here we demonstrate that a significant number of miRNA binding sites locate in the NSP4 region of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, and the intestinal human miRNAs exert evolutionary pressure on this region. Notably, in infected cells, NSP4 promotes the formation of double-membrane vesicles, which serve as the scaffolds for replication-transcriptional complexes and protect viral RNA from intracellular destruction. In three years of selection, the loss of many miRNA binding sites, in particular, those within the NSP4, has shaped the SARS-CoV-2 genomes to promote the descendants of the BA.2 variants as the dominant strains and define current momentum of the pandemics.
Determinants of species-specific utilization of ACE2 by human and animal coronaviruses
Authors: Wang Qingxing , Noettger Sabrina , Xie Qinya , Pastorio Chiara , Seidel Alina , Müller Janis A. , Jung Christoph , Jacob Timo , Sparrer Konstantin M.J. , Zech Fabian , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: March 2023

Utilization of human ACE2 allowed several bat coronaviruses (CoVs), including the causative agent of COVID-19, to infect humans either directly or via intermediate hosts. Here, we analyzed the ability of Spike proteins from 24 human or animal CoVs to use ACE2 receptors across nine reservoir, potential intermediate and human hosts. We show that overall SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants evolved more efficient ACE2 usage but mutation of R493Q in BA.5 Spike disrupts utilization of ACE2 from Greater horseshoe bats. Spikes from most CoVs showed species-specific differences in ACE2 usage, partly due to variations in ACE2 residues 31, 41 or 354. Mutation of T403R allowed the RaTG13 bat CoV Spike to use all ACE2 orthologs analysed for viral entry. Sera from COVID-19 vaccinated individuals neutralized the Spike proteins of a range of bat Sarbecoviruses. Our results define determinants of ACE2 receptor usage of diverse CoVs and suggest that COVID-19 vaccination may protect against future zoonoses of SARS-CoV-related bat viruses.

Highlights

Mutation of R493Q in BA.5 Spike disrupts utilization of ACE2 from Greater horseshoe bats

Variations in ACE2 residues 31, 41 or 354 affect utilization by coronavirus Spike proteins

Residue R403 in the Spike protein of bat coronavirus allow broad and effective ACE2 usage

Sera from COVID-19 vaccinated individuals neutralize Spike proteins of bat Sarbecoviruses
SYNCmoss software package for fitting Mössbauer spectra measured with a synchrotron Mössbauer source
Authors: Yaroslavtsev Sergey
Published: March 2023

SYNCmoss is a software package dedicated to fitting Mössbauer spectra measured with a synchrotron Mössbauer source (SMS). Operation conditions of an SMS can be continuously varied from high resolution and low intensity to the opposite extreme. These variations influence the width and shape of the instrumental function. The main purpose of SYNCmoss is to fit data obtained with instrumental functions of various shapes. SYNCmoss allows the instrumental function to be extracted from the spectrum of a standard absorber, and then to utilize it in the fitting procedures for the samples studied. SYNCmoss is standalone software – it does not require installations of any software environment. Setting input parameters and the fitting procedure are controlled within a graphical user interface. High-intensity mode of the SMS leads to a short acquisition time, allowing for fast (for example, operando) measurements resulting in a long sequence of spectra with close or smoothly varying parameters. For such cases, SYNCmoss provides an option to fit a series of spectra in automatic mode. SYNCmoss provides fitting models for various cases of hyperfine interaction including the full Hamiltonian for the combined interaction. Finally, for generality, the software has the ability to also fit conventional Mössbauer spectra and simple cases of nuclear forward scattering spectra.
Evaluation of data analytics-oriented business intelligence technology effectiveness: an enterprise-level analysis
Authors: Al-Okaily Aws , Teoh Ai Ping , Al-Okaily Manaf
Published: March 2023

Purpose

A crucial question still remains unanswered as to whether data analytics-oriented business intelligence (hereafter, BI) technologies can bring organizational value and benefits. Thereby, several researchers called for further empirical research to extend the limited knowledge in this critical area. In an attempt to deal with this issue, we presented and tested a theoretical model to assess BI effectiveness at the organizational benefits level in this research article.

Design/methodology/approach

The suggested research model expands the application of the DeLone and McLean model in BI technology success or effectiveness research from individual level to organizational level. A cross-sectional survey is developed to obtain primary quantitative data from business and technology managers who are depending on BI technologies to make operational, technical and strategic decisions in Jordanian-listed firms.

Findings

Empirical findings show that system quality, information quality and training quality are significant predictors of user satisfaction, but not of perceived benefit. Data quality was found to be a strong predictor of both perceived benefit and user satisfaction. The influence of perceived benefit on user satisfaction was significant in turn both factors positively affect organizational benefits.

Originality/value

This research paper is a pioneering effort to assess BI technology effectiveness at an organizational level outside the context of developed countries. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior research has combined all dimensions used in this research in one single model.
Mediating effect of emotional intelligence on the relationship between employee job satisfaction and firm performance of small business
Authors: Deb Santus Kumar , Nafi Shohel Md. , Mallik Nandita , Valeri Marco
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to measure the mediating effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction and firm performance of small business and to identify the critical success constructs and significant path of emotional intelligence in relation to job satisfaction and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides an analysis of the relevant literature that has been published on the renowned journal of small business. This study’s theoretical framework and constructs were developed based on prior research of emotional intelligence in small business. Along with, data were gathered from 355 respondents, with a valid response rate of 73.95%. This study used the SEM-PLS to measure the validity of the theoretical framework and test the hypothesis.

Findings

This study revealed that infrastructure, leadership and management, salary, working hours, working environment and emotional intelligence are very crucial for job satisfaction and firm performance. Emotional intelligence mediated the relationship between five job satisfaction factors (working hours, organizational infrastructure, leadership and management, working environment, salary and other benefits) and firm performance. Thus, this study can contribute to enhancing firm performance and developing a new dimension of small business.

Research limitations/implications

The result of this study will assist the researchers and service providers in understanding the mediating effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction and firm performance of small businesses. Thereby, policy formulation in the era of training of employees, leadership and technology-based services orientation will assist to in enhancing opportunities for small businesses and upholding sustainable business.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to analyze the link of the mediating effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction and firm performance of small business.
Yellow corn wholesale price forecasts via the neural network
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Yun
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Forecasts of commodity prices are vital issues to market participants and policy makers. Those of corn are of no exception, considering its strategic importance. In the present study, the authors assess the forecast problem for the weekly wholesale price index of yellow corn in China during January 1, 2010–January 10, 2020 period.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ the nonlinear auto-regressive neural network as the forecast tool and evaluate forecast performance of different model settings over algorithms, delays, hidden neurons and data splitting ratios in arriving at the final model.

Findings

The final model is relatively simple and leads to accurate and stable results. Particularly, it generates relative root mean square errors of 1.05%, 1.08% and 1.03% for training, validation and testing, respectively.

Originality/value

Through the analysis, the study shows usefulness of the neural network technique for commodity price forecasts. The results might serve as technical forecasts on a standalone basis or be combined with other fundamental forecasts for perspectives of price trends and corresponding policy analysis.
Young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots in India: effort expectancy moderated model
Authors: James Blesson Varghese , Joseph David , Daniel Nisha
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to recognize the role of information system (IS) model on young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots. This model of IS takes into account the quality of information, the quality of system and the quality of service.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample frame for analysis which comprises young adult population in India, i.e. between the ages of 18 and 35. A questionnaire consisting of five components was used to collect information in a structured manner. The 386 responses thus collected were analysed using the structural equation model.

Findings

It was found that there is a significant influence of the quality of information, quality of system and quality of service on young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots. The findings also showed that there is moderation role of effort expectancy between the quality parameters and young adults’ user experience of housing and real estate chatbots.

Research limitations/implications

This study focusses exclusively on the young adults from various parts of India. Future research can consider larger population categories across age groups and across sectors employing chatbots.

Practical implications

This study will enable in-depth understanding of IS model – quality dimensions’ relation with the user experience. In particular, housing and real estate organisations will profit from the expanded usage of artificial intelligence through chatbots for user correspondence and communication.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is first of its kind, as it investigates how IS model – quality dimensions affect the young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots in India. This study also ventures into identifying the moderation role of effort expectancy between the quality dimensions as per IS model and young adults’ experience of housing and real estate chatbots. This study will be useful for the stakeholders of housing and real estate industry.
Female corporate leadership, institutions and financing constraints around the world
Authors: Mertzanis Charilaos , Marashdeh Hazem , Ashraf Sania
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effect of female top management and female dominant owner on whether firms experience obstacles to obtaining external finance in 136 medium- and low-income countries during 2006–2019. The analysis controls for the role of corporate governance and other firm-specific characteristics, as well as for the impact of national institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis elucidates the economic and non-economic factors driving female corporate leadership. Further, in order to capture the causal effect, the analysis uses univariate tests, multivariate regression analysis, disaggregation testing, sensitivity and endogeneity analysis to confirm the quality of the estimates. The analysis controls for various additional country-level factors.

Findings

The results show that female top management and female ownership are broadly significant determinants of firms' access to external finance, especially in relatively larger and more developed countries. The role of controlling shareholders is significant and mediates the gender effect. The latter appears more pronounced in smaller and medium-size firms, operating in the manufacturing and services sectors as well as in the countries with higher levels of development. This also varies with the countries' macroeconomic conditions and institutions governing gender development and equality as well as institutional governance effectiveness.

Practical implications

The results suggest that firms wishing to improve the firms' access to external finance should consider the role of gender in both top management and corporate ownership coupled with the effect of the specific characteristics of firms and the conditioning role of national institutions.

Originality/value

The study examines the gender effects of top management and dominant ownership for the external financing decisions of firms in low- and middle-income countries, which are underresearched. These gender effects are mitigated in various ways by the specific characteristics of firms and especially on national institutions.
Herding or reverse herding: the reaction to change in investor sentiment in the Chinese and Pakistani markets
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Fayyaz , Bhutta Aamir Inam , Parveen Tahira
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Investor sentiment (optimism or pessimism) may influence investors to follow others (herding) while taking their investment decisions. Herding may result in bubbles and crashes in the financial markets. The purpose of the study is to examine the presence of herding and the effects of investor sentiment on herding in China and Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The investor sentiment is captured by five variables (trading volume, advance/decline ratio, weighted price-to-earnings ratio, relative strength index and interest rates) and a sentiment index developed through principal component analysis (PCA). The study uses daily prices of 2,184 firms from China and 568 firms from Pakistan for the period 2005 to 2018.

Findings

The study finds that herding prevails in China while reverse herding prevails in Pakistan. Interestingly, as investors become optimistic, herding in China and reverse herding in Pakistan decrease. This indicates that herding and reverse herding are greater during pessimistic periods. Further, the increase in herding in one market reduces herding in the other market. Moreover, optimistic sentiment in the Chinese market increases herding in the Pakistani market but the reverse is not true.

Practical implications

Considering the greater global financial liberalization, and better opportunities for emotion sharing, this study has important implications for regulators and investors. Market participants need to understand the prevalent irrational behavior before trading in the markets.

Originality/value

Since individual proxies may depict different picture of the relationship between sentiment and herding therefore the study also develops a sentiment index through PCA and incorporates this index in the analysis. Further, this study examines cross-country effects of herding and investor sentiment.
Performance of franchisee: the role of reciprocal resources, relationship quality and cultural sensitivity
Authors: Luu Tien Dung , Mai Khanh Huyen Nguyen , Huynh Cuong Chi , Phan Ngoc Huong Thi , Le Nga Thanh , Le Thao Nguyen Diep
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the impact mechanism of franchisor-owned resources, franchise relationship quality and franchisee's dynamic capabilities on franchisee performance, with the moderating role of cultural sensitivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 290 middle managers and team leaders at 113 hotels and food and beverage settings participating in the international- and domestic franchises in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) is used to analyse the data.

Findings

The result reveals that franchisor-owned resources, franchise relationship quality and franchisee's dynamic capabilities significantly impacted franchisee performance. Furthermore, cultural sensitivity has a beneficial role in the effect of franchise relationship quality on franchisee performance.

Originality/value

This study develops an integrated analytical framework of franchisee performance from the franchisee's perspective, contributing to integrating international business theory in franchising studies, namely the resource-based view, dynamic capability view and relationship-marketing theory.
The potential of wildflower strips to enhance pollination services in sweet cherry orchards grown under polytunnels
Authors: Mateos‐Fierro Zeus , Garratt Michael P. D. , Fountain Michelle T. , Ashbrook Kate , Westbury Duncan B.
Published: March 2023

Sweet cherry production benefits from insect pollination, but the extent to which wildflower strips can boost pollinator visitation under polytunnels is unknown.

Wildflowers were established in alleyways between tree rows under polytunnels in 10 commercial cherry orchards. Their management involved either a single cut in September (Standard Wildflower Strips (SWS)) or being actively maintained to 20 cm with regular cutting (Actively Managed Wildflower Strips (AMWS)), compared with unsown Control Strips (CS). Flower visitors of cherry and wildflowers were recorded by visual observations for 3 years (2017–2019), while cherry production (quantity and quality) was assessed in 2019.

In total, 67 visitor species were identified; managed commercial species (Apis mellifera and Bombus terrestris) made up ~74% of all records. During the cherry blossom period (anthesis), AMWS had the highest visitor density to cherry blossoms compared with CS and SWS but no significant difference in harvestable fruit was recorded. After anthesis, greater visitor density, diversity and richness were observed in both wildflower treatments compared with CS, being greatest in SWS, which was consistent with differences in floral communities between treatments.

Although visitor density was not correlated with fruit set, pollinating insects were key for fruit yields and quality. Fruit set was ~17% from blossoms exposed to visitors compared with <1% when excluded. Furthermore, hand pollination resulted in ~32% fruit set, indicating greatest pollination deficits in CS (~50%) compared with AMWS (~28%) and SWS (~35%).

Synthesis and applications. Sweet cherry is highly dependent on pollinators to underpin commercial yields, and pollination deficits exist under polytunnels. Growers should, therefore, reconsider their pollination strategies and look to combine effective pollinator management with polytunnel use to mitigate deficits; establishing and actively managing wildflowers in alleyways could enhance wild visitors and pollination.
CD4+ T cells inhibit the generation of CD8+ epidermal‐resident memory T cells directed against clinically relevant contact allergens
Authors: Funch Anders Boutrup , Weber Julie Friis , Lohmann Rebecca Kitt Davidson , Mraz Veronika , Yeung Kelvin , Jee Mia Hamilton , Ødum Niels , Woetmann Anders , Johansen Jeanne Duus , Geisler Carsten , Menné Bonefeld Charlotte
Published: March 2023

Background

CD8+ epidermal‐resident memory T (TRM) cells play central roles in local flare‐up responses to experimental contact allergens by inducing massive influx of neutrophils to the epidermis upon allergen challenge. Whether similar immunopathogenic mechanisms are involved in the responses to clinically relevant contact allergens is unknown.

Methods

The immune response to cinnamal, ρ‐phenylenediamine (PPD) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) was studied in a well‐established mouse model for allergic contact dermatitis that includes formation of TRM cells by ELISA, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy analyses and cell depletion protocols.

Results

We show that the formation of CD4+ and CD8+ epidermal TRM cells and the inflammatory response are highly allergen‐dependent. However, the magnitude of the flare‐up responses correlated with the number of epidermal CD8+ TRM cells, CXCL1/CXCL2 release and recruitment of neutrophils to the epidermis. Finally, depletion of CD4+ T cells strongly enhanced the number of epidermal CD8+ TRM cells, the flare‐up response and the epidermal infiltration of neutrophils for all allergens.

Conclusion

As the first, this study demonstrates that clinically relevant contact allergens have the ability to generate pathogenic, epidermal CD8+ TRM cells that recruit neutrophils following re‐exposure to the allergen, but that this normally is counteracted by the simultaneous induction of anti‐inflammatory CD4+ T cells.
Parent coaching from 6 to 18 months improves child language outcomes through 30 months of age
Authors: Huber Elizabeth , Ferjan Ramírez Naja , Corrigan Neva M. , Kuhl Patricia K.
Published: March 2023

Interventions focused on the home language environment have been shown to improve a number of child language outcomes in the first years of life. However, data on the longer‐term effects of the intervention are still somewhat limited. The current study examines child vocabulary and complex speech outcomes (N = 59) during the year following completion of a parent‐coaching intervention, which was previously found to increase the quantity of parent‐child conversational turns and to improve child language outcomes through 18 months of age. Measures of parental language input, child speech output, and parent‐child conversational turn‐taking were manually coded from naturalistic home recordings (Language Environment Analysis System, LENA) at regular 4‐month intervals when children were 6‐ to 24‐months old. Child language skills were assessed using the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventory (CDI) at four time‐points following the final intervention session (at 18, 24, 27, and 30 months). Vocabulary size and growth from 18 to 30 months was greater in the intervention group, even after accounting for differences in child language ability during the intervention period. The intervention group also scored higher on measures of speech length and grammatical complexity, and these effects were mediated by 18‐month vocabulary. Intervention was associated with increased parent‐child conversational turn‐taking in home recordings at 14 months, and mediation analysis suggested that 14‐month conversational turn‐taking accounted for intervention‐related differences in subsequent vocabulary. Together, the results suggest enduring, positive effects of parental language intervention and underscore the importance of interactive, conversational language experience during the first 2 years of life.

Research Highlights

Parent coaching was provided as part of a home language intervention when children were 6–18 months of age.

Naturalistic home language recordings showed increased parent‐child conversational turn‐taking in the intervention group at 14 months of age.

Measures of productive vocabulary and complex speech indicated more advanced expressive language skills in the intervention group through 30 months of age, a full year after the final intervention session.

Conversational turn‐taking at 14 months predicted subsequent child vocabulary and accounted for differences in vocabulary size across the intervention and control groups.
Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant, lowers cholesterol and markers of cardiovascular risk in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidaemia
Authors: Ciaraldi Theodore P. , Boeder Schafer C. , Mudaliar Sunder R. , Giovannetti Erin R. , Henry Robert R. , Pettus Jeremy H.
Published: March 2023

Aim

To determine the effects of astaxanthin treatment on lipids, cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers, glucose tolerance, insulin action and inflammation in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidaemia.

Materials and Methods

Adult participants with dyslipidaemia and prediabetes (n = 34) underwent baseline blood draw, an oral glucose tolerance test and a one‐step hyperinsulinaemic‐euglycaemic clamp. They were then randomized (n = 22 treated, 12 placebo) to receive astaxanthin 12 mg daily or placebo for 24 weeks. Baseline studies were repeated after 12 and 24 weeks of therapy.

Results

After 24 weeks, astaxanthin treatment significantly decreased low‐density lipoprotein (−0.33 ± 0.11 mM) and total cholesterol (−0.30 ± 0.14 mM) (both P < .05). Astaxanthin also reduced levels of the CVD risk markers fibrinogen (−473 ± 210 ng/mL), L‐selectin (−0.08 ± 0.03 ng/mL) and fetuin‐A (−10.3 ± 3.6 ng/mL) (all P < .05). While the effects of astaxanthin treatment did not reach statistical significance, there were trends toward improvements in the primary outcome measure, insulin‐stimulated, whole‐body glucose disposal (+0.52 ± 0.37 mg/m2/min, P = .078), as well as fasting [insulin] (−5.6 ± 8.4 pM, P = .097) and HOMA2‐IR (−0.31 ± 0.16, P = .060), suggesting improved insulin action. No consistent significant differences from baseline were observed for any of these outcomes in the placebo group. Astaxanthin was safe and well tolerated with no clinically significant adverse events.

Conclusions

Although the primary endpoint did not meet the prespecified significance level, these data suggest that astaxanthin is a safe over‐the‐counter supplement that improves lipid profiles and markers of CVD risk in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidaemia.
Long‐term effectiveness of add‐on perampanel in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Matricardi Sara , Cesaroni Elisabetta , Bonanni Paolo , Foschi Nicoletta , D′Aniello Alfredo , Di Gennaro Giancarlo , Striano Pasquale , Cappanera Silvia , Siliquini Sabrina , Freri Elena , Ragona Francesca , Granata Tiziana , Deleo Francesco , Villani Flavio , Russo Angelo , Messana Tullio , Siri Laura , Bagnasco Irene , Vignoli Aglaia , Operto Francesca Felicia , Orsini Alessandro , Bonuccelli Alice , Papa Amanda , Peruzzi Cinzia , Liguori Claudio , Verrotti Alberto , Chiarelli Francesco , Marini Carla , Lattanzi Simona
Published: March 2023

This retrospective study assessed long‐term effectiveness of add‐on perampanel (PER) in patients with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Outcomes included time to PER failure and time to seizure relapse in responders. PER failure was defined as either discontinuation of PER or initiation of another treatment. Seizure relapse in responders was defined as occurrence of a seizure in seizure‐free patients and increase of at least 50% in average monthly seizure frequency for those who were responders. Eighty‐seven patients were included. Treatment failure occurred in 52 (59.8%) subjects at a median time of 12 months. Treatment failure was due to lack of efficacy in 27 (52.0%) patients, lack of tolerability in 14 (27.0%), and both reasons in 11 (21.0%). A slower titration was associated with a lower risk of PER failure compared to faster titration schedules, and the occurrence of adverse events increased the risk of treatment failure. Thirty‐six patients (41.4%) were responders during a median follow‐up of 11 months. Seizure relapse occurred in 13 of 36 (36.1%) patients after a median time of 21 months. The overall rate of seizure responders was 23 of 87 (26.4%) at the end of follow‐up. This study provides real‐world evidence on the effectiveness of PER as adjunctive treatment in LGS patients.
Informing obligations: Best practice information for catch‐and‐release in Swedish local recreational fisheries management
Authors: Björkvik Emma , Blyth Samuel , Blicharska Malgorzata , Danley Brian , Rönnbäck Patrik
Published: March 2023

Catch‐and‐release (C&R) is a popular management tool that can support sustainable development of recreational fisheries, if anglers adopt scientifically informed “best practices.” However, although the role of best practices is widely established in the academic literature, this knowledge is not always disseminated to anglers. In this paper, we investigated if and to what extent local management organizations provided best practice information to anglers. Based on a sample of 331 Swedish organizations, we reviewed the websites through which these organizations sold fishing licenses. Our review demonstrated widespread use of C&R as a management tool yet a general lack of best practice information. Among the small fraction of organizations that mentioned best practices, most mentioned only a single practice, with little consistency among practices that received attention. In addition, best practice information was particularly lacking for pike (Esox Lucius) and perch (Perca fluviatilis), which are by far the most landed and released species nationally. We discovered major knowledge deficiencies that provide insights about where and how to focus efforts for improving best practice information, in the context of local recreational fisheries management.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers with breast, ovarian and prostate cancer demonstrate a different pattern of metastatic disease compared with non‐carriers: results from a rapid autopsy programme
Authors: Thorne Heather , Devereux Lisa , Li Jason , Alsop Kathryn , Christie Liz , van Geelen Courtney T , Burdett Nikki , Pishas Kathleen I , Woodford Noel , Leditschke Jodie , Izzath Mohamed H M A , Strachan Kate , Young Gregory , Jaravaza Rufaro D , Madadin Mohammed S , Archer Melanie , Glengarry Joanna , Iles Linda , Rathnaweera Ajith , Hampson Clare , Almazrooei Khamis , Burke Michael , Bandara Pradeep , Ranson David , Saeedi Essa , McNally Orla , Mileshkin Linda , Hamilton Anne , Ananda Sumitra , Au‐Yeung George , Antill Yoland , Sandhu Shahneen , Savas Peter , Francis Prudence A , Luen Stephen , Loi Sherene , Jennens Ross , Scott Clare , Moodie Kate , Cummings Margaret , Reid Andrew , McCart Reed Amy , Bowtell David , Lakhani Sunil R , Fox Stephen
Published: March 2023

Aim

To catalogue and compare the pattern of metastatic disease in germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutation carriers and non‐carriers with breast, ovarian and prostate cancer from a rapid autopsy programme.

Methods and results

The number of metastases in the major body systems and the proportion of participants with metastases were documented in 50 participants (19 germline mutation carriers). Analysis was conducted on the participants’ pattern of disease for the different cancers and mutation subgroups. The four commonly affected organ systems were the digestive (liver only) (82%), respiratory (76%), gastrointestinal (65%) and reticuloendothelial (42%). There were significant differences in the pattern of metastatic breast cancer in BRCA1/2 germline carriers compared with non‐carriers. Breast cancer carriers had significantly fewer organ systems involved (median n = 3, range = 1–3) compared with non‐carriers (median n = 9, range = 1–7) (P = 0.03). BRCA1/2 carriers with ovarian carcinomas had significantly more organ systems with metastatic carcinoma (median n = 10, range = 3–8) than non‐carriers (median n = 5, range = 3–5) (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the number of involved systems in BRCA2 carriers compared with non‐carriers with prostate cancer (P = 1.0). There was an absence of locoregional disease (6.5%) compared with distant disease (93.5%) among the three cancer subtypes (P < 0.001). The majority of metastatic deposits (97%) collected during the autopsy were identified by recent diagnostic imaging.

Conclusion

Even though a major limitation of this study is that our numbers are small, especially in the breast cancer carrier group, the metastatic patterns of breast and ovarian cancers may be impacted by BRCA1/2 carrier status, suggesting that tumours derived from patients with these mutations use different mechanisms of dissemination. The findings may focus clinical diagnostic imaging for monitoring metastases where whole‐body imaging resources are scant.
Sustainability and inequality of Taiwan's National Pension Insurance
Authors: Chang Chih‐Kai , Tao Hung‐Lin , Chang Hsun‐Fang
Published: March 2023

Taiwan's National Pension Insurance (NPI) is a compulsory defined benefit pension insurance scheme. However, paying the NPI premium is not mandatory. We use the NPI administrative data of more than 489 million observations to investigate the NPI's sustainability and inequalities for various groups. We find that NPI participants pay their premiums either consistently or not at all. Although the overall willingness to pay the premiums has been declining, one group of the insured persons consistently pays, thereby maintaining the sustainability of the NPI. Intergenerational and intragenerational inequalities are both found in the NPI; however, the government's premium subsidy reduces intragenerational inequality, except for young adult males who need the NPI and regularly pay premiums. Our empirical results suggest that subsidising these young male citizens strengthens the NPI's sustainability and mitigates the intergenerational and intragenerational inequalities of the NPI.
Curcumin in diet modulates fatty acid levels and mRNA expression of appetite‐regulating neuropeptides in brain and enhances growth via the GH‐GHR‐IGF axis in tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus
Authors: MV Sruthi , Lekha Divya
Published: March 2023

Curcumin in 0.5% and 1% doses was given as a feed additive to tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) for 100 days to evaluate the effect of curcumin on fatty acid levels in brain, appetite and the growth axis‐related gene expressions. A total of 180 fish were randomly stocked into 650 l tanks and fed with basal feed during acclimatization. Three treatment groups were established, each having three replicates and each replicate had 20 fish. They were fed twice on the experimental diets of 10% body weight ration per fish. Gas chromatography analysis revealed a significant change in the amount of total saturated fatty acids and total monounsaturated fatty acids in tilapia brain. The present study indicated an increase in n‐3 (omega‐3) and n‐6 (omega‐6) polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain. Real‐time quantification of appetite‐regulating neuropeptides in brain and growth‐related gene expressions in muscle revealed a significant modulation in their mRNA expressions. This information obtained in the present study on the beneficial role of curcumin in the regulation of fatty acid levels and the expression of appetite‐regulating neuropeptides and growth‐regulating factors will contribute to research in feed intake and growth in fish.
Architectural anatomy of the human tibialis anterior presents morphological asymmetries between superficial and deep unipennate regions
Authors: Martin‐Rodriguez Saúl , Gonzalez‐Henriquez Juan Jose , Galvan‐Alvarez Victor , Cruz‐Ramírez Sara , Calbet José A. , Sanchis‐Moysi Joaquín
Published: March 2023

The tibialis anterior muscle plays a critical role in human ambulation and contributes to maintaining the upright posture. However, little is known about its muscle architecture in males and females. One hundred and nine physically active males and females were recruited. Tibialis anterior muscle thickness, pennation angle, and fascicle length were measured at rest in both unipennate regions of both legs using real‐time ultrasound imaging. A linear mixed model was used with muscle thickness, pennation angle, or fascicle length as the dependent variables. All models were carried out with and without total leg lean mass and shank length as covariates. Causal mediation analysis was computed to explore the effect of muscle thickness on the relationship between fascicle length and pennation angle. There were no significant differences between dominant and nondominant legs regarding muscle architecture. Muscle thickness and pennation angle were greater in the deep than the superficial unipennate region in males (1.9 mm and 1.1°,p < 0.001) and women (3.4 mm and 2.2°,p < 0.001). However, the fascicle length was similar in both regions for both sexes. The differences remained significant after accounting for differences in leg lean mass and shank length. In both regions, muscle thickness was 1–3 mm greater in males and superficial pennation angle 2° smaller in females (both,p < 0.001). After accounting for leg lean mass and shank length, sex differences remained for muscle thickness (1.6 mm,p < 0.05) and pennation angle (3.4°,p < 0.001) but only in the superficial region. In both regions, leg lean mass and shank‐adjusted fascicle length were 1.4 mm longer in females than males (p < 0.05). The causal mediation analysis revealed that the estimation of fascicle length was positive, suggesting that a 10% increase in muscle thickness would augment the fascicle length, allowing a 0.38° pennation angle decrease. Moreover, the pennation angle increases in total by 0.54° due to the suppressive effect of the increase in fascicle length. The estimated mediation, direct, and total effects were all significantly different from zero (p < 0.001). Overall, our results indicate that the architectural anatomy of the tibialis anterior shows sexual dimorphism in humans. Tibialis anterior presents morphological asymmetries between superficial and deep unipennate regions in both sexes. Lastly, our causal mediation model identified a suppressive effect of fascicle length on the pennation angle, suggesting that increments in muscle thickness are not always aligned with increments in fascicle length or the pennation angle.
COVID‐19 and the power of indigenous, Mexican‐origin farmworker families in the US Pacific Northwest
Authors: Madrigal Tomás Alberto
Published: March 2023

Over the last several years—in the context of US political upheaval, ongoing crises related to climate change, the COVID‐19 pandemic and an economic downturn—indigenous, Mexican‐origin farmworker families in Washington State have engaged more intensely in class struggle through acts of solidarity and forms of collective action, in part through independent labour unions, worker cooperatives and mutual aid. This article chronicles the labour struggles that led to a notion of class rooted in family units of production and that strengthened transnational solidarity in resistance to racist forms of exploitation in the agricultural sector. Class organization rooted in family and solidarity has allowed indigenous agricultural workers in Washington State to face COVID‐19 and incidents driven by climate change, which syndemically compounded existing community health crises, from a place of power. Focusing on the experience of farmworker families in Washington State, I outline agricultural employers' exploitation of workers during this period of increased vulnerability and the strength of farmworkers' resolve to take their health and well‐being into their own hands.
Reflecting and Advancing the Transformation: Catholic Theological Ethics and the Journal of Religious Ethics, 1973–2023
Authors: Hogan Linda
Published: March 2023

This essay considers how the JRE has engaged Catholic ethics in the last 50 years and how the concerns of Catholic ethics during this period of exceptional change are reflected and developed in the JRE. It discusses the transformation of Catholic ethics by focusing on the transitions: (i) from classical to historical consciousness; (ii) from an essentialist concept of human nature to a dynamic concept of the moral subject; (iii) from abstract to contextual moral reason; and (iv) from a discourse that ignored the politics of power to one that reckons with it, analyzing the distinct ways in which the JRE engaged with these transformations. It concludes by looking to the future and suggests that a deeper engagement with the breadth of Catholic ethics internationally may help advance the Journal's mission and that a fuller interaction with the comparative and humanistic dimensions of the JRE's mission will enhance Catholic ethics.
Ultrafiltration during intermittent hemodialysis in dogs with acute kidney injury
Authors: Kopecny Lucy , Palm Carrie A. , Segev Gilad , Cowgill Larry D.
Published: March 2023

Background

Ultrafiltration is performed to alleviate fluid overload in dogs with acute kidney injury (AKI) undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD).

Objectives

To describe prescription patterns for ultrafiltration in dogs receiving IHD for AKI and risk factors for ultrafiltration‐related complications.

Animals

Seventy‐seven dogs undergoing 144 IHD treatments between 2009 and 2019.

Methods

Medical records of dogs receiving IHD for AKI were reviewed. The initial 3 IHD treatments in which ultrafiltration was prescribed were included. Ultrafiltration‐related complications were defined as those requiring an intervention such as transient or permanent discontinuation of ultrafiltration.

Results

Mean fluid removal rate per treatment was 8.1 ± 4.5 mL/kg/h. Ultrafiltration‐related complications occurred in 37/144 (25.7%) of treatments. Hypotension was rare (6/144, 4.2% of treatments). No ultrafiltration‐related complications resulted in deaths. The mean prescribed fluid removal rate per treatment was higher in dogs with ultrafiltration‐related complications than without (10.8 ± 4.9 mL/kg/h vs 8.8 ± 5.1 mL/kg/h, respectively;P = .03). The mean delivered fluid removal rate per treatment was significantly lower in dogs with UF‐related complications compared to those without complications (6.8 ± 4.0 mL/kg/h vs 8.6 ± 4.6 mL/kg/h, respectively;P = .04). Variables associated with ultrafiltration‐related complications (P < .05) included central venous oxygen saturation, body temperature before IHD treatment, total extracorporeal circuit volume and BUN at the end of IHD treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ultrafiltration during IHD in dogs with AKI is overall safe. Higher prescribed ultrafiltration rates were associated with increased risk of complications. Decrease in central venous oxygen saturation is associated with ultrafiltration‐related complications, emphasizing the utility of in‐line blood monitoring.
Interspecific facilitation favors rare species establishment and reduces performance disparities among adults
Authors: Sánchez‐Martín Ricardo , Verdú Miguel , Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia
Published: March 2023

Questions

A variety of mechanisms sustain diversity in natural communities as a result of ecological interactions between organisms. Competition has been studied extensively in the context of species maintenance, but facilitation is often conceptualized as simply reducing competition between functionally different species, which tends to decline throughout the plants' life span. Here we explore how interspecific facilitation may sustain diversity throughout the species' life by avoiding the extinction of locally rare species at juvenile stages and reducing performance disparities between neighbors of differing species at mature stages.

Methods

To do so, we measured whether rarer species relied more on facilitation than abundant ones in semiarid shrubland in southeast Spain. A mechanistic explanation of this relationship was subsequently tested by correlating rarity with the species' affinity to a particularly edaphic stressful environment. Finally, we assessed whether growing associated with neighbors in vegetation patches shaped by facilitation could balance performance disparities between species when they become adults.

Results

We show that facilitation (i) favors the rare species, which, in addition, tend to be those with low affinity to the stressful environment, and (ii) reduces the performance dissimilarities among plants growing associated within multispecific vegetation patches compared to plants growing alone.

Conclusions

These facilitative effects, beyond the reduction of competition between functionally similar species, might ensure positive and long‐lasting effects of biotic interactions, implying a more critical role for facilitation in preserving biodiversity than previously thought.