bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering the key factors behind multi‐stakeholder partnerships for contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals: Insights around the electric vehicle in Spain
Authors: Galan Jose Ignacio , Zuñiga‐Vicente Jose Angel
Published: October 2022

Based on different theoretical underpinnings, this study seeks to identify the key factors behind the multi‐stakeholder partnerships that can contribute to the achievement of certain sustainable development goals. It also examines whether such factors are similar from the point of view of the different stakeholders involved or, by contrast, there are major differences. We explore all the partnerships involving a globally recognized provider of the infrastructure required for the use of electric vehicles in countries such as Spain. Using primary and secondary data sources, the following conclusions may be drawn from our empirical research: first, the study of the key factors behind multi‐stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development needs to be conducted from a multi‐lens perspective. Second, certain significant differences are observed in the replies regarding the importance that a sample of managers attach to the different factors informing these partnerships. Third, all the partnerships identified have a clear long‐term orientation. Finally, the term that best defines many of the linkages between stakeholders is coopetition.
How does the research community contribute to corporate climate‐related risk disclosures? The gap between ideals and reality
Authors: Lee Chia‐Chi , Kuo Shih‐Yun , Hsu Huang‐Hsiung , Mo Tung‐Li , Chang En‐Yu , Huang Kuan‐Chun
Published: October 2022

Since the inception of the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its publication of a series of guidelines to instruct companies how to respond to climate change, physical and transition risks have become must‐know terms for businesses around the world. The development of various physical and transition risk assessment tools has become an urgent task for not only climate service companies but also for the scientific research community. Nevertheless, there is still an obvious gap between the contribution of the scientific research community and enterprise needs for clarification of the TCFD requirements. This article draws on interviews from representatives of more than a dozen related corporations and institutions in Taiwan, including private firms, research units, and industry associations, to understand and summarize their experience and expectations for the research community's contributions to TCFD alignment. The interview findings point out that physical risk assessment, transition risk assessment, data/information disclosure and integration, and policies and systems are the most concerned aspects of the interviewees. Based on these findings, the paper then provides suggestions for improvement by the research community, policy makers, and decision makers, including appropriate policies and systems, localized high‐quality climate services, and international competition, helping to effectively bridge the gap between daily research work and external expectations for the research results.
Doping control analyses during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Authors: Okano Masato , Ikekita Ayako , Sato Mitsuhiko , Inoue Takeshi , Kageyama Shinji , Akiyama Kentaro , Aoi Arisa , Miyamoto Asami , Momobayashi Atsushi , Ota Masanori , Ishige Miho , Sakurai Hikaru , Shiomura Sho , Takemine Mitsuha , Watanabe Yuma , Hikota Tomohisa
Published: October 2022

The doping control analyses at the XXXII Olympic Games (July 23 to August 8, 2021) and the XVI Paralympic Games (August 24 to September 5, 2021) held in Tokyo, Japan, after a year of delay due to the COVID‐19 pandemic are summarized in this paper. A new satellite facility at the existing World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA)‐accredited Tokyo laboratory was established and fully operated by 278 staff, including 33 Tokyo laboratory staff, 49 international experts, and 196 Japanese temporary staff. The numbers of urine samples were 5081 (Olympics) and 1519 (Paralympics), and the numbers of blood samples were 1103 (Olympics) and 500 (Paralympics). The laboratory could prepare for analysis in advance using a paperless chain‐of‐custody system, allowing for faster turnaround time reporting. For the first time, a new polymerase chain reaction method for detecting erythropoietin (EPO) gene doping was used. The laboratory also analyzed blood samples for detecting steroid esters following the spotting of collected venous EDTA blood onto dried blood spot cards. Moreover, full‐scan data acquisition using high‐resolution mass spectrometers was performed for all urine samples, allowing for detecting traces of doping substances, which are not currently analyzed in the subsequent data processing. The presence of some prohibited substances was confirmed, resulting in 8 atypical findings (ATFs) and 11 adverse analytical findings (AAFs), including homologous blood transfusion (2 cases) and recombinant EPO in the blood (1 case), at the Olympics, whereas 2 ATFs and 10 AAFs were reported at the Paralympics.
Comparison of three different blood matrices for the quantification of endogenous steroids using UHPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Salamin Olivier , Langer Tobias , Saugy Jonas , Saugy Martial , Grabherr Silke , Kuuranne Tiia , Nicoli Raul
Published: October 2022

Urine is currently the matrix of choice for the detection of exogenous substances but also for the application of the steroidal module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) consisting in a longitudinal monitoring of steroid biomarkers. To fill the limitations related to urine, the longitudinal monitoring of serum steroids concentration in the so‐called ‘blood steroid profile’ has recently been proposed. Although serum samples are collected much less than urine samples, plasma derived from ABP whole blood samples used for the full blood count could be exploited for the quantification of endogenous steroids. Alternatively, dried blood spots (DBS) that are much easier to collect could also serve as matrix for the steroid profile. In this study, we compared the concentration levels of several endogenous steroids measured in three different blood matrices (serum, plasma and DBS) collected from 100 elite athletes participating in the 2019 Doha World Athletics Championships using UHPLC‐MS/MS. Plasma and serum samples were collected by venipuncture, whereas DBS were generated from whole blood samples. Although steroids demonstrated a good agreement between the three matrices, a slight but acceptable underestimation (10%–20%) was observed in plasma compared with serum. The difference between DBS and the two other matrices was dependent of the bias between serum and plasma. We also showed that a generic HCT correction for DBS could be a valuable approach for quantitative measurements. This study demonstrates the possibility to use three different matrices for the quantification of endogenous steroids although the slight discrepancies should be considered for longitudinal evaluation.
Climate anomalies and competition reduce establishment success during island colonization
Authors: Nicholson Daniel J. , Knell Robert J. , McCrea Rachel S. , Neel Lauren K. , Curlis John David , Williams Claire E. , Chung Albert K. , McMillan William Owen , Garner Trenton W. J. , Cox Christian L. , Logan Michael L.
Published: October 2022

Understanding the factors that facilitate or constrain establishment of populations in novel environments is crucial for conservation biology and the study of adaptive radiation. Important questions include: (1) Does the timing of colonization relative to stochastic events, such as climatic perturbations, impact the probability of successful establishment? (2) To what extent does community context (e.g., the presence of competitors) change the probability of establishment? (3) How do sources of intrapopulation variance, such as sex differences, affect success at an individual level during the process of establishment? Answers to these questions are rarely pursued in a field‐experimental context or on the same time scales (months to years) as the processes of colonization and establishment. We introduced slender anole lizards (Anolis apletophallus) to eight islands in the Panama Canal and tracked them over multiple generations to investigate the factors that mediate establishment success. All islands were warmer than the mainland (ancestral) environment, and some islands had a native competitor. We transplanted half of these populations only 4 months before the onset of a severe regional drought and the other half 2 years (two generations) before the drought. We found that successful establishment depended on both the intensity of interspecific competition and the timing of colonization relative to the drought. The islands that were colonized shortly before the drought went functionally extinct by the second generation, and regardless of time before the drought, the populations on islands with interspecific competition declined continuously over the study period. Furthermore, the effect of the competitor interacted with sex, with males suffering, and females benefitting, from the presence of a native competitor. Our results reveal that community context and the timing of colonization relative to climactic events can combine to determine establishment success and that these factors can generate opposite effects on males and females.
Functional traits' annual variation exceeds nitrogen‐driven variation in grassland plant species
Authors: Wheeler George R. , Brassil Chad E. , Knops Johannes M. H.
Published: October 2022

Effective application of functional trait approaches to ecological questions requires understanding the patterns of trait variation within species as well as between them. However, few studies address the potential for intraspecific variation to occur on a temporal basis and, thus, for trait‐based findings to be contingent upon sampling year. To quantify annual variation in the functional traits of grassland plant species, we measured specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, plant height, and chlorophyll content in 12 shortgrass prairie plant species. We repeated these measurements across 4 years, both in long‐term nitrogen addition plots and in corresponding control plots. Three of the four traits showed significant year‐to‐year variation in a linear mixed model analysis, generally following a pattern of more acquisitive leaf economics spectrum traits in higher rainfall years. Furthermore, two of the measured traits responded interactively to nitrogen addition and sampling year, although only one, leaf dry matter content, showed the expected pattern of stronger nitrogen responses in high rainfall years. For leaf dry matter content and specific leaf area, trait responses to sampling year were larger than responses to the nitrogen addition treatment. These findings illustrate that species' functional traits can respond strongly to environmental changes across years, and thus that trait variation in a species or community is likely to extend beyond the values and patterns observed in any single year.
Stronger fertilization effects on aboveground versus belowground plant properties across nine U.S. grasslands
Authors: Keller Adrienne B. , Walter Christopher A. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Collins Scott L. , DeLancey Lang C. , Fay Philip A. , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Knops Johannes M. H. , Leakey Andrew D. B. , Mayes Melanie A. , Seabloom Eric W. , Hobbie Sarah E.
Published: October 2022

Increased nutrient inputs due to anthropogenic activity are expected to increase primary productivity across terrestrial ecosystems, but changes in allocation aboveground versus belowground with nutrient addition have different implications for soil carbon (C) storage. Thus, given that roots are major contributors to soil C storage, understanding belowground net primary productivity (BNPP) and biomass responses to changes in nutrient availability is essential to predicting carbon–climate feedbacks in the context of interacting global environmental changes. To address this knowledge gap, we tested whether a decade of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization consistently influenced aboveground and belowground biomass and productivity at nine grassland sites spanning a wide range of climatic and edaphic conditions in the continental United States. Fertilization effects were strong aboveground, with both N and P addition stimulating aboveground biomass at nearly all sites (by 30% and 36%, respectively, on average). P addition consistently increased root production (by 15% on average), whereas other belowground responses to fertilization were more variable, ranging from positive to negative across sites. Site‐specific responses to P were not predicted by the measured covariates. Atmospheric N deposition mediated the effect of N fertilization on root biomass and turnover. Specifically, atmospheric N deposition was positively correlated with root turnover rates, and this relationship was amplified with N addition. Nitrogen addition increased root biomass at sites with low N deposition but decreased it at sites with high N deposition. Overall, these results suggest that the effects of nutrient supply on belowground plant properties are context dependent, particularly with regard to background N supply rates, demonstrating that site conditions must be considered when predicting how grassland ecosystems will respond to increased nutrient loading from anthropogenic activity.
Traits of soil bacteria predict plant responses to soil moisture
Authors: Bolin Lana G. , Lennon Jay T. , Lau Jennifer A.
Published: October 2022

Microorganisms can help plants and animals contend with abiotic stressors, but why they provide such benefits remains unclear. Here we investigated byproduct benefits, which occur when traits that increase the fitness of one species provide incidental benefits to another species with no direct cost to the provider. In a greenhouse experiment, microbial traits predicted plant responses to soil moisture such that bacteria with self‐beneficial traits in drought increased plant early growth, size at reproduction, and chlorophyll concentration under drought, while bacteria with self‐beneficial traits in well‐watered environments increased these same plant traits in well‐watered soils. Thus, microbial traits that promote microbial success in different moisture environments also promote plant success in these same environments. Our results demonstrate that byproduct benefits, a concept developed to explain the evolution of cooperation in pairwise mutualisms, can also extend to interactions between plants and nonsymbiotic soil microbes.
Demographic consequences of changes in environmental periodicity
Authors: Conquet Eva , Ozgul Arpat , Blumstein Daniel T. , Armitage Kenneth B. , Oli Madan K. , Martin Julien G. A. , Clutton‐Brock Tim H. , Paniw Maria
Published: October 2022

The fate of natural populations is mediated by complex interactions among vital rates, which can vary within and among years. Although the effects of random, among‐year variation in vital rates have been studied extensively, relatively little is known about how periodic, nonrandom variation in vital rates affects populations. This knowledge gap is potentially alarming as global environmental change is projected to alter common periodic variations, such as seasonality. We investigated the effects of changes in vital‐rate periodicity on populations of three species representing different forms of adaptation to periodic environments: the yellow‐bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventer), adapted to strong seasonality in snowfall; the meerkat (Suricata suricatta), adapted to inter‐annual stochasticity as well as seasonal patterns in rainfall; and the dewy pine (Drosophyllum lusitanicum), adapted to fire regimes and periodic post‐fire habitat succession. To assess how changes in periodicity affect population growth, we parameterized periodic matrix population models and projected population dynamics under different scenarios of perturbations in the strength of vital‐rate periodicity. We assessed the effects of such perturbations on various metrics describing population dynamics, including the stochastic growth rate, log λS. Overall, perturbing the strength of periodicity had strong effects on population dynamics in all three study species. For the marmots, log λS decreased with increased seasonal differences in adult survival. For the meerkats, density dependence buffered the effects of perturbations of periodicity on log λS. Finally, dewy pines were negatively affected by changes in natural post‐fire succession under stochastic or periodic fire regimes with fires occurring every 30 years, but were buffered by density dependence from such changes under presumed more frequent fires or large‐scale disturbances. We show that changes in the strength of vital‐rate periodicity can have diverse but strong effects on population dynamics across different life histories. Populations buffered from inter‐annual vital‐rate variation can be affected substantially by changes in environmentally driven vital‐rate periodic patterns; however, the effects of such changes can be masked in analyses focusing on inter‐annual variation. As most ecosystems are affected by periodic variations in the environment such as seasonality, assessing their contributions to population viability for future global‐change research is crucial.
Statistical evidence for high‐penetrance MODY‐causing genes in a large population‐based cohort
Authors: Billings Liana K. , Shi Zhuqing , Resurreccion W. Kyle , Wang Chi‐Hsiung , Wei Jun , Pollin Toni I. , Udler Miriam S. , Xu Jianfeng
Published: October 2022

Aims

Numerous genes have been proposed as causal for maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY). Scoring systems to annotate mutation pathogenicity have been widely used; however, statistical evidence for being a highly penetrant MODY gene has not been well‐established.

Methods

Participants were from the UK Biobank with whole‐exome sequencing data, including 14,622 with and 185,509 without diagnosis of diabetes. Pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) mutations in 14 reported and 3 possible MODY genes were annotated using American College of Medical Genetics criteria. Evidence for being a high‐penetrant MODY gene used two statistical criteria: frequency of aggregate P/LP mutations in each gene are (1) significantly more common in participants with a diagnosis of diabetes than without using the SKAT‐O (p < .05) and (2) lower than the maximum credible frequency in the general population.

Results

Among the 17 genes, 6 (GCK, HNF1A, HNF4A, NEUROD1, KCNJ11 and HNF1B) met both criteria, 7 (ABCC8, KLF11, RFX6, PCBD1, WFS1, INS and PDX1) met only one criterion, and the remaining 4 (CEL, BLK, APPL1 and PAX4) failed both criteria, and were classified as ‘consistent’, ‘inconclusive’ and ‘inconsistent’ for being highly penetrant diabetes genes, respectively. Diabetes participants with mutations in the ‘consistent’ genes had clinical presentations that were most consistent with MODY. In contrast, the ‘inconclusive’ and ‘inconsistent’ genes did not differ clinically from non‐carriers in diabetes‐related characteristics.

Conclusions

Data from a large population‐based study provided novel statistical evidence to identify 6 MODY genes as consistent with being highly penetrant. These results have potential implications for interpreting genetic testing results and clinical diagnosis of MODY.
Characterizing the distribution of the critically endangered estuarine pipefish (Syngnathus watermeyeri) across its range using environmental DNA
Authors: Nester Georgia M. , Heydenrych Matthew J. , Berry Tina E. , Richards Zoe , Wasserman Johan , White Nicole E. , De Brauwer Maarten , Bunce Mike , Takahashi Miwa , Claassens Louw
Published: October 2022

The effective management of rare and threatened species, especially in areas where population sizes have diminished, relies on knowledge of their population size, threats, and distribution. Robust mapping of distribution presents a particular challenge in aquatic environments for cryptic species, especially those with low abundance. Environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches can offer improved detection rates of many rare and threatened species when compared with traditional sampling approaches. In this study, we developed and optimized a targeted eDNA assay for the critically endangered estuarine pipefish (Syngnathus watermeyeri). eDNA sampling and seine netting were undertaken at 39 sites across the historical range of S. watermeyeri in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in 2019. At each site, five water samples were collected for eDNA analysis (n = 195) along with three seine netting hauls (n = 117). Habitat and environmental data were collected at each location to explore what physical and biotic parameters might correlate with pipefish presence/absence. We successfully detected S. watermeyeri in two estuaries (Kariega and Bushmans) using both survey methods. Importantly, the positive detection rate of eDNA (66.7%) was four times that of seine netting (16.7%), highlighting the value of eDNA as a monitoring tool for rare and cryptic species. Null detections in the Kasouga, East Kleinemonde, and West Kleinemonde estuaries add to the growing body of evidence that the estuarine pipefish has been extirpated from these locations and is now only found in two estuarine systems. The occurrence of S. watermeyeri was found to be highly dependent on the cover of submerged macrophytes such as Zostera capensis (eelgrass). By providing a more complete picture of the conservation status of this critically endangered species, this work facilitates the development of a long‐term monitoring program and the identification of priority conservation areas.
Baroreflex activation therapy in advanced heart failure therapy: insights from a real‐world scenario
Authors: Guckel Denise , Eitz Thomas , El Hamriti Mustapha , Braun Martin , Khalaph Moneeb , Imnadze Guram , Fink Thomas , Sciacca Vanessa , Sohns Christian , Sommer Philipp , Nölker Georg
Published: October 2022

Aims

Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is an innovative treatment option for advanced heart failure (HFrEF). We analysed patients' BAT acceptance and the outcome of BAT patients compared with HFrEF patients solely treated with a guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) and studied effects of sacubitril/valsartan (ARNI).

Methods

In this prospective study, 40 HFrEF patients (71 ± 3 years, 20% female) answered a questionnaire on the acceptance of BAT. Follow‐up visits were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary efficacy endpoints included an improvement in QoL, NYHA class, LVEF, HF hospitalization, NT‐proBNP levels, and 6MHWD.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients (73%) showed interest in BAT. Ten patients (25%) opted for implantation. BAT and BAT + ARNI patients developed an increase in LVEF (BAT +10%, P‐value (P) = 0.005*; BAT + ARNI +9%, P = 0.049*), an improved NYHA class (BAT −88%, P = 0.014*, BAT + ARNI −90%, P = 0.037*), QoL (BAT +21%, P = 0.020*, BAT + ARNI +22%, P = 0.012*), and reduced NT‐proBNP levels (BAT −24%, P = 0.297, BAT + ARNI −37%, P = 0.297). BAT HF hospitalization rates were lower (50%) compared with control group patients (83%) (P = 0.020*).

Conclusions

Although BAT has generated considerable interest, acceptance appears to be ambivalent. BAT improves outcome with regard to LVEF, NYHA class, QoL, NT‐proBNP levels, and HF hospitalization rates. BAT + ARNI resulted in more pronounced effects than ARNI alone.
A contingency approach to HRM and firm innovation: The role of national cultures
Authors: Yao Jingjing , Marescaux Elise , Ma Li , Storme Martin
Published: October 2022

Companies adopt various HRM practices to enhance employees' abilities, motivations, and opportunities to foster innovation. Are these practices universally effective or culturally contingent? In this study, we draw on the Ability‐Motivation‐Opportunity (AMO) model and examine the effectiveness of three representative practices using a dataset of 304 companies from 13 countries or regions. We find that HRM practices need to fit in a supplementary/complementary way with national cultures to facilitate firm innovation: 1. cross‐functional training (i.e., an ability‐enhancing practice) is more effective in collectivistic rather than individualistic cultures (supplementary fit); 2. financial rewards for innovation (i.e., a motivation‐enhancing practice) are more effective in masculine rather than feminine cultures (supplementary fit); and 3. employee participation (i.e., an opportunity‐enhancing practice) is more effective in high rather than low power distance cultures (complementary fit). By building on the notion of supplementary/complementary fit, these findings extend our knowledge of the AMO model in the context of HRM and innovation management with a cultural contingency perspective.
Assessment of vitamin D levels and adipokines mediated obesity among psychiatric patients on treatment and treatment naïve: A comparative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fondjo Linda A. , Osei Olivia , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Obirikorang Christian , Senu Ebenezer , Owusu‐Antwi Ruth , Brefo Eugene F. J.
Published: October 2022

Background and aims

Antipsychotic treatment may contribute to low vitamin D levels and have impact on direct anti‐inflammatory activity such as adiponectin activity and indirect proinflammatory activity such as leptin and resistin activity. However, vitamin D levels and adipokines mediated effect on weight gain and increased adiposity are not well evaluated. This study, therefore, assessed vitamin D and adipokines‐mediated obesity among Ghanaian psychiatric patients.

Methods

This comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted at psychiatric unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana. Anthropometric measurements, sociodemographic and previous medical history were taken from 300 antipsychotics treatment naïve and active patients. Obesity was classified using World Health Organization (WHO) body mass index (BMI)‐specific cut‐offs. Blood samples were collected for serum vitamin D and adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, and resistin) analysis using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0.

Results

We observed higher prevalence of obesity among treatment active psychiatric patients (40.7%) compared to treatment naïve group (16.8%). Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency prevalence were significantly higher among the treatment active group (25.3%; 39.5%; p < 0.001) and associated with increased odds of obesity (91.8%; cOR = 91.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.94–338.13). Moreover, adiponectin (84.2%: cOR = 14.15, 95% CI: 5.52–36.27), leptin (55.6% cOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.04–4.67), and resistin (79.4%: cOR = −8.34, 95% CI: 3.39–20.55) were significantly associated with increased odds of obesity among treatment active psychiatric. Furthermore, treatment active psychiatric patients exhibited inverse correlation for adiponectin and leptin with BMI (r = −0.62; −0.24), and WHtR (r = −0.53; −0.24); however, a moderate positive correlation for resistin with BMI (r = 0.80), HC (r = 0.67), and WHtR (r = 0.65).

Conclusion

Obesity is more prevalent in psychiatric patients on antipsychotics such as Olanzapine and Clozapine. Obesity among treatment active psychiatric patients is associated with vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, low adiponectin and leptin levels but higher resistin level.
The dynamic functions of social cues during children's word learning
Authors: Lee Crystal , Lew‐Williams Casey
Published: October 2022

Children learn words in a social environment, facilitated in part by social cues from caregivers, such as eye‐gaze and gesture. A common assumption is that social cues convey either perceptual or social information, depending on the age of the child. In this review of research on word learning and social cues during early childhood, we propose that (1) the functions of social cues are not categorically perceptual or social, and (2) social cues support word learning in four interdependent ways: by helping children to orient attention, extract relevant information, disambiguate referents, and understand others' referential intent. We conclude with specific recommendations for theory‐building and suggest that the dynamic and complex functions of social cues need to be accounted for in any complete theory of word learning.
Effects of consolidation of cooperative financial institutions in Japan: Evidence from meta‐frontier analysis
Authors: Yamori Nobuyoshi , Harimaya Kozo
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the regional differences in how consolidation has affected the efficiency of Shinkin banks, a representative cooperative financial institution in Japan, using the stochastic meta‐frontier approach based on cost and profit functions. The findings support the quiet life hypothesis that a significant negative relationship exists between efficiency‐adjusted Lerner indices and cost efficiency. By contrast, the relation between market power and profit efficiency is consistently positive. Moreover, independent Shinkin banks not involved in mergers exhibit higher costs and profit efficiency than other banks, suggesting that mergers can deteriorate efficiency.
Retroperitoneal recurrence of an ovarian juvenile granulosa cell tumor: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Seabra Joana , Silva André , Santos Isa , Almeida Joana , Correia Lúcia , Correia Margarida
Published: October 2022

Synopsis

Retroperitoneal recurrence after excision of a juvenile granulosa cell tumor is rare and constitutes a diagnostic challenge, presenting with nonspecific symptoms and mimicking other conditions.
Implementation of a Global Health Equity fellowship established in partnership between an academic institution and governmental agency
Authors: Karwa Rakhi , Schellhase Ellen , Malati Christine Y. , Pastakia Sonak D. , Manji Imran , Samuel Jeffrey M. , Miller Monica L.
Published: October 2022

Health disparities exist globally in high‐income and low‐ and middle‐income countries. They are driven by social determinants of health (SDOH). While a role for pharmacists in addressing SDOH exists, a lack of structured postgraduate training limits pharmacists from being equipped to build innovative programs and contribute to health policy on SDOH in an impactful way. Postgraduate training, specifically, fellowships provides opportunities for pharmacists to develop the needed skills for working with SDOH. The Purdue University College of Pharmacy (PUCOP)‐United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Global Health Equity Fellowship was developed to meet this training need. This 2‐y fellowship represents a partnership between USAID and PUCOP. During the fellowship, time is split between USAID in Washington DC, PUCOP in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the Purdue Kenya Partnership (PKP) in Eldoret, Kenya. The fellowship was developed with a foundation of core values, the creation of a logic model, strategic partnerships, maintaining an adaptable structure, and intentional partner communication. Fellow outcomes were evaluated in three categories: engagement, education, and scholarship. Fellows completed 10 experiential opportunities between three sites and participated in the development of new and supported ongoing care programs and policy implementation in both local and international settings. Fellows completed the following educational outcomes: completed an online Master of Public Health (MPH) through Purdue Global, provided 13 educational presentations and lectures at various sites, and precepted a total of 12 PUCOP advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) students and 16 Kenyan pharmacy interns and Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) students. Fellows completed three publications and two abstracts at international conferences. This established training model provides pharmacists with a structured path to gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be leaders in addressing Global Health Equity.
Gradual Self‐Training via Confidence and Volume Based Domain Adaptation for Multi Dataset Deep Learning‐Based Brain Metastases Detection Using Nonlocal Networks on MRI Images
Authors: Liew Andrea , Lee Chun Cheng , Subramaniam Valarmathy , Lan Boon Leong , Tan Maxine
Published: October 2022

Background

Research suggests that treatment of multiple brain metastases (BMs) with stereotactic radiosurgery shows improvement when metastases are detected early, providing a case for BM detection capabilities on small lesions.

Purpose

To demonstrate automatic detection of BM on three MRI datasets using a deep learning‐based approach. To improve the performance of the network is iteratively co‐trained with datasets from different domains. A systematic approach is proposed to prevent catastrophic forgetting during co‐training.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 156 patients (105 ground truth and 51 pseudo labels) with 1502 BM (BrainMetShare); 121 patients with 722 BM (local); 400 patients with 447 primary gliomas (BrATS). Training/pseudo labels/validation data were distributed 84/51/21 (BrainMetShare). Training/validation data were split: 121/23 (local) and 375/25 (BrATS).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 5 T and 3 T/T1 spin‐echo postcontrast (T1‐gradient echo) (BrainMetShare), 3 T/T1 magnetization prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo postcontrast (T1‐MPRAGE) (local), 0.5 T, 1 T, and 1.16 T/T1‐weighted‐fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (T1‐FLAIR) (BrATS).

Assessment

The ground truth was manually segmented by two (BrainMetShare) and four (BrATS) radiologists and manually annotated by one (local) radiologist. Confidence and volume based domain adaptation (CAVEAT) method of co‐training the three datasets on a 3D nonlocal convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture was implemented to detect BM.

Statistical Tests

The performance was evaluated using sensitivity and false positive rates per patient (FP/patient) and free receiver operating characteristic (FROC) analysis at seven predefined (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 4, and 8) FPs per scan.

Results

The sensitivity and FP/patient from a held‐out set registered 0.811 at 2.952 FP/patient (BrainMetShare), 0.74 at 3.130 (local), and 0.723 at 2.240 (BrATS) using the CAVEAT approach with lesions as small as 1 mm being detected.

Data Conclusion

Improved sensitivities at lower FP can be achieved by co‐training datasets via the CAVEAT paradigm to address the problem of data sparsity.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
The impact of cerebrospinal fluid viral polymerase chain reaction testing on the management of adults with viral meningitis: A multi‐center retrospective study
Authors: Kim Myong Gyu , Gulholm Trine , Lennard Kate , Mirdad Feras , Overton Kristen , Maley Michael , Konecny Pamela , Andresen David , Post Jeffrey John ,   for the Sydney Partnerships for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE) Hospitals Infection Study Group
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in patients with aseptic meningitis and identify opportunities for improvement in clinical management. All cerebrospinal fluid samples collected in 1 year from four teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia, were reviewed. Patients with aseptic meningitis were selected, and clinical and diagnostic features, hospital length of stay (LOS), and treatment were analyzed. Identifying a cause by viral PCR did not reduce hospital LOS (median 3 days) or antibiotic use (median 2 days), but the turnaround time of the PCR test correlated with LOS (Rs = 0.3822, p = 0.0003). Forty‐one percent of patients received intravenous acyclovir treatment, which was more frequent in patients admitted under neurologists than infectious diseases physicians (56% vs. 24%; p = 0.013). The majority of patients did not have investigations for alternative causes of aseptic meningitis such as human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis if the viral PCR panel was negative. The benefit of PCR testing in aseptic meningitis in adults in reducing LOS and antibiotic use is unclear. The reasons for unnecessary aciclovir use in meningitis syndromes require further assessment.
Current immunoassays and detection of antibodies elicited by Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Migueres Marion , Chapuy‐Regaud Sabine , Miédougé Marcel , Jamme Thibaut , Lougarre Catherine , Da Silva Isabelle , Pucelle Mélanie , Staes Laetitia , Porcheron Marion , Diméglio Chloé , Izopet Jacques
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to determine whether current commercial immunoassays are adequate for detecting anti‐Omicron antibodies. We analyzed the anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response of 23 unvaccinated individuals 1–2 months after an Omicron infection. All blood samples were tested with a live virus neutralization assay using a clinical Omicron BA.1 strain and four commercial SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoassays. We assessed three anti‐Spike immunoassays (SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG II Quant [Abbott S], Wantaï anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody ELISA [Wantaï], Elecsys Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S assay [Roche]) and one anti‐Nucleocapsid immunoassay (Abbott SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG assay [Abbott N]). Omicron neutralizing antibodies were detected in all samples with the live virus neutralization assay. The detection rate of the Abbott S, Wantai, Roche, and Abbott N immunoassays were 65.2%, 69.6%, 86.9%, and 91.3%, respectively. The sensitivities of Abbott S and Wantai immunoassays were significantly lower than that of the live virus neutralization assay (p = 0.004, p = 0.009; Fisher's exact test). Antibody concentrations obtained with anti‐S immunoassays were correlated with Omicron neutralizing antibody concentrations. These data provide clinical evidence of the loss of performance of some commercial immunoassays to detect antibodies elicited by Omicron infections. It highlights the need to optimize these assays by adapting antigens to the circulating SARS‐CoV‐2 strains.
Power ultrasound treatment of Viognier grapes as a tool to increase the aromatic potential of wines
Authors: Labrador Fernández Lara , Díaz‐Maroto M. Consuelo , Pérez Porras Paula , Bautista‐Ortín Ana Belén , Alañón M. Elena , Gómez‐Plaza Encarna , Pérez‐Coello M. Soledad
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

High‐power ultrasound is a novel and non‐thermal technique normally used in red vinification to increase the extraction of phenolic compounds. However, few studies have been carried out on its effect on the extraction of aroma compounds and their precursors in white grapes. This study evaluates the effect of high‐power ultrasound at winery scale in the maceration of Viognier grapes on the content of varietal volatile compounds (free and glycosidically bound) in musts and wines, in comparison with wines from direct pressing and from short skin maceration.

RESULTS

The pre‐fermentative ultrasound treatment of the grapes produced an increase in most of the varietal compounds of musts and wines, both in the free fraction and in the bound one, especially in the C6 alcohols, terpenes and norisoprenoids, some of them of sensory relevance, while the effect on esters and lactones was less evident. Ultrasound maceration allowed us to obtain wines of higher aromatic intensity, with a more pronounced varietal character.

CONCLUSION

The pre‐fermentative ultrasound treatment of Viognier grapes increases the aromatic potential of the wines, as it favors the extraction of free and bound varietal volatile compounds. In addition, it allows the maceration time of the grapes to be reduced compared to conventional pre‐fermentation techniques, thus avoiding oxidative processes that could negatively affect the aroma of the wines. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prevalence of helminths in fresh vegetables: a narrative literature review
Authors: da Costa Dantas Lívia Maria , de Medeiros Maia Cláudio Márcio , da Silva Chaves Damasceno Karla Suzanne Florentino , Mont'Alverne Jucá Seabra Larissa , Chaves Gabriela , de Assis Cristiane Fernandes , de Sousa Júnior Francisco Canindé
Published: October 2022

The consumption of fresh vegetables is related to healthy lifestyle habits present in culinary preparations in different regions. The presence of pathogenic parasites in these foods can cause gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, the objective of the present study was to carry out a narrative review of the literature on the prevalence of helminths in fresh vegetable samples. The analysis of the studies published from 2016 to 2022 showed that hookworms andAscaris lumbricoidesare the most common pathogenic helminths in fresh vegetable samples, with a prevalence of up to 73.8% and 55.1%, respectively. In addition, studies have shown associations between the presence of helminths and pathogenic protozoa. The results obtained in this review indicate the urgent need to implement actions at all stages of the vegetable production chain, from the water used in planting irrigation to cleaning before sale to the final consumer. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Socioeconomic outcomes of ecological restoration projects and parallel policies: A case‐study of the agro‐pastoral ecotone in northern China
Authors: Dang Dongliang , Li Xiaobing , Li Shengkun , Li Xiang , Lyu Xin , Dou Huashun , Li Mengyuan , Liu Siyu , Wang Kai
Published: October 2022

Clarifying the socioeconomic processes and outcomes of ecological restoration projects (ERPs) is important to the ERP's effectiveness or performance. In addition, ERPs are often carried out in parallel with other policies and may have complex and integrated impacts on social‐ecological systems. However, few studies have included the impact of such parallel policies in their analysis. Here, the agro‐pastoral ecotone in northern China, which contains several national ERPs and grass‐based livestock husbandry promotion policies, was used to analyze the socioeconomic outcomes in the context of multi‐policies. Specifically, we developed a framework to integrate linkages between multiple ecosystem management policies, livelihood assets, activities, and socioeconomic outcomes and used a structural equation model to distinguish the contributions and pathways of multi‐policies to socioeconomic outcomes. Thus, our framework follows the cascading effects of multi‐policies from the perspective of rural livelihoods while highlighting the diverse socioeconomic impacts. The results showed that grass‐based livestock husbandry and the local economy had a more significant impact on rural income compared to ERPs. However, it is worth noting that the agricultural structure has also changed with the development of grass‐based livestock husbandry, which may have a negative feedback effect on the ERP effectiveness. In other words, complementarity and offsetting can occur between ERPs and parallel policies. Our study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the social‐ecological processes and outcomes, thereby providing new methods and insights for future scientific policymaking.
Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zirra Alexandra , Rao Shilpa C. , Bestwick Jonathan , Rajalingam Rajasumi , Marras Connie , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Mata Ignacio F. , Noyce Alastair J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects males more than females. The reasons for the gender differences in PD prevalence remain unclear.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to update the overall male/female prevalence ratios (OPR).

Methods

We updated previous work by searching MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and OVID for articles reporting PD prevalence for both genders between 2011 and 2021. We calculated OPRs and investigated heterogeneity in effect estimates.

Results

We included 19 new articles and 13 articles from a previously published meta‐analysis. The OPR was 1.18, 95% CI, [1.03, 1.36]. The OPR was lowest in Asia and appeared to be decreasing over time. Study design, national wealth, and participant age did not explain OPR heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Gender differences in PD prevalence may not be as stark as previously thought. Studies are needed to understand the role of other determinants of gender differences in PD prevalence.
Biden administration provides more resources, supports for school MH needs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2022

The field recently witnessed promising investments in school‐based mental health, including more than $300 million, via awards and grants, for health professionals in schools and in emergency departments (EDs). The bulk of the funding would be provided through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), a firearm regulation and mental health bill that was passed this summer by Congress and signed into law by President Biden.
The time‐fractional generalized Z‐K equation: Analysis of Lie group, similarity reduction, conservation laws, and explicit solutions
Authors: AL‐Denari Rasha B. , Ahmed Engy. A. , Tharwat Mohammed M.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we consider the three‐dimensional non‐linear time‐fractional generalized Zakharov‐Kuznetsov (Z‐K) equation that describes the dust‐ion acoustic solitary waves in a magnetized dusty plasma. Based on the definition of the Riemann‐Liouville (R‐L) fractional derivatives, the analysis of the Lie group method can be applied to find the symmetries for the considered equation. After that, these symmetries enable us to transform the equation under study into a two‐dimensional non‐linear ordinary differential equation of fractional order in the sense of ErdLélyi‐Kober (E‐K) fractional operator. Also, we obtain a set of new analytical solutions for the time‐fractional generalized Z‐K equation via the power series and the fractional sub‐equation methods. Furthermore, we compute the conservation laws for this equation with a detailed derivation based on the formal Lagrangian.
Finite‐time boundary stabilization of fractional reaction‐diffusion systems
Authors: Zhang Run‐Jie , Wang Liming , Wu Kai‐Ning
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the boundary finite‐time stabilization of fractional reaction‐diffusion systems (FRDSs). First, a distributed controller is designed, and sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the finite‐time stability (FTS) of FRDSs under the designed controller. Then, a boundary controller is presented to achieve the FTS. By virtue of Lyapunov functional method and inequality techniques, sufficient conditions are presented to ensure the FTS of FRDSs via the designed boundary controller. The effect of diffusion term of FRDSs on the FTS is also investigated. Both Neumann and mixed boundary conditions are considered. Moreover, the robust finite‐time stabilization of uncertain FRDSs is studied when there are uncertainties in the system's coefficients. Under the designed boundary controller, sufficient conditions are presented to guarantee the robust FTS of uncertain FRDSs. Finally, numerical examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of our theoretical results.
A single‐surface wideband printed monopole antenna with high‐order mode compression by bending line loading
Authors: Zhao Songjiang , Luo Yu
Published: October 2022

A wideband coplanar waveguide‐fed printed monopole antenna is proposed. The wideband performance of the monopole is achieved by compressing the third‐ and fifth‐order modes. By loading the bending line at the zero point of the third‐order mode of the monopole current distribution, the fifth‐order mode resonant frequency decreases significantly, while the third‐order mode resonant frequency remains almost constant. Therefore, a wideband impedance match is achieved. A fully functional prototype was fabricated and characterized. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results. A wideband from 2.92 to 3.66 GHz (22.5%) was achieved in a thin structure of 85 × 33 mm2, exhibiting a measured omnidirectional radiation pattern with 2.4–4.9 dBi gain.