bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical generation of data-driven hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and interneurons copies via A-GLIF models for large-scale networks covering the experimental variability range
Authors: Marasco A. , Tribuzi C. , Iuorio A. , Migliore M.
Published: April 2023

Efficient and accurate large-scale networks are a fundamental tool in modelling brain areas, to advance our understanding of neuronal dynamics. However, their implementation faces two key issues: computational efficiency and heterogeneity. Computational efficiency is achieved using simplified neurons, whereas there are no practical solutions available to solve the problem of reproducing in a large-scale network the experimentally observed heterogeneity of the intrinsic properties of neurons. This is important, because the use of identical nodes in a network can generate artifacts which can hinder an adequate representation of the properties of a real network.

To this aim, we introduce a mathematical procedure to generate an arbitrary large number of copies of simplified hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and interneurons models, which exhibit the full range of firing dynamics observed in these cells - including adapting, non-adapting and bursting. For this purpose, we rely on a recently publishedadaptive generalized leaky integrate-and-fire (A-GLIF)modeling approach, leveraging on its ability to reproduce the rich set of electrophysiological behaviours of these types of neurons under a variety of different stimulation currents.

The generation procedure is based on a perturbation of model’s parameters related to the initial data, firing block, and internal dynamics, and suitably validated against experimental data to ensure that the firing dynamics of any given cell copy remains within the experimental range. This allows to obtain heterogeneous copies with mathematically controlled firing properties. A full set of heterogeneous neurons composing the CA1 region of a rat hippocampus (approximately 500K neurons), are provided in a database freely available in thelive papersection of the EBRAINS platform.

By adapting the underlying A-GLIF framework, it will be possible to extend the numerical approach presented here to create, in a mathematically controlled manner, an arbitrarily large number of non-identical copies of cell populations with firing properties related to other brain areas.
Semi-synthetic CoA-α-Synuclein Constructs Trap N-terminal Acetyltransferase NatB for Binding Mechanism Studies
Authors: Pan Buyan , Gardner Sarah , Schultz Kollin , Perez Ryann M. , Deng Sunbin , Shimogawa Marie , Sato Kohei , Rhoades Elizabeth , Marmorstein Ronen , Petersson E. James
Published: April 2023

N-terminal acetylation is a chemical modification carried out by N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). A major member of this enzyme family, NatB, acts on much of the human proteome, including α-synuclein (αS), a synaptic protein that mediates vesicle trafficking. NatB acetylation of αS modulates its lipid vesicle binding properties and amyloid fibril formation, which underlies its role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Although the molecular details of the interaction between human NatB (hNatB) and the N-terminus of αS have been resolved, whether the remainder of the protein plays a role in interacting with the enzyme is unknown. Here we execute the first synthesis, by native chemical ligation, of a bisubstrate inhibitor of NatB consisting of coenzyme A and full-length human αS, additionally incorporating two fluorescent probes for studies of conformational dynamics. We use cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to characterize the structural features of the hNatB/inhibitor complex and show that, beyond the first few residues, αS remains disordered when in complex with hNatB. We further probe changes in the αS conformation by single molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to reveal that the C-terminus expands when bound to hNatB. Computational models based on the cryo-EM and smFRET data help to explain the conformational changes and their implications for hNatB substrate recognition and specific inhibition of the interaction with αS. Beyond the study of αS and NatB, these experiments illustrate valuable strategies for the study of challenging structural biology targets through a combination of protein semi-synthesis, cryo-EM, smFRET, and computational modeling.
Exploring the K+binding site and its coupling to transport in the neurotransmitter:sodium symporter LeuT
Authors: Schmidt Solveig G. , Nygaard Andreas , Mindell Joseph A. , Loland Claus J.
Published: April 2023

The neurotransmitter:sodium symporters (NSSs) are secondary active transporters that couple the reuptake of substrate to the symport of one or two sodium ions. One bound Na+(Na1) contributes to the substrate binding, while the other Na+(Na2) is thought to be involved in the conformational transition of the NSS. Two NSS members, the serotonin transporter (SERT) and theDrosophiladopamine transporter (dDAT), also couple substrate uptake to the antiport of K+by a largely undefined mechanism. We have previously shown that the bacterial NSS homologue, LeuT, also binds K+, and could therefore serve as a model protein for the exploration of K+binding in NSS proteins. Here, we characterize the impact of K+on substrate affinity and transport as well as on LeuT conformational equilibrium states. Both radioligand binding assays and transition metal ion FRET (tmFRET) yielded similar K+affinities for LeuT. K+binding was specific and saturable. LeuT reconstituted into proteoliposomes showed that intra-vesicular K+dose-dependently increased the transport velocity of [3H]alanine, whereas extra-vesicular K+had no apparent effect. K+-binding induced a LeuT conformation distinct from the Na+- and substrate-bound conformation. Conservative mutations of the Na1 site residues affected the binding of Na+and K+to different degrees. The Na1 site mutation N27Q caused a >10-fold decrease in K+affinity but at the same time a ∼3-fold increase in Na+affinity. Together, the results suggest that K+-binding to LeuT modulates substrate transport and that the K+affinity and selectivity for LeuT is sensitive to mutations in the Na1 site, pointing toward the Na1 site as a candidate site for facilitating the interaction with K+in some NNSs.
Determinantal polynomials and the base polynomial of a square matrix over a finite field
Authors: Ballico Edoardo
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The author studies forms over finite fields obtained as the determinant of Hermitian matrices and use these determinatal forms to define and study the base polynomial of a square matrix over a finite field.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors give full proofs for the new results, quoting previous works by other authors in the proofs. In the introduction, the authors quoted related references.

Findings

The authors get a few theorems, mainly describing some monic polynomial arising as a base polynomial of a square matrix.

Originality/value

As far as the author knows, all the results are new, and the approach is also new.
The use of self: the conscious or unconscious (sharing or) leaking of identity by LGBQ cisgender women youth workers in the North of England
Authors: Hatton Jean
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper discusses how professionally qualified cisgender lesbian, gay, bisexual or queer (LGBQ) women youth workers present their self. The research examined how youth workers consciously or unconsciously shared their sexual identity with young people with whom they worked. Whilst this research focussed on youth workers, issues discussed are relevant for practitioners from a range of professional backgrounds such as therapists, social workers, teachers and health care practitioners. The research focused only on the experiences of cisgender LGBQ women as the experiences of men and trans women are different and so requires separate research.

Design/methodology/approach

This research taking a qualitative approach, used in-depth interviews to discuss how respondents shared information about their identity.

Findings

Some of fifteen youth workers interviewed reported not having choices about being out with the young people as their sexuality had been leaked. Others were able to pass and so choose when, or if, to be out with young people. Their different strategies to sharing information regarding their sexuality used by these participants reflected different approaches to being out.

Originality/value

Although there is evidence in the literature of how being out or closeted impacts on teachers there is little written about the effect on youth workers or other professionals. The little research that has been undertaken in this area focusses on the impact of identity on the clients rather than on the professionals. This article contributes to filling this gap in the literature.
The current situation, development aims and policy recommendation of China’s electric power industry
Authors: Chen Shan , Wang Yuandi , Du Hongping , Cui Zhiyu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Although the tasks of managing carbon peaks and achieving carbon neutrality in China are arduous, they are also of great significance, which highlights China’s determination and courage in dealing with climate change. The power industry is not only a major source of carbon emissions but also an important area for carbon emission reduction. Thus, against the backdrop of carbon neutrality, understanding the development status of China’s power industry guided by the carbon neutrality background is important because it largely determines the completeness of China’s carbon reduction promises to the world. This study aims to review China’s achievements in carbon reduction in the electric industry, its causes and future policy highlights.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods used in this study include descriptive analyses based on official statistics, government documents and reports.

Findings

The research results show that, after years of development, the power industry has achieved positive results in low-carbon provisions and in the electrification of consumption, and carbon emission intensity has continued to decline. Policy initiatives play a key role in this process, including, but not limited to, technology innovations, low-carbon power replacement and supported policies for low-carbon transformation toward low-carbon economies.

Originality/value

This study provides a full picture of China’s power industry against the backdrop of low-carbon development, which could be used as a benchmark for other countries engaging in the same processes. Moreover, a careful review of China’s development status may offer profound implications for policymaking both for China and for other governments across the globe.
Employees' entrepreneurial behavior within their organizations: empowering leadership and employees' resources help
Authors: Kim Minseo , Beehr Terry A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Employees' entrepreneurial behavior, innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking can contribute to business performance and success, making it important for the organization. Yet, little is known about how management can promote their employees' entrepreneurial behaviors. Based on workplace resources theories, the present study tested a serial mediation model. Empowering leadership predicts employees' resources of role breadth self-efficacy and meaningful work via demand-ability fit and need-supply fit, which subsequently lead employees to exhibit entrepreneurial behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Korean employees (n = 200) working in a variety of industries participated in a two-wave survey with a five-week time lag.

Findings

Structural equation modeling supported a serial mediation model showing how empowering leadership can promote employees' person-job fit. Increased person-job fit was related to enhanced employees' role breadth self-efficacy and meaningful work, which in turn predicted entrepreneurial behaviors. Alternative models with more direct paths did not improve model fit, highlighting the roles of the mediators. Empowering leadership is an important resource facilitating entrepreneurial activities through its influence on employees' fit perceptions and resources.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to entrepreneurial behavior literature by showing the importance of job and personal resources in explaining the determinants of employees' entrepreneurial behavior.
Digital transformation of the purchasing and supply management process
Authors: Karttunen Elina , Lintukangas Katrina , Hallikas Jukka
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify interventions for and mechanisms of the digital transformation of purchasing and supply management (PSM) processes. The digital transformation of tactical and operational PSM processes has often progressed slowly despite the solid knowledge of advanced technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative exploratory approach based on 14 interviews with PSM executives from firms that are continuously working toward using advanced technologies in their PSM processes but have not yet gained full strategic benefits from digital transformation.

Findings

This study formulates five propositions regarding interventions and mechanisms that can positively influence the digital transformation of PSM processes. The main intervention in this regard is the renewal of data infrastructure, including platforms. PSM-related data should meet needs from both tactical and operational viewpoints. When applications serve as a source of data, they support digital transformation. Mechanisms such as supplier measurement and process improvement are outcomes of the digital transformation of PSM processes.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of common data sets for tactical and operational purchasing. These purchasing data should be owned and served by a cross-functional team. To create this interoperability, a firm needs global governance of open standards.

Originality/value

This study makes a theoretical contribution to the discussion of what kind of interventions positively influence on the digital transformation of PSM processes. Specifically, this study explains the integration needs of data and applications.
Product development capabilities-based export channel selection and export performance
Authors: Li Min , He Xinming , Sousa Carlos M.P.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the resource-based view and institutional theory, this study explores how firms select export channels to realise the value of their product development capabilities (PDC) and improve export performance by aligning PDC, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), cultural-cognitive institutional distance (CCID) and channel selection.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative design and used data collected from multiple respondents in 294 Chinese exporting ventures. Hypotheses were tested using logistic regression analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results of the study suggest that PDC plays a vital role in export channel decisions. The results also show that there is a three-way interaction between PDC, EO and CCID regarding export channel selection. More importantly, this study suggests that firms using export channels that align with PDC, contingent on EO and CCID, generate superior export performance.

Originality/value

This study extends the export channel literature by looking at the different roles of important organisational capabilities (i.e. PDC and EO) on export channel selection. Further, it shows that firms need to align the exploitation of their PDC with the export channel selection, along with EO capabilities, and CCID to achieve better performance in the export market.
Measuring the quality of workplace learning environments – a qualitative meta synthesis of employee questionnaires
Authors: Deutscher Viola , Braunstein Anke
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to support researchers and practitioners in finding suitable instruments for future research studies and organizational quality assessments.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees’ success of learning at work is strongly influenced by the quality of the workplace learning environment. In the recent decades growing effort has been given to the development of surveys to measure the quality of workplace learning, resulting in a large number of available survey instruments. This study conceptually draws on a 3-P model and uses a qualitative metasynthesis to collect and categorize n = 94 surveys that intend to measure the quality of workplace learning (WPL).

Findings

The results underline that research on WPL environments is a highly interdisciplinary endeavor, where every discipline enriches the field by a new perspective and own foci. Overall, this study finds a focus on learning culture and working conditions, on social and functional inclusion of the learner and on support and feedback during training. Products of WPL such as professional competences or career aspirations play a minor role.

Originality/value

With the integration of quality measurement instruments from various research studies, this study produces an interactive online instrument map that gives a broad, yet organized overview of available quality measures in the WPL field.
The effect of CEO entrepreneurial passion on family firm entrepreneurial orientation: does generational stage matter?
Authors: Vanhees Rik , Schepers Jelle , Vandekerkhof Pieter , Michiels Anneleen
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore to what extent passionate family chief executive officers (CEOs) increase the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of the family firm. More specifically, the authors investigate the impact of the family CEO’s entrepreneurial passion (EP) on the firm’s EO and explore whether the generational stage of the family CEO alters this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple moderated regression model was used to test the hypothesized relationships, based on a unique sample of 140 private Belgian family firms. All respondent CEOs are members of the controlling family, meaning they are in a unique position to influence firm-level outcomes.

Findings

The results reveal a significant positive effect of a CEO’s EP on the family firm’s EO. The generational stage of the family CEO moderates the EP-EO relationship, so the positive effect is strongest in first-generation family CEOs and becomes negative in third- or later-generation CEOs.

Originality/value

This research builds on insights from imprinting and upper echelon theory to explore how the EP of the family CEO impacts the family firm’s EO. This study thereby contributes to research regarding the antecedents of EO and introduces the concept of EP in a family firm context. The present study further contributes to the literature on imprinting, as it empirically shows how the EP-EO relationship differs depending on the generational stage of the family CEO. In a family firm context, the generational stage acts as a contingency variable, determining the dominant theory (i.e. upper echelon or imprinting theory) in explaining the EP-EO relationship.
Consumer quality management for beverage food products: analyzing consumer’ perceptions toward repurchase intention
Authors: Sharif Shahbaz , Rehman Shafique Ur , Ahmad Zeshan , Albadry Omaima Munawar , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The research on consumerism has been dramatically rising in recent decades. However, in the food industry, little research has been empirically conducted in the beverage industry. This research empirically tests the consequences of consumer perceptions: perceived price (PPR), perceived quality (PQ), perceived packaging (PPG) and perceived taste (PT) on repurchase intention (RI) particularly; it unveils the consumer attributes, e.g. gender, age and ethnicity between consumer perceptions and RI of the consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 403 consumers of the beverage industry (e.g. Nestle, Mitchell's Fruit Farms, Murree Brewery and OMORE) in Pakistan. The researchers used online survey questionnaires followed by a cross-sectional approach because data collection physically was not possible due to COVID-19.

Findings

Data were analyzed by Smart partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) 3.3.3, and the results supported the significant influence of consumer perceptions separately, e.g. PPR, PQ, PPG and PT on RI. Additionally, gender, age and ethnicity were found to have a moderating role between consumer perceptions and RI, so, the truth of having consumer attributes has been revealed.

Practical implications

The managers of beverage industries should provide ethical and operational strategies to tackle consumer's problems based on cultural norms. Furthermore, they should make sensible measures for the quality branding of the beverage products. In this way, the consumers will have a better experience of quality, price, taste and packaging, in turn, to RI.

Originality/value

This research targeted the beverage industry that needs facts and figures based on consumer attributes, e.g. age, gender and ethnicity. This research also disclosed the behaviors of consumers according to their gender, age and area of residence.
Double‐blind peer review affects reviewer ratings and editor decisions at an ecology journal
Authors: Fox Charles W. , Meyer Jennifer , Aimé Emilie
Published: April 2023

There is substantial evidence that systemic biases influence the scholarly peer review process. Many scholars have advocated for double‐blind peer review (also known as double‐anonymous review) to reduce these biases. However, the effectiveness of double‐blind peer review in eliminating biases is uncertain because few randomized trials have manipulated blinding of author identities for journal submissions and those that have are generally small or provide few insights on how it influences reviewer biases.

In 2019, Functional Ecology began a large, randomized trial, using real manuscript submissions, to evaluate the various consequences of shifting to double‐blind peer review. Research papers submitted to the journal were randomly assigned to be reviewed with author identities blinded to reviewers (double‐blind review) or with authors identified to reviewers (single‐blind review). In this paper, we explore the effect of blinding on the outcomes of peer review, examining reviewer ratings and editorial decisions, and ask whether author gender and/or location mediate the effects of review type.

Double‐blind review reduced the average success of manuscripts in peer review; papers reviewed with author identities blinded received on average lower ratings from reviewers and were less likely to be invited for revision or resubmission. However, the effect of review treatment varied with the author's location.

Papers with first authors residing in countries with a higher human development index (HDI) and/or higher average English proficiency fared much better than those from countries with a lower HDI and lower English proficiency, but only when author identities were known to reviewers; outcomes were similar between demographic groups when author identities were not known to reviewers.

Blinding author identities had no effect on gender differences in reviewer ratings or editor decisions.

Our data provide strong evidence that authors from higher income and/or English‐speaking countries receive significant benefits (a large positive bias) to being identified to reviewers during the peer review process and that anonymizing author‐identities (e.g. double‐blind review) reduces this bias, making the peer review process more equitable. We suggest that offering optional blinding of author identities, as some journals allow, is unlikely to substantially reduce the biases that exist because authors from higher‐income and English‐speaking countries are the least likely to choose to be reviewed with their identity anonymized.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Maternal age is highly associated with non‐chromosomal congenital anomalies: Analysis of a population‐based case‐control database
Authors: Pethő Boglárka , Mátrai Ákos , Agócs Gergely , Veres Dániel Sándor , Harnos Andrea , Váncsa Szilárd , Bánhidy Ferenc , Hegyi Péter , Ács Nándor
Published: April 2023

Objective

The role of maternal age in the development of non‐chromosomal congenital anomalies (NCAs) is under debate. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to identify the age groups at risk for NCAs. The secondary aim was to perform a detailed analysis of the relative frequency of various anomalies.

Design

National population‐based study.

Setting

The Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (CAs) between 1980 and 2009.

Population or Sample

A cohort of 31 128 cases with confirmed NCAs was compared with Hungary's total of 2 808 345 live births.

Methods

Clinicians prospectively reported cases after delivery. Data were analysed by non‐linear logistic regression. Risk‐increasing effect of young and advanced maternal age was determined by each NCA group.

Main outcome measures

These were the total number of NCAs: cleft lip and palate, circulatory, genital, musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, eye, ear, face, and neck, nervous system, and respiratory system anomalies.

Results

The occurrence of NCAs in our database was lowest between 23 and 32 years of maternal age at childbirth. The relative risk (RR) of any NCA was 1.2 (95% CI 1.17–1.23) and 1.15 (95% CI 1.11–1.19) in the very young and advanced age groups, respectively. The respective results for the circulatory system were RR = 1.07 (95% CI 1.01–1.13) and RR = 1.33 (95% CI 1.24–1.42); for cleft lip and palate RR = 1.09 (95% CI 1.01–1.19) and RR = 1.45 (95% CI 1.26–1.67); for genital organs RR = 1.15 (95% CI 1.08–1.22) and RR = 1.16 (95% CI 1.04–1.29); for the musculoskeletal system RR = 1.17 (95% CI 1.12–1.23) and RR = 1.29 (95% CI 1.14–1.44); and for the digestive system RR = 1.23 (95% CI 1.14–1.31) and RR = 1.16 (95% CI 1.04–1.29).

Conclusion

Very young and advanced maternal ages are associated with different types of NCAs. Therefore, screening protocols should be adjusted for these risk groups.
Minaeans in the Mediterranean. Reevaluating two Old South Arabian inscriptions from Delos
Authors: Sørensen Søren Lund , Geus Klaus
Published: April 2023

Two well‐known texts on altars from Delos (RES3952;M349) dating to the period after 167 BC attest to contacts between the Aegean and Ancient Yemen. Reexamining these two important inscriptions, this article argues that both were set up by Minaeans. As for the altar bearing inscriptionM349, we interpret the Greek inscriptions as later additions, the purpose of which was to inform readers who were unfamiliar with the Old South Arabian script of the deity venerated.
Morphological analysis of the digestive tract of Hypophthalmus marginatus (Valenciennes, 1840)
Authors: Pozzer Roger Franzoni , Kuhn Faccioli Claudemir , Chedid Renata Alari , Hideo Mori Ricardo , Batlouni Sergio Ricardo , Franceschini Vicentini Irene Bastos , Vicentini Carlos Alberto
Published: April 2023

The mapará, Hypophthalmus marginatus, is a rheophilic and planktophagous catfish and it is one of the main fishing resources in the Amazon region. To understand its nutritional characteristics, this work described the morphology and histochemistry of the digestive tract of H. marginatus. The oropharyngeal cavity has abundant, long and thin gill rakers, responsible for retaining plankton, while the short and muscular oesophagus promotes the transport of these items to the stomach and prevents water ingestion. The stratified oesophageal epithelium has goblet cells with mucins predominantly neutral that could facilitate the food passage the food passage. The U‐shaped siphonal stomach shows a columnar epithelium with neutral mucins to protect against autodigestion. The cardiac and fundic regions have gastric glands, while the pyloric region has a thick muscular layer with a sphincter. The coiled intestine with intestinal quotient of 2.14 ± 0.5 shows long longitudinal folds in the anterior region, decreasing in height in the aboral direction, and highlighting its function in digestion and nutrient absorption. Goblet cells are abundant in posterior intestine and rectum, and rectum shows epithelial cells with mucins in the apical cytoplasm, for protection and defecation. Intraepithelial lymphocytes also are abundant in posterior intestine and rectum, and it acts in immunological defence.
Efficacy of intraoperative hypertonic saline irrigation in seroma prevention after abdominal wall reconstruction procedures – a pilot cohort study
Authors: Zamkowski Mateusz , Śmietański Maciej
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Seromas refer to collections of fluid secreted into the so‐called dead spaces when extensive dissection takes place. Various methods of preventing seroma have been reported in the literature but their outcomes are far from spectacular.

Aim

To verify the expected benefit on usage of IHSI (intra‐operative hypertonic saline irrigation) in aspect of decreasing subcutaneous fluid secretion and decreased hospital stay in patients undergoing various abdominal wall reconstruction procedures.

Material and methods

We conducted a cohort study of total 64 patients treated by two techniques and divided into 2 groups. In the first group (SUBLAY), we assessed patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction with the positioning mesh underneath the rectus muscles. Group was divided into two subgroups: control and experimental. In second group (ONLAY), we analysed patients who had undergone reconstruction procedure combined with abdominoplasty and placement of a mesh between the subcutaneous tissue and the fascia. Intervention consisted in administration of 20 mL of 10% hypertonic saline into subcutaneous tissue 10 min before definitive wound closure.

Results

Mean drain output, starting from day 2 post‐op, was significantly lower in the experimental subgroups of the ONLAY and SUBLAY compared to the respective control subgroups. This had a beneficial effect on shortening the time to drainage removal.

Conclusions

In the short‐term results, we demonstrated that intraoperative hypertonic saline irrigation significantly decreased the amount of the drained fluid and shortened the hospital stay. Further multicentre studies in larger groups of patients are needed.
Management of secondary aorto‐enteric fistulae: a multi‐centre study
Authors: Narayanan Anantha , Hanna Joseph , Okamura‐Kho Amy , Tesar Joshua , Lim Eric , Peden Sam , Dean Anastasia , Taumoepeau Lupe , Katib Nedal , Lyons Oliver , Khashram Manar
Published: April 2023

Background

Secondary aorto‐enteric fistulae (SAEF) are a rare, complex and life‐threatening complication following aortic repair. Traditional treatment strategy has been with open aortic repair (OAR), with emergence of endovascular repair (EVAR) as a potentially viable initial treatment option. Controversy exists over optimal immediate and long‐term management.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational, multi‐institutional cohort study. Patients who had been treated for SAEF between 2003 and 2020 were identified using a standardized database. Baseline characteristics, presenting features, microbiological, operative, and post‐operative variables were recorded. The primary outcomes were short and mid‐term mortality. Descriptive statistics, binomial regression, Kaplan–Meier and Cox age‐adjusted survival analyses were performed.

Results

Across 5 tertiary centres, a total of 47 patients treated for SAEF were included, 7 were female and the median (range) age at presentation was 74 years (48–93). In this cohort, 24 (51%) patients were treated with initially with OAR, 15 (32%) with EVAR‐first and 8 (17%) non‐operatively. The 30‐day and 1‐year mortality for all cases that underwent intervention was 21% and 46% respectively. Age‐adjusted survival analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in mortality in the EVAR‐first group compared to the OAR‐first group, HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.94–1.03, P = 0.61).

Conclusion

In this study there was no difference in all‐cause mortality in patients who had OAR or EVAR as first line treatment for SAEF. In the acute setting, alongside broad‐spectrum antimicrobial therapy, EVAR can be considered as an initial treatment for patients with SAEF, as a primary treatment or a bridge to definitive OAR.
Pelvic organ prolapse after hysterectomy: A 10‐year national follow‐up study
Authors: Kuittinen Tea , Tulokas Sari , Rahkola‐Soisalo Päivi , Brummer Tea , Jalkanen Jyrki , Tomas Eija , Mäkinen Juha , Sjöberg Jari , Härkki Päivi , Mentula Maarit
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Hysterectomy may have an effect on the pelvic floor. Here, we evaluated the rates and risks for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgeries and visits among women with a history of hysterectomy for benign indication excluding POP.

Material and methods

In this retrospective cohort study 3582 women who underwent hysterectomy in 2006 were followed until the end of 2016. The cohort was linked to the Finnish Care Register to catch any prolapse‐related diagnoses and operation codes following the hysterectomy. Different hysterectomy approaches were compared according to the risk for a prolapse, including abdominal, laparoscopic, laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal and vaginal. The main outcomes were POP surgery and outpatient visit for POP, and Cox regression was used to identify risk factors (hazard ratios [HR]).

Results

During the follow‐up, 58 women (1.6%) underwent a POP operation, of which a posterior repair was the most common (n = 39, 1.1%). Outpatient visits for POP symptoms occurred in 92 (2.6%) women of which posterior wall prolapses (n = 58, 1.6%) were the most common. History of laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy were associated with risk for POP operation (HR 3.0, p = 0.02), vaginal vault prolapse operation (HR 4.3, p = 0.01) and POP visits (HR 2.2, p < 0.01) as compared to the approach of abdominal hysterectomy. History of vaginal deliveries and concomitant stress urinary continence operation were associated with the risk for a POP operation (HR 4.4 and 11.9) and POP visits (HR 3.9 and 7.2).

Conclusions

Risk for POP operations and outpatient visits for POP symptoms in hysterectomized women without a preceding POP seems to be small at least 10 years after hysterectomy. History of LAVH, vaginal deliveries and concomitant stress urinary incontinence operations increased the risk for POP operations after hysterectomy. These data can be utilized in counseling women considering hysterectomy for benign indication.
Clinical characteristics and oncological outcomes of recurrent adult granulosa cell tumor of ovary: A retrospective study of seventy patients
Authors: Gu Yu , Wang Dan , Jia Congwei , Chen Lihua , Cang Wei , Wan Xirun , Yang Junjun , Xiang Yang
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics of recurrent adult granulosa cell tumor and identify the risk factors for recurrence.

Material and methods

Seventy recurrent adult granulosa cell tumor patients treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2000 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcomes were progression‐free survival after first recurrence (PFS‐R), overall survival after first recurrence (OS‐R) and recurrence frequency. The Kaplan–Meier analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, and the Prentice, Williams and Peterson counting process (PWP‐CP) model were adopted.

Results

There were 70 patients included in the study, and recurrence occurred twice in more than 71% of patients, and 49.9% of patients relapsed ≥ three times. The recurrence pattern in over half of the patients at first recurrence was multifocal and distant disease, and abdominal or pelvic mass and liver metastasis were the most common. The 5‐year PFS‐R was 29.3%, and the 10‐year PFS‐R was 11.3%; the 5‐year OS‐R was 94.9%, and the 10‐year OS‐R was 87.9%. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that patients with distant recurrence and PFS1 (PFS when first recurrence occurred) ≤60 months had worse PFS‐R (p = 0.017, 0.018), and patients with PFS‐R ≤ 34 months had worse OS‐R (p = 0.023). It demonstrated that PFS1 ≤ 60 months (hazard ratio, HR 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–3.4, p = 0.028) was an independent risk factor for PFS‐R, and local lesion at recurrence (HR 0.488, 95% CI: 0.3–0.9, p = 0.027) was an independent protective factor for PFS‐R. In addition, it demonstrated that PFS‐R ≤ 33 months (HR 5.5, 95% CI: 1.2–25.3, p = 0.028) was an independent risk factor for OS‐R. The PWP‐CP analysis showed that laparoscopic operation (at each operation) could significantly increase recurrence times (p = 0.002, HR = 3.4), and no existence of gross residual lesion (R0) at each recurrence operation could significantly decrease recurrence frequency (p < 0.001, HR <0.001).

Conclusions

The recurrence pattern in patients with recurrent adult granulosa cell tumor was characterized as late and repeated, multifocal, and distant relapse. It has been demonstrated that PFS1 ≤ 60 months and distant lesion at recurrence are independent risk factors for PFS‐R, and PFS‐R ≤ 33 months is an independent risk factor for OS‐R. The PWP‐CP model showed that the transabdominal approach and surgery reaching R0 could significantly decrease the recurrence frequency.
‘So Help Me God’? Does oath swearing in courtroom scenarios impact trial outcomes?
Authors: McKay Ryan T. , Gervais Will , Davis Colin J.
Published: April 2023

In countries such as Britain and the US, court witnesses must declare they will provide truthful evidence and are often compelled to publicly choose between religious (“oath”) and secular (“affirmation”) versions of this declaration. Might defendants who opt to swear an oath enjoy more favourable outcomes than those who choose to affirm? Two preliminary, pre‐registered survey studies using minimal vignettes (Study 1, N = 443; Study 2, N = 913) indicated that people associate choice of the oath with credible testimony; and that participants, especially religious participants, discriminate against defendants who affirm. In a third, Registered Report study (Study 3, N = 1821), we used a more elaborate audiovisual mock trial paradigm to better estimate the real‐world influence of declaration choice. Participants were asked to render a verdict for a defendant who either swore or affirmed, and were themselves required to swear or affirm that they would try the defendant in good faith. Overall, the defendant was not considered guiltier when affirming rather than swearing, nor did mock‐juror belief in God moderate this effect. However, jurors who themselves swore an oath did discriminate against the affirming defendant. Exploratory analyses suggest this effect may be driven by authoritarianism, perhaps because high‐authoritarian jurors consider the oath the traditional (and therefore correct) declaration to choose. We discuss the real‐world implications of these findings and conclude the religious oath is an antiquated legal ritual that needs reform.
Seed removal, seed dispersers, and the allocation of tissues in Myrtaceae seeds
Authors: Béllo Carvalho Rodrigo , Pizo Marco A.
Published: April 2023

To avoid seed predation, plants may invest in protective seed tissues. Often related to seed size, allocation in seeds' physical defenses can also be influenced by dispersers. We explore the relationships between seed traits (seed mass and hardness) and seed removal in 22 Myrtaceae species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a dominant and diverse fleshy‐fruited taxon dispersed by birds, rodents, and other mammals. Our goal is to understand how seed traits influence seed removal rates, and whether dispersers can affect tissue allocation in the seed coat. Seeds were exposed to field removal experiments. In the laboratory, total seed mass and seed coat mass were obtained. To evaluate the influence of seed traits on removal, we performed Kruskal–Wallis and Simple Linear Regression tests. We assessed seed coat and seed mass covariation through standardized major‐axis allometric regressions. Harder seeds were larger than softer ones. Seed traits affect removal rates, as tougher and heavier seeds had lower removal. Seed mass significantly predicts seed coat proportion in seven of the 14 species tested. Bird‐dispersed species tend to exhibit lower proportions of seed coat as seed mass increases, whereas rodent‐dispersed species apparently present the opposite trend, with seed coat proportion increasing with seed mass. Such difference may be caused by the contrasting seed predation pressure represented by birds and rodents. Energy allocation for defense, expressed in seed coat proportion, is greater in large seeds, as these are mostly dispersed by rodents whose propensity to cache and disperse seeds is greater for large and well‐protected seeds.
Brazilian sleeping beauty: First evidence of hibernation by a bat in South America
Authors: Odon Anderson , Freire Carolina A. , Brigham R. Mark , Bordignon Marcelo O. , Monteiro‐Filho Emygdio L. A.
Published: April 2023

Torpor and hibernation are energy‐saving heterothermic strategies widespread among mammals, and bats have reports of hibernation in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. However, to date, there was no evidence of hibernation by bats in South America. We tagged four individuals of Eptesicus brasiliensis and one remained torpid for 13 consecutive days in a tree cavity roost in southern Brazil, showing evidence that bats can hibernate in South America.
Thermo‐SPT: A new skin prick test evaluation framework based on low‐cost, portable smartphone thermography
Authors: Goktas Polat , Can Bostan Ozge , Gulseren Duygu , Cakmak Mehmet Erdem , Kaya Saltuk Bugra , Damadoglu Ebru , Karakaya Gul , Kalyoncu Ali Fuat
Published: April 2023

Background

Although the skin prick test (SPT) is a reliable procedure to confirm IgE‐dependent allergic sensitization in patients, the interpretation of the test is still performed manually, resulting in an error‐prone procedure for the diagnosis of allergic diseases.

Objective

To design and implement an innovative SPT evaluation framework using a low‐cost, portable smartphone thermography, named Thermo‐SPT, to significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of SPT outcomes.

Methods

Thermographical images were captured every 60 s for a duration of 0 to 15 min using the FLIR One app, and then analysed with the FLIR Tool®. The definition of ‘Skin Sensitization Region’ area was introduced to analyse the time‐lapse thermal changes in skin reactions over several time periods during the SPT. The Allergic Sensitization Index (ASI) and Min–Max Scaler Index (MMS) formulae were also developed to optimize the identification of the peak allergic response time point through the thermal assessment (TA) of allergic rhinitis patients.

Results

In these experimental trials, a statistically significant increase in temperature was detected from the fifth minute of TA for all tested aeroallergens (all values ). An increase was observed in the number of false‐positive cases, where patients with clinical symptoms not consistent with SPT were evaluated as positive on TA assessment, specifically for patients diagnosed with Phleum pratense and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Our proposed technique, the MMS, has demonstrated improved accuracy in identifying P. pratense and D. pteronyssinus compared with other SPT evaluation metrics, specifically starting from the fifth minute. For patients diagnosed with Cat epithelium, although not statistically significant initially, an increasing trend was determined in the results at the 15 min (ΔT (T15 − T0), ; ASIT15, ).

Conclusions

This proposed SPT evaluation framework utilizing a low‐cost, smartphone‐based thermographical imaging technique can enhance the interpretability of allergic responses during the SPT, potentially reducing the need for extensive manual interpretation experience as standard SPTs.
Seizure onset patterns predict outcome after stereo‐electroencephalography‐guided laser amygdalohippocampotomy
Authors: Michalak Andrew J. , Greenblatt Adam , Wu Shasha , Tobochnik Steven , Dave Hina , Raghupathi Ramya , Esengul Yasar T. , Guerra Antonio , Tao James X. , Issa Naoum P. , Cosgrove Garth R. , Lega Bradley , Warnke Peter , Chen H. Isaac , Lucas Timothy , Sheth Sameer A. , Banks Garrett P. , Kwon Churl‐Su , Feldstein Neil , Youngerman Brett , McKhann Guy , Davis Kathryn A. , Schevon Catherine A.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) is an appealing option for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, who often require intracranial monitoring to confirm mesial temporal seizure onset. However, given limited spatial sampling, it is possible that stereotactic electroencephalography (stereo‐EEG) may miss seizure onset elsewhere. We hypothesized that stereo‐EEG seizure onset patterns (SOPs) may differentiate between primary onset and secondary spread and predict postoperative seizure control. In this study, we characterized the 2‐year outcomes of patients who underwent single‐fiber SLAH after stereo‐EEG and evaluated whether stereo‐EEG SOPs predict postoperative seizure freedom.

Methods

This retrospective five‐center study included patients with or without mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) who underwent stereo‐EEG followed by single‐fiber SLAH between August 2014 and January 2022. Patients with causative hippocampal lesions apart from MTS or for whom the SLAH was considered palliative were excluded. An SOP catalogue was developed based on literature review. The dominant pattern for each patient was used for survival analysis. The primary outcome was 2‐year Engel I classification or recurrent seizures before then, stratified by SOP category.

Results

Fifty‐eight patients were included, with a mean follow‐up duration of 39 ± 12 months after SLAH. Overall 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year Engel I seizure freedom probability was 54%, 36%, and 33%, respectively. Patients with SOPs, including low‐voltage fast activity or low‐frequency repetitive spiking, had a 46% 2‐year seizure freedom probability, compared to 0% for patients with alpha or theta frequency repetitive spiking or theta or delta frequency rhythmic slowing (log‐rank test, p = .00015).

Significance

Patients who underwent SLAH after stereo‐EEG had a low probability of seizure freedom at 2 years, but SOPs successfully predicted seizure recurrence in a subset of patients. This study provides proof of concept that SOPs distinguish between hippocampal seizure onset and spread and supports using SOPs to improve selection of SLAH candidates.
An attention‐based Logistic‐CNN‐BiLSTM hybrid neural network for credit risk prediction of listed real estate enterprises
Authors: Zhang Xinsheng , Ma Yulong , Wang Minghu
Published: April 2023

Enterprise credit risk prediction is to predict whether enterprises will default in the future, according to a variety of historical data by establishing a corresponding relationship between historical operating conditions and default status. To improve the accuracy of credit risk prediction of listed real estate enterprises and effectively reduce difficulty of government management, we propose an attention‐based CNN‐BiLSTM hybrid neural network enhanced with features of results of logistic regression, and constructs the credit risk prediction index system of listed real estate enterprises from five characteristic dimensions: profitability, debt‐paying ability, growth ability, operating ability and enterprise basic information. This study uses data from the 2017–2020 annual reports of listed real estate enterprises on China's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. A five different verifications yields average sensitivity, specificity, and quality index of 99.28%, 94.57% and 97.15%, respectively. The results show that our approach achieves better experimental results than previous works, by comparing PSO‐SVM model, RS‐PSO‐SVR model and PSO‐BP model. We conclude that the Logistic‐CNN‐BiLSTM‐att model is more effective for the credit risk prediction of listed real estate enterprises.