bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary motor area in speech initiation: a large-scale intracranial EEG evaluation of stereotyped word articulation
Authors: Bullock Latané , Forseth Kiefer J , Woolnough Oscar , Rollo Patrick S , Tandon Nitin
Published: April 2023

Speech production is known to engage a distributed network. The brain regions responsible for the initiation of articulation are unclear, and they would be expected to coordinate a distributed network. Using direct intracranial recordings in a large cohort, during stereotyped speech production to eliminate confounds of phonological and semantic complexity, we performed a comprehensive analysis of cortical sites engaged in speech initiation. We found that the supplementary motor area (SMA) was the earliest speech motor region to be active prior to speech onset and was active almost exclusively prior to articulation. Broadband gamma activity in the SMA was predictive of the response time of word production, predicting response time from 250 ms after stimulus onset. Neural activity in SMA began at a highly predictable time after stimulus onset and extended until speech onset. SMA activityoffsetcoincided with ventral premotor cortex and primary motor activityonset. This suggests that the SMA may coordinate the concerted activation of motor execution cortex. Our results support the idea that SMA is a key node in the speech initiation network.

Significance statement

Producing speech requires coordination across multiple brain regions. One cortical region - the supplementary motor area (SMA) - has long been a candidate region to coordinate across other regions to initiate speech production. In this study, we used human intracranial recordings from patients with epilepsy to investigate the role of the SMA in initiating speech. In a picture-naming task, subjects repeated the word “scrambled” scores of times; using this condition to eliminate any linguistic confounds, we found that the SMA was consistently one of the earliest regions to activate during word production. We also uncovered the SMA’s temporally precise tuning to speech onset at the single-trial level.
Activation of aVibrio choleraeCBASS anti-phage system by quorum sensing and folate depletion
Authors: Severin Geoffrey B. , Ramliden Miriam S. , Ford Kathryne C. , Van Alst Andrew J. , Sanath-Kumar Ram , Decker Kaitlin A. , Hsueh Brian Y. , Yoon Soo Hun , Demey Lucas M. , O’Hara Brendan J. , Rhoades Christopher R. , DiRita Victor J. , Ng Wai-Leung , Waters Christopher M.
Published: April 2023

A major challenge faced by bacteria is infection by bacteriophage (phage). Abortive infection is one strategy for combating phage in which an infected cell kills itself to limit phage replication, thus protecting neighboring kin. One class of abortive infection systems is thecyclic oligonucleotidebasedanti-phagesignalingsystem (CBASS) which relies on two core enzymatic activities; an oligo-nucleotide cyclase that is activated following phage infection and a cyclic-oligo-nucleotide sensitive effector whose activity kills the infected cell. However, the mechanisms behind the deployment and activation of these lethal CBASS systems prior-to and following infection have largely remained a mystery. While exploring unique genomic features of the current pandemicVibrio choleraebiotype El Tor for clues underlying its pandemic success we found its CBASS was spuriously activated by the folate biosynthesis inhibitor sulfamethoxazole, but only after the population had reached a high-cell density. This population density dependent activity revealed that transcription of both the oligo-nucleotide cyclase,dncV, and the CBASS phospholipase effector,capV, is enhanced at high-cell density by quorum sensing. Together, these results demonstrate that theV. choleraeCBASS is deployed when the environment is densely populated and activated in response to a perturbation in folate biosynthesis.

Significance

To counteract infection with phage, bacteria have evolved a myriad of molecular defense systems. Some of these systems initiate a process called abortive infection, in which the infected cell kills itself to prevent phage propagation. However, such systems must be inhibited in the absence of phage infection to prevent spurious death of the host. Here we show that thecyclic oligonucleotidebasedanti-phagesignalingsystem (CBASS) accomplishes this by sensing intracellular folate molecules and only expressing this system in a group. These results enhance our understanding of the evolution of the 7thV. choleraepandemic and more broadly how bacteria defend themselves against phage infection.
Programmatic implementation of kangaroo mother care: a systematic synthesis of grey literature
Authors: Bergh Anne-Marie , Gupta Shuchita , Rao Suman
Published: April 2023

Background

Evidence on the effectiveness of kangaroo mother care (KMC) is available and guidelines have been formulated. However, little is known about the programmatic implementation of KMC at national and subnational levels.

Methods

A structured search of grey literature was conducted to identify reports of national or subnational level implementation of KMC to understand the population-based coverage of KMC, availability of KMC services at national and subnational levels, programmatic approaches to scale, and health systems actions that may influence KMC scale-up. The search strategy included two rounds of screening using a variety of grey literature search engines, portals, repositories, and targeted websites, as well as snowball sampling. Data from 212 documents were extracted and transferred into a database with an extensive topic list. These documents were then classified as “for in-depth analysis”, “possible nuggets”, and “not important”. Further analysis of 42 information-rich documents was conducted with NVivo software to identify recurring themes.

Findings

We found information on KMC implementation on a national or subnational scale for 18 countries. Estimates for national- or subnational-level population-based coverage of KMC were available from only six countries (Colombia 63%, the Philippines 53%, Malawi 22%, Bangladesh 22%, India 13%, Viet Nam 8%). Information on the availability of KMC services was scant and fragmented, with no information on their quality. Programmatic KMC implementation is characterised by leadership from a variety of implementation partners and by different implementation trajectories. Countries for which information on KMC implementation was available shared common health system actions such as the inclusion of KMC in national policy, recognition of KMC as a priority newborn health intervention and strong advocacy by champions at all levels, dedicated investment in KMC and in some cases insurance cover for KMC, capacity building and motivation among health workers, dedicated space for KMC with equipment and supplies, support for KMC practice, and data collection and use.

Conclusion

Programmatic implementation of KMC requires action in multiple health system building blocks with a focus on monitoring and evaluation of availability and quality of services, along with coverage.
Diverging asymmetry of intrinsic functional organization in autism
Authors: Wan Bin , Hong Seok-Jun , Bethlehem Richard A.I. , Floris Dorothea L. , Bernhardt Boris C. , Valk Sofie L.
Published: April 2023

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition involving atypical sensory-perceptual functions together with language and socio-cognitive deficits. Previous work has reported subtle alterations in the asymmetry of brain structure and reduced laterality of functional activation in individuals with autism relative to non-autistic individuals (NAI). However, whether functional asymmetries show altered intrinsic systematic organization in autism remains unclear. Here, we computed inter- and intra-hemispheric asymmetry of intrinsic functional gradients capturing connectome organization along three axes, stretching between sensory-default, somatomotor-visual, and default-multiple demand networks, to study system-level hemispheric imbalances in autism. We observed decreased leftward functional asymmetry of language network organization in individuals with autism, relative to NAI. Whereas language network asymmetry varied across age groups in NAI, this was not the case in autism, suggesting atypical functional laterality in autism may result from altered developmental trajectories. Finally, we observed that intra-but not inter-hemispheric features were predictive of the severity of autistic traits. In sum, our findings illustrate how regional and patterned functional lateralization is altered in autism at the system level. Such differences may be rooted in altered developmental trajectories of functional organization asymmetry in autism.
Soaring electricity prices in the day-ahead Iberian market: policy insights, regulatory challenges and lack of system flexibility
Authors: Bento Pedro , Mariano Sílvio , Carvalho Pedro , Calado Maria do Rosário , Pombo José
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study is a targeted review of some of the major changes in European regulation that guided energy policy decisions in the Iberian Peninsula and how they may have aggravated the problem of lack of flexibility. This study aims to assess some of the proposed short-term solutions to address this issue considering the underlying root causes and suggests a different course of action, that in turn, could help alleviate future market strains.

Design/methodology/approach

The evolution of the most important (macro) energy and price-related variables in both Portugal and Spain is assessed using market and grid operator data. In addition, the authors present critical viewpoints on some of the most recent EU and national regulation changes (official document analysis).

Findings

The Iberian energy policy and regulatory agenda has successfully promoted a rapid adoption of renewables (main goal), although with insufficient diversification of generation technologies. The compulsory closings of thermal plants and an increased tax (mainly carbon) added pressure toward more environmentally friendly thermal power plants. However, inevitably, this curbed the bidding price competitiveness of these producers in an already challenging market framework. Moving forward, decisions must be based on “a bigger picture” that does not neglect system flexibility and security of supply and understands the specificities of the Iberian market and its generation portfolio.

Originality/value

This work provides an original account of unprecedented spikes in energy prices in 2021, specifically in the Iberian electricity market. This acute situation worries consumers, industry and governments. Underlining the instability of the market prices, for the first time, this study discusses how some of the most important regulatory changes, and their perception and absorption by involved parties, contributed to the current environment. In addition, this study stresses that if flexibility is overlooked, the overall purpose of having an affordable and reliable system is at risk.
Value relevance of financial risk disclosures
Authors: Menezes da Costa Neto Arlindo , Oliveira Atelmo Ferreira de , Silva Aline Moura Costa da , Barbosa Alexandro
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The objective of the present study is to examine the value relevance of accounting information presented by Brazilian banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The studied sample derived from Brazil’s Stock Exchange, B3, under the banking segment, resulting in a group of 24 publicly listed companies, whose data ranged from 2017 to 2019. The study was conducted using the disclosure index, made with the intent of evaluating the disclosure adherence of a company to the reporting standard. In this case, Comitê de Pronunciamentos Contábeis (CPC) 40, financial instruments: recognition, evaluation and disclosure, Instrumentos Financeiros: Evidenciação, Brazil’s interpretation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 7.

Findings

The results show that for the sample and period, the disclosure index cannot be used as an explanatory variable for the market evaluation of financial institutions.

Originality/value

While other studies have presented a similar approach to the value-relevance theme, the present work is original as it develops the methodology on financial institutions, and even more so on the financial institutions of a developing country.
Why do households repay their debt in UK during the COVID-19 crisis?
Authors: Mamatzakis Emmanuel , Tsionas Mike G. , Ongena Steven
Published: April 2023

Purpose

In this paper, the authors investigate whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impacts household finances, like household debt repayments in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a vector autoregressive (VAR) model that nests neural networks and uses Mixed Data Sampling (MIDAS) techniques. The authors use data information related to COVID-19, financial markets and household finances.

Findings

The authors' results show that household debt repayments' response to the first principal component of COVID-19 shocks is negative, albeit of low magnitude. However, when the authors employ specific COVID-19-related data like vaccines and tests the responses are positive, insinuating the underlying dynamic complexities. Overall, confirmed deaths and hospitalisations negatively affect household debt repayments. The authors also report low persistence in household debt repayments. Generalised impulse response functions (IRFs) confirm the main results. As draconian measures, the lockdowns are eased and the COVID-19 shocks are diminishing, and household financial data converge to the levels prior to the pandemic albeit with some lags.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that examines the impact of the pandemic on household debt repayments. The authors' findings show that policy response in the future should prioritise innovation of new vaccines and testing.
Modeling the key attributes for improving customer repurchase rates through mobile advertisements using a Fuzzy mixed approach
Authors: Nalluri Venkateswarlu , Mayopu Richard G. , Chen Long-Sheng
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Due to the high use of mobile devices, the market share of mobile advertisements (Ads) is significantly growing. Although mobile Ads can contact potential customers at any time and in any location depending on their unique demands, one of the biggest problems for advertisers is how to improve customer repurchases with their Ads. The development and empirical support of customer repurchase through mobile Ads context have not been addressed. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to define and identify the key attributes of customer repurchase in a mobile Ads context.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the set of attributes was derived from a systematic literature review and finalized by applying the Fuzzy Delphi method. To develop a hierarchical model and classify the cause/effect groups among identified key attributes, the Fuzzy mixed approach uses a combination of Fuzzy interpretive structural modeling-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory.

Findings

The findings suggest that language, type of website and social media are classified to as essential attributes for improving customer repurchase through mobile Ads.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of the current research is limited to identify and develop the hierarchical interrelationships between customer repurchase attributes that are unique to the mobile Ads business context. Additional research may be conducted for various media contexts and other products/services categories.

Originality/value

This study illustrated how multicriteria decision-making techniques could be used effectively using Fuzzy theory to explore the research area of customer repurchase in mobile Ads concept.
Internationalization under attack: the external threat of short sellers
Authors: Xu Le , Drori Netanel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of short sellers in foreign direct investment (FDI) decisions. Drawing on threat rigidity theory, the authors argue that short sellers pose a threat to chief executive officers (CEOs) by exerting downward pressure to target firms’ stock prices. That threat will evoke rigid managerial responses that hinder new FDI activities. The authors also posit that CEOs will be less reactive to short sellers’ threats when they are generalist CEOs who have extensive general work experience or when they serve as the board chair.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect data from S&P 1,500 firms, and the final sample consists of 717 firms and 6,930 firm-year observations from 1998 to 2016. The authors use an Arellano and Bond generalized method of moments static linear probability panel data model and an instrumental panel count data model to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings support the hypotheses and suggest that CEOs who are under more pressure from short sellers engage in fewer new FDI activities. The negative impact of short sellers on FDI decisions is less salient when CEOs have general work experience or are the chairperson of the board.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the international business research by stressing the need to consider the role of short sellers in firm internationalization decisions.
Assessing value chain acquisitions that support differentiation innovation initiatives: lessons from Apple
Authors: Davidson Alistair
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Apple's strategy for adding value through open innovation and acquisitions is documented.

Design/methodology/approach

Historical review.

Findings

Use of open innovation to add value. A three part strategy for acquisitions.

Research limitations/implications

Focus on Apple.

Practical implications

Strategies for open innovation.

Originality/value

First review of Apple acquisition strategy.
Evaluation of seawater monitoring for the detection of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis on an integrated biosensor system
Authors: Kotsiri Zoi , Vantarakis Apostolos
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to monitor seawater by determing two biological indicators, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. The process of following standard procedures is mainly time-consuming. Thus, there is a demand for a biosensor, an appropriate device for rapid and accurate results that can give information about the microbiological quality of seawater in an effective and rapid way.

Design/methodology/approach

In the gold standard method for seawater monitoring, the filter method is applied as a condensation step. In this work, the authors evaluated six types of common syringe filters for bacteria concentration and then the best filter was used for seawater analysis for E. coli and Enterococci with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Findings

Cellulose acetate filter had the highest efficiency (98%) for bacterial concentration. The limit of detection of the LAMP method was 104/1,000 mL for both E. coli and E. faecalis. The proposed method could be used for the development of seawater biosensors with advantages such as a simple heating element and the speed that the LAMP PCR presents.

Originality/value

The suggested protocol is proposed in an integrated in situ system, a biosensor, for seawater quality determination.
The effect of accreditation on higher education performance through quality culture mediation: the perceptions of administrative and quality managers
Authors: Iqbal Shahzaf , Taib Che Azlan Bin , Razalli Mohd. Rizal
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of accreditation on higher education performance, directly and indirectly, through the quality culture as a mediator in the context of higher education, based on the perceptions of administrative and quality managers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study using stratified random sampling techniques to collect data through a nationwide survey of universities in Pakistan. Of the 150 questionnaires distributed, 105 are found to be valid, while the data are analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results provide interesting insights, including significant effects of accreditation on quality culture and higher education performance, significant effects of quality culture on higher education performance and the mediating role of quality culture in relation to accreditation and higher education performance.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study include a relatively smaller sample size and the selection of administrative managers as the sole respondents. This study extends the theoretical understanding by introducing several linkages, including the link between accreditation and higher education performance, accreditation and quality culture, and by introducing quality culture as a mediator. Furthermore, the study also provides empirical evidence for all proposed links in the university setting. This study has implications for administrative and quality managers, in terms of effectively implementing accreditation standards by cultivating a quality culture at their respective universities, resulting in improved university performance.

Originality/value

This study is the first to introduce quality culture as a mediator between accreditation and higher education performance and examines the effect of accreditation and quality culture on higher education performance in the university context. Also, the interdisciplinary nature of the study makes it relevant and interesting to administrative and quality managers in the fields of higher education and quality management.
Osteomodulin contributes to keloid development by regulating p38 MAPK signaling
Authors: Li Qiuchen , Chen Huaxia , Liu Yanxin , Bi Jianhai
Published: April 2023

A keloid is a classic fibrotic skin disease characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Osteomodulin (OMD) is a heterologous protein that is a part of osteoadherin and plays a role in modulating ECM deposition. In this study, we investigated the effects of OMD on ECM synthesis and the tumor‐like phenotype of keloid fibroblasts. We enrolled 10 patients with keloids and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals, whose keloid or normal skin tissues were collected during surgery. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to analyze OMD expression in skin tissues. Cell transfection, CCK‐8 assay, EdU staining, Transwell assay, qRT‐PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were performed to study the effects of OMD on primary keloid‐derived fibroblasts (KFs). OMD exhibited greater expression in human keloid specimens than in normal skin tissues. Consistently, higher expression of OMD was observed in KFs, compared to that in normal fibroblasts. Silencing OMD expression in transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐treated KFs inhibited cell proliferation and migration, as well as collagen and fibronectin expression; however, overexpression of OMD had the opposite effect. p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) was activated in keloid tissues but not in normal skin. OMD was positively correlated with p38 MAPK activation. Adding SB203580, p38 MAPK inhibitor, significantly reversed the effects of OMD on the regulation of KF phenotype. The high expression of OMD may contribute to hyperproliferation of KFs, their migration, and excess ECM synthesis in KFs via regulation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
Co‐infections mask pathogen‐specific associations with the gut microbiota in wild voles
Authors: Schmid Dominik W. , Risely Alice
Published: April 2023

Research Highlight: Brila, I., Lavirinienko, A., Tukalenko, E., Kallio, E. R., Mappes, T. & Watts, P. C. (2022). Idiosyncratic effects of coinfection on the association between systemic pathogens and the gut microbiota of a wild rodent, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). Journal of Animal Ecology, https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365‐2656.13869. Interactions between pathogens and host‐associated microbial communities can influence host fitness, disease progression and pathogen emergence. The vast majority of studies characterize interactions between single pathogens and bacterial commensals, yet co‐infections with multiple pathogens are the norm in nature. In their paper on pathogen–microbiome interactions, Brila et al. (2022) examine how co‐infections with four systemic pathogens associate with the gut microbiota in wild bank voles. Building on a series of tests, the authors show that excluding co‐infection information from statistical models masks pathogen‐specific patterns and confounds interpretations. This paper advances on previous studies by generating surveillance data on a phylogenetically diverse suite of vole pathogens to address the question as to whether pathogens exhibit unique or universal associations with gut commensals. They report that even bacterial pathogens with similar transmission ecology have divergent associations with gut microbes, and highlight that a mechanistic understanding of host–pathogen interactions is necessary for decoding the diverse consequences for gut microbial communities.
Pregnancy Nutrition Core Outcome Set (PRENCOS): A core outcome set development study
Authors: Killeen Sarah Louise , Callaghan Shauna L. , O'Reilly Sharleen L. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To develop a core outcome set for pregnancy nutrition.

Design

Mixed‐methods core outcome set development study.

Setting

Online.

Population

Healthcare professionals, researchers and women with experience of pregnancy.

Methods

Candidate outcomes were identified from a systematic review of intervention and observational studies. One‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews with women with experience of pregnancy (n = 26) were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Outcomes were consolidated, organised into domains and categorised using the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials taxonomy. A two‐round, modified Delphi survey (May–August 2021) was conducted. Participants voted on how critical each outcome was to include using a nine‐point Likert scale. All outcomes that did not reach consensus were discussed at a consensus meeting.

Main outcome measures

Critical outcomes to include in the core outcome set.

Results

A total of 53 091 articles were identified. Outcomes were extracted from 427 articles. The qualitative data yielded 45 outcomes. An additional 24 outcomes came from the literature. In round one, 82 participants ranked 30 outcomes. One new outcome was included in round two, during which participants (n = 60) voted 12/31 outcomes as critical to include. The remaining 20 outcomes were discussed at the consensus meeting and two outcomes were included. Maternal outcomes included: pregnancy complications; delivery complications; maternal wellbeing; gestational weight change; maternal vitamin and mineral status; mental health; diet quality; nutritional intakes; need for treatments, interventions, medications and supplements; pregnancy loss or perinatal death; birth defects or congenital anomalies; neonatal complications; and newborn anthropometry and body composition.

Conclusions

The use of the Pregnancy Nutrition Core Outcome Set (PRENCOS) will ensure researchers measure what matters most from the perspective of key stakeholders.
Three‐year comparable clinical outcome for Trans‐Atlantic Inter‐Society Consensus (TASC) D femoropopliteal occlusion: Endovascular vs bypass surgery
Authors: Pang Skyi Yin‐Chun , Chow Rosanna Yin‐Ting , Chan Tiffany Ho‐Yi , Tse Ronald On‐Ho , Cheng Stephen Wing‐Keung
Published: April 2023

Aim

To evaluate the difference between endovascular surgery and bypass/hybrid approach in treating Trans‐Atlantic Inter‐Society Consensus (TASC) D femoropopliteal occlusion.

Patients and Methods

This is a 10‐year retrospective cohort study including 75 patients with TASC D femoropopliteal occlusion with revascularisation from 2009 to 2018. Cases were retrieved from the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System. Demographics, lesions characteristics, operative findings and follow‐up data were reviewed.

Results

A total of 65% of patients had endovascular intervention, 23% open bypass and 12% hybrid operation. The endovascular group had fewer critical limb ischaemia (endovascular 43%, bypass 94%, hybrid 100%; P < .001), and shorter length of lesion (endovascular 26.4 cm vs bypass/hybrid 31.0 cm; P = .004). The technical success rate of the endovascular group was 87.8%. Different endovascular treatment strategies were used. The 12‐month primary patency rate of the endovascular group was lower (endovascular 69.7% vs bypass 81.3% vs hybrid 75.0%; P = .67) but the secondary patency rate at 3 years after the operation was similar across all groups (endovascular 83.3% vs bypass 78.6% vs hybrid 87.5%; P = .86).

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment for long and complex femoropopliteal occlusion is technically feasible with a high success rate. Close surveillance with prompt reintervention may help achieve 3 years’ comparable patency of endovascular intervention to traditional surgical bypass. Individualised plan of revascularisation should be considered.
Streptomyces spp. as biocatalyst sources in pulp and paper and textile industries: Biodegradation, bioconversion and valorization of waste
Authors: Cuebas‐Irizarry Mara F. , Grunden Amy M.
Published: April 2023

Complex polymers represent a challenge for remediating environmental pollution and an opportunity for microbial‐catalysed conversion to generate valorized chemicals. Members of the genus Streptomyces are of interest because of their potential use in biotechnological applications. Their versatility makes them excellent sources of biocatalysts for environmentally responsible bioconversion, as they have a broad substrate range and are active over a wide range of pH and temperature. Most Streptomyces studies have focused on the isolation of strains, recombinant work and enzyme characterization for evaluating their potential for biotechnological application. This review discusses reports of Streptomyces‐based technologies for use in the textile and pulp‐milling industry and describes the challenges and recent advances aimed at achieving better biodegradation methods featuring these microbial catalysts. The principal points to be discussed are (1) Streptomyces' enzymes for use in dye decolorization and lignocellulosic biodegradation, (2) biotechnological processes for textile and pulp and paper waste treatment and (3) challenges and advances for textile and pulp and paper effluent treatment.
Body condition changes at sea: Onboard calculation and telemetry of body density in diving animals
Authors: Adachi Taiki , Lovell Philip , Turnbull James , Fedak Mike A. , Picard Baptiste , Guinet Christophe , Biuw Martin , Keates Theresa R. , Holser Rachel R. , Costa Daniel P. , Crocker Daniel E. , Miller Patrick J. O.
Published: April 2023

The ability of marine mammals to accumulate sufficient lipid energy reserves is vital for mammals' survival and successful reproduction. However, long‐term monitoring of at‐sea changes in body condition, specifically lipid stores, has only been possible in elephant seals performing prolonged drift dives (low‐density lipids alter the rates of depth change while drifting). This approach has limited applicability to other species.

Using hydrodynamic performance analysis during transit glides, we developed and validated a novel satellite‐linked data logger that calculates real‐time changes in body density (∝lipid stores). As gliding is ubiquitous amongst divers, the system can assess body condition in a broad array of diving animals. The tag processes high sampling rate depth and three‐axis acceleration data to identify 5 s high pitch angle glide segments at depths >100 m. Body density is estimated for each glide using gliding speed and pitch to quantify drag versus buoyancy forces acting on the gliding animal.

We used tag data from 24 elephant seals (Mirounga spp.) to validate the onboard calculation of body density relative to drift rate. The new tags relayed body density estimates over 200 days and documented lipid store accumulation during migration with good correspondence between changes in body density and drift rate. Our study provided updated drag coefficient values for gliding (Cd,f = 0.03) and drifting (Cd,s = 0.12) elephant seals, both substantially lower than previous estimates. We also demonstrated post‐hoc estimation of the gliding drag coefficient and body density using transmitted data, which is especially useful when drag parameters cannot be estimated with sufficient accuracy before tag deployment.

Our method has the potential to advance the field of marine biology by switching the research paradigm from indirectly inferring animal body condition from foraging effort to directly measuring changes in body condition relative to foraging effort, habitat, ecological factors and anthropogenic stressors in the changing oceans. Expanding the method to account for diving air volumes will expand the system's applicability to shallower‐diving (<100 m) species, facilitating real‐time monitoring of body condition in a broad range of breath‐hold divers.
Disparities in utilisation of combined oral contraceptives in Aotearoa New Zealand: A cross‐sectional whole‐of‐population study
Authors: Thomas Caryn , Braund Rhiannon , Bowden Nicholas , Hobbs Matthew , Kokaua Jesse , Paterson Helen
Published: April 2023

Aims

The combined oral contraceptive (COC) is the most commonly used hormonal contraceptive in Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa/NZ). Currently there is limited data available on who uses COC in Aotearoa/NZ. The aims were to (i) define the population of reproductive‐aged females in Aotearoa/NZ in 2018 and identify the rate of COC use among this group and (ii) describe the sociodemographic and geographic characteristics of the population of COC users compared to the general population of reproductive‐aged females in 2018.

Methods

This whole‐of‐population cross‐sectional study used the Integrated Data Infrastructure, a large research database managed by Statistics New Zealand. Females aged 16–50 years with complete sociodemographic and geographic information in 2018 from Aotearoa/NZ's estimated resident population were included. COC dispensing records to this cohort were identified from the national Pharmaceutical Collection. This paper reports descriptive counts of COC use and employs generalised linear regression with a binomial distribution and a log link to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) of COC use for key sociodemographic and geographic subgroups.

Results

Of 1 113 750 individuals in the study, 159 789 (14.3%) were dispensed as COC in 2018. European/other individuals were most likely to use COC (aRR: 2.72, 2.67–2.78), and Pacific Peoples were least likely (aRR: 0.56, 0.55–0.58) to use COC. Individuals residing in the most deprived quintile had less COC use than individuals in the least deprived quintile (aRR: 0.73, 0.72–0.74).

Conclusion

Our study is able to highlight significant disparities in use by ethnicity, area‐level deprivation, and geographic factors.
The Geopolitical Imaginary of the BrazilianUltra‐Right
Authors: de Souza Chaloub Jorge Gomes
Published: April 2023

The strengthening of the ultra‐right in the Brazilian political scenario has a certain geopolitical imagination as one of its centres. Its main authors, on the one hand, consider Latin America as something to be avoided, and, on the other hand, value the affinities between Brazil and the United States due to the idea of a mutual belonging to a Christian West. The present article explains the most current assumptions and arguments of this discourse after 2016, based on an analysis of the geopolitical imaginary of the Brazilian ultra‐right. The text reconstructs three political languages of the field – the reactionary, the ultraliberal, and the authoritarian conservative, based on the analysis of four intellectual protagonists: Olavo de Carvalho, Ernesto Araújo, Paulo Guedes, and Eduardo Villas Bôas. Finally, we raise some hypotheses about the reasons for the longevity of some fundamental traits of this geopolitical imaginary in the Brazilian scenario.
Cloning in action: can embryo splitting, induced pluripotency and somatic cell nuclear transfer contribute to endangered species conservation?
Authors: Swegen Aleona , Appeltant Ruth , Williams Suzannah A
Published: April 2023

The term ‘cloning’ refers to the production of genetically identical individuals but has meant different things throughout the history of science: a natural means of reproduction in bacteria, a routine procedure in horticulture, and an ever‐evolving gamut of molecular technologies in vertebrates. Mammalian cloning can be achieved through embryo splitting, somatic cell nuclear transfer, and most recently, by the use of induced pluripotent stem cells. Several emerging biotechnologies also facilitate the propagation of genomes from one generation to the next whilst bypassing the conventional reproductive processes. In this review, we examine the state of the art of available cloning technologies and their progress in species other than humans and rodent models, in order to provide a critical overview of their readiness and relevance for application in endangered animal conservation.
Survival, surveillance, and genetics in patients with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome: A nationwide study
Authors: Jelsig Anne Marie , van Overeem Hansen Thomas , Gede Lene Bjerring , Qvist Niels , Christensen Lise‐Lotte , Lautrup Charlotte Kvist , Frederiksen Jane Hübertz , Sunde Lone , Ousager Lilian Bomme , Ljungmann Ken , Bertelsen Birgitte , Karstensen John Gásdal
Published: April 2023

Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary polyposis syndrome causing increased morbidity and mortality due to complications of polyposis and the development of cancer. STK11 is the only gene known to be associated with PJS, although in 10%–15% of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria no pathogenic variant (PV) is identified. The primary aim of this study was to identify the genetic etiology in all known PJS patients in Denmark and to estimate the risk of cancer, effect of surveillance and overall survival. We identified 56 patients (2–83 years old) with PJS. The detection rate of PVs was 96%, including three cases of mosaicism (6%). In two patients a variant was not detected. At the age of 40 years, the probabilities of cancer and death were 21% and 16%, respectively; at the age of 70 years these probabilities were 71% and 69%. Most cases of cancer (92%) were identified between the scheduled examinations in the surveillance program. These observations emphasize that PJS should be regarded as a general cancer predisposition syndrome, where improvement of clinical care is needed.
Serpin family proteins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic drugs in stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis on clinical/preclinical studies
Authors: Yan Bing , Luo Lu , Liu Li , Wang Zhenyu , Chen Ruiying , Wu Yi , Xiao Xiao
Published: April 2023

Background

Serpin is a superfamily of serine proteinase inhibitors. They have anticoagulative activities and immunoregulatory effects. The family has been widely studied in stroke patients and animal stroke models. However, results from clinical and preclinical studies are controversial. The systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine whether serpin activities are affected by stroke and whether members of the serpin family could be used in stroke treatment.

Methods

Literature was systematically searched in six databases until September 5, 2022. In the included studies, 47 clinical studies (8276 subjects) reported concentrations of serpin proteins in stroke patients and healthy controls. In total, 41 preclinical studies (742 animals) reported neurological outcomes in animal models with serpin treatment and vehicle.

Results

Meta‐analysis of clinical studies showed that both ischemic (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke patients had higher thrombin‐antithrombin complex (TAT) levels and lower antithrombin (AT) levels which were persistent in the acute and subacute phase of IS. Meta‐analysis of preclinical studies reported the efficacy of serpins in treating stroke. C1‐INH and FUT175 reduced brain infarct size and improved sensorimotor and motor behavior in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner in the MCAO models.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the important roles serpin family proteins played in the onset, progression, and treatment of stroke. Among serpins, AT and TAT may be used as blood biomarkers in the early diagnosis of stroke. C1‐INH and FUT175 could be potential medications for IS.
Does it pay off to invest in bank staff training? Survey‐based evidence from an emerging market banking sector
Authors: Pîslaru Angela , Kubinschi Matei , Neagu Florian
Published: April 2023

We explore the role of staff training and experience for banks' efficiency and profitability, while accounting for size, solvency, liquidity and business model of the banking sector. We try answering two questions: (i) are banks with higher levels of staff training and experience more efficient and profitable and (ii) do banks that spend more to increase the quality of their staff have better outcomes in terms of NPLs, in case of a downturn? We use two novel sources of microdata from a one‐off survey about banks' HR policies and a database on banks' balance sheets and P&Ls regarding the Romanian banking sector. We apply the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach to estimate production frontiers and rank banks by cost and income efficiency. Our main findings support the conclusion that it pays off to invest more in the quality of bank staff, from both risk management and revenue efficiency perspectives.
Deep learning‐based semantic segmentation of non‐melanocytic skin tumors in whole‐slide histopathological images
Authors: Wang Linyan , Shao An , Huang Fengbo , Liu Zhengyun , Wang Yaqi , Huang Xingru , Ye Juan
Published: April 2023

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the two most common skin cancer and impose a huge medical burden on society. Histopathological examination based on whole‐slide images (WSIs) remains to be the confirmatory diagnostic method for skin tumors. Accurate segmentation of tumor tissue in WSIs by deep‐learning (DL) models can reduce the workload of pathologists and help surgeons ensure the complete removal of tumors. To accurately segment the tumor areas in WSIs of BCC, SCC and squamous cell papilloma (SCP, homologous to SCC) with robust models. We established a data set (ZJU‐NMSC) containing 151 WSIs of BCC, SCC and SCP in total. Seven models were utilized to segment WSIs, including the state‐of‐the‐art model, models proposed by us and other models. Dice score, intersection over union, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate and compare the performance of different models. Heatmaps and tumor tissue masks were generated to reflect the results of the segmentation. The processing times of models are also recorded and compared. While the dice score of most models is higher than 0.85, deeplab v3+ has the best performance and the corresponding tumor tissue mask is more consistent with the ground truth tumor areas even with complex and small lobular lesions. This study broadens the use of DL‐based segmentation models in WSIs of skin tumors in terms of tumor types and computational approaches. Segmenting tumor areas can simplify the process of histopathological inspection and benefit the diagnosis and following management of the diseases in practice.
Expanding the boundaries of previously obtained informed consent in research: Views from participants in the Personalised Risk‐based Mammascreening study
Authors: Lutomski Jennifer E. , Rainey Linda , de Jong Milou , Manders Peggy , Broeders Mireille J. M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Understanding participants' concerns and information needs regarding broadened consent is crucial to ensure transparency and participant autonomy. Our study qualitatively examined these issues in women participating in the Personalized RISk‐based MAmmascreening study (PRISMA). The original PRISMA informed consent was project‐specific (i.e., breast cancer research), limiting the scope of secondary research. We explored participants' needs for broadened consent to preserve informed decision‐making while maximising the potential re‐use of data.

Methods

Focus groups (FGs) were performed following a semistructured discussion guide. Two independent researchers analysed the data thematically using an inductive approach.

Findings

Twenty‐three asymptomatic women and 13 women diagnosed with breast cancer were randomly divided into six FGs. Four superordinate themes were identified: (1) Normalization, (2) Attitude towards the pharmaceutical industry, (3) Privacy and (4) Knowledge. Our participants viewed data sharing as an important conduit for advancing medical science. Perceived integrity was more often attributed to noncommercial than commercial parties, with a marked mistrust towards the pharmaceutical industry. Most requested information needs related to data protection. Participants' ideal consent process would confer a range of options; for example, they would be able to choose with whom data can be shared, whether data will be de‐identified or anonymous, the expiration date of their consent and how, if requested, general and personal study results would be disclosed.

Conclusion

Our participants expressed clear information needs and a strong desire to be actively engaged in future data sharing decisions. Given that many researchers collaborate with commercial parties, building public confidence in these institutions would be beneficial. Illustrative examples addressing privacy concerns and clarifying difficult terms would aid consent decision‐making. Although our participants displayed great altruism in sharing their data and accepted that broad consent would ultimately facilitate future research, broad consent did not reflect their ideal situation. Dynamic consent may be an option but warrants further feasibility research.

Patient and Public Contribution

Women were recruited from the general breast cancer screening population. Their perceptions and information needs, as reported in this study, will not only inform broadened consent for PRISMA but ideally guide other consent templates and decisions regarding consent processes.
How are HIV services in the UK currently identifying and managing patients with cognitive impairment? Results of a national survey
Authors: Morris Rebekah , Alford Kate , Vera Jaime H.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The 2018 British HIV Association (BHIVA) Standards of Care state that people living with HIV should be questioned annually for symptoms of cognitive or memory decline. If symptoms are identified, screening should be considered and services offered if impairment is detected. We examined the availability of services, along with current practices related to the screening and management of cognitive impairment in people living with HIV, in UK HIV services.

Methods

A survey was distributed via email to all UK HIV services leads on the BHIVA audit mailing list. Questions related to screening practices, referral pathways, and the management of patients with suspected cognitive impairment. Descriptive analyses were conducted on all data returned.

Results

In total, 190 surveys were distributed. Of the respondents, 39 (60.6%) stated that they undertook screening for cognitive impairment in their HIV service, and 30 (47.6%) reported not offering a specific service or referral pathway. Awareness of BHIVA screening guidelines was high (49 [84.48%]), yet 15 (30.6%) respondents stated that they were not followed in their service and 41 (71.9%) felt there was a need for training on screening, assessment, and management of cognitive impairment in patients with HIV within their department.

Conclusions

Despite no directive, a substantial number of HIV services surveyed are routinely screening patients for cognitive impairment without guidance on when to screen and which screening tools should be used. A UK consensus on screening, along with guidance and training for services, may help to resolve this gap in service provision.