bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swine H1N1 influenza virus variants with enhanced polymerase activity and HA stability promote airborne transmission in ferrets
Authors: Hu Meng , Jones Jeremy C. , Banoth Balaji , Ojha Chet Raj , Crumpton Jeri Carol , Kercher Lisa , Webster Robert G. , Webby Richard J. , Russell Charles J.
Published: September 2021

Understanding how animal influenza A viruses (IAVs) acquire airborne transmissibility in humans and ferrets is needed to prepare for and respond to pandemics. Here, we investigated in ferrets the replication and transmission of swine H1N1 isolates P4 and G15, whose majority population had decreased polymerase activity and poor HA stability, respectively. For both isolates, a minor variant was selected and transmitted in ferrets. Polymerase-enhancing variant PA-S321 airborne-transmitted and propagated in one ferret. HA-stabilizing variant HA1-S210 was selected in all G15-inoculated ferrets and was transmitted by contact and airborne routes. With an efficient polymerase and a stable HA, the purified minor variant G15-HA1-S210 had earlier and higher peak titers in inoculated ferrets and was recovered at a higher frequency after airborne transmission than P4 and G15. Overall, HA stabilization played a more prominent role than polymerase enhancement in the replication and transmission of these viruses in ferrets. The results suggest pandemic risk-assessment studies may benefit from deep sequencing to identify minor variants with human-adapted traits.

IMPORTANCE

Diverse IAVs circulate in animals, yet few acquire the viral traits needed to start a human pandemic. A stabilized HA and mammalian-adapted polymerase have been shown to promote the adaptation of IAVs to humans and ferrets (the gold-standard model for IAV replication, pathogenicity, and transmissibility). Here, we used swine IAV isolates of the gamma lineage a model to investigate the importance of HA stability and polymerase activity in promoting replication and transmission in ferrets. These are emerging viruses that bind to both α-2,6- and α-2,3-linked receptors. Using isolates containing mixed populations, a stabilized HA was selected within days in inoculated ferrets. An enhanced polymerase was also selected and propagated after airborne transmission to a ferret. Thus, HA stabilization was a stricter requirement, yet both traits promoted transmissibility. Knowing the viral traits needed for pandemic potential, and the relative importance of each, will help identify emerging viruses of greatest concern.
Improved antibody structure prediction by deep learning of side chain conformations
Authors: Akpinaroglu Deniz , Ruffolo Jeffrey A. , Mahajan Sai Pooja , Gray Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2021

Antibody engineering is becoming increasingly popular in medicine for the development of diagnostics and immunotherapies. Antibody function relies largely on the recognition and binding of antigenic epitopes via the loops in the complementarity determining regions. Hence, accurate high-resolution modeling of these loops is essential for effective antibody engineering and design. Deep learning methods have previously been shown to effectively predict antibody backbone structures described as a set of inter-residue distances and orientations. However, antigen binding is also dependent on the specific conformations of surface side chains. To address this shortcoming, we created DeepSCAb: a deep learning method that predicts inter-residue geometries as well as side chain dihedrals of the antibody variable fragment. The network requires only sequence as input, rendering it particularly useful for antibodies without any known backbone conformations. Rotamer predictions use an interpretable self-attention layer, which learns to identify structurally conserved anchor positions across several species. We evaluate the performance of our model for discriminating near-native structures from sets of decoys and find that DeepSCAb outperforms similar methods lacking side chain context. When compared to alternative rotamer repacking methods, which require an input backbone structure, DeepSCAb predicts side chain conformations competitively. Our findings suggest that DeepSCAb improves antibody structure prediction with accurate side chain modeling and is adaptable to applications in docking of antibody-antigen complexes and design of new therapeutic antibody sequences.
Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta and glial fibrillary acidic protein concentrations in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Korpela Sara , Sundblom Jimmy , Zetterberg Henrik , Constantinescu Radu , Svenningsson Per , Paucar Martin , Niemelä Valter
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic incurable lethal disease. Biomarkers are needed for objective assessment of disease progression. Evidence supports both complex protein aggregation and astrocyte activation in HD. This study assesses the 42 amino acid long amyloid beta (Aβ42) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as potential biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of HD mutation carriers.

Methods

CSF was obtained from manifest HD patients (ManHD), premanifest HD-gene-expansion carriers (PreHD) and gene-negative controls (controls). Disease Burden Score (DBS) and Total Functional Capacity (TFC) were calculated. Protein concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and intergroup differences were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman correlations were calculated to assess disease stage association. Age-adjustment was included in the statistical tests.

Results

The study enrolled 27 ManHD and 13 PreHD subjects. The number of controls differed in the analysis of Aβ42 and GFAP (n = 19, and 8 respectively). Aβ42 levels were higher in ManHD (mean 741 ng/l, SD 361) compared with PreHD (mean 468 ng/l, SD 184) (p = 0.025). Likewise GFAP concentration was higher in ManHD (mean 435 ng/l, SD 255) compared with both PreHD (mean 266 ng/l, SD 92.4)(p = 0.040) and controls (mean 208 ng/l, SD 83.7)(p = 0.011). GFAP correlated with DBS (r = 0.361, p = 0.028), TFC (r = − 0.463, p = 0.005), and 5-year risk of onset in PreHD (r = 0.694, p = 0.008). In contrast, there was no correlation between Aβ42 concentration and DBS, TFC or 5-year risk of onset.

Conclusion

CSF Aβ42 levels did not correlate with disease stage suggesting no Aβaggregation in HD. GFAP is a potential biomarker in HD with association to disease stage. Validation in larger HD cohorts and potential correlations with clinical phenotype would be of interest.
Magnetic Particle Imaging is a sensitivein vivoimaging modality for the quantification of dendritic cell migration
Authors: Gevaert Julia J. , Fink Corby , Dikeakos Jimmy , Dekaban Gregory A. , Foster Paula J.
Published: September 2021

Immunotherapies, such as dendritic cell- (DC-)based therapies, are useful for treating cancer as an alternative to or in combination with traditional therapies. Cells must migrate to lymphoid organs to be effective and the magnitude of the ensuing T cell response is proportional to the number of lymph node-migrated DC. With less than 10% of cells expected to reach their destination, there is a need for an imaging modality capable of sensitively and quantitatively detecting cells. MRI has been used to track DC using iron and 19F methods, with limitations. Quantification of iron-induced signal loss is indirect and challenging; 19F signal is directly quantifiable but lacks sensitivity. Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) directly detects superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO) and enables quantitation of low numbers of SPIO-labeled cells. Here we describe the first study using MPI to track and quantify the migration of DC, injected into the footpads of C57BL/6 mice, to the popliteal lymph nodes (pLNs). As DC migrate from the site of injection to the lymph nodes, we measured a decrease in signal in the footpads and an increase in signal at the pLNs. The presence of SPIO-labeled DC in nodes was validated byex vivoMPI and histology. By measuring the iron mass per cell in samples of labeled cells, we were able to provide an estimate of cell number for each source of signal and we report a sensitivity of approximately 4000 cellsin vivoand 2000 cellsex vivo. For some mice, MPI was compared to cellular MRI. We also bring attention to the issue of resolving unequal signals within close proximity, a challenge for many pre-clinical studies using a highly concentrated tracer bolus that over shadows nearby lower signals. This study demonstrates the clear advantage of MPI to detect and quantify cellsin vivo, bridging the gap left by cellular MRI, and all otherin vivoimaging modalities, and opening the door for quantitative imaging of cellular immunotherapies.
The connection between Rap1 and Talin1 in CD4+ T Lymphocytes
Authors: Lagarrigue Frederic , Tan Boyang , Du Qinyi , Fan Zhichao , Lopez-Ramirez Miguel A. , Gingras Alexandre R , Qi Weiwei , Sun Hao
Published: September 2021

Agonist induced increase in integrin affinity for ligands (activation) plays a pivotal role in T cell trafficking and functions. Activation requires Rap1 GTPase-mediated recruitment of talin1 to the integrins in the plasma membrane. Rap1-interacting adaptor molecule (RIAM) is a Rap1 effector that serves this function in T cells. In addition, Rap1 directly binds to talin1 to enable integrin activation in platelets. Here, we assessed the relative contributions of the Rap1-talin1 interaction and RIAM and provide a complete accounting of the connections between Rap1 and talin1 that support integrin activation in conventional CD4+ (Tconv) and CD25HiFoxp3+CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. Disruption of both Rap1 binding sites in talin1 (talin1 (R35E,R118E)) causes a partial defect in αLβ2, α4β1 and α4β7 integrin activation in both Tconv and Treg cells with resulting defects in T cell homing and functions. Over-expression of RIAM bypasses the integrin activation defect in Tconv cells expressing talin1 (R35E,R118E), indicating that RIAM can substitute for Rap1 binding to talin in integrin activation. Conversely, deletion of RIAM in talin1 (R35E,R118E) Tconv cells abrogates activation of αLβ2, α4β1 and α4β7. RIAM and lamellipodin (LPD) are mammalian members of the MRL protein family; LPD plays a more important role than RIAM in Treg cell integrin activation. Nevertheless, loss of RIAM profoundly exacerbates the defects in Treg cell function caused by the talin1 (R35E,R118E) mutation. Most importantly, deleting both MRL proteins combined with talin1 (R35E,R118E) phenocopies the complete lack of integrin activation observed in Rap1a/b null Treg cells. In sum, these data reveal the functionally significant connections between Rap1 and talin1 that enable αLβ2, α4β1 and α4β7 integrin activation in T cells.
Deciphering the role of the Pancreatic Secretome in Covid-19 associated Multi-Organ Dysfunctions
Authors: Pathak Ekta , Mishra Rajeev
Published: September 2021

Emerging evidence indicates an intricate relationship between the SARS-CoV-2 infection and Multi-Organ Dysfunctions (MODs). Here, we have investigated the role of the Secretome of the SARS-CoV-2 infected pancreas and mechanistically linked it with the multi-organ dysfunction using the scRNA-seq analysis. We found that acinar-specific PRSS2, REG3A, REG1A, SPINK1, and ductal-specific SPP1, MMP7 genes are upregulated in alpha, beta, delta, and mesenchyme cells. Using extensive documented experimental evidence, we validated the association of upregulated pancreatic Secretome with coagulation cascade, complement activation, renin angiotensinogen system dysregulation, endothelial cell injury and thrombosis, immune system dysregulation, and fibrosis. Our finding suggests the influence of upregulated Secretome on multi-organ systems such as Nervous, Cardiovascular, Immune, Digestive, and Urogenital systems. In addition, we report that the secretory proteins IL1B, AGT, ALB, SPP1, CRP, SERPINA1, C3, TFRC, TNFSF10, and MIF are associated with diverse diseases. Thus, suggest the role of the pancreatic Secretome in SARS-CoV-2 associated MODs.
Modelling 3D tumour microenvironment in vivo: a tool to predict cancer fate
Authors: Marines J. , Lorenzini F. , Kissa K. , Fontenille L.
Published: September 2021

Recently, many studies demonstrated the fundamental role of tumour microenvironment (TME) in cancer progression. Here, we describe a state-of-the-art method to visualize in 3D the behaviour of tumours in zebrafish embryos. We highlight two major actors of TME, macrophages and vessels. This valuable tool is transposable to Patients Derived Xenograft imaging in order to predict the fate of malignant tumours according to the dynamics of their TME.
Assessing the importance of transformational leadership competencies and supply chain learning to green innovation: construction practitioners’ perspectives
Authors: Pham Hai , Pham Tho , Dang Chau Ngoc
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to assess the importance of transformational leadership competencies, as well as supply chain learning, to green innovation in construction at the supply chain level.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted to collect data from construction firms in Vietnam. Many statistical analysis methods – including the Shapiro-Wilk test, one-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Kruskal-Wallis test – are performed to achieve the research objectives.

Findings

The results indicate that the importance of most transformational leadership competencies is similarly perceived among different role groups (i.e. directors/deputy directors, project managers, consultants, quantity surveyors and designers).

Research limitations/implications

This study enriches the understanding of leadership research in construction at the supply chain level and also develops a theoretical framework for theory testing research, where the relationships of transformational leadership competencies and supply chain learning with green innovation are highlighted.

Originality/value

Research on leadership in the green supply chain context is still limited, especially in the construction industry. Thus, this study is conducted to fill this gap of research.
MCS package and entrepreneurial competency influence on business performance: the moderating role of business strategy
Authors: Rehman Shafique Ur , Elrehail Hamzah , Nair Kiran , Bhatti Anam , Taamneh Abdallah Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper draws on resource-based theory (RBV) to examine the impact of the management control system (MCS) package on business performance through the mediating role of entrepreneurial competencies and the interaction role of business strategy in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 372 questionnaires were used in this research for analysis purposes using partial least square–structural equation modelling. Cluster sampling was used and nine states out of 16 states were selected randomly, including Kelantan, Johor, Sarawak, Selangor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak and Sabah, because the nine states cover 84.4% of the total SMEs.

Findings

The results revealed that only cultural and administrative control has no relationship with business performance. Moreover, in the MCS package, all elements have a significant and positive influence on entrepreneurial competencies. Furthermore, business strategy (cost leadership and differentiation strategy) significantly moderates, while entrepreneurial competencies mediate between, cultural, planning, cybernetic, rewards and compensation, administrative control and business performance.

Originality/value

SMEs in Malaysia are contributing 36.6% to gross domestic product. Further, as this sector is important, less attention has been paid to this area of MCS package with business strategies to determine organisational performance. This study fills these gaps, and the recommendations and findings for further research are discussed in detail accordingly. Moreover, the findings of the current research provide guidelines for the management of SMEs.
Effectiveness of travel time during evacuation in high-rise residential buildings: a case study in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Gian Caleb Michealangelo , Mohd Tohir Mohd Zahirasri , Md Said Mohamad Syazarudin , Tharima Ahmad Faiz , Mohd Nizam Ong Nur Aliah Fatin , Ramali Mohd Rashid
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In recent years, the number of high-rise buildings in Malaysia has been increasing. Therefore, it is essential to take evacuation into consideration especially for emergency conditions such as fire, explosion and natural disasters. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the escape time in typical Malaysian high-rise residential buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

This work comprises simulation on three buildings around the Selangor area in Malaysia. Quantitative methodology is adopted using Pathfinder software to simulate the evacuation process and time of the three typical Malaysian high-rise residential buildings. Four parameters were studied namely, the occupant load density, walking speed of first and last occupants, average of evacuation time per floor for the three buildings and effect of placement of emergency staircase on travel time.

Findings

Findings show that 12 m2 which is double the allowable occupants' density in Malaysia increases evacuation time by 67.9% while the placement of the emergency staircase on the left and middle section of a building significantly affects the evacuation time by 21.2%. In conclusion, from the simulation studies, it is recognized that a higher occupant's density affects the evacuation time.

Originality/value

This work could provide information on escape time for future construction of high-rise buildings in Malaysia. Hence, the specification and design of buildings could be reviewed based on the results obtained from this simulation. This information could be beneficial to the building regulators and developers thus enhancing the knowledge of building constructor and possible issues in the design of staircases, corridors and height of buildings.
A structural relationship model of gender-role orientation and entrepreneurial intention: examining the mediating effect of motivational antecedents in Northeast India
Authors: Passah Kiefe Heibormi , Panda Nagari Mohan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The paper presents a structural model to explain the relationship between various gender-role orientations (GROs) and motivational antecedents leading to entrepreneurial intention (EI). It examines the influence of GRO in the formation of EI among educated youths of Northeast India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a structural equation modelling approach, the hypothesized model is tested on a sample of 642 post-graduate students from four different universities in Northeast India, a developing region with unique socio-cultural diversity. The mediating role of EI antecedents on the relationship between GRO and EI was examined after establishing the reliability and validity of the measurement model.

Findings

Results from the analysis support the hypothesized structural relationship confirming the influence of GRO on EI. The study also finds that androgynous individuals have a higher EI than their masculine or feminine counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the understanding of EI determinants from a GRO perspective, especially in the industrially backward region of an emerging economy. It adds to the existing literature by empirically proving the role of gender orientation. The results have several policy implications for educational institutions and policymakers in emerging economies.

Originality/value

The paper re-examines the predictive value of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model from a GRO perspective and compares indirect effects of gender identity through motivational antecedents on EI. Whilst TPB predicted EI in Western and developed countries, using a more diverse sample provides strong empirical evidence in the context of a developing region.
A robust multiobjective solution approach for mean-variance optimisation of correlated multiple quality characteristics
Authors: Sharma Abhinav Kumar , Mukherjee Indrajit , Bera Sasadhar , Sengupta Raghu Nandan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to propose a robust multiobjective solution search approach for a mean-variance multiple correlated quality characteristics optimisation problem, so-called “multiple response optimisation (MRO) problem”. The solution approach needs to consider response surface (RS) model parameter uncertainties, response uncertainties, process setting sensitivity and response correlation strength to derive the robust solutions iteratively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a new multiobjective solution search approach to determine robust solutions for a typical mean-variance MRO formulation. A fine-tuned, non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is used to derive efficient multiobjective solutions for varied mean-variance MRO problems. The iterative search considers RS model uncertainties, process setting uncertainties and response correlation structure to derive efficient fronts. The final solutions are ranked based on two different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques.

Findings

Five different mean-variance MRO cases are selected from the literature to verify the efficacy of the proposed solution approach. Results derived from the proposed solution approach are compared and contrasted with the best solution(s) derived from other approaches suggested in the literature. Comparative results indicate significant superiorities of the top-ranked predicted robust solutions in nondominated frequency, closeness-to-target and response variabilities.

Research limitations/implications

The solution approach depends on RS modelling and considers continuous search space.

Practical implications

In this study, promising robust solutions are expected to be more suitable for implementation than point estimate-based MOO solutions for a real-life MRO problem.

Originality/value

No evidence of earlier research demonstrates the superiority of a MOO-based iterative solution search approach for mean-variance MRO problems by simultaneously considering model uncertainties, response correlation and process setting sensitivity.
Development of a novel robotic hand with soft materials and rigid structures
Authors: Li Yongyao , Cong Ming , Liu Dong , Du Yu , Wu Minjie , de Silva Clarence W.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Rigid robotic hands are generally fast, precise and capable of exerting large forces, whereas soft robotic hands are compliant, safe and adaptive to complex environments. It is valuable and challenging to develop soft-rigid robotic hands that have both types of capabilities. The paper aims to address the challenge through developing a paradigm to achieve the behaviors of soft and rigid robotic hands adaptively.

Design/methodology/approach

The design principle of a two-joint finger is proposed. A kinematic model and a stiffness enhancement method are proposed and discussed. The manufacturing process for the soft-rigid finger is presented. Experiments are carried out to validate the accuracy of the kinematic model and evaluate the performance of the flexible body of the finger. Finally, a robotic hand composed of two soft-rigid fingers is fabricated to demonstrate its grasping capacities.

Findings

The kinematic model can capture the desired distal deflection and comprehensive shape accurately. The stiffness enhancement method guarantees stable grasp of the robotic hand, without sacrificing its flexibility and adaptability. The robotic hand is lightweight and practical. It can exhibit different grasping capacities.

Practical implications

It can be applied in the field of industrial grasping, where the objects are varied in materials and geometry. The hand’s inherent characteristic removes the need to detect and react to slight variations in surface geometry and makes the control strategies simple.

Originality/value

This work proposes a novel robotic hand. It possesses three distinct characteristics, i.e. high compliance, exhibiting discrete or continuous kinematics adaptively, lightweight and practical structures.
Should we engage variety seeking customers?
Authors: Gupta Ashish , Pandey Shivendra
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study aims to examine the moderating role of variety-seeking behaviour between customer engagement and its antecedents (customer satisfaction and customer value). Further, this study also tests the existence of the value-satisfaction-engagement behaviour chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The perception of 262 respondents was used to examine the hypothesis using the structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The moderation effect of variety-seeking behaviour between customer satisfaction and customer engagement was found to be significant. Also, customer satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between perceived value and customer engagement, hence, empirically validating the value-satisfaction-engagement model in the retailing context.

Research limitations/implications

The findings draw managers' attention towards the segment of consumers who are more likely to be engaged, thus helping managers develop a more efficient and focussed strategy to achieve customer engagement. The result also suggests that variety-seeking buyers may not get engaged even after satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to empirically test the moderating role of variety-seeking behaviour to achieve customer engagement.
Examining the factor structure of quality of technical education: evidence from Punjab state of India
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Choudhary Pooja , Ahmad Anees , Swain Swapnarag , Singh Pankaj Kumar
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting the quality of technical education in a developing nation, India.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 465 students and 310 faculty members who were randomly chosen from a total of 31 institutions/colleges/universities providing engineering education in Punjab state of India. The factor structures were obtained by applying factor analysis.

Findings

The result of this research reveals ten factors determining the quality of technical education, such as teaching practices, infrastructural facilities, industry–institute linkage, faculty's qualification, reputation of the institute, procedural simplification, administrative staff services, access and equity, financial burden of the course and work culture. Moreover, the research results also reveal eight factors affecting the quality of technical education, namely, institutional standards, institutional support, teaching environment, teaching practices, performance-linked promotion, work culture, academic freedom and administrative services in this order of preference are essential for the delivery of quality in technical education.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to examine the factor structure of technical education quality from both the perspectives of students and faculty. The implications of this study are expected to help the management of technical education institutes, regulatory agencies and the government in devising strategies to enhance the quality of technical education in India.
Mitigating the effects of COVID-19: an exploratory case study of the countermeasures taken by the manufacturing industry
Authors: Butt Atif Saleem
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how manufacturers (both discrete and process) are managing disruptions amid the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, using UAE as an empirical context.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a multiple case study approach and undertakes 36 semi-structured interviews with senior management of four discrete and four process manufacturing firms that outsource products/components from overseas and domestic suppliers.

Findings

Results reveal that manufacturing firms are using six distinct actions to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, they are relying on the automation process, transferring new and updated knowledge to the current and new suppliers, managing workforce diversity, understanding the impact of demand’s disruption, managing the ecosystem and finally using digital technologies to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. Firstly, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a broader population as it attempts to build an initial theory in manufacturing supply chains within the context of a pandemic outbreak. Second, the study uses a cross-sectional approach to explore the actions used by manufacturing firms to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

Manufacturing firms can replicate the actions proposed in this study to lessen the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge stronger in the post-COVID-era.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the manufacturing supply chain literature within the context of pandemic outbreaks by exploring the steps taken by manufacturing firms to minimize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, it explores such steps by considering both the discrete and process manufacturing industries within the United Arab Emirates.
Is Interference with a Corpse for Procreative Purposes a Criminal Offence?
Authors: Cherkassky Lisa
Published: September 2021

An increasing number of court orders from grieving women seek the retrieval of sperm from their deceased husbands, fiancés or boyfriends for the purposes of procreation. The legality of the retrieval of gametes from a dead body is unclear in the United Kingdom, and other jurisdictions have similarly confusing jurisprudence on the matter. The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 requires the informed consent of both gamete providers before fertility treatment can commence, rendering the act of electro‐ejaculation upon a dead body a pointless (and potentially sexual) violation. This article takes a unique look at the legality of posthumous gamete retrieval and its contradiction to our shared respect for the dead. It suggests that when carried out upon a dead body without a lawful excuse, electro‐ejaculation may offend public morality and could constitute a criminal offence of ‘sexual penetration of a corpse’ under section 70 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Covid‐19 vaccination during the third trimester of pregnancy: rate of vaccination and maternal and neonatal outcomes, a multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rottenstreich M , Sela HY , Rotem R , Kadish E , Wiener‐Well Y , Grisaru‐Granovsky S
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the impact of Covid‐19 vaccination (Pfizer–BioNTech BNT162b2) during the third trimester of pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Design

A multicentre, retrospective computerised database.

Population

Women who gave birth at >24 weeks of gestation in Israel, between January and April 2021, with full records of Covid‐19 disease and vaccination status.

Methods

Women who received two doses of the vaccine were compared with unvaccinated women. Women who were recorded as having disease or a positive Covid‐19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab during pregnancy or delivery were excluded from both study groups. Univariate analysis was followed by multivariate logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Composite adverse maternal outcomes. Secondary outcomes were vaccination rate and composite adverse neonatal outcomes.

Results

The overall uptake of one or both vaccines was 40.2%; 712 women who received two doses of the Covid‐19 vaccine were compared with 1063 unvaccinated women. Maternal composite outcomes were comparable between the groups; however, women who received the vaccine had higher rates of elective caesarean deliveries (CDs) and lower rates of vacuum deliveries. An adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Covid‐19 vaccination was not associated with maternal composite adverse outcome (aOR 0.8, 95% CI 0.61–1.03); a significant reduction in the risk for neonatal composite adverse outcomes was observed (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.36–0.74).

Conclusions

In a motivated population covered by a National Health Insurance Plan, we found a 40.2% rate of vaccination for the Covid‐19 vaccine during the third trimester of pregnancy, which was not associated with adverse maternal outcomes and, moreover, decreased the risk for neonatal adverse outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

Covid‐19 vaccine during pregnancy is safe for both mother and fetus.
Field succession studies and casework can help to identify forensically useful Diptera
Authors: Dawson Blake M. , Barton Philip S. , Wallman James F.
Published: September 2021

Fly development rates, and to a lesser extent succession data, can be used to provide an estimate of a minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). Yet, these data are most useful when a full account of species’ ecology, seasonality, and distribution is known. We conducted succession experiments on human cadavers over different seasons near Sydney, Australia, to document forensically useful information, including the pre‐appearance interval for carrion flies. We also compiled a detailed record of flies identified in casework collected in 156 cases distributed across New South Wales, Australia. We then compared the occurrence of fly species from both field and casework datasets to identify any consistencies or gaps to determine how useful species might be for forensic investigations. In the field experiments, we found differences in species diversity and abundance between seasons, as well as yearly variation between two winter seasons. Most fly species we recorded ovipositing showed a 2‐ or 3‐day delay between adult arrival and oviposition in summer, with a longer delay in winter. Species that were previously encountered in casework, such as Calliphora augur (Fabricius, 1775) and Calliphora ochracea Schiner, 1868, were confirmed as forensically useful, with their colonization behavior and seasonal preferences documented here. Although not encountered in casework, we confirmed Hemipyrellia fergusoni Patton, 1925 as a primary colonizer of human cadavers. Our study emphasizes the need to link field and casework data for a complete understanding of all aspects of a carrion fly's ecology to assist forensic investigators in mPMI estimations.
The prognostic value of emergency department measured hypertension: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reynard Charles , van den Berg Patricia , Oliver Govind , Naguib Mina Peter , Sammut‐Powell Camilla , McMillan Brian , Heagerty Anthony , Body Richard
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The objective was to assess the prognostic value of hypertension detected in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

The ED presents a unique opportunity to predict long‐term cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes with its potential for high‐footfall, and large‐scale routine data collection applied to underserved patient populations. A systematic review and meta‐analyses were conducted to assess the prognostic performance and feasibility of ED‐measured hypertension as a risk factor for long‐term CVD outcomes. We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases and gray literature sources. The target populations were undifferentiated ED patients. The prognostic factor of interest was hypertension. Feasibility outcomes included prevalence, reliability, and follow‐up attendance. Meta‐analyses were performed for feasibility using a random effect and exact likelihood.

Results

The searches identified 1072 studies after title and abstract review, 53 studies had their full text assessed for eligibility, and 26 studies were included. Significant heterogeneity was identified, likely due to the international populations and differing study design. The meta‐analyses estimate of prevalence for ED‐measured hypertension was 0.31 (95% confidence interval  0.25–0.37). ED hypertension was persistent outside the ED (FE estimate of 0.50). The proportion of patients attending follow‐up was low with an exact likelihood estimate of 0.41. Three studies examined the prognostic performance of hypertension and demonstrated an increased risk of long‐term CVD outcomes.

Conclusion

Hypertension can be measured feasibly in the ED and consequently used in a long‐term cardiovascular risk prediction model. There is an opportunity to intervene in targeted individuals, using routinely collected data.
Oral cancer awareness in patients attending university dental clinics: A scoping review of Australian studies
Authors: Ramamurthy P , Sharma D , Thomson P
Published: September 2021

This scoping review was carried out to evaluate the important role Australian university‐based dental teaching clinics and dental students might have in promoting oral cancer awareness in their patients. Four Online database (PubMed, OVID, Scopus and Emcare) were searched for studies that assessed oral cancer awareness amongst patients attending Australian university‐associated (teaching) clinics. A total of five articles were retrieved for full‐text analysis. All studies showed significant variation in patient awareness and understanding regarding the principal risk factors associated with oral cancer development. Smoking was predominantly identified as a significant risk factor, but alcohol consumption was less frequently recognized as relevant. Non‐healing ulceration was most commonly identified as a symptom of concern, whilst red and/or white mucosal patches were infrequently recognized as potentially malignant conditions. Our review confirms that a significant lack of patient awareness regarding oral cancer risk and the signs /symptoms of early malignancy or potentially malignant disease exist in patients attending dental teaching clinics. Important opportunities exist to involve dental students proactively in raising oral cancer awareness, delivering smoking cessation interventions and safe alcohol consumption advice to their patients. Incorporation of established health educational models might deliver effective support for such student‐delivered patient education.
A review of Australian tree fern ecology in forest communities
Authors: Donoghue Shavawn , Turner Perpetua A. M.
Published: September 2021

Australian forest ecosystems cover almost 16% of Australia’s landmass. As the seventh‐largest forested area worldwide, these forest ecosystems have largely evolved in the face of a changing climate and fire regime, drought and human land use practice. Australian tree ferns contribute to both the unique biodiversity of these forests and current forest product markets. We review the Australian tree fern literature including: the importance of tree ferns for other components of biodiversity; their response to disturbance such as fire and silviculture; and the management of tree ferns as a product for the horticultural market. Most studies focused on tree fern response to wildfire and clearfell burn and sow logging following management and horticultural industry changes. Survival and recruitment of tree ferns after a single fire/logging disturbance event found short‐lived negative impacts. Studies of tree ferns over time include research on growth, with non‐linear growth models found to best describe tree fern age; Cyathea australis grows 2.2 ‐ 4.0 times faster than Dicksonia antarctica on average. Tree ferns perform a keystone function through habitat for epiphytes at the local scale, but it is unknown if this has an impact on biodiversity at the landscape scale. Our review found few studies on survival and recruitment following drought; multiple disturbance events such as repeated logging; and silvicultural techniques other than clearfell burn and sow. No studies had investigated the response of tree ferns to changing climate, invasive species, changes in fire frequency or effect of megafire. We conclude with recommendations for key areas of research including, future impacts due to changing climate, synecology, influence on forests, the impact of silvicultural techniques and the influence of megafires on survival.
Effectiveness of source‐monitoring training in reducing halo error and negativity bias in a performance appraisal setting
Authors: Onal Irem G. , Kumkale G. Tarcan
Published: September 2021

The goal of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of a source‐monitoring procedure in reducing halo error and negativity bias in a performance appraisal setting. Participants watched videotaped performance segments of an instructor presumably taking place over a school year (N = 126). Then, participants in the source‐monitoring training condition received instructions teaching them how to differentiate memories that evoke detailed representations (remember judgments) from memories that evoke mere feelings of familiarity (know judgments). With this distinction in mind, participants in the training condition made significantly more accurate judgments than participants in the control condition. The training was successful in increasing the accuracy of performance ratings and reducing halo error and the negativity bias. Recognition memory measures showed that improvements were due to increased reliance on specific memory traces in the training condition. There was evidence of heuristic reliance on general impressions in the control condition.
Use of dipyridamole is associated with lower risk of lymphoid neoplasms: a propensity score‐matched cohort study
Authors: Huang Wuqing , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Ji Jianguang
Published: September 2021

The anti‐cancer potential of dipyridamole has been suggested from experiments, but evidence from population‐based studies is still lacking. We aimed to explore if dipyridamole use was related to a lower risk of lymphoid neoplasms. We identified individuals with prescription of aspirin after diagnosis of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease since 2006 by linking several Swedish registers. In these aspirin users, those with dipyridamole prescription were further identified as the study group and patients without dipyridamole were randomly selected as reference group with 1:1 ratio using a propensity score‐matching approach. After a median of 6·67 years of follow‐up, a total of 46 patients with dipyridamole use developed lymphoid neoplasms with an incidence rate of 0·49 per 1 000 person‐years, while the rate in the matched group was 0·74 per 1 000 person‐years. As compared to non‐users, dipyridamole users were associated with a significantly decreased risk of lymphoid neoplasms [hazard ratio (HR) = 0·65; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0·43‐0·98]. Specifically, the reduced risk was observed for non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (HR = 0·64; 95% CI = 0·42‐0·94), especially B‐cell lymphomas (HR = 0·56; 95% CI = 0·35‐0·88). Dipyridamole use was related to a lower risk of lymphoid neoplasms, indicating a clinical potential of dipyridamole to be an adjunct anti‐tumour agent against lymphoid neoplasms.
Synthesis of new coumarin[1,3]oxazine derivatives of 7‐hydroxy‐6‐isobornyl‐4‐methylcoumarin and their antioxidant activity
Authors: Popova Svetlana A. , Shevchenko Oksana G. , Chukicheva Irina Yu.
Published: September 2021

In this work, we synthesized a series of new 9,10‐dihydro‐2H,8H‐chromeno[8,7e][1,3]oxazine‐2‐on derivatives which incorporate isobornylcoumarin and 1,3‐oxazine moieties. A structure‐antioxidant activity relationship was analyzed. A comparative evaluation of their radical scavenging activity, antioxidant and membrane‐protective properties was carried out in test with DPPH, as well as on the models of Fe2+/ascorbate‐initiated lipid peroxidation and oxidative hemolysis of mammalian red blood cells. The results suggest that all the obtained coumarin[1,3]oxazine derivatives of 7‐hydroxy‐6‐isobornyl‐4‐methylcoumarin are capable of exhibiting antioxidant activity in various model systems. Compound 7 with a phenyl fragment, combining high radical scavenging activity and the ability to inhibit Fe2+/ascorbate‐initiated peroxidation of animal lipids in a heterogeneous environment, also proved to be the most effective membrane protector and antioxidant in the model of H2O2‐induced erythrocyte hemolysis.
Mapping the ghost: Estimating probabilistic snow leopard distribution across Mongolia
Authors: Bayandonoi Gantulga , Sharma Koustubh , Shanti Alexander Justine , Lkhagvajav Purevjav , Durbach Ian , Buyanaa Chimeddorj , Munkhtsog Bariushaa , Ochirjav Munkhtogtokh , Erdenebaatar Sergelen , Batkhuyag Bilguun , Battulga Nyamzav , Byambasuren Choidogjamts , Uudus Bayarsaikhan , Setev Shar , Davaa Lkhagvasuren , Agchbayar Khurel‐Erdene , Galsandorj Naranbaatar , MacKenzie Darryl
Published: September 2021

Aim

Snow leopards are distributed across the mountains of 12 countries spread across 1.8 million km2in Central and South Asia. Previous efforts to map snow leopard distributions have relied on expert opinions and modelling of presence‐only data. Expert opinion is subjective and its reliability is difficult to assess, while analyses of presence‐only data have tended to ignore the imperfect detectability of this elusive species. The study was conducted to prepare the first ever probabilistic distribution map of snow leopards across Mongolia addressing the challenge of imperfect detection.

Location

We conducted sign‐based occupancy surveys across 1,017 grid‐cells covering 406,800 km2of Mongolia's potential snow leopard range.

Methods

Using a candidate model set of 31 ecologically meaningful models that used six site and seven sampling covariates, we estimate the probability of sites being used by snow leopards across the entire country.

Results

Occupancy probability increased with greater terrain ruggedness, with lower values of vegetation indices, with less forest cover, and were highest at intermediate altitudes. Detection probability was higher for segments walked on foot, and for those in more rugged terrain. Our results showed broad agreement with maps developed using expert opinion and presence‐only data but also highlighted important differences, for example in northern areas of Mongolia deemed largely unfavourable by previous expert opinion and presence‐only analyses.

Main conclusions

This study reports the first national‐level occupancy survey of snow leopards in Mongolia and highlights methodological opportunities that can be taken to scale and support national‐level conservation planning. Our assessments indicated that <12% of its entire land mass, and 42% of the potential snow leopard habitat in Mongolia has a high (>0.5) probability of being used by snow leopards. We emphasize the utility of occupancy modelling, which jointly models detection and site use, in achieving these goals.
Replacing insulin with immunotherapy: Time for a paradigm change in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tatovic Danijela , Dayan Colin M
Published: September 2021

For almost a hundred years, the management of Type 1 diabetes has not advanced beyond insulin replacement. However, insulin does not provide satisfactory glycaemic control in the majority of individuals and there remains a major unmet need for novel treatments for Type 1 diabetes. Immunomodulation to preserve beta‐cell function offers the prospect of making treatment with insulin easier and/or preventing the need for insulin, particularly when it comes to novel low‐risk immunotherapies. Led by the concept that the best insulin‐producing cell is a patient's own beta‐cell, the Type 1 diabetes scientific community has a challenging task ahead—to fundamentally change the management of this devastating disease by using low‐risk immunotherapy to preserve endogenous beta‐cell function and make metabolic control substantially easier. In that way, insulin and/or beta‐cell replacement (stem cell or transplantation) should in the future be considered rescue therapies reserved for delayed presentations.