bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Testing of Co-integration of International Financial Markets with Reference to India, the USA, Japan, and Hong Kong
Authors: Keshari Aditya , Gautam Amit
Published: March 2022

This article examines the co-integration among the financial markets of four countries (India, the USA, Japan, and Hong Kong) from April 2010 to May 2021. Using the Johansen co-integration test, we establish the integration between the stock markets of these countries. The test clearly shows that there exists long-run co-integration between these countries. Furthermore, we checked the relationship of one country with another by applying the multivariate Granger causality test, which shows the influence of the US market over the other countries. The results significantly show the existence of long-run co-integration and linkages between these financial markets. Applying the Vector error correction model and variance decomposition analysis for the period confirms the result obtained from multivariate Granger causality. As the study shows, the stock market of the countries is not entirely inter-linked. However, some tests provide the pairwise linkages but not when talking about all the nations together. That means the rise in one stock market does not necessarily impact the surge in other stock exchanges, which means investors can profit from diversifying between these stock exchanges. It provides the opportunity for portfolio diversification to investors. The study shows that “the international stock market is neither fully integrated nor completely segmented,” giving international diversification an opportunity. As in our study, the “U.S. market is the most exogenous,” and the Japanese market is relatively isolated from the other market, where the impact from the different markets is not that significant.
Work-related Stress Management Behaviors of Nurses During COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Dabou Eman Abdelaziz Rashad , Ilesanmi Rose Ekama , Mathias Carol Avil , Hanson Victoria Funmilayo
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Intense psychological and emotional stress experienced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic interferes with their wellbeing and work efficiency. Stress-management behaviors are required to enhance coping and ameliorate stress effects. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the management behavior of nurses during the pandemic to suggest ways to improve their wellbeing.

Objective

The study aimed to examine nurses’ work-related stress management behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in UAE.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey of 64 nurses working in the Isolation and Intensive care units of two selected hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. A convenience sampling technique was used for sample selection. Each participant completed an online survey via Google forms of two validated instruments: a 10-item scale to measure perceived stress levels and a 15-item Stress management inventory. The completed questionnaires were analyzed on SPSS version 25.

Results

Respondents (78.1%) reported a moderate level of stress (Mean = 18.03 and SD = 5.33). Stress management behaviors utilized included four elements (eliminating stressors, developing resilience, using short-term coping, and effective delegating) and the mean and SD were 17.62 ± 2.6, 17.42 ± 3.3, 8.88 ± 1.47, and 23.98 ± 3.54 respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between these four elements of stress management inventory (p = 0.00). Findings also showed a significant inverse correlation between the scores on perceived stress, short-term coping, and effective delegation. The overall regression of demographic covariates on stress management behaviors was not statistically significant [F = (1.015), (0.602), (0.909), (1.286), p >0.05].

Conclusions

Effective delegating and developing resilience were effective stress management behavior among nurses. Regular assessment of the psychological needs of nurses is essential to enhance overall wellbeing during stressful situations.
Clinical relevance of lung transplantation for COVID-19 ARDS: a nationwide study
Authors: Lang Christian , Ritschl Valentin , Augustin Florian , Lang Gyoergy , Moser Bernhard , Taghavi Shahrokh , Murakoezy Gabriella , Lambers Christopher , Flick Holger , Koestenberger Markus , Brooks Roxane , Muhr Tina , Knotzer Johann , Mydza Daniel , Kaufmann Marc , Staudinger Thomas , Zauner Christian , Krenn Claus , Schaden Eva , Bacher Andreas , Rössler Bernhard , Faybik Peter , Tschernko Edda , Anwar Maria , Markstaller Klaus , Hoefer Daniel , Stamm Tanja , Jaksch Peter , Hoetzenecker Konrad
Published: March 2022

Background

Although the number of lung transplantations (LTx) performed worldwide for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is still low, there is general agreement that this treatment can save a subgroup of the most severely ill patients with irreversible lung damage. However, the true proportion of patients eligible for LTx, the overall outcome and the impact of LTx on the pandemic are unknown.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using a nationwide registry of hospitalised patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection admitted between 1 January 2020 and 30 May 2021 in Austria. Patients referred to one of the two Austrian LTx centres were analysed, and grouped into patients accepted and rejected for LTx. Detailed outcome analysis was performed for all patients who received a LTx for post-COVID-19 ARDS and compared with patients who underwent LTx for other indications.

Results

Between 1 January 2020 and 30 May 2021, 39 485 patients were hospitalised for COVID-19 in Austria. 2323 required mechanical ventilation and 183 received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. 106 patients with severe COVID-19 ARDS were referred for LTx. Of these, 19 (18%) underwent LTx. 30-day mortality after LTx was 0% for COVID-19 ARDS transplant recipients. At a median follow-up of 134 (47–450) days, 14 out of 19 patients were alive.

Conclusions

Early referral of ECMO patients to a LTx centre is pivotal in order to select patients eligible for LTx. Transplantation offers excellent midterm outcomes and should be incorporated in the treatment algorithm of post-COVID-19 ARDS.
Spatial distribution characteristics of the dust emitted at different cutting speeds during MDF milling by image analysis
Authors: Cui Yunqi , Yin Jian , Cai Yitong , Wang Huimin , Zhu Nanfeng , Ding Tao
Published: March 2022

Wood dust produced in medium-density fiberboard (MDF) processing is a major occupational hazard in wood industry and may damage processing equipment. In many wood processing factories, dust collecting systems need to be optimized for the distributional and morphological characteristics of dust in the workshop so that economical and efficient dust control can be achieved. In this study, weighting, image analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to explore the effects of different cutting speeds on the distribution and morphology of dust generated in MDF milling. The results showed that most dust particles were less than 100 μm and that the aspect ratios (AR) were between 0.6 and 0.7. There was significant difference in particle number size distribution (PNSD) between the dust at different sampling positions. Less amount of dust was located close to cutting center, and fine dust was more likely to appear far away from cutting center. Cutting speed was associated with PNSD, but had little effect on AR. The findings provide spatial distribution characteristics of MDF dust during milling, which can be helpful for optimizing cutting parameters and locating dust collecting hoods to minimize dust exposure.
An emerging role of microplastics in the etiology of lung ground glass nodules
Authors: Chen Qiqing , Gao Jiani , Yu Hairui , Su Hang , Yang Yan , Cao Yajuan , Zhang Qun , Ren Yijiu , Hollert Henner , Shi Huahong , Chen Chang , Liu Haipeng
Published: March 2022

Background

Microplastic pollution has become a serious global environmental threat. The abundance of microplastics in the air is an order of magnitude higher than that in other media, which means that all living animals breathing with lungs (including humans) cannot escape the fate of inhaling microplastics. However, there is no direct evidence to demonstrate what type and abundance of microplastics exist in lung tissue. In addition, whether the retention of microplastics and the long-term friction between microplastics and lung tissue are related to some respiratory diseases is largely unknown. Ground glass nodules (GGNs) are areas of lesions of homogeneous density and with hazy increase in density in the lung field that do not obscure the bronchovascular structure, which have been increasingly identified in past decades. Although their etiology is broad, the correlation of microplastics with GGNs remains elusive.

Results

In this study, we identified the presence of 65 microfibers, including 24 microplastics (> 20 μm) in 100 human lung tissues with μ-FTIR. The detection rate of microfibers in tumor was 58%, higher than that in normal tissue (46%), and 2/3 of microplastics were found in tumor. Microfibers seemed to be embedded in lung tissues, which was suggested by the in situ observation via LDIR. Additionally, sub-micron-sized plastic particles were also detected in some lung tissues with Raman. The abundance of microfibers in lung tissue gradually accumulated with the increase of age. Moreover, the detection rate in tumor of patients with higher microfiber exposure risk history was significantly higher than those with a relatively lower one, implying microfiber inhalation could be related to the formation of GGN. Further, serious weared surface of microfibers isolated from lung tissue emphasized a possible link of surface roughness to the disease progression.

Conclusions

Collectively, the existence of microplastics in human lung tissues was validated, and their correlation with GGN formation was preliminarily explored, which laid a foundation for future research on microplastic exposure in the etiology of lung cancer and other related respiratory diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Threshold effects of environmental regulation types on green investment by heavily polluting enterprises
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Wang Ning , Hu Xingqiu , Wang Hongpeng
Published: March 2022

Background

In the stage of sustainable development, enterprises should not only focus on economic efficiency, but also on ecological protection, for which the governments of various countries has adopted various environmental regulation methods to promote green investment by enterprises. However, there are many types of environmental regulations, and the relationship between policy formulation and implementation effects is complicated. Heavily polluting enterprises as the main carrier of resource consumption and pollutant emissions is the main target of environmental regulation. Based on this, we took China's heavily polluting listed companies as examples to explore the impact of different types of environmental regulations on green investment in heavily polluting enterprises.

Results

In this paper, environmental regulations were divided into formal and informal types, of which formal environmental regulations (FER) were subdivided into command-control and market-incentive types. The empirical results showed that the relationship between command-control environmental regulations and green investment by heavily polluting enterprises presents an inverted “U” shape, and market-incentive environmental regulations first have no effect on and then promote green investment by heavily polluting enterprises. Besides, informal environmental regulations (IER) have maintained a positive effect on green investment by heavily polluting enterprises.

Conclusions

Heavily polluting enterprises, respectively, employ passive, active and voluntary green investment strategies under the three types of environmental regulations, providing a reference for the government to promote green investment by enterprises by environmental regulations more effectively.
Tensions in the therapeutic relationship: emotional labour in the response to child abuse and neglect in primary healthcare
Authors: Kuruppu Jacqueline , Humphreys Cathy , McKibbin Gemma , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: March 2022

Background

Child abuse and neglect (child abuse) is a prevalent public health issue linked to survivors experiencing a higher risk of health issues such as obesity, heart disease and major depression. Given the significant impact of child abuse on health, general practitioners (GPs) and primary care nurses (nurses) are well-placed to respond to child abuse. However, research shows that responding to child abuse is difficult for health practitioners, especially the act of reporting child abuse. The present study aimed to understand how GPs and nurses experience the response to child abuse in primary healthcare.

Methods

This study employed qualitative methods. Twenty-six in-depth individual and group interviews were conducted with 30 GPs and nurses. The interviews were audio recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

Results

The participants were mostly metropolitan-based female GPs. Participants were sampled from two settings: private general practice and community health; and Doctors in Secondary Schools, a program that places GPs and nurses in high schools. Thematic analysis generated four themes: blowing trust out of the water; riding the reaction wave; opening a hornet’s nest; and battling emotions. Participants felt that, in considering child abuse, they were betraying the trust of the therapeutic relationship and thus, had to manage their patients’ reactions to preserve the therapeutic relationship. They used strategies that created shifts in perception in both themselves and their patients to help maintain the therapeutic relationship. Participants often felt that they had to compromise their professional code of ethics to fulfil their mandatory reporting obligations. Thus, they experienced internal emotional battles when responding which led to some experiencing burnout or vicarious trauma and others resilience. This complex interplay of relationship and emotional management was placed in the context of emotional labour theory. We contend that our participants undertook emotional labour across three levels: internal, organisational and systemic.

Conclusions

We conclude that the emotional labour exerted in the response to child abuse can be diminished by: developing strategies for therapeutic relationship management; undertaking an internal, organisational and systemic values assessment; and facilitating communication between health professionals and the child protection system.
Urinary metabolomics using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Khan Zaib Un Nisa , Chand Prem , Majid Hafsa , Ahmed Sibtain , Khan Aysha Habib , Jamil Azeema , Ejaz Saba , Wasim Ambreen , Khan Khaleel Ahmad , Jafri Lena
Published: March 2022

Background

Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is generally made phenotypically and the hunt for ASD-biomarkers continues. The purpose of this study was to compare urine organic acids profiles of ASD versus typically developing (TD) children to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis and exploration of ASD etiology.

Methods

This case control study was performed in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Pakistan. Midstream urine was collected in the first half of the day time before noon from the children with ASD diagnosed by a pediatric neurologist based on DSM-5 criteria and TD healthy controls from August 2019 to June 2021. The urine organic acids were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. To identify potential biomarkers for ASD canonical linear discriminant analysis was carried out for the organic acids, quantified in comparison to an internal standard.

Results

A total of 85 subjects were enrolled in the current study. The mean age of the ASD (n = 65) and TD groups (n = 20) was 4.5 ± 2.3 and 6.4 ± 2.2 years respectively with 72.3% males in the ASD group and 50% males in the TD group. Parental consanguinity was 47.7 and 30% in ASD and TD groups, respectively. The common clinical signs noted in children with ASD were developmental delay (70.8%), delayed language skills (66.2%), and inability to articulate sentences (56.9%). Discriminant analysis showed that 3-hydroxyisovalericc, homovanillic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, and indole acetic were significantly different between ASD and TD groups. The biochemical classification results reveal that 88.2% of cases were classified correctly into ASD& TD groups based on the urine organic acid profiles.

Conclusion

3-hydroxy isovaleric acid, homovanillic acid, adipic acid, suberic acid, and indole acetic were good discriminators between the two groups. The discovered potential biomarkers could be valuable for future research in children with ASD.
Effectiveness and perinatal outcomes of history-indicated, ultrasound-indicated and physical examination-indicated cerclage: a retrospective study
Authors: Golbasi Ceren , Golbasi Hakan , Bayraktar Burak , Sever Baris , Vural Tayfun , Ekin Atalay
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and perinatal outcomes of cerclage procedure according to indication.

Methods

The pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of the patients who underwent cerclage with the diagnosis of cervical insufficiency between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups: a history-indicated group, an ultrasound-indicated group and a physical examination-indicated group.

Results

Seventy-three patients who underwent cerclage were included in the study. Of these, 41 (56.2%) had history-indicated, 17 (23.3%) had ultrasound-indicated and 15 (20.5%) had physical examination-indicated cerclages. Compared to history- and ultrasound-indicated cerclage group, duration from cerclage to delivery (18.6 ± 6.9 weeks vs 17.8±5.9 weeks vs 11 ± 5.3 weeks, p = 0.003) was significantly lower and delivery < 28 weeks (9.8% vs 5.9% vs 33.3%, p = 0.042) and delivery < 34 weeks of gestation (26.8% vs 11.8% vs 60%, p = 0.009) were significantly higher in physical examination-indicated cerclage group. In physical examination-indicated cerclage, compared with history- and ultrasound-indicated cerclage low birth weight, low APGAR score, neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal mortality were higher, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Pregnant women who underwent physical examination-indicated cerclage had higher risks for preterm delivery < 28 weeks and < 34 weeks than history- and ultrasound–indicated cerclage.
Implementation of a strategy to facilitate effective medical follow-up for Australian First Nations children hospitalised with lower respiratory tract infections: study protocol
Authors: Schultz André , Chang Anne B. , Gill Fenella , Walker Roz , Barwick Melanie , Munns Sarah , Cooper Matthew N. , Norman Richard , Laird Pamela
Published: March 2022

Background

First Nations children hospitalised with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) are at increased risk of future bronchiectasis (up to 15–19%) within 24-months post-hospitalisation. An identified predictive factor is persistent wet cough a month after hospitalisation and this is likely related to protracted bacterial bronchitis which can progress to bronchiectasis, if untreated. Thus, screening for, and optimally managing, persistent wet cough one-month post-hospitalisation potentially prevents bronchiectasis in First Nations’ children. Our study aims to improve the post-hospitalisation medical follow-up for First Nations children hospitalised with ALRIs and thus lead to improved respiratory health. We hypothesize that implementation of a strategy, conducted in a culturally secure manner, that is informed by barriers and facilitators identified by both parents and health care providers, will improve medical follow-up and management of First Nations children hospitalized with ALRIs.

Methods

Our trial is a multi-centre, pseudo-randomized stepped wedge design where the implementation of the strategy is tailored for each study site through a combined Participatory Action Research and implementation science approach informed by the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research. Outcome measures will consist of three categories related to (i) health, (ii) economics and (iii) implementation. The primary outcome measure will be Cough-specific Quality of Life (PC-QoL). Outcomes will be measures at each study site/cluster in three different stages i.e., (i) nil-intervention control group, (ii) health information only control group and (iii) post-intervention group.

Discussion

If our hypothesis is correct, our study findings will translate to improved health outcomes (cough related quality of life) in children who have persistent wet cough a month after hospitalization for an ALRI.

Trial registration ACTRN12622000224729, prospectively registered 8 February 2022, URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382886&isReview=true.
Effects of experimental pain on the cervical spine reposition errors
Authors: Wang Xu , Qu Ning , Wang Yang , Dong Jian , Jiao Jianhang , Wu Minfei
Published: March 2022

Background

Healthy subjects showed normal variance of cervical spine reposition errors of approximately 2 degrees. Effects of experimental pain on cervical spine reposition errors were unknown; thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of experimental pain on cervical spine reposition errors.

Methods

A repeated measured study design was applied. Thirty healthy subjects (12 males) were recruited. Reposition errors were extracted from upright cervical positions before and after cervical flexion movement in healthy subjects before and during experimental neck pain. Cervical spine reposition errors were calculated based on anatomical landmarks of each cervical joint. Reposition errors were extracted in degrees as constant errors and absolute errors for further statistical analysis. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) was applied to analyse experimental pain effects on either constant errors or absolute errors of different cervical joints.

Results

The cervical spine showed non-significant difference in reposition errors regarding the constant errors (P>0.05) while larger reposition errors regarding the absolute errors during experimental pain compared to before experimental pain (P<0.001). In addition, the pain level joint (C4/C5) and its adjacent joints (C3/C4 and C5/C6) indicated larger reposition errors regarding absolute errors (P=0.035, P=0.329 and P=0.103, respectively).

Conclusions

This study firstly investigated the cervical spine reposition errors in experimental neck pain and further found the joints adjacent to the pain level showed larger errors compared to the distant joints regarding absolute errors. It may imply that the larger reposition errors in specific cervical joint indicate probable injury or pain existed adjacent to the joints.
Magnitude and determinants of intimate partner violence against women in East Africa: multilevel analysis of recent demographic and health survey
Authors: Kebede Sewnet Adem , Weldesenbet Adisu Birhanu , Tusa Biruk Shalmeno
Published: March 2022

Background

Violence against women is a significant public health problem, and human rights abuse, and is associated with multiple adverse physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health effects. The current study aimed to determine the magnitude of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its determinant factors in East African countries.

Methods

We utilized the most recent demographic and health survey data from 11 East African countries, which was comprised of a weighted sample of 55,501 ever-married women. A multilevel multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied. We used an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI and a p value ≤ 0.05 in the multilevel logistic model to declare significant factors associated with IPV.

Results

The overall prevalence of all forms of IPV in East African countries was 32.66% [95% CI 32.27, 33.05], with the highest IPV occurring in Uganda (14.93%) and the lowest IPV recorded in Comoros (0.87%). In the multivariable multilevel logistic regression model, women’s education, residence, sex of household head, current pregnancy, husband drinking alcohol, attitude towards wife-beating husband controlling behavior, and women’s decision-making autonomy were significantly associated with IPV.

Conclusion

The risk factors noted above increase the likelihood of a woman experiencing IPV. Therefore, we recommend establishing effective health and legal response services for IPV, raising awareness of the existing legislation service and improving its application, strengthening legislations on purchasing and selling of alcohol, strengthening joint (both husband and wife) decision-making power by empowering women, improving the educational level of women, and establishing measures to break the culture of societal tolerance towards IPV.
Yoga as an adjunct activity for medical students learning anatomy
Authors: Lee Eugene C. , Adams William , Sandoval-Skeet Noemy , Hoyt Amy , Lee Kit
Published: March 2022

Background

Medical students experience high levels of stress during training due to demanding course loads which often leaves less time for self-care. This study combines the self-care technique of yoga with learning anatomical locations, innervations, actions, and functions of the muscles and organs to determine if anatomy tests scores are improved and whether students’ stress levels attenuate from participating in yoga.

Methods

In this randomized controlled study, 64 student volunteers were randomized into either a yoga intervention group or wait list control group throughout the M1 anatomy course. The yoga group (n = 32) participated in 8 yoga sessions synced with the anatomy topics they were learning in lecture. The wait list group (n = 32) went through their normal anatomy curriculum but had an option to participate in the same yoga sessions after the anatomy course. The primary research purpose was to determine whether yoga improved anatomy exam performance by comparing four anatomy exam scores between the two groups. The secondary research purposes included the following: to determine whether yoga classes including anatomy teaching still conferred acute and long-lasting stress relief by, respectively, comparing a students’ own pre- and post-yoga stress level and self-perceived stress levels between the two groups; and to determine if a student’s confidence in anatomy was improved after a yoga session.

Results

There was no significant difference in anatomy exam performance between students who received yoga and those on the waitlist (all p > 0.05). For students who received yoga, their average self-reported stress levels decreased after each yoga session, their average DASS (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) score decreased after a yoga session, but they were not significantly less stressed than their waitlist peers prior to an exam, and their self-reported confidence in anatomy material related to the back, upper extremity, head and neck, and abdomen/pelvis increased.

Conclusion

With this sample, there was no evidence that yoga sessions paired with anatomy lecture material improved overall anatomy exam performance, as opposed to only the musculoskeletal portion which other studies have looked at. However, yoga acutely reduced stress levels, and subjective feelings of knowledge improvement were noted by participants. Both of these can provide benefits to medical students.
Identification and characterisation of spontaneous mutations causing deafness from a targeted knockout programme
Authors: Lewis Morag A. , Ingham Neil J. , Chen Jing , Pearson Selina , Di Domenico Francesca , Rekhi Sohinder , Allen Rochelle , Drake Matthew , Willaert Annelore , Rook Victoria , Pass Johanna , Keane Thomas , Adams David J. , Tucker Abigail S. , White Jacqueline K. , Steel Karen P.
Published: March 2022

Background

Mice carrying targeted mutations are important for investigating gene function and the role of genes in disease, but off-target mutagenic effects associated with the processes of generating targeted alleles, for instance using Crispr, and culturing embryonic stem cells, offer opportunities for spontaneous mutations to arise. Identifying spontaneous mutations relies on the detection of phenotypes segregating independently of targeted alleles, and having a broad estimate of the level of mutations generated by intensive breeding programmes is difficult given that many phenotypes are easy to miss if not specifically looked for. Here we present data from a large, targeted knockout programme in which mice were analysed through a phenotyping pipeline. Such spontaneous mutations segregating within mutant lines may confound phenotypic analyses, highlighting the importance of record-keeping and maintaining correct pedigrees.

Results

Twenty-five lines out of 1311 displayed different deafness phenotypes that did not segregate with the targeted allele. We observed a variety of phenotypes by Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and behavioural assessment and isolated eight lines showing early-onset severe progressive hearing loss, later-onset progressive hearing loss, low frequency hearing loss, or complete deafness, with vestibular dysfunction. The causative mutations identified include deletions, insertions, and point mutations, some of which involve new genes not previously associated with deafness while others are new alleles of genes known to underlie hearing loss. Two of the latter show a phenotype much reduced in severity compared to other mutant alleles of the same gene. We investigated the ES cells from which these lines were derived and determined that only one of the 8 mutations could have arisen in the ES cell, and in that case, only after targeting. Instead, most of the non-segregating mutations appear to have occurred during breeding of mutant mice. In one case, the mutation arose within the wildtype colony used for expanding mutant lines.

Conclusions

Our data show that spontaneous mutations with observable effects on phenotype are a common side effect of intensive breeding programmes, including those underlying targeted mutation programmes. Such spontaneous mutations segregating within mutant lines may confound phenotypic analyses, highlighting the importance of record-keeping and maintaining correct pedigrees.
Acceptance of oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel®) chewable tablets in client-owned dogs with allergic and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Visser Marike , Walsh Kelly , King Vickie , Sture Gordon , Caneva Laura
Published: March 2022

Background

The oral acceptance of oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel®) chewable tablets administered twice daily for 7 days at the labeled dose range of 0.4–0.6 mg/kg was evaluated in 121 dogs treated at ten general practice veterinary clinics in the United States.

Results

Dogs that were enrolled in the study were client-owned, ranged from 1 to 14 years of age, weighed 3.7 to 60.7 kg, and required twice daily treatment with Apoquel for allergic or atopic dermatitis for 7 days. One hundred and twenty-one (121) dogs with 1673 total dose administrations successfully completed the study and were included in the data summary. Out of a total number of 1673 administrations, 1533 (91.6%) were accepted voluntarily within 5 min, 134 (8%) were consumed with assistance (with food treats or by pilling) outside of the 5 min offering time and 6 (0.4%) doses were not consumed. The per dose percent acceptance rate for the 14 offered doses showed minimal variation ranging from 89.9 to 93.3%.

Conclusions

Client-owned dogs from the general veterinary patient population that required treatment with oclacitinib found the chewable tablets to be very palatable and no aversion occurred with repeated dosing. Oclacitinib chewable tablets were well tolerated and are a palatable alternative to the film-coated tablet.
Molecular phylogeny of Anopheles nivipes based on mtDNA-COII and mosquito diversity in Cambodia-Laos border
Authors: Zhang Yilong , Zhang Canglin , Yang Rui , Luo Chunhai , Deng Yan , Liu Yan , Zhang Yilong , Zhou Hongning , Zhang Dongmei
Published: March 2022

Background

Few studies have been conducted to investigate the distribution of mosquito vectors and the population structure of secondary vectors in the border region of Cambodia-Laos. The aim of this work was to study the mosquito diversity and molecular phylogeny of secondary vectors, i.e., Anopheles nivipes in this area.

Methods

1440 adult mosquitoes were trapped in the Cambodia-Laos border. mtDNA-COII were amplified and sequenced from 53 An. nivipes DNA samples. Together with COII sequences deposited in GenBank, a total of 86 COII sequences were used for examining population variations, genetic differentiation, spatial population structure, population expansion, and gene flow patterns.

Results

The adult mosquitoes were classified into 5 genera and 27 species in this border region. The predominant genera were Culex (60.07%, 865/1440) and Anopheles (31.25%, 450/1440), and the major Anopheles species were An. nivipes (73.56%, 331/450) and Anopheles maculatus (14.22%, 64/450). Based on sequences analysis of COII, a high level of genetic differentiation was reported in two Northwest India (Cheema and Bathinda, Punjab) and Cambodia-Laos (Siem Pang, Stung treng) populations (FST = 0.97824, 0.97343, P < 0.05), as well as lower gene flow (Nm = 0.01112, 0.01365) in the An. nivipes populations. Phylogenetic analysis and SAMOVA revealed a gene barrier restricting gene flow among three An. nivipes populations. Mantel test suggested a significant correlation between geography and gene distance in all An. nivipes populations (Z = 44,983.1865, r = 0.5575, P = 0.0070). Neutrality test and Mismatch distribution revealed a recent population expansion of An. nivipes in the Cambodia-Laos population.

Conclusions

Anopheles nivipes was one of the major Anopheles species in the Cambodia-Laos border. Based on sequences analysis of COII, a genetic barrier between Cambodia-Laos and two Indian populations was found, and a recent population expanding or selecting of An. nivipes occurred in the Cambodia-Laos population, suggesting that COII might be an effective marker for describing the molecular phylogeny of An. nivipes. Further investigation and continuous surveillance of An. nivipes are warranted in this region.
Cleavage-stage human embryo arrest, is it embryo genetic composition or others?
Authors: Orvieto Raoul , Jonish-Grossman Anat , Maydan Sharon Avhar , Noach-Hirsh Meirav , Dratviman-Storobinsky Olga , Aizer Adva
Published: March 2022

Embryo transfer is a crucial step in IVF cycle, with increasing trend during the last decade of transferring a single embryo, preferably at the blastocyst stage. Despite increasing evidence supporting Day 5 blastocyst-stage transfer, the optimal day of embryo transfer remains controversial. The crucial questions are therefore, whether the mechanisms responsible to embryos arrest are embryo aneuploidy or others, and whether those embryos arrested in-vitro between the cleavage to the blastocyst stage would survive in-vivo if transferred on the cleavage-stage. We therefore aim to explore whether aneuploidy can directly contribute to embryo development to the blastocyst stage. Thirty Day-5 embryos, that their Day-3 blastomere biopsy revealed a single-gene defect, were donated by 10 couples undergoing preimplantation genetic testing treatment at our center. Affected high quality Day-3 embryos were cultured to Day-5, and were classified to those that developed to the blastocyst-stage and those that were arrested. Each embryo underwent whole genome amplification. Eighteen (60%) embryos were arrested, did not develop to the blastocyst stage and 12 (40%) have developed to the blastocyst stage. Nineteen embryos (63.3%) were found to be euploid. Of them, 12 (66.6%) were arrested embryos and 7 (58.3%) were those that developed to the blastocyst-stage. These figures were not statistically different (p = 0.644). Our observation demonstrated that the mechanism responsible to embryos arrest in vitro is not embryo aneuploidy, but rather other, such as culture conditions. If further studies will confirm that Day-5 blastocyst transfer might cause losses of embryos that would have been survived in vivo, cleavage-stage embryo transfer would be the preferred timing. This might reduce the cycle cancellations due to failure of embryo to develop to the blastocyst stage and will provide the best cumulative live birth-rate per started cycle.
Effect of combined wet alkaline mechanical pretreatment on enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover and its mechanism
Authors: Yang Jie , Gao Chongfeng , Yang Xueqi , Su Yanfu , Shi Suan , Han Lujia
Published: March 2022

Background

To further optimize the mechanochemical pretreatment process, a combined wet alkaline mechanical pretreatment of corn stover was proposed with a short time and less chemical consumption at room temperature.

Results

The combined alkaline mechanical pretreatment significantly enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis resulting a highest glucose yield (YG) of 91.9% with 3% NaOH and ball milling (BM) for 10 min. At this optimal condition, 44.4% lignin was removed and major portion of cellulose was retained (86.6%). The prehydrolysate contained by-products such as monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, acetic acid, and lignin but no furfural and 5-HMF. The alkaline concentration showed a significant impact on glucose yield, while the BM time was less important. Quantitative correlation analysis showed that YG (%) = 0.68 × BM time (min) + 19.27 × NaOH concentration (%) + 13.71 (R2 = 0.85), YG = 6.35 × glucan content − 231.84 (R2 = 0.84), and YG =  − 14.22 × lignin content + 282.70 (R2 = 0.87).

Conclusion

The combined wet alkaline mechanical pretreatment at room temperature had a boosting effect on the yield of enzymatic hydrolysis with short treatment time and less chemical consumption. The impact of the physical and chemical properties of corn stover pretreated with different BM times and/or different NaOH concentrations on the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis was investigated, which would be beneficial to illustrate the effective mechanism of the mechanochemical pretreatment method.
Multi-omic alterations of the SWI/SNF complex define a clinical subgroup in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Peinado Paola , Andrades Alvaro , Cuadros Marta , Rodriguez Maria Isabel , Coira Isabel F. , Garcia Daniel J. , Benitez-Cantos Maria S. , Cano Carlos , Zarzuela Eduardo , Muñoz Javier , Loidi Claudia , Saiz Monica , Medina Pedro P.
Published: March 2022

SWI/SNF complexes are major targets of mutations in cancer. Here, we combined multiple “-omics” methods to assess SWI/SNF composition and aberrations in LUAD. Mutations in lung SWI/SNF subunits were highly recurrent in our LUAD cohort (41.4%), and over 70% of the mutations were predicted to have functional impact. Furthermore, SWI/SNF expression in LUAD suffered an overall repression that could not be explained exclusively by genetic alterations. Finally, SWI/SNF mutations were associated with poorer overall survival in TCGA-LUAD. We propose SWI/SNF-mutant LUAD as a separate clinical subgroup with practical implications.
Racism in Australia: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ben Jehonathan , Elias Amanuel , Issaka Ayuba , Truong Mandy , Dunn Kevin , Sharples Rachel , McGarty Craig , Walton Jessica , Mansouri Fethi , Denson Nida , Paradies Yin
Published: March 2022

Background

Racism has been identified as a major source of injustice and a health burden in Australia and across the world. Despite the surge in Australian quantitative research on the topic, and the increasing recognition of the prevalence and impact of racism in Australian society, the collective evidence base has yet to be comprehensively reviewed or meta-analysed. This protocol describes the first systematic review and meta-analysis of racism in Australia at the national level, focussing on quantitative studies. The current study will considerably improve our understanding of racism, including its manifestations and fluctuation over time, variation across settings and between groups, and associations with health and socio-economic outcomes.

Methods

The research will consist of a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Searches for relevant studies will focus on the social and health science databases CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus. Two reviewers will independently screen eligible papers for inclusion and extract data from included studies. Studies will be included in the review and meta-analysis where they meet the following criteria: (1) report quantitative empirical research on self-reported racism in Australia, (2) report data on the prevalence of racism, or its association with health (e.g. mental health, physical health, health behaviours) or socio-economic outcomes (e.g. education, employment, income), and (3) report Australian data. Measures of racism will focus on study participants’ self-reports, with a separate analysis dedicated to researcher-reported measures, such as segregation and differential outcomes across racial/ethnic groups. Measures of health and socio-economic outcomes will include both self-reports and researcher-reported measures, such as physiological measurements. Existing reviews will be manually searched for additional studies. Study characteristics will be summarised, and a meta-analysis of the prevalence of racism and its associations will be conducted using random effects models and mean weighted effect sizes. Moderation and subgroup analyses will be conducted as well. All analyses will use the software CMA 3.0.

Discussion

This study will provide a novel and comprehensive synthesis of the quantitative evidence base on racism in Australia. It will answer questions about the fluctuation of racism over time, its variation across settings and groups, and its relationship with health and socio-economic outcomes. Findings will be discussed in relation to broader debates in this growing field of research and will be widely disseminated to inform anti-racism research, action and policy nationally.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD42021265115.
Truths of the Riverscape: Moving beyond command-and-control to geomorphologically informed nature-based river management
Authors: Brierley Gary , Fryirs Kirstie
Published: March 2022

Truths of the Riverscape refer to the use of geomorphological principles to inform sustainable approaches to nature-based river management. Across much of the world a command-and-control philosophy continues to assert human authority over rivers. Tasked to treat rivers as stable and predictable entities, engineers have ‘fixed rivers in place’ and ‘locked them in time’. Unsustainable outcomes ensue. Legacy effects and path dependencies of silenced and strangled (zombified) rivers are difficult and increasingly expensive to address. Nature fights back, and eventually it wins, with disastrous consequences for the environment, society, culture and the economy. The failure to meet the transformative potential of nature-based applications is expressed here as a disregard for ‘Truths of the Riverscape’. The first truth emphasises the imperative torespect diversity, protecting and/or enhancing the distinctive values and attributes of each and every river. A cross-scalar (nested hierarchical) lens underpins practices that ‘know your catchment’. The second truth envisages management practices thatwork with processes, interpreting the behaviour of each river. This recognises that erosion and deposition are intrinsic functions of a healthy living river—in appropriate places, at appropriate rates. This premise underpins the third truth,assess river condition, highlighting the importance of what to measure and what to measure against in approaches that address the causes rather than the symptoms of unexpected river adjustment. The fourth truthinterprets evolutionary trajectory to determine what is realistically achievablein the management of a given river system. Analysis of whether the river sits on a degradation or recovery pathway (i.e., condition is deteriorating or improving), alongside assessment of catchment-specific recovery potential, is used to foresight river futures. Viewed collectively, Truths of the Riverscape provide a coherent platform to develop and apply proactive and precautionary catchment management plans that address concerns for biodiversity loss and climate change adaptation.
STEM courses are harder: evaluating inter-course grading disparities with a calibrated GPA model
Authors: Tomkin Jonathan H. , West Matthew
Published: March 2022

Background

Grades in college and university STEM courses are an important determinant of student persistence in STEM fields. Recent studies have used the grade offset/grade penalty method to explore why students have lower grades in STEM courses than their GPAs would predict. The results of these studies are in doubt; however, as they use GPA as a reliable measure of academic performance, which is a disputed assumption. Using a predictive model of student performance, it is possible to produce a more accurate measure of academic performance than the observed GPA and discover if STEM courses are graded more stringently, and under which circumstances.

Results

A weighted logistic model of GPA better predicts academic performance than the observed GPA. Using this calibrated GPA it is found that the grade offset method predicts that STEM courses, departments, and programs grade significantly more stringently than non-STEM courses. The average grade difference between STEM and non-STEM course grades and GPAs is around four tenths of a grade point. An exception is general education courses offered by STEM departments, which are graded with the same leniency as non-STEM courses. Grade offset calculations that use the observed GPA systematically underestimate the negative offset in STEM grading relative to calculations that use the calibrated GPA. The calibrated GPA is much more highly correlated with standardized tests such as the ACT (r = 0.49) than the observed GPA is (r = 0.25).

Conclusion

Observed GPA is a systematically biased measure of academic performance, and should not be used as a basis for determining the presence of grading inequity. Logistic models of GPA provide a more reliable measure of academic performance. When comparing otherwise academically similar students, we find that STEM students have substantially lower grades and GPAs, and that this is the consequence of harder (more stringent) grading in STEM courses.