bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental, social, and governance integration: the case of microfinance institutions
Authors: Ashraf Dawood , Rizwan Muhammad Suhail , L’Huillier Barbara 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMicrofinance institutions (MFIs) contribute greatly to sustainable development through microlending. This paper establishes a bridge between political stakeholder theory, social responsive theory, and institutional theory as applied to the functioning of MFIs. By establishing a nexus between these theoretical concepts, we investigate whether country‐level socio‐economic freedom, human development, and environmental issues affect the engagement and integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities by MFIs. Using a sample of 2,064 MFIs from 94 countries for the period 2007 to 2018, we find that MFIs from countries with higher socio‐economic freedom, coupled with higher human development, may adhere to superior ESG policies. We posit that this is due to pressure from stakeholders to incorporate the triple bottom line objectives of ‘profit, people, and the planet’. ESG integration is in line with institutional theory and enriched by political stakeholder theory.
More than just statics: Temporal dynamic changes of intrinsic brain activity in cigarette smoking
Authors: Wen Mengmeng , Yang Zhengui , Wei Yarui , Huang Huiyu , Zheng Ruiping , Wang Weijian , Gao Xinyu , Zhang Mengzhe , Fang Keke , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingliang , Han Shaoqiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSmoking is companied with altered intrinsic activity of the brain measured by amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation. Evidence has revealed that human brain activity is a highly dynamic and rapidly changing system. How exactly cigarette smoking affect temporal dynamic intrinsic brain activity is not fully understood nor is it clear how smoking severity influences spontaneous brain activity. Dynamic amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (dALFF) was used to examine the dynamic temporal variability in 93 participants (63 smokers, 30 nonsmokers). We further divided smokers into light and heavy smokers. The temporal variability in intrinsic brain activity among these groups was compared. Correlation analyses were performed between dALFF in areas showing group differences and smoking behaviour (e.g., the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence [FTND] scores and pack‐years). Smokers showed significantly increased dALFF in the left inferior/middle frontal gyrus, right orbitofrontal gyrus, right insula, left superior/medial frontal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus than nonsmokers. Light smokers showed increased dALFF variability in the left prefrontal cortex. Heavy smokers showed increased dynamics in specific brain regions, including the right postcentral gyrus, right insula and left precentral gyrus. Furthermore, the temporal variability in dALFF in the left superior/medial frontal gyrus, left superior/middle frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus and right insula was positively correlated with pack‐years or FTND. Combined, these results suggest that smokers increase stable and persistent spontaneous brain activity in prefrontal cortex, involved impaired gold‐directed action and value‐based decision‐making. In addition, individuals with heavier smoking severity show increased perturbance on spontaneous brain activity of perception and sensorimotor, related to increased reliance.
First record of Aphis lugentis in Australia, tended by native ants on Senecio odoratus
Authors: Petit Sophie , Weyland John J. , Brumley Cameron , Kehoe Monica A. , Wang Cuiping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe report the discovery of the invasive aphid Aphis lugentis for the first time in Australia. This aphid specialises on Compositae, particularly on Senecio species. Aphids were tended by several ant species at a site on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, which is unlikely to be the location of the original introduction. We recommend the investigation of the distribution of A. lugentis in Australia and its impacts on plant hosts including threatened species and associated native ant and aphid community structures.
Intrauterine devices as an exposure risk for urinary tract infections: A scoping review
Authors: Lo Claire T. , Abraham Abin , Lipworth Loren , Aronoff David M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe intrauterine device (IUD) as a potential source of uro‐gynecologic infection has raised concern for decades. While a causal link between IUD and pelvic inflammatory disease has been refuted, the relationship between IUDs and urinary tract infections (UTIs) remains incompletely understood.MethodsWe used a PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library search strategy to identify studies evaluating UTI occurrence and microbial signatures among women exposed to IUD. We evaluated the question, "what is currently known about the IUD as an exposure risk for UTIs?"ResultsNine studies met inclusion criteria and were summarized in this structured, scoping review. Studies to date have not reported a significant association between IUD exposue and UTI occurence. While all nine studies acknowledged the breadth of contraceptive methods, none evaluated the impact of different IUD types (i.e., copper vs. hormone‐eluting) on UTI incidence.ConclusionSmall sample sizes and inconsistent UTI definitions limit the current literature. Future studies should rigorously define the UTI phenotype and evaluate the association of UTI with IUD exposure accounting for known covariates.
Critical care resource use associated with tourism in Central Australia
Authors: Robson Briony , McAnulty Greg , Secombe Paul 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTourism to regional and remote Australia is increasing. Its impact on regional critical care services is incompletely understood. We describe tourist admissions and their impact on critical care resources relative to the local population.DesignSingle‐centre retrospective study using prospectively collected data from January 2009 to December 2018.SettingAustralian regional intensive care unit.ParticipantsAll critical care admissions for patients aged over 18 years for whom postcode data were available were included.Outcome measuresPrimary outcome was hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes examined resource use (intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, mechanical ventilation, interhospital transfer) and admission diagnosis.ResultsTourists comprise 6.1% of critical care admissions, occupying 5.7% of intensive care unit bed days. They were less likely to be Indigenous (6.3% vs 72.7%), but older (61.5 vs 49.2 years) and male (65.4% vs 52.6%). They were more frequently admitted following acute myocardial infarction (14.2% vs 8.9%) or trauma (20.0% vs 5.0%). There was no difference in hospital mortality (2.9% vs 4.0%) or intensive care unit mortality (2.4% vs 1.8%); however, tourists were more than twice as likely to require interhospital transfer (31.7% vs 14.0%). These findings persisted after adjustment for illness severity.ConclusionTourists are an appreciable caseload of this regional intensive care unit and are more likely to require interhospital transfer. There was no difference in mortality. Further research is required across regional and rural Australia to better understand the epidemiology and impact of tourism on critical care resources, and the economic implications of becoming unwell in a regional area.
How rural is rural? The relationship between rural background of medical students and their career location intentions
Authors: Poole Phillippa , Van Lier Dylan , Verstappen Antonia , Bagg Warwick , Connell Charlotte J.W. , Nixon Garry , Wilkinson Tim J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveRural background is associated with greater interest in rural practice. However, there is no universally agreed definition of ‘rural’ background used in medical school selection. This study explored the association between definitions of ‘rural’ background and students’ intended career locations.DesignProspective cohort study using survey data on career intention, hometown size, rurality of background, home address, high school and intended career location.SettingUniversity of Auckland, New Zealand (NZ).ParticipantsCommencing medical students 2009‐2017, inclusive.Main outcome measuresUnivariate associations between student background according to 7 definitions of ‘rural’, and 3 definitions of intended practice location based on population size: urban intention (>100 000); regional intention (25 000‐100 000); rural intention (<25 000).ResultsThe sample size was 1592 students. 27.4% had a rural background by at least one definition. All definitions of rural background were associated with a greater rural intention. Applying a restrictive definition of rural (population<25 000) was associated with a higher likelihood of rural intention, but captured a smaller number of students. There was strong agreement between the population size of a student's background and intended practice location (chi‐square P < .0001).ConclusionRural intention varies by definition, but the number of students captured by each definition is important. Applying a binary or overly restrictive definition may limit interested students. Medical schools should adopt a definition of ‘rural’ that optimises the number of eligible students and their propensity to work rurally. Further, alternative ways of identifying students with rural intentions without a rural background should be explored.
Central role of ultrasound in the evaluation of testicular function and genital tract obstruction in infertile males
Authors: Garolla Andrea , Grande Giuseppe , Palego Pierfrancesco , Canossa Andrea , Caretta Nicola , Di Nisio Andrea , Corona Giovanni , Foresta Carlo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundScrotal color Doppler ultrasonography and transrectal ultrasonography provide crucial information about the clinical status of testes and male accessory glands.ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of ultrasound in the evaluation of infertile males.Materials and MethodsA total of 1120 records from infertile men were retrospectively evaluated (from January 2016 up to June 2020). Data on physical examination, semen analysis, sperm culture, scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography and transrectal ultrasonography, as well as sex hormones were analyzed. Among them, 238 reports from oligozoospermic/azoospermic infertile patients (P) fulfilling the inclusion criteria were considered for data analysis. Patients were subdivided into two groups according to follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) values (Pa with FSH < 8 U/L and Pb with FSH ≥ 8 U/L). Sixty‐three fertile volunteers (mean ± SD years) were enrolled as controls (C).ResultsA higher prevalence of ultrasound abnormalities was recorded in P compared to C. Pb group had significantly lower bitesticular volume compared to Pa and C. Pa had a higher prevalence of transrectal ultrasonography abnormalities than Pb (69.9% vs. 38.4%), whereas Pb had a higher prevalence of abnormalities at scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography (60.0% vs. 28.3%, both p < 0.01). Bitesticular volume was inversely proportional to the number of altered seminal parameters and able to predict gonadotropin levels. A bitesticular volume <17 cc was associated with a higher risk of azoospermia (odds ratio = 1.799). Intratesticular vascularization was inversely correlated with gonadotropin levels and directly correlated with sperm count. A higher prevalence of prostate and seminal vesicle alterations was detected in patients and in Pa group, when compared with Pb group.Discussion and ConclusionUltrasound abnormalities are correlated with seminal parameters and may guide the clinician in the diagnostic workflow of male infertility, suggesting spermatogenesis impairment or genital tract obstructions.
Effect of three network visualizations on students' social‐cognitive engagement in online discussions
Authors: Ouyang Fan , Chen Si , Li Xu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSocial learning analytics (SLA) tools are designed to visually demonstrate online discussions with a goal to foster student engagement. However, empirical studies indicate controversial results of the effect of SLA tools on student engagement. This design‐based research designs a student‐facing SLA tool to demonstrate discussions from three perspectives and further uses mixed methods to investigate the effects of the tool. Results indicate the tools have positive influences on increasing student social‐cognitive engagement. The social network visualization has positive influences on both socially active and inactive students; it particularly increases peripheral students' social engagement. The topic network visualization improves all students' perspective expressions, indicating that demonstrating students' interested topics may increase cognitive engagement. The cognitive network visualization triggers students' information sharing, which is considered as the beginning of online engagement development. Based on the results, this research proposes integrated implications by considering learning theory, pedagogical supports and tool development.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

SLA tools are designed to turn learning data into actionable insights of student engagement.
Network‐oriented, content‐oriented and process‐oriented analytics are three major approaches.
Extant empirical studies indicate controversial results of the effect of SLA tools on student engagement.
What this paper adds

This research designs a SLA tool to demonstrate student engagement via three network visualizations.
This research uses mixed methods to examine students' social‐cognitive engagement.
Results show that the designed SLA tools have positive influences on increasing students' engagement.
Implications for practice and/or policy

Design of SLA tools needs to consider learner agency, disposition and characteristic in the local context.
Instructors should deliberately guide students reflect on the information demonstrated in the SLA tool.
Future SLA design should make integrate multiple analytic results to reflect engagement in varied ways.
Single dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) induces neutralising antibody and polyfunctional T‐cell responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Harrington Patrick , Doores Katie J. , Radia Deepti , O’Reilly Amy , Lam Ho Pui Jeff , Seow Jeffrey , Graham Carl , Lechmere Thomas , McLornan Donal , Dillon Richard , Shanmugharaj Yogita , Espehana Andreas , Woodley Claire , Saunders Jamie , Curto-Garcia Natalia , O'Sullivan Jennifer , Raj Kavita , Kordasti Shahram , Malim Michael H. , Harrison Claire , de Lavallade Hugues 
Published: June 2021

SummaryPatients receiving targeted cancer treatments such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been classified in the clinically extremely vulnerable group to develop severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), including patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) taking TKIs. In addition, concerns that immunocompromised individuals with solid and haematological malignancies may not mount an adequate immune response to a single dose of SARS‐CoV‐2 BNT162b2 (Pfizer‐BioNTech) vaccine have been raised. In the present study, we evaluated humoral and cellular immune responses after a first injection of BNT162b2 vaccine in 16 patients with CML. Seroconversion and cellular immune response before and after vaccination were assessed. By day 21 after vaccination, anti‐Spike immunoglobulin G was detected in 14/16 (87·5%) of the patients with CML and all developed a neutralising antibody response [serum dilution that inhibits 50% infection (ID50) >50], including medium (ID50 of 200–500) or high (ID50 of 501–2000) neutralising antibodies titres in nine of the 16 (56·25%) patients. T‐cell response was seen in 14/15 (93·3%) evaluable patients, with polyfunctional responses seen in 12/15 (80%) patients (polyfunctional CD4+ response nine of 15, polyfunctional CD8+ T‐cell response nine of 15). These data demonstrate the immunogenicity of a single dose of SARS‐CoV‐2 BNT162b2 vaccine in most patients with CML, with both neutralising antibodies and polyfunctional T‐cell responses seen in contrast to patients with solid tumour or lymphoid haematological malignancies.
Is off‐clamp robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy beneficial for renal function? Data from the CLOCK trial
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Cindolo Luca , Sandri Marco , Veccia Alessandro , Annino Filippo , Bertagna Francesco , Carini Marco , Celia Antonio , D'Orta Carlo , De Concilio Bernardino , Furlan Maria , Giommoni Valentina , Ingrosso Manuela , Mari Andrea , Nucciotti Roberto , Olianti Catia , Porreca Angelo , Primiceri Giulia , Schips Luigi , Sessa Francesco , Bove Pierluigi , Simeone Claudio , Minervini Andrea ,   the AGILE Group (Italian Group for Advanced Laparo‐Endoscopic Surgery)
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesTo compare the functional outcomes of on‐ vs off‐clamp robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) within a randomized controlled trial (RCT).Materials and MethodsThe CLOCK study (CLamp vs Off Clamp the Kidney during robotic partial nephrectomy; NCT 02287987) is a multicentre RCT including patients with normal baseline function, two kidneys and masses with RENAL scores ≤ 10. Pre‐ and postoperative renal scintigraphy was prescribed. Renal defatting and hilum isolation were required in both study arms; in the on‐clamp arm, ischaemia was imposed until the completion of medullary renorraphy, while in the off‐clamp condition it was not allowed throughout the procedure. The primary endpoint was 6‐month absolute variation in estimated glomerular filtration rate (AV‐GFR); secondary endpoints were: 12, 18 and 24‐month AV‐GFR; 6‐month estimated glomerular filtration rate variation >25% rate (RV‐GFR >25); and absolute variation in ipsilateral split renal function (AV‐SRF). The planned sample size was 102 + 102 cases, after taking account crossover of cases to the alternate study arm; a 1:1 randomization was performed. AV‐GFR and AV‐SRF were compared using analysis of covariation, and RV‐GFR >25 was assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol analyses (PP) were performed.ResultsA total of 160 and 164 patients were randomly assigned to on‐ and off‐clamp RAPN, respectively; crossover was observed in 14% and 43% of the on‐ and off‐clamp arms, respectively. We were unable to find any statistically significant difference between on‐ vs off‐clamp with regard to the primary endpoint (ITT: 6‐month AV‐GFR −6.2 vs −5.1 mL/min, mean difference 0.2 mL/min, 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.1 to 3.4 [P = 0.8]; PP: 6‐month AV‐GFR −6.8 vs −4.2 mL/min, mean difference 1.6 mL/min, 95% CI −2.3 to 5.5 [P = 0.7]) or with regard to the secondary endpoints. The median warm ischaemia time was 14 vs 15 min in the ITT analysis and 14 vs 0 min in the PP analysis.ConclusionIn patients with regular baseline function and two kidneys, we found no evidence of differences in functional outcomes for on‐ vs off‐clamp RAPN.
Biodiversity as insurance: from concept to measurement and application
Authors: Loreau Michel , Barbier Matthieu , Filotas Elise , Gravel Dominique , Isbell Forest , Miller Steve J. , Montoya Jose M. , Wang Shaopeng , Aussenac Raphaël , Germain Rachel , Thompson Patrick L. , Gonzalez Andrew , Dee Laura E. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBiological insurance theory predicts that, in a variable environment, aggregate ecosystem properties will vary less in more diverse communities because declines in the performance or abundance of some species or phenotypes will be offset, at least partly, by smoother declines or increases in others. During the past two decades, ecology has accumulated strong evidence for the stabilising effect of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning. As biological insurance is reaching the stage of a mature theory, it is critical to revisit and clarify its conceptual foundations to guide future developments, applications and measurements. In this review, we first clarify the connections between the insurance and portfolio concepts that have been used in ecology and the economic concepts that inspired them. Doing so points to gaps and mismatches between ecology and economics that could be filled profitably by new theoretical developments and new management applications. Second, we discuss some fundamental issues in biological insurance theory that have remained unnoticed so far and that emerge from some of its recent applications. In particular, we draw a clear distinction between the two effects embedded in biological insurance theory, i.e. the effects of biodiversity on the mean and variability of ecosystem properties. This distinction allows explicit consideration of trade‐offs between the mean and stability of ecosystem processes and services. We also review applications of biological insurance theory in ecosystem management. Finally, we provide a synthetic conceptual framework that unifies the various approaches across disciplines, and we suggest new ways in which biological insurance theory could be extended to address new issues in ecology and ecosystem management. Exciting future challenges include linking the effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning and stability, incorporating multiple functions and feedbacks, developing new approaches to partition biodiversity effects across scales, extending biological insurance theory to complex interaction networks, and developing new applications to biodiversity and ecosystem management.
High membrane expression of CMTM6 in hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with tumor recurrence
Authors: Muranushi Ryo , Araki Kenichiro , Yokobori Takehiko , Chingunjav Batbayar , Hoshino Kouki , Dolgormaa Gantumur , Hagiwara Kei , Yamanaka Takahiro , Ishii Norihiro , Tsukagoshi Mariko , Igarashi Takamichi , Watanabe Akira , Kubo Norio , Harimoto Norifumi , Shimoda Yuki , Sano Rie , Oyama Tetsunari , Saeki Hiroshi , Shirabe Ken 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCKLF‐like MARVEL transmembrane domain–containing protein 6 (CMTM6) maintains membrane PD‐L1 expression by controlling its endosomal recycling. However, in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the correlation among CMTM6, B7 family ligands, and CD8‐positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and the molecular function of CMTM6 in HCC have not been established. We performed immunohistochemistry to evaluate the relationships among CMTM6 expression, clinicopathological factors, B7 family ligands expression, and CTL infiltration in HCC samples. Moreover, we established CMTM6‐knockout human HCC cell lines to evaluate the function of human CMTM6 in immune regulation and tumor viability. CMTM6 expression was positively associated with membrane B7 family ligands expression and CTL infiltration in HCC samples. High CMTM6 expression in HCC tissues was associated with the expression of the proliferation marker Ki‐67 and shorter recurrence‐free survival. In vitro analysis showed the downregulation of membrane B7 family ligands and proliferation potency in the CMTM6‐knockout human HCC cell line. High membrane CMTM6 expression was associated with tumor recurrence and proliferation via the regulation of membranous B7 family ligands expression. Thus, CMTM6 might be a biomarker to predict the risk of HCC recurrence and a therapeutic target to suppress tumor growth and increase CTL activity.