bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data Simulation to Optimize the GWAS Framework in Diverse Populations
Authors: Mugo Jacquiline Wangui , Chimusa Emile Rugamika , Mulder Nicola 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWhole-genome or genome-wide association studies have become a fundamental part of modern genetic studies and methods for dissecting the genetic architecture of common traits based on common polymorphisms in random populations. It is hoped that there will be many potential uses of these identified variants, including a better understanding of the pathogenesis of traits, the discovery of biomarkers and protein targets, and the clinical prediction of drug treatments for global health. Questions have been raised on whether associations that are largely discovered in populations of European descent are replicable in diverse populations, can inform medical decision-making globally, and how efficiently current GWAS tools perform in populations of high genetic diversity, multi-wave genetic admixture, and low linkage disequilibrium (LD), such as African populations. In this study, we employ genomic data simulation to mimic structured African, European, and multi-way admixed populations to evaluate the replicability of association signals from current state-of-the-art GWAS tools in these populations. We then leverage the results to discuss an optimized framework for the analysis of GWAS data in diverse populations and outline the implications, challenges, and opportunities these studies present for populations of non-European descent.
Automated, self-resistance gene-guided, and high-throughput genome mining of bioactive natural products fromStreptomyces
Authors: Yuan Yujie , Huang Chunshuai , Singh Nilmani , Xun Guanhua , Zhao Huimin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNatural products (NPs) produced by bacteria, fungi and plants are a major source of drug leads.Streptomycesspecies are particularly important in this regard as they produce numerous natural products with prominent bioactivities. Here we report a fullyautomated,scalable and high-throughput platform for discovery of bioactivenaturalproducts inStreptomyces(FAST-NPS). This platform comprises computational prediction and prioritization of target biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) guided by self-resistance genes, highly efficient and automated direct cloning and heterologous expression of BGCs, followed by high-throughput fermentation and product extraction fromStreptomycesstrains. As a proof of concept, we applied this platform to clone 105 BGCs ranging from 10 to 100 kb that contain potential self-resistance genes from 11Streptomycesstrains with a success rate of 95%. Heterologous expression of all successfully cloned BGCs inStreptomyces lividansTK24 led to the discovery of 23 natural products from 12 BGCs. We selected 5 of these 12 BGCs for further characterization and found each of them could produce at least one natural product with antibacterial and/or anti-tumor activity, which resulted in a total of 8 bioactive natural products. Overall, this work would greatly accelerate the discovery of bioactive natural products for biomedical and biotechnological applications.Graphic Abstracts
When we were young: how labour market attachment during mid-life affects labour market exit
Authors: Öylü Gülin , Focacci Chiara Natalie , Serratos-Sotelo Luis , Motel-Klingebiel Andreas , Kelfve Susanne 
Published: October 2023

PurposeIn this paper, the authors attempt to understand how labour market attachment during the ages of 30–59 influences individuals' transition out of the labour market.Design/methodology/approachUsing high-quality Swedish register data, the authors follow individuals born in 1950 and observe their labour market attachment during mid-life and their exit from the labour market.FindingsThe authors find evidence that labour market attachment in different stages of the career is differently related to exit from the labour market. At the age of 30, as well as between the ages 50–59, low attachment is related with earlier exit from the labour market. On the contrary, low labour market attachment during the ages 40–49 is related with later exit from the labour market. However, regardless of age, lower labour market attachment increases the risk of work-related benefit receipt in the exit year. The authors also find evidence that gender, migration status and childhood socioeconomic disadvantages may represent obstacles to longer working lives, while high education is a consistent factor in avoiding early exit from the labour market.Originality/valueThis study provides insights on the link between labour market attachment in different stages of the career and the exit from the labour market as well as work-related benefits dependency in the year of exit.
Must social performance ratings be idiosyncratic? An exploration of social performance ratings with predictive validity
Authors: Svanberg Jan , Ardeshiri Tohid , Samsten Isak , Öhman Peter , Neidermeyer Presha E. , Rana Tarek , Maisano Frank , Danielson Mats 
Published: October 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a method to assess social performance. Traditionally, environment, social and governance (ESG) rating providers use subjectively weighted arithmetic averages to combine a set of social performance (SP) indicators into one single rating. To overcome this problem, this study investigates the preconditions for a new methodology for rating the SP component of the ESG by applying machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) anchored to social controversies.

Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes the use of a data-driven rating methodology that derives the relative importance of SP features from their contribution to the prediction of social controversies. The authors use the proposed methodology to solve the weighting problem with overall ESG ratings and further investigate whether prediction is possible.

Findings
The authors find that ML models are able to predict controversies with high predictive performance and validity. The findings indicate that the weighting problem with the ESG ratings can be addressed with a data-driven approach. The decisive prerequisite, however, for the proposed rating methodology is that social controversies are predicted by a broad set of SP indicators. The results also suggest that predictively valid ratings can be developed with this ML-based AI method.

Practical implications
This study offers practical solutions to ESG rating problems that have implications for investors, ESG raters and socially responsible investments.

Social implications
The proposed ML-based AI method can help to achieve better ESG ratings, which will in turn help to improve SP, which has implications for organizations and societies through sustainable development.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is one of the first studies that offers a unique method to address the ESG rating problem and improve sustainability by focusing on SP indicators.
Rethinking tourism: the Portuguese Hotels Association's view
Authors: Trindade Bernardo 
Published: October 2023

Purpose This viewpoint aims to present Portuguese Hotels Association’s (AHP) views on the main challenges facing the sector and the need for a closer relationship with public entities and the government in order to gain support and address limitations. This viewpoint also highlights a successful project, HOSPES, a corporate program for social responsibility and environmental sustainability and the impact it has made since its launch in 2013.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyses the development of the Portuguese hospitality sector in the post-COVID-19 era. It highlights the scarcity of human resources, and how this impacts the performance of hotels and the quality of the service offered. It also outlines the AHP program (HOSPES) that is designed to encourage social responsibility and environmental sustainability as a good practice with real impacts for the market and society.FindingsThe hospitality sector is facing various challenges, but its workforce, its companies and its associations are well aware of the responsibility that is entrusted to them in the context of the country's macroeconomic framework. AHP is fully aware of the challenges facing the sector and its operators and it equally recognizes the need for public support by decision makers and government to overcome limitations and move forward.Originality/valueDespite the challenges facing the hospitality sector, AHP takes the view that it is on the right path to support its members and the wider Portuguese economy in the quest for a more dynamic, profitable, sustainable and inclusive society.
Assessment of the association between ambient air pollution and stillbirth in the UK: Results from a secondary analysis of the MiNESS case–control study
Authors: Hammer Lucy , Heazell Alexander E. P. , Povey Andrew , Myers Jenny E. , Thompson John M. D. , Johnstone Edward D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveWe examined whether the risk of stillbirth was related to ambient air pollution in a UK population.DesignProspective case–control study.SettingForty‐one maternity units in the UK.PopulationWomen who had a stillbirth ≥28 weeks’ gestation (n = 238) and women with an ongoing pregnancy at the time of interview (n = 597).MethodsSecondary analysis of data from the Midlands and North of England Stillbirth case–control study only including participants domiciled within 20 km of fixed air pollution monitoring stations. Pollution exposure was calculated using pollution climate modelling data for NO2, NOx and PM2.5. The association between air pollution exposure and stillbirth risk was assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for household income, maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal smoking, Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile and household smoking and parity.Main Outcome MeasureStillbirth.ResultsThere was no association with whole pregnancy ambient air pollution exposure and stillbirth risk, but there was an association with preconceptual NO2 exposure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.08 per microg/m3). Risk of stillbirth was associated with maternal smoking (aOR 2.54, 95% CI 1.38–4.71), nulliparity (aOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.55–3.00), maternal BMI (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.08) and placental abnormalities (aOR 4.07, 95% CI 2.57–6.43).ConclusionsLevels of ambient air pollution exposure during pregnancy in the UK, all of were beneath recommended thresholds, are not associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. Periconceptual exposure to NO2 may be associated with increased risk but further work is required to investigate this association.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on kidney and brain tissue microcirculation and histology in ovine cardiopulmonary bypass: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jufar A. H. , May C. N. , Booth L. C. , Evans R. G. , Cochrane A. D. , Marino B. , Birchall I. , Hood S. G. , McCall P. R. , Sanders R. D. , Yao S. T. , Ortega‐Bernal V. , Skene A. , Bellomo R. , Miles L. F. , Lankadeva Y. R. 
Published: October 2023

SummaryCardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with postoperative acute kidney injury and neurocognitive disorders, including delirium. Intra‐operative inflammation and/or impaired tissue perfusion/oxygenation are thought to be contributors to these outcomes. It has been hypothesised that these problems may be ameliorated by the highly selective α2‐agonist, dexmedetomidine. We tested the effects of dexmedetomidine on renal and cerebral microcirculatory tissue perfusion, oxygenation and histology in a clinically relevant ovine model. Sixteen sheep were studied while conscious, after induction of anaesthesia and during 2 h of cardiopulmonary bypass. Eight sheep were allocated randomly to receive an intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine (0.4–0.8 μg.kg‐1.h‐1) from induction of anaesthesia to the end of cardiopulmonary bypass, and eight to receive an equivalent volume of matched placebo (0.9% sodium chloride). Commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass decreased renal medullary tissue oxygenation in the placebo group (mean (95%CI) 5.96 (4.24–7.23) to 1.56 (0.84–2.09) kPa, p = 0.001), with similar hypoxic levels observed in the dexmedetomidine group (6.33 (5.33–7.07) to 1.51 (0.33–2.39) kPa, p = 0.002). While no differences in kidney function (i.e. reduced creatinine clearance) were evident, a greater incidence of histological renal tubular injury was observed in sheep receiving dexmedetomidine (7/8 sheep) compared with placebo (2/8 sheep), p = 0.041. Graded on a semi‐quantitative scale (0–3), median (IQR [range]) severity of histological renal tubular injury was higher in the dexmedetomidine group compared with placebo (1.5 (1–2 [0–3]) vs. 0 (0–0.3 [0–1]) respectively, p = 0.013). There was no difference in cerebral tissue microglial activation (neuroinflammation) between the groups. Dexmedetomidine did not reduce renal medullary hypoxia or cerebral neuroinflammation in sheep undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.
Intimate partner violence exposure during infancy and social functioning in middle childhood: An Australian mother and child cohort study
Authors: Schulz Madison L. , Wood Catherine E. , Fogarty Alison , Brown Stephanie J. , Gartland Deirdre , Giallo Rebecca 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSocial functioning of children with experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) between caregivers in early childhood has received less attention than emotional–behavioral outcomes. Drawing on data from 1507 ten‐year‐old Australian‐born children and their mothers participating in a community‐based longitudinal study, this study examined the associations between IPV exposure during infancy and social development during middle childhood. IPV during the first 12 months of life was associated with lower social skills, higher peer problems, and peer victimization at age 10 years, while accounting for concurrent IPV. This study provides evidence for the long‐term impacts of early‐life IPV exposure on children's social functioning, and the importance of prevention and early intervention programs focused on social development following experiences of IPV.
Is ultraviolet light disinfection fit to be the future standard for the disinfection of flexible endoscopes without a working channel?
Authors: Halmans Yana , Wellenstein David J. , Romijn Michael , Cremers Suzan , Smit Jannie J. , Hopman Joost , Takes Robert P. , van den Broek Guido B. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate colony‐forming unit (CFU) reduction on contaminated flexible endoscopes (FEs) without a working channel after UV‐C light disinfection, compared to the current disinfection method with the endoscope washer disinfector (EWD).Design, setting and participantsAfter pharyngolaryngoscopy, a manual pre‐cleaning with tap water was performed. A culture was then collected by rolling the distal 8–10 cm of the FE over an Agar plate. The FE was disinfected using the D60 (60‐s disinfection process with UV‐C light) or the EWD (gold standard reprocessing process with water and chemicals). Another culture was then taken. After incubation, a CFU count was performed.ResultsA total of 200 FEs without a working channel were divided equally between the two disinfection groups. After clinical use and manual pre‐cleaning, 84 of the 100 (84.0%) (UV‐C light group) and 79 of the 100 (79.0%) (EWD) FEs were contaminated with at least 1 CFU. FEs that showed no contamination after use were excluded from further analysis. After disinfection with UV‐C light, 72 (85.7%) FEs showed no contamination (i.e., 0 CFUs) versus 66 (83.5%) FEs after reprocessing with the EWD.ConclusionThere is no difference in CFUs reduction on contaminated FEs without a working channel between UV‐C light disinfection and the current gold standard, the EWD.
Influence of different time framings, reconstruction algorithms and post‐processing methods on the quantification of myocardial blood flow from 13N‐NH3 PET images
Authors: Akil Shahnaz , Székely Anna E. , Hedeer Fredrik , Olsson Berit , Engblom Henrik , Hindorf Cecilia 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to investigate to what extent the quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF) from dynamic 13N‐NH3 positron emission tomography (PET) images is affected by time frame schemes, time‐of‐flight (ToF), reconstruction algorithms, blood pool volume of interest (VOI) locations and compartment models in patients with suspected chronic coronary syndrome.MethodsA standard MBF value was determined from 25 patients' rest/stress 13N‐NH3 PET/CT images reconstructed with ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM), 5 s time frame for the first frames without ToF, subsequently analyzed using a basal VOI and the deGrado compartment model. MBFs calculated using 2 or 10 s for the first frames, ToF, block‐sequential regularized expectation maximization (BSREM), apical or large VOI, Hutchins or Krivokapich compartment models were compared to MBFstandard in Bland–Altman plots (bias ± SD).ResultsGood agreement in global rest/stress MBF (mL/min/g) was found when changing the time frame scheme or reconstruction algorithm (MBFstandard vs. MBF2s: −0.02 ± 0.06; MBF10s: 0.01 ± 0.07; MBFBSREM: 0.01 ± 0.07), while a lower level of agreement was found when altering the other factors (MBFstandard vs. MBFToF: −0.07 ± 0.10; MBFapical VOI: −0.27 ± 0.25; MBFlarge VOI: −0.11 ± 0.10; MBFHutchins: −0.08 ± 0.10; MBFKrivokapich: −0.47 ± 0.50).ConclusionsQuantification of MBF from 13N‐NH3 PET images is more affected by choice of compartment models, ToF and blood pool VOIs than by different time frame schemes and reconstruction algorithms.
In people with type 2 diabetes, sarcopenia is associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease: A prospective cohort study from the UK Biobank
Authors: Boonpor Jirapitcha , Pell Jill P. , Ho Frederick K. , Celis‐Morales Carlos , Gray Stuart R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the association of sarcopenia with cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence in people with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA prospective cohort study with 11 974 White European UK Biobank participants with type 2 diabetes, aged 40‐70 years, included. Sarcopenia was defined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People as either non‐sarcopenic or sarcopenic. Outcomes included CVD, stroke, heart failure (HF) and myocardial infarction (MI). The association between sarcopenia and the incidence of outcomes was investigated using Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The rate advancement period was used to estimate the time period by which CVD is advanced because of sarcopenia.ResultsOver a median follow‐up of 10.7 years, 1957 participants developed CVDs: 373 had a stroke, 307 had an MI and 742 developed HF. Compared with non‐sarcopenia, those with sarcopenia had higher risks of CVD (HR 1.89 [95% CI 1.61; 2.21]), HF (HR 2.59 [95% CI 2.12; 3.18]), stroke (HR 1.90 [95% CI 1.38; 2.63]), and MI (HR 1.56 [95% CI 1.04; 2.33]) after adjustment for all covariates. Those with sarcopenia had CVD incidence rates equivalent to those without sarcopenia who were 14.5 years older. Similar results were found for stroke, HF and MI.ConclusionsIn people with type 2 diabetes, sarcopenia increased the risk of developing CVD, which might occur earlier than in those without sarcopenia. Therefore, sarcopenia screening and prevention in patients with type 2 diabetes may be useful to prevent the complications of CVD.
The EU Trust Fund for Colombia: Valuable lessons for hybrid peacebuilding
Authors: Ornilla Carlos Madridejos 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMotivationThe European Union (EU) Trust Fund has supported the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement in Colombia. It represents innovative funding that goes beyond the classic parameters of the so‐called “liberal peace”—that is, imposing a standard formula of guaranteeing security and public order, promoting electoral processes through a party system, and fostering economic openness and free markets.PurposeWe analyse the planning, financing, and operational mechanisms of the Trust Fund to identify those elements that encourage or constrain co‐operation for peacebuilding; elements able to integrate and complement the agendas, actors, and dynamics at international, national, and local levels.Methods and approachThe article is based on the ongoing support of the Trust Fund for over four years, including an extensive documentary review, participation in numerous events and meetings, and making more than ten field visits to the Fund's intervention areas. More than 50 interviews were conducted with ex‐combatants, local leaders, and representatives of the EU, public institutions, and civil society organizations (CSOs).FindingsThe Trust Fund has tried to build peace at local and territorial levels. It has proved an assertive and pluralistic instrument, innovating in inter‐institutional co‐ordination, political dialogue, and articulation at the local level. This has not only been visible strategically, but also technically by developing innovations with a high potential for adaptation or scaling up; for example, public access to project progress indicators, the widespread use of third‐party funding to distribute resources to the weakest or most isolated CSOs, and inclusion of the territorial approach in project design and intervention logic.The Fund has been limited, however, by a context in which peacebuilding initiatives have tended to come from central government and donors, rather than from local actors. The government (of President Duque) was reluctant to implement the entirety of its commitments to peace: the EU Delegation was equally reluctant to challenge the government over this.Policy implicationsThe experience of the EU Trust Fund in Colombia can provide valuable ideas to support peace processes elsewhere, to enrich the EU's position and approach to managing and resolving armed conflicts. New instruments, such as the “Team Europe Initiatives” or the “Neighbourhood, Development and International Co‐operation instrument – Global Europe,” focused on multi‐stakeholder co‐ordination and international partnerships, can benefit significantly from lessons learned in Colombia.