bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scoping review: Inquiring into the potency of response source credibility (RSC) towards enhancing crisis response strategies
Authors: Dominic Egede Dominion , Mahamed Mastura , Abdullah Zulhamri , Hashim Norliana Binti
Published: January 2024

It is paramount to consider that organizations are not immune to crises. Communicating solutions to the cataclysm is indispensable when the response source is credible. Our article answers recent calls for more research into the efficacy of organizational response source credibility (RSC) during crises and maintaining reputation. RSC (trustworthiness) is one of the indispensable prerequisites for achieving effective result‐oriented crisis response strategies and sustaining reputation in times of crisis. This article is a scoping review regarding the potential of RSC on crisis response strategies. The findings from this review raises the awareness of the crisis managers about the relevance of source credibility towards making crisis response effective and maintaining reputation during a crisis situation. This article provides insights to help crisis managers, institutions and policy‐makers develop specific effective crisis response strategies using a credible source to boost stakeholders' confidence and maintain a good reputation during an organizational crisis. This article fills the gap in the crisis communication domain concerning the limited amount of information regarding factors that influence the efficacy of crisis response strategies. The originality of this article is validated by the systematic scoping review used.
Community‐scale models of microbiomes: Articulating metabolic modelling and metagenome sequencing
Authors: Cerk Klara , Ugalde‐Salas Pablo , Nedjad Chabname Ghassemi , Lecomte Maxime , Muller Coralie , Sherman David J. , Hildebrand Falk , Labarthe Simon , Frioux Clémence
Published: January 2024

Building models is essential for understanding the functions and dynamics of microbial communities. Metabolic models built on genome‐scale metabolic network reconstructions (GENREs) are especially relevant as a means to decipher the complex interactions occurring among species. Model reconstruction increasingly relies on metagenomics, which permits direct characterisation of naturally occurring communities that may contain organisms that cannot be isolated or cultured. In this review, we provide an overview of the field of metabolic modelling and its increasing reliance on and synergy with metagenomics and bioinformatics. We survey the means of assigning functions and reconstructing metabolic networks from (meta‐)genomes, and present the variety and mathematical fundamentals of metabolic models that foster the understanding of microbial dynamics. We emphasise the characterisation of interactions and the scaling of model construction to large communities, two important bottlenecks in the applicability of these models. We give an overview of the current state of the art in metagenome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, focusing on the reconstruction of genomes in microbial communities. Metagenomics benefits tremendously from third‐generation sequencing, and we discuss the opportunities of long‐read sequencing, strain‐level characterisation and eukaryotic metagenomics. We aim at providing algorithmic and mathematical support, together with tool and application resources, that permit bridging the gap between metagenomics and metabolic modelling.
Relationship between patterns of immunohistochemical conventional neuroendocrine markers and efficacy of immune check point inhibitors in patients with extensive disease small cell lung cancer
Authors: Iida Yuko , Wakuda Kazushige , Kawata Takuya , Morita Meiko , Sekikawa Motoki , Doshita Kosei , Yabe Michitoshi , Kodama Hiroaki , Miura Keita , Morikawa Noboru , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Ko Ryo , Ono Akira , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Gon Yasuhiro , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: January 2024

Background

Which patients benefit from the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains unclear. There have been few reports on the efficacy of ICIs based on conventional immunohistochemical neuroendocrine (NE) markers (synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and neural cell adhesion molecule [NCAM]). In the present study, we aimed to analyze the relationship between the expression of immunohistochemical NE markers and the efficacy of ICIs in patients with extensive disease (ED)‐SCLC, to assess whether conventional NE markers are predictive of ICIs.

Methods

Patients with untreated ED‐SCLC who received first‐line therapy at the Shizuoka Cancer Center between November 2002 and July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the efficacy of first‐line chemotherapy according to the expression status of each immunohistochemical NE marker in patients treated with ICI plus chemotherapy (ICI‐chemo group) and with chemotherapy alone (chemo group).

Results

A total of 227 patients were included in the ICI‐chemo and chemo groups, respectively. The progression‐free survival (PFS) tended to be better in patients in the ICI‐chemo group than those treated with chemotherapy alone in patients with NE marker‐positive SCLC. In particular, it was statistically significant in patients with chromogranin A‐positive SCLC (p = 0.036). In patients with NE marker‐negative SCLC, no significant differences were observed in PFS between the two groups. There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS), regardless of the expression of any conventional NE marker.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the efficacy of ICIs in addition to chemotherapy may be poor in patients with NE marker‐negative SCLC.
Behavioural interactions between co‐habiting females and their impact on productivity and offspring sex ratios in the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei
Authors: Myrie Ameka , Biedermann Peter , Oettler Jan , Robinson Dwight , Schultner Eva
Published: January 2024

The coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) has invaded all coffee‐producing regions of the world and causes substantial economic losses every year. A single female beetle typically infests one coffee berry, which her offspring consume over the course of development. Offspring then engage in sib‐mating before daughters fly off to infest new berries.

We assessed infestation rates across different locations in Jamaica and found a strong positive correlation between double infestation and overall infestation rate, suggesting that females prefer to breed alone but will tolerate sharing a berry under resource constraints.

Using an artificial habitat to study productivity and behaviour in the laboratory, we found that single females produced significantly more offspring per capita than two females, suggesting that co‐habitation is costly. Accordingly, co‐habiting females spent a significant proportion of their time engaged in antagonistic interactive behaviours such as pushing. When daughter beetles were given the opportunity to stay with their mothers or to infest a new berry, they tended to leave.

In contrast to some related beetle species, which exhibit gregariousness and even cooperative behaviour, beneficial social interactions in the CBB appear to be limited to parental care.
Patterns of opioid use in New Zealand older adults, 2007–2018
Authors: Fahmy Hoda , Chan Amy Hai Yan , Cheung Gary , Tomlin Andrew , Beyene Kebede
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Opioid use has increased globally, dramatically increasing opioid overdose, dependence, abuse and mortality. Limited research is available on opioid use patterns in older adults in New Zealand and internationally. This study aims to address this gap by determining the incidence and prevalence of opioid use among older adults (age ≥65 years) in New Zealand from 2007 to 2018.

Methods

This was a population‐based retrospective cohort study conducted using New Zealand national administrative healthcare databases. The annual opioid use incidence (2008–2018) and prevalence (2007–2018) in older adults were determined and stratified by sex, age, and opioid type and strength. We used descriptive statistics to summarise the patterns of opioid dispensing. Data analysis was conducted using MS Excel, and data linking was performed using SQL software.

Results

A total of 820,349 older adults were initiated on opioids during the study period. The overall incidence of opioid use in older adults showed a steady increase from 2008 to 2015; similarly, the prevalence steadily increased from 2007 to 2015, and thereafter, both rates fluctuated. A slight decrease in both prevalence and incidence rates was observed in 2018. Codeine and tramadol were the most commonly dispensed opioids during the study period. Females had a higher incidence and prevalence of all opioids than males.

Conclusions

The incidence and prevalence of opioid dispensing increased in New Zealand older adults over time. Monitoring the trends of opioid use in older adults is critical to enable clinicians and policymakers to deliver early interventions to prevent future opioid‐related adverse events.
Comparison of skin cancer risk between renal transplant recipients and patients with glomerular diseases in rural Queensland
Authors: Thet Zaw , Lam Alfred King‐yin , Ng Shu‐Kay , Aung Soe Yu , Han Thin , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan , Newsham Stephanie , Borg Jennifer , Pepito Christine , Khoo Tien K.
Published: January 2024

Introudction

There is increased risk of skin cancer in patients with gloermular disease or those with renal transplant.

Objectives

To compare the risk of skin cancer between kidney recipients (KTRs) and patients with glomerular disease (GD).

Design

The cohort comprised patients with KTRs (n = 61) and GD (n = 51) in Central and Central West Queensland, Australia. A quantitative cohort study was undertaken to study the risk of skin cancer in rural communities between two subgroups of patients with kidney diseases in relationship to immunosuppression. Statistical analyses of the differences in incidence of skin cancers between the two groups were done by chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t‐test and McNemar's test.

Findings

KTRs with non‐melanoma skin carcinoma (NMSC) increased significantly after treatment with immunosuppressants (pre‐transplantation, n = 11 [18.0%], post‐transplantation, n = 28 [45.9%]; p < 0.001). There were no differences in number of patients with NMSC observed in the GD group (pre‐diagnosis, n = 6 [11.8%], post‐diagnosis, n = 7 [13.7%]; p = 1.000). Compared to the risks at 1 year post‐immunosuppressants, the incidence of NMSC of KTRs increased significantly at 3 years (20.3% vs. 35.4%, p < 0.001) and 5 years (20.3% vs. 62.2%, p < 0.001) post‐immunosuppressants, whereas the increased incidence of NMSC was observed only at 5 years (2.1% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.012) in the GD cohort. The mean cumulative number of NMSC in KTRs increased significantly at 3 years (p = 0.011), and 5 years (p = 0.001) post‐immunosuppressants, compared to the risks at 1 year post‐immunosuppressants, however, no differences were noted in the GD cohort.

Discussion

Immunosuppressants increased the risk of NMSC in KTRs. The increased risk is likely dependent on the intensity and duration of immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

In patients with a high risk of NMSC, reducing skin cancer risk should be considered in conjunction with the optimisation of treatment.
Socio‐economic status, mastery‐approach goals and learning‐related outcomes: Mediation and moderation
Authors: King Ronnel B. , Wang Faming , Leung Shing On , Elliot Andrew
Published: January 2024

Background

Socio‐economic status is one of the most important factors shaping students' motivation and achievement but has seldom been explored in relation to achievement goals.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate whether mastery‐approach goals explain the link between SES and key learning‐related outcomes (mediation) and whether SES modifies the relationship between mastery‐approach goals and these outcomes (moderation).

Sample

Data came from 595,444 students nested in 21,322 schools across 77 countries.

Methods

Data were analysed using multilevel‐moderated mediation analyses.

Results

We found significant mediation and moderation. In terms of mediation, mastery‐approach goals mediated the association between family SES and learning‐related outcomes. However, a different pattern emerged for school SES, as students in higher SES schools had lower mastery‐approach goals. In terms of moderation, we found that family SES strengthened the association between mastery‐approach goals and learning‐related outcomes. However, the association between mastery‐approach goals and learning‐related outcomes was weaker in higher SES schools.

Conclusion

Theoretical and practical implications for the achievement goal approach to achievement motivation are discussed.
Class size reduction, bullying, and violent behavior: Evidence from West Bank schools
Authors: Hallaq Sameh
Published: January 2024

Class size is one of the predominant topics in educational policy debate, as its impact on academic performance has not always yielded consistent findings. Nevertheless, less emphasis was paid to noncognitive outcomes such as well‐being and behavioral issues. This study employs rich administrative and survey data to investigate the effects of class size on students’ bullying and violent behavior as well as cognitive abilities tests. The study uses the maximum class size rule to create a regression discontinuity (RD) relation between cohort enrollment size and class size in the public and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency school system in the West Bank. Further, this study provides evidence that there is no violation of the RD assumptions resulting from discontinuities in the relationship between enrollment and students’ household background at cutoff points induced by a maximum class size rule. The findings suggest that class size reduction improves the quality of life for children by mitigating bullying and violent behavior among pupils, which might have long‐term adverse effects on academic attainment. Finally, peer relationships and mental health problems are identified as potential mechanisms through which class size influences self‐reported levels of bullying and violent behavior among students.
Contesting the conventional wisdom of periodontal risk assessment
Authors: Raittio Eero , Lopez Rodrigo , Baelum Vibeke
Published: January 2024

Over the years, several reviews of periodontal risk assessment tools have been published. However, major misunderstandings still prevail in repeated attempts to use these tools for prognostic risk prediction. Here we review the principles of risk prediction and discuss the value and the challenges of using prediction models in periodontology. Most periodontal risk prediction models have not been properly developed according to guidance given for the risk prediction model development. This shortcoming has led to several problems, including the creation of arbitrary risk scores. These scores are often labelled as ‘high risk’ without explicit boundaries or thresholds for the underlying continuous risk estimates of patient‐important outcomes. Moreover, it is apparent that prediction models are often misinterpreted as causal models by clinicians and researchers although they cannot be used as such. Additional challenges like the critical assessment of transportability and applicability of these prediction models, as well as their impact on clinical practice and patient outcomes, are not considered in the literature. Nevertheless, these instruments are promoted with claims regarding their ability to deliver more individualized and precise periodontitis treatment and prevention, purportedly resulting in improved patient outcomes. However, people with or without periodontitis deserve proper information about their risk of developing patient‐important outcomes such as tooth loss or pain. The primary objective of disseminating such information should not be to emphasize assumed treatment efficacy, hype individualization of care, or promote business interests. Instead, the focus should be on providing individuals with locally validated and regularly updated predictions of specific risks based on readily accessible and valid key predictors (e.g. age and smoking).
Anti‐inflammatory effects of reticuline on the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 and p38 MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway in a mouse model of obesity‐associated asthma
Authors: Lyu Xiaojiang , Liu Jiaojiao , Liu Zengrong , Wu Ying , Zhu Ping , Liu Chonghai
Published: January 2024

Background

Asthma associated with obesity is a chronic disease characterized by earlier airway remodeling, severe wheezing, and increased insensitivity to hormone therapy. Reticuline, a bioactive compound of Magnoliae Flos, exerts anti‐inflammatory activity and can inhibit neutrophil recruitment. Thus, this study investigated the role of reticuline in obesity‐related asthma.

Methods

The BALB/c mice fed a low‐fat diet (LFD) and high‐fat diet (HFD) were intranasally challenged with house dust mites (HDMs) or ovalbumin (OVA). Reticuline (0.25 mg/kg) was administrated into mice by intragastrical gavage. Airway hyper‐responsiveness was examined after the final challenge. Body weight was measured, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected. The number of inflammatory cells in BALF was estimated. Histological changes were assessed by performing hematoxylin–eosin staining, and production of proinflammatory cytokines and IgE was examined by ELISA kits. Related pathways were studied with western blotting.

Results

Reticuline suppressed airway resistance and inflammatory infiltration in lung tissue and reduced inflammatory cell recruitment in BALF in obesity mice with asthma. Additionally, the levels of IL‐17A, IL‐1β, IL‐5, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted in the lung were reduced by reticuline. Mechanistically, reticuline inactivated the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 and p38 MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathways in obesity‐related asthma.

Conclusion

Reticuline alleviates airway inflammation in obesity‐related asthma by inactivating the JAK2/STAT3/SOCS3 and p38 MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Tumescent local anesthesia in geriatric patients with head and neck skin cancer – a retrospective study of 782 patients
Authors: Schnabl Saskia Maria , Garbe Claus , Breuninger Helmut , Walter Vincent , Aebischer Valentin , Huynh Julia , Ghoreschi Franziska Carola , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Scheu Alexander
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

Due to frailty, dermatosurgery in the elderly is preferably performed under tumescent local anesthesia, but data is limited. The aim was to evaluate tumescent local anesthesia for skin cancer surgery in the elderly with focus on clinical benefits (treatment processes, pain management) and local postoperative complication risk.

Patients and Methods

Investigation of patients ≥ 75 years with inpatient head and neck skin cancer surgery under tumescent local anesthesia.

Results

2,940 procedures in 782 patients (mean age 83.3 years) were performed with the aim of complete tumor resection during the inpatient stay. 3.8 (range: 1–20) interventions were done over an average of 4.9 days (range: 1–28). 43.2% did not require any postoperative analgesia. 53.5% received NSAIDs, 3.3% opioids. Infection (13.6%) was the most common local postoperative complication. Surgical intervention due to bleeding was required in 2.8%. None was hemoglobin relevant or life‐threatening. Suture dehiscence and necrosis were rare (0.6%).

Conclusions

Tumescent local anesthesia is an effective method for skin cancer surgery in the elderly. By avoiding general anesthesia, treatment processes can be optimized and anesthesiologic risks minimized. Local postoperative complications are still low and well treatable. The long‐lasting analgesia results in a reduced need for analgesics and drug interactions.
Treatment of ocular rosacea: a systematic review
Authors: Avraham Shani , Khaslavsky Sophie , Kashetsky Nadia , Starkey Samantha Y. , Zaslavsky Kirill , Lam Joseph M. , Mukovozov Ilya
Published: January 2024

Rosacea is a common chronic skin disease distributed primarily around the central face. Ocular manifestations of rosacea are poorly studied, and estimates of prevalence vary widely, ranging from 6% to 72% in the rosacea population. Treatment options for ocular rosacea include lid hygiene, topical and oral antibiotics, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion, oral vitamin A derivatives, and intense pulsed light; however, a direct comparison of treatment methods for ocular rosacea is lacking. This review aims to compare treatment efficacy and adverse events for different treatment modalities in ocular rosacea. We performed a systematic review by searching Cochrane, MEDLINE and Embase. Title, abstract, full text screening, and data extraction were done in duplicate. Sixty‐six articles met the inclusion criteria, representing a total of 1,275 patients. The most effective treatment modalities were topical antimicrobials and oral antibiotics, which achieved complete or partial response in 91% (n = 82/90) and 89% (n = 525/580) of patients respectively, followed by intense pulsed light (89%, n = 97/109 partial response), cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion (87% n = 40/46), and lid hygiene (65%, n = 67/105). Combination treatments achieved a complete or partial response in 90% (n = 69/77). Results suggest that topical antimicrobials, oral antibiotics, intense pulsed light. and cyclosporine were the most efficacious single modality treatments.
The cutaneous microbiome in skin cancer – A systematic review
Authors: Ding Ruojun , Lian ShengYang Bertrand , Tam Yew Chong , Oh Choon Chiat
Published: January 2024

The overall incidence of skin cancer has risen over the past half a decade worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in molecular testing have allowed us to better characterize microbiome alterations in skin cancer. However, literature specific to skin microbiome and skin cancer remain heterogenous and scattered.

A systematic review was performed to identify the existing literature and its usefulness in providing microbiome‐based biomarkers. A search of the databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, GoogleScholar) was conducted from June to July 2022 in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

A total of 1,543 articles were identified, of which 16 were selected for inclusion in the review (11 articles on cancer of the keratinocytes and 5 articles on melanoma). Increased Staphylococcus (S.) aureus prevalence with decline in commensal organisms is seen in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratosis (AK), compared to healthy skin. While the microbiome of melanoma appears to be distinct from healthy skin, limited data is available to draw meaningful conclusions.

Our review summarizes the current evidence on the microbiome of keratinocyte skin cancers and melanoma. The study establishes that the microbiome of these cancers is altered from healthy skin and that this dysbiosis involves both pathogenic and commensal organisms.
Pre‐operative high‐frequency ultrasound: a reliable management tool in auricular and nasal non‐melanoma skin cancer
Authors: Crisan Diana , Wortsman Ximena , Catalano Orlando , Badea Radu , Kastler Sabine , Badea Alexandru , Manea Avram , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Strilciuc Stefan , Crisan Maria , Schneider Lars Alexander
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives

The knowledge of depth infiltration in non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) using pre‐operative ultrasound could enable clinicians to choose the most adequate therapeutic approach, avoiding unnecessary surgeries and expensive imaging methods, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Our single‐center retrospective study determined the usefulness of high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) for depth infiltration assessment in auricular and nasal NMSC and assessed the subsequent change in therapeutic approach.

Patients and Methods

In 60 NMSC cases, we assessed the accuracy of HFUS in cartilaginous/bone infiltration detection as well as the correlation of sonographic and histological parameters.

Results

In 16.6% of cases, a deep cartilaginous/bone involvement or locoregional disease was identified pre‐operatively, resulting in a changed therapeutical scheme of radio‐immunological treatment rather than surgery. In two cases, pre‐operative HFUS identified local cartilage infiltration, reducing the number of surgical procedures. Forty‐eight remaining lesions with no depth infiltration were excised; a correlation of > 99% between the histologic and sonographic tumor depth (p<0.001) was found.

Conclusions

Pre‐surgical HFUS influences the therapeutic management in NMSC by detecting subclinical involvement of deeper structures, avoiding more extensive diagnostics, reducing costs, and improving healthcare quality. High‐frequency ultrasound should be implemented in dermatosurgery before tumor excision for optimized therapy and improved patient counseling.
The value of targeted biological surveys: An assessment of Australia's Bush Blitz programme
Authors: Ware Chris , Williams Kristen J. , Ferrier Simon , Faith Daniel P. , Manion Glenn , Hawkins Brian , Harwood Thomas D. , Langston Art , Meyers Jacqui , Perry Justin , Harding Jo , Fyfe Sue
Published: January 2024

Aim

Biodiversity assessment and decisions rely on knowledge of the spatial distribution of species, yet most global biodiversity is inadequately represented by occurrence records. Efforts to improve our knowledge of biodiversity distribution include targeted taxon survey programmes aimed at generating records of new, or previously unrecorded, species. Here, we evaluate nearly 8 years of biodiversity record collection by Bush Blitz, Australia's largest species discovery programme, to test how efficiently knowledge was added through the programme.

Location

Continental Australia.

Methods

Because we expect locations that are environmentally distinct in comparison with those already surveyed to harbour novel records of species, we assess the extent to which Bush Blitz surveys complement continental environmental diversity (ED). We then assess how effectively this improvement in sampling of ED translates into the accumulation of records of new, or previously unrecorded, species. Our assessment is based on Bush Blitz data for six taxa (amphibians, spiders, land snails, moths and butterflies, reptiles and vascular plants), benchmarked against data accumulated over the same period by the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA)—Australia's largest aggregation of biodiversity records—as a comparison of effectiveness to the Bush Blitz programme.

Results

Environments surveyed through the Bush Blitz programme are highly complementary to environments from which ‘background’ observations were made over the same period and aggregated in the ALA. Bush Blitz surveys result in large numbers of records of new, or previously unrecorded, species. Across most biological groups considered, additions were made highly efficiently with respect to survey effort, relative to background survey effort represented in the ALA.

Main Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the ability of the Bush Blitz programme to contribute valuable data to conservation assessment and planning and the important role of surrogate‐based assessments of ED complementarity in planning new targeted biological surveys.
Efficient detection of single nucleotide variants in targeted genomic loci
Authors: Sone Ryota , Fujimaki Saori , Kawahara Atsuo
Published: January 2024

Single nucleotide variants (SNVs), including single nucleotide polymorphisms, are often associated with morphological and/or physiological abnormalities in various organisms. Targeted genomic DNA can be amplified and directly sequenced to detect these mutations, but this method is relatively time consuming and expensive. We recently established the heteroduplex mobility assay to detect genetic mutations as an easy, low‐cost method in genome editing, but detecting such small genetic differences remains difficult. Here, we developed a new, simple method to detect single nucleotide changes in the zebrafish genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrophoresis. We first designed a specific single stranded DNA with four tandem guanine nucleotides inserted beside the mutation site, called guanine‐inserted primer (GIP). When reannealing, hybridized complexes of GIP and PCR amplicons with or without 1‐bp‐mutated alleles form different bulge structures, presumably leading to different mobilities on a polyacrylamide gel. This GIP‐interacting mobility assay is easy to use; therefore, it could contribute to the detection of SNVs in any organism.
Do prosecutors induce the innocent to plead guilty?
Authors: Lundberg Alexander
Published: January 2024

The implications of a strategic model of plea bargaining are threefold. First, plea bargaining unequivocally increases wrongful convictions. Next, partial bans on plea bargaining reduce the frequency of wrongful convictions, and the reduction rises with the strength of the ban. Lastly, police share an important role in minimizing wrongful convictions.
Measuring the scale of envelope wages: Evidence from Poland
Authors: Kośny Marek , Sawulski Jakub , Kiełczewska Aneta
Published: January 2024

We develop a methodology for measuring the scale of the unregistered wages paid to staff by employers. We show that the differences in earnings distribution between public‐ and private‐sector employees are not reflected in the distribution of expenditure. Assuming that public‐sector employees do not receive unreported income, this points to undisclosed income in the private sector. After showing that the distribution of income from non‐wage sources does not systematically depend on the sector, we argue that the differences may be attributed to envelope wages. We estimate that 10%–11% of employees in Poland receive envelope wages, which account for around 5% of total earnings.
Trophic impacts of a rolled‐rye cover crop on the lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) and associated insect fauna in cultivated Histosols
Authors: Dumotier Jules , Brodeur Jacques , Gagnon Annie‐Ève
Published: January 2024

Cultivated peatland (Histosol) in Southern Québec (Canada) is a rapidly declining non‐renewable resource used to grow most Canadian lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae). Rolled‐rye (Secale cereale L., Poaceae) cover crop is one of the conservation practices proposed to reach a more sustainable lettuce production, but the overall impact on the agroecosystem remains poorly studied in Histosols. We assessed multiple effects of rolled‐rye cover crop on the trophic chain associated with the lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosley) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a major pest of lettuce. During one growing season and through two consecutive lettuce crops, we monitored in situ the impacts of rolled‐rye cover crop on insect fauna and lettuce quality. We used visual scouting and yellow pan traps to assess plant colonization by N. ribisnigri, its natural enemies, and alternative prey. Exclusion cage experiments were also conducted to measure aphid fitness and population growth. Under greenhouse conditions, following cover crop removal, we examined potential lingering effects of rye within the soil on lettuce plants and N. ribisnigri. In situ experiments showed that rolled‐rye cover crop has the potential to inhibit N. ribisnigri field colonization and recruit natural enemies and alternative prey in the first lettuce crop. Rye also reduced aphid fitness as well as lettuce foliar amino acid concentration and weight. For the second lettuce crop, an almost 50% reduction in N. ribisnigri abundance was observed with the use of rolled‐rye cover crop. In greenhouse experiments, no persistent effect of rye was observed on the quality of lettuce grown with soil collected under a cover crop, nor on the fitness of aphids inoculated on these lettuces. This study highlights the diversity of trophic effects rolled‐rye cover crop may have on lettuce production in Histosols and the potential of rolled‐rye cover crop as a cultural practice to reduce aphid populations. Mechanisms at play while underlining agronomic challenges regarding proper rye termination must be further explored to maintain high‐performing lettuce yields.
Contrasting responses to microhabitat and temperature determine breeding habitat differentiation between two Viola‐feeding butterflies
Authors: Wilby Andrew , Grubb Lydia Atkinson , Burrows Jessica , Menéndez Rosa
Published: January 2024

Since widespread monitoring began in 1976 in the UK, habitat‐specialist butterfly populations have declined dramatically. The main driver is habitat degradation, caused primarily by land‐use change, perhaps interacting with changes in vegetation phenology.

Here, we focus on two declining species: Boloria selene (Dennis & Schiffermüller) and Boloria euphrosyne L., Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae. We hypothesise that these species differ in their preferred breeding habitat, and this is driven by differences in their temperature preferences, mediated by vegetation cover.

We use mark‐release‐recapture techniques and oviposition observations to characterise and compare adult distribution, habitat use and oviposition site preferences of the two species.

Egg‐laying females of both species are shown to occur in areas with relatively high abundance of the larval food plants, Viola spp. (violets), principally V. riviniana, and they oviposit where Viola spp. abundance is locally high. However, in contrast to B. selene, ovipositing B. euphrosyne tends to occur in areas with relatively short and sparse cover of vegetation.

B. euphrosyne oviposit in sites with a relatively high plant surface temperature irrespective of ambient temperatures, in contrast with B. selene in which the temperature of oviposition sites increases as ambient temperature increases. These differential temperature strategies likely underlie differences in breeding habitat preference.

Microclimatic cooling caused by increased vegetation growth in spring may be one reason B. euphrosyne is declining in the UK, while both B. euphrosyne and B. selene may be affected by declining Viola spp. availability. Our data provide further evidence that drivers of butterfly declines can be multi‐factorial, and paradoxically, that thermophilic species do not necessarily benefit from climate warming if responses of other species result in cooling of their habitats.
Seizure progression is slowed by enhancing neurosteroid availability in the brain of epileptic rats
Authors: Gol Mohammad , Costa Anna Maria , Biagini Giuseppe , Lucchi Chiara
Published: January 2024

Trilostane is a 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5‐4 isomerase inhibitor able to produce a manyfold increase in brain levels of various neurosteroids, including allopregnanolone. We previously found that treatment with trilostane can slow down epileptogenesis in the kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy. It is unknown whether trilostane may have a similar effect on the progression of epilepsy severity, as observed in KA‐treated rats. Consequently, we investigated the effects of trilostane (50 mg/kg/day, 1 week) in epileptic rats, given 64 days after KA administration. Seizures were monitored by video‐electrocorticographic recordings before and during the treatment with trilostane or vehicle (sesame oil), and neurosteroid levels were measured in serum and cerebral tissue using liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry after treatment. Pregnenolone sulfate, pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α‐dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone peripheral levels were massively increased by trilostane. With the only exception of hippocampal pregnenolone sulfate, the other neurosteroids augmented in both the neocortex and hippocampus. Only pregnanolone levels were not upregulated by trilostane. As expected, a significant increase in the seizure occurrence was observed in rats receiving the vehicle, but not in the trilostane group. This suggests that the increased availability of neurosteroids produced a disease‐modifying effect in the brain of epileptic rats.
Option compensation, dynamic investment and capital structure
Authors: Gan Liu , Xia Xin , Zhang Hai
Published: January 2024

We develop a dynamic trade‐off model of managerial discretion to investigate how stock option compensation relates to managers' intertwined capital structure and dynamic investment decisions. Our model predicts that option grants provide managers with incentives to undertake both current and future investments, in sharp contrast to the effects of stock compensation. With an increase in option compensation, managers in low‐ (high‐) risk firms tend to increase (decrease) firm leverage, while the opposite is true when stock pay increases. This result offers an innovative prospective on the empirical tests of the relationship between option compensation and capital structure.
A smart decentralized identifiable distributed ledger technology‐based blockchain (DIDLT‐BC) model for cloud‐IoT security
Authors: Selvarajan Shitharth , Shankar Achyut , Uddin Mueen , Alqahtani Abdullah Saleh , Al‐Shehari Taher , Viriyasitavat Wattana
Published: January 2024

The most important and difficult challenge the digital society has recently faced is ensuring data privacy and security in cloud‐based Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. As a result, many researchers believe that the blockchain's Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is a good choice for various clever applications. Nevertheless, it encountered constraints and difficulties with elevated computing expenses, temporal demands, operational intricacy, and diminished security. Therefore, the proposed work aims to develop a Decentralized Identifiable Distributed Ledger Technology‐Blockchain (DIDLT‐BC) framework that is intelligent and effective, requiring the least amount of computing complexity to ensure cloud IoT system safety. In this case, the Rabin algorithm produces the digital signature needed to start the transaction. The public and private keys are then created to verify the transactions. The block is then built using the DIDLT model, which includes the block header information, hash code, timestamp, nonce message, and transaction list. The primary purpose of the Blockchain Consent Algorithm (BCA) is to find solutions for numerous unreliable nodes with varying hash values. The novel contribution of this work is to incorporate the operations of Rabin digital data signature generation, DIDLT‐based blockchain construction, and BCA algorithms for ensuring overall data security in IoT networks. With proper digital signature generation, key generation, blockchain construction and validation operations, secured data storage and retrieval are enabled in the cloud‐IoT systems. By using this integrated DIDLT‐BCA model, the security performance of the proposed system is greatly improved with 98% security, less execution time of up to 150 ms, and reduced mining time of up to 0.98 s.
Uptake of a self‐guided digital treatment for depression and anxiety: A qualitative study exploring patient perspectives and decision‐making
Authors: Fisher Alana , Eugene Dit Rochesson Sylvia , Bisby Madelyne A. , Scott Amelia J. , Gandy Milena , Heriseanu Andreea , Titov Nick , Dear Blake
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the demonstrated efficacy and potential scalability of self‐guided digital treatments for common mental health conditions, there is substantial variability in their uptake and engagement. This study explored the decision‐making processes, influences and support needs of people taking up a self‐guided digital treatment for anxiety and/or depression.

Methods

Australian‐based adults (n = 20) were purposively sampled from a trial of self‐guided digital mental health treatment. One‐to‐one, semistructured interviews were conducted, based on the Ottawa Decision‐Support Framework. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using framework methods. Baseline sociodemographic, clinical and decision‐making characteristics were also collected.

Results

Analyses yielded four themes. Theme 1 captured participants' openness to try self‐guided digital treatment, despite limited deliberation on potential downsides or alternative options. Theme 2 highlighted that immediacy and ease of access were major drivers of uptake, which participants contrasted with gaps in access and continuity of care in face‐to‐face services, especially rurally. Theme 3 centred on participants as the main agents in their decision‐making, with family and health professional attitudes also reportedly influencing decision‐making. Theme 4 revealed participants' primary motivations for deciding to take up treatment (e.g., the potential to increase insight and coping skills), while also acknowledging that pre‐existing characteristics (e.g., health and digital literacy, insight) determined participants' personal suitability for self‐guided digital treatment.

Conclusion

Findings help to elucidate the decision‐making influences and processes amongst people who started a self‐guided treatment for depression and anxiety. Additional information and decision support resources appear warranted, which may also improve the accessibility of self‐guided treatments.

Public or Patient Contribution

Patients were interviewed about their views and experiences of decision‐making about accessing and taking up treatment. As such, patient contribution to the research was as study participants.
The changing landscape of both causes and locations of death in a regional HIV population 2010–2021
Authors: Krentz Hartmut B. , Lang Raynell , McMillan Jacqueline , Ody Meagan , Gill M. John
Published: January 2024

Background

Although HIV‐related deaths among people with HIV have dramatically decreased, deaths from other medical conditions and non‐medical events have increased. The location of death among people with HIV remains underreported.

Objectives

We reviewed the deaths, causes of death, and reported location of death (i.e. within or outside of medical settings) of all people with HIV with the Southern Alberta Cohort, Calgary, Canada, between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2022.

Methods

This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study reviewing all deaths within a comprehensive geographically defined HIV cohort over 11 years.

Results

Deaths from HIV‐related causes decreased from 52% of all deaths in 2010 to 14% in 2021. In 2021, non‐HIV medical deaths increased from 38% to 44%, and non‐medical deaths (e.g. violence, suicide, drug overdose) increased from 0.5% to 39%. Of non‐medical deaths, 67% resulted from substance use/overdose. Overall, deaths in any medical setting decreased from 91% in 2010 to 39% in 2021; 61% of all deaths occurred in a medical setting (e.g. hospital/emergency department or supported/long‐term/hospice care), 27% in a residence, and 9% in the community.

Conclusion

The shifting causes of death (i.e. fewer HIV‐related deaths, more overdose deaths) and location of death (i.e. fewer in medical settings, more at home/in the community) requires close monitoring so future resources can be matched to predicted patient needs.
COVID‐19 pandemic effects: Examining prenatal internalizing symptoms and infant temperament
Authors: Mattera Jennifer A. , Erickson Nora L. , Barbosa‐Leiker Celestina , Gartstein Maria A.
Published: January 2024

For pregnant women, the COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented stressors, including uncertainty regarding prenatal care and the long‐term consequences of perinatal infection. However, few studies have examined the role of this adverse event on maternal wellbeing and infant socioemotional development following the initial wave of the pandemic when less stringent public health restrictions were in place. The current study addressed these gaps in the literature by first comparing prenatal internalizing symptoms and infant temperament collected after the first wave of the pandemic to equivalent measures in a pre‐pandemic sample. Second, associations between prenatal pandemic‐related stress and infant temperament were examined. Women who were pregnant during the COVID‐19 pandemic endorsed higher pregnancy‐specific anxiety relative to the pre‐pandemic sample. They also reported greater infant negative emotionality and lower positive affectivity and regulatory capacity at 2 months postpartum. Prenatal infection stress directly predicted infant negative affect. Both prenatal infection and preparedness stress were indirectly related to infant negative emotionality through depression symptoms during pregnancy and at 2 months postpartum. These results have implications for prenatal mental health screening procedures during the pandemic and the development of early intervention programs for infants born to mothers during this adverse event.
Topical antimitotic treatments for plantar warts are more beneficial: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xu Yantao , Wang Ying , Huang Kai , Huang Weihong , Zhao Shuang , Jiang Zixi
Published: January 2024

Background

Plantar warts are common infectious cutaneous growths causing severe physiological and psychological discomforts in patients and heaving global financial burdens. However, paucity of clear‐cut guidelines for plantar warts, selecting appropriate treatments for plantar warts remains challenging. The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of common treatments for plantar warts.

Methods

PubMed, EMbase, and The Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 1, 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of plantar warts. The primary outcome (complete response) and secondary outcome (recurrence and pain) were extracted and combined using Bayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA) with random‐effect and fixed‐effect models.

Results

Totally, 33 RCTs were included in the systematic review and quantitative NMA. In NMA of complete response, topical application of 1% cantharidin, 20% podophylotoxin, 30% salicylic acid (CPS), microneedles plus bleomycin (MNB), and intralesional bleomycin injection (INB) were the only three treatments significantly superior to no treatment (NT) and CPS was of the highest possibility to be the top‐ranked treatment (SUCRA = 0.9363). However, traditional warts treatments, salicylic acid (SA) and cryotherapy were not superior to NT.

Conclusions

The NMA has produced evidence for using CPS, MNB, and INB, which are all topical antimitotic treatments, to improve the management of plantar warts. The classic treatment modalities for plantar warts, including SA and cryotherapy, may play a less important role in the clinical practice of plantar warts.