bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of HCC surveillance in a landscape of emerging surveillance options: Perspectives of a multi-stakeholder modified Delphi panel
Authors: Singal Amit G. , Quirk Lisa , Boike Justin , Chernyak Victoria , Feng Ziding , Giamarqo Giamarqo , Kanwal Fasiha , Ioannou George N. , Manes Sarah , Marrero Jorge A. , Mehta Neil , Pillai Anjana , Shaheen Nicholas J. , Shaukat Aasma , Sirlin Claude B. , Verna Elizabeth , Wani Sachin , Wilson Woods Andrea , Yang Ju Dong , Parikh Neehar D.
Published: December 2024

HCC surveillance is recommended by liver professional societies but lacks broad acceptance by several primary care and cancer societies due to limitations in the existing data. We convened a diverse multidisciplinary group of cancer screening experts to evaluate current and future paradigms of HCC prevention and early detection using a rigorous Delphi panel approach. The experts had high agreement on 21 statements about primary prevention, HCC surveillance benefits, HCC surveillance harms, and the evaluation of emerging surveillance modalities. The experts agreed that current data have methodologic limitations as well as unclear generalizability to Western populations. Although a randomized clinical trial of surveillance versus no surveillance is unlikely feasible, they concurred that alternative designs, such as a comparison of 2 surveillance modalities, could provide indirect evidence of surveillance efficacy. The panel acknowledged the presence of surveillance harms, but concurred the overall value of surveillance appears high, particularly given a greater emphasis on benefits over harms by both patients and clinicians. The experts underscored the importance of a framework for measuring both benefits and harms when evaluating emerging surveillance strategies. The panel acknowledged performance metrics of emerging methods may differ from other cancer screening programs given differences in populations, including higher risk of cancer development and competing risk of morality, and differences in diagnostic workflow in patients at risk of HCC. These data provide insights into the perceived value of HCC surveillance in an era of emerging blood- and imaging-based surveillance strategies.
Preparing for stormy weather: building VA health system resilience for dialysis emergency preparedness in the era of climate change
Authors: Martin DeAndra , Brewster Peter , Crowley Susan T.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review

Climate change has been implicated as the driver for the increasing number, intensity, duration, and consequences of catastrophic weather events. As a result of extreme weather events, climate change has also been implicated as an important mediator of adverse kidney health outcomes, not only increasing the risk for the development of acute and chronic kidney diseases, but also disrupting the delivery of critical kidney health services. In particular, the delivery of dialysis services during major emergencies remains an ongoing and increasing problem, with a recognized need for improved emergency preparedness and disaster management (EP-DM) strategies to mitigate the increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with missed dialysis treatment.

Recent findings

There are increasing reports detailing the challenges of kidney dialysis care in times of crisis, to include those resulting from both man-made and natural disasters. Optimized management of the high-risk vulnerable dialysis patient population must include both facility-facing comprehensive continuity of operations and emergency response plans, and ongoing patient-facing emergency preparedness education.

This review discusses the adverse impact of climate change-related natural disasters on the delivery of dialysis services, and the evolving EP-DM strategies developed and implemented by the Veterans Health Administration (VA) to optimize the care and well being of the vulnerable end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patient population.
Emerging challenges: clozapine-associated hepatotoxicity in bipolar disorder: a case report
Authors: Hersi Hassan Omar , Jeele Mohamed Osman Omar , Adam Bakar Ali , Hassan Mohamed Omar
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Clozapine can cause major adverse effects, including rare but serious drug-induced liver injury. Understanding how clozapine causes liver injury is crucial for prompt diagnosis and effective management.

Case presentation:

We presented a case of a 42-year-old man with bipolar disorder who presented to our emergency department with a complaint of fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper right abdomen for 1 week. The patient was commenced with clozapine 1 month prior. He appeared jaundiced with a slightly swollen abdomen. Blood tests revealed highly elevated liver enzymes (AST 1679 U/L, ALT 1752 U/L) and bilirubin levels (total bilirubin 8.5 mg/dL, direct bilirubin 3.02 mg/dL). Tests for viral hepatitis and autoimmune diseases were negative. Suspecting clozapine-induced liver injury, we stopped the medication and provided supportive care.

Discussion:

Clozapine-induced liver injury likely occurs through a variety of pathophysiological pathways that include its metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Recognizing symptoms like jaundice and abdominal pain early is crucial for diagnosis. Our case reflects similar cases in literature, highlighting the variability in how this condition presents and the importance of prompt intervention to prevent severe consequences. Treatment involves stopping clozapine, supportive care, and closely monitoring the patient’s recovery.

Conclusion:

Physicians who prescribe clozapine should make sure that liver function is closely monitored, especially in the initial few months of the medication, and stop it if liver function become more than 3 times of upper limit of normal and patient developed signs and symptoms of liver injury.
Malignant melanoma with bone metastases in a child: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Ashayeri Neda , Khani Parya , Miri-Aliabad Ghasem , Jafari Masoumeh , Pajouhi Ali
Published: December 2024

Introduction and importance:

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer diagnosed in the US in 2022. While its incidence increased from 1980 to 2017, it rarely happens in children. Its diagnosis and treatment are challenging in pediatric patients due to its rarity and different presentations compared to adults.

Case presentation:

An 11.5-year-old boy with a complaint of back pain was admitted to the hospital. Initial examinations were normal; however, due to continued pain and symptoms (e.g., inability to walk, knee pain and ankle ecchymosis, weight loss, vomiting, nausea, and dyspnea), further examinations were performed. Biopsy, nuclear scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed the malignant melanoma diagnosis with bone and lung metastasis. Single-agent treatment with nivolumab was initiated after the diagnosis confirmation with no specific complication. The patient’s parents decided to continue the treatment in their city of residence to reduce costs. However, the treatment was not continued, and unfortunately, the patient has passed away.

Clinical discussion:

Melanoma is rare in children, making its diagnosis challenging. There are no specific guidelines for treating melanoma in pediatric patients, especially in children under 12, with ongoing debate on the most suitable treatment and follow-up options for these patients. It is important to fully examine resected legions for malignancy.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the difficulties in diagnosing and treating malignant melanoma in children, considering its rarity and unusual signs and symptoms compared to adults. Specific guidelines are needed for diagnosing and treating malignant melanoma in pediatric patients.
A protocol for lumbar spine surgery under spinal anesthesia in resource limited countries: illustrative case series
Authors: Muzien Sulaiman Jemal
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Lumbar spine surgery can be performed under either general or spinal anesthesia. Numerous studies highlight the benefits of spinal anesthesia (SA), including cost-effectiveness, reduced anesthesia-related complications, and suitability for patients who do not favor general anesthesia (GA). Those informal case series emphasizes the advantages of SA and introduces a working protocol tailored for resource-limited countries (RLCs).

Presentation of case:

Two patients, aged 35 and 58, underwent spinal surgery using SA combined with local infiltration for the skin and facet joints. We implemented a new protocol believed to be beneficial in RLCs. In both cases, intraoperative vital signs remained stable, and there was effective pain control postoperatively.

Clinical discussion:

Spine surgery under SA has gained acceptance due to evidence indicating reduced perioperative risks and lower opioid consumption, alongside decreased healthcare costs. Although there are suggested protocols for SA in spine surgery, many are not applicable in RLCs. Our case series demonstrate similar advantages, suggesting that the protocol used in this study may be helpful. Despite its benefits, SA for spine surgery still faces resistance and has not been widely adopted in many neurosurgery centers.

Conclusion:

The study aim to outline essential steps for initiating SA for spine surgery in RLCs. The guidelines utilized in this study have proven effective. SA can lead to reduced healthcare costs, lower opioid usage, and increased patient turnover. The two cases series demonstrate improved anesthesia outcomes. Future randomized clinical trials with sufficiently large sample sizes are necessary to establish high-quality evidence regarding the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of SA.
Ovarian cancer with breast metastasis: a rare case report
Authors: Dang Tien Giang , Nguyen Hong Quang , Khuc Chi Hieu , Tran Trung Toan , Nguyen Thanh Long
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Ovarian cancer with breast metastasis is an exceedingly rare entity. We hereby reported a case of ovarian cancer presenting with synchronous breast metastasis.

Case presentation:

We report a case of a 39-year-old patient who was diagnosed with FIGO stage IV ovarian cancer, with pleural effusion and a suspected lesion in the breast. Biopsies of the breast lesion showed invasive carcinoma, immunohistochemistry stains of the breast biopsy specimen were positive for PAX-8, CA-125 markers, and negative for P53, SMA, Her2/neu, Mammaglobin. Immunohistochemistry results combined with the diagnosis of ovarian cancer helped confirm the ovarian origin of breast tumor.

Discussion:

Ovarian cancer presenting with breast cancer metastasis concurrently is rare. The differential diagnosis between primary breast cancer and breast metastasis from ovarian cancer is challenging and immunohistochemistry results play a crucial role in establishing a definitive diagnosis in such cases.

Conclusion:

Oncologist and pathologist should be able to identify this rare clinical scenario promptly for early diagnosis and treatment which relies on thorough examination, imaging and immunohistochemical studies. Nevertheless, owing to the extensive spread of the disease, the prognosis for this rare clinical scenario is generally poor.
The portrayal of injuries to the extremities and their reconstruction in times of conflict (Khartoum, Sudan): a cross-sectional
Authors: Yassin Amin M. , Mohamed Momen , Dirar Mohamed , Karar Ismail , Ali Maany , Ahmed Muhnnad , Salah Musab
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Military weapons primarily damage the upper and lower limbs of the body, causing significant structural disruption in these injuries. The goal of limb reconstruction is to keep the extremity’s sensorimotor functions, skeletal stability, and adorable aesthetic result.

Materials and methods:

This is a descriptive prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study performed to assess presentation of extremities injuries due to war weapon in Khartoum, Sudan, during conflict period July–December 2023. All patients with lower and upper extremities wounds due to combat injury and who underwent reconstructive surgery were included. Patients with concomitant injuries to trunk and head and neck regions were excluded.

Results:

Among 200 patients, 82% were male, while 18% were female. The majority of patients, accounting for 28.5%, were between 20 and 30 years old. The lower limb was the most commonly involved extremity (56%), while in 54.9% of cases, the upper limb is dominant. In most cases, all components were injured except for neural and vascular elements. The ratio of fasciocutaneous to muscle flap was 73–27%. Complications were not experienced by more than half of the patients, with infection being the most common complication encountered in 60% of complicated cases.

Conclusion:

War-related trauma to the extremities leads to complex wounds with various structural complications, often contaminated, posing a significant challenge during the reconstruction phase. In resource-limited settings, a customized reconstructive ladder may be implemented if free flaps are not an option, utilizing pedicled flaps to achieve satisfactory outcomes.
Successful healing of chronic venous ulcer using zinc oxide nanoparticles and compression therapy in a 75-year-old Syrian female: a case report
Authors: Shreiki Hiba , Bashour George , Kinjo Houssam
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Chronic venous disease is a commonly underdiagnosed condition that gradually diminishes a patient’s quality of life and imposes a growing burden on healthcare resources. Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) arise as a complication of chronic venous insufficiency and represent the most prevalent type of slow-healing wound in the lower extremities.

Case presentation:

In this case report, we present the successful treatment of a 75-year-old woman with a chronic venous ulcer caused by chronic deep venous insufficiency. The patient had been struggling with an unresponsive venous leg ulcer for 7 years with no improvement from previous treatments. A three-layer Unna boot treatment, including (ZnO NPs) and a two-component compression system was applied, and significant ulcer reduction was observed.

Discussion:

ZnO NPs impregnated bandages, like those found in an Unna boot, offer compression by wrapping gauze dressing impregnated with ZnO NPs around the patient’s leg forming a semi-solid mold around the extremity. A more efficient treatment approach could lead to fewer clinic visits, thereby reducing healthcare expenses by enhancing the method of managing venous ulcers through a combination of compression and simple, cost-effective surface dressing materials. It’s worth noting that ZnO NPs have demonstrated significant benefits for wound healing.

Conclusion:

Utilizing ZnO NPs alongside compression therapy has proven highly effective, accelerating healing and offering a cost-effective solution. Further research is needed to study the safety of ZnO NPs.
Perinatal Management of Hepatic Adenomas
Authors: Nocita Megan A. , Brady Carla W. , Kuller Jeffrey A. , Gatta Luke A.
Published: December 2024

Importance

With a strong association between hepatic adenomas and estrogen established, understanding the risks, evaluation, and perinatal management of hepatic adenomas is necessary for obstetric clinicians.

Objective

The aim of this study is to review the preconception counseling, perinatal management, and postpartum care of hepatic adenomas.

Evidence Acquisition

A literature review identified relevant research, review articles, textbook chapters, databases, and societal guidelines.

Results

Hepatic adenomas require individualized recommendations based on their prepregnancy size and evolution over pregnancy. Hepatic adenomas measuring greater than 5 cm are associated with a significantly increased risk during pregnancy including rupture. Ideally, optimal management of hepatic adenoma includes accurate diagnosis, discontinuation of estrogen-containing contraception, and surgical resection of large masses prior to conception. Patients should undergo serial surveillance of the adenoma during the antenatal and postpartum periods, with surgical intervention as indicated with multidisciplinary planning.

Conclusions and Relevance

An individualized approach is necessary when managing hepatic adenomas in the patient who is pregnant or intends pregnancy. More contemporary data are required to guide management and patient counseling.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, and natural history of hepatic adenomas; describe potential complications of hepatic adenomas in pregnancy; and explain management recommendations for hepatic adenomas in the preconception and antepartum periods.
Citrate Anticoagulation in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: Multicenter PICU Study of Filter-Related Outcomes
Authors: Kihtir Hasan S. , Duyu Muhterem , Mementoglu Mehmet E. , Tolunay Ilknur , Kendirli Tanil , Ekinci Faruk , Botan Edin , Ongun Ebru A. , Asik Ayse , Gun Emrah , Ucmak Hacer , Sevketoglu Esra , Yildizdas Dincer
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

To examine citrate anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in the PICU.

Design:

Post hoc analysis of a curated, multicenter dataset collected from January 1, 2022, to June 1, 2023.

Setting:

Seven PICUs in Turkey.

Patients:

PICU admissions in need of CRRT, 28 days to 18 years old.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

In 128 filters used in 73 patients, the effective filter life (EFL) restricted to 72 hours was a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 40.5 hours (IQR, 21–58 hr); total EFL was a median of 59 hours (IQR, 28–89 hr). Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve for initial citrate infusion dose (CID) and whether EFL reached 72 hours identified a cutoff level for initial CID of greater than 2.64 mmol citrate per liter of patient blood flow (mmol/L-bf). As expected, the two filter groups categorized by initial CID (≥ 2.7 vs. < 2.7 mmol/L-bf) showed filters in children receiving higher initial dosing had longer total EFL (72 hr [IQR, 48–104 hr] vs. 38.5 hr [IQR, 18–84 hr]; p = 0.03). We failed to identify an association between CRRT for over 24 or 48 hours and greater odds (odds ratio [OR], 95% CI) of citrate accumulation (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 0.82–6.13; p = 0.118 or OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 0.84–3.8; p = 0.134, respectively). However, we cannot exclude up to 6.1- or 3.8-fold odds of citrate accumulation; of note, CRRT over 72 hours was associated with greater odds of citrate accumulation (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.01–4.68; p = 0.04). Citrate lock syndrome occurred in eight of 128 (6.3%; 95% CI, 3–11.4%) filters, and resolved without termination of CRRT. On multivariable analysis, a higher patient initial lactate concentration was associated with an 18% (95% CI, 7–30%) greater hazard of developing citrate accumulation.

Conclusions:

Citrate anticoagulation for CRRT is an option for children. Choosing an initial CID greater than or equal to 2.7 mmol/L-bf provides longer EFL but with the associated potential of citrate accumulation. Further studies are needed on initial CID and duration of EFL.
Gender and Age Differences in Corpus Callosum Morphology: High-Altitude Adaptations in Native Tibetan Populations
Authors: Zeng Ke , Wang Zhan-fei , Su Ming-ran , Wang Yu , Zhang Zhi-ying , Zhong Hua
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims:

The corpus callosum is recognized as the largest interhemispheric white matter structure, coordinating distinct functions of the brain. High-altitude environments may influence the structure of the corpus callosum. This study aims to evaluate the morphologic characteristics of the corpus callosum in Tibetans residing on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau while investigating the effects of sex, age, and high-altitude exposure on its morphology.

Materials and Methods:

The study comprised 262 healthy native Tibetan adults, including 113 men and 149 women. The length, height, area, and thickness of each subregion of the corpus callosum were measured, with the data normalized according to brain length and mid-sagittal cortical brain area. Statistical analyses were conducted utilizing nonparametric tests and partial correlation analysis.

Results:

Most normalized morphologic measurements indicated significant sex differences, particularly in the thickness of the rostrum (z=−3.199, P=0.001), genu (z=−3.133, P=0.002), body (z=−3.612, P<0.001), splenium (z=−2.279, P=0.02), and callosal length (z=−2.722, P=0.006), and area (z=−2.179, P=0.03). The callosal area (R
2=0.084, P<0.001) demonstrated an inverted U-shaped trajectory throughout the lifespan, peaking at ∼40 years of age.

Conclusions:

This study identified pronounced sex differences in the corpus callosum morphology among Tibetans. Despite living at high altitudes, the age-related trajectory of the callosal area resembled patterns observed in other populations, although peak ages differed by sex.
Are Bone Expansion Techniques Effective for Implant Placement in Narrow Alveolar Ridges?
Authors: Rizk Omar , Ashraf Sherif , Zaki Ahmed Hany , AbdelMohsen Karim Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Because of the fact that sufficient alveolar ridge bone is essential for the success of implant placement, the authors often face a challenge with augmenting residual maxillary alveolar ridges. The aim of the study was to compare the amount of ridge gain by the Osseodensification method with the manual bone expanders method for healed edentulous sites in the maxilla at different time intervals (immdiate postoperative and 6 mo postoperative). Two groups were equally and randomly divided with a total of 14 implants (Biohorizons) placed in the maxillary arch for 8 patients, osseodensification was used for 1 group (group 1), whereas manual threaded expanders (bone spreaders) was used for the other group (group 2). Results suggest that the expanders group (group 2) yielded greater immediate postoperative expansion at some points along the length of placed implants; however, most of the expansion gain at the immediate Post-operative stage underwent continuous remodeling 6 months postoperative. The authors recommend using expansion techniques only when other more predictable techniques for horizontal bone augmentation are not feasible.
Interactive relationships among factors influencing skilled labor shortages in the construction industry
Authors: Kuo Yao-Chen
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The factors contributing to skilled labor shortages in the construction industry are investigated based on relevant global literature. The potential factors are collected, organized and subjected to expert evaluation to determine their inter-relationships. The identified factors are integrated to determine both direct and indirect impacts, clarifying their relative importance.

Design/methodology/approach

Apart from literature reviews, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was employed to elucidate influential relationships among the factors. Intuitive assessments and DEMATEL with and without the shortage factors were used to compare the impact of various factors on skilled labor shortages.

Findings

Significant differences were observed between considering only direct effects and both direct and indirect effects. Factors identified through comprehensive evaluation were prioritized; poor overall wages, poor overall welfare and lack of retirement income security and unclear career path owing to lack of prospects and talent plans were the three important factors identified.

Research limitations/implications

The disparity between construction companies and key stakeholders, such as government agencies, public sector clients, pre-project planners, designers and consulting engineers, stems from differing priorities concerning skilled labor in the construction industry. In this study, evaluations of most experts from construction companies and the gap ratio for data reliability were implemented for the analysis. In the future, more experts from government agencies, and other groups should be included while focusing on the shortage in individual trades of skilled workers. In addition, the proposed measures require further evaluation for interactive influence and effectiveness.

Originality/value

The interactive relationship among the factors influencing skilled labor shortages is explored to determine measures to alleviate their influence. This can aid policymakers in identifying effective solutions.
Decoupling from Chinese technology? Navigating current trends in Sino-European service relations
Authors: Cieślik Ewa
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The article focuses on cross-sectoral analysis concerning services, especially ICT services, flowing from China to European manufacturing. The aim of the study is to analyse Sino-European relations in terms of ICT servicification. The article attempts to answer the following questions: does China’s relationship with Europe in terms of the servicification of manufacturing align with global servicification trends? Have global economic shocks, such as decoupling policies, diminished the flows of Chinese ICT services in European advanced manufacturing sectors?

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed input–output models to analyse the increasing role of China as a supplier of ICT services to European manufacturing. It also identified the industries that are most dependent on Chinese ICT services.

Findings

The analysis highlights the increasing reliance of European manufacturing on Chinese ICT services, with a notable rise across both Western Europe and CEE. This dependency is particularly strong in advanced sectors such as automotive and electronics, and there is no evidence of decoupling from China, even amidst global shocks or geopolitical tensions like the Trump presidency. Additionally, the BRI had limited direct impact, as the servicification trends appear driven more by broader globalization processes.

Originality/value

The study investigates all European countries and their manufacturing sectors’ reliance on Chinese services. It concentrates on services related to high technology, specifically ICT. Moreover, the previous research has focused on servicification of manufacturing, in general, neglecting industry-specific analysis. It contributes to the literature by providing insights into the relationships between developing and developed economies in terms of GVCs in the context of digital servicification and decoupling conditions.
The impact of business associations on SMEs’ green transformation
Authors: Wang Liecheng , Zhang Min , Guo Hangfei
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical for achieving a green economy. This study aims to empirically explore business associations’ impacts on SMEs’ green transformation in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multiple-case study approach. The authors collect data from four Chinese business associations and their members.

Findings

This study finds that business associations promote SMEs’ green transformation by providing individual and collective services. SMEs conduct green transformation by developing a green mindset and adopting green operations. The results show that individual services directly enhance members’ green mindset and green operations. Collective services promote members’ green mindset and green operations both directly and indirectly by building relational capital.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by revealing that business associations play critical roles in assisting SMEs’ green transformation. In addition, this study suggests that SMEs may adopt different practices compared with large companies. The findings enhance the current understanding of how SMEs conduct green transformation and how business associations assist SMEs.
Improving a frontier approach to selecting suppliers for a make-to-order supply chain
Authors: Tarpey Richard , Yang Chenchen , Yang Feng , Yuan Qianqian , Yue Jinfeng
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Make-to-order (MTO) manufacturers often receive lead time-sensitive orders requiring multiple custom parts not commonly in stock. These irregular orders can be challenging to manage across numerous suppliers, resulting in high costs and associated risks in completing orders on time. Many MTO manufacturers develop relationships with multiple sourcing suppliers, spreading risk and ensuring delivery performance at a reasonable cost. These relationships, however, result in an order allocation problem. The purpose of this study is to consider previously proposed frontier portfolio solution methodologies used in sourcing selection and improve upon an identified weakness to improve the evaluation and selection of order quantities across multiple suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes an existing frontier portfolio selection model where potentially inefficient portfolios are selected and considered. The authors propose introducing a data envelopment analysis (DEA) technique paired with the frontier portfolio selection model to eliminate inefficient portfolios from being considered to help MTO manufacturers determine allocations by calculating and evaluating two factors: on-time probability and associated cost.

Findings

While previously proposed frontier models provide mechanisms to allocate orders across different suppliers to meet variable service levels and costs, this study finds model improvements to eliminate inefficient portfolios to facilitate better decisions for order allocation. This study finds a more efficient potential solution using a frontier method paired with DEA to help the MTO manufacturer select sourcing partners and determine the associated quantity allocation for each chosen supplier. The technique provides flexibility, resulting in a range of options to solve the dilemma with differing emphasis on due dates and costs.

Practical implications

The proposed method provides a pool of more efficient frontier portfolios ranging from higher on-time probability and higher cost to less on-time likelihood and lower cost, resulting in less chance of an inefficient portfolio choice. Such a design ensures that regardless of the preference and specific need criteria (cost versus on-time delivery), MTO manufacturers have flexibility in choosing an optimal solution.

Originality/value

This paper extends an existing model of supplier selection to improve selection quality based on a DEA technique to remove inefficient portfolios.
Plant–soil feedback drives the ‘nursing effect’ on Sitka spruce
Authors: Zhou Yichen , Tao Tingting , Cox Filipa , Johnson David
Published: December 2024

The productivity of economically valuable focal trees in mixtures is often improved by inclusion of lower‐value nursing species, but the mechanisms underpinning such effects are poorly resolved. This gap in understanding limits the capacity to develop efficient planting strategies for forests and woodlands to contribute to net‐zero and other critical ecosystem functions.

Here, we undertook a plant–soil feedback experiment to test the hypothesis that feedback effects improve the biomass of Sitka spruce [Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr] in soil conditioned by monocultures of heterospecific nurse species, and a mixture comprising Sitka spruce and heterospecifics, compared to soil conditioned by only Sitka spruce.

Sitka spruce saplings had greater biomass in soil conditioned by Scots pine monocultures (Pinus sylvestris L.) and the mixture compared to their own soil or soil conditioned by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). Statistical models showed that colonization of ectomycorrhizal fungi on tree roots in the feedback phase was positively related to seedling biomass, and significantly influenced plant growth strategy.

Soil inorganic nitrogen concentrations were strongly affected by monocultures and mixtures in the conditioning phase, but these effects were not related to biomass of seedlings in the feedback phase. However, the positive associations among microbial biomass nitrogen, extractable ammonium in soil, and the activity of the nitrogen‐degrading enzyme N‐acetylglucosaminidase may influence seedling biomass in the longer‐term by stimulating nitrogen cycling.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings show that in the crucial early phases of tree growth, plant–soil feedback plays an important role in shaping productivity of Sitka spruce and the nitrogen cycle in forest soils, the latter which may have important consequences for tree biomass in the longer‐term. Our findings demonstrate the importance of the nursing effect in the early stages of plant growth and provide a mechanistic explanation both for long‐held observations of nursing effects in forestry systems and for biodiversity effects in natural woodlands. The nursing effect was largely driven by the activity of symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi, and therefore it is important for practitioners to ensure nursing species monocultures or mixtures support ectomycorrhizal fungi that are compatible with high‐value target species.
Detrital Zircon U‐Pb Dating for Clastic Rocks from Boreholes in the Eastern Junggar Basin: Constraints on Permian Tectonics in the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: REN Xincheng , ZHANG Guanlong , WANG Jinduo , ZHANG Kuihua , ZHANG Xuecai , JI Ma , YU Hongzhou
Published: December 2024

Permian sedimentary successions, widely distributed in the eastern Junggar Basin, may record key details on the closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean in this region. Results of boreholes show that Permian strata is mainly composed of mudstone, sandy mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, sandy conglomerate, dolomite, and limestone. Detrital zircon U‐Pb dating results of three sandstone samples yielded the calculated maximum ages of 296 Ma, 278 Ma and 293 Ma, indicating they possibly deposited during the Early Permian. Permian strata in the eastern Junggar Basin show similar rock associations and detrital zircon age data distribution patterns. Our new and compiled age data for sandstone samples in the eastern Junggar Basin and Bogda region yield predominant Paleozoic ages, close to their sedimentary ages. Such detrital zircon age data distribution patterns support the hypothesis that these Early Permian meta‐clastic rocks in the eastern Junggar Basin and Bogda region were deposited in a subduction‐related basin, and indicate an Early Permian Ocean prevented Precambrian detritus from the Central Tianshan block from depositing in the eastern Junggar Basin and Bogda region.
Numerical Study on the Mechanical Behavior of Hydraulic Fractures under Stress Disturbance, based on a Multi Pb‐GBM Method
Authors: LI Guang , LIU Shuaiqi , MA Fengshan , GUO Jie , HUI Xin
Published: December 2024

Water inrush is a common disaster in submarine mining. The key to preventing this disaster is to restrict the water‐conducting fissure propagation induced by mining from forming a flow channel to communicate with the overlying aquifer. The mechanical behavior of hydraulic fractures under stress disturbance lies at the heart of the problem. Hence, the multiple parallel bond—grain‐based model (multi Pb‐GBM) is introduced to explore the hydraulic fracture evolution law of crystalline granite under the influence of stress disturbance. The results show that: hydraulic fracturing under stress disturbance is clearly affected by the stress wave frequency; the higher the frequency is, the more difficult it is to crack, but the crack propagation speed is faster after crack initiation; the propagation direction of a crack is deflected towards the propagation direction of the stress wave and the crack dip angle is controlled by the maximum principal stress; the internal crystal boundary of the same mineral is the most stable one among the three contacts, the contact boundary between different minerals being the most fragile one. This research not only has a practical application value to seabed mining engineering, but also has important theoretical significance in enriching deep rock mechanics theory.
Fracture Effectiveness and its Influence on Gas Productivity in Ultra‐deep Tight Sandstone Reservoirs of the Keshen Gas Field, Tarim Basin
Authors: XU Xiaotong , ZENG Lianbo , DONG Shaoqun , DIWU Pengxiang , LI Haiming , LIU Jianzhong , HAN Gaosong , XU Hui , JI Chunqiu
Published: December 2024

Fracture effectiveness plays a key role in gas productivity of ultra‐deep tight sandstone reservoirs, Kuqa depression, Tarim Basin. Based on cores, thin sections, well logging, well testing and production data, the study evaluated fracture effectiveness and illustrated its impacts on gas productivity. High‐angle and vertical shear fractures are the most important types. Distribution of effective fractures shows great heterogeneous. Fracture effectiveness is influenced by tectonism, diagenesis and in‐situ stress. Earlier fractures or fractures in close to gypsum rock are easier to be filled. Completely filled fractures can be reopened under late tectonism. Dissolution improves local fracture effectiveness. Minerals spanning fracture surfaces protect fracture effectiveness from late compression. Fractures filled with calcite can be activated by acidification. Effective fractures parallel to maximum horizontal principal compressive stress direction show larger aperture. Overpressure can decrease the effective normal stress to maintain fracture effectiveness. With exploitation, decline in pore pressure reduces fracture effectiveness. Linear density, aperture, and strike of effective fractures influence gas productivity. Effective fractures greatly enhance matrix permeability. Therefore, more abundant and larger aperture fractures are always corresponded to higher productivity. However, effective fractures also facilitate late water invasion, especially, both mutually parallel. Intense water invasion leads to rapidly declines in productivity.
Comparison of balloon catheter and oral misoprostol for cervical ripening in women with pre‐labor rupture of membranes: A Finnish randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kruit Heidi , Rahkonen Leena
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Pre‐labor rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs in about 8% of term pregnancies with over 70% delivering spontaneously within 24 h. However, prolonged PROM increases the risk of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis. While misoprostol and oxytocin are considered safe and effective methods of labor induction, most guidelines do not encourage balloon catheter (BC) use following PROM given concerns about increased risk of chorioamnionitis. However, lack of robust evidence exists. This study aimed to compare BC and low‐dose oral misoprostol (OM) regarding infectious morbidity and assess the impact of routine antibiotic prophylaxis during BC use on infection prevention.

Material and Methods

A randomized controlled trial comparing BC and low‐dose 25 μg OM for pre‐induction cervical ripening in an inpatient setting and assessing the preventive effect of prophylactic antibiotics during BC use in 175 women with PROM was carried out between 1.2.2021 and 31.12.2023 in Helsinki University Hospital. The study protocol was registered in the ISCTN registry (ISRCTN10972090). The primary outcome measures of the study were the mode of delivery, and maternal and neonatal infections.

Results

Eighty‐nine women (50.9%) were allocated in the BC arm and 86 women (49.1%) in the OM arm. The cesarean delivery rates were comparable (BC 19.1% [n = 17] vs. OM 11.6% [n = 10]; p = 0.17). The rate of chorioamnionitis (BC 9.1% [n = 8] vs. OM 3.5% [n = 3]; p = 0.21) or neonatal infection (BC 4.5% [n = 4] vs. OM 2.3% [n = 2]; p = 0.68) were not statistically significantly different between the groups, although there was a trend towards higher frequency of infections in the BC arm. There were no differences in the incidence of chorioamnionitis or neonatal infections when routine antibiotic prophylaxis was administered during the BC use compared to those who did not receive antibiotics (chorioamnionitis 10.9% with antibiotics vs. 8.0% without antibiotics; p = 0.68, and neonatal infection 5.3% vs. 3.9%; p = 1.00). Maternal childbirth satisfaction was similar in the BC and OM groups.

Conclusions

Our results showed almost threefold frequency of chorioamnionitis and twofold frequency of neonatal infections following the use of BC compared to OM, although the study was underpowered for reaching statistical significance. The use of prophylactic antibiotics during BC retention did not reduce the incidence of infections.
‘Missing persons’: Ancient legacies of human–environment interaction in tropical natural properties inscribed under the 1972 World Heritage Convention
Authors: Rabett Ryan J.
Published: December 2024

Cultural and natural values form the core of World Heritage designation. Properties displaying both values, however, comprise a fraction of inscriptions (currently c. 3%) to the World Heritage List. In 1992, when that fraction stood at c. 5%, adoption of the popular ‘cultural landscapes’ category of cultural heritage in 1992 was therefore hailed as a key development under the 1972 World Heritage Convention. This new designation provided, for the first time, a definitive bridge between humans and the environment, and was intended to open the door to World Heritage recognition for underrepresented parties to the Convention, particularly in the Global South, and to pave the way for a diverse range of landscape‐based inscriptions. As important and successful as this category has been in the three decades since its adoption, European sites in the Global North dominate the category and >90% of cultural landscape inscriptions recognise cultural heritage values alone rather than mixed values. This paper examines the largely hidden role of human–environment legacies in tropical World Heritage properties in the Global South, in some of the most biologically diverse and endangered ecosystems on the planet. Specifically, it highlights the long‐term interaction between people and tropical environments as revealed through palaeo science, pre‐recent (>200 years) history, Indigenous and traditional practices. Using exemplars internationally recognised as being wholly of natural outstanding universal value, it argues that limited reference to this evidence in World Heritage narratives potentially inhibits wider recognition of the role that humans have played in shaping the ecological development of contemporary environments.
Sinus Bone Graft Stability and Implant Survival Following Transalveolar Sinus Floor Elevation in Severely Atrophic Maxilla: A Retrospective Study With 5–8 Years of Follow‐Up
Authors: Mao Yingjie , Shen Yihan , Dai Jie , Lu Tian , Wu Yefeng , Shi Yali , He Fuming
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of transalveolar sinus floor elevation (TSFE) with grafting in cases of severely atrophic maxilla.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of clinical and radiographic data was conducted. Between 2015 and 2018, a total of 105 implants were placed in 105 patients over a follow‐up period of 5–8 years. Implant failures and endo‐sinus bone gain (ESBG) were assessed. Statistical models were established to investigate the potential influencing factors of implant survival and ESBG.

Results

Six patients with six implants were lost, resulting in cumulative survival rates of 94% for both patient‐ and implant‐based analyses. The 8‐year cumulative survival rate was significantly lower for residual bone height (RBH) < 4 mm (88%) compared to RBH 4–6 mm (98%). ESBG ≥ 4 mm and ESBG ≥ 6 mm were observed in 89.90% and 58.59% of implant sites, respectively. According to the log‐rank Mantel‐Cox analysis results, none of the factors examined were significantly related to implant failure, except for RBH (p = 0.038) at baseline. The linear mixed‐model regression results showed that the final ESBG was positively correlated with implant insertion site (p = 0.003), implant length (p < 0.001), sinus floor elevation (SFE) methods (p = 0.010), and RBH (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, it has been established that TSFE with grafting was a reliable method for implant placement in the posterior atrophic maxilla ridges with RBH ranging from 4 to 6 mm. Nevertheless, caution was advised when considering its application in cases where the initial bone height falls below 4 mm.
Psychometric evaluation of the Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire
Authors: Frazier Thomas W. , Dimitropoulos Anastasia , Abbeduto Leonard , Armstrong‐Brine Melissa , Kralovic Shanna , Shih Andy , Hardan Antonio Y. , Youngstrom Eric A. , Uljarević Mirko ,   the Verbal Beginnings Team
Published: December 2024

Aim

To replicate and extend previous psychometric findings for the Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire (ASDQ).

Method

Using a cross‐sectional design in two samples, including a total of 3366 children and adolescents (aged 2–17 years; 1399 with autism spectrum disorder) and a small case series, factor structure, measurement invariance, reliability, construct validity, screening and diagnostic efficiency, and detection of reliable change were examined for the ASDQ.

Results

Strong psychometric properties were observed, including replicable factor structure, strong measurement invariance, adequate‐to‐excellent scale and conditional reliability, strong convergent and discriminant validity, and good screening efficiency. Importantly, two crucial measurement aspects required for a good treatment outcome measure were found, that is, good test–retest stability and the potential to detect reliable change. As expected for an informant‐reported questionnaire, diagnostic efficiency was weak.

Interpretation

The ASDQ showed evidence of favorable and well‐replicated psychometric properties in two samples. Good screening but weak diagnostic efficiency, coupled with good test–retest stability, suggest that optimal clinical use is in screening and in detailed clinical characterization beyond what is offered by current informant‐reported measures, with the potential for monitoring response to intervention. Despite relative brevity, the ASDQ provides good coverage of broad and specific aspects of the autism behavioral phenotype, which is consistent with the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
Understanding the life history characteristics of bird lice: Amblycera versus Ischnocera
Authors: Kolencik Stanislav , Loaiza‐Muñoz Mario A. , Londono Gustavo A. , Allen Julie M. , Plskova Kristyna , Sychra Oldrich
Published: December 2024

Permanent ectoparasites, adapted to living on their hosts, face limited survival abilities and food availability off the host body.

We investigated the variance in survivability and the diet type preferences between bird lice from two different groups — Amblycera and Ischnocera. While phylogenetic or morphological data can easily separate these groups, the difference in their life history characteristics is poorly understood.

We observed that ischnoceran lice showed significantly longer survival than amblyceran lice (p < 0.05) off the host body and experimental supplementing with host feathers further increased the survival time of ischnoceran lice.

To examine the preference and possible effects of the diet, we evaluated the presence of feathers, blood or both in 4587 chewing lice (1418 amblyceran and 3169 ischnoceran lice). Blood was found in 36% of amblyceran lice from 14 genera, and no blood was found in ischnoceran lice, pointing to different feeding habits between these two groups. Haematophagy is recorded here for the first time for the genera Ardeiphilus, Gruimenopon, Kurodaia, Machaerilaemus and Meromenopon. Furthermore, we evaluated hypopharynx reduction as a potential predisposition for blood‐feeding in bird lice.

Amblyceran lice may be more sensitive to changes in microhabitat conditions than ischnoceran lice, and in some cases, many species of Amblycera may also require an additional dietary source beyond bird feathers for their survival.