bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple scoring model based on machine learning predicts intravenous immunoglobulin resistance in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Sunaga Yuto , Watanabe Atsushi , Katsumata Nobuyuki , Toda Takako , Yoshizawa Masashi , Kono Yosuke , Hasebe Yohei , Koizumi Keiichi , Hoshiai Minako , Kawakami Eiryo , Inukai Takeshi
Published: January 2023

Introduction

In Kawasaki disease (KD), accurate prediction of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance is crucial to reduce a risk for developing coronary artery lesions.

Objective

To establish a simple scoring model predicting IVIG resistance in KD patients based on the machine learning model.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 1002 KD patients diagnosed at 12 facilities for 10 years, in which 22.7% were resistant to initial IVIG treatment. We performed machine learning with diverse models using 30 clinical variables at diagnosis in 801 and 201 cases for training and test datasets, respectively. SHAP was applied to identify the variables that influenced the prediction model. A scoring model was designed using the influential clinical variables based on the Shapley additive explanation results.

Results

Light gradient boosting machine model accurately predicted IVIG resistance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.78; sensitivity, 0.50; specificity, 0.88). Next, using top three influential features (days of illness at initial therapy, serum levels of C-reactive protein, and total cholesterol), we designed a simple scoring system. In spite of its simplicity, it predicted IVIG resistance (AUC, 0.72; sensitivity, 0.49; specificity, 0.82) as accurately as machine learning models. Moreover, accuracy of our scoring system with three clinical features was almost identical to that of Gunma score with seven clinical features (AUC, 0.73; sensitivity, 0.53; specificity, 0.83), a well-known logistic regression scoring model.

Conclusion

A simple scoring system based on the findings in machine learning seems to be a useful tool to accurately predict IVIG resistance in KD patients.

Key Points• In Kawasaki disease (KD), accurate prediction of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance is crucial to reduce a risk for developing coronary artery lesions.• Machine learning model predicted IVIG resistance in KD patients, and Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) was a useful approach for explaining the outcome of the machine learning model.• A simple scoring system using three clinical features (days of illness at initial therapy, serum levels of CRP, and total cholesterol at diagnosis) based on SHAP efficiently predicted IVIG resistance.
Early cancer detection using the fluorescent Ashwagandha chitosan nanoparticles combined with near-infrared light diffusion characterization: in vitro study
Authors: Abuelmakarem Hala S. , Hamdy Omnia , Sliem Mahmoud A. , El-Azab Jala , Ahmed Wafaa A.
Published: January 2023

Early cancer diagnosis through characterizing light propagation and nanotechnology increases the survival rate. The present research is aimed at evaluating the consequence of using natural nanoparticles in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Colon cancer cells were differentiated from the normal cells via investigating light diffusion combined with the fluorescence effect of the Ashwagandha chitosan nanoparticles (Ash C NPs). Ionic gelation technique synthesized the Ash C NPs. High-resolution transmission electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential characterized Ash C NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyzed Ash C NPs, chitosan, and Ashwagandha root water extract. Moreover, the MTT assay evaluated the cytotoxicity of Ash C NPs under the action of near-infrared light (NIR) irradiation. The MTT assay outcomes were statistically analyzed by Bonferroni post hoc multiple two-group comparisons using one-way variance analysis (ANOVA). Based on the Monte-Carlo simulation technique, the spatially resolved steady-state diffusely reflected light from the cancerous and healthy cells is acquired. The diffuse equation reconstructed the optical fluence rate using the finite element technique. The fluorescent effect of the nanoparticles was observed when the cells were irradiated with NIR. The MTT assay revealed a decrease in the cell viability under the action of Ash C NPs with and without laser irradiation. Colon cancer and normal cells were differentiated based on the optical characterization after laser irradiation. The light diffusion equation was successfully resolved for the fluence rate on cells’ surfaces showing different normal and cancer cells values. Ash C NPs appeared its fluorescent effect in the presence of NIR laser.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of grassland use intensity in Switzerland
Authors: Spörri Martina , El Benni Nadja , Mack Gabriele , Finger Robert
Published: January 2023

Land use intensity determines the provision of multiple important ecosystem services of agriculture. In Switzerland, agricultural policy developments have aimed and still aim to extensify agricultural systems and especially grassland use. We here provide a spatial and temporal analysis of changes in grassland use intensity and discuss them in the context of agricultural policy developments to assess potential policy impacts. We use farm-level census data over a period of 19 years. Spatio-temporal patterns of in- and extensification are investigated visually and by global and local Moran’s I measures. We find that while average changes in grassland use intensity are small, there is a substantial increase in the heterogeneity of grassland use intensity strategies over time, as indicated by increasing interquantile ranges of yearly boxplots. Our results suggest that both in- and extensification are profitable strategies for farmers within the given policy framework. Furthermore, Moran’s I measures show the emergence of regional clusters of in- and extensification. These intensification clusters possibly amplify environmental problems. Our analysis therefore highlights the need for spatial assessments of agricultural policies, i.e. local adverse environmental effects of intensive grassland use should be targeted by spatially tailored policy measures.
Previous stress causes a contrasting response to cadmium toxicity in the aquatic snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum: lethal and behavioral endpoints
Authors: Alonso Álvaro
Published: January 2023

In aquatic ecosystems, animals are often exposed to a combination of stressors, including both natural and anthropogenic factors. Combined stressors may have additive or interactive effects on animals, either magnifying or reducing the effects caused by each stressor alone. Therefore, standardized bioassays can lead to overestimations or underestimations of the risk of toxicants if natural stressors are not bear in mind. The inclusion of natural stress in laboratory bioassays may help to extrapolate the laboratory results to ecosystems. This study assesses the effects of successive exposure to two sources of stress (high water conductivity and cadmium toxicity) on the behavior and survival of the aquatic snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Tateidae, Mollusca). I conducted a bioassay consisting on exposure to high conductivity (5000 mg NaCl/L, 7 days), followed by exposure to cadmium (0.03, 0.125, and 0.25 mg Cd/L for 7 days) and by a post-exposure period (7 days). Mortality, inactivity, and the time to start activity of active animals were monitored in each animal. In general, cadmium lethality was higher in animals previously undergoing high conductivity than in non-stressed ones. Previously stressed animals showed longer time to start activity, with a noticeable effect at the two highest cadmium concentrations. Animals submitted to the two highest cadmium concentration both, stressed and non-stressed, showed a moderate recovery during the post-exposure period. It is concluded that previous stress caused a worsening of the cadmium toxicity on the aquatic snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, which is especially noticeable for mortality. However, there was no interactive effect between cadmium and conductivity on snail activity, which may be indicative of recovery after cadmium exposure regardless the previous stress suffered by the snails.
Study on the blood flow characteristics of venous needle retention with different super-hydrophobic surface structures
Authors: Yu Zhun , Liu Lei , Deng Yongzhi , Zhang Xiaowen , Yu Chao
Published: January 2023

A venous retention needle, as an implanted device, is very likely to cause thrombosis. In view of the thrombosis phenomenon caused by retention needles, this paper compares the influence of different superhydrophobic surface retentions on blood flow. Compared with other superhydrophobic bulges, the fluid velocity of the four-prism bulge is the highest (0.08 m/s), and the vorticity and shear force of the hemispherical bulge are higher. A large number of vortices can inhibit thrombosis better. The tire vortices generated in the superhydrophobic convex grooves are important vortices to inhibit thrombosis. The enhancement and development of the tire vortex weakens the resistance near the wall of the needle and reduces the probability of platelet aggregation. The superhydrophobic surface structure studied in this paper can not only provide guidance for the design of venous retention needles with better performance but also provide corresponding technical support for the development of human implantation devices.

Graphical Abstract
Utilization patterns and factors associated with persistence of new users of anti-osteoporosis treatment in Denmark: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Pedersen Alma B. , Risbo Nickolaj , Kafatos George , Neasham David , O’Kelly James , Ehrenstein Vera
Published: January 2023

Summary

Persistence with initial treatment was highest after 1 year, decreasing afterwards. Persistence was highest for denosumab followed by alendronate. We identified several factors associated with treatment persistence, some of which were the same irrespective of OTx agent, which could help target subgroups of patients in terms of social and healthcare support.

Purpose

To describe patient characteristics, persistence, and factors associated with the persistence of new users of the bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, and ibandronate) and the RANKL inhibitor denosumab in Denmark.

Methods

A population-based cohort study using health registries (2010–2018). We included alendronate (n = 128,590), risedronate (n = 892), ibandronate (n = 5,855), and denosumab (n = 16,469) users, aged ≥ 50 years.

Results

The 1-year persistence was 68.2% in the alendronate cohort; 39.3% in the risedronate cohort; 56.3% in the ibandronate cohort; and 84.0% in the denosumab cohort. The 2-year persistence was 58.7% in the alendronate cohort; 28.0% in the risedronate cohort; 42.9% in the ibandronate cohort; and 71.9% in the denosumab cohort. The 4-year persistence was 46.3%, 15.4%, 29.6%, and 56.9%, respectively. Later years of treatment initiation were associated with lower persistence for alendronate (adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was 0.86 (0.81–0.91) in 2016 compared to 2010), but not for risedronate (OR was 1.56 (0.60–4.06), ibandronate (OR was 0.92 (0.71–1.19) or denosumab (OR was 1.11 (0.87–1.43). Older age was associated with higher persistence for all medications and the same goes for the female sex except for ibandronate. Dementia was associated with higher persistence for alendronate but not denosumab, whereas prior osteoporosis treatment (OT) was the opposite. Several comorbidities were associated with lower persistence for alendronate, but not denosumab.

Conclusion

Persistence was highest for denosumab followed by alendronate. We identified several factors associated with treatment persistence, some of which were the same irrespective of OTx agent, which could help target subgroups of patients in terms of social and healthcare support.
Worldwide research progress and trends on geothermal water–rock interaction experiments: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis
Authors: Yáñez-Dávila D. , Santoyo E. , Santos-Raga G.
Published: January 2023

The present work reports a novel methodological and comprehensive bibliometric analysis on past and present research advances carried out on geothermal water–rock interaction experiments from 1963 to 2022. The novel bibliometric analysis enabled the most representative bibliometric indicators on the research subject to be obtained. Published articles, preferred publication journals, research leaderships (authors, networking groups, institutions, and countries), and future research trends were also collected from a comprehensive searching carried out in indexed databases (Web of Science and Scopus). Up to our knowledge, this bibliometric information will benefit the worldwide geothermal community by providing a deeper insight of water/rock interaction lab experiments carried out up to date. The bibliometric analysis suggests relevant research areas such as geochemistry, thermodynamics, enhanced geothermal systems, carbon dioxide capture, and hydrothermal alteration as the main key research findings. These research areas were identified as the main bibliometric hotspots which have a strong potential to be used for the experimental design of new and improved water–rock interaction studies to address some crucial problems present in the geothermal prospection and exploitation. Among these problems stand out the study of hydrothermal, superhot and enhanced geothermal systems, the chemical fractionation of major and trace elements, the hydrothermal alteration, the calibration of solute and gas geothermometers, the scaling and corrosion problems, the carbon capture and storage, the evaluation of environmental issues, among others. Details of this comprehensive bibliometric analysis, including some statistical and text mining and mapping tools are fully outlined.
Study on electrical double layer nanostructure on zeolitic materials’ surface in the presence of impurities of different nature
Authors: Medykowska Magdalena , Wiśniewska Małgorzata , Katarzyna-Szewczuk-Karpisz  , Panek Rafał
Published: January 2023

The aim of the research was to compare the adsorption mechanisms of heavy metal ions (Pb(II) and Zn(II)), as well as organic substances [diclofenac molecules and pol(acrylic acid) macromolecules on the surfaces of Na-X and Na-P1 synthetic zeolites as well their Na-X© and Na-P1© carbon composites]. The single and mixed adsorbate systems were considered. The more probable structures of the formed adsorption layers were proposed based on the results of the solid surface charge density and zeta potential experiments. The great applicability of the analysis of the parameters characterizing the electrical double layer in determination of the binding mechanism of simple inorganic ions and more complex organic molecules on the surface of the examined solids from the one- and two-component solutions was proved. Moreover, the changes of the surface and electrokinetic factors after the addition of the organic molecules enable specification of drug molecule orientation as well as the polymeric chain conformation at the solid/liquid interface.
Influence of chitosan source and degree of deacetylation on antibacterial activity and adsorption of AZO dye from water
Authors: Amor Ilham Ben , Hemmami Hadia , Laouini Salah Eddine , Abdelaziz Ahmed G. , Barhoum Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Chitosan is one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature with high economic value due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, lack of toxicity, and antifungal activity. In this study, chitosan was extracted from three different sources: Blaps lethifera (CSB), Pimelia fernandezlopezi (CSP), and Musca domestica (CSM). The ash content (AC), moisture content (MC), fat binding capacity (FBC), water binding capacity (WBC), and deacetylation degree (DD) were determined for the prepared chitosans. The effect of the DD of chitosan on the antibacterial activity of gram (positive/negative) bacteria and the azo dyes (methylene blue, MB) removal from wastewater was also investigated. Chitosan extracts showed good antibacterial activity against Listeria innocua, Bacillus subtiliis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The MB dye removal of CSB-chitosan, CSP-chitosan, and CSM-chitosan reached 37%, 87%, and 26%, respectively, at a contact time of 2 h, a low initial dye concentration MB of 13 ppm, a solution temperature of 25 °C, and a pH = 7.

Graphical Abstract
Tumor ratio of unsaturated to saturated sulfatide species is associated with disease-free survival in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Huizing Lennart , Chen Lin , Roeth Anjali A. , Heij Lara R. , Flinders Bryn , Bouwense Stefan A. W. , Balluff Benjamin , Neumann Ulf P. , Heeren Ron M. A. , Olde Damink Steven W. M. , Vreeken Rob J. , Schaap Frank G.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy arising from the bile duct epithelium and has a poor outcome. Sulfatides are lipid components of lipid rafts, and are implicated in several cancer types. In the liver, sulfatides are specifically present in the bile ducts. Here, sulfatide abundance and composition were analyzed using mass spectrometry imaging in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) tumor tissue, and correlated with tumor biology and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Sulfatides were analyzed in iCCA (n = 17), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 10) and colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM, n = 10) tumor samples, as well as tumor-distal samples (control, n = 16) using mass spectrometry imaging. Levels of sulfatides as well as the relative amount in structural classes were compared between groups, and were correlated with clinical outcomes for iCCA patients.

Results

Sulfatide localization was limited to the respective tumor areas and the bile ducts. Sulfatide abundance was similar in iCCA and control tissue, while intensities were notably higher in CRLM in comparison with control (18-fold, P < 0.05) and HCC tissue (47-fold, P < 0.001). Considerable variation in sulfatide abundance was observed in iCCA tumors. A high ratio of unsaturated to saturated sulfatides was associated with reduced disease-free survival (10 vs. 20 months) in iCCA. The sulfatide pattern in HCC deviated from the other groups, with a higher relative abundance of odd- versus even-chain sulfatides.

Conclusion

Sulfatides were found in tumor tissue of patients with iCCA, with sulfatide abundance per pixel being similar to bile ducts. In this explorative study, sulfatide abundance was not related to overall survival of iCCA patients. A high ratio of unsaturated to saturated sulfatides was associated with earlier tumor recurrence in patients with iCCA.
Stationary stochastic Navier–Stokes on the plane at and above criticality
Authors: Cannizzaro G. , Kiedrowski J.
Published: January 2023

In the present paper, we study the fractional incompressible Stochastic Navier–Stokes equation on $${\mathbb {R}}^2$$

R

2

, formally defined as $$\begin{aligned} \partial _t v = -\tfrac{1}{2} (-\Delta )^\theta v - \lambda v \cdot \nabla v + \nabla p + \nabla ^{\perp }(-\Delta )^{\frac{\theta -1}{2}} \xi , \qquad \nabla \cdot v = 0 \, , \end{aligned}$$

∂
t

v
=
-

1
2

(
-
Δ
)

θ

v
-
λ
v
·
∇
v
+
∇
p
+

∇
⊥

(
-
Δ
)

θ
-
1

2

ξ
,

∇
·
v
=
0

,

where $$\theta \in (0,1]$$

θ
∈
(
0
,
1
]

, $$\xi $$
ξ
is the space-time white noise on $${\mathbb {R}}_+\times {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

R
+

×

R

2

and $$\lambda $$
λ
is the coupling constant. For any value of $$\theta $$
θ
the previous equation is ill-posed due to the singularity of the noise, and is critical for $$\theta =1$$

θ
=
1

and supercritical for $$\theta \in (0,1)$$

θ
∈
(
0
,
1
)

. For $$\theta =1$$

θ
=
1

, we prove that the weak coupling regime for the equation, i.e. regularisation at scale N and coupling constant $$\lambda ={{\hat{\lambda }}}/\sqrt{\log N}$$

λ
=

λ
^

/

log
N

, is meaningful in that the sequence $$\{v^N\}_N$$

{

v
N

}

N

of regularised solutions is tight and the nonlinearity does not vanish as $$N\rightarrow \infty $$

N
→
∞

. Instead, for $$\theta \in (0,1)$$

θ
∈
(
0
,
1
)

we show that the large scale behaviour of v is trivial, as the nonlinearity vanishes and v is simply converges to the solution of (0.1) with $$\lambda =0$$

λ
=
0

.
Study on the power extraction performance of a flapping airfoil power generator using jet flow method
Authors: Dong Lu , Xie Peng , Zhu Jian-Yang , Wang Chao , Zhang Po
Published: January 2023

Flapping airfoil power generator (FAPG) is becoming popular due to high-power extraction with low noise. However, the effect of a combined jet of suction and blowing on the power extraction performance of the flapping airfoil is not fully explored. The present study presents a flapping airfoil model with a compound jet of suction and blowing, and the jet parameters were optimized using the Taguchi method and CFD approach for the maximum power extraction efficiency of the airfoil. It was found that the power extraction efficiency of the flapping airfoil can be improved by applying the compound jet to the trailing edge of the airfoil. Compared to the baseline NACA0015 airfoil, the optimized jet parameters lead to the maximum improvement in efficiency by 38.14%. The analysis of flow field characteristics of the flapping airfoil reveals that the optimal jet parameters can not only enhance the strength of the vortex on airfoil but also improve the vortex motion mechanism, which results in a greater lift of airfoil and better synergy between the lift and the plunging velocity.
Whose side are you on? Complexities arising from the non-combatant status of military medical personnel
Authors: Reade Michael C.
Published: January 2023

Since the mid-1800s, clergy, doctors, other clinicians, and military personnel who specifically facilitate their work have been designated “non-combatants”, protected from being targeted in return for providing care on the basis of clinical need alone. While permitted to use weapons to protect themselves and their patients, they may not attempt to gain military advantage over an adversary. The rationale for these regulations is based on sound arguments aimed both at reducing human suffering, but also the ultimate advantage of the nation-state fielding non-combatant staff. However, this is sometimes not immediately apparent to combatant colleagues. Clinicians in the armed force are also military officers, owing a “dual loyalty” that can create conflict if their non-combatant status is not well understood. Historical examples of doctors breaching their responsibilities include prioritisation of combat capability over the rights of individual soldiers (as occurred when scarce medical resources were allocated to soldiers more likely to return to battle in preference to those most likely to die without them), use of physicians to facilitate prisoner interrogation, medical research or treatment to enhance physical performance at the expense of health, application of Medical Rules of Eligibility according to factors other than clinical need, provision of treatment contingent upon support for military objectives, and use of medical knowledge to enhance weapons. However, not being a combatant party to a conflict does not imply that the non-combatant clinician cannot act in the national interest. Indeed, by adhering to the same universal ethics as their civilian colleagues, military clinicians provide optimal care to their own troops, facilitate freedom of action in host nations, and build positive international relationships during the conflict and in the post-conflict state.
An Electrochromic Nickel Phosphate Film for Large-Area Smart Window with Ultra-Large Optical Modulation
Authors: Lei Pengyang , Wang Jinhui , Gao Yi , Hu Chengyu , Zhang Siyu , Tong Xingrui , Wang Zhuanpei , Gao Yuanhao , Cai Guofa
Published: January 2023

Exploring materials with high electrochemical activity is of keen interest for electrochemistry-controlled optical and energy storage devices. However, it remains a great challenge for transition metal oxides to meet this feature due to their low electron conductivity and insufficient reaction sites. Here, we propose a type of transition metal phosphate (NiHPO4·3H2O, NHP) by a facile and scalable electrodeposition method, which can achieve the capability of efficient ion accommodation and injection/extraction for electrochromic energy storage applications. Specifically, the NHP film with an ultra-high transmittance (approach to 100%) achieves a large optical modulation (90.8% at 500 nm), high coloration efficiency (75.4 cm2 C−1 at 500 nm), and a high specific capacity of 47.8 mAh g−1 at 0.4 A g−1. Furthermore, the transformation mechanism of NHP upon electrochemical reaction is systematically elucidated using in situ and ex situ techniques. Ultimately, a large-area electrochromic smart window with 100 cm2 is constructed based on the NHP electrode, displaying superior electrochromic energy storage performance in regulating natural light and storing electrical charges. Our findings may open up new strategies for developing advanced electrochromic energy storage materials and smart windows.
Convergence properties of optimal transport-based temporal hypergraphs
Authors: Baptista Diego , De Bacco Caterina
Published: January 2023

We present a method to extract temporal hypergraphs from sequences of 2-dimensional functions obtained as solutions to Optimal Transport problems. We investigate optimality principles exhibited by these solutions from the point of view of hypergraph structures. Discrete properties follow patterns that differ from those characterizing their continuous counterparts. Analyzing these patterns can bring new insights into the studied transportation principles. We also compare these higher-order structures to their network counterparts in terms of standard graph properties. We give evidence that some transportation schemes might benefit from hypernetwork representations. We demonstrate our method on real data by analyzing the properties of hypernetworks extracted from images of real systems.
A System of High-Order Fractional Differential Equations with Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Sangi M. , Saiedinezhad S. , Ghaemi M. B.
Published: January 2023

The existence of a solution for a system of two nonlinear high-order fractional differential equations including the Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo derivative with integral boundary conditions, is proved. Simultaneously, we discuss the existence of a solution by applying the Schauder fixed point theorem and a generalized Darbo fixed point theorem, which involves the concept of measure of noncompactness. The paper also contains some examples that illustrate the application of the main result.
Wise groups and humble persons: the best of both worlds?
Authors: Skipper Mattias
Published: January 2023

This paper is about a problem that can arise when we try to harness the “wisdom of the crowd” from groups comprised of individuals who exhibit a certain kind of epistemic humility in the way they respond to testimonial evidence. I begin by setting out the problem and then make some initial steps toward solving it. The solution I develop is tentative and may not apply in all circumstances, but it promises to alleviate what seems to me to be a problem of both theoretical interest and practical importance.
Comparative effectiveness of psychotherapies in adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: a network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Yunitri Ninik , Chu Hsin , Kang Xiao Linda , Wiratama Bayu Satria , Lee Tso-Ying , Chang Li-Fang , Liu Doresses , Kustanti Christina Yeni , Chiang Kai-Jo , Chen Ruey , Tseng Philip , Chou Kuei-Ru
Published: January 2023

Background

Evidence on the long-term comparative effectiveness of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) psychotherapies in adults remains unknown. Therefore, we performed an extensive network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the comparative effectiveness of psychotherapies for people diagnosed with PTSD.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in Cochrane library, Embase, Medline-OVID, PubMed, Scopus, and Psych-Info until March 2021. Studies on the effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy (CPT), cognitive therapy (CT), eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR), narrative exposure therapy (NET), prolonged exposure (PE), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), present-centred therapy (PCT), brief eclectic psychotherapies (BEP), psychodynamic therapy (PDT) or combination therapies compared to no treatment (NT) or treatment as usual (TAU) in adults with PTSD were included. Frequentist and Bayesian approaches were used for analysis in R-software.

Results

We included 98 RCTs with 5567 participants from 18 897 studies. CPT, EMDR, CT, NET, PE, CBT, and PCT were significant to reduce PTSD symptoms (SMD range: −1.53 to −0.75; Certainty: very low to high) at immediate post-treatment and ranked accordingly. Longitudinal analysis found EMDR (1.02) and CPT (0.85) as the significant therapies with large effect size in short-term and long-term follow-up, respectively. NET and CPT showed higher proportion of loss of PTSD diagnosis (RR range: 5.51–3.45) while there were no significant psychotherapies for retention rate compared to NT.

Conclusions:

Our findings provide evidence for improving current guidelines and informing clinical decision-making for PTSD management. However, the best PTSD treatment plan should be tailored to patients' needs, characteristics, and clinician expertise.

Registration:

PROSPERO CRD42020162143
ROLE-PLAYING IN SIX TO FIVE
Authors: Moore Thomas R.
Published: January 2023

This article traces the creative process of six to five, a work for 20 guitarists with a special role for the conductor, premiered by the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp's guitar ensemble. The piece was commissioned by the author from the American composer Jessie Marino as part of research into the role of the instrumentalised conductor. The article explores the ways in which Marino deployed the conductor to meet her artistic goals, testing at each step the extent to which her utilisation rises to the level of instrumentalisation. Applying political theories offered by, among others, Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, the article also considers the extent to which Marino deployed the conductor as a tactical leader in both the rehearsal process and the performance of six to five.
A Framework for Evaluating the Adequacy of Disability Benefit Programs and its Application to the U.S. Social Security Disability Programs
Authors: Morris Zachary A.
Published: January 2023

The degree to which disability benefit programs provide an adequate standard of living to those with work-limiting disabilities has long been overlooked in social policy research. This paper presents a framework for assessing disability-related decommodification and then applies that framework to an analysis of the Social Security Disability (SSD) programs in the United States. The paper draws on survey data from the Health and Retirement Study linked to administrative records from the Social Security Administration, and further compares the U.S. estimates to those from 27 other countries. The results indicate that more than 50 percent of older adults of working-age with work-disabilities in the U.S. do not receive SSD benefits, though rates of benefit receipt are higher than the average across other high-income countries. Those that receive SSD benefits, moreover, experience greater difficulty achieving an adequate standard of living, as measured by an index of financial security, than those with similar characteristics in the U.S. who do not receive disability benefits. The paper thus provides a framework for future policy research on benefit adequacy, while evaluating the availability and generosity of disability benefits in the U.S.
Registering and Regulating Family Life: The School Thombos in Dutch Sri Lanka
Authors: de Leede Bente , Rupesinghe Nadeera
Published: January 2023

In eighteenth-century, colonial Sri Lanka, the Dutch church kept extensive registers of the local population. These “school thombos” contain individual registration of baptism, marriage, school attendance and death. This article argues that the school thombos reveal moral control over family life by the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch Reformed Church, while offering locals a legal and religious identity to employ in negotiating the Dutch colonial bureaucracy. These rarely studied registers shed new light on Sri Lankan family history and the practices of Dutch colonialism. What do they tell us about conjunctures of locals with colonial religion in eighteenth-century Sri Lanka? The school thombo was an instrument used to register and regulate family life, with specific functions and uses by different actors. This article explores the format, objectives and use of the school thombo. Why was the school thombo created and who were registered in these sources? What were the micro practices of drawing up the school thombo? The article is supported by several case studies that illustrate how the school thombo found its way into family life while demonstrating the value of written identities.
The influences of standard laboratory cages on rodents and the validity of research data
Authors: Sherwin CM
Published: January 2023

Standard cages for laboratory animals are often small, minimalist and barren. Such cages can compromise animal welfare, indicating that there are welfare-based reasons for improving their designs. However, a second issue, that is, whether animals from standard laboratory housing and husbandry conditions provide valid research data, also indicates that cage designs and husbandry methods need to be improved. This paper reviews various influences of standard laboratory cage design and husbandry. These include their effects on the repeatability of studies, models of neuro-degenerative disease, sensory development, physiology, and behaviour, the effects of standard social housing and standard handling, and the effects of maternal experience on the responses of offspring. These studies show that the development and responses of animals from standard laboratory housing and husbandry conditions are often unrepresentative and idiosyncratic, indicating that data are likely to have reduced external validity. An underlying question is whether animals from standard, barren laboratory cages are ‘abnormal’ and therefore might not provide valid baseline data. In terms of animal welfare, these studies indicate that standard laboratory housing may sometimes be associated both with reduced welfare and with reduced benefits gained from research. It is suggested that in a similar manner to the use of production measures when assessing cages for production animals, laboratory cages could be assessed in terms of their suitability to provide valid research data.
Assessing pain in animals — putting research into practice
Authors: Flecknell PA , Roughan JV
Published: January 2023

Our ability to assess pain in animals in clinical situations is slowly developing, but remains very limited. In order to develop appropriate pain scoring schemes, numerous practical problems need to be overcome. In addition, we need to appraise realistically our current poor state of knowledge. Development of new scoring systems must be coupled with the increased education and training of those responsible for pain management, so that both the assessment and the alleviation of pain are steadily improved.
Cross-institutional assessment of stress responses in zoo animals using longitudinal monitoring of faecal corticoids and behaviour
Authors: Shepherdson DJ , Carlstead KC , Wielebnowski N
Published: January 2023

Cross-institutional studies that combine non-invasive physiological measures of stress responses and the assessment of individual differences in behaviour and temperament have great potential as tools for assessing the well-being of zoo animals and for identifying key environmental stimuli relevant to well-being. In addition, such studies allow comparison of animals under a wide variety of conditions and enable researchers to obtain sufficiently large samples sizes for statistical data analyses. Faecal corticoid measurements, a method recently developed to monitor adrenal activity in wildlife and domestic species, can be obtained non-invasively as part of the normal husbandry routine. While basic techniques still need improvement, and interpretation of the acquired measures can be challenging, assessment of faecal corticoid concentrations can provide a useful indicator of stress responses under a variety of captive conditions. Here we report on three studies that illustrate this approach and the results that can be obtained. An on-going study reveals significant differences in the pattern of variability of faecal corticoid concentrations between polar bears that are reported by keepers to perform stereotypic behaviour and those that do not. In another study, faecal corticoid measures indicated that stress responses to certain extraneous noises might interfere with the breeding of Hawaiian honeycreepers in captivity. In a study of clouded leopards, higher faecal corticoid concentrations were measured when cats were kept on public display or near potential predators compared to individuals maintained off exhibit or in the absence of visible predators. The findings of an on-going experimental study suggest a causal relationship between the provision of additional hiding spaces and a decline in faecal corticoid concentrations in clouded leopards.
Using science to support ethical decisions promoting humane livestock slaughter and vertebrate pest control
Authors: Mellor DJ , Littin KE
Published: January 2023

Ethical principles guide decisions about what we consider to be right or wrong proposals and actions, so that when value judgements are made these engage us in ethics. Ethical thinking is clearly relevant to decisions about the way we treat animals, and such thinking has led to the commonly held view that animal use by people is acceptable provided that such use is humane. The ethical requirement that we treat animals humanely means that we must minimise the harms we do to all animals in our care or under our control. Accordingly, we must assess what harms are done to the animals, how bad each harm is in terms of its intensity and duration, what methods are available or can be developed to minimise each harm, and the relative effectiveness of those methods of harm minimisation. We must also seek to use the most humane methods currently available that can be practically applied. Ethically driven scientific evaluations of this sort have improved the humaneness of livestock slaughter and vertebrate pest control. For instance, detailed studies of different pre-slaughter stunning methods have validated their use to pre-empt the pain and distress that otherwise conscious animals would experience during the fatal neck cut and the short period of consciousness (sensibility) that follows it Likewise, reducing injuries caused by restraint traps has improved the humaneness of this vertebrate pest control method, and comparing the effects of different poisons has allowed the least humane ones to be identified. Difficult questions nevertheless remain at the problematic interface between quantitative scientific observations and their interpretation regarding the suffering that animals may experience, as well as questions about the relativities of different types of suffering.
Science is not enough: how do we increase implementation?
Authors: Appleby MC
Published: January 2023

Science has been invaluable for increasing understanding of animal welfare and as a result we know of many ways in which animal treatment and housing can be improved. However, implementation is slow because of political and economic considerations. This is particularly clear for farm animals. This raises the question of what else is needed, besides science, for implementation of welfare improvements. At least three other disciplines need more attention in this respect: sociology, economics and ethics. Scientists will continue to be central in achieving improvements in animal welfare by providing credible, authoritative information on animal welfare and other issues. But to increase implementation of their results they need to increase dialogue with all of the players involved — producers, retailers, consumers, legislators and the media — as well as with specialists in other disciplines to improve cross-disciplinary understanding.
Ethics and welfare of animals used in education: an overview
Authors: King LA
Published: January 2023

Ethical, regulatory and scientific issues arise from the use of animals in education, from secondary level schooling through to veterinary and medical training. A utilitarian cost-benefit analysis can be used to assess whether animals should be used in scientific education. The ‘benefit’ aspect of this analysis can be examined through comparative studies of learning outcomes from animal-based versus alternative training methods, while the ‘cost’, in terms of harms to the animals used, can be subject to technical assessment using Russell and Burch's (1959) 3Rs rationale. Science has only just begun to delineate the effects of educational exercises on the welfare of subject animals. It has also begun to develop technologies and modes of instruction that reduce, refine or replace animal use in education, and instances of their successful implementation in the UK and in the USA will be highlighted. The implementation of these alternatives to animal use is inconsistent, and barriers to the adoption of alternatives include specific curriculum and legislative requirements, traditional educational methodology, and resource and training limitations, particularly when the alternative methods involve new technologies. A further problem arises from the lack of existing research data comparing the educational value of alternative, with traditional animal-based, instruction methods. Greater consistency in the use of methods that reduce, refine or replace harmful animal use could be achieved through improved knowledge of the extent and type of alternative resources currently used in particular fields of scientific education; international comparisons of educational practice; close scrutiny and harmonisation of evaluation methods; and consistency in the ethical review of educational animal use. Information and training, both in the 3Rs and in the use of specific alternative methods, could be disseminated throughout the life sciences. Evaluative research of the educational efficacy of traditional animal-based methods versus refinements or replacements would provide high quality data on which to base decisions regarding teaching methods. Since educational exercises involving animals also impart ethical training, whether inadvertently or directly, instruction in applied ethics should be considered a key element of any education program involving animals.
The Emotional Brain
Authors: Wiepkema P R , Koolhaas J M
Published: January 2023

Individual vertebrates are able to detect spatial and temporal (causal) order in their environment and deal with this knowledge emotionally. It is argued that this latter aspect is connected with the flexible or reversible way vertebrates may interact with their environment Because of this flexibility, uncertainty and changes therein can be experienced and shown by means of emotional expressions. It is this brain-behaviour organization that gives meaning to questions about welfare of individual vertebrates.
Observations of Cattle Restraint Devices for Stunning and Slaughtering
Authors: Grandin T
Published: January 2023

Proper design of restraint equipment is essential to prevent stress on animals during handling, stunning and slaughter. A small design mistake which may appear to be insignificant to the engineer can be extremely detrimental to animal welfare. Operators of restraint equipment must be properly trained. Cattle will place their heads into stanchion (yoke) or chin-lift types of head-restrainers if they are gently moved forward by a rear pusher gate. Cattle confined in an upright ASPCA pen for religious slaughter will remain calmer if the apparatus is gently closed around them. The vertical travel of the belly lift should be restricted to 71 cm (28 in) — it should not lift the animals off the floor. The rear pusher gates should be equipped with a separate regulator to prevent excessive pressure from being applied. Stunning or ritual slaughter should be carried out within 10 seconds of the animal's head being restrained. The modified ASPCA pen described in the paper was seemingly humane when operated by people concerned about animal welfare.
The Nature and Evolution of Behavioural Needs in Mammals
Authors: Poole T B
Published: January 2023

Mammals are unique among vertebrates in experiencing a need to carry out behaviours which are not necessary for their immediate survival. This poses questions as to the nature of these behavioural needs, how they evolved and their implications for the welfare of mammals in captivity. Evidence is provided to show that mammals carry out daily programmes of activity which meet four kinds of requirement, namely, for security, appropriate environmental complexity, novelty and opportunities for achievement. Within their programmes mammals perform two kinds of activity: work, which relates to day to day survival, and leisure, in the form of curiosity or play, which provides experience which may prove to be of value in the long term.

The existence of behavioural needs is consistent with our knowledge of mammalian evolution. Even the earliest known mammals, living over 120 million years ago, differed from reptiles in having brain to body size ratios four to five times greater. The increase in brain size resulted largely from the massive expansion of a region of the cerebral cortex, known as the neopallium, which acts as a co-ordinating centre for sensory data, and creates a model of the world which determines subsequent action. During the 60 million year tertiary era, relative brain size increased in most orders of eutherian mammals, so that only the more intelligent survived.

Because mammals rely for their survival on collecting and analyzing data and acting intelligently, they need facilities to search for information to establish and monitor their concept of the real world; their psychological well-being depends on an environment which offers such facilities. There are two kinds of behavioural needs; psychological needs, which appear to be unique to mammals, and ethological needs which are experienced by all vertebrates. It is concluded that environmental quality for captive mammals should not just be assessed negatively, by the absence of abnormal behaviours, but more positively by the extent to which it meets their psychological needs.
In-Homecage Blood Collection from Conscious Stumptailed Macaques
Authors: Reinhardt V , Cowley D
Published: January 2023

Six adult female stumptailed macaques (Macaca arctoides) were trained within a two-week period to actively co-operate during in-homecage venipuncture rather than in a restraint apparatus away from the homecage. The training was based on consistent firmness, gentleness and patience. Total training time per subject ranged from 15 to 45 minutes with a mean of 33.5 minutes. Endocrinological analysis one week after the last training session revealed an insignificant increase (0.49%) in serum Cortisol between venipuncture samples taken 15 minutes apart. It was concluded that training stumptailed macaques to actively co-operate during blood collection in their familiar homecage promotes the animals’ well-being by avoiding undue disturbance; increases the validity of research data collected by minimizing distress, and reduces health risks of the handling personnel by eliminating the need to carry the animals to a special area.