bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Medicare Care Choices Model was associated with reductions in disparities in the use of hospice care for Medicare beneficiaries with terminal illness
Authors: Niedzwiecki Matthew J. , Forrow Lauren Vollmer , Gellar Jonathan , Pohl R. Vincent , Chen Arnold , Miescier Lynn , Kranker Keith
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess the effects of the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM) on disparities in hospice use and quality of end‐of‐life care for Medicare beneficiaries from underserved groups—those from racial and ethnic minority groups, dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, or living in rural areas.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Medicare enrollment and claims data from 2013 to 2021 for terminally ill Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries nationwide.

Study Design

Through MCCM, terminally ill enrolled Medicare beneficiaries received supportive and palliative care services from hospice providers concurrently with curative treatments. Using a matched comparison group, we estimated subgroup‐specific effects on hospice use, days at home, and aggressive treatment and multiple emergency department visits in the last 30 days of life.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The sample included decedent Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in MCCM and a matched comparison group from the same geographic areas who met model eligibility criteria at time of enrollment: having a diagnosis of cancer, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or HIV/AIDS; living in the community; not enrolled in the Medicare hospice benefit in the previous 30 days; and having at least one hospital stay and three office visits in the previous 12 months.

Principal Findings

Eligible beneficiaries from underserved groups were underrepresented in MCCM. MCCM increased enrollees' hospice use and the number of days at home and reduced aggressive treatment among all subgroups analyzed. MCCM also reduced disparities in hospice use by race and ethnicity and dual eligibility by 4.1 (90% credible interval [CI]: 1.3–6.1) and 2.4 (90% CI: 0.6–4.4) percentage points, respectively. It also reduced disparities in having multiple emergency department visits for rural enrollees by 1.3 (90% CI: 0.1–2.7) percentage points.

Conclusions

MCCM increased hospice use and quality of end‐of‐life care for model enrollees from underserved groups and reduced disparities in hospice use and having multiple emergency department visits.
Enhancing precision in lung tumor ablation through innovations in CT‐guided technique and angle control
Authors: Hung Wei‐Te , Tsai Stella Chin‐Shaw , Wu Tzu‐Chin , Tu Hsien‐Tang , Lin Huan‐Cheng , Su Chun‐Lin , Wu Yu‐Chieh , Lin Li‐Cheng , Lin Frank Cheau‐Feng
Published: February 2024

Background

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the precision and safety outcomes of image‐guided lung percutaneous thermal ablation (LPTA) methods, focusing on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA). The study utilized an innovative angle reference guide to facilitate these techniques in the treatment of lung tumors.

Methods

This study included individuals undergoing LPTA with the assistance of laser angle guide assembly (LAGA) at our hospital between April 2011 and March 2021. We analyzed patient demographics, tumor characteristics, procedure details, and complications. Logistic regressions were employed to assess risk factors associated with complications.

Results

A total of 202 patients underwent ablation for 375 lung tumors across 275 sessions involving 495 ablations. Most procedures used RFA, especially in the right upper lobe, and the majority of ablations were performed in the prone position (49.7%). Target lesions were at a median depth of 39.3 mm from the pleura surface, and remarkably, 91.9% required only a single puncture. Complications occurred in 31.0% of ablations, with pneumothorax being the most prevalent (18.3%), followed by pain (12.5%), sweating (6.5%), fever (5.0%), cough (4.8%), hemothorax (1.6%), hemoptysis (1.2%), pleural effusion (2.0%), skin burn (0.6%), and air emboli (0.2%). The median procedure time was 21 min. Notably, smoking/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease emerged as a significant risk factor for complications.

Conclusion

The LAGA‐assisted LPTA enhanced safety by improving accuracy and reducing risks. Overall, this investigation contributes to the ongoing efforts to refine and improve the clinical application of these thermal ablation techniques in the treatment of lung tumors.
Peripheral nervous system and neuromuscular disorders in the emergency department: A review
Authors: Sivadasan Ajith , Cortel‐LeBlanc Miguel A. , Cortel‐LeBlanc Achelle , Katzberg Hans
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Acute presentations and emergencies in neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) often challenge clinical acumen. The objective of this review is to refine the reader's approach to history taking, clinical localization and early diagnosis, as well as emergency management of neuromuscular emergencies.

Methods

An extensive literature search was performed to identify relevant studies. We prioritized meta‐analysis, systematic reviews, and position statements where possible to inform any recommendations.

The spectrum of clinical presentations and etiologies ranges from neurotoxic envenomation or infection to autoimmune disease such as Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) and myasthenia gravis (MG). Delayed diagnosis is not uncommon when presentations occur “de novo,” respiratory failure is dominant or isolated, or in the case of atypical scenarios such as GBS variants, severe autonomic dysfunction, or rhabdomyolysis. Diseases of the central nervous system, systemic and musculoskeletal disorders can mimic presentations in neuromuscular disorders.

Conclusions

Fortunately, early diagnosis and management can improve prognosis. This article provides a comprehensive review of acute presentations in neuromuscular disorders relevant for the emergency physician.
The role of genetic variability of the host on the resistance to Neospora caninum infection in cattle
Authors: Dinon Anabella , Fiorani Franco , Campero Lucía María , Moore Dadín Prando , Corva Pablo Marcelo
Published: February 2024

Neospora caninum is one of the most frequently diagnosed abortifacient pathogens in cattle. There is abundant genomic information about the parasite itself, but very little is known about the genetic variability of resistance in the most common intermediate host. The aim of this review was to compile all the available information about the genetic variability associated with the resistance to N. caninum both between and within cattle breeds. We systematically searched for published studies that investigated the influence of genetics of the host on the prevalence of N. caninum and risk of abortion. Beyond the potential confounding effects of feeding systems, management and animal density, some lines of evidence suggest that Holstein, the most popular breed for milk production, has a comparatively higher risk of abortion due to infections by N. caninum, whereas some beef breeds from Continental Europe seem to be more resistant. It is still not clear if different genetic mechanisms of resistance are involved in the two known routes of infection: postnatal ingestion of oocysts or transplacental transmission from the infected dam to the fetus. Genomic information associated with susceptibility to infection and risk of abortion in different cattle breeds is still scarce. The information reported here could be useful to identify new research alternatives and to define novel strategies to deal with this major problem of animal production.
Successful infliximab treatment in siblings with Netherton syndrome: Unveiling a novel SPINK5 gene variant and literature review
Authors: Salici Nazmiye Selin , Ozcanli Adil , Rasulova Gunel , Basak Ayse Nazli , Tekgul Seyma , Vural Secil
Published: February 2024

Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis. In this article, we present two siblings with NS who harbour a novel variant in the SPINK5 gene and were treated with infliximab infusions. Both patients exhibited the characteristic clinical triad of NS, and their whole exome sequencing analysis revealed a homozygous variant, c.1820+53G>A, in the SPINK5 gene. Notably, this is the first documented instance of homozygosity for this particular variant. Despite the absence of a specific treatment, both patients achieved total clearance of the skin lesions, and a significant decrease in total IgE levels was documented.
Shxwelí li te shxwelítemelh xíts'etáwtxw: The museum's confinement of Indigenous kin
Authors: Robinson Dylan
Published: February 2024

Across the globe, museums filled with glass and plexiglass vitrines display collections of Indigenous belongings. The typical display scenario for such belongings places them upon plinths, underneath plexiglass. These cases render the life they contain into objects of display, things to be seen but not touched. For Indigenous people, experiencing this objectifying system of display is often traumatic because that which is on display fits neither category of object nor thing. They hold life, and are beings or ancestors; they are treated as kin. Alongside the life of ancestors who take material form, thousands of Indigenous songs collected by ethnographers on wax cylinder recordings and reel‐to‐reel tape are similarly confined in museum collections. These songs also hold life, but of different kinds from their material cousins. To reassess the role of the museum as a place that confines life is to put into question its relationship to incarceration. If the museum is a carceral space, how then, might we define repatriation alongside practices of “reentry” and kinship reconnection?
Pig‐feast democracy
Authors: Kusumaryati Veronika
Published: February 2024

In most Melanesian societies, pig feasts have been declining in recent years, owing to the incursion of Christianity and the modern economy. But in Indonesia‐occupied West Papua, pig feasts are being held more often, and at a greater scale, than ever. The feasts are taking place in the context of West Papua's “special autonomy” status and Indonesia's democratic reforms, which have established direct local elections (pilkada) in the region. The boom in pig feasts shows how this traditional institution, together with the modern institution of elections, has become a platform for contestations over democracy and Papuan autonomy. Anthropological attention to traditional institutions, such as pig feasts, can offer insight into a condition of plural political order. It can furthermore tell us how Indigenous Peoples negotiate the terms of democratic reforms and negotiate their incorporation into the state through their own institution of ceremonial exchange.
The demographic and diagnostic profile of women with intellectual disability and mental health disorder in New South Wales and patterns of service use: A data linkage study
Authors: Whittle Erin L. , Fisher Karen , Srasuekbul Preeyaporn , Trollor Julian
Published: February 2024

Background

Current evidence indicates that intellectual disability and gender are both factors in differential usage of services. However, there are limited data about the demographic and service usage patterns of people with intellectual disability who use mental health services. This is particularly true in relation to women with intellectual disability with mental ill health. Interrogation of large‐scale linked data sets can provide valuable insights into patterns of service usage among marginalised groups.

Method

A large collaborative data linkage project was assembled with the overarching aim of providing an epidemiological profile of the health (including mental health), health service use, mortality and other service system contacts of people with intellectual disability in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. These linked data were used to interrogate the demographic, diagnostic and service use profiles of women with intellectual disability who have sought mental health support in NSW.

Results

The linked data demonstrated important differences in patterns of diagnosis and service use for women with intellectual disability and mental health disorders, when compared to women without intellectual disability and men with and without intellectual disability, with mental health disorders. The diagnostic profile of women with intellectual disability reflected the gendered nature of diagnoses found in the wider population. Women with intellectual disability also experienced higher rates of diagnostic instability than other groups.

Conclusions

The intersection between gender, intellectual disability and mental health has an effect on diagnostic profile and patterns of service use for women with intellectual disability. These differences are important and may impact targeted service delivery and planning for women with intellectual disability who have sought mental health support.
Huntingtin CAG repeats in neuropathologically confirmed tauopathies: Novel insights
Authors: Pérez‐Oliveira Sergio , Castilla‐Silgado Juan , Painous Cèlia , Aldecoa Iban , Menéndez‐González Manuel , Blázquez‐Estrada Marta , Corte Daniela , Tomás‐Zapico Cristina , Compta Yaroslau , Muñoz Esteban , Lladó Albert , Balasa Mircea , Aragonès Gemma , García‐González Pablo , Rosende‐Roca Maitée , Boada Mercè , Ruíz Agustín , Pastor Pau , De la Casa‐Fages Beatriz , Rabano Alberto , Sánchez‐Valle Raquel , Molina‐Porcel Laura , Álvarez Victoria
Published: February 2024

Previous studies have suggested a relationship between the number of CAG triplet repeats in the HTT gene and neurodegenerative diseases not related to Huntington's disease (HD). This study seeks to investigate whether the number of CAG repeats of HTT is associated with the risk of developing certain tauopathies and its influence as a modulator of the clinical and neuropathological phenotype. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the potential of polyglutamine staining as a neuropathological screening. We genotyped the HTT gene CAG repeat number and APOE‐ℰ isoforms in a cohort of patients with neuropathological diagnoses of tauopathies (n=588), including 34 corticobasal degeneration (CBD), 98 progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and 456 Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, we genotyped a control group of 1070 patients, of whom 44 were neuropathologic controls. We identified significant differences in the number of patients with pathological HTT expansions in the CBD group (2.7%) and PSP group (3.2%) compared to control subjects (0.2%). A significant increase in the size of the HTT CAG repeats was found in the AD compared to the control group, influenced by the presence of the Apoliprotein E (APOE)‐ℰ4 isoform. Post‐mortem assessments uncovered tauopathy pathology with positive polyglutamine aggregates, with a slight predominance in the neostriatum for PSP and CBD cases and somewhat greater limbic involvement in the AD case. Our results indicated a link between HTT CAG repeat expansion with other non‐HD pathology, suggesting they could share common neurodegenerative pathways. These findings support that genetic or histological screening for HTT repeat expansions should be considered in tauopathies.
Lithological influence on sill geometry in sedimentary basins: Controls and recognition in reflection seismic data
Authors: Kjenes Martin , Eide Christian Haug , Argüello Scotti Agustin , Lecomte Isabelle , Schofield Nick , Bøgh Anna
Published: February 2024

Sills play a leading role in the transport of magma in sedimentary basins. The contact between sills and host rocks reflects the acting emplacement processes during sill propagation and evolution. Recent studies have shown that the propagation of sills and dykes is strongly influenced by the lithology of the host rocks, but none have detailed documentation of marginal features in large‐scale intrusive complexes. Three‐dimensional seismic data is the primary method of mapping and investigating such complexes, but it is difficult to accurately image sills due to their low thickness compared to seismic resolution. By understanding the relationship between local lithology and marginal sill features, we can better understand the imaging of sills in seismic datasets and their resulting geometry. In this study, we present a seismic‐scale sill analogue through multiple high‐resolution three‐dimensional models, with corresponding logs and field observations from Cedar Mountains, San Rafael Swell, US. This model was further used to develop a synthetic seismic dataset, providing us with a strong control on which marginal sill features fall beneath seismic resolution. We found that lithology plays a critical control in sill geometry and morphology. In Cedar Mountains, sills emplaced within massive sandstones frequently exhibit strata‐discordant base contact with the host rock. Conversely, sills found within heterolithic intervals and mudstones typically display strata‐concordant base contact with the host rocks. Sills within heterolithic intervals also tend to exhibit a more complex segmentation with multiple broken bridges. Furthermore, our findings show that sills are more than 3.7 times more likely to intrude in mudstone compared to sandstone and heterolithic intervals. These results suggest how sill geometries can be adapted to interpret lithology in seismic datasets from sedimentary basins with little to no well control. We anticipate that our findings may provide better knowledge for interpreting sills in sedimentary basins and contribute to developing more sophisticated geomechanical emplacement models for igneous intrusions.
Increasing access to quality parent education through a virtual synchronous setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Jiang Yu , Routh Brianna , Fakuajo Oluwatoyin Akinde
Published: February 2024

Background

America's crisis of youth mental health challenges has been worsened by COVID‐19. Group‐based parent education has been proven effective in intervention and prevention; however, a lack of universal access and the busyness of parents are significant barriers to participation. Rapid growth in technology‐based education aims to increase accessibility but live, virtual parent education was understudied. E3 Parent Education (E3PE) was a free, virtual, and synchronous group programme offered in Montana by a certified parent educator to support families navigating common and uncommon challenges.

Methods

Through qualitative evaluation with eight programme participants (n = 8), this study aimed to understand impacts and access of this parent education programme.

Results

All participants (100%) aligned on three themes describing the virtual, synchronous parent education experience: convenience, connection, and comfort. Participants suggested strategies for improvement as well.

Discussion

A free, virtual, synchronous, group‐based format provided equitable access and lowered the barriers to participation. Findings advised that the developers, facilitators, and policymakers consider adding virtual options alongside in‐person settings to reduce participant barriers and meet the needs of different families.
Obstructive sleep apnoea in obesity: A review
Authors: Tai Jian E. , Phillips Craig L. , Yee Brendon J. , Grunstein Ronald R.
Published: February 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common comorbidity that occurs in individuals with obesity. It classically manifests with excessive daytime sleepiness, resulting in reduced quality of life, workplace productivity, and an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. Weight gain plays an important role in its pathogenesis through worsening upper airway collapsibility, and current treatment options are targeted towards mechanically overcoming upper airway obstruction and weight loss. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy remains the most widely prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea but poor tolerance is a common barrier to effective treatment. Sustainable weight loss is an important treatment option but can be difficult to achieve without bariatric surgery. The recent advances in incretin‐based pharmacotherapies represent a promising avenue not only in achieving long‐term weight loss but also in treating obstructive sleep apnoea and alleviating the burden of its symptoms and comorbidities.
Bringing the forest back: Restoration priorities in Colombia
Authors: Williams Brooke A. , López‐Cubillos Sofía , Ochoa‐Quintero Jose Manuel , Crouzeilles Renato , Villa‐Piñeros Marcelo , Isaacs Cubides Paola Johanna , Schmoeller Marina , Marin Wilmer , Tedesco Anazelia , Bastos Diego , Suárez‐Castro Andrés Felipe , Romero Jiménez Luis Hernando , Broadbent Eben N. , Almeyda Zambrano Angelica M. , Vincent Jeffrey R. , Yi Yuanyuan , Chazdon Robin L. , Watson James E. M. , Urbano Elkin Alexi Noguera , Rodriguez Cristian Alexander Cruz , Beyer Hawthorne L.
Published: February 2024

Aim

Colombia has committed to ambitious forest restoration targets which include a 1 million ha Bonn Challenge commitment and 6.47–8.31 million ha (rehabilitation and restoration, respectively) under the National Restoration Plan. Determining where and how to implement programs to achieve these targets remains a significant challenge.

Location

Colombia.

Methods

We adopt a multi‐objective optimisation framework for restoration planning and apply it to Colombia. We explore cost‐effective solutions that leverage the potential for assisted natural regeneration benefits while accounting for opportunity and establishment costs of restoration and maximising biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation benefits. We explore four politically relevant restoration area‐based targets (1, 6, 6.47 and 8.31 million ha) and identify minimum cost, and suites of maximum benefit and cost‐effective solutions.

Results

We identify solutions that simultaneously perform well across biodiversity and carbon objectives, despite trade‐offs between these objectives. We find that cost‐effective solutions can achieve on average 91.1%, 90.8%, 90.5% and 90.1% of maximum carbon benefit and 100% of the maximum biodiversity benefit while significantly reducing costs. On average, the cost‐effective solutions reduce the cost by 87.5%, 56.8%, 59.6% and 46.2% compared to the maximum benefit solutions considering one, six, 6.47 and 8.31 million ha restoration targets, respectively.

Main Conclusions

Colombia has committed to bold restoration and conservation targets, such as those under the new 2030 Convention on Biological Diversity Global Biodiversity Framework. Strategic forest restoration planning will play an important role in achieving Colombia's biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation goals. We provide quantitative evidence to inform planning for environmentally and economically sensible restoration policy and practice in the country. Our framework and results can help guide Colombia towards meeting its ambitious forest restoration targets cost‐effectively.
Order basket contents and consumer returns
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Shang Guangzhi , Rong Ying , Galbreth Michael R.
Published: February 2024

Although lenient return policies can drive sales and customer loyalty, they have also resulted in enormous returns volumes and reverse logistics costs. Online retailers often feel compelled to offer free returns, but are then faced with numerous operational challenges, ranging from accurately forecasting returns volumes to identifying presales strategies to reduce the likelihood that a (costly) return occurs. In this research, we consider how the complementarity of the products within an order basket is related to consumer returns. By developing an understanding of the link between basket contents and returns, we can improve order‐level returns forecasts, while also providing insights into the effect of basket recommendations on the expected return rate. We take a multimethod approach to this problem. First, we use a stylized model to generate theoretical predictions regarding how within‐basket complementarity should influence return probability. Next, we propose a data‐driven measure of complementarity, degree of copurchase (DCP), which is based on the machine learning concept of association rule and is implementable using standard retail sales data. Finally, utilizing a unique data set provided by a leading online specialty retailer, we implement the DCP measure and test the predictions of our analytical model. We find, as expected, that there is a decreasing relationship between within‐basket complementarity and return probability. However, we also show that this decrease is convex, indicating that the return probability impact is more notable when the complementarity is increased from a lower base. Our results have practical implications for both reverse logistics planning and online product recommendations.
Influence of occlusal appliances on the masticatory muscle function in individuals with sleep bruxism: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ferreira Guilherme Fantini , Carletti Talita Malini , Gama Lorena Tavares , Magno Marcela Baraúna , Maia Lucianne Cople , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus
Published: February 2024

This systematic review answers the question: “Does occlusal appliance use influence masticatory muscle function of dentate individuals with sleep bruxism?”. The literature search included six databases, grey literature, and manual search for articles. Randomized and non‐randomized clinical trials were included comparing muscle function of sleep bruxers before and after receiving occlusal appliances. Risk of bias was assessed with risk of bias assessment for randomized and non‐randomized clinical trials tool. Twelve studies, three represent randomized clinical trials, were included. Risk of bias was considered low, moderate, or serious. Meta‐analyses indicated that soft and hard appliances did not influence muscle activity and bite force of bruxers. Qualitative analysis showed that occlusal appliance use did not influence masticatory performance and muscle volume. However, it was effective in reducing tongue force. Certainty of evidence was considered very low for muscle activity when evaluated with hard appliances, and for bite force evaluated with both appliance materials. Low certainty of evidence was observed for muscle activity with soft appliances. Based on the findings of this meta‐analysis, occlusal appliances do not affect masticatory muscle function of sleep bruxers. Regardless of appliance material, the activity of masseter and temporal, and bite force of sleep bruxers was not influenced.
Fabrication of complete dentures for an older patient with mobility impairment in three appointments: A dental technique
Authors: Papalexopoulos Dimokritos , Tsirogiannis Panagiotis , Sykaras Nikitas
Published: February 2024

Objective

To describe the clinical procedures of complete denture set fabrication in three appointments.

Background

Simplified approaches have proven not to be inferior to conventional ones in terms of quality, patient satisfaction and masticatory ability.

Materials and Methods

The patient was a 77‐year‐old edentulous adult with mobility impairment seeking dental rehabilitation in a small number of appointments due to commuting difficulties.

Results

A set of complete dentures was delivered within three appointments. The second appointment was dedicated to set‐up trial due to the patient's aesthetic demands.

Conclusion

Under certain circumstances and after a thorough study of each case, dental clinicians may propose the fabrication of complete dentures in a three‐appointment protocol incorporating a set‐up trial session.
Impact of artificial intelligence on customer engagement and advertising engagement: A review and future research agenda
Authors: Suraña‐Sánchez Clara , Aramendia‐Muneta Maria Elena
Published: February 2024

This study, through a bibliometric analysis, aims to provide increased knowledge of the evolution and effects of artificial intelligence over the last 30 years in customer engagement and advertising engagement. Articles were gathered from three databases by using combinations of keywords (artificial intelligence, customer engagement, advertising engagement, marketing, machine learning, etc.). A set of inclusion/exclusion criteria were then applied to obtain the final sample. The final sample was made up of 190 peer‐reviewed articles. Three separate analyses were performed to test the sample. A performance analysis identified the articles' years of publication, contributions per country and the performance/output of the relevant journals. A data analysis created 10 clusters; these are examined in depth, and provide explanations of the evolution of the relevant scientific production. The study's findings offer a wide perspective of research undertaken to date, and identify possible research gaps. This research contributes to the marketing field by bridging a gap, through undertaking a bibliometric analysis, in the research about the impact of artificial intelligence on customer and advertising engagement over the years 1991 through 2022. It offers scholars and researchers ideas for future research.
Yellowtail damselfish Chrysiptera parasema can associate predation risk with the acoustic call of a heterospecific damselfish following pairing with conspecific alarm cues
Authors: Hanson Kathryn A. , Mauland Brooke A. , Shastri Ananda , Wisenden Brian D.
Published: February 2024

The ability to detect and respond to the presence of predation risk is under intense selection, especially for small‐bodied fishes. Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) use auditory vocalizations during inter‐ and intrasexual interactions, but it is not known if they can use vocalizations in the context of predator–prey interactions. Here, we test if yellowtail damselfish, Chrysiptera parasema, can learn to associate the territorial vocalization of heterospecific humbug damselfish Dascyllus aruanus with predation risk. In conditioning trials yellowtail damselfish were presented with the territorial call of humbug damselfish while either blank water (control treatment) or chemical alarm cue derived from damaged skin of conspecific yellowtail damselfish was introduced. In conditioning trials, fish exposed to alarm cue exhibited increased activity and spent more time in the water column relative to fish that received the control treatment. After a single conditioning trial, conditioned fish were exposed again to the territorial call of humbug damselfish. Fish conditioned with the call + alarm cue showed increased activity and spent more time in the water column relative to fish that had been conditioned with the control treatment. These data indicate associative learning of an auditory stimulus with predation risk in a species that regularly uses auditory signalling in other contexts. Recordings of conditioning and test trials failed to detect any acoustic calls produced by test fish in response to the perception of predation risk. Thus, although yellowtail damselfish can associate risk with auditory stimuli, we found no evidence that they produce an alarm call.
Size at sexual maturity, seasonal variation by maturity stages, and fecundity of the spotted round ray (Urobatis maculatus) and the thorny stingray (Urotrygon rogersi) from the northern tropical eastern Pacific
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Alain , Tovar‐Ávila Javier , Arellano‐Cuenca A. Hiromi , Rivas‐Landa David , Chávez‐Arrenquín Darío A. , Amezcua Felipe
Published: February 2024

Round rays (family: Urotrygonidae) are commonly caught as by‐catch by shrimp trawl fisheries in the tropical eastern Pacific (TEP). However, little information on their life history and catch species composition exists for most round ray species, preventing the evaluation of the impact of fishing on their populations. The mean size at sexual maturity (DW50), seasonal variation by maturity stages, and fecundity for two round ray species caught during shrimp trawl research cruises in the south‐eastern Gulf of California (northern TEP) were estimated using a multi‐model approach and inference for the first time, to determine the part of the population of each species that is being affected by shrimp trawling. Disc width (DW) ranged from 7.0 to 30.9 cm for the spotted round ray (Urobatis maculatus), and 7.2–33.5 cm for the thorny stingray (Urotrygon rogersi), with females reaching larger sizes than males in both species. The DW50 was estimated at 12.8 and 11.8 cm DW for the males and females of U. maculatus, respectively, whereas for U.rogersi, it was 15.0 and 18.4 cm DW for males and females, respectively. Embryos were found in females ≥14.5 cm DW in both species. The maximum fecundity was five embryos for U. maculatus (mean = 3.1 ± 0.2 S.E., mode = 4), and six embryos for U. rogersi (mean = 3.0 ± 0.3 S.E., mode = 2). Fecundity and embryo size did not vary with maternal size. Male and female immature and mature individuals for both species, including pregnant females, were found in the catches in all seasons of the year. Our results can help determine the vulnerability of the studied species populations to fishing pressure from shrimp trawling in the northern TEP and guide the development of future monitoring strategies and conservation actions for these species, if necessary.
Are dietitian recommendations followed? A descriptive study of paediatric hospitalised and ambulatory patients
Authors: Umentum Bryanna , Kim Hannah Jang , Adkins Ashley , Feuling Mary Beth , Hilbrands Julia , Martin Nicole , Goday Praveen S. , Smith Amber
Published: February 2024

Background

The primary objective of this cross‐sectional retrospective study was to describe the implementation of dietitian prescribed nutrition recommendations in malnourished paediatric patients in the hospital and ambulatory settings. We also aimed to investigate other characteristics that could be associated with differences in implementation.

Methods

Data were collected from 186 hospitalised and 565 ambulatory patients between February 2020 and January 2021. Data included age, hospital or ambulatory specialty departments, primary diagnosis, malnutrition status, hospital length of stay (LOS), and medical nutrition therapy recommendations. Implementation by the medical team in the hospital setting and adherence by the family in the outpatient setting were categorised as “Full”, “Partial” or “None”. “Partial” and “None” were combined for analysis.

Results

Dietitian prescribed recommendations were implemented in 79.6% of hospitalised patients. In the ambulatory population, 46.4% of patients were adherent with nutrition recommendations. Within the hospital, there was a significant difference in implementation of nutrition recommendations based on age (p = 0.047), hospital department (p = 0.002) and LOS (p = 0.04), whereas, in the ambulatory population, there were no significant differences in the rate of adherence among any of the studied characteristics.

Conclusions

Dietitian recommendations are frequently implemented in the hospital, whereas adherence to such recommendations is poor in the outpatient population. Interventions to improve adherence to nutrition recommendations in the ambulatory setting are needed.
The Role of Macro‐Economic Policy in Explaining China's Current Account Surplus
Authors: PRASAD NALINI
Published: February 2024

I assess how much of China's current account surplus can be explained by government policy of capital controls and foreign reserve accumulation during a period of rapid productivity growth. My model can generate an increase in China's current account surplus and foreign reserve holdings. I find that half of the peak in China's current account surplus can be explained by its capital control policies and half by its foreign reserve accumulation policies. Under an open capital account and floating exchange rate, China would have run a current account deficit of 6.5% of GDP.
The Deflationary Bias of the ZLB and the FED's Strategic Response
Authors: PENALVER ADRIAN , SIENA DANIELE
Published: February 2024

The paper shows, in a simple analytical framework, the existence of a deflationary bias in an economy with a low natural rate of interest, a zero lower bound (ZLB) constraint on nominal interest rates and a discretionary Central Bank (CB) with an inflation mandate. The presence of the ZLB prevents the CB from offsetting negative shocks to inflation whereas it can offset positive shocks. This asymmetry pushes average inflation below the target which in turn drags down inflation expectations and reinforces the likelihood of hitting the ZLB. We show that this deflationary bias is particularly relevant for a CB with a symmetric dual mandate (i.e., minimizing deviations from inflation and employment), especially when facing demand shocks. But a strict inflation targeter cannot escape the suboptimal deflationary equilibrium either. The deflationary bias can be mitigated by targeting “shortfalls” instead of “deviations” from maximum employment and/or using flexible average inflation targeting. However, changing monetary policy strategy risks inflation expectations becoming entrenched above the target if the natural interest rate increases.
Social reproduction in rural Chinese families: A three‐generation portrait
Authors: Liu Jieyu
Published: February 2024

Much of the existing debate on social reproduction focuses on capitalist social relations or is framed around the distinction between the Global North and Global South. Using China, whose unique post‐1949 developmental trajectory embraces both elements of socialism and capitalism, this article aims to breakdown the dichotomy between capitalism and other economic systems and instead draw attention to the ways in which households, the state and market are interdependent. Drawing upon an ethnography conducted in two rural villages and three‐generational life history data, this article explores how the organization of reproductive work evolved in rural families against the backdrop of wider political and economic transformations since 1949. Through an examination of the inter‐linkages between productive and reproductive activities across three generations, it reveals that unpaid reproductive work, performed unambiguously by women, has been central to China's economic modernization in both the Mao and Post‐Mao eras. The organization of this reproductive work among women inside the households of each generation since 1949 is influenced by a combination of factors including the patrilocal and patrilineal kinship system, the social welfare context and the economic processes of a particular era. While confirming existing scholarship on migration and agrarian change, by revealing the household as a site of gendered and intergenerational negotiation, this article disputes a linear generational power shift in agrarian transformations.
Testing Spatial Dynamic Panel Data Models with Heterogeneous Spatial and Regression Coefficients
Authors: Giordano Francesco , Niglio Marcella , Parrella Maria Lucia
Published: February 2024

Spatio‐temporal data are often analysed by means of spatial dynamic panel data (SDPD) models. In the last decade, several versions of these models have been proposed, generally based on specific assumptions and estimator properties. We focus on an SDPD model with heterogeneous coefficients both in the spatial and exogeneous regression components. We propose a strategy to identify the specific structure of the SDPD model through a multiple testing procedure that allows to choose between a general version of the model and a nested version derived from the general one by imposing restrictions on the parameters. Our proposal can be used to test the homogeneity of the model parameters as well as the absence of specific components, such as spatial effects, dynamic effects or exogenous regressors. It is also possible to use the proposed testing procedure for the identification of relevant locations. The theoretical results highlight the consistency of the testing procedure in the high‐dimensional setup, when the number of spatial units goes to infinity and exceeds the number of time‐observations per spatial unit. Further, we also conduct a Monte Carlo simulation study, which gives empirical evidence of the good performance of the testing procedure in finite samples.
The opposed forces of differentiation and admixture across glacial cycles in the butterfly Aglais urticae
Authors: Marques Valéria , Hinojosa Joan Carles , Dapporto Leonardo , Talavera Gerard , Stefanescu Constantí , Gutiérrez David , Vila Roger
Published: February 2024

Glacial cycles lead to periodic population interbreeding and isolation in warm‐adapted species, which impact genetic structure and evolution. However, the effects of these processes on highly mobile and more cold‐tolerant species are not well understood. This study aims to shed light on the phylogeographic history of Aglais urticae, a butterfly species with considerable dispersal ability, and a wide Palearctic distribution reaching the Arctic. Through the analysis of genomic data, four main genetic lineages are identified: European, Sierra Nevada, Sicily/Calabria/Peloponnese, and Eastern. The results indicate that the Sardo‐Corsican endemic taxon ichnusa is a distinct species. The split between the relict lineages in southern Europe and the main European lineage is estimated to have happened 400–450 thousand years ago, with admixture observed during the Quaternary glacial cycles, and still ongoing, albeit to a much smaller extent. These results suggest that these lineages may be better treated as subspecific parapatric taxa. Ecological niche modelling supported the existence of both Mediterranean and extra‐Mediterranean refugia during the glacial periods, with the main one located on the Atlantic coast. Nevertheless, gene flow between populations was possible, indicating that both differentiation and admixture have acted continuously across glacial cycles in this cold‐tolerant butterfly, generally balancing each other but producing differentiated lineages in the southern peninsulas. We conclude that the population dynamics and the processes shaping the population genetic structure of cold‐adapted species during the Quaternary ice ages may be different than those classically accepted for warm‐adapted species.
Temperature and light reverse the fertility of rice P/TGMS line ostms19 via reactive oxygen species homeostasis
Authors: Zhou Lei , Mao Yi‐Chen , Yang Yan‐Ming , Wang Jun‐Jie , Zhong Xiang , Han Yu , Zhang Yan‐Fei , Shi Qiang‐Sheng , Huang Xue‐hui , Meyers Blake C. , Zhu Jun , Yang Zhong‐Nan
Published: February 2024

P/TGMS (Photo/thermo‐sensitive genic male sterile) lines are crucial resources for two‐line hybrid rice breeding. Previous studies revealed that slow development is a general mechanism for sterility–fertility conversion of P/TGMS in Arabidopsis. However, the difference in P/TGMS genes between rice and Arabidopsis suggests the presence of a distinct P/TGMS mechanism in rice. In this study, we isolated a novel P/TGMS line, ostms19, which shows sterility under high‐temperature conditions and fertility under low‐temperature conditions. OsTMS19 encodes a novel pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein essential for pollen formation, in which a point mutation GTA(Val) to GCA(Ala) leads to ostms19 P/TGMS phenotype. It is highly expressed in the tapetum and localized to mitochondria. Under high temperature or long‐day photoperiod conditions, excessive ROS accumulation in ostms19 anthers during pollen mitosis disrupts gene expression and intine formation, causing male sterility. Conversely, under low temperature or short‐day photoperiod conditions, ROS can be effectively scavenged in anthers, resulting in fertility restoration. This indicates that ROS homeostasis is critical for fertility conversion. This relationship between ROS homeostasis and fertility conversion has also been observed in other tested rice P/TGMS lines. Therefore, we propose that ROS homeostasis is a general mechanism for the sterility–fertility conversion of rice P/TGMS lines.
Epstein Barr virus‐directed T‐cell therapy for refractory EBV‐PTLD in a toddler post Orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Work Emily , Gupta Dipankar , Slayton William B. , Rees John , Coppola John‐Anthony , Seifert Robert , Bleiweis Mark S. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Peek Giles , Philip Joseph , Brock Alan , Rivera Jose Hernandez , Sullivan Kevin , Narasimhulu Sukumar Suguna
Published: February 2024

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous herpes type virus that is associated with post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Usual management includes reduction or cessation of immunosuppression and in some cases chemotherapy including rituximab. However, limited therapies are available if PTLD is refractory to rituximab. Several clinical trials have investigated the use of EBV‐directed T cells in rituximab‐refractory patients; however, data regarding response is scarce and inconclusive. Herein, we describe a patient with EBV‐PTLD refractory to rituximab after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) requiring EBV‐directed T‐cell therapy. This article aims to highlight the unique and aggressive clinical presentation and progression of PTLD with utilization of EBV‐directed T‐cell therapy for management and associated pitfalls.
Seeing the Whole Picture: Evaluating the Contribution of Whole Grains to Phosphorus Exposure in People With Kidney Failure Undergoing Dialysis Treatment
Authors: Winkelman Dillon , Gallant Kathleen Hill , Moe Sharon , St‐Jules David E.
Published: February 2024

Excessive dietary phosphorus is a concern among patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis treatment because it may contribute to hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphatemia. A long‐standing but untested component of the low‐phosphorus diet is the promotion of refined grains over whole grains. This paper reviews the scientific premise for restricting whole grains in the dialysis population and estimates phosphorus exposure from grain products based on three grain intake patterns modeled from reported intakes in the general US population, adjusting for the presence of phosphorus additives and phosphorus bioavailability: (1) standard grain intake, (2) 100% refined grain intake, and (3) mixed (50/50 whole and refined grain) intake. Although estimated phosphorus exposure from grains was higher with the mixed grain pattern (231 mg/day) compared to the 100% refined grain pattern (127 mg/day), the amount of additional phosphorus from grains was relatively low. Given the lack of strong evidence for restricting whole grains in people with CKD, as well as the potential health benefits of whole grains, clinical trials are warranted to address the efficacy and health impact of this practice.