bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of office rents: the role of physical and locational characteristics in Colombo
Authors: Marasinghe Raveena , Amarawickrama Susantha
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper examines rent determinants and their relationship with commercial office property rents.

Design/methodology/approach

The method adopted in this study differs from that of previous studies on this topic. Firstly, based on the survey of the viewpoints of experts, Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis was used to identify rent determinants and to rank and ensure their relevance and validity in the Sri Lankan context. Secondly, sampling of data related to 115 office properties collected from property tenants and landlords located within the central built-up area of Colombo City was conducted using a multi-methods approach to carry out an objective hedonic analysis of office rents.

Findings

This research utilizes RII and hedonic models to provide insights into determinants and relationships. Both analyses confirm that the three top drivers of commercial office rent are distance from the major town center, availability of parking space and the condition of the property. In addition to these three factors, hedonic models reveal that the age of the property and the availability of a conference hall also play a relevant role in explaining office rents. Given the disparities in the findings of the two methods, further examination was able to confirm that factors such as distance from the major town center, parking availability, age of the property, presence of a conference hall, building condition, floor size, business type and type of building are likely to influence commercial office rent. These findings reflect elements such as the quality, newness and better facilities of different office properties.

Practical implications

This systematic study and analysis of office rent for the guidance of real estate investors can support sound investment decisions, potentially leading to more financially sound property development, reduced public debt levels and improved public-private financing. Further, the research findings offer valuable insights to real estate investors, developers and planners regarding location decisions for office development quality enhancements in future office developments.

Originality/value

This research provides fresh insights into the local scale office market, an area where limited evidence currently exists. Further, the methodology adopted provides evidence that hedonic analysis, supported by a multi-method approach, can mitigate the subjective judgments made by professionals.
The role of smart technologies in managing supply chain post pandemic: an exploratory scientific procedures and rationales for systematic literature review
Authors: Agarwal Pragati , Malhotra Sunita Kumari , Swami Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented disruptions to global supply chains, compelling organizations to reevaluate their strategies for resilience and adaptability. In response, smart technologies (ST) have emerged as integral tools in post-pandemic supply chain management (SCM). This study aims to conduct an exploratory systematic literature review to comprehensively examine the evolving landscape of smart technology adoption in the context of SCM post-pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review has been conducted to examine the potential research contribution or directions in the field of ST and SCM. In total, 240 articles were shortlisted from the SCOPUS database in the chosen field of research. Bibliometric analysis was conducted by using VOSviewer to investigate the research trends in the area of SCM.

Findings

The review identifies key themes and trends, including supply chain resilience, digital transformation, enhanced visibility, predictive analytics and sustainability considerations. It explores the role of ST in fostering agility, transparency and risk mitigation within supply chains. Furthermore, eight clusters were identified to generate several thematic topics of ST in SCM. The results have evidenced a strong gap related to Industry 5.0 approaches for the supply chain field. A total of 240 publications, including journal articles, have been found in the literature. A total of 37 words, which were grouped in 8 clusters, have been identified in the data analysis.

Research limitations/implications

By synthesizing the current state of literature, this study provides valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and researchers seeking to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic SCM in an increasingly digitized and interconnected world. The findings highlight the transformative potential of ST and offer a roadmap for further exploration in this critical domain.

Originality/value

In this paper, the development path of the field of ST in SCM during the pandemic and the research constructs are presented and potential research directions are based on the bibliometric method.
Green consumption by design: interaction experiences and customization intentions
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Yan , Zhang Ran
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the impacts of the interaction experiential customization (IEC) mode on consumers' information processing fluency and green customization intention (GCI) as well as the moderating effect of consumers' self-construal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted an online field experiment, questionnaire study and between-subjects laboratory experiment to test the hypotheses.

Findings

It was found that IEC had a significant positive effect on consumers' GCI. Moreover, consumer retrieval processing fluency played a partial mediating role in the relationship between IEC and GCI. In addition, consumers' self-construal moderated the “IEC? Three dimensions of processing fluency” relationships.

Practical implications

The results emphasized the importance of IEC in influencing consumers' consumption intention in a green customization setting and have some practical implications, that is, companies have the opportunity to use appropriate digital choice architecture designs, which can enhance consumer processing fluency when promoting eco-friendly products in the customized consumption process, especially for independent consumers.

Originality/value

This study focused on the customization design on consumers' GCI and explained the mechanism of impact of IEC on improving consumers' processing fluency and GCI in a product customization setting based on the fluency theory. In addition, this study investigated the moderating effect of consumers' self-construal (independent vs interdependent) on their significant different information processing modes for low-carbon choices.
Behavioral factors influencing the acceptance and usage of waste bins in Ghana: application of the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB)
Authors: Boakye Maxwell Kwame , Adanu Selase Kofi , Agbosu Worlanyo Kwabena , Lissah Samuel Yaw , Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Rahaman , Owusu Anita Gyamea
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Several waste bin sanitation initiatives have been introduced in Ghana to address the surge in indiscriminate solid waste disposal in households. What is not known are the behavior factors that determine the acceptability and use of waste bins. This study aimed to identify the determinants of waste bin acceptability and use in Ghana using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data on waste bin acceptability and usage were collected from 881 households in the Volta and Oti regions of Ghana. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling technique in SmartPLS 3 software.

Findings

The coefficient of determination (R-squared value) of the original TPB and the extended model explained 39.9 and 44.7% of the variance in waste bin acceptability and use intentions, respectively. The results revealed that attitudes (ß = 0.114, t = 3.322, p < 0.001), subjective norms (ß = 0.306, t = 6.979, p < 0.001) and perceived moral obligation (ß = 0.352, t = 8.062, p < 0.001) significantly predicted household waste bin acceptability and use behavior intentions, but perceived behavioral control (ß = −0.003, t = 0.064, p < 0.949) did not influence behavior intentions significantly.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable insights into the behavioral factors to be prioritized by waste management service providers to improve household waste bin acceptability and usage.

Originality/value

This is one of Ghana's first studies investigating the behavioral determinants of waste bin acceptability and usage.
Dépenses militaires et croissance économique dans l'UEMOA: une analyse des effets de seuil et des canaux de transmission
Authors: Bayale Nimonka , Gado Babatunde Mohamed Sanny , Sambieni Niim‐Bénoua Nahum , Tchala Komla Kuma Esobiyu
Published: January 2024

Cet article détermine, à travers une approche non linéaire, le seuil de dépenses militaires compatible avec l'objectif de croissance économique. En appliquant un modèle de seuil endogène sur les données en panel des huit pays membres de l'UEMOA, sur la période 1995–2019, les estimations mettent en évidence l'existence d'un seuil de dépenses militaires estimé à 2,48% du PIB dans l'Union. Elles indiquent également que lorsque les dépenses militaires sont à un niveau inférieur à ce seuil, leur effet sur la croissance des États de l'Union est positif et significatif. En revanche, les valeurs supérieures à ce seuil n'apparaissent pas favorables à la croissance économique dans l'UEMOA. En outre, l'étude a identifié deux principaux canaux de transmission des dépenses militaires à la croissance économique dans ces pays, à savoir le capital humain et la stabilité politique. A cet égard, les pays de l'UEMOA devraient limiter les dépenses de défense et de sécurité à 2,48% du PIB au maximum, sauf si le niveau de l'insécurité justifie le dépassement de ce seuil.
Toward a Climate‐Ready Health Care System: Institutional Motivators and Workforce Engagement
Authors: DRESSER CALEB , JOHNS ZACHARY , PALARDY AVERY , McKINNON SARAH , BREAKEY SUELLEN , ROS ANA M. VIAMONTE , NICHOLAS PATRICE K
Published: January 2024

Policy Points

The US health care system faces mounting pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change; motivated institutions and an engaged health care workforce are essential to the development, implementation, and maintenance of a climate‐ready US health care system.

Health care workers have numerous profession‐specific and role‐specific opportunities to address the causes and impacts of climate change.

Policies must address institutional barriers to change and create incentives aligned with climate readiness goals.

Institutions and individuals can support climate readiness by integrating content on the health care implications of climate change into educational curricula.
Lithium use and bone health in women with bipolar disorder: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Williams Lana J. , Agustini Bruno , Stuart Amanda L. , Pasco Julie A. , Hodge Jason M. , Samarasinghe Rasika M. , Bjerkeset Ottar , Quirk Shae E. , Koivumaa‐Honkanen Heli , Honkanen Risto , Heikkinen Jeremi , Berk Michael
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Several psychiatric disorders and medications used to treat them appear to be independently associated with skeletal deficits. As there is increasing evidence that lithium possesses skeletal protective properties, we aimed to investigate the association between lithium use and bone health in a group of women with bipolar disorder.

Method

Women with bipolar disorder (n = 117, 20+ years) were recruited from south‐eastern Australia. Bipolar disorder was confirmed using a clinical interview (SCID‐I/NP). Bone mineral density (BMD; g/cm2) was measured at the spine, hip and total body using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry and low bone mass determined by BMD T‐score of <−1.0. Weight and height were measured, socioeconomic status (SES) determined and information on medication use and lifestyle factors self‐reported. Linear and logistic regression were used to test associations between lithium and (i) BMD and (ii) low bone mass, respectively.

Results

Thirty‐five (29.9%) women reported current lithium use. Lithium users and non‐users differed in regard to SES and BMD; otherwise, groups were similar. After adjustments, mean BMD among lithium users was 5.1% greater at the spine (1.275 [95% CI 1.229–1.321] vs. 1.214 [1.183–1.244] g/cm2, p = 0.03), 4.2% greater at the total hip (0.979 [0.942–1.016] vs. 0.938 [0.910–0.966] g/cm2, p = 0.03) and 2.2% greater at the total body (1.176 [1.148–1.205] vs. 1.150 [1.129–1.171] g/cm2, p = 0.08) compared to participants not receiving lithium. Lithium users were also less likely to have low bone mass (22.9% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.031). Associations persisted after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusion

These data suggest lithium is associated with greater BMD and reduced risk of low bone mass in women with bipolar disorder. Research into the underlying mechanisms is warranted.
Human social enrichment is linked with reduced mortality in artificially reared ewe lambs
Authors: Cowie Sarah
Published: January 2024

Growth of lambs in an artificial rearing system is key to the economic success of sheep‐milking farms. Social enrichment in the form of quiet human contact has been shown to increase growth rates of lambs after weaning, perhaps by reducing stress and enhancing immune function. One hundred fourteen artificially reared dairy ewe lambs were assigned either to a Social condition receiving quiet human company in three 20‐min segments per day, or a Control condition without quiet human contact. Feeding and housing conditions were otherwise identical. Starting weights for the Social (M = 6.29 kg; SD = 1.19 kg) and Control (M = 6.38 kg; SD = 0.93 kg) lambs were the same, as were their weights after 3 weeks (Mcontrol = 8.89 kg, SD = 2.55 kg, Msocial = 8.63 kg, SD = 2.16 kg). Mortality rates were significantly lower (p = 0.041) in the Social condition (0%) than Control (8%). Thus, social enrichment may be important for the wellbeing of lambs and for economic viability in lamb‐rearing.
Preparing for colorectal surgery: a feasibility study of a novel web‐based multimodal prehabilitation programme in Western Canada
Authors: Ip Nathanael , Zhang Kexin , Karimuddin Ahmer A. , Brown Carl J. , Campbell Kristin L. , Puyat Joseph H. , Sutherland Jason M. , Conklin Annalijn I.
Published: January 2024

Aim

Prehabilitation for colorectal cancer has focused on exercise‐based interventions that are typically designed by clinicians; however, no research has yet been patient‐oriented. The aim of this feasibility study was to test a web‐based multimodal prehabilitation intervention (known as PREP prehab) consisting of four components (physical activity, diet, smoking cessation, psychological support) co‐designed with five patient partners.

Method

A longitudinal, two‐armed (website without or with coaching support) feasibility study of 33 patients scheduled for colorectal surgery 2 weeks or more from consent (January–September 2021) in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Descriptive statistics analysed a health‐related quality of life questionnaire (EQ5D‐5L) at baseline (n = 25) and 3 months postsurgery (n = 21), and a follow‐up patient satisfaction survey to determine the acceptability, practicality, demand for and potential efficacy in improving overall health.

Results

Patients had a mean age of 52 years (SD 14 years), 52% were female and they had a mean body mass index of 25 kg m−2 (SD 3.8 kg m−2). Only six patients received a Subjective Global Assessment for being at risk for malnutrition, with three classified as ‘severely/moderately’ malnourished. The majority (86%) of patients intended to use the prehabilitation website, and nearly three‐quarters (71%) visited the website while waiting for surgery. The majority (76%) reported that information, tools and resources provided appropriate support, and 76% indicated they would recommend the PREP prehab programme. About three‐quarters (76%) reported setting goals for lifestyle modification: 86% set healthy eating goals, 81% aimed to stay active and 57% sought to reduce stress once a week or more. No patients contacted the team to obtain health coaching, despite broad interest (71%) in receiving active support and 14% reporting they received ‘active support’.

Conclusion

This web‐based multimodal prehabilitation programme was acceptable, practical and well‐received by all colorectal surgery patients who viewed the patient‐oriented multimodal website. The feasibility of providing active health coaching support requires further investigation.
Emulative envy and loving admiration
Authors: Brunning Luke
Published: January 2024

Would you rather your friends, family, and partners envy you, or admire you, when you flourish? Many people would prefer to be admired, and so we often strive to tame our envy. Recently, however, Sara Protasi offered an intriguing defence of “emulative envy” which apparently improves us and our relationships, and is compatible with love. I find her account unconvincing, and defend loving admiration in this article. In Section 2, I summarize Protasi's nuanced account of envy. In Section 2, I argue that irrespective of how we analyze emotions in general we can argue that it is preferable to prioritize the cultivation of some emotions over others. In Section 4, I challenge Protasi's assumptions about the affinity between love and envy. My core argument is in Section 5 where I examine envy's impact on the envier, the envied, and relationships. Envy impedes an authentic relationship to the goods and goals in the envier's life, alienates the envied, and stifles joint‐action. From all perspectives admiration typically fares better. After briefly considering the objection that admiration may impede love in Section 6, I conclude, in section seven, that admiration should be preferred to emulative envy in our intimate relationships.
KCTD7‐related progressive myoclonic epilepsy: Report of 42 cases and review of literature
Authors: Yoganathan Sangeetha , Whitney Robyn , Thomas Maya , Danda Sumita , Chettali Akbar Mohamed , Prasad Asuri N. , Farhan Sali M. K. , AlSowat Daad , Abukhaled Musaad , Aldhalaan Hesham , Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , Kinhal Uddhava V. , Bylappa Arun Y. , Konanki Ramesh , Lingappa Lokesh , Parchuri Bindu Madhavi , Appendino Juan P. , Scantlebury Morris H. , Cunningham Jessie , Hadjinicolaou Aristides , El Achkar Christelle Moufawad , Kamate Mahesh , Menon Ramshekhar N. , Jose Manna , Riordan Gillian , Kannan Lakshminarayanan , Jain Vivek , Manokaran Ranjith Kumar , Chau Vann , Donner Elizabeth J. , Costain Gregory , Minassian Berge A. , Jain Puneet
Published: January 2024

Objective

KCTD7‐related progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME) is a rare autosomal‐recessive disorder. This study aimed to describe the clinical details and genetic variants in a large international cohort.

Methods

Families with molecularly confirmed diagnoses of KCTD7‐related PME were identified through international collaboration. Furthermore, a systematic review was done to identify previously reported cases. Salient demographic, epilepsy, treatment, genetic testing, electroencephalographic (EEG), and imaging‐related variables were collected and summarized.

Results

Forty‐two patients (36 families) were included. The median age at first seizure was 14 months (interquartile range = 11.75–22.5). Myoclonic seizures were frequently the first seizure type noted (n = 18, 43.9%). EEG and brain magnetic resonance imaging findings were variable. Many patients exhibited delayed development with subsequent progressive regression (n = 16, 38.1%). Twenty‐one cases with genetic testing available (55%) had previously reported variants in KCTD7, and 17 cases (45%) had novel variants in KCTD7 gene. Six patients died in the cohort (age range = 1.5–21 years). The systematic review identified 23 eligible studies and further identified 59 previously reported cases of KCTD7‐related disorders from the literature. The phenotype for the majority of the reported cases was consistent with a PME (n = 52, 88%). Other reported phenotypes in the literature included opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (n = 2), myoclonus dystonia (n = 2), and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (n = 3). Eight published cases died over time (14%, age range = 3–18 years).

Significance

This study cohort and systematic review consolidated the phenotypic spectrum and natural history of KCTD7‐related disorders. Early onset drug‐resistant epilepsy, relentless neuroregression, and severe neurological sequalae were common. Better understanding of the natural history may help future clinical trials.
An augmented fuzzy decision support system to analyse compatible cosmetic face masks for various complexions
Authors: Brainy Joseph Raj Vikilal Joice , Narayanamoorthy Samayan , Kalaiselvan Samayan , Saraswathy Ranganathan , Ahmadian Ali , Senu Norazak , Jeon Jeonghwan
Published: January 2024

Beauty face masks (BFM) are becoming increasingly popular among both men and women since they provide quick refreshment and nurture the skin. Given the wide range of skin types and the chemicals used in their formulation, it can be difficult to find a product that not only complements the skin type but is also free of potentially harmful ingredients that could endanger the consumer's health. When dealing with ambiguous situations, the multi‐attribute decision making (MADM) approach combined with fuzzy set theory is more effective. Type‐2 fuzzy sets (T2FS) provide greater flexibility in dealing with uncertainty in real‐world issues since they are characterised by a main and secondary membership function. In this research, we present the innovative idea of type‐2 linear diophantine fuzzy set (T2LDFS) as an intriguing tool for capturing expert reluctance about an issue. For analysing the discussed problem, a hybrid fuzzy VIKOR enhanced with the proposed fuzzy logic is suggested. A sensitivity and comparative analysis is carried out to establish the validity of the recommended approach.
GTP‐dependent regulation of heterochromatin fluctuations at subtelomeric regions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ayano Takahito , Yokosawa Takuma , Oki Masaya
Published: January 2024

In eukaryotes, single cells in a population display different transcriptional profiles. One of the factors regulating this heterogeneity is the chromatin state in each cell. However, the mechanisms of epigenetic chromatin regulation of specific chromosomal regions remain unclear. Therefore, we used single‐cell tracking system to analyze IMD2. IMD2 is located at the subtelomeric region of budding yeast, and its expression is epigenetically regulated by heterochromatin fluctuations. Treatment with mycophenolic acid, an inhibitor of de novo GTP biosynthesis, triggered a decrease in GTP, which caused heterochromatin fluctuations at the IMD2 locus. Interestingly, within individually tracked cells, IMD2 expression state underwent repeated switches even though IMD2 is positioned within the heterochromatin region. We also found that 30% of the cells in a population always expressed IMD2. Furthermore, the addition of nicotinamide, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, or guanine, the GTP biosynthesis factor in salvage pathway of GTP biosynthesis, regulated heterogeneity, resulting in IMD2 expression being uniformly induced or suppressed in the population. These results suggest that gene expression heterogeneity in the IMD2 region is regulated by changes in chromatin structure triggered by slight decreases in GTP.
Safety and efficacy of damoctocog alfa pegol prophylaxis in patients with severe haemophilia A: Results of an interventional, post‐marketing study
Authors: Holme Pål André , Poulsen Lone Hvitfeldt , Tueckmantel Claudia , Maas Enriquez Monika , Alvarez Román María Teresa , De Cristofaro Raimondo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Damoctocog alfa pegol (BAY 94‐9027, Jivi®) is an approved extended half‐life factor VIII (FVIII) for treatment of previously treated patients with haemophilia A aged ≥12 years. We report the final results of an interventional, post‐marketing study of damoctocog alfa pegol prophylaxis in patients with severe haemophilia A.

Methods

In this open‐label, interventional, post‐marketing, phase 4 trial (NCT04085458), previously FVIII‐treated patients with severe haemophilia A aged ≥18 years received damoctocog alfa pegol for ≥100 exposure days (EDs). Patients initially received 45 IU/kg every 5 days (recommended) or 40 IU/kg twice‐weekly. At Visit 3, patients’ doses could be increased, or treatment frequency adapted. The primary endpoint was FVIII inhibitor development (titre ≥.6 Bethesda units). Secondary endpoints included anti‐polyethylene glycol (PEG) antibody development, treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs) and annualized bleeding rate (ABR).

Results

Overall, 36 patients were enrolled; 32 patients received treatment, of whom, 27 completed the study. No patients developed FVIII inhibitors; three tested transiently positive for low‐titre anti‐PEG antibodies without clinical relevance. Three patients reported study‐drug‐related AEs of mild or moderate intensity. Two patients discontinued the study due to AEs. No deaths occurred. Most patients (70%) were treated with E5D/E7D regimens. The median (Q1;Q3) total ABR (N = 30) was 3.0 (.0;9.0) pre‐study and 1.8 (.7;5.9) during the study.

Conclusion

Damoctocog alfa pegol individualized prophylaxis regimens were well‐tolerated with no immunogenicity concerns. ABRs improved following the switch from pre‐study prophylaxis to damoctocog alfa pegol prophylaxis. These results support the favourable safety and efficacy profile of damoctocog alfa pegol prophylaxis.
Co‐producing a board game to learn and engage about dementia inequalities: First impacts on knowledge in the general population
Authors: Giebel Clarissa , Hanna Kerry , Tetlow Hilary , Gabbay Mark , Cannon Jacqui
Published: January 2024

Background

Receiving and accessing care after a diagnosis of dementia, both for the person and their carer, are fraught with inequalities. The aim of this public engagement activity was to co‐produce a board game about dementia inequalities to facilitate learning, dialogue and educate about different barriers, and facilitators, to diagnosis and care and to test the game's impact on dementia knowledge with the general public.

Methods

Two virtual and two face‐to‐face workshops with people with dementia, unpaid carers, health and social care professionals and Third Sector representatives were held between October 2022 and June 2023. Virtual workshops involved discussions of inequalities and how a board game may feature inequalities. The first face‐to‐face workshop was split into the same activities, aided by outcomes from workshops 1 and 2. Workshop 4 attendees tested the prototype. The impact of the game on knowledge about dementia and inequalities was tested at a game play workshop in October 2023.

Results

Forty stakeholders attended four workshops. Workshops provided step‐by‐step thoughts on how the game could be designed or modified. The final game, prototype tested in workshop 4, consists of a one‐sided, two‐half board depicting the prediagnosis process (left half) and postdiagnosis process (right half). Fifty‐two members of the general public participated in the game play workshop, which led to significant improvements in knowledge about dementia (p < .001) and inequalities (p < .001).

Discussion

The game can be used to improve knowledge about dementia inequalities for health and social care professionals, carers, people living with dementia, decision makers and the general public.

Patient or Public Contribution

This engagement activity fully involved people with dementia, unpaid carers, health and social care professionals and Third Sector representatives throughout, with two unpaid carers as public advisers on the team.
The impact of different antibiotic injection regimens on patients with severe infections: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Da , Mo Kanglin , Liang Binqi , Huang Yunsheng , Tan Xingling , Wang Zengrui , Yang Xia
Published: January 2024

Severe infection is a critical health threat to humans, and antibiotic treatment is one of the main therapeutic approaches. Nevertheless, the efficacy of various antibiotic injection regimens in severe infection patients remains uncertain. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of various antibiotic injection strategies on patients with severe infection through a meta‐analysis. Relevant research literature was collected by searching databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The retrieved literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data, including study design, sample size, and antibiotic regimens, were extracted from the included studies. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool was employed to assess the risk of bias in each study. Statistical analysis was performed based on the results of the included studies. A total of 15 articles were included, covering various types of severe infection patients, including pulmonary and abdominal infections. The analysis provided insights into mortality rates, treatment efficacy, adverse reactions (ARs), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) scores, among other outcomes. The results indicated that combination therapy was superior to monotherapy in terms of mortality rate, treatment efficacy, and APACHE scores, while the incidence of ARs was lower in the monotherapy group compared to the combination therapy group (p < 0.05). Combination therapy showed better treatment efficacy compared to monotherapy, although it was associated with a higher incidence of ARs.
Enhancing wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai region of China: Insights from root biomass and nitrogen application responses
Authors: Huang Tiantian , Zhang Maoxue , Dang Pengfei , Wang Wen , Zhang Miaomiao , Pan Yanyu , Chen Xiaoping , Liao Yuncheng , Wen Xiaoxia , Qin Xiaoliang , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: January 2024

Wheat yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) have improved simultaneously with the genetic development of wheat varieties. However, wheat selection is carried out routinely in N‐rich field conditions, with breeding progress limited under low soil available nitrogen. Thus, we performed a 2‐year field investigation using eight milestone winter wheat varieties released between 1947 and 2017 in the Huang‐Huai‐Hai region of China with two N applications—normal (CK; 220 kg N ha−1) and reduced (RN; 110 kg N ha−1)—in Shaanxi, China, to examine changes in wheat yield, NUE, water use efficiency (WUE) and root biomass. Our findings revealed average annual yield increases of 49.615 kg ha−1 and 36.905 kg ha−1 under CK and RN, respectively. Notably, the NUE trend mirrored yield, increasing with the release year of wheat varieties, with average annual increases in NUE of 0.192 and 0.336 kg kg−1 under CK and RN, respectively. In the RN treatment, N uptake efficiency (UPE) increased with year of release, while N utilization efficiency (UTE) had no significant relationship. In the CK treatment, UTE increased with year of release, while UPE had no significant relationship. Across the 2‐year experiment, surface root biomass (0–20 cm layer) increased with year of release under CK but had no relationship under RN, while deep root biomass (20–200 cm layer) decreased with year of release under CK and increased under RN. The roots of modern wheat varieties responded better to soil nitrogen levels and produced higher yields, NUE and WUE than earlier varieties by adjusting root biomass distribution in soil.
Leaf photosynthetic performance is not a key factor affecting grain yield in spring wheat subjected to heat and combined heat and drought stresses
Authors: Sommer Søren Gjedde , Li Xiangnan , Rosenqvist Eva , Liu Fulai
Published: January 2024

The yield traits and physiological responses of three wheat genotypes were studied when subjected to heat and combined heat and drought stress at anthesis under either aCO2 (400 ppm) or eCO2 (800 ppm) in a greenhouse. The heat treatment was 7‐days at day/night 35/28°C, and the combined heat and drought was withholding irrigation from the heat‐stressed plants until the photosynthetic rate reached <5 μmol m−2 s−1. The LM62 genotype had higher photosynthetic rate compared with LM19, though no significant difference in grain yield was found. eCO2 increased photosynthesis at 35°C and significantly lowered the electron transport rate at high intercellular CO2 concentrations. Maximum velocity of Rubisco carboxylation (Vcmax) and the maximum velocity of RuBP regeneration in leaves (Jmax) increased in 35°C compared with 25°C, though when normalized to 25°C both Vcmax and Jmax decreased in the heat‐stressed plants, indicating that an inhibition had occurred. The maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) decreased under heat, which correlated with the yield loss caused by the stress. Fv/Fm also decreased under combined heat and drought, though it did not related to the declined yield. A small leaf area prolonged the drying period of Gladius, and it was the genotype with the lowest decrease in yield because of stress. It is concluded that the effects of heat and combined heat and drought stress on the gas exchange and photosynthetic capacity on leaf area basis are not directly linked to the yield performance among wheat genotypes, while the morphological characteristics of the plants are important determinants of grain yield in response to those abiotic stresses.
Evidence of additive genetic variation for major milk proteins in dairy cows: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ghavi Hossein‐Zadeh Navid
Published: January 2024

In the past, there have been reports of genetic parameters for milk proteins in various dairy cattle populations. The high variability among genetic parameter estimates has been caused by this. This study aimed to use a random‐effects meta‐analysis model to compile published estimates of genetic parameter for major milk proteins of α‐lactalbumin, β‐lactoglobulin, sum of whey proteins, casein, αs1‐casein, αs2‐casein, β‐casein, and κ‐casein in dairy cows. The study used a total of 140 heritability and 256 genetic correlation estimates from 23 papers published between 2004 and 2022. The estimated range of milk protein heritability is from 0.284 (for α‐lactalbumin in milk) to 0.596 (for sum of whey proteins). The genetic correlation estimates between casein and milk yield, milk fat and protein percentages were −0.461, 0.693, and 0.976, respectively (p < 0.05). The genetic correlation estimates between milk proteins expressed as a percentage of milk were significant and varied from 0.177 (between β‐lactoglobulin and κ‐casein) to 0.892 (between αs1‐casein and αs2‐casein). Moderate‐to‐high heritability estimates for milk proteins and their low genetic associations with milk yield and composition indicated the possibility for improving milk proteins in a genetic selection plan with negligible correlated effects on production traits in dairy cows.
Microvascular permeability and texture analysis of bone marrow in diabetic rabbits with critical limb ischemia based on dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Yang Liu , Li Donghang , Yan Yuchen , Yang Qi , Li Liang , Zha Yunfei
Published: January 2024

Background

Early on in the development of diabetes, skeletal muscles can exhibit microarchitectural changes that can be detected using texture analysis (TA) based on volume transfer constant (Ktrans) maps. Nevertheless, there have been few studies and thus we evaluated microvascular permeability and the TA of the bone marrow in diabetics with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

Methods

Eighteen male rabbits were randomly assigned equally into an operation group with hindlimb ischemia and diabetes, a sham‐operated group with diabetes only, and a control group. Dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) was performed on all rabbits at predetermined intervals (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days post‐surgery). The pharmacokinetic model was used to generate the permeability parameters, while the textural parameters were derived from the Ktrans map. Data analysis methods included the independent sample t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, repeated‐measures analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation tests.

Results

The Ktrans values reached a minimum on day 1 after ischemia induction, then gradually recovered, but remained lower than those of the sham‐operated group. The volume fraction only showed a significant difference between the operation group and the sham‐operated group on day 5 post‐surgery, but not in the extravascular extracellular space volume fraction at all time points. A significantly reduced Ktrans on day 1, a decreased number of bone trabeculae (Tb.N), and the area of bone trabeculae (Tb.Ar), and an increased microvessel density on day 25 in the operation group compared with the sham‐operated group were observed. At each time point, there was a discernible difference between the two groups in the mean value, mean of positive pixels, and sumAverage.

Conclusions

The early stages of diabetic bone marrow with CLI can be evaluated by DCE‐MRI for microvascular permeability. Texture analysis based on DCE‐MRI could act as an imaging discriminator and new radiological analysis tool for critical limb ischemia in diabetes mellitus.
Association between being at‐risk of malnutrition and discontinued home medical care among older patients: a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Tsuji Taeko , Yamasaki Kazuyo , Kondo Kyoko , Hongu Nobuko , Matsumoto Yoshinari , Fukuo Keisuke , Habu Daiki
Published: January 2024

Background

Both malnutrition and at‐risk of malnutrition are prevalent among older patients receiving home medical care. Discontinuation of home medical care usually occurs when an older patient is admitted to a hospital or nursing home or dies. This study aimed to assess prospective associations between nutritional status and discontinuation of home medical care in older patients.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty‐three Japanese older patients receiving home‐visit nursing care services were included in this study. Their nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment®‐Short Form, and patients were classified into three groups (well‐nourished, at‐risk of malnutrition and malnourished). Outcomes were confirmed at the 1‐year follow‐up survey. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for discontinuation of home medical care based on nutritional status were calculated using a Cox proportional hazard model. Covariates included age, sex, living status, economic status, activities of daily living, comorbidities and dysphagia status.

Results

In total, 297 patients (median age: 84 years) were analysed. At baseline, 48.5% of the patients were at‐risk of malnutrition and 18.9% were malnourished. During the observation period of 1 year, 27.6% patients discontinued their home medical care. In the adjusted model, the HR for discontinuation of home medical care among those at‐risk of malnutrition was 2.44 (95% CI: 1.34–4.45) times than that of the well‐nourished group, although the malnourished group was not significantly associated with discontinuation of home medical care (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 0.77–3.72; referent: well‐nourished).

Conclusions

At‐risk of malnutrition was associated with discontinuation of home medical care among older patients.
The Distinction between Theology and Ethics: A Critical History
Authors: Lau Sean
Published: January 2024

This article sketches an intellectual history of the distinction between Christian theology and Christian ethics. The twists and turns of that history have been obscured by a recent tendency to deny the distinction's usefulness, as part of a wider strategy for reasserting theology's relevance to modern social problems. By contrast, earlier theologians assumed the value of the theology/ethics divide, interpreting it through Aristotelian, neo‐Kantian, and finally Marxist categories. The distinction fell into disrepute because theologians struggled to maintain the distinction consistently and disagreed on the concerns implicated by it, variously using it to affirm the moral subject's agency, the divine/human difference, or the complexity of real people's circumstances. Nonetheless, the distinction has persisted as a useful shorthand for recognizing the limitations of Christian theology, qua a conceptual discourse, in fully apprehending its subject matter of the Christian life.
Nucleosynthetic isotope variations in chondritic meteorites and their relationship to bulk chemistry
Authors: Palme Herbert , Mezger Klaus
Published: January 2024

The relationship of mass‐independent stable isotope anomalies with the chemistry of chondritic meteorites provides constraints on mixing and fractionation processes in the early solar nebula. The present study emphasizes the strong correlation of nucleosynthetic isotope variations among ordinary chondrites (OC), enstatite chondrites (EC), Earth, CI‐chondrites, and Ca, Al‐rich inclusions (CAI) in ε50Ti versus ε54Cr space. This correlation indicates variable contamination of chondritic reservoirs with material from a single source providing neutron‐rich nuclei such as 50Ti, 54Cr, and 62Ni. The well‐defined linear relationship of ε50Ti versus ε54Cr indicates that all reservoirs on the correlation line (“chondrite reference line”) started with a CI‐chondritic (solar) Cr/Ti ratio, irrespective of the present Cr/Ti ratio of the samples falling on the chondrite reference line. The isotope compositions of carbonaceous chondrites (CC) do not fit the chondrite reference line. Their isotope composition is consistent with a mixture of chondritic meteorites originally falling on the chondrite reference line and volatile element depleted CAIs. However, CC cannot result from addition of CAIs to OC or EC. Neither can OC and EC be produced by loss of refractory components from CI‐meteorites. Also, stable isotopes are inconsistent with OC being derived from EC, and vice versa, by a chemical fractionation process. The enrichment of the Earth in refractory lithophile elements is not the result of addition of a refractory component to a chondritic reservoir. It is rather the result of internal fractionation of a chondritic reservoir.
Dancing with the devil? Emmanuel Macron, Marine Le Pen and the articulation of a new political divide in France
Authors: Herman Lise Esther , Lorimer Marta
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates how political challengers articulate new political divides in European political party systems and with what implications for representative democracy. Focusing on the case of France and the discourse and practices of Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, the paper identifies three strategies these actors have used to articulate a new political division beyond Left and Right: the discursive rejection of traditional Left/Right politics, the combination of elements from across the Left/Right divide and the identification of each other as opposite sides on a new cleavage. Our analysis also suggests that rather than addressing the democratic pathologies associated with the traditional Left/Right party system, this new divide has largely contributed to deepen them. Specifically, the new dichotomy carries risks in terms of representative deficits, electoral demobilisation and the further legitimation of illiberal politics.
Does Stress Shorten Your Life? Evidence from Parental Bereavement
Authors: Schmidpeter Bernhard
Published: January 2024

I study the impact of stress resulting from the unexpected death of a child on parents' mortality risk. Using a flexible approach and allowing for time‐varying treatment effects, I find no impact on the short‐run mortality risk. However, I estimate a substantial increase in the long‐run, particularly among men. I provide evidence that this group likely resorts to risky health behaviours such as heavy smoking and drinking as coping mechanisms. Assessing the possible protective effects of mental health support, I find evidence that it lowers the mortality risk for women. Mental health support has a smaller impact for men. I show that this is likely due to underutilization by those who would benefit the most. Finally, I present robustness of my results to specific departure from my identifying assumptions.
A rare case of an intraosseous lipoma associated with the resorption of a mandibular third molar
Authors: Ryder O. , Rehman M. , Kurram S. A. , Hussain O.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Intraosseous lipomas (IL) are rare benign neoplasms of bone which very rarely occur in the facial bones such as the mandible. Of the documented cases, many are often asymptomatic and consequently, are an incidental finding discovered by the practitioner.

Case Report

The following case report recounts a 22‐year‐old patient referred for extraction of a carious molar at an Oral and Maxillofacial unit with an incidental finding of pathology involving the contralateral lower left wisdom tooth (LL8) on radiographic examination. Further investigations showed associated external root resorption of the lower left wisdom tooth and a provisional diagnosis of a radicular cyst was made. The case was managed by extracting the associated tooth and enucleating the lesion. During the procedure, fatty tissue was curetted at the apex instead of the expected cystic content. Subsequent histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of an IL.

Conclusion

To the authors' knowledge, this is only the second documented case of an IL associated with tooth resorption. Findings from this case further our knowledge of the relatively uncommon pathology of intraosseous lipomas in the mandible and highlight the need for histopathological documentation and reporting of apical lesions.
The Comparison of Posterior Intervertebral Release Combined with Posterior Column Osteotomy and Posterior Column Osteotomy Alone for the Treatment of Moderate‐to‐Severe Rigid Scoliosis: A Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Deng Zhipeng , Xiu Peng , Wang Lei , Zhou Chunguang , Liu Limin , Song Yueming , Yang Xi
Published: January 2024

Objectives

There is no consensus on the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe rigid scoliosis. Anterior release and three‐column osteotomy are excessively traumatic, whereas posterior column osteotomy (PCO) alone results in poor outcomes. An emerging surgical technique, posterior intervertebral release (PR), can release the rigid spine from the posterior approach. This study was performed to compare the multi‐segment apical convex PR combined with PCO and PCO alone in patients with moderate‐to‐severe rigid scoliosis.

Methods

From June 2021 to June 2022, this prospective study of moderate‐to‐severe (Cobb: 70–90°) rigid scoliosis (flexibility of main curve <25%) involved two groups defined by surgical procedure: the PR group, the patients undergoing PR combined with PCO; and the PCO group, the patients undergoing PCO alone. Follow‐up was at least 12 months. Radiographic results mainly included main curve Cobb, correction of per PR/PCO segment, apical vertebra rotation (AVR) and apical vertebra translation (AVT). Demographics, surgical data, complications were also recorded. Student's independent samples t test and Pearson's chi‐square test were used to compare the differences between groups.

Results

Forty patients with an average age of 16.65 years were included (PR group, n = 20; PCO group, n = 20). The main curves averaged 77.56° ± 5.86° versus 78.02° ± 5.72° preoperatively and 20.07° ± 6.73° versus 33.58° ± 5.76° (p < 0.001) at the last follow‐up in the PR and PCO groups, respectively. The mean correction rates were 74.30% and 56.84%, respectively (p < 0.001). The average coronal curve correction was 13.49° per release segment, which was significantly higher than the PCO correction of 6.20° (p < 0.001). The correction of apical vertebra rotation and translation in the main thoracic curve was significantly better in the PR group than in the PCO group (p < 0.05). Several minor complications in the two groups improved after conservative treatment.

Conclusion

The multi‐segment apical convex PR combined with PCO offers more advantages than PCO alone in the treatment of patients with moderate‐to‐severe rigid scoliosis. Owing to its excellent corrective effect and few complications, this is a high benefit–risk ratio surgical strategy for rigid scoliosis.