bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuity or rupture? The evolution of Hong Kong’s national identity
Authors: Hu Difei , Zhang Mengting , He Yuyan , Wei Hong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

National identity has a profound impact on building a modern state, maintaining social stability and promoting economic development. Based on three waves of data collected from the World Values Survey (WVS) in Hong Kong between 2005 and 2018, this study aims to examine the changes in the national identity awareness of Hong Kongese over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in this paper originate from the WVS. The WVS is a cross-country time-series survey that has been carried out in seven waves in 85 countries around the world, since 1981. There are three waves of data involving Hong Kong, which were obtained from the surveys in 2005, 2014 and 2018.

Findings

This study examined the changes in the national identity awareness of Hong Kongese over time and found that this has shown both continuity and rupture. Extreme groups lacking national identity have emerged and become more common over the decades and the elites’ national identity is much stronger than that of the lower and middle classes. It also shows that political trust, social capital, subjective well-being and possession of authoritarian personality have strong explanatory power for the changes in Hong Kongese national identity over time, but their explanatory strength varies across eras.

Originality/value

Based on three waves of surveys conducted by the WVS in Hong Kong in 2005, 2014 and 2018, respectively, this paper charts these changes over time and explores the differences in how they are influenced by political trust, social capital, subjective well-being and authoritarian personality.
Granular risks and stock returns: Evidence from commercial real estate
Authors: Ling David C. , Wang Chongyu , Zhou Tingyu
Published: December 2024

A growing literature investigates the “granular” origins of aggregate fluctuations in a variety of contexts. This article builds on the theoretical framework developed by Gabaix (1999, 2011) and provides the first empirical evidence of the causal link between granular risks, stemming from the size and geographic dispersion of cities, and stock market returns. We first construct an aggregated, firm‐level measure of risk, termed granular property shocks (GPS), based on idiosyncratic risks in each commercial real estate (CRE) market, weighted by the percentage of each firm's portfolio allocated to each market. We show that this unexpected return risk in local property markets is subsequently capitalized into the prices of listed CRE companies. To establish a causal relationship between GPS and stock returns, we adopt the granular instrumental variable approach recently developed by Gabaix and Koijen (2024). Our results suggest that idiosyncratic shocks from individual property markets have a large and economically significant effect on listed returns: A one‐standard‐deviation shock to our instrumented GPS increases quarterly stock returns by 1.34%, which is 40% of its mean value.
Correlations of facial soft tissue thicknesses with craniometric dimensions improve craniofacial identification estimates: Fact or fiction?
Authors: Hona Te Wai Pounamu T. , Stephan Carl N.
Published: December 2024

Linear regression (LR) models that use cranial dimensions to estimate facial soft tissue thicknesses (FSTTs) have been posited by Simpson and Henneberg to assist craniofacial identification. For these regression equations to work well, the independent (craniometrics) and dependent (FSTTs) variables must be tightly correlated; however, such relationships have not been routinely demonstrated for adult humans. To examine the strength of these relationships further, this study employed magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to unambiguously measure cranial dimensions and FSTTs for 38 adult cadavers. This contrasts with prior published use of (a) spreading calipers to compress the face in an attempt to measure cranial dimensions through the soft tissues of the head and (b) needle puncture to measure the FSTT (a + b = legacy methods). To provide direct comparisons to prior work, this study also conducted legacy measurements for reproducibility tests. Previously published LR models were not supported by either the legacy or MR data. In the MR data, correlations between the cranial dimensions and FSTTs were generally weak with a mean absolute r = 0.13 and r range = −0.40 to 0.33. Compared to previously published arithmetic means, LR models did not improve FSTT estimates in the MR sample (SEE for LR = 5.5 mm; SEE for arithmetic mean = 5.2 mm). Using the latest MR imaging technologies, these results underscore prior warnings that cranial dimensions hold weak correlations with FSTTs and possess limited utility for improved FSTT estimation over and/or above arithmetic means.
The impact of “nurse‐led education” vs. “nurse‐led education plus peer support” on patients' decision for peritoneal dialysis treatment in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Köksal Cevher Şimal , Altınok Ersoy Neşe , Çoşkun Yenigün Ezgi , Tuncay Mehmet , Arınsoy Selim Turgay , Çankaya Erdem , Dede Fatih
Published: December 2024

Introduction

End‐stage kidney disease patients face a critical decision regarding kidney replacement therapy options, which include kidney transplantation, hemodialysis, or peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study aims to evaluate the impact of nurse‐led education (NE) alone vs. NE combined with peer support on the patients' decision over PD treatment in chronic kidney disease patients.

Methods

The study was conducted between 2018 and 2020, and patients were prospectively followed for the years 2018–2020. A total of 238 patients were selected from 500 outpatient clinic patients based on inclusion criteria and the principle of voluntary participation. Among 238 patients, 112 patients who received NE plus peer support as well as NE. Generalized linear models (GLM) analysis was employed to investigate the influence of NE and NE plus peer support on the decision of PD by patients.

Results

In the NE plus peer support group, 38% were aged 45–59, and 65% were male. Similarly, in the NE group, 38% were aged 45–59, and 60% were male. The study utilized GLM to analyze patients' decisions regarding the PD treatment. Model 1 examined the duration of NE plus peer support (Akaike Information Criterion [AIC] = 130.46, McFadden's pseudo‐R‐squared (ρ2) = 0.569), Model 2 focused on the duration of NE (AIC = 294.11, McFadden's ρ2 = 0.011), Model 3 assessed the sufficiency of NE plus peer support (AIC = 142.98, McFadden's ρ2 = 0.526), and Model 4 evaluated the sufficiency of NE alone (AIC = 296.53, McFadden's ρ2 = 0.085).

Conclusions

Education provided by nurse and supported by peer affects patients' decision of kidney replacement treatment. Through the implementation of effective peer education, healthcare providers can enable patients to make informed decisions that align with their personal values, preferences, and treatment objectives, thereby enhancing clinical outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.
Vγ6+γδT Cells Participate in Lupus Nephritis in MRL/Lpr Mice
Authors: Yan Yunxia , Zhang Yue , Tang Xiaojun , Zhuoya Zhang , Linyu Geng , Lingyun Sun
Published: December 2024

Background

γδT cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The study aims to investigate the abundance of γδT cells in MRL/lpr mice.

Methods

MRL/lpr mice were used as lupus models, while C3H/HeJ mice served as normal controls. The abundance of γδT cells in different organs was examined by flow cytometry. Plasma double‐stranded DNA antibody levels, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urinary protein levels were measured. Renal histopathology was observed via H&E staining. The correlations between the abundance of γδT cells and lupus manifestations were analyzed.

Results

Compared with C3H/HeJ mice, the number of γδT cells and Vγ6+γδT cell subset in the peripheral blood of MRL/lpr mice was significantly reduced. However, in the kidney, the number of γδT cells and Vγ6+γδT cell subset was significantly increased. Additionally, the number of Vγ6+γδT cells in the kidney was positively correlated with the urinary protein level. The number of IFN‐γ+Vγ6+γδT cells in the kidney was positively correlated with urinary protein level.

Conclusion

In MRL/lpr mice, it is likely that peripheral γδT cells, especially the Vγ6 subset, infiltrate the kidney and secrete IFN‐γ, which contributes to the development of lupus nephritis.
Evaluation of the Short‐Term Restorative Care program: Effects on physical functioning
Authors: Schmidt Luke , Broszczak Daniel , MacAndrew Margaret , Parker Christina
Published: December 2024

Objective

The Short‐Term Restorative Care program is an 8‐week multidisciplinary early intervention funded by the Australian Government that aims to reverse or slow the functional decline of older Australians. Despite the large investment of tax‐payer money to fund the program, very little peer‐reviewed literature exists examining the ability of the program to deliver on its aims.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Setting: Data were collected from an aged care provider (BallyCara Ltd) located in Australia. Participants: Historical data from 1074 participants were analysed. Outcome measures: This study reported descriptives of the population that undertook the program and the activities completed by participants during the program, and investigated if the program is associated with changes across four domains of function (Modified Barthel Index, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, Upper Extremity Functional Index and Berg Balance Scale).

Results

Findings suggest the program results in statistically significant improvements (p ≤ .0001) in disability and physical functioning as measured by the Modified Barthel Index, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, Upper Extremity Functional Index and Berg Balance Scale tools. Such findings validate the ability of the program to slow or reverse functional decline.

Conclusions

This study will help to inform future modifcations to the Short‐Term Restorative Care program as well as inform program development of similar interventions.
Sleep patterns among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and non‐Indigenous Australians: A South Australian descriptive exploratory study
Authors: Shah Jainy , Sethi Sneha , Poirier Brianna F. , Hedges Joanne , Jamieson Lisa
Published: December 2024

Aim

Irregularities with sleep patterns and behaviours are commonly observed in Australia, but there is lack of information regarding sleep patterns among Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adults. This study explores sleep patterns in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adults, comparing it with non‐Indigenous Australian adults in addition to investigating any potential effects on daytime behaviour.

Methods

A total of 730 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples aged 18 years and above were included in the study. The participants completed a self‐reported questionnaire on various aspects of sleep, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up during the night, feeling well‐rested upon waking, snoring loudly, gasping/choking during sleep, use of prescription medication and experiencing fatigue or sleepiness during the day. Additionally, the participants were interviewed using the ‘Top End Sleepiness Scale’ to report increased sleepiness during daily activities. The responses were compared with those of non‐Indigenous Australians in the 2016 Sleep Health Foundation national survey, using questions that measures similar variables.

Results

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples experienced higher rates of sleep disturbances, including difficulty in falling asleep and waking in the night. Snoring and breathing pauses during sleep were more common in middle‐aged men, and sleeping difficulties and daytime symptoms related to insufficient or unrefreshing sleep were more common in women. Sleep issues increased with age among adult Australians but were more common in the age group of 25–34 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Conclusion

The data suggest that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults report irregularities in sleep patterns. Early interventions and management of sleep habits could potentially have benefits for overall physical and mental health.
Unveiling pathways; the experiences that impact a female surgeon's journey to consultancy, a qualitative interview study
Authors: Walsh Genevieve
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite progress in gender equality, female surgeons face unique career challenges. This dissertation explores the factors influencing female surgeons' careers, with the aim of identifying female surgeons' positive experiences, but also the obstacles they encounter, and the strategies they use to overcome challenges.

Methods

A qualitative research methodology was employed to understand the experiences of female surgeons working at a single healthcare facility in Western Australia. An interpretivist approach guided the study, focusing on the subjective experiences and perceptions of the participants. Data was collected through semi‐structured interviews with female consultant surgeons. Braun and Clark's thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret key themes within the interview data.

Results

Some surgeons struggled with a lack of female mentorship. Participants experienced various forms of sexism, ranging from subtle biases to overt discrimination. Supportive family structures and effective time management are crucial for balancing professional and personal demands. Resilience and determination were essential for success. While some felt pressured to adopt traditionally masculine traits, others found value in maintaining traditionally feminine qualities, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.

Conclusion

Barriers persist for female surgeons, including subtle discrimination, challenges related to motherhood, and pressure to conform to male stereotypes. Although overt harassment is less common, subtle forms can still affect one's mental health and career progression. In order to foster a more inclusive environment for women, continued efforts are needed to address these challenges and enhance support for female surgeons.
Systematic follow‐ups were not associated with reduced acute ventriculoperitoneal shunt dysfunction in infancy
Authors: Liminga Gunnar , Ahlbäck Benjamin , Hamdeh Sami Abu , Nilsson Pelle , Ehrstedt Christoffer
Published: December 2024

Aim

Hydrocephalus surgery with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a life‐saving treatment, but it has been associated with a high risk of dysfunction and complications. We investigated whether infants who received a ventriculoperitoneal shunt below 12 months of age had a reduced risk of acute shunt dysfunction if they were included in a structured follow‐up programme.

Methods

A population‐based, retrospective chart review was performed at Uppsala University Children's Hospital, Sweden. Patients were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes and surgical codes from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2019. Those who received the structured follow‐up programme from April 2012 were compared with historical controls.

Results

We identified 95 patients (66% male): 47 in the follow‐up group and 48 controls. Their mean age was 2.6 (range 0–12) months. There was a high 44% acute shunt dysfunction rate during the first year after primary surgery: 38% in the follow‐up group and 50% in the control group (p = 0.25). The difference was not significant.

Conclusion

The structured follow‐up programme was not associated with a significant reduction in acute shunt dysfunction. Predictive models could help to identify patients at risk for shunt dysfunction and complications and improve surveillance and follow‐up programmes.
Just what the doctor ordered? The benefits and costs of e‐cigarette regulation in Australia
Authors: Kenkel Don , Mathios Alan , Phillips Grace , Suryanarayana Revathy , Wang Hua , Zeng Sen
Published: December 2024

Australia had adopted a novel approach to e‐cigarette policy by requiring a physician's prescription to lawfully obtain nicotine e‐cigarettes. We conducted an online discrete choice experiment to gauge how adult Australian smokers made hypothetical choices between cigarettes, prescription e‐cigarettes, non‐prescription e‐cigarettes and quitting. We estimate a mixed logit model, which allows us to predict the market shares under different policy scenarios. The mixed logit model also provides estimates of consumer willingness to pay for the benefits from the prescription status of e‐cigarettes and the costs of illegal e‐cigarette markets. We estimate that the average utility loss from an illegal retail market is worth AU$7.90 per pack equivalent. We use the corresponding estimates of the compensating variations in income to conduct cost–benefit analyses of possible reforms to Australian e‐cigarette regulation. In aggregate, we estimate that the benefits of allowing but not requiring prescriptions of e‐cigarettes are AU$1.8 billion per year. Our paper provides a novel contribution to research on e‐cigarette regulation and provides a case study for the policy implementation in Australia. Our paper is also part of our research agenda to explore and develop methods to conduct policy analysis and cost–benefit analysis of regulatory policies that might create illegal markets.
Impact of Nucleos(t)ide Analogs on Major Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: A 10‐Year French Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lam Laurent , Bourlière Marc , Pol Stanislas , Carrat Fabrice
Published: December 2024

Background

Conflicting results have been reported on the impact of tenofovir versus entecavir on liver‐related outcomes.

Aims

To explore trends in clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)–infected patients and compare the impact of tenofovir versus entecavir on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver transplantation (LT) and mortality.

Methods

We used the French National Health Insurance Databases (SNDS) to identify HBV‐infected patients. We quantified the excess clinical burden from 2012 to 2021 by comparing the HBV‐infected cohort with a general population cohort, using 1:1 exact matching on birth date, sex, social deprivation index and follow‐up start date. The risks of mortality, HCC and LT were compared between patients treated with tenofovir and entecavir using inverse probability weighting.

Results

A total of 101,740 patients were matched to the general population. From 2012 to 2021, the average annual decreases in excess mortality, incidence of HCC and LT were 3.7%, 8.0% and 11.9%, respectively (p for trend < 0.001). During the same period, the nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) treatment coverage significantly increased, particularly after 2016 (p < 0.001). Among 14,054 treatment‐naïve patients starting tenofovir (n = 7426) or entecavir (n = 6628), we observed no difference in the composite outcome of mortality, LT or HCC (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.95–1.24). Tenofovir was associated with an increased risk of HCC compared with entecavir (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07–1.62).

Conclusions

Tenofovir was associated with a higher risk of HCC compared with entecavir, although no difference in the composite outcome of mortality or liver‐related events was observed between the two treatments.
Integrating Sr isotopes, microchemistry, and genetics to reconstruct Salmonidae species and life history
Authors: Salerno Ross , Murdoch Remi , Elmore Joanna , Wilcox Taylor , Hegg Jens , Austin Catherine S. , LeMoine Michael , Luckhurst Jade , Fraik Alexandra K. , Carney Molly
Published: December 2024

Recent approaches to fisheries research emphasize the importance of the coproduction of knowledge in building resilient and culturally mindful fisheries management frameworks. Despite widespread recognition of the need for Indigenous knowledge and historical reference points as baseline data, archaeological data are rarely included in conservation biology research designs. Here we propose a novel multiproxy method to learn from former fisheries stewards by generating archaeological data on past salmonid population parameters. We used a newly developed, high throughput qPCR (HT‐qPCR) chip, originally designed for environmental DNA (eDNA), for species identification of archaeological salmonid vertebrae. We combine this with the laser ablation split‐stream (LASS) approach to identify ocean‐migration versus freshwater residency. We test this multidisciplinary approach using both contemporary and archaeological salmonid samples and new radiocarbon dates from the Tronsdal Site on the Skagit River, Washington State, USA. This is a useful approach for extracting information about Salmonidae species and life history diversity from archaeological remains to reconstruct historic baselines for several population parameters in anadromous species with long periods of freshwater residency. The approach outlined in this paper may be particularly useful for research investigating past fisheries dynamics, offering hundreds to thousands of years of temporal depth for modern fisheries management, harvest policies, restoration ecology, and conservation biology.
Medication review interventions for adults living with advanced chronic kidney disease: A scoping review
Authors: Pogson Cathy Margaret , Austin Rosalynn , Patel Jignesh Prakash , Wheeler David Collins
Published: December 2024

Structured medication reviews (SMRs) were introduced into the National Health Service (NHS) Primary Care to support the delivery of the NHS Long‐Term Plan for medicines optimization. SMRs improve the quality of care, reduce harm and offer value for money. However, evidence to support SMRs for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage G4‐5D with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality is unknown. This scoping review aimed to assess the extent and nature of SMR research in the population of patients with CKD stage G4‐5D. Electronic databases were searched on 20 October 2023. Studies were eligible if they described an SMR in adults with CKD stage G4‐5D, regardless of the study design. Data detailing the global patterns, population and intervention descriptions, professionals performing SMR, and reported areas for future research were extracted. The extracted outcome data were categorized as clinical, patient‐important, medication‐related and experience‐related. A narrative synthesis was completed. Seventeen studies (81%) were conducted in nephrology outpatient settings, three (14%) during acute hospital admissions and one (5%) within the community pharmacy. Eighteen studies (86%) were quantitative, including five randomized controlled trials. Ten (48%) studies were undertaken in the United States and Canada, and two in Europe (France and Norway). No such studies have been conducted in the United Kingdom. Our review revealed that there is a lack of evidence for SMR as a strategy to reduce polypharmacy and harms from medication for adults with CKD stage G4‐5D. Therefore, further research is required in this area.
World‐making for a future with sentient AI
Authors: Pauketat Janet V.T. , Ladak Ali , Anthis Jacy Reese
Published: December 2024

The ways people imagine possible futures with artificial intelligence (AI) affects future world‐making—how the future is produced through cultural propagation, design, engineering, policy, and social interaction—yet there has been little empirical study of everyday people's expectations for AI futures. We addressed this by analysing two waves (2021 and 2023) of USA nationally representative data from the Artificial Intelligence, Morality, and Sentience (AIMS) survey on the public's forecasts about an imagined future world with widespread AI sentience (total N = 2401). Average responses to six forecasts (exploiting AI labour, treating AI cruelly, using AI research subjects, AI welfare, AI rights advocacy, AI unhappiness reduction) showed mixed expectations for humanity's future with AI. Regressions of these forecasts on demographics such as age, the year the data was collected, individual psychological differences (the tendency to anthropomorphise, mind perception, techno‐animist beliefs), and attitudes towards current AI (perceived threat and policy support) found significant effects on all forecasts from mind perception, anthropomorphism, and political orientation, and on five forecasts from techno‐animism. The realized future that comes to pass will depend on these dynamic social psychological factors, consequent changes in expectations, and how those expectations shape acts of world‐making.
Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of the Parenting Sense of Competence (PSoC): Evidence to Question Its Use?
Authors: Gridley Nicole , Mooney Kate , Blower Sarah , Melendez‐Torres G. J. , Berry Vashti , Bywater Tracey
Published: December 2024

Background

This study investigated the factor structure of the parenting sense of competence (PSoC), a measure of parenting self‐efficacy, in a sample of parents recruited when their infants were under 2 months old. Due to the lack of longitudinal analysis of the PSoC's factor structure over time, the study sought to establish if the published two‐factor structure was consistent over an 18‐month period.

Methods

Data collected from 536 parents who had participated in a randomised controlled trial of universal proportionate parenting support, delivered in five sites in England, were subject to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

CFA revealed that a three‐factor model was the best fit for the data. Longitudinal measurement invariance testing examined the stability of the three‐factor model across an 18‐month period. The results suggest that while the PSoC appeared to have configural variance, the metric and scalar variance were not supported. PSoC may be unstable across time and might be unreliable as a measure of parenting competence in parents of infants.

Conclusion

These findings are particularly salient for researchers and clinicians who are utilising the PSoC as a measure of change in routine practice or as part of evaluations of interventions. Further investigation of individual items is needed to refine the PSoC and improve its psychometric validity. Additional analyses are also needed to establish the invariance of the measure across different groups (age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status).
Impact of blood flow restriction intensity on pain perception and muscle recovery post‐eccentric exercise
Authors: Surenkok Ozgur , Aydin Gamze , Ciftci Ebru Aloglu , Kendal Kubra , Atici Emine
Published: December 2024

Background

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a well‐established phenomenon characterized by ultrastructural muscle damage that typically develops following unfamiliar or high‐intensity exercise. DOMS manifests with a constellation of symptoms, including muscle tenderness, stiffness, edema, mechanical hyperalgesia, and a reduced range of joint motion. In recent years, the application of blood flow restriction (BFR) has garnered attention for its potential impact on DOMS.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different BFR intensities on biomechanical alterations induced by DOMS in healthy individuals.

Design and Methods

Thirty participants were split into two groups receiving either 80% or 20% BFR applied during low‐intensity resistance exercise following DOMS induction. Pain perception, pressure pain threshold, muscle biometric characteristics, and strength were assessed before DOMS, after DOMS, and following BFR application at 24, 48, and 72 h.

Results

The 80% BFR group experienced faster reductions in pain perception compared to the 20% BFR group. Muscle strength recovery was also statistically faster in the 80% BFR group. No significant differences were observed between groups in muscle stiffness, flexibility, or other mechanical properties.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that BFR, particularly at higher intensities, may alleviate DOMS symptoms and accelerate muscle strength recovery. However, the lack of a control group and limitations in muscle property assessment warrant further research to definitively determine BFR's efficacy in managing DOMS.
Has Sex‐Based Disparity in Liver Transplantation Opportunities and Waitlist Mortality Improved in the MELD3.0 Era?: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Akabane Miho , Imaoka Yuki , Esquivel Carlos O. , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: December 2024

Background

In July 2023, the OPTN adopted MELD3.0 to address sex‐based disparities in liver transplantation (LT) opportunity and waitlist mortality. No studies have proven that MELD3.0 alleviated them.

Methods

We evaluated sex‐based disparities in LT opportunities and waitlist mortality, utilizing the UNOS data (August 2022–March 2024), comparing pre‐ and post‐MELD3.0 eras.

Results

Among 11 795 LT candidates (pre‐MELD3.0: 7263; post‐MELD3.0: 4532), the proportion of females increased from 38.8% to 42.6% post‐MELD3.0. In the transplanted population, females increased from 37.7% to 41.6% post‐MELD3.0. The median MELD score difference (“MELD3.0–MELD‐Na”) at listing was ‐0.26 [‐2.13, 0.80] for females and ‐0.86 [‐2.92, 0.00] for males (p < 0.01). Compared to females, males consistently showed a larger drop in points from MELD‐Na to MELD3.0. In the pre‐MELD3.0 era, females had lower LT opportunity (sub‐hazard ratio [sHR]: 0.88 [0.83–0.93], p < 0.01) and higher waitlist mortality (sHR: 1.39 [1.20–1.62], p < 0.01). In the post‐MELD3.0 era, there were no significant differences in LT opportunity (sHR: 0.93 [0.87–1.00], p = 0.07) and waitlist mortality (sHR: 1.25 [0.98–1.57], p = 0.26). Subgroup analyses based on MELD‐Na groups showed that significant differences in LT opportunity and waitlist mortality in the pre‐MELD3.0 era became insignificant in the post‐MELD3.0 era. Multivariable competing‐risk analysis showed that, in the pre‐MELD3.0 era, female sex was a significant risk factor for LT opportunity (sHR: 0.90 [0.84–0.96], p < 0.01) and waitlist mortality (sHR: 1.19 [1.01–1.38], p = 0.03), but in the post‐MELD3.0 era, it was not significant (sHR: 0.94 [0.86–1.02], p = 0.11 for LT opportunity/sHR: 1.08 [0.83–1.40], p = 0.57 for waitlist mortality).

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest that MELD3.0 has the potential to reduce sex‐based disparities in LT opportunities and waitlist mortality.
Contemporary Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infections in Low‐Risk CMV Seronegative Recipients of Solid Organ Transplants From CMV Seronegative Donors (D−/R−): Time to Reexamine Donor CMV Serostatus
Authors: Heldman Madeleine R. , Messina Julia A. , Schlueter Annette J. , Lee Mark J. , Saullo Jennifer L. , Miller Rachel A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Early posttransplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in CMV seronegative solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) with CMV seronegative donors (D−/R−) are often attributed transfusion‐transmitted CMV. The prevalence of false‐negative donor CMV serology in D−/R− SOTR with early CMV infections has not been explored.

Methods

We determined the frequency and characteristics of CMV DNAemia that occurred within 90 days of transplant among adult SOTR classified as D−/R− who underwent a first SOT at a single center between February 25, 2014 and February 25, 2024. Repeat donor CMV antibody testing was performed on stored donor sera if possible.

Results

Thirteen of 737 (1.8%) D−/R− SOTR from 12 donors developed CMV DNAemia within 90 days of transplant (median time to DNAemia: 28 days, interquartile range 23–42 days). Five (38%) recipients experienced CMV disease either before (n = 2) or after (n = 3) CMV DNAemia was identified, and five (38%) developed CMV antiviral resistance mutations during their course. Repeat CMV antibody testing was performed on sera from four donors to five recipients and was positive in three (75%) tested donors.

Conclusions

Early CMV infections in D−/R− SOTR are uncommon but associated with high morbidity. CMV transmission from organ donors with false negative CMV serology is an important source of early CMV infections in D−/R− SOTR. Clinicians should suspect and promptly report early CMV infections in D−/R− SOTR as potential donor‐derived processes, regardless of donor and/or recipient transfusion histories. Reporting such cases is essential to promote broader investigations that may identify suboptimal donor CMV screening assays.
Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Scholastic Performance in Dental Undergraduate Students—A Scoping Review
Authors: Bagheri Kamyar , Licari Frank W. , Awan Kamran H. , Bhandi Shilpa , Tellez Freitas Claudia M. , Patil Shankargouda
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The review was intended to evaluate the relationship of the nature of sleep with academic performances among undergraduate dental students.

Materials and Methods

Scopus, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science databases were explored using a combination of MeSH terminologies for studies published until May 2023. JBI Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist was considered for data extraction and quality assessment while Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was considered for the assessment of certainty of evidence.

Results

Seven studies that fulfilled the selection criteria were considered and they comprised an overall of 2738 students. Different questionnaires to assess the quality of sleep were recorded in the studies such as the Dental Environmental Stress questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The academic performance was evaluated through self‐reported grade point average. Based on the observations, a significant relationship between sleep quality and scholastic performance was established. Subjects with better sleep quality showed greater academic performance, along with enhanced cognitive abilities. The specific quality of sleep indicators, comprising duration of sleep, disturbances in sleep patterns, stimulant drinks, and efficiency of sleep, were reported to be linked with academic performance outcomes. A majority of the studies revealed a higher risk of bias.

Conclusion

These findings emphasise the importance of the promotion of healthy sleep habits and attendance of sleep‐related issues for the optimisation of scholastic achievements and general well‐being in this particular population. Future research should concentrate on the development of interventions and strategies for the enhancement of sleep quality.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO number: CRD42024507372
Long‐term data reveal widespread phenological change across major US estuarine food webs
Authors: Fournier Robert J. , Colombano Denise D. , Latour Robert J. , Carlson Stephanie M. , Ruhi Albert
Published: December 2024

Climate change is shifting the timing of organismal life‐history events. Although consequential food‐web mismatches can emerge if predators and prey shift at different rates, research on phenological shifts has traditionally focused on single trophic levels. Here, we analysed >2000 long‐term, monthly time series of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish abundance or biomass for the San Francisco, Chesapeake, and Massachusetts bays. Phenological shifts occurred in over a quarter (28%) of the combined series across all three estuaries. However, phenological trends for many taxa (ca. 29–68%) did not track the changing environment. While planktonic taxa largely advanced their phenologies, fishes displayed broad patterns of both advanced and delayed timing of peak abundance. Overall, these divergent patterns illustrate the potential for climate‐driven trophic mismatches. Our results suggest that even if signatures of global climate change differ locally, widespread phenological change has the potential to disrupt estuarine food webs.
Coefficients in Taylor's law increase with the time scale of water clarity measurements in a global suite of lakes
Authors: Glines Max R. , Amancio Renata C. H. , Andersen Mikkel René , Baulch Helen , Brighenti Ludmila S. , Chmiel Hannah E. , Cohen Joel E. , de Eyto Elvira , Erina Oxana , Feuchtmayr Heidrun , Flaim Giovanna , Giudici Andrea , Hamilton David P. , Huot Yannick , Kelly Michael R. , Kelly Seán , Laas Alo , McBride Christopher , Minaudo Camille , Neto Jose Fernandes Bezerra , Nugent Katy , Ordóñez César , Perga Marie‐Elodie , Reid Brian , Scott Caren , Staehr Peter A. U. , Tonetta Denise , Wain Danielle , Ward Nicole K. , Rose Kevin C.
Published: December 2024

Identifying the scaling rules describing ecological patterns across time and space is a central challenge in ecology. Taylor's law of fluctuation scaling, which states that the variance of a population's size or density is proportional to a positive power of the mean size or density, has been widely observed in population dynamics and characterizes variability in multiple scientific domains. However, it is unclear if this phenomenon accurately describes ecological patterns across many orders of magnitude in time, and therefore links otherwise disparate observations. Here, we use water clarity observations from 10,531 days of high‐frequency measurements in 35 globally distributed lakes, and lower‐frequency measurements over multiple decades from 6342 lakes to test this unknown. We focus on water clarity as an integrative ecological characteristic that responds to both biotic and abiotic drivers. We provide the first documentation that variations in ecological measurements across diverse sites and temporal scales exhibit variance patterns consistent with Taylor's law, and that model coefficients increase in a predictable yet non‐linear manner with decreasing observation frequency. This discovery effectively links high‐frequency sensor network observations with long‐term historical monitoring records, thereby affording new opportunities to understand and predict ecological dynamics on time scales from days to decades.
Getting better with age: Lessons from the Kenya Long‐term Exclosure Experiment (KLEE)
Authors: Riginos Corinna , Kimuyu Duncan M. , Veblen Kari E. , Porensky Lauren M. , Odadi Wilfred O. , Sensenig Ryan L. , Wells Harry B. M. , Young Truman P.
Published: December 2024

The Kenya long‐term exclosure experiment (KLEE) was established in 1995 in semi‐arid savanna rangeland to examine the separate and combined effects of livestock, wildlife and megaherbivores on their shared environment. The long‐term nature of this experiment has allowed us to measure these effects and address questions of stability and resilience in the context of multiple drought‐rainy cycles. Here we outline lessons learned over the last 29 years, and how these inform a fundamental tension in long‐term studies: how to balance the need for question‐driven research with the intangible conviction that long‐term data will yield valuable findings. We highlight the value of (1) identifying experimental effects that take many years to manifest, (2) quantifying the effects of different years (including droughts) and (3) capturing the signatures of anthropogenic change. We also highlight the potential for long‐term studies to create a collaborative community of scientists that brings new questions and motivates continued long‐term study.
Past and future effects of climate on the metapopulation dynamics of a Northeast Atlantic seabird across two centuries
Authors: Jeglinski Jana W. E. , Niven Holly I. , Wanless Sarah , Barrett Robert T. , Harris Mike P. , Dierschke Jochen , Matthiopoulos Jason
Published: December 2024

Forecasting population responses to rapidly changing marine ecosystems requires mechanistic models integrating complex demographic processes, fitted to long time series, across large spatial scales. We used a Bayesian metapopulation model fit to colony census data and climatic covariates spanning 1900–2100 for all Northeast Atlantic colonies of an exemplar seabird, the Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) to investigate metapopulation dynamics under two climate scenarios. Fecundity varied non‐linearly with near‐surface air temperature and recruitment was depressed by sea surface temperature. We predict regime changes in density dependence as marine carrying capacities become constrained with increasing SST. Sensitivity to climate change varied across space and time, disadvantaging southwestern colonies whilst benefitting northern ones. Such sensitivity is noteworthy for a species previously assumed robust to climate change. We provide a spatial overview of climate sensitivities across a metapopulation to help with evidence‐based conservation management and open the way for similar mechanistic explorations for other colonial species.
Density dependence maintains long‐term stability despite increased isolation and inbreeding in the Florida Scrub‐Jay
Authors: Summers Jeremy , Cosgrove Elissa J. , Bowman Reed , Fitzpatrick John W. , Chen Nancy
Published: December 2024

Isolation caused by anthropogenic habitat fragmentation can destabilize populations. Populations relying on the inflow of immigrants can face reduced fitness due to inbreeding depression as fewer new individuals arrive. Empirical studies of the demographic consequences of isolation are critical to understand how populations persist through changing conditions. We used a 34‐year demographic and environmental dataset from a population of cooperatively breeding Florida Scrub‐Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) to create mechanistic models linking environmental and demographic factors to population growth rates. We found that the population has not declined despite both declining immigration and increasing inbreeding, owing to a coinciding response in breeder survival. We find evidence of density‐dependent immigration, breeder survival and fecundity, indicating that interactions between vital rates and local density play a role in buffering the population against change. Our study elucidates the impacts of isolation on demography and how long‐term stability is maintained via demographic responses.
Multi‐Trophic Level Responses to Marine Heatwave Disturbances in the California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Chen Tz‐Chian , Kahru Mati , Landry Michael R. , Ohman Mark D. , Thompson Andrew R. , Stukel Michael R.
Published: December 2024

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) caused by multiple phenomena with days to months duration are increasingly common disturbances in ocean ecosystems. We investigated the impacts of MHWs on pelagic communities using spatially resolved time‐series of multiple trophic levels from the Southern California Current Ecosystem. Indices of phytoplankton biomass mostly declined during MHWs because of reduced nutrient supply (excepting Prochlorococcus) and were generally more sensitive to marine heatwave intensity than duration. By contrast, mesozooplankton (as estimated by zooplankton displacement volume) were somewhat more strongly correlated with MHW duration than intensity. Zooplankton anomalies were also positively correlated with fucoxanthin (diatom) anomalies, highlighting possible bottom‐up influences during MHWs. Mobile consumers (forage fish) showed more complex responses, with fish egg abundance declining during MHWs but not correlating with any MHW characteristics. Our findings provide partial evidence of how MHW characteristics can shape variable ecological responses due to the differing life spans and behaviours of different trophic levels.
Territory Sizes and Patterns of Habitat Use by Forest Birds Over Five Decades: Ideal Free or Ideal Despotic?
Authors: Zammarelli Miranda B. , Ayres Matthew P. , ter Hofstede Hannah M. , Lutz David A. , Holmes Richard T.
Published: December 2024

Relations among territoriality, abundance and habitat suitability are fundamental to the ecology of many animal populations. Theory suggests two classes of possible responses to increasing abundance in territorial species: (1) the ideal free distribution (IFD), which predicts smaller territory sizes and decreased fitness as individuals adaptively pack into suitable habitats, and (2) the ideal despotic distribution (IDD), which predicts stable territory sizes and fitness in preferred habitats for dominant individuals and increased use of marginal habitats, reduced fitness and changes in territory sizes for subordinate individuals. We analysed the territory sizes and locations of seven migratory songbird species occupying a 10‐ha plot in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire, USA over a 52‐year period. Species varied in abundance over years from twofold to 22‐fold, and all species displayed clear patterns of habitat preference within the study plot. Consistent with IFD, and contrary to IDD, territory sizes decreased with local abundance for all species, irrespective of habitat preferences. There was at least a twofold variation in territory size within years. Conformity of territory size to predictions of the IFD argues for the efficacy of territorial defence in songbirds and has general consequences for population dynamics.
A Natural Disaster Exacerbates and Redistributes Disease Risk Among Free‐Ranging Macaques by Altering Social Structure
Authors: Motes‐Rodrigo Alba , Albery Gregory F. , Negron‐Del Valle Josue E. , Philips Daniel ,   Cayo Biobank Research Unit, Platt Michael L. , Brent Lauren J. N. , Testard Camille
Published: December 2024

Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, with severe implications for ecosystem dynamics. A key behavioural mechanism whereby animals may cope with such events is by altering their social structure, which in turn could influence epidemic risk. However, how and to what extent natural disasters affect disease risk via changes in sociality remains unexplored in animal populations. By simulating disease spread in free‐living rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) before and after a hurricane, we demonstrate doubled pathogen transmission rates up to 5 years following the disaster, equivalent to an increase in pathogen infectivity from 10% to 20%. Moreover, the hurricane redistributed the risk of infection across the population by exacerbating sex‐related differences. Overall, we demonstrate that natural disasters can amplify and redistribute epidemic risk in animals via changes in sociality. These observations provide unexpected further mechanisms by which extreme weather events can threaten wildlife health, population viability and spillover to humans.
Temporal Changes in the Role of Species Sorting and Evolution Determine Community Dynamics
Authors: Hoffmann Julius , Hogle Shane , Hiltunen Teppo , Becks Lutz
Published: December 2024

Evolutionary change within community members and shifts in species composition via species sorting contribute to community and trait dynamics. However, we do not understand when and how both processes contribute to community dynamics. Here, we estimated the contributions of species sorting and evolution over time (60 days) in bacterial communities of 24 species under selection by a ciliate predator. We found that species sorting contributed to increased community carrying capacity, while evolution contributed to decreased anti‐predator defences. The relative roles of both processes changed over time, and our analysis indicates that if initial trait variation was in the direction of selection, species sorting prevailed, otherwise evolution drove phenotypic change. Furthermore, community composition, population densities and genomic evolution were affected by phenotypic match–mismatch combinations of predator and prey evolutionary history. Overall, our findings help to integrate when and how ecological and evolutionary processes structure communities.