bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Maximum Point Dose Within the Planning Target Volume on Local Control of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Authors: Braschi Erica L. , Morris Christopher G. , Yeung Anamaria R. , De Leo Alexandra N.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

No consensus exists on the maximum dose delivered to the planning target volume (PTV) in the delivery of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for primary lung cancer. We investigated whether higher biologically effective doses (BED) within the PTV were associated with improved tumor control.

Methods:

We reviewed patients with early-stage, node-negative nonsmall cell lung cancer who received curative-intent SBRT between 2005 and 2018. We calculated the maximum BED (maxBED) within the PTV for all patients, analyzing outcomes using the cumulative incidence method and Fine-Gray test statistics to assess prognostic impact.

Results:

We analyzed 171 patients (median age, 70.2; range, 43 to 90 y) with 181 lung nodules. Median follow-up was 2.7 years (range, 0.1 to 12 y) for all patients and 4.2 years (range, 0.2 to 8.4 y) for living patients. Median maximum tumor diameter was 1.9 cm (range, 0.7 to 5.6 cm). Patients received a prescription of 48 or 50 Gy in 4 or 5 fractions, respectively, except for one who received 60 Gy in 5 fractions. Median maxBED was 120 Gy (range, 101 to 171 Gy). There was no difference in the 3-year local control (LC) rate among patients treated with a maxBED<120 Gy versus ≥120 Gy (P=0.83).

Conclusion:

No significant differences in LC were observed between patients with early-stage nonsmall cell lung cancer treated with SBRT in 4 or 5 fractions with a maxBED≥120 Gy. However, a higher maxBED trended toward improved LC rates, suggesting a maxBED threshold greater than 120 Gy may be needed to improve LC rates.
A comprehensive review of azadirachtin: physicochemical properties, bioactivities, production, and biosynthesis
Authors: Su Xinyao , Liang Zhipeng , Xue Qiang , Liu Jia , Hao Xuemi , Wang Caixia
Published: December 2023

Azadirachtin, a complex tetratriterpenoid limonin with potent insecticidal properties, is the most widely used biological pesticide worldwide. Its versatile pharmacological applications include the inhibition of tumor growth and anti-malarial, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Azadirachtin plays a pivotal role in pest control and novel drug development. The primary source of azadirachtin is the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), with an azadirachtin content ranging from 0.3% to 0.5%. Despite the market demand for botanical pesticides reaching approximately 100,000 tons per year, the annual neem production in China is only 1.14 tons. Although azadirachtin can be obtained through plant extraction or chemical synthesis, the quantity obtained does not meet the market demand in China. The sluggish pace of azadirachtin biosynthesis results from the limited availability of genetic information and the complexity of the synthetic pathway. Recent advancements in azadirachtin biosynthesis hold promise as an efficient collection method. In this study, we explored the physicochemical properties, biological activities, mechanisms of action, and acquisition methods of azadirachtin. We also delved into recent progress in azadirachtin biosynthesis and assessed potential future usage challenges. This study aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the scientific application and efficient synthesis of azadirachtin, offering valuable reference information to the industry.
International Expert Consensus on Defining Textbook Oncologic Outcomes in Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Colorectal Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Zohar Nitzan , Nevler Avinoam , Esquivel Jesús , Yeo Charles J , Benvenisti Haggai , Elbaz Nadav , Assaf Dan , Mor Eyal , Bowne Wilbur B ,   for The International TOO HIPEC Consensus Group
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Textbook oncologic outcome (TOO) is a composite metric shown to correlate with improved survival after curative intent oncologic procedures. Despite increasing use among disciplines in surgical oncology, no consensus exists for its definition in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

STUDY DESIGN:

An international consensus-based study employed a Delphi methodology to achieve agreement. Fifty-four senior surgeons from the peritoneal surface malignancies field received a questionnaire comprising TOO parameters divided into 3 surgical domains: operative, short-term, and long-term postoperative outcomes. Two online meetings with participants defined the new criteria. Consensus was achieved when 75% of agreement rate was reached. Clinical data of patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC for colorectal peritoneal metastasis between 2010 and 2022 from 1 designated center (Sheba Medical Center) were collected, the consensus definition applied and outcomes analyzed.

RESULTS:

Thirty-eight surgeons (70%) participated. Expert consensus TOO parameters for colorectal peritoneal metastasis CRS and HIPEC included the absence of unplanned reoperations during 30 days postoperation, absence of severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥III), absence of unplanned readmissions during 30 days postoperation, 90-day postoperative mortality, and absence of contraindications for chemotherapy within 12 weeks from operation, and included the achievement of complete cytoreduction (CC0). The study cohort consisted of 251 patients, and 151 (60%) met TOO criteria. Patients who achieved TOO had significantly better overall survival (median 67.5 months, 95% CI) vs patients who did not achieve TOO (median 44.6 months, 95% CI, p < 0.001) and significantly improved disease-free survival (median, 12 months, 95% CI, vs 9 months, 95% CI, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Achievement of TOO as defined by consensus statement is associated with improved survival.
Naturalistic Movies and Encoding Analysis Redefine Areal Borders in Primate Visual Cortex
Authors: Shimaoka Daisuke , Wong Yan Tat , Rosa Marcello GP , Price Nicholas Seow Chiang
Published: December 2023

Accurate definition of the borders of cortical visual areas is essential for the study of neuronal processes leading to perception. However, data used for definition of areal boundaries has suffered from issues related to resolution, uniform coverage, or suitability for objective analysis, leading to ambiguity. Here, we present a novel approach that combines widefield optical imaging, presentation of naturalistic movies, and encoding model analysis, to objectively define borders in the primate extrastriate cortex. We applied this method to test conflicting hypotheses about the third-tier visual cortex, where areal boundaries have remained controversial. The results support a hypothesis whereby an area contains representations of both the upper and lower contralateral quadrants (DM) is located immediate anterior to V2, and unveil pronounced tuning preferences in the third-tier areas. High-density electrophysiological recordings with a Neuropixels probe confirm these findings. Our encoding-model approach offers a powerful, objective way to disambiguate areal boundaries.
Effects of Prospective Motion Correction on Perivascular Spaces at 7T MRI Evaluated Using Motion Artifact Simulation
Authors: Zhao Bingbing , Zhou Yichen , Zong Xiaopeng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Prospective motion correction (PMC) is a promising method in mitigating motion artifacts in MRI. However, its effectiveness in improving the visibility of vessel-like thin structures in routine studies is unclear. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the ability of fat-navigator based PMC in improving the visibility of perivascular spaces (PVS) using data from two earlier studies.

Methods

Two open source MRI data set were used for motion artifact simulation and evaluating PMC, which consist of 66 T2-weighted images without PMC and 38 T2-weighted images with PMC. PMC was performed by adjusting field of view during scan based on motion parameters derived from fat navigators. Motion artifact simulation was performed by misplacing k-space data at a motion-related non-cartesian grid onto the cartesian grid calculated using motion-free images to generate the images without effects of PMC. The simulation’s ability to reproduce motion-induced blurring and ringing artifacts was evaluated using the sharpness at the lateral ventricle/white matter (WM) boundary and the magnitude of ringing artifact component in the Fourier spectrum. PVS volume fraction in WM was employed to reflect its visibility. Sharpness, magnitude of ringing artifact and PVS volume fraction were then compared between simulated images and real images with and without PMC.

Results

The consistencies in sharpness (rho ≥ 0.86, corrected p ≤ 4.4 ×10-16) and ringing artifact magnitude (rho ≥ 0.42, corrected p ≤ 0.001) were found between simulated images and real images without PMC. There was a significant negative correlation (rho ≤ -0.27, corrected p ≤ 0.08) between PVS volume fraction and motion severity in both simulated and real images without PMC. PMC removed the above correlations (rho ≥ -0.02, corrected p > 1) and increased the boundary sharpness compared to the images simulated using the same motion traces.

Conclusions

Motion artifact simulation can reproduce the desired motion-induced artifacts on images. PMC reduces the negative impacts of motion on image quality and improves PVS visibility.
Disasters “Through the looking glass”
Authors: Von Meding Jason , Brisotto Carla , Mehdipour Haleh , Lasch Colin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper will challenge normative disaster studies and practice by arguing that thriving communities require the pursuit of imperfection and solidarity. The authors use Lewis Carroll’s Looking-Glass World as a lens to critique both how disasters are understood, and how disaster researchers and practitioners operate, within a climate-change affected world where cultural, political and historical constructs are constantly shifting.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper will undertake an analysis of both disasters and disaster studies, using this unique (and satirical) critical lens, looking at the unfolding of systemic mistakes, oppressions and mal-development that are revealed in contemporary disasters, that were once the critiques of Lewis Carroll’s Victorian-era England. It shows how disaster “resilience-building” can actually be a mechanism for continuing the status quo, and how persistent colonizing institutions and systems can be in reproducing themselves.

Findings

The authors argue the liberation of disaster studies as a process of challenging the doctrines and paradigms that have been created and given meaning by those in power – particularly white, Western/Northern/Eurocentric, male power. They suggest how researchers and practitioners might view disasters – and their own praxis – Through the Looking Glass in an effort to better understand the power, domination and violence of the status quo, but also as a means of creating a vision for something better, arguing that liberation is possible through community-led action grounded in love, solidarity, difference and interconnection.

Originality/value

The paper uses a novel conceptual lens as a way to challenge researchers and practitioners to avoid the utopic trap that wishes to achieve homogenized perfection and instead find an “imperfect” and complex adaptation that moves toward justice. Considering this idea through satire and literary criticism will lend support to empirical research that makes a similar case using data.
What determines the performance of pharmaceutical firms in India on account of COVID-19 interventions?
Authors: Lamba Ashu , Aggarwal Priti , Gupta Sachin , Joshipura Mayank
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of announcements related to 77 interventions by 46 listed Indian pharmaceutical firms during COVID-19 on the abnormal returns of the firms. The study also finds the variables which explain cumulative abnormal returns (CARs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses standard event methodology to compute the abnormal returns of firms announcing pharmaceutical interventions in 2020 and 2021. Besides this, the multilayer perceptron technique is applied to identify the variables that influence the CARs of the sample firms.

Findings

The results show the presence of abnormal returns of 0.64% one day before the announcement, indicating information leakage. The multilayer perceptron approach identifies five variables that explain the CARs of the sample companies, which are licensing_age, licensing_size, size, commercialization_age and approval_age.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the efficient market literature by revealing how firm-specific nonfinancial disclosures affect stock prices, especially in times of crisis like pandemics. Prior research focused on determining the effect of COVID-19 variables on abnormal returns. This is the first research to use artificial neural networks to determine which firm-specific variables and pharmaceutical interventions can influence CARs.
English as a medium of instruction and intellectual capital creation in Omani higher education: unravelling the dilemma
Authors: Al Muqarshi Amal , Al Adawi Sharifa Said , Al Bahlani Sara Mohammed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

A majority of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Oman, and internationally, have adopted English as the language of education, driven by its power and its globally accepted status as the language of knowledge and communication. Such an internationalisation policy has been inadequately evaluated to examine its actual effects. This paper aims at analysing the existing literature with a view to hypothesise the effects of adopting English as a medium of instruction (EMI) on establishing intellectual capital in the Omani context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a case study design that draws on data generated through a systematic review of 94 peer-reviewed papers that are synthesised using thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that EMI negatively affects the optimal creation of intellectual capital through limiting access to HE, hindering knowledge transfer, impeding Omanis' employability and hindering faculty's professional growth. EMI leads HEIs to mirror the supplying countries' cultures in terms of materials, ideologies and standards. It affects teaching and research quality, training and communication, the sense of equity, belonging and self-worth amongst students and the relationships amongst faculty members. It also increases reliance on external stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights the interconnection between the forms of intellectual capital and how some components are antecedents to the creation of the intellectual capital forms. It establishes the moderating role the language of instruction plays in relation to the three sub forms of intellectual capital in higher education.

Practical implications

The paper calls for maximising higher education intellectual capital through adopting bilingual rather than monolingual higher education. It calls upon policymakers to revisit the assumptions underlying higher education systems in order to optimise their outcomes.

Originality/value

The paper is the first one that sheds light on the role of language in intellectual capital construction. Such a moderating role has received almost no attention in the higher education literature that is largely busy quantifying its outcomes rather than ensuring they are actually sustainably generated.
Jointing quality effort and contract decision in green agri-food supply chain based on differential game
Authors: Yang Dong , Yang Peng , Li Yuhe , Wei Zhuan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The managerial questions of this paper are as follows, and the authors are trying to solve them: How revenue sharing contract (CSR) degree and government subsidy affect the agri-food quality? What kind of model (WPC, revenue-sharing contract [RSC] and cooperative) would be more effective in motivating manufacturers and retailer to increase effort and improve agri-food quality? What kind of model (WPC, RSC and cooperative) would make manufacturer and retailer better off?

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the jointing quality effort and contract decision in green agri-food supply chain, this paper proposes six models that consider CSR of manufacturer and retailer, and then the obtained optimal solutions are compared and analyzed. At the same time, the impact of government subsidies is analyzed, and corresponding conclusions are drawn.

Findings

The results show that, first of all, whether the increasing CSR of the manufacturer or the retailer can motivate both parties to improve the agri-food quality effort investment. Second, the WPC and RSC contract may play different role in different cases. Finally, under the model with government subsidies, regarding positive influence of government subsidies on efforts of manufacturer and retailer, quality and profits of members is investigated. Based on these conclusions, this study puts forward the following policy suggestions. Firstly, governments should formulate reasonable subsidy policies to support manufacturer and retailer to improve the agri-food quality, thereby promoting green industries' development. Secondly, manufacturer and retailer should actively improve CSR and strengthen the effort of agri-food so as to advance quality. Finally, manufacturer and retailer can choose cooperative model or WPC contract.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, one manufacturer and one retailer are considered. Since the agri-food supply chain structure in reality is more complicated, the future research direction can consider the supply chain structure with one manufacturer and multiple retailers. In addition, this paper only considers the subsidy, and future research can classify the subsidy into different types.

Originality/value

The study makes two substantive contributions to the body of knowledge in the field of sustainable operations:(1) incorporating quality-based demand function in supply chain and dynamic process of agri-food quality; (2) exploring the impact of CSR awareness of members and subsidy of government on agri-food quality, and comparing the influence in different models.
Bird‐flower colour on islands supports the bee‐avoidance hypothesis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sambruno Cristina , Narbona Eduardo , del Valle José Carlos , Valido Alfredo
Published: December 2023

Many insular plant species inhabiting different archipelagos worldwide present typical ornithophilous floral traits (e.g. copious nectar, red‐orange colours), but most of them are visited by insectivorous/granivorous birds and lizards, which act as generalist pollinators. Oceanic islands promote these ecological interactions mainly due to the scarcity of arthropods. Our goal is to understand how these generalist interactions contribute to the shift of floral traits from entomophily (mainland) to ornithophily or saurophily (island), where specialist nectar‐feeding birds have not inhabited.

We used the well‐known pollination interactions occurring in the Canary Islands to evaluate two proposed ecological hypotheses, bee‐avoidance or bird‐attraction, explaining evolutionary transitions of floral traits. Specifically, we studied the flower colour conspicuousness of bird‐pollinated Canarian species visited by birds and lizards with their closest relatives from the mainland mainly visited by bees. We analysed the chromatic contrast of flower colours using visual models of bees, birds and lizards and the achromatic contrast in visual models of bees. We also compared reflectance spectra marker points of flowers with available spectral discrimination sensitivities of bees and birds.

Using a phylogenetically corrected framework of independent plant lineages, our results revealed that bird‐pollinated Canarian species showed lower chromatic contrast according to bees and lizard visual models than their mainland relatives, but similar chromatic contrast for bird vision. In addition, reflectance spectra marker points of the Canarian species were displaced to the longest wavelengths, far from the wavelengths of maximum discrimination of bees, but close to birds.

We conclude that the avoidance of bees would be a primary ecological strategy explaining the evolutionary transitions of flower colours from melittophily to ornithophily. The lower conspicuousness of bird‐pollinated Canarian flowers in lizards is perhaps a side effect of the bee‐avoidance strategy rather than an independent evolutionary strategy. Together, these findings provide insights into how vertebrate generalist pollinators can also lead to divergence of floral traits in insular habitats, but also in other arthropod‐poor habitats.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
SATISFICING DEATH: Ageing and end‐of‐life preparation among transgender older Americans
Authors: Lampe Nik M.
Published: December 2023

A good death—a normative ideology of living and dying well that may allow an individual to gain awareness, acceptance, and preparation for death—has captured the attention of researchers, clinicians, and policymakers in recent years. Prior sociological research has uncovered nuanced perspectives of a good death, yet there has been minimal exploration into how marginalised communities reconstruct their own ideals of a good death in response to structural and institutional inequities. Utilising data from 47 in‐depth interviews, I examine how transgender older adults perceive and plan for ageing and end‐of‐life experiences through advance care planning. My analysis reveals transgender older adults’ reevaluated notions of a normatively desirable good death for themselves due to existing inequities. Consequently, they actively reconstruct a personalised ideology of death that is adequate enough to meet their end‐of‐life needs. I further offer the conceptualisation of SATISFICING DEATH, as a process of individuals from marginalised communities reevaluating and reconstructing their own ideologies of a good death that is adequate enough while using resourceful strategies to improve existing social conditions for themselves. These findings highlight the critical need to provide affirming end‐of‐life care, support, and resources to transgender communities.
Medical versus surgical causes of death following colorectal resection: a Queensland Audit of Surgical Mortality (QASM) study
Authors: Mao Derek , Rey‐Conde Therese , North John B. , Lancashire Raymond P. , Naidu Sanjeev , Chua Terence
Published: December 2023

Background

The causes of death following colorectal resection remain poorly explored. Few studies have addressed whether early post‐operative mortality is predominantly caused by a patient's medical co‐morbidities, or from factors pertaining to the presenting surgical disease process itself. This study analyses data from the Queensland audit of surgical mortality (QASM) to report the causes of in‐hospital death following colorectal resection, identifies whether these were due to either medical or surgical factors, and determines the patient characteristics associated with a medical cause of death.

Methods

Through analysis of QASM Surgical Case Forms, the causes of in‐hospital death were determined in 750 patients who died in Queensland following colorectal resection between January 2010 and December 2020. Deaths were attributed to a specific medical or surgical cause, with multivariate analysis used to identify independent risk factors associated with a medical cause of death.

Results

In total, 395 patients (52.7%) died due to surgical causes and 355 (47.3%) died due to medical causes. Respiratory co‐morbidities (OR 1.832, 95% CI: 1.267–2.650), advanced malignancy (OR 1.814, 95% CI: 1.262–2.607), neurological co‐morbidities (OR 1.794, 95% CI: 1.168–2.757) and advanced age (OR 1.430, 95% CI: 1.013–2.017) were independent risk factors associated with increased risk of a medical cause of death.

Conclusion

Even in the absence of complicating surgical factors, a significant number of patients died in hospital following colorectal resection due to their underlying co‐morbidities. Multi‐disciplinary models of care which allow for the early recognition and treatment of medical complications may reduce post‐operative mortality in these patients.
Strabismus and refraction in non‐syndromic craniosynostosis – A longitudinal study up to 5 years of age
Authors: Ntoula Evangelia , Nowinski Daniel , Holmström Gerd , Larsson Eva
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the refractive outcome and strabismus at 5 years of age, in children operated for various types of non‐syndromic craniosynostosis, and further analyse the refractive and strabismic development over time.

Methods

Eighty‐nine children, who had undergone operations for non‐syndromic craniosynostosis, were examined at 5 years of age. These children also underwent ophthalmological examination preoperatively and up to 1 year after the operation. An age‐matched control group including 32 healthy children was also recruited.

Strabismus and eye motility were registered. Refraction was measured in cycloplegia.

Results

There was a difference regarding the refractive outcome between the different types of craniosynostosis. Higher values of hypermetropia were found in the metopic craniosynostosis group on both eyes. In the unicoronal craniosynostosis group, high values of hypermetropia and a higher degree of astigmatism were found on the side contralateral to the craniosynostosis. Strabismus was found in 11/88 children of whom 10/11 had unicoronal craniosynostosis. A vertical deviation on the side ipsilateral to the fused suture was highly prevalent (6/10 cases). Ophthalmological dysfunctions were rare in children operated for sagittal craniosynostosis.

Conclusion

Ocular manifestations such as strabismus, astigmatism and anisometropia were highly prevalent in children operated for unilateral coronal craniosynostosis. Children operated for metopic craniosynostosis had higher rates of hypermetropia. The screening and follow‐up protocols need to be tailored with regard to the type of craniosynostosis.
Neutrophil microRNAs
Authors: Garley Marzena , Nowak Karolina , Jabłońska Ewa
Published: December 2023

Neutrophils are considered ‘first‐line defence’ cells as they can be rapidly recruited to the site of the immune response. As key components of non‐specific immune mechanisms, neutrophils use phagocytosis, degranulation, and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to fight pathogens. Recently, immunoregulatory abilities of neutrophils associated with the secretion of several mediators, including cytokines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing, among other components, microRNAs (miRNAs), have also been reported. EVs are small structures released by cells into the extracellular space and are present in all body fluids. Microvesicles show the composition and status of the releasing cell, its physiological state, and pathological changes. Currently, EVs have gained immense scientific interest as they act as transporters of epigenetic information in intercellular communication. This review summarises findings from recent scientific reports that have evaluated the utility of miRNA molecules as biomarkers for effective diagnostics or even as start‐points for new therapeutic strategies in neutrophil‐mediated immune reactions. In addition, this review describes the current state of knowledge on miRNA molecules, which are endogenous regulators of gene expression besides being involved in the regulation of the immune response.
Identifying candidate genes underlying isolated congenital anosmia
Authors: Kamarck Marissa L. , Trimmer Casey , Murphy Nicolle R. , Gregory Kristen M. , Manoel Diogo , Logan Darren W. , Saraiva Luis R. , Mainland Joel D.
Published: December 2023

An estimated 1 in 10 000 people are born without the ability to smell, a condition known as congenital anosmia, and about one third of those people have non‐syndromic, or isolated congenital anosmia (ICA). Despite the significant impact of olfaction for our quality of life, the underlying causes of ICA remain largely unknown. Using whole exome sequencing (WES) in 10 families and 141 individuals with ICA, we identified a candidate list of 162 rare, segregating, deleterious variants in 158 genes. We confirmed the involvement of CNGA2, a previously implicated ICA gene that is an essential component of the olfactory transduction pathway. Furthermore, we found a loss‐of‐function variant in SREK1IP1 from the family gene candidate list, which was also observed in 5% of individuals in an additional non‐family cohort with ICA. Although SREK1IP1 has not been previously associated with olfaction, its role in zinc ion binding suggests a potential influence on olfactory signaling. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the spectrum of genetic alterations and their etiology in ICA patients, which may improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of this disorder and lead to better understanding of the mechanisms governing basic olfactory function.
Trends and dynamics of philanthropic funding for biodiversity conservation in China
Authors: Yang Fangyi , Tao Ze , Zhang Li
Published: December 2023

Implementation and funding mechanisms to reverse biodiversity loss formed the core of the discussion focusing on the Post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (“the Framework”), at the 15th Conference of Parties at the Convention on Biological Diversity hosted by China. Before financial support emerged from the private sector in China, biodiversity conservation had primarily been financed by the government. By the end of the 20th‐century international nongovernmental organizations and China's local philanthropists began to launch pilot programs in the country. In the past 5 years, biodiversity conservation across China has received CNY 1.757 billion (approximately $279 million) from the philanthropy sector. It represents the largest‐ and fastest‐growing share (69%) of environmental philanthropic funding; however, it accounted for <1% of all the philanthropic in all sectors nationwide. We suggested Foundations and NGOs review and adjust their strategies to align with the Kunming‐Montreal global biodiversity framework. Proactive connection and engagement with the philanthropies is required to expand its contributions while providing better pathways and support mechanisms for philanthropic funding for biodiversity conservation. Despite the philanthropic funding provided has been relatively modest over the past few decades, the philanthropic organizations have achieved significant positive results for biodiversity conservation in China. However, the funding for biodiversity conservation falls far short of what is needed to achieve the goals under the Kunming‐Montreal global biodiversity framework. This study provides a comprehensive overview of biodiversity philanthropic funding in China. Based on the collection of data related to environmentally relevant grants provided by companies, foundations, and individuals, we conducted a visualization analysis to reveal China's philanthropic funding flows between 2016 and 2020 in China. The profiles of donors and the receipts of the funding have been described.
Using a head‐start conservation intervention to boost spawning numbers of the endangered Clanwilliam sandfish
Authors: Cerrilla Cecilia , Flemming Leonard , Griffiths Charles L. , Impson Dean , Jordaan Martine S. , Kajee Mohammed , Paxton Bruce R. , van der Walt Johannes A. , Whitehead Thomas Otto , Shelton Jeremy M.
Published: December 2023

Freshwater ecosystems are the most threatened on Earth, with many species facing extinction. The Clanwilliam sandfish (Labeo seeberi) is South Africa's most threatened migratory freshwater fish and is endemic to the Olifants–Doring River system in the Cape Fold Ecoregion. Non‐native fish predation and river desiccation have caused a recruitment bottleneck, severely compromising juvenile survival and resulting in a declining population of aging sandfish. The Saving Sandfish Project launched an emergency head‐start intervention in 2020 to reduce extinction risk. We (1) rescued juvenile sandfish from drying pools in a key spawning tributary (the Biedouw River); (2) relocated them to 6 off‐stream reservoirs; and (3) released reservoir‐reared sandfish back into their natal river once large enough to evade non‐native fish predation. Here, we estimate survival in the reservoir environment, evaluate return rates relative to wild run size, and assess the probability of return based on conditions at release. Between 2020 and 2022, we stocked 33,391 juvenile sandfish into the 6 reservoirs. After 1 year, the estimated survival rate at one reservoir was 0.679 (range based on 95% CI: 0.385–0.973). Release and return results are presented only for the first (2020) rescue cohort. In 2021, we released 1277 sandfish from 2 reservoirs into the Biedouw River, comprising 16.6% of the 2020 rescue cohort. Mean size at release was 169 mm (SE 0.6) total length. Of those released, 994 were PIT‐tagged. A total of 77 PIT‐tagged sandfish were recorded during the 2022 spawning migration—a return rate of 7.7% of tagged releases in the first year of returns. Size of fish and distance from the Doring River at release were significant predictors of return probability, with larger fish released further from the Doring experiencing a higher probability of return. This program serves as a model for the conservation of freshwater fish where there is an imminent and high risk of extinction.
iEEG‐recon: A fast and scalable pipeline for accurate reconstruction of intracranial electrodes and implantable devices
Authors: Lucas Alfredo , Scheid Brittany H. , Pattnaik Akash R. , Gallagher Ryan , Mojena Marissa , Tranquille Ashley , Prager Brian , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Gong Ruxue , Litt Brian , Davis Kathryn A. , Das Sandhitsu , Stein Joel M. , Sinha Nishant
Published: December 2023

Objective

Clinicians use intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) in conjunction with noninvasive brain imaging to identify epileptic networks and target therapy for drug‐resistant epilepsy cases. Our goal was to promote ongoing and future collaboration by automating the process of “electrode reconstruction,” which involves the labeling, registration, and assignment of iEEG electrode coordinates on neuroimaging. We developed a standalone, modular pipeline that performs electrode reconstruction. We demonstrate our tool's compatibility with clinical and research workflows and its scalability on cloud platforms.

Methods

We created iEEG‐recon, a scalable electrode reconstruction pipeline for semiautomatic iEEG annotation, rapid image registration, and electrode assignment on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Its modular architecture includes a clinical module for electrode labeling and localization, and a research module for automated data processing and electrode contact assignment. To ensure accessibility for users with limited programming and imaging expertise, we packaged iEEG‐recon in a containerized format that allows integration into clinical workflows. We propose a cloud‐based implementation of iEEG‐recon and test our pipeline on data from 132 patients at two epilepsy centers using retrospective and prospective cohorts.

Results

We used iEEG‐recon to accurately reconstruct electrodes in both electrocorticography and stereoelectroencephalography cases with a 30‐min running time per case (including semiautomatic electrode labeling and reconstruction). iEEG‐recon generates quality assurance reports and visualizations to support epilepsy surgery discussions. Reconstruction outputs from the clinical module were radiologically validated through pre‐ and postimplant T1‐MRI visual inspections. We also found that our use of ANTsPyNet deep learning‐based brain segmentation for electrode classification was consistent with the widely used FreeSurfer segmentations.

Significance

iEEG‐recon is a robust pipeline for automating reconstruction of iEEG electrodes and implantable devices on brain MRI, promoting fast data analysis and integration into clinical workflows. iEEG‐recon's accuracy, speed, and compatibility with cloud platforms make it a useful resource for epilepsy centers worldwide.
The comparison of the antidiabetic effects of exenatide, empagliflozin, quercetin, and combination of the drugs in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Korkmaz Yasemin , Dik Burak
Published: December 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disease that involves extended treatment, is rapidly increasing in humans and animals worldwide.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare monotherapy and combined therapy of exenatide, empagliflozin, and quercetin in 67 Wistar Albino male rats.

Methods

The animals were divided into the following seven groups: healthy control, diabetes control, diabetes + sham, diabetes + exenatide (10 μg/kg), diabetes + empagliflozin (50 mg/kg), diabetes + quercetin (50 mg/kg), and diabetes + combination treatment. The treatments were continued for 8 weeks.

Results

At the end of the experiment, glucose and HbA1c levels decreased with all monotherapy treatments and the combination treatments, while insulin levels increased with exenatide and combined treatments. Adiponectin levels increased with empagliflozin, quercetin, and combined treatments, while leptin levels decreased only with combined treatments. All monotherapies caused an increase in total antioxidant levels. Exenatide and quercetin treatments reduced low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels; therewithal, exenatide and combined treatments increased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Triglyceride levels decreased in all treatment groups. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) level decreased with the combined treatment; on the contrary, the homeostatic model assessment for β‐cell activity (HOMA‐β) level increased with empagliflozin, exenatide, and combined treatments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the antidiabetic effects of exenatide were more pronounced than empagliflozin and quercetin, however, the combined treatment had better antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects than monotherapies. Quercetin could be a supportive or food supplement antidiabetic agent. The exenatide treatment can be recommended for monotherapy in type 2 patients, and the combination of empagliflozin, exenatide, and quercetin may be effective in diabetic patients who need combined therapy.
Molecular and morphometric data provide evidence of intraspecific variation in shape and pigmentation pattern in Otocinclus cocama (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) across major river drainages
Authors: Mejia Eduardo , Reis Roberto E.
Published: December 2023

Otocinclus cocama, a uniquely colored species of the loricariid catfish genus Otocinclus described solely from the type locality in the lower Ucayali River in northern Peru, is reported occurring in the Tigre River, a tributary to the Marañón River that drains a different section of the Andean Mountain range in the western Amazon. Both populations differ in the number of dark bars spanning the flanks of the body, and we investigated whether these morphotypes constitute distinct species. The body shapes of populations from the Tigre and Ucayali rivers were compared using geometric morphometrics. Although principal component analysis detected a broad overlap between populations, multivariate analysis of variance and linear driscriminat analysis revealed a subtle differentiation between the populations of the two hydrographic basins. Average body shape of the Ucayali River population tend to be slightly higher than that of the Tigre River, with the caudal peduncle stretched vertically in the Ucayali population. Multivariate regression of shape and centroid size revealed an allometric effect of 10.7% (p < 0.001), suggesting that the variation between Tigre and Ucayali populations was purely shape variation. Molecular data of coI, cytb, nd2, and 16S mitochondrial genes indicated a nucleotide diversity range from 0.001 to 0.003, and haplotypic diversity range from 0.600 ± 0.11 to 0.79 ± 0.07. The median‐joining haplotype network for the concatenated matrix exhibited two divergent haplogroups related to the geographic area and separated by <10 mutational steps. The molecular species delimitation methods based on distance (automatic barcode gap discovery and assemble species by automatic partitioning) recovered two molecular lineages evolving independently, being one of the lineages formed by individuals from both populations. Tree‐based methods (generalized mixed Yule coalescent and Bayesian implementation of the Poisson tree process) recovered similar topologies and supported single lineage recognition. Methods of molecular delimitation of species disclosed the high similarity between the two populations of Otocinclus cocama, further supported by the presence of old haplotypes common to both groups which could indicate that the populations still maintain gene flow. Although the morphological data reveal a subtle variation between both river basins, the molecular data suggest a weak population structuration based on hydrographic areas, but not different species lineages, therefore Otocinclus cocama is composed of a single lineage with two distinct morphotypes.
Not so much a sea bass: Divergent European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) freshwater incursions
Authors: Almeida R. , Tanner S. E. , Mateus C. S. , Ribeiro F. , Quintella B. R.
Published: December 2023

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax [Linnaeus, 1758]) is a euryhaline marine migrant fish highly valuable for fisheries and aquaculture. Although juveniles are known to use estuaries and occasionally move to freshwater environments, these freshwater incursions had not been reported for adults. Recently, this behavior was observed in the Tagus River (Portugal) for adults occurring up to 150 km from the river mouth, about 80 km upstream from the tidal influence, suggesting the existence of a freshwater contingent. Fisheries management of sea bass should consider the putative existence of a freshwater contingent.
Capturing Macro‐Economic Tail Risks with Bayesian Vector Autoregressions
Authors: CARRIERO ANDREA , CLARK TODD E. , MARCELLINO MASSIMILIANO
Published: December 2023

Many studies using quantile regressions (QRs) have found that downside risk to output growth varies more than upside risk. We show that Bayesian vector autoregressions (BVARs) with stochastic volatility are able to capture tail risks in forecast distributions. Even though the one‐step‐ahead conditional predictive distributions from the conventional stochastic volatility specification are symmetric, forecasts of downside risks to output growth are more variable than upside risks, and the reverse applies in the case of inflation and unemployment. Overall, BVAR models perform comparably to QR for estimating and forecasting tail risks, complementing BVARs' established performance for forecasting and structural analysis.
Why do patients transition between orthodontic appliances? A qualitative analysis of patient decision‐making
Authors: Alansari Reem , Vaiid Nikhillesh
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To gain an in‐depth understanding of patients' decision‐making processes when choosing to transition to a different orthodontic appliance (OA).

Methods

This was a retrospective qualitative study using one‐on‐one in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Patients were recruited through purposive convenience sampling. Participants who had elected to transition from and to one of these OAs: metal brackets, tooth‐coloured brackets, or clear aligners before the end of treatment were recruited. Recruitment ceased when data saturation was achieved. The interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty‐three adult participants (12 males, 11 females) with their ages ranging from 18 to 52 years were interviewed. The analysis of the data revealed that participants perceived two reasons for the transition: (1) insufficient initial information and (2) evolving life circumstances and personal style. Data analysis of participants who expressed a notable discrepancy between their expectations and the reality of the OA they chose revolved around three themes: (a) health benefits and threats, (b) personal control, and (c) financial considerations. Data analysis of participants who described transitioning between OAs due to changes in personal circumstances and style, revealed two themes: (a) change in personal values and motivations and (b) change in social and psychological influence.

Conclusions

This qualitative study highlighted the complex multifactorial nature of patient decision‐making when choosing and transitioning OAs. Orthodontists can benefit from understanding these factors to engage in thorough patient‐centered counselling, provide tailored treatment recommendations, and optimize the choice of appliances.
Eugenic fictions and radical resistances
Authors: Richardson Angelique
Published: December 2023

This paper considers the inspiration of Charles Darwin and J. S. Mill for writers and feminists at the end of the nineteenth century, tracing ways in which Darwin's anti‐essentialism and his commitment to monogenism—the idea of the unity of races—and Mill's challenge to innatism—the idea that biology is wholly determining—provided a vital framework for early objections to eugenics. This anti‐essentialism also helped to expose ways in which capitalism employed biologism, the attribution to nature of that which is social. The paper also explores the opposition to fascism which a socialist internationalism informed by monogenism was able to provide in the early twentieth century, as evidenced in the work of Sylvia Pankhurst and at the Battle of Cable Street. It concludes by considering, through the friendship of Hardy and Sassoon, ways in which poetry protesting the First World War denounced the biologistic thought and division that so often underpinned militarism.