bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TheToxoplasma gondiieffector GRA83 modulates the host’s innate immune response to regulate parasite infection
Authors: Thind Amara C. , Mota Caroline M. , Gonçalves Ana Paula N. , Sha Jihui , Wohlschlegel James A. , Mineo Tiago W.P. , Bradley Peter J.
Published: June 2023

Toxoplasma gondii’s propensity to infect its host and cause disease is highly dependent on its ability to modulate host cell functions. One of the strategies the parasite uses to accomplish this is via the export of effector proteins from the secretory dense granules. Dense granule (GRA) proteins are known to play roles in nutrient acquisition, host cell cycle manipulation, and immune regulation. Here, we characterize a novel dense granule protein named GRA83, which localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole in tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Disruption ofGRA83results in increased virulence, weight loss, and parasitemia during the acute infection, as well as a marked increase in the cyst burden during the chronic infection. This increased parasitemia was associated with an accumulation of inflammatory infiltrates in tissues in both the acute and chronic infection. Murine macrophages infected with Δgra83tachyzoites produced less interleukin-12 (IL-12)in vitro, which was confirmed with reduced IL-12 and interferon gamma (IFN-γ)in vivo. This dysregulation of cytokines correlates with reduced nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of the NF-κB complex. While GRA15 similarly regulates NF-κB, infection with Δgra83/Δgra15parasites did not further reduce p65 translocation to the host cell nucleus, suggesting these GRAs function in converging pathways. We also used proximity labelling experiments to reveal candidate GRA83 interactingT. gondiiderived partners. Taken together, this work reveals a novel effector that stimulates the innate immune response, enabling the host to limit parasite burden.

Importance

Toxoplasma gondiiposes a significant public health concern as it is recognized as one of the leading foodborne pathogens in the United States. Infection with the parasite can cause congenital defects in neonates, life-threatening complications in immunosuppressed patients, and ocular disease. Specialized secretory organelles, including the dense granules, play an important role in the parasite’s ability to efficiently invade and regulate components of the host’s infection response machinery to limit parasite clearance and establish an acute infection.Toxoplasma’s ability to avoid early clearance, while also successfully infecting the host long enough to establish a persistent chronic infection, is crucial in allowing for its transmission to a new host. While multiple GRAs directly modulate host signaling pathways, they do so in various ways highlighting the parasite’s diverse arsenal of effectors that govern infection. Understanding how parasite-derived effectors harness host functions to evade defenses yet ensure a robust infection are important for understanding the complexity of the pathogen’s tightly regulated infection. In this study, we characterize a novel secreted protein named GRA83 that stimulates the host cell’s response to limit infection.
Combinatorial Regimens Augment Drug Monotherapy for SARS-CoV-2 Clearance in Mice
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Escudie Fanny , Scandale Ivan , Gilani Zoela , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Gaudette Fleur , Mowbray Charles , Fraisse Laurent , Bazin Renée , Finzi Andrés , Mothes Walther , Kumar Priti , Chatelain Eric , Uchil Pradeep D.
Published: June 2023

Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) represent critical tools for combating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) that evolve to escape spike-based immunity and future coronaviruses with pandemic potential. Here, we used bioluminescence imaging to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of DAAs that target SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (favipiravir, molnupiravir) or Main protease (nirmatrelvir) against Delta or Omicron VOCs in K18-hACE2 mice. Nirmatrelvir displayed the best efficacy followed by molnupiravir and favipiravir in suppressing viral loads in the lung. Unlike neutralizing antibody treatment, DAA monotherapy did not eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in mice. However, targeting two viral enzymes by combining molnupiravir with nirmatrelvir resulted in superior efficacy and virus clearance. Furthermore, combining molnupiravir with Caspase-1/4 inhibitor mitigated inflammation and lung pathology whereas combining molnupiravir with COVID-19 convalescent plasma yielded rapid virus clearance and 100% survival. Thus, our study provides insights into treatment efficacies of DAAs and other effective combinations to bolster COVID-19 therapeutic arsenal.
Breeding and Reproduction of the African Turquoise KillifishNothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Chen Jingxun , Khondker Rishad C. , Brunet Anne
Published: June 2023

The successful breeding and reproduction of the African turquoise killifishNothobranchius furzeriin a controlled laboratory setting are required to establish this fish species as a model system for studying vertebrate development and aging. Here, we describe a protocol to care for and hatch African turquoise killifish embryos, raise the juvenile fish to adulthood, and breed this species using sand as the breeding bedding. We also provide suggestions for generating a large quantity of good-quality embryos.
Professional skills development: foundational curriculum skills and competencies of UK construction management programmes
Authors: Posillico John , Edwards David , Roberts Chris , Shelbourn Mark
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research presents a profile of the current skills and competencies that underpin construction management programmes' (CMP) curricula within United Kingdom (UK) higher education institutes (HEIs). In doing so, the work: synthesises disparate taught provisions across a range of HEIs; conducts a cross-comparative analysis between these provisions and engenders wider discourse and new insight into the consistency of current higher education practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Both interpretivism and pragmatism are adopted to analyse secondary data sourced from construction management undergraduate programmes in the UK inductive reasoning and inferential analysis (i.e. quantitative rank correlation, text/data mining and qualitative inquiry) are utilised to help underscore the current technical and interpersonal skills and competencies noted within the programmes and develop new theories on curriculum shortfalls and inadequacies.

Findings

Research findings demonstrate that the specific content of CMP are bespoke and tailored by the programme teaching team at each individual HEI; albeit, all programmes reviewed are in congruence regards the importance of broad technical and interpersonal themes. However, the degree to which these themes are publicly presented differ from the curricular and institutional documentation; specifically, a more “technical-based skill” image is being portrayed publicly whilst “interpersonal skills” are doing the heavy curriculum lifting. Hence, the foundational curriculum skills and competencies are firmly rooted in a sense of employability and career preparedness; a balance of technical and interpersonal skills. Identification of these skills and competencies provides a springboard for supplementary research to augment curriculum development.

Originality/value

This research constitutes the first attempt to conduct a cross-comparative analysis of descriptive metadata contained with curriculum development documents sourced from various UK HEIs. Emergent findings unearth the key skills and competencies that serve as the curriculum's foundation but also question whether a more consistent approach to construction management education should be sought.
Predictors of citizens' trust in public leadership in Ghana: a comparison between the president, MPs and MMDCEs
Authors: Dzordzormenyoh Michael K.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study was designed to assess the predictors of citizens' trust in public leaders in Ghana. Specifically, it assesses the effect of eight trust variables—competence/ability, integrity, communication, benevolence, political/quality of governance, rational/economic, risk-taking and socio-demographic characteristics—on citizens' trust in public leaders—the president, members of parliament (MPs) and metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs)—in Ghana from 2016 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Summary statistics, bivariate correlation and binary logistic regression were employed to analyze 2,400 responses of Ghanaians obtained from the Afro-Barometer round seven surveys on Ghana (2016–2018).

Findings

The results reveal that competence/ability, that is to say, the performance of the president, MPs and MMDCEs, influence citizens' trust in these leaders. Furthermore, communication, benevolence, rationality, risk-taking and socio-demographic variables were significant predictors of citizens' trust in the president. Likewise, competence/ability, communication, politics, benevolence and socio-demographic variables were predictors of citizens' trust in MPs. Additionally, competence/ability, communication, integrity, politics, benevolence and socio-demographic variables influence citizens' trust in MMDCEs. In short, the rationality and risk-taking variables only influence trust in the president, while the political variables influence trust in MPs and MMDCEs. However, integrity influences trust in MMDCEs. Future studies can investigate the factors that account for these differences to augment the current literature.

Originality/value

This article is unique because it examines and compares citizens' trust in three categories of public leaders—the president, MPs and MMDCEs—in Ghana using nationally representative data.
On the nature of supply chain reliability: models, solution approaches and agenda for future research
Authors: Kumar Devesh , Soni Gunjan , Kazancoglu Yigit , Rathore Ajay Pal Singh
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research aims to update the literature about the importance of reliability in supply chain (SC) and to find out the SC determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

This research surveys while contributing to the academic grasp of supply chain reliability (SCR) concepts. The study found 45 peer-reviewed publications using a structured survey technique with a four-step filtering process. The filtering process includes data reduction processes such as an evaluation of abstract and conclusion. The filtered study focuses on SCR and its determinants.

Findings

One of the major findings is that most of the study has focused on mathematical and conceptual studies. Also, this study provides the answer to a question like how can reliability be better accepted and evolved within the SC after finding the determinants of SCR.

Originality/value

The observed methodological gap in understanding and development of SCR was identified and classified into three categories: mathematical, conceptual and empirical studies (case studies and survey’s mainly). This research will aid academics in developing and understanding the determinants of SCR.
Standard deviation and rank sum-based MARCOS model under intuitionistic fuzzy information for hospital site selection
Authors: Hezam Ibrahim M. , Mishra Anand Kumar , Pamucar Dragan , Rani Pratibha , Mishra Arunodaya Raj
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper develops a decision-analysis model to prioritize and select the site to establish a new hospital over different indicators such as cost, market conditions, environmental factors, government factors, locations and demographics. In this way, an integrated model is proposed under the intuitionistic fuzzy information (IFI), the standard deviation (SD), the rank-sum (RS) and the measurement of alternatives and ranking using the compromise solution (MARCOS) approach for ranking hospital sites (HSs).

Design/methodology/approach

The IF-SD-RS model is presented to obtain the combined weight with the objective and subjective weights of diverse sub-criteria and indicators for ranking sites to establish the hospital. The IF-MARCOS model is discussed to prioritize the various sites to establish the hospital over several crucial indicators and sub-criteria.

Findings

The authors implement the developed model on a case study of HSs assessment for the construction of new hospital. In this regard, inclusive set of 6 key indicators and 18 sub-criteria are considered for the evaluation of HSs. This study distinguished that HS (h2) with combined utility function 0.737 achieves highest rank compared to the other three sites for the given information. Sensitivity analysis is discussed with different parameter values of sub-criteria to examine how changes in weight parameter ratings of the sub-criteria affect the prioritization of the options. Finally, comparative discussion is made with the diverse extant models to show the reasonability of the developed method.

Originality/value

This study aims to develop an original hybrid weighting tool called the IF-SD-RS model with the integration of IF-SD and IF-RS approaches to find the indicators' weights for prioritizing HSs. The developed integrated weighting model provides objective weight by IF-SD and subjective weight with the IF-RS model. The model presented in the paper deals with a consistent multi-attribute decision analysis (MADA) concerning the relations between indicators and sub-criteria for choosing the appropriate options using the developed IF-SD-RS-MARCOS model.
Women Leadership in Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Rahim Hafizah Binti Haji Abd
Published: June 2023

This article examines the experiences of women leaders and their challenges in Brunei Darussalam. Globally, women are underrepresented in leadership positions. Though the Brunei government does not discriminate against any gender in delivering free education, medical facilities and healthcare, women in leadership positions are as well underrepresented. I try to understand the factors that challenge as well as motivate women to become leaders in Brunei. For this research, I conducted qualitative interviews with some respondents selected purposively. The study results show that women leaders in Brunei face challenges in obtaining financial support and accessing resources. Despite the challenges, there are some women who have been assuming and excelling in their leadership roles. The study identified that personal strengths have also been critical in contributing to their successful leadership.
Readiness and Problems Encountered by Teachers in Quezon Province due to COVID-19: Basis for an intervention scheme
Authors: Borreo Ramil A. , Alva Gilbert C.
Published: June 2023

In times of crisis like COVID-19, teachers' readiness for class opening and their response to problems they encounter are critical. This study focuses on Quezon Province teachers' readiness and problems with the upcoming school year 2020-2021 to better understand this issue and develop an intervention plan. A descriptive-quantitative method was applied in the study, and cluster sampling was applied to select the sample. "Ready" was used as a verbal expression, and the overall mean score of 2.85 reflects readiness. There was a positive outlook on the teachers' profession, and they said they were ready to perform their duties and responsibilities under the new normal imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the teachers' difficulties were described as "Not a problem at all" by the overall mean score of 1.74. Teachers expressed concern about the impact and compromise on their time management caused by the reproduction of modules. Even more worrisome was the fact that teachers seemed to be struggling to access online seminars and training because their internet connection wasn't stable or good enough. Teachers may benefit from the intervention plan outlined in this paper in order to address the challenges they are currently facing.
Editorial Gema Dari Menara (1968), Brunei’s first feature film
Authors: Daud Kathrina Mohd
Published: June 2023

The film was a revelation to me because I was not aware of any visual record of such a culture in pre-independence Brunei. Until I saw the film, my impressions of Bruneian culture came mostly from hearsay and oral history […] to put it bluntly, Gema Dari Menara is not a very good film at all, but is nonetheless a time capsule of Brunei’s lost pop history.

Gema Dari Menara/ Echoes from the Minaret: A Conversation with Mervin Espina about the Lost Cinema of Brunei (Espina, 2013: 70)
Justifying the Sacred through the Secular: Evaluating Gema Dari Menara’s Arguments for Religious Prohibitions
Authors: Wee Daniel
Published: June 2023

This paper aims to analyze and evaluate the arguments provided in Gema Dari Menara that aim to justify Islamic prohibitions. The first part of this paper will attempt to indicate that the arguments concerning Islam’s prohibition of certain activities are surprisingly secular in their justification, in the sense that their reasoning rests on mundane empirical considerations rather than lofty theological exhortations. For instance, pre-marital sex must be prohibited because it would “ruin one’s personality and community”, Bruneians should not gamble because people who do so “forget their own responsibilities”, and alcohol should not be consumed because it can “ruin a sound mind and one’s personality”. These justifications do not appeal to the divine but instead refer to phenomena that can be observed, measured, and quantified. The second part of this paper will consider the implications of trying to justify absolute religious prohibitions through secular considerations. It will be argued that in doing so the film opens itself to empirical queries that must be addressed for the film to have its desired effect. This paper ultimately draws attention to some of the challenges facing religious apologetics as the social sciences gain prominence.
COVID-19 and shifting border policies in Southeast Asia
Authors: Ullah AKM Ahsan , Haji-Othman Noor Azam , Daud Kathrina Mohd
Published: June 2023

How prevalent is COVID-19 in Southeast Asia (SEA), and when will the region open its doors to foreign visitors? Following more than a year of global travel restrictions, these are the major concerns of potential visitors. The article examines border relations in SEA in the face of border restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2020, the region had been successful in sustaining low COVID-19 rates. This began to change with the emergence of the delta strain, which forced numerous countries in the region to deal with large outbreaks. For this paper, we relied heavily on secondary data, including the most recent relevant literature and credible and reliable publications from reputable organizations, to ensure the data sources' validity, reliability, and quality.
Struggling with Digital Pandemic: Students’ Narratives about Adapting to Online Learning at Home during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Karim Nur Syasya , Alam Meredian
Published: June 2023

With the ongoing catastrophe of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world seems to have come to a standstill. Daily living routines, work, and schools predominantly launched into a state of confusion, and people across the globe excessively find ways to cope with their experiences of this traumatic disaster. Concerning schools, the pandemic has dramatically challenged the education system with teaching and learning processes managed remotely, utilising online platforms. This paper explores university students’ perception of online learning, specifically during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, to uncover how they respond to this ‘new normal’ digital mode of teaching and learning and how they seek to regain control over the sudden shift in their lives. Through interviews with students from Universiti Darussalam (UBD) and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali UNISSA, this original article reveals students’ transformative behaviours during online learning, and institutional supports that contribute to the shaping of students' online learning experiences in Brunei.
CSR in Fighting against COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Lessons from Singapore
Authors: Ferdous Jannatul , Moyeen A F M Abdul
Published: June 2023

In recent years, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a prominent endeavour in numerous enterprises and organizations. The purpose of this article is to investigate the theoretical aspects of CSR's commercial significance, as well as to identify and analyse CSR practices during COVID-19 in Bangladesh and Singapore. Government funding alone may not be sufficient to offset any adversity's economic and other consequences. Hence, CSR has evolved. This article examines what role CSR played during the difficult COVID-19 pandemic in two countries. The private sector made significant contributions through CSR to healthcare infrastructure and mitigating the economic burden of COVID-19 in both countries.
Analysis of clock drift based on a three‐dimensional controlled‐source ocean bottom seismometer experiment
Authors: Zhang Jiazheng , Zhao Minghui , Yao Yongjian , Qiu Xuelin
Published: June 2023

Clock drift is common for the autonomous ocean bottom seismometer, and a technique of linear drift correction is usually used to fix this kind of timing error assuming that the internal clock has constant drift rate during deployment. However, non‐linear component of clock drift has also been found recently. In order to test the behaviours of the clock drift for 19 Chinese ocean bottom seismometers from a three‐dimensional controlled‐source seismic survey, we have analysed two types of differences in direct wave travel‐times, including one from all shots to the ocean bottom seismometer onboard and another one from the nearest two shots on different shooting lines to the ocean bottom seismometer on the seafloor. Comparison of the differences in direct wave travel‐times from seismic data with and without clock drift correction shows that linear drift correction can commendably eliminate them for most of the ocean bottom seismometers, but some large residuals remain for part of the ocean bottom seismometers. These residuals are inferred to be possibly related to the non‐linear component of clock drift caused by the temperature shock during deployment. The non‐linear clock drift usually varies from different ocean bottom seismometers and thus difficult to correct completely and resultantly will influence the timing accuracy somewhat. Hence, higher uncertainties are suggested to assign to the picked travel‐times for the ocean bottom seismometer with possibly larger non‐linear clock drift in the further tomographic modelling and the internal clock for this kind of ocean bottom seismometer should be recalibrated prior to the next experiment if which requires higher timing accuracy.
Anthropologies of extinction
Authors: Pálsson Gísli
Published: June 2023

This guest editorial reflects on the relevance of anthropology for extinction concerns, a rapidly expanding practical, ethnographic and theoretical space at a time of impending mass extinction. While biological extinction is necessarily a multispecies development (usually implicating humans), traditional species talk – focused on taxonomies, collections and classification – needs critical rethinking as it necessarily diverts attention from the vitality of life. The broad discipline of anthropology has much to offer for understanding processes of extinction and recovery, fleshing out habitat problems and prospects of extinction, and advancing meaningful environmentalist practices.
Associations of state and trait empathy with daily alcohol use
Authors: Kumar Lakshmi , Ringwald Whitney R. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Creswell Kasey G.
Published: June 2023

Background

A growing literature documents associations between lower trait empathy and heavier alcohol use and more alcohol problems in adolescent and young adult samples. Prior work linking empathy and alcohol use/problems in these populations has thus far focused on trait rather than state empathy, and researchers often do not differentiate between cognitive and affective empathy. Further, no prior studies have examined associations between daily fluctuations in state empathy and alcohol use. The goal of the current study is to advance knowledge about the associations between state (vs. trait) and cognitive (vs. affective) empathy and alcohol use.

Methods

Adult alcohol drinkers (n = 492; Mage = 22.89, SD = 5.53; 53.70% female) participated in ecological momentary assessment studies for 7 to 10 days (day n = 4683). Multilevel hurdle models were used to investigate associations between day‐level state empathy and daily alcohol use at the within‐person level, and associations between individual differences in trait empathy and alcohol use across days at the between‐person level.

Results

Higher day‐level state affective empathy was not associated with the likelihood of drinking on a particular day, but it was significantly associated with a greater number of drinks consumed on alcohol‐consuming days, with the latter associations remaining after controlling for day‐level positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). No associations were found for day‐level state cognitive empathy, or trait affective or cognitive empathy.

Conclusions

On drinking days, when individuals reported more affective empathy than is typical for them, they were more likely to consume a greater number of alcoholic drinks, results that remained when controlling for levels of PA and NA. Daily shifts in affective empathy may be important to consider in efforts to understand alcohol use.
Asia‐Pacific Leukemia Consortium: An innovative and collaborative initiative to improve care of leukemia and related diseases in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Lao Zhentang , Tse Eric Wai Choi , Chuncharunee Suporn , Kwong Yok Lam , Wei Andrew , Ko Bor Sheng , Kim Jin Seok , Ng Soo Chin , Wang Jianxiang , Goh Yeow Tee
Published: June 2023

The burden of leukemia and related diseases is rapidly growing in Asia. Currently, there is a paucity of regional collaborative groups/initiatives that focus exclusively on the management of leukemia in the Asia‐Pacific (APAC) region. The Asia‐Pacific Leukemia Consortium (APLC) was established on the 8 September 2021 to understand the status quo, unmet needs, and ways to improve the management of leukemia and related diseases in the APAC region. The APLC working group set up a group of experts from various countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Australia) to discuss on the status of: (i) clinical trials; (ii) disease registry database; (iii) genetic and tissue repository; (iv) patient advocacy and care; and (v) disease prevention and education in the APAC region. Low levels of awareness about leukemia amongst the public, lack of financial support, and limited access to newly approved therapies were identified as barriers to the implementation of effective leukemia management in low‐ or mid‐income Asian countries. Patients often enroll in clinical trials to gain access to novel/approved therapies. The APLC group aims to address the growing threat of leukemia through a collaborative approach to advance disease prevention, research, clinical trials, and education.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection vs. in‐vitro fertilization in couples in whom the male partners had a semen analysis within normal reference ranges: An open debate
Authors: Sciorio Romualdo , Fleming Steven D.
Published: June 2023

During recent decades, the application of intracytoplasmic sperm injection has increased considerably worldwide, especially in couples with non‐male factor infertility. However, several studies analyzing the broad use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, even in cases with a normal semen analysis, have collectively demonstrated no benefits compared to conventional in‐vitro fertilization. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the intracytoplasmic sperm injection technique vs. in‐vitro fertilization in cases of poor ovarian response or a low number of oocytes collected, or in patients with advanced maternal age. Since the intracytoplasmic sperm injection technique is more operator‐dependent and invasive, its use should only be recommended in cases of male‐factor infertility. There is some evidence showing that intracytoplasmic sperm injection is linked with an increased risk of birth defects. Albeit this evidence is limited, and currently it is not possible to draw a firm conclusion on these concerns, we do believe that these risks should be rigorously investigated. Thus, this review aims to clarify the debate on the application of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure, as compared to standard in‐vitro fertilization, in those assisted reproductive technology cycles without a clear male factor infertility. Furthermore, we try to clarify whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection would result in a higher live birth rate than in‐vitro fertilization, in couples with non‐male factor infertility.
Towards a Political Economy of Social Infrastructure: Contesting “Anti‐Social Infrastructures” in London
Authors: Horton Amy , Penny Joe
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we develop a situated and intersectional urban political economy approach to social infrastructure. This approach contrasts with a growing body of liberal urban geography, which offers an optimistic account of how shared spaces afford encounter and social connection. We present four arguments about why such outcomes cannot be assumed, which are informed by a case of contested redevelopment in the London borough of Haringey. First, social infrastructures express power relations, enacting distinct visions of “the social”, that are at times premised on the denigration of other forms of collective life as anti‐social. Second, elite social infrastructures are increasingly central to speculative urban development, serving to procure consent for, and valorise, investment. Third, other social infrastructures are essential networks of social reproduction and survival, especially for diverse working‐class communities: demolition and displacement mean infrastructural disruption. Finally, unequal political economies of social infrastructure are a realm of structural antagonism over urban citizenship (un)making.
The economics of artificial organs
Authors: Shah Aakash M.
Published: June 2023

Spurred by devoted research and institutional financing, organ replacement therapies have progressed monumentally over the last century. Concomitantly, there has been an escalation in healthcare costs. In an aging society where organ replacement therapy utilization is expected to continue to rise, will society need to rethink the economics of end‐stage organ dysfunction management?
A prospective comparison of UK and Malaysian patients with irritable bowel syndrome in secondary care
Authors: Chuah Kee‐Huat , Black Christopher J. , Tee Vincent , Lim Sze‐Zee , Hian Wen‐Xuan , Sahran Nur‐Fazimah , Lee Yeong‐Yeh , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Ford Alexander C.
Published: June 2023

Background

The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is now known to be similar in various geographical regions, but there has been no study directly comparing characteristics of patients with IBS between populations.

Aims

To evaluate clinical and psychological differences between adults with IBS seen in secondary care in the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia.

Methods

Age‐ and sex‐matched patients with IBS from a single centre in the UK (Leeds) and two centres in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bharu), who fulfilled Rome III criteria, were recruited prospectively. Demographic characteristics and gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms were compared between both groups.

Results

A total of 266 (133 UK and 133 Malaysian) age‐ and sex‐matched patients with Rome III IBS were recruited (mean age: 45.1 years Malaysia, vs. 46.5 years UK; 57.9% female). UK patients were more likely to consume alcohol than Malaysian patients (54.1% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Compared with Malaysian patients, UK patients had more frequent abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, meal‐related symptoms (p < 0.001 for all), higher symptom scores (mean 268.0 vs 166.0; p < 0.001), greater limitation of activities due to IBS (p = 0.007) and were more likely to report abnormal anxiety scores (p < 0.001). Higher perceived stress (mean 21.3 vs. 19.1, p = 0.014) and gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety scores (mean 50.8 vs. 43.0, p < 0.001) were also observed in UK patients. Finally, UK patients had higher somatoform symptom‐reporting scores (mean 8.9 vs. 6.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

IBS is more severe and is associated with a higher level of psychological symptoms in the UK compared with Malaysian patients in secondary care.
Antenatal cardiotocography in primary midwife‐led care: Women's satisfaction
Authors: Neppelenbroek Elise M. , Ammerlaan Anouk J. M. , van der Heijden Olivier W. H. , van der Pijl Marit S. G. , Kaiser Anouk , de Jonge Ank , Verhoeven Corine J. M.
Published: June 2023

Background

In the Netherlands, antenatal cardiotocography (aCTG), used to assess fetal well‐being, is performed in obstetrician‐led care. To improve continuity of care, an innovation project was designed wherein primary care midwives perform aCTGs for specific indications. The aim of this study was to examine the satisfaction and experiences of pregnant women who received an aCTG in primary midwife‐led care and explore which factors were associated with high satisfaction.

Methods

Data were collected through a self‐administered questionnaire based on the Consumer Quality Index. The primary outcome was general satisfaction on a 10‐point scale, with a score above nine indicating participants were “highly satisfied”.

Results

In total, 1227 women were included in the analysis. The study showed a mean general satisfaction score of 9.2. Most women were highly satisfied with receiving an aCTG in primary midwife‐led care (77.4%). On the Consumer Quality Index, the mean satisfaction level varied from 3.98 (SD ± 0.11) for the subscale “client satisfaction” to 3.87 (SD ± 0.32) for the subscale “information provision” on a 4‐point scale. Women at between 33 and 36 weeks' gestation were more likely to be highly satisfied (adjusted OR [aOR] = 3.35). Compared with a completely comfortable position during the aCTG, a mostly comfortable or somewhat comfortable level had decreased odds of being associated with a ranking of highly satisfied (aOR 0.24 and 0.19, respectively).

Conclusions

This study shows that pregnant women are satisfied with having an aCTG in midwife‐led care. Providing aCTG in midwife‐led care can increase access to continuity of care.
Oral anti‐viral therapy for early COVID‐19 infection in patients with haematological malignancies: A multicentre prospective cohort
Authors: Minoia Carla , Diella Lucia , Perrone Tommasina , Loseto Giacomo , Pelligrino Carmen , Attolico Immacolata , Pasciolla Crescenza , Totaro Valentina , De Candia Maria Stella , Spada Vito , Clemente Felice , Camporeale Michele , Di Gennaro Francesco , Guarini Attilio , Musto Pellegrino , Saracino Annalisa , Bavaro Davide Fiore
Published: June 2023

High rates of lung failure have been reported in haematological patients after SARS‐CoV2 infection. An early administration of monoclonal antibodies or anti‐virals may improve the prognosis. Oral anti‐virals may have a wider use independently of the genetic variations of the virus. Prospective data on anti‐virals in haematological malignancies (HMs) are still lacking. Outpatients diagnosed with HM and early COVID‐19 infection were prospectively treated with the oral anti‐virals nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir. Incidence of lung failure, deaths and adverse events was analysed. Long‐term outcome at third month was evaluated. Eighty‐two outpatients were evaluable for the study objectives. All patients had been treated for their HM within 12 months. COVID‐19‐related lung failure was 23.1%. Active HM (aOR = 4.42; p = 0.038) and prolonged viral shedding (aOR = 1.04; p = 0.022) resulted independent predictors of severe infection. The vaccination with three to four doses (aOR = 0.02; p = 0.001) and with two doses (aOR = 0.06; p = 0.006) resulted protective. COVID‐19‐related deaths at 28 days were 6.1%. All‐cause mortality at 90‐day follow‐up was 13.4% (n. 11) and included opportunistic infections and cardiovascular events. In conclusion, this approach reduced the incidence of lung failure and specific mortality compared to previous cohorts, but patients remain at high risk of further complications.
Protected area coverage of vulnerable regions to conserve functional diversity of birds
Authors: Martínez‐Núñez Carlos , Martínez‐Prentice Ricardo , García‐Navas Vicente
Published: June 2023

Global‐change drivers are increasing the rates of species extinction worldwide, posing a serious threat to ecosystem functioning. Preserving the functional diversity of species is currently a priority to mitigate abrupt biodiversity loss in the coming decades. Therefore, understanding what factors better predict functional diversity loss in bird assemblages at a global scale and how existing protected areas cover the most vulnerable regions is of key importance for conservation. We examined the environmental factors associated with the risk of functional diversity loss under 3 scenarios of bird species extinction based on species distribution range size, generation length, and International Union for the Conservation of Nature conservation status. Then, we identified regions that deserve special conservation focus. We also assessed how efficiently extant terrestrial protected areas preserve particularly vulnerable bird assemblages based on predicted scenarios of extinction risk. The vulnerability of bird functional diversity increased as net primary productivity, land‐use diversity, mean annual temperature, and elevation decreased. Low values for these environmental factors were associated with a higher risk of functional diversity loss worldwide through two mechanisms: one independent of species richness that affects assemblages with low levels of niche packing and high functional dissimilarity among species, and the other that affects assemblages with low species richness and high rates of extinction. Existing protected areas ineffectively safeguarded regions with a high risk of losing functional diversity in the next decades. The global predictors and the underlying mechanisms of functional vulnerability in bird assemblages we identified can inform strategies aimed at preserving bird‐driven ecological functions worldwide.
A multidisciplinary approach to estimating wolf population size for long‐term conservation
Authors: Marucco Francesca , Boiani Maria V. , Dupont Pierre , Milleret Cyril , Avanzinelli Elisa , Pilgrim Kristine , Schwartz Michael K. , von Hardenberg Achaz , Perrone Domenica Serena , Friard Olivier P. , Menzano Arianna , Bisi Francesco , Fattori Umberto , Tomasella Michela , Calderola Sonia , Carolfi Sabrina , Ferrari Piero , Chioso Christian , Truc Fabrizio , Bombieri Giulia , Pedrotti Luca , Righetti Davide , Acutis Pierluigi L. , Guglielmo Fabio , Hauffe Heidi C. , Rossi Chiara , Caniglia Romolo , Aragno Paola , La Morgia Valentina , Genovesi Piero , Bischof Richard
Published: June 2023

The wolf (Canis lupus) is among the most controversial of wildlife species. Abundance estimates are required to inform public debate and policy decisions, but obtaining them at biologically relevant scales is challenging. We developed a system for comprehensive population estimation across the Italian alpine region (100,000 km2), involving 1513 trained operators representing 160 institutions. This extensive network allowed for coordinated genetic sample collection and landscape‐level spatial capture–recapture analyses that transcended administrative boundaries to produce the first estimates of key parameters for wolf population status assessment. Wolf abundance was estimated at 952 individuals (95% credible interval 816–1120) and 135 reproductive units (i.e., packs) (95% credible interval 112–165). We also estimated that mature individuals accounted for 33–45% of the entire population. The monitoring effort was spatially estimated thereby overcoming an important limitation of citizen science data. This is an important approach for promoting wolf–human coexistence based on wolf abundance monitoring and an endorsement of large‐scale harmonized conservation practices.
Temperature niche composition change inside and outside protected areas under climate warming
Authors: Hintsanen Leena , Marjakangas Emma‐Liina , Santangeli Andrea , Johnston Alison , Lehikoinen Aleksi
Published: June 2023

Conservation of biodiversity relies heavily on protected areas but their role and effectiveness under a warming climate is still debated. We estimated the climate‐driven changes in the temperature niche compositions of bird communities inside and outside protected areas in southern Canada. We hypothesized that communities inside protected areas include a higher proportion of cold‐dwelling species than communities outside protected areas. We also hypothesized that communities shift to warm‐dwelling species more slowly inside protected areas than outside. To study community changes, we used large‐scale and long‐term (1997–2019) data from the Breeding Bird Survey of Canada. To describe the temperature niche compositions of bird communities, we calculated the community temperature index (CTI) annually for each community inside and outside protected areas. Generally, warm‐dwelling species dominated communities with high CTI values. We modeled temporal changes in CTI as a function of protection status with linear mixed‐effect models. We also determined which species contributed most to the temporal changes in CTI with a jackknife approach. As anticipated, CTI was lower inside protected areas than outside. However, contrary to our expectation, CTI increased faster over time inside than outside protected areas and warm‐dwelling species contributed most to CTI change inside protected areas. These results highlight the ubiquitous impacts of climate warming. Currently, protected areas can aid cold‐dwelling species by providing habitat, but as the climate warms, the communities’ temperature compositions inside protected areas quickly begin to resemble those outside protected areas, suggesting that protected areas delay the impacts of climate warming on cold‐dwelling species.
Conservation of Chinese Theaceae species under future climate and land use changes
Authors: Zhao Xuzhe , Wei Wei , Zhang Jingjing , Pan Shan , Che Qibing , Tang Junfeng
Published: June 2023

Aim

Climate and land use changes are two major pervasive and growing global causes of rapid changes in the distribution patterns of biodiversity, challenging the future effectiveness of protected areas (PAs), which were mainly designed based on a static view of biodiversity. Therefore, evaluating the effectiveness of protected areas for protecting the species threatened by climate and land use change is critical for future biodiversity conservation.

Location

China.

Methods

Here, using distributions of 200 Chinese Theaceae species and ensemble species distribution models, we identified species threatened by future climate and land use change (i.e. species with predicted loss of suitable habitat ≥30%) under scenarios incorporating climate change, land use change and dispersal. We then estimate the richness distribution patterns of threatened species and identify priority conservation areas and conservation gaps of the current PA network.

Results

Our results suggest that 36.30%–51.85% of Theaceae species will be threatened by future climate and land use conditions and that although the threatened species are mainly distributed at low latitudes in China under both current and future periods, the mean richness of the threatened species per grid cell will decline by 0.826–3.188 species by the 2070s. Moreover, we found that these priority conservation areas are highly fragmented and that the current PA network only covers 14.21%–20.87% of the ‘areas worth exploring’ and 6.91%–7.91% of the ‘areas worth attention’.

Main Conclusions

Our findings highlight the necessity of establishing new protected areas and ecological corridors in priority conservation areas to protect the threatened species. Moreover, our findings also highlight the importance of taking into consideration the potential threatened species under future climate and land use conditions when designating priority areas for biodiversity conservation.
Urgrund and access to the Urgrund in Karoline von Günderrode’s discussion with the thought of Friedrich Schleiermacher
Authors: Herrera Hugo E.
Published: June 2023

Friedrich Schleiermacher is among the philosophers who influenced Karoline von Günderrode's thought. Although this influence is relevant, it has received little attention. Both authors agree on distinguishing “spirit” and “body” or “the inner and the outer” in similar terms. However, there was a significant difference between them. In Schleiermacher's works that Günderrode considered (On Religion and Soliloquies), he conceives of the relationship as one in which the world or outer depends on the spirit or inner. For Günderrode, this relationship is polar, as “spirit” and “world” form part of an original totality. This difference from the philosopher influences the issue that both raised of access to the “primordial ground.” For Schleiermacher, the world depends on spirit; the issue of access to that foundation is circumscribed to access to the spiritual dimension. In contrast, for Günderrode, “spirit” and “body” are poles of a previous original totality. Hence, access to the primordial ground does not coincide with the spirit's access to itself. Instead, access to unity is both spiritual and corporeal. Günderrode's differences from Schleiermacher are based on an argument we attempt to elucidate and evaluate in this article.
Hermite‐Shannon‐Cosine spectral method for fractional partial differential equations
Authors: Hu Haitao , Cattani Piercarlo , Mei Shuli
Published: June 2023

Shannon‐Cosine wavelet function possesses almost all excellent characteristics such as interpolation, compact support, and smoothness. As an interpolation wavelet function, it could be applied in fractional partial differential equations effectively. However, when solving engineering problems in a finite interval, the treatment of the boundary is still not smooth enough. So, the Hermite‐Shannon‐Cosine interval wavelet is constructed using the Hermite interpolation function to achieve smoother transitions at the boundary of the interval, thereby reducing boundary effects. Based on this, a method for solving Fractional PDEs is proposed, the method's performance and its processing capability at the interval boundary are verified by taking the Fractional Fokker‐Planck equation and the Time‐Fractional Korteweg‐de Vries equation as examples. Compared with the multi‐scale Faber‐Schauder wavelet collocation method, Point‐Symmetric interval wavelet spectral method, Dynamic interval wavelet spectral method, and so forth, the experimental results show that the method performs better in terms of numerical accuracy and effectiveness.