bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Price factors analysis and volatility prediction of Belt and Road Theme Index based on EMD application
Authors: Zhang Hongmin , He Jinming
Published: May 2023

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, and relevant theme indexes have attracted market attention. As a characteristic policy of China’s foreign trade, it is of great significance to study the development situation of its related stocks for the progress and future development of the Belt and Road. In this paper, EMD method and ARMA model are adopted. Taking the SSE One Belt & One Road Index as the representative of the Belt and Road Theme Index, the paper analyzes the price influencing factors of the Belt and Road theme stocks and predicts the future trend of their volatility. It believes that the price of the Belt and Road theme index is mainly affected by three parts: market supply relationship, short-term common influencing factors and long-term major event impact. Making EMDARMA prediction on its volatility and finds it to be more accurate than using the ARMA model directly.r load forecasting is very important for power dispatching. Accurate load forecasting is of great significance for saving energy, reducing generating cost and improving social and economic benefits. In order to accurately predict the power load, based on BP neural network theory, combined with the advantages of Clementine in dealing with big data and preventing overfitting, a neural network prediction model for large data is constructed.
Study of Child Care-Based Public Child Care and Female Labor Participation
Authors: Zhou Yalin
Published: May 2023

Based on the exogenous policy impact of the divestiture of social functions by state-owned enterprises in China,we select five rounds of CFPS survey data and 104 city characteristic data to study the long-term impact of reduced access to public childcare services on labor participation behavior of women aged 16-55. The results show that decreased access to public childcare services will have a significant adverse impact on women’s long-term labor participation behavior and personal income levels,and will impact on women’s job promotion opportunities and overall job satisfaction.
Evaluation and Policy Optimization of Inclusive Green Growth of City Clusters Along the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Liu Sha
Published: May 2023

Under the background of the transformation of the main social contradictions and the new stage of improving the quality and efficiency of the economy, it is of great significance for the regional high-quality development to promote the inclusive green growth of city clusters along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Based on SBM-Malmquist-Luenberger model, this paper measures the real performance of inclusive green growth of city clusters along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and corresponding policy optimization suggestions are put forward.
Study on Tax and Fee System of Oil and Gas Resources from the Perspective of Ecological Compensation
Authors: Huang Xinying , Liu Yang , Zhou Di , Li Yanmiao , Si Si
Published: May 2023

The ecological compensation system also implements the concept of intergenerational equity. By actively exploring and perfecting the ecological compensation system, resource-based cities can carry out ecological restoration and restoration in time while developing oil and gas resources, so that the carrying capacity of ecological environment can support the benign development of social economy and environment in resource-based cities, which is of great significance not only to resource-based cities, but also to the sustainable development of the entire oil and gas resources industry. Taking ecological compensation as the breakthrough point, this paper points out the necessity of oil and gas resources tax system from the perspective of ecological compensation, and puts forward some ideas and suggestions, such as levying environmental protection tax, establishing the legal system of ecological compensation for oil and gas resources development, improving the integrity and rationality of oil and gas resources tax system and other guarantee mechanisms.
Impact of Digital Transformation on Corporate Innovation--Empirical evidence from public companies
Authors: Cui Jianing
Published: May 2023

In the context of comprehensive penetration and cross-border integration of information technology, digital transformation of enterprises has become an important way to accelerate enterprise innovation and lead economic innovation growth, injecting new vitality into enterprises. Based on the textual information of annual reports of A-share listed companies from 2011-2021, this paper constructs a measure of digital transformation and systematically examines the impact of digital transformation on corporate innovation output and its impact mechanism. It is found that there is a significant positive relationship between digital transformation and innovation output of enterprises, and the finding is robust. The mechanism test indicates that corporate digital transformation promotes corporate innovation by increasing innovation inputs and promoting corporate learning effects. Further study found that the promotion effect of corporate digital transformation on corporate innovation was more pronounced in large enterprises, high-tech enterprises, stateowned enterprises, enterprises whose executives have master’s degrees, and enterprises in relatively close geographical proximity to the eastern region. This study not only enriches the empirical research on the consequences of digital transformation and the mechanism of enterprises using new dynamic energy to enhance transformation, but also has important implications for promoting the layout adjustment of national digital innovation-driven strategies.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and ESG Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Zhixue
Published: May 2023

Using the data of listed companies in Chinese A-share market from 2011 to 2020, this paper investigates the effect of the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG). The results show that during periods of high economic policy uncertainty, firms increase their overall ESG performance, corporate environmental performance, social performance and governance performance. Heterogeneous analyses show that the positive effect of EPU on ESG performance is more pronounced for state-owned enterprises, for firms with better corporate governance, for firms with more institutional investors, and for firms with less financing constraints. This study contributes to the literature on the determinants of ESG and provides implications for both practitioners and academics.
Research on the return of e-commerce live broadcast
Authors: Tan Yuezhu
Published: May 2023

This paper introduces the current situation of high return rate in live broadcasts, then analyzes the reverse logistics articles of related e-commerce platforms, and finds that only a small number of authors focus on the return problem in live broadcasts. In order to reduce the return rate of live broadcasts, this paper starting with consumers, enterprises, and live broadcast anchors, analyzes their problems of returning goods in live broadcasts and then stands in their perspective to solve the problem of high return rate in live broadcasts.
Current practices, challenges, and opportunities for lifestyle-based market segmentation of older consumers in Thailand
Authors: Yamprayam Karuna , Choemprayong Songphan , Taiphapoon Tatri
Published: May 2023

Older consumers’ consumption patterns differ from those of other customer groups, affecting many business factors and practices, including product development and service delivery. Acquiring, monitoring, and processing lifestyle and other behavior-oriented data become key activities to gain insights about older consumers. While lifestyle patterns have been observed in marketing research for several decades, observing older consumers’ lifestyles is still a challenging task and needs further exploration. This study investigates the current practices of marketing researchers and professionals in Thailand in conducting lifestyle-based market segmentation (LMS) as well as related challenges and opportunities. A qualitative in-depth interview approach was employed, with eighteen marketers who have at least ten years of experience. The verbatim data were analyzed by using deductive thematic analysis. As a result, Thai marketers frequently use self-reported questionnaires in offline and online formats, face-to-face interviews with older consumers, telephone surveys, and questionnaires posted on social media sites to collect data for LMS. From the marketers’ perspectives, the LMS of older consumers requires abundant resources. It is still perplexing to access data that directly lead to customer insights into the current practices. Additionally, there is a lack of data collection tools tailored to LMS for the older population. Nevertheless, these issues shed some light on specific opportunities to develop more robust and tailored tools and techniques to conduct LMS faster and more efficiently (i.e., getting valid and reliable data while using fewer resources than the current ones).
Research on the Cultivation of Endogenous Motive Forces for Changing Customs and Customs in the Process of Rural Revitalization
Authors: Yu Fangting
Published: May 2023

This article is based on the background of rural revitalization in China to conduct research on the cultivation of endogenous driving forces for changing customs. It mainly focuses on the “endogeneity” of power, introduces elements with the characteristics of the new era such as “new rural talents”, pays attention to the occurrence and evolution of “new bad customs” in the social change, systematically analyzes the generation and operation mechanism of the endogenous power of changing customs, and makes a field survey of the development of changing customs in rural areas of Rugao City, China, especially the cultivation of the endogenous power of the main body, Analyze the factors that hinder the role of endogenous driving force in the construction of local rural customs, construct a mechanism model for cultivating endogenous driving force, and then propose targeted suggestions, summarize general experience, promote the revitalization of rural culture, and develop a new era of rural civilization.
On the protection of the rights and interests of over-age workers from the perspective of retirement rights
Authors: Wang Zexi
Published: May 2023

The protection of the rights and interests of over-age workers has come to the forefront with the advent of an aging society in China. As a right of workers, the right to retirement should be an important perspective for analyzing over-age labor relations. In the current protection of the rights and interests of overage workers in China, due to the neglect of the right to retirement, there are three major difficulties: the nature of “over-age employment relationship” is blurred, the unfairness of “over-age” determination for men and women, and the weak awareness of over-age workers to protect their rights. In this regard, we should build a flexible retirement model, realize the freedom of employment of over-age workers, gradually narrow the gap of “over-age” recognition, clarify the content of the rights of over-age workers, and further improve the relevant supporting mechanisms in order to effectively realize the protection of the rights and interests of over-age workers.
Chemical–Physical Characterization of PET-G-Based Material for Orthodontic Use: Preliminary Evaluation of micro-Raman Analysis
Authors: Nicita Fabiana , D'Amico Cesare , Filardi Vincenzo , Spadaro Donatella , Aquilio Emidio , Mancini Maura , Fiorillo Luca
Published: May 2023

Objectives Orthodontic treatment with clear thermoplastic aligners is in great demand by patients especially for aesthetics. Any alterations in the chemical composition of the thermoplastic material for aligners, subjected to the oral environment and exposure to various commonly used substances, could influence the desired orthodontic movement decreasing the predictability of the treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical–physical characterization by micro-Raman spectroscopy of a thermoplastic material based on polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) used for the manufacture of Lineo aligners (Micerium Lab, Avegno, Italy) subjected to different staining beverages and cleaning agents.

Materials and Methods Twenty-two thermoformed PET-G samples were immersed to various substances of daily use for 10 and 15 days (coffee, tea, Coca-Cola, red wine, colloidal silver disinfectant, nicotine, artificial saliva, cigarette smoke, and different combinations of saliva with some of the previous solutions). Subsequently, the chemical–physical characterization was investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy.

Results The analysis of the spectra acquired for all the specimens showed no difference in the exposure to the different solvents at 10 and 15 days. Furthermore, having ascertained the heterogeneous surface morphology of the PET-G material due to thermoforming, various deposits were present on all the samples whose consistency and concentration depended on the substance used.

Conclusion The spectroscopic investigations have provided a precise and detailed analysis of the qualitative and structural data of the PET-G material under examination. No significant structural modifications of the thermoplastic polymer were found after immersion in different solutions in the exposure times adopted.
Agreement of and discussion with clients about Undetectable equals Untransmissible among general practitioners in Australia: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wu Jason , Fairley Christopher K. , Grace Daniel , Chow Eric P. F. , Ong Jason J.
Published: May 2023

Background The message of undetectable HIV viral load equals untransmissible (U=U) is important to reduce HIV stigma. We examined Australian general practitioner (GP)s’ agreement of and discussion with clients about U=U. Methods We conducted an online survey through GP networks from April to October 2022. All GPs working within Australia were eligible. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with: (1) agreement of U=U; and (2) discussing U=U with clients. Results Of 703 surveys, 407 were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 39.7 years (s.d.: 8.4). Most GPs (74.2%, n = 302) agreed with U=U, but only 33.9% (n = 138) had ever discussed U=U with clients. Key barriers to discussing U=U were lack of relevant client presentations (48.7%), lack of understanding about U=U (39.9%), and difficulty identifying those who would benefit from U=U (6.6%). Agreement with U=U was associated with greater odds of discussing U=U (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.33–9.68), younger age (AOR 0.96 per additional year of age, 95%CI: 0.94–0.99), and extra training in sexual health (AOR 1.96, 95%CI: 1.11–3.45). Discussing U=U was associated with younger age (AOR 0.97, 95%CI: 0.94–1.00), extra training with sexual health (AOR 1.93, 95%CI: 1.17–3.17), and negatively associated with working in a metropolitan or suburban area (AOR 0.45, 95%CI: 0.24–0.86). Conclusion Most GPs agreed with U=U, but most had not discussed U=U with their clients. Concerningly, one in four GPs were neutral or disagreed with U=U, suggesting that further qualitative research to understand this finding, and implementation research to promote U=U among Australian GPs, is urgently needed.
Calibration of cell-free DNA measurements by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Hoerres Derek , Dai Qunsheng , Elmore Sandra , Sheth Siddharth , Gupta Gaorav P , Kumar Sunil , Gulley Margaret L
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Accurate monitoring of disease burden depends on accurate disease marker quantification. Although next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a promising technology for noninvasive monitoring, plasma cell-free DNA levels are often reported in misleading units that are confounded by non–disease-related factors. We proposed a novel strategy for calibrating NGS assays using spiked normalizers to improve precision and to promote standardization and harmonization of analyte concentrations.

Methods

In this study, we refined our NGS protocol to calculate absolute analyte concentrations to (1) adjust for assay efficiency, as judged by recovery of spiked synthetic normalizer DNAs, and (2) calibrate NGS values against droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). As a model target, we chose the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome. In patient (n = 12) and mock (n = 12) plasmas, NGS and 2 EBV ddPCR assays were used to report EBV load in copies per mL of plasma.

Results

Next-generation sequencing was equally sensitive to ddPCR, with improved linearity when NGS values were normalized for spiked DNA read counts (R2 = 0.95 for normalized vs 0.91 for raw read concentrations). Linearity permitted NGS calibration to each ddPCR assay, achieving equivalent concentrations (copies/mL).

Conclusions

Our novel strategy for calibrating NGS assays suggests potential for a universal reference material to overcome biological and preanalytical variables hindering traditional NGS strategies for quantifying disease burden.
Locally recurrent rectal cancer: Oncological outcomes for patients with a pathological complete response after neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Nordkamp Stefi , Piqeur Floor , van den Berg Kim , Tolenaar Jip L , van Hellemond Irene E G , Creemers Geert-Jan , Roef Mark , van Lijnschoten Gesina , Cnossen Jeltsje S , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A P , Bloemen Johanne G , Coolen Liën , Nederend Joost , Peulen Heike M U , Rutten Harm J T , Burger Jacobus W A
Published: May 2023

Background

For patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer, it is an ongoing pursuit to establish factors predicting or improving oncological outcomes. In locally advanced rectal cancer, a pCR appears to be associated with improved outcomes. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare the oncological outcomes of patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer with and without a pCR.

Methods

Patients who underwent neoadjuvant treatment and surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer with curative intent between January 2004 and June 2020 at a tertiary referral hospital were analysed. Primary outcomes included overall survival, disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and local re-recurrence-free survival, stratified according to whether the patient had a pCR.

Results

Of a total of 345 patients, 51 (14.8 per cent) had a pCR. Median follow-up was 36 (i.q.r. 16–60) months. The 3-year overall survival rate was 77 per cent for patients with a pCR and 51.1 per cent for those without (P < 0.001). The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 56 per cent for patients with a pCR and 26.1 per cent for those without (P < 0.001). The 3-year local re-recurrence-free survival rate was 82 and 44 per cent respectively (P < 0.001). Surgical procedures (for example soft tissue, sacrum, and urogenital organ resections) and postoperative complications were comparable between patients with and without a pCR.

Conclusion

This study showed that patients with a pCR have superior oncological outcomes to those without a pCR. It may therefore be safe to consider a watch-and-wait approach in highly selected patients, potentially improving quality of life by omitting extensive surgical procedures without compromising oncological outcomes.
Association between incident depression and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Zhu Nanbo , Virtanen Suvi , Xu Hong , Carrero Juan Jesús , Chang Zheng
Published: May 2023

Background

Depression is highly prevalent and related to increased morbidity and mortality in patients on dialysis, but less is known among patients with earlier stages of CKD. This study investigated the associations between depression and clinical outcomes in patients with CKD not receiving dialysis.

Methods

We identified 157 398 adults with CKD stages 3–5 not previously diagnosed with depression from the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project. The primary outcomes included hospitalization, CKD progression (>40% decline in eGFR, initiation of kidney replacement therapy, or death due to CKD), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death), and all-cause mortality. Survival analyses were used to estimate the associations between incident depression and adverse health outcomes, adjusting for socio-demographics, kidney disease severity, healthcare utilization, comorbidities, and concurrent use of medications.

Results

During a median follow-up of 5.1 (interquartile range: 2.3–8.5) years, 12 712 (8.1%) patients received an incident diagnosis of depression. A total of 634 471 hospitalizations (4 600 935 hospitalized days), 42 866 MACEs, and 66 635 deaths were recorded, and 9795 individuals met the criteria for CKD progression. In the multivariable-adjusted analyses, incident depression was associated with an elevated rate of hospitalized days [rate ratio: 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71–1.83], as well as an increased rate of CKD progression [hazard ratio (HR): 1.38, 95% CI: 1.28–1.48], MACE (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.18–1.27), and all-cause mortality (HR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.37–1.45). The association with CKD progression was more evident after one year of depression diagnosis (HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.36–1.59). Results were robust across a range of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Among patients with nondialysis-dependent CKD stages 3–5, incident depression is associated with poor prognosis, including hospitalization, CKD progression, MACE, and all-cause mortality.
Hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation: long-term outcomes from a single-centre 10-year experience
Authors: Pannone Luigi , Mouram Sahar , Della Rocca Domenico Giovanni , Sorgente Antonio , Monaco Cinzia , Del Monte Alvise , Gauthey Anaïs , Bisignani Antonio , Kronenberger Rani , Paparella Gaetano , Ramak Robbert , Overeinder Ingrid , Bala Gezim , Almorad Alexandre , Ströker Erwin , Sieira Juan , Brugada Pedro , Chierchia Gian Battista , La Meir Mark , de Asmundis Carlo
Published: May 2023

Aims

Hybrid atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a promising approach in non-paroxysmal AF. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term outcomes of hybrid ablation in a large cohort of patients after both an initial and as a redo procedure.

Methods and results

All consecutive patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation at UZ Brussel from 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Hybrid AF ablation was performed in a one-step procedure: (i) thoracoscopic ablation followed by (ii) endocardial mapping and eventual ablation. All patients received PVI and posterior wall isolation. Additional lesions were performed based on clinical indication and physician judgement. Primary endpoint was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas). A total of 120 consecutive patients were included, 85 patients (70.8%) underwent hybrid AF ablation as first procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 100%), 20 patients (16.7%) as second procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 30%), and 15 patients (12.5%) as third procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 33.3%). After a mean follow-up of 62.3 months ± 20.3, a total of 63 patients (52.5%) experienced ATas recurrence. Complications occurred in 12.5% of patients. There was no difference in ATas between patients undergoing hybrid as first vs. redo procedure (P = 0.53). Left atrial volume index and recurrence during blanking period were independent predictors of ATas recurrence.

Conclusion

In a large cohort of patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation, the survival from ATas recurrence was 47.5% at ≈5 years follow-up. There was no difference in clinical outcomes between patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation as first procedure or as a redo.
Contrasting Torpor Use by Reproductive Male Common Noctule Bats in the Laboratory and in the Field
Authors: Keicher Lara , Shipley J Ryan , Schaeffer Paul J , Dechmann Dina K N
Published: May 2023

Synopsis

Metabolic processes of animals are often studied in controlled laboratory settings. However, these laboratory settings often do not reflect the animals’ natural environment. Thus, results of metabolic measurements from laboratory studies must be cautiously applied to free-ranging animals. Recent technological advances in animal tracking allow detailed eco-physiological studies that reveal when, where, and how physiological measurements from the field differ from those from the laboratory. We investigated the torpor behavior of male common noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) across different life history stages using two approaches: in controlled laboratory experiments and in the field using calibrated heart rate telemetry. We predicted that non-reproductive males would extensively use torpor to conserve energy, whereas reproductive males would reduce torpor use to promote spermatogenesis. We did not expect differences in torpor use between captive and wild animals as we simulated natural temperature conditions in the laboratory. We found that during the non-reproductive phase, both captive and free-ranging bats used torpor extensively. During reproduction, bats in captivity unexpectedly also used torpor throughout the day, while only free-ranging bats showed the expected reduction in torpor use. Thus, depending on life history stage, torpor behavior in the laboratory was markedly different from the wild. By implementing both approaches and at different life history stages, we were able to better explore the limitations of eco-physiological laboratory studies and make recommendations for when they are an appropriate proxy for natural behavior.
Environmental and ecological changes influence lifetime trends of reproduction, stress, and stable isotopes reconstructed from female yelloweye rockfish opercula
Authors: Charapata Patrick , Trumble Stephen
Published: May 2023

Climate change threatens fisheries health through changing ecosystem dynamics; however, the impacts on the physiology and ecology of commercial fish populations are unclear. Here, annually deposited growth increments of female yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) opercula collected in the Gulf of Alaska were used to successfully reconstruct lifetime (∼1-year resolution) steroid hormone, stable isotope, spawning, and stress data. We assessed how hormone profiles, spawning and distress frequencies related to sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll a concentrations as well as climate indices. Further, we assessed whether incorporating indicators of foraging depth and diet, stable isotope values (ẟ13C and ẟ15N), would improve model interpretations. Progesterone and estradiol concentrations decreased with increasing SST, suggesting that increasing SSTs may negatively impact juvenile and subadult females’ reproductive development. Spawning frequency was positively linked to changes in the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) index, potentially timed with favorable conditions for larval survival. This was supported by juveniles having a lower probability of a distress event during positive NPGO years compared to negative NPGO years. While relationships among environmental data and yelloweye rockfish physiology were weak, this study provides insight into the environmental impacts on the lifetime reproduction and stress of a commercially important teleost species.
Improving low-value clinical practices in Murcia: a healthcare management area in Spain
Authors: Lopez-Picazo Julio J , Moreno Ana B , Vidal-Abarca Inmaculada , López-Ibáñez Mercedes
Published: May 2023

The ‘do not do’ (DND) movement looks for improving patient safety and reducing health spending by decreasing the prevalence of unnecessary clinical practices through building and launching ‘do not do’ recommendations, although the impact is generally low. The objective of this study is to improve the quality of care and safety of patients assigned to a health management area by reducing the prevalence of DND practices. Quasi-experimental before and after study carried out in a Spanish health management area of 264 579 inhabitants, 14 primary care teams, and a 920-bed third level reference hospital. The study included the measurement of a set of 25 valid and reliable indicators on DND prevalence from different clinical areas previously designed, considering acceptable prevalence values of less than 5%. For those indicators that exceeded this value, a bunch of interventions was implemented: (i) inclusion in the annual objectives of the clinical units involved; (ii) discussion of results in a general clinical session; (iii) educational outreach visits to the clinical units involved; and (iv) detailed feedback reports. A second evaluation was subsequently carried out. In the first evaluation, 12 DNDs (48%) showed prevalence values below 5%. In the second evaluation, nine DND of the remaining 13 (75%) improved results, reaching five of them (42%) prevalence values below 5%. Thus, a total of 17 of the 25 DNDs initially evaluated (68%) achieved this goal. Reducing the prevalence of low-value clinical practices in a healthcare organization makes it necessary to turn them into easily measurable indicators and carry out multicomponent interventions. Among these, it seems essential that the professionals involved are informed and that training activities are carried out on-site. Improvement cycles are emerging as a useful tool to do this.
What do Happiness Data Mean? Theory and Survey Evidence
Authors: Benjamin Daniel J , Debnam Guzman Jakina , Fleurbaey Marc , Heffetz Ori , Kimball Miles
Published: May 2023

What utility notion—e.g. flow/lifetime, self/family-centered—do self-reported well-being (SWB) questions measure? Existing applications make different assumptions regarding the (i) life domains, (ii) time horizons, and (iii) other-regarding preferences captured by SWB data. To obtain relevant evidence, we ask survey respondents what they had in mind regarding (i)–(iii) when answering commonly used—life satisfaction, happiness, ladder—and new SWB questions. We find that respondents’ self-reports differ from researchers’ assumptions and differ across SWB questions and sociodemographic groups. At the same time, simple SWB-question wording tweaks are effective in moving self-reports toward desired interpretations. We outline actionable suggestions for SWB researchers. (JEL: D69, D90, I31)
Primary extrahepatic biliary neuroendocrine tumor: a case report
Authors: Taj Raeda , Perez Sean , Jih Lily J , Huynh Christina , Berumen Jennifer , Bouvet Michael
Published: May 2023

Extrahepatic biliary neuroendocrine tumors (EBNETs) are extremely rare and difficult to diagnose. The vast majority are diagnosed postoperatively on histological evaluation of surgical specimens. Workup and treatment principles are largely based on retrospective series and case reports. Complete surgical resection is the gold standard treatment for these lesions. Here we present a case of a 77-year-old male with a biopsy-proven EBNET incidentally discovered during evaluation for fatty liver disease. Further workup did not show any other suspicious lesions. Resection of the tumor and multiple Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed. Final pathology revealed grade 1, well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor. This is the third case reported in the literature with a confirmed preoperative EBNET diagnosis based on endoscopic biopsy results. This case highlights the feasibility of preoperative diagnosis of EBNETs and emphasizes the importance of complete surgical resection.
Effect of sexual counseling on sexual function and sexual quality of life for women undergoing open heart surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tuncer Merve , Yeşiltepe Oskay Ümran
Published: May 2023

Background

Sexual counseling can improve or may have benefit to patients’ sexual function after open heart surgery.

Aim

The study aims to determine the effect of sexual counseling on sexual function and quality of sexual life with the PLISSIT model (ie, permission, limited information, specific suggestions, intensive therapy) for women undergoing open heart surgery.

Methods

The study was a pilot randomized controlled trial. Seventy women who planned open heart surgery were randomly divided into the control group or the sexual counseling group between November 2020 and November 2021. In addition to routine care, sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model was given to women in the sexual counseling group for 12 weeks after the operation. During the research, 6 PLISSIT sessions were conducted. Women in the control group received routine postoperative care, which included hospital-provided postoperative home care practices (medication, nutrition, physical activity).

Outcomes

Data were obtained with an information form, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Female Sexual Function Index, and the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire–Female.

Results

The women in the sexual counseling and control groups were similar in terms of sociodemographic, obstetric, gynecologic, general health, current heart disease, and sexual function data (P > .05). After sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model, scores on the Female Sexual Function Index and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire–Female significantly increased in the sexual counseling group while Beck Depression Inventory scores decreased (P < .05). Comparisons were made within and between groups.

Clinical Implications

Sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model is a useful and effective model for health professionals to improve the sexual function and sexual quality of life of women’s who will undergo open heart surgery.

Strengths and Limitations

The limitations of the study were as follows: only 1 assessment after the intervention ended, no short- or long-term follow-up, and a small sample size. Other limitations include the absence of controls for therapeutic context or positive expectations in the experimental group.

Conclusion

Sexual counseling with the PLISSIT model after open heart surgery increased the sexual function and sexual quality of life of women while reducing the symptoms of depression.
The LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey: the radio view of the cosmic star formation history
Authors: Cochrane R K , Kondapally R , Best P N , Sabater J , Duncan K J , Smith D J B , Hardcastle M J , Röttgering H J A , Prandoni I , Haskell P , Gürkan G , Miley G K
Published: May 2023

We present a detailed study of the cosmic star formation history over 90 per cent of cosmic time (0 ≲ z ≲ 4), using deep, radio continuum observations that probe star formation activity independent of dust. The Low Frequency Array Two Metre Sky Survey has imaged three well-studied extragalactic fields, Elais-N1, Boötes, and the Lockman Hole, reaching $\sim 20\, \mu \rm {Jy\,beam^{-1}}$ rms sensitivity at $150\, \rm {MHz}$. The availability of high-quality ancillary data from ultraviolet to far-infrared wavelengths has enabled accurate photometric redshifts and the robust separation of radio-bright AGN from their star-forming counterparts. We capitalize on this unique combination of deep, wide fields and robustly selected star-forming galaxies to construct radio luminosity functions and derive the cosmic star formation rate density. We carefully constrain and correct for scatter in the $L_{150\, \rm {MHz}}-\rm {SFR}$ relation, which we find to be $\sim 0.3\, \rm {dex}$. Our derived star formation rate density lies between previous measurements at all redshifts studied. We derive higher star formation rate densities between z ∼ 0 and z ∼ 3 than are typically inferred from short wavelength emission; at earlier times, this discrepancy is reduced. Our measurements are generally in good agreement with far-infrared and radio-based studies, with small offsets resulting from differing star formation rate calibrations.
A clinical overview of paediatric sarcoidosis: Multicentre experience from Turkey
Authors: Guliyeva Vafa , Demirkan Fatma Gul , Yiğit Ramazan Emre , Esen Esra , Bayındır Yagmur , Torun Ruya , Kılbas Gulsah , Gezgin Yıldırım Deniz , Otar Yener Gulcin , Cakan Mustafa , Demir Ferhat , Özturk Kübra , Baglan Esra , Yuksel Selcuk , Bakkaloglu Sevcan A , Bora Makay Balahan , Paç Kısaarslan Ayşenur , Oray Merih , Bilginer Yelda , Eker Ömeroğlu Rukiye , Ozen Seza , Sozeri Betul , Aktay Ayaz Nuray
Published: May 2023

Objectives

We aimed to outline the demographic data, clinical spectrum, and treatment approach of sarcoidosis in a large group of patients and sought to figure out the variations of early-onset (EOS) and late-onset paediatric sarcoidosis (LOS).

Methods

The study followed a retrospective-descriptive design, with the analysis of medical records of cases diagnosed as paediatric sarcoidosis.

Results

Fifty-two patients were included in the study. The median age at disease onset and follow-up duration were 83 (28.2–119) and 24 (6–48) months, respectively. Ten (19.2%) cases had EOS (before 5th birthday) and 42 (80.7%) cases had LOS. The most common clinical findings at the time of the disease onset were ocular symptoms (40.4%) followed by joint manifestation (25%), dermatological symptoms (13.5%), and features related to multi-organ involvement (11.5%). Anterior uveitis was the most common (55%) one among ocular manifestations. Patients with EOS displayed joint, eye, and dermatological findings more commonly than patients with LOS. The recurrence rate of disease in patients with EOS (5.7%) and LOS (21.1%) were not statistically different (P = .7).

Conclusions

Patients with EOS and LOS may present with variable clinical features and studies addressing paediatric sarcoidosis cases in collaboration between disciplines will enhance the awareness of this rare disease among physicians and assist early diagnosis with lesser complications.
CAID prediction portal: a comprehensive service for predicting intrinsic disorder and binding regions in proteins
Authors: Del Conte Alessio , Bouhraoua Adel , Mehdiabadi Mahta , Clementel Damiano , Monzon Alexander Miguel ,   CAID predictors, Holehouse Alex S , Griffith Daniel , Emenecker Ryan J , Patil Ashwini , Sharma Ronesh , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Sharma Alok , Tang Yi Jun , Liu Bin , Mirabello Claudio , Wallner Björn , Rost Burkhard , Ilzhöfer Dagmar , Littmann Maria , Heinzinger Michael , Krautheimer Lea I M , Bernhofer Michael , McGuffin Liam J , Callebaut Isabelle , Feildel Tristan Bitard , Liu Jian , Cheng Jianlin , Guo Zhiye , Xu Jinbo , Wang Sheng , Malhis Nawar , Gsponer Jörg , Kim Chol-Song , Han Kun-Sop , Ma Myong-Chol , Kurgan Lukasz , Ghadermarzi Sina , Katuwawala Akila , Zhao Bi , Peng Zhenling , Wu Zhonghua , Hu Gang , Wang Kui , Hoque Md Tamjidul , Kabir Md Wasi Ul , Vendruscolo Michele , Sormanni Pietro , Li Min , Zhang Fuhao , Jia Pengzhen , Wang Yida , Lobanov Michail Yu , Galzitskaya Oxana V , Vranken Wim , Díaz Adrián , Litfin Thomas , Zhou Yaoqi , Hanson Jack , Paliwal Kuldip , Dosztányi Zsuzsanna , Erdős Gábor , Tosatto Silvio C E , Piovesan Damiano
Published: May 2023

Intrinsic disorder (ID) in proteins is well-established in structural biology, with increasing evidence for its involvement in essential biological processes. As measuring dynamic ID behavior experimentally on a large scale remains difficult, scores of published ID predictors have tried to fill this gap. Unfortunately, their heterogeneity makes it difficult to compare performance, confounding biologists wanting to make an informed choice. To address this issue, the Critical Assessment of protein Intrinsic Disorder (CAID) benchmarks predictors for ID and binding regions as a community blind-test in a standardized computing environment. Here we present the CAID Prediction Portal, a web server executing all CAID methods on user-defined sequences. The server generates standardized output and facilitates comparison between methods, producing a consensus prediction highlighting high-confidence ID regions. The website contains extensive documentation explaining the meaning of different CAID statistics and providing a brief description of all methods. Predictor output is visualized in an interactive feature viewer and made available for download in a single table, with the option to recover previous sessions via a private dashboard. The CAID Prediction Portal is a valuable resource for researchers interested in studying ID in proteins. The server is available at the URL: https://caid.idpcentral.org.
Stochastic scanning events on the GCN4 mRNA 5’ untranslated region generate cell-to-cell heterogeneity in the yeast nutritional stress response
Authors: Meng Xiang , Reed Alan , Lai Sandie , Szavits-Nossan Juraj , McCarthy John E G
Published: May 2023

Gene expression stochasticity is inherent in the functional properties and evolution of biological systems, creating non-genetic cellular individuality and influencing multiple processes, including differentiation and stress responses. In a distinct form of non-transcriptional noise, we find that interactions of the yeast translation machinery with the GCN4 mRNA 5’UTR, which underpins starvation-induced regulation of this transcriptional activator gene, manifest stochastic variation across cellular populations. We use flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and microfluidics coupled to fluorescence microscopy to characterize the cell-to-cell heterogeneity of GCN4-5’UTR-mediated translation initiation. GCN4-5’UTR-mediated translation is generally not de-repressed under non-starvation conditions; however, a sub-population of cells consistently manifests a stochastically enhanced GCN4 translation (SETGCN4) state that depends on the integrity of the GCN4 uORFs. This sub-population is eliminated upon deletion of the Gcn2 kinase that phosphorylates eIF2α under nutrient-limitation conditions, or upon mutation to Ala of the Gcn2 kinase target site, eIF2α-Ser51. SETGCN4 cells isolated using cell sorting spontaneously regenerate the full bimodal population distribution upon further growth. Analysis of ADE8::ymRuby3/ GCN4::yEGFP cells reveals enhanced Gcn4-activated biosynthetic pathway activity in SETGCN4 cells under non-starvation conditions. Computational modeling interprets our experimental observations in terms of a novel translational noise mechanism underpinned by natural variations in Gcn2 kinase activity.
Trypanosome RNA helicase KREH2 differentially controls non-canonical editing and putative repressive structure via a novel proposed ‘bifunctional’ gRNA in mRNA A6
Authors: Meehan Joshua , McDermott Suzanne M , Ivens Alasdair , Goodall Zachary , Chen Zihao , Yu Zihao , Woo Jia , Rodshagen Tyler , McCleskey Laura , Sechrist Rebecca , Stuart Kenneth , Zeng Lanying , Rouskin Silvi , Savill Nicholas J , Schnaufer Achim , Zhang Xiuren , Cruz-Reyes Jorge
Published: May 2023

U-insertion/deletion (U-indel) RNA editing in trypanosome mitochondria is directed by guide RNAs (gRNAs). This editing may developmentally control respiration in bloodstream forms (BSF) and insect procyclic forms (PCF). Holo-editosomes include the accessory RNA Editing Substrate Binding Complex (RESC) and RNA Editing Helicase 2 Complex (REH2C), but the specific proteins controlling differential editing remain unknown. Also, RNA editing appears highly error prone because most U-indels do not match the canonical pattern. However, despite extensive non-canonical editing of unknown functions, accurate canonical editing is required for normal cell growth. In PCF, REH2C controls editing fidelity in RESC-bound mRNAs. Here, we report that KREH2, a REH2C-associated helicase, developmentally controls programmed non-canonical editing, including an abundant 3′ element in ATPase subunit 6 (A6) mRNA. The 3′ element sequence is directed by a proposed novel regulatory gRNA. In PCF, KREH2 RNAi-knockdown up-regulates the 3′ element, which establishes a stable structure hindering element removal by canonical initiator-gRNA-directed editing. In BSF, KREH2-knockdown does not up-regulate the 3′ element but reduces its high abundance. Thus, KREH2 differentially controls extensive non-canonical editing and associated RNA structure via a novel regulatory gRNA, potentially hijacking factors as a ‘molecular sponge’. Furthermore, this gRNA is bifunctional, serving in canonical CR4 mRNA editing whilst installing a structural element in A6 mRNA.
“Let the Cat Out of the Heart”: Clinical Characteristics of Patients Presenting With Blood Culture-Negative Endocarditis Due to Bartonella Species
Authors: Ordaya Eloy E , Abu Saleh Omar M , Mahmood Maryam
Published: May 2023

Patients with blood culture-negative endocarditis due to Bartonella infection frequently presented with fever, cytopenias, kidney failure, and positive PR3-ANCA. Bartonella IgG titers were variable. Patients commonly underwent surgery with overall low mortality.
More than mortality: Consequences of human activity on migrating birds extend beyond direct mortality
Authors: Nemes Claire E , Cabrera-Cruz Sergio A , Anderson Meredith J , DeGroote Lucas W , DeSimone Joely G , Massa Megan L , Cohen Emily B
Published: May 2023

Birds must contend with an array of anthropogenic threats during their migratory journeys. Many migrants are killed due to encounters with artificial light, introduced species, pollutants, and other anthropogenic hazards, while survivors of these encounters can suffer longer-lasting negative effects. The nonlethal effects of anthropogenic threats on migrating birds are less well understood than direct mortality, yet both potentially contribute to population declines. For example, building collisions frequently kill migrating birds, but the numbers of migrants that survive with an impaired ability to fly, refuel, or navigate to their destination on time is not well understood. Though not immediately fatal, such injuries can lead to delayed mortality and, ultimately, reduced lifetime reproductive success. Furthermore, migrants are likely to encounter multiple threats on their journeys, which can interact synergistically to further reduce fitness. For instance, light pollution attracts and disorients migrants, increasing the likelihood of window strikes, and surviving birds may be more vulnerable to predation from introduced predators. While considerable attention has focused on the lethal effects of anthropogenic threats, here, we review nonlethal effects of eight types of threats during migration, their interactions, and the pathways through which they can exert fitness costs. In doing so, we identify knowledge gaps and suggest areas for future research. In the absence of more information, we propose that the greatest reduction in the cumulative lethal and nonlethal impacts of anthropogenic hazards will be achieved by addressing threat types, like artificial light at night, that interact with and compound the impact of additional threats. Direct mortality from anthropogenic sources is recognized as a key driver of population declines, but a full understanding of the impacts of human activity on migrating birds must include the cumulative and interacting effects that extend beyond immediate mortality en route to influence overall migration success and lifetime fitness.