bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Project portfolio selection and scheduling incorporating dynamic synergy
Authors: Bai Libiao , Yang Mengqin , Pan Tong , Sun Yichen
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Selecting and scheduling optimal project portfolio simultaneously is a complex decision-making problem faced by organizations to realize the strategy. However, dynamic synergy relationships among projects complicate this problem. This study aims at constructing a project portfolio selection and scheduling (PPSS) model while quantifying the dynamic synergetic effects to provide decision support for managing PPSS problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a mathematical model for PPSS with the objective of maximal project portfolio benefits (PPBs). To make the results align with the strategy, comprehensive PPBs are divided into financial and non-financial aspects based on the balanced scorecard. Then, synergy benefits evolve dynamically in the time horizon, and system dynamics is employed to quantify them. Lastly, a case example is conducted to verify the applicability of the proposed model.

Findings

The proposed model is an applicable model for PPSS while incorporating dynamic synergy. It can help project managers obtain the results that which project should be selected and when it should start while achieving optimal PPBs.

Originality/value

This study complements prior PPSS research in two aspects. First, financial and non-financial PPBs are designed as new criteria for PPSS, making the results follow the strategy. Second, this study illuminates the dynamic characteristic of synergy and quantifies the synergetic effect. The proposed model provides insights into managing a PPSS effectively.
Proposing new clustering-based algorithms for the multi-skilled resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem with resource leveling adjustments
Authors: Goudarzi Ehsan , Esmaeeli Hamid , Parsa Kia , Asadzadeh Shervin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The target of this research is to develop a mathematical model which combines the Resource-Constrained Multi-Project Scheduling Problem (RCMPSP) and the Multi-Skilled Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (MSRCPSP). Due to the importance of resource management, the proposed formulation comprises resource leveling considerations as well. The model aims to simultaneously optimize: (1) the total time to accomplish all projects and (2) the total deviation of resource consumptions from the uniform utilization levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The K-Means (KM) and Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering methods have been separately applied to discover the clusters of activities which have the most similar resource demands. The discovered clusters are given to the scheduling process as priori knowledge. Consequently, the execution times of the activities with the most common resource requests will not overlap. The intricacy of the problem led us to incorporate the KM and FCM techniques into a meta-heuristic called the Bi-objective Symbiosis Organisms Search (BSOS) algorithm so that the real-life samples of this problem could be solved. Therefore, two clustering-based algorithms, namely, the BSOS-KM and BSOS-FCM have been developed.

Findings

Comparisons between the BSOS-KM, BSOS-FCM and the BSOS method without any clustering approach show that the clustering techniques could enhance the optimization process. Another hybrid clustering-based methodology called the NSGA-II-SPE has been added to the comparisons to evaluate the developed resource leveling framework.

Practical implications

The practical importance of the model and the clustering-based algorithms have been demonstrated in planning several construction projects, where multiple water supply systems are concurrently constructed.

Originality/value

Reviewing the literature revealed that there was a need for a hybrid formulation that embraces the characteristics of the RCMPSP and MSRCPSP with resource leveling considerations. Moreover, the application of clustering algorithms as resource leveling techniques was not studied sufficiently in the literature.
Tourism live streaming: uncovering the effects of responsiveness and knowledge spillover on travelling intentions
Authors: Zheng Xiaojiang , Fu Shixuan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In tourism live streaming (TLS), streamers strive to capture viewers’ attention by responding quickly to viewers’ requests and providing tourism-related knowledge. However, the effectiveness of such practices in the TLS context remains unclear. Accordingly, based on flow theory, this study aims to uncover the effects of responsiveness and knowledge spillover on viewers’ travelling intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected 319 valid questionnaires to examine the proposed model. Followingly, the authors used a partial least squares structural equation modelling approach using SmartPLS 4 to analyse the survey data.

Findings

The authors found that responsiveness could enhance viewers’ flow experience and destination attachment, fostering travelling intentions. The authors further found that knowledge spillover strengthened the relationship between responsiveness and travelling intentions and responsiveness and flow experience.

Originality/value

This study broadens the scope of extant tourism research by juxtaposing the effects of responsiveness and knowledge spillover on viewers’ travelling intentions in the TLS context. Practically, the findings provide valuable insights for streamers to conduct appropriate viewer–streamer interaction strategies by providing instant responses and tourism-related knowledge to viewers.
Culling‐induced perturbation of social networks of wild geese reinforces rather than disrupts associations among survivors
Authors: Downing Beatrice C. , Silk Matthew J. , Delahay Richard J. , Bearhop Stuart , Royle Nick J.
Published: November 2023

Wildlife populations may be the subject of management interventions for disease control that can have unintended, counterproductive effects. Social structure exerts a strong influence over infectious disease transmission in addition to other characteristics of populations such as size and density that are the primary target for disease control. Social network approaches have been widely used to understand disease transmission in wildlife but rarely in the context of perturbations, such as culling, despite the likely impacts of such disturbance on social structure and disease dynamics.

Here we present a ‘removal’ study of a free‐living population of resident Canada geese Branta canadensis, a highly social species that is frequently managed by culling and can carry pathogens relevant to human and domestic animal health. We quantified social network structure and spatial behaviour before and after controlled culling of individuals during the summer moult.

Culling did not substantially increase individual social connectivity. Individuals that moulted at cull sites or were formerly strongly associated with removed birds were more likely to strengthen and maintain any surviving existing associations while also forming new associations. However, the establishment of new associations was largely compensatory (with only small increases in the number and strength of connections) and occurred locally.

Synthesis and applications: Geese that survived the cull responded by strengthening existing social relationships and forming new, compensatory relationships with birds local to them in the network. In the short term, such compensatory adjustments to patterns of association in response to culling could facilitate pathogen transmission. But in the longer term, controlled culling of geese is unlikely to strongly influence pathogen spread and may even slow transmission into new social clusters by reducing wider mixing. When managing wildlife for disease control, in addition to changes in social network structure the prevalence of infection at the time of the cull and the mode of transmission (e.g. direct vs. environmental) will also be critical determinants of disease transmission risk in perturbed populations of geese and other wild animals.
Trade–peace conundrum in Africa: The moderating effects of poverty and inequality
Authors: Abdulkareem Hauwah K. K. , Jimoh Sodiq Olaiwola , Olubiyi Ebenezer
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the trade–peace nexus in Africa and ascertains how poverty and inequality tilt the relationship in the eight regional (economic) blocs in Africa, viz. the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN–SAD), the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), from 1998 to 2020 using the Driscoll–Kraay estimate. The study contributes to the literature by disaggregating the peace effect of trade in Africa by the regional (economic) blocs to allow for in‐depth and context‐specific analysis. The paper also expands the scope of existing studies by examining the direct effect of poverty and inequality on peace in addition to the indirect effect that is revealed through their interactions with trade integrations. The findings reveal that trade promotes peace in Africa, while wide income inequality and a large poverty gap increase the likelihood of conflict. The interaction of poverty and inequality with trade integration shows that while the poverty level does not improve the effect of trade on peace, inequality reduces the impact of trade on peace. The study concludes that poverty and inequality play significant roles in the trade–peace nexus in Africa. Policy recommendations are discussed.
Greece: The Return of the Right
Authors: Asimakopoulos Vassilis , Fouskas Vassilis K.
Published: November 2023

New Democracy (ND), the centre‐right party founded by Constantine Karamanlis in summer 1974 and currently led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, scion of a powerful political family, won the twin electoral contest of May/June 2023 with a landslide. The victory was comprehensive both in terms of the votes received—over 40 per cent of those who cast their vote (abstention was over 45 per cent)—and because of the near collapse of Syriza (17.83 per cent) and the weak recovery of the other centre‐left party, PASOK (11.46 per cent). Moreover, far right and conservative parties, three in total, entered parliament, amassing some 12 per cent of the vote. We argue that two interlinked phenomena account for these developments. The first was the eclipse of conditions that created the Syriza phenomenon in Greece (the 2010–15 debt crisis); the second was the lack of a credible programmatic alternative that spoke to the middle classes on behalf of both centre‐left parties.
The definition of unexplained infertility: A systematic review
Authors: Raperport Claudia , Desai Jessica , Qureshi Danya , Rustin Edward , Balaji Aparna , Chronopoulou Elpiniki , Homburg Roy , Khan Khalid Saeed , Bhide Priya
Published: November 2023

Background

There is no consensus on tests required to either diagnose unexplained infertility or use for research inclusion criteria. This leads to heterogeneity and bias affecting meta‐analysis and best practice advice.

Objectives

This systematic review analyses the variability of inclusion criteria applied to couples with unexplained infertility. We propose standardised criteria for use both in future research studies and clinical diagnosis.

Search strategy

CINAHL and MEDLINE online databases were searched up to November 2022 for all published studies recruiting couples with unexplained infertility, available in full text in the English language.

Data collection and analysis

Data were collected in an Excel spreadsheet. Results were analysed per category and methodology or reference range.

Main results

Of 375 relevant studies, only 258 defined their inclusion criteria. The most commonly applied inclusion criteria were semen analysis, tubal patency and assessment of ovulation in 220 (85%), 232 (90%), 205 (79.5%) respectively. Only 87/220 (39.5%) studies reporting semen analysis used the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. Tubal patency was accepted if bilateral in 145/232 (62.5%) and if unilateral in 24/232 (10.3%). Ovulation was assessed using mid‐luteal serum progesterone in 115/205 (56.1%) and by a history of regular cycles in 87/205 (42.4%). Other criteria, including uterine cavity assessment and hormone profile, were applied in less than 50% of included studies.

Conclusions

This review highlights the heterogeneity among studied populations with unexplained infertility. Development and application of internationally accepted criteria will improve the quality of research and future clinical care.
Examining alignment of community health teams' preferences for health, equity, and spending with state all‐payer waiver priorities: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: van den Broek‐Altenburg Eline M. , Benson Jamie S. , Atherly Adam J.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The state of Vermont has a statewide waiver from the centers for medicare and medicaid services to allow all‐payer Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). The Vermont all‐payer model (VAPM) waiver is layered upon previous reforms establishing regional community health teams (CHTs) and medical homes. The waiver is intended to incentivize healthcare value and quality and create alignment between health system payers, providers, and CHTs. The objective of this study was to examine CHT's trade‐offs and preferences for health, equity, and spending and the alignment with VAPM priorities.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Data were gathered from a survey and discrete choice experiment among CHT leadership and CHT team members of the 13 CHTs in Vermont.

Study Design

We used conditional logit models to model the choice as a function of its characteristics (attributes) and mixed logit models to analyze whether preferences for programs varied by persons and roles within CHTs.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

There were 60 respondents who completed the survey online with 14 choice tasks, with three program options in each task, for a total sample size of 2520.

Principal Findings

We found that CHTs prioritized programs in the community health plan and those with quantitative evidence of effectiveness. They were less likely to choose either programs targeting racial and ethnic minorities or programs having a small effect on a large population. Preferences did not vary across individual or community attributes. Program priorities of the VAPM, especially healthcare spending, were not prioritized.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the new VAPM does not automatically create system alignment: CHTs tended to prioritize local needs and voices. The statewide priorities are less important to CHTs, which have excellent internal alignment. This creates potential disconnection between state and community health goals. However, CHTs and the VAPM prioritize similar populations, indicating an opportunity to increase alignment by allowing flexible programs tailored to local needs. CHTs also prioritized programs with a strong evidence base, suggesting another potential avenue to create system alignment.
Sustainable synthesis of epoxidized waste cooking oil via Prileschajew reaction: Optimization and kinetic study
Authors: Azlan Raofuddin Danial Nuruddin , Azmi Intan Suhada , Rahim Norin Hafizah , Jalil Mohd Jumain
Published: November 2023

In this study, waste cooking oil‐based palm oil (WCO‐PO) was chosen as feedstock for epoxidation reaction. The epoxidation process of WCO‐PO was carried out using in situ generated performic acid or known as Prileschajew reaction. Based on the Taguchi method of optimization and analysis of variance, a series of experiments were conducted around the optimum conditions or parameters. The findings revealed that the optimal reaction conditions for producing epoxidized waste cooking oil with the highest oxirane content were a hydrogen peroxide molar ratio of 2.0, a temperature of 55°C, formic acid molar ratio of 2.0, and catalyst loading of 0.5% at a constant stirrer speed of 300 rpm and 0.5% catalyst. By employing these optimal conditions, the maximum relative conversion of waste cooking oil to oxirane was achieved at 70.6%. Besides, the rate constant and activation energy for epoxidation of WCO‐PO at optimum condition were 0.0221 min−1 and 50.55 kJ mol−1, respectively. Overall, epoxidized WCO‐PO was successfully produced by using optimum process parameters of epoxidation.
Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Correa) fruit extracts encapsulated alginate nanoparticles as a potential dietary supplement with improved bioactivities
Authors: De Silva Nayomi Deshani , Attanayake Anoja Priyadarshani , Karunaratne Desiree Nedra , Arawwawala Liyanage Dona Ashanti Menuka , Pamunuwa Geethi Kaushalya
Published: November 2023

Nanoencapsulated bael fruit (Aegle marmelos L. Correa (Family: Rutaceae)) extracts reveal novel prospects in the development of dietary supplements with improved biological activities in the field of the food industry. The main objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize aqueous, ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 50% acetone extracts of bael fruit encapsulated alginate nanoparticles and investigate the effect of encapsulation on in vitro release of polyphenols, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities, and their stability. Bael fruit extracts encapsulated alginate nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method. Characterization, in vitro release profiles of polyphenols, determination of antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant activity, and accelerated stability were conducted. The results of the characterization confirmed the successful encapsulation of extracts of bael fruit in the alginate matrix. The aqueous extract of bael fruit encapsulated alginate nanoparticles exhibited a more controlled slow‐release profile, accounting for 21.82% ± 1.17% and 48.14% ± 0.52% of polyphenols at solutions of pH 1.2 and pH 6.8, respectively. In general, the results of the bioactivity assessment suggested that nanoencapsulation could facilitate the enhancement of its antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The results of thermogravimetric analysis and thin layer chromatography fingerprint showed the stability of aqueous bael fruit extract encapsulated alginate nanoparticles at 27 and 4°C over a month. In summary, the results of this study revealed the potency of nanoencapsulated aqueous extract of bael fruit to develop a dietary supplement with improved antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities.

Practical Application

The encapsulation of bael fruit extracts into a nanocarrier enhances bioactivities and promotes the controlled release of bioactive compounds. This could be useful in the future food industry, based on scientifically proven data, and inspire the market by means of the development of dietary supplements. Overall, the results would facilitate the formulation of novel commercially elegant nanoencapsulated dietary supplements with improved potential to manage a healthy life.
Ecosystem services and sustainable peace in Afghanistan: Gaps in national policy and its security implications
Authors: Bose Srinjoy , Mancino Maxim , Simangan Dahlia
Published: November 2023

While previous studies underscore the importance of climate‐sensitive approaches to peacebuilding, the relationship between ecosystem services and peace and security, especially at the local level, has been insufficiently studied. We argue that ecosystem services are often neglected by national‐level actors and insufficiently integrated into peacebuilding interventions and project design. In fact, policy discourse at highly aggregate levels of analysis silences local, community understandings of ecosystem services and its potential for contributing to sustainable peace. For example, despite investment in community development in Afghanistan via the Citizens' Charter Afghanistan Project, there is scant reference to ‘ecosystem services’ on which Afghans are so reliant, much less any policy planning informed by it and directed at addressing climate and environmental risks. Drawing on evidence from Kabul and Herat provinces in Afghanistan, we illuminate the intersections among insecurity, environmental sustainability and ecosystem services. Specifically, we examine water‐related services in Chest‐e Sharif district in Herat province and demonstrate how the lack of water availability and (mis)management of water infrastructure contribute to local communities' sense of precarity and government neglect. The findings inform our policy recommendations which are intended to address these gaps.
Assessing the genetic vulnerability of Macaúba palm [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart.] through the mating system and genetic diversity of open‐pollinated progenies
Authors: Díaz‐Hernández Brenda G. , Colombo Carlos A. , Morales‐Marroquín Jonathan A. , Sanitá‐Rodrigues Mariana , Azevedo‐Filho Joaquim A. , Zucchi Maria I.
Published: November 2023

At present, intelligent and sustainable agriculture presupposes a compromise between maximising crop yield and minimising its risk of genetic vulnerability. Breeding programmes should implement strategies that allow the development of superior genotypes and preserve genetic diversity, especially in perennial plants. The Macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a species with the potential to produce oil at a level comparable to that of the oil palm, even in water‐deficient areas, which motivates its commercial interest and drives an increase in demand for seedlings from natural populations for commercial plantations. Therefore, to evaluate the impact of this selection procedure on the reduction of genetic diversity and, consequently, the genetic vulnerability of commercial planting, in the present study we analysed the population mating system and the genetic diversity of Open‐Pollinated Progenies (OPPs) from selected seed‐trees in relation to the genetic diversity of respective native populations (NPs). To achieve this, we evaluated the mating system and genetic diversity employing 14 microsatellite markers (SSR). The mating system indices estimated for A. aculeata palm indicated that the species present a mixed mating system () with a predominance of outcrossing. However, at the population level, the outcrossing rate ranged from . The biparental inbreeding rate was considered moderate (), with some variation between populations (from 0.0005 to 0.275). The multilocus correlated paternity was , ranging from 0 to 0.112 at population level, indicating that a significant portion of the progeny consisted of half‐sibs. The results demonstrate that there was no significant loss of genetic diversity of OPPs derived from artificial selection within NPs. In the OPPs the number of alleles (Na = 2.55) was similar to that of NP (Na = 2.56). Furthermore, the mean values of observed heterozygosity (HO) between NP and OPPs were similar, with a mean of 0.366 and 0.356, respectively. In conclusion, the procedure adopted to produce commercial seedlings in the present study should not represent a high risk of genetic vulnerability. In addition, our results will provide a guidance to breeders regarding selection intensity in both natural and improved populations, aiming to optimise the advancement of generations, thereby maximising future genetic gains while preserving genetic diversity. However, we recommend verifying the outcrossing rate and genetic diversity at the population level, as these factors could have significant effects on the vulnerability of the species and the macaúba crop.
Prediction models of suicide and non‐fatal suicide attempt after discharge from a psychiatric inpatient stay: A machine learning approach on nationwide Danish registers
Authors: Nielsen Sara Dorthea , Christensen Rune H. B. , Madsen Trine , Karstoft Karen‐Inge , Clemmensen Line , Benros Michael E.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

To develop machine learning models capable of predicting suicide and non‐fatal suicide attempt as separate outcomes in the first 30 days after discharge from a psychiatric inpatient stay.

Methods

Prospective cohort study using nationwide Danish registry data. We included individuals who were 18 years or older, and all discharges from psychiatric hospitalizations in Denmark from 1995 to 2018. We trained predictive models using 10‐fold cross validation on 80% of the data and did testing on the remaining 20%.

Results

The best model for predicting non‐fatal suicide attempt was an ensemble of predictions from gradient boosting (XGBoost) and categorical boosting (catBoost). The ROC‐AUC for predicting suicide attempt was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.84–0.85). At a risk threshold of 4.36%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 11.0% and sensitivity was 47.2%. The best model for predicting suicide was an ensemble of predictions from random forest, XGBoost and catBoost. For suicide, the ROC‐AUC was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.70–0.73). At a risk threshold of 0.15%, PPV was 0.34% and sensitivity was 56.0%. The most contributing predictors differed when predicting suicide and suicide attempt, indicating that separate models are needed. The ensemble model was fair across sex and age, and more so than the penalized logistic regression model.

Conclusions

We achieved good performance for predicting suicide attempts and demonstrated a clinical application of ensemble models. Our results indicate a difference in predictive performance for models predicting suicide and suicide attempt, respectively. Thus, we recommend that suicide and suicide attempt are treated as two separate endpoints, in particular for clinical application. We demonstrated that the ensemble model is fairer across sex and age compared with a penalized logistic regression, and therefore we recommend the use of well‐tested ensembles despite a more complex explainability.
Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of areca nut addiction
Authors: Li Moying , Pang Xin , Guo Zitao , Yang Yuliang , Gu Zhenghua , Zhang Liang
Published: November 2023

As a chewing hobby, areca nut (Areca catechu L.) has become the most common psychoactive substance in the world, besides tobacco, alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Moreover, as a first‐class carcinogen designated by International Agency for Research on Cancer, long‐term chewing areca nut can result in oral mucosal diseases and even oral cancer. To clarify the potential mechanism of areca nut addiction, an integrated strategy of metabolomics and network pharmacology was adopted in this study. Network pharmacology study indicated that all the key targets related to areca nut addiction could be regulated by arecoline and pointed out the importance of G‐protein coupled receptor signalling pathway. Analysis results of mice plasma metabolome and faeces metabolome intervened by arecoline suggested that the component may affect the dopamine system and 5‐HT system by regulating phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism and intestinal flora structure. Moreover, the potential importance of bile acids in formation of addictive behaviour of chewing areca nut was investigated by integrative analysis of the relationships between metabolites and intestinal flora. The study can provide scientific basis for the addiction intervention and treatment of areca nut chewers.
A review of the latest developments in rotary NiTi technology and root canal preparation
Authors: Grande NM , Castagnola R , Minciacchi I , Marigo L , Plotino G
Published: November 2023

The introduction of nickel‐titanium (NiTi) mechanical instruments dramatically changed clinical endodontics over the last few decades. Before NiTi, it was necessary to use more instruments to create an ideal root canal shape, and many approaches, sequences and techniques were developed over the years. Recently, NiTi endodontic instruments have undergone a series of changes brought about by modifications in design, surface treatments, and thermal treatments to improve their root canal preparation outcomes and reduce associated canal preparation risks during root canal treatment. Heat treatment is one of the most fundamental approaches to improving the fatigue resistance and flexibility of NiTi endodontic instruments. In addition, new kinematics have been developed to offer greater safety and efficiency. This narrative review describes the general properties and manufacturing of NiTi instruments, and the mechanical system evolution of NiTi instruments.
The analgesic effect of transversalis fascia plane block after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with intrathecal morphine: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Baghirzada L. , Walker A. , Yu H. C. , Endersby R.
Published: November 2023

We aimed to test whether bilateral injection of bupivacaine 0.25% in the transversalis fascia plane reduced 24 h opioid dose after singleton caesarean section, under spinal anaesthesia with intrathecal morphine, compared with saline 0.9% injectate. We allocated randomly 52 women to bilateral injection of 20 ml saline 0.9% on arrival in the post‐anaesthesia care unit and 54 women to bilateral injection of 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% (with adrenaline 2.5 μg.ml‐1). Mean (SD) cumulative morphine equivalent opioid dose 24 h after saline injection was 32.3 (28.3) mg and 18.7 (20.2) mg after bupivacaine injection, a mean (95%CI) difference of 13.7 (4.1–23.2) mg (p = 0.006). Median (IQR [range]) time to first postoperative opioid dose was 3.0 (1.5–10.3 [0.0–57.4]) h after saline 0.9% and 8.2 (2.7–29.6 [0.2–55.4]) h after bupivacaine 0.25% (p = 0.054). Transversalis fascia plane with bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline reduced postoperative pain at rest during 48 h (0–10‐point scale) by a mean (95%CI) of 0.9 (0.2–1.6) points (p = 0.013) and on movement by 1.2 (0.4–2.1) points (p = 0.004). We conclude that transversalis fascia plane bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline reduces pain and opioid dose after caesarean section compared with saline 0.9%.
Recurrence after transanal endoscopic microsurgery for benign and malignant rectal tumours: experience of a single New Zealand centre
Authors: Hart Alexander , Clifford Kari , Thompson‐Fawcett Mark
Published: November 2023

Background

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is an established technique for the resection of rectal adenomas and selected malignant tumours. It avoids the morbidity of radical resection for tumours not amenable to endoscopic resection. An important marker of quality is the local recurrence rate. The primary objective was to determine local recurrence rates for benign and malignant rectal tumours.

Methods

We identified index TEM excisions of rectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas in patients age 18 and over at Dunedin Hospital, New Zealand, between 2000 and 2020, from a prospective database. Surveillance data were collected via chart review. The primary outcome was recurrence rate for adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Secondary outcomes included time to recurrence, association of recurrence with recognized risk factors, and adverse event rates.

Results

We identified 100 patients for analysis. Of 75 benign cases, 11 (14.7%) developed local recurrence, with 63.6% identified within 1 year. Of the 25 malignant cases (19 T1, 5 T2, 1 T3), 9 (36%) developed recurrence, with 77.8% identified within 2 years. Adverse events occurred in 26% of patients, with no reoperations or deaths.

Conclusion

Our adenoma recurrence rate was at the higher end of the reported range of 2.4–16%. Minor complications were common, but not major morbidity. The propensity for rectal tumours to recur commonly and early reinforces the importance of regular standardized endoscopic surveillance.
The association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and postpartum hemorrhage and uterine atony
Authors: Sörsjö Stevenazzi Anna , Pihl Sofia , Blomberg Marie , Axelsson Daniel
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are several known risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage related to pregnancy and delivery, but less evidence of predisposing factors. Recent research has shown that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of cesarean section due to dystocia, based on its effect on striated muscle as well as possible effect on the myometrium. Whether vitamin D deficiency increases the risk for postpartum hemorrhage and especially atonic hemorrhage is unknown.

Material and methods

This was a retrospective translational study. The study population included 1367 women in Sweden and the main exposure was the serum concentration of 25‐hydroxylated vitamin D at time of delivery. The LIASON® 25 OH vitamin D total assay method was used for analyzing 25‐hydroxylated vitamin D. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as serum concentration <50 nmol/L and vitamin D deficiency as serum concentrations <25 nmol/L. Primary outcomes were postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage defined as bleeding ≥500 mL and ≥ 1000 mL, respectively 2 h after delivery. Secondary outcome was atonic postpartum hemorrhage. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Three different adjustment methods were used, adjusting for maternal, obstetrical and neonatal confounders.

Results

Postpartum hemorrhage and severe postpartum hemorrhage afflicted 31.3% and 6.4% of the women, respectively. Rate of atonic postpartum hemorrhage was 21% in the whole population. Rate of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was 57%. Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was neither found to be associated with postpartum hemorrhage, nor with atonic postpartum hemorrhage.

Conclusions

In this study, the vitamin D status of women at the time of delivery was not a predictor of postpartum hemorrhage overall or atonic postpartum hemorrhage.
An investigation into the transmission and control of pestivirus in sheep in Australia
Authors: Prell MM , McGrath SR , Kirkland PD , Allworth MB
Published: November 2023

Border disease virus (BDV) is a member of the pestivirus genus that primarily affects sheep, causing reproductive losses through abortion, still births and the birth of weak lambs. The key characteristic of this disease is the birth of persistently infected (PI) lambs which, after surviving transplacental infection, are born antibody negative, yet virus positive, and thus shed the virus for their entire life and are the primary source of spread within a flock. The cornerstones of BDV control are detection and elimination of PI animals, biosecurity measures to prevent re‐infection, and surveillance programs. Recommendations for the control of BDV in sheep are centred around the approach to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV), the prominent cattle pestivirus species, due to a lack of specific research into BDV control and elimination. In this study, two aspects of a BDV control program were investigated: the effectiveness of the BVDV vaccine, Pestigard®, and the rate of seroconversion in a flock deliberately exposed to known PI lambs. The vaccine appeared to be safe, and the optimal dose was the full cattle dose (2 mL). While vaccination induced high virus neutralising titres to BVDV when administered as either a quarter, half or full dose registered for cattle, the BDV titres achieved were low and unlikely to prevent transplacental infection. In a second study, after exposure of between 2 and 15 days exposure to two PI lambs in confined conditions, only 3 of 66 previously naïve sheep demonstrated seroconversion. This demonstrated a very low rate of transmission and suggested that deliberate exposure to PI lambs at low‐risk times for less than 15 days was not likely to be an effective means of achieving seroconversion throughout a flock and, therefore, not provide protection against BDV challenge during gestation.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with sickle cell disease: Still to do?
Authors: Peters Christina
Published: November 2023

Sickle cell disease affects the whole body through acute and chronic organ damage and results in significant physical and neurological constraints. The report by Cseh et al. demonstrates in a retrospective multinational study that allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation from HLA‐identical siblings using a contemporary conditioning regimen is safe and effective in more than 96% of patients.

Commentary on: Cseh et al. Busulfan–fludarabine‐ or treosulfan–fludarabine‐based conditioning before allogeneic HSCT from matched sibling donors in paediatric patients with sickle cell disease: A study on behalf of the EBMT Paediatric Diseases and Inborn Errors Working Parties. Br J Haematol 2024;204:e1‐e5. [Correction added on 23 November 2023, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the article title and doi have been updated in this version.]
Assessing the US treatment landscape for paediatric feeding disorder: A survey of multidisciplinary providers
Authors: Sharp William G. , Estrem Hayley H. , Romeo Cuyler , Pederson Jaclyn , Proctor Kaitlin B. , Gillespie Scott , Du Chenxi , Marshall Jeanne , Raol Nikhila
Published: November 2023

Background

Paediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is a common childhood condition, estimated to impact one in 37 American children under the age of five. Such high prevalence occurs against a backdrop of limited understanding of the community treatment landscape in the United States.

Method

To better understand the community treatment landscape for PFD in the United States and identify provider and treatment delivery characteristics, we collected primary data through a web‐based survey targeting providers from all four PFD domains (i.e., medical, nutritional, feeding skill, and/or psychosocial) between January 2022 and March 2022. The 71‐item cross sectional survey focussed on patient, provider and treatment characteristics. We distributed the survey using an electronic survey tool through Feeding Matters listserv followed by solicitation to discipline specific listservs and professional networks. The analytic approach involved descriptive statistics compared across settings and provider types, focussing on respondents within the United States.

Results

Eighty‐three percent of respondents reported practicing in the United States. Most of the US sample (74.3%) involved providers from the feeding skill domain (speech‐language pathologist – SLP, occupational therapist – OT) who reported delivering care through early intervention or outpatient settings using responsive and sensory based approaches. These approaches lack rigorous empirical evaluation.

Conclusions

Survey results suggest a need to support community providers in engagement with research activity to promote a better understanding of treatment approaches and outcomes associated with a large cohort of providers delivering care (i.e. SLPs, OTs) to patients with PFD.
Neural Impostor: Editing Neural Radiance Fields with Explicit Shape Manipulation
Authors: Liu Ruiyang , Xiang Jinxu , Zhao Bowen , Zhang Ran , Yu Jingyi , Zheng Changxi
Published: November 2023

Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) have significantly advanced the generation of highly realistic and expressive 3D scenes. However, the task of editing NeRF, particularly in terms of geometry modification, poses a significant challenge. This issue has obstructed NeRF's wider adoption across various applications. To tackle the problem of efficiently editing neural implicit fields, we introduceNeural Impostor, a hybrid representation incorporating an explicit tetrahedral mesh alongside a multigrid implicit field designated for each tetrahedron within the explicit mesh. Our framework bridges the explicit shape manipulation and the geometric editing of implicit fields by utilizing multigrid barycentric coordinate encoding, thus offering a pragmatic solution to deform, composite, and generate neural implicit fields while maintaining a complex volumetric appearance. Furthermore, we propose a comprehensive pipeline for editing neural implicit fields based on a set of explicit geometric editing operations. We show the robustness and adaptability of our system through diverse examples and experiments, including the editing of both synthetic objects and real captured data. Finally, we demonstrate the authoring process of a hybrid synthetic‐captured object utilizing a variety of editing operations, underlining the transformative potential ofNeural Impostorin the field of 3D content creation and manipulation.
Ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar sockets with and without primary wound closure: A comparative controlled clinical trial
Authors: Wei Yiping , Zhao Liping , Zhang Haoyun , Han Ziyao , Hu Wenjie , Xu Tao
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aimed to compare hard‐ and soft‐tissue changes after ridge preservation in periodontally compromised molar sockets with and without primary wound closure.

Materials and Methods

Forty molars with severe periodontitis requiring extraction were included and allocated to two treatment modalities. After tooth extraction, the sockets were filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral and covered with a bioabsorbable porcine collagen membrane. Primary wound closure was achieved in the control group, whereas the test group underwent minimally invasive open healing. The dimensions of the bone and soft tissue were recorded at baseline and 6 months.

Results

Over 6 months, the control and test groups had similar mean ridge heights at the center of sockets of 8.59 ± 2.47 mm and 8.47 ± 2.51 mm, respectively. The total volume of the control group increased from 1070.17 to 1713.52 mm3 for a mean gain of 643.35 mm3, whereas that of the test group increased from 992.51 to 1514.05 mm3 for a mean gain of 521.54 mm3. Compared with the test group, the control group showed a statistically significant decrease in keratinized tissue width of 1.08 ± 1.63 mm.

Conclusions

Bone dimensional changes following ridge preservation with and without primary wound closure were comparable. ARP without primary wound closure preserves more keratinized tissue than that with (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR‐ONN‐16009433).
Combinatorial genetic strategies for dissecting cell lineages, cell types, and gene function in the mouse brain
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Xue , Gong Ling , He Miao
Published: November 2023

Research in neuroscience has greatly benefited from the development of genetic approaches that enable lineage tracing, cell type targeting, and conditional gene regulation. Recent advances in combinatorial strategies, which integrate multiple cellular features, have significantly enhanced the spatiotemporal precision and flexibility of these manipulations. In this minireview, we introduce the concept and design of these strategies and provide a few examples of their application in genetic fate mapping, cell type targeting, and reversible conditional gene regulation. These advancements have facilitated in‐depth investigation into the developmental principles underlying the assembly of brain circuits, granting experimental access to highly specific cell lineages and subtypes, as well as offering valuable new tools for modeling and studying neurological diseases. Additionally, we discuss future directions aimed at expanding and improving the existing genetic toolkit for a better understanding of the development, structure, and function of healthy and diseased brains.
Life‐history parameters of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, are affected by host plant salinity stress
Authors: Rad Fatemeh , Aleosfoor Maryam , Fekrat Lida , Minaei Kambiz , Etemadi Mohammad , Afsharifar Ali Reza , Eshghi Saeid
Published: November 2023

Salinization, as one of the foremost abiotic stresses, is an intensifying problem in many agroecosystems. Climatic changes, along with altering land use and also salinity of irrigation water all lead to enhanced soil salinity in agricultural lands. Changes in plant characteristics, as a result of raising soil salinity, may impose bottom‐up impact on plant‐feeding insects. We assessed the bottom‐up impact of salinity stress on demographic traits of the western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), on cherry tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Solanaceae) plants under greenhouse conditions (27 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% r.h., and L16:D8 photoperiod). Our results indicated that salinity stress interfered with the immature development period, adult longevity, and sex ratio of WFT. Salinity stress biased the sex ratio in favor of males. Significant concentration‐dependent differences were observed in the intrinsic (r) and finite (λ) increase rates and the net reproduction rate (R0) of WFT at different salinity levels. Salinity adversely influenced WFT development; nonetheless, population projection forecasted an ascending WFT population growth under moderate salinity stress of 100 mM (2.8 dS m−1 of NaCl), whereas severe salinity stress of 150 mM (4.7 dS m−1 of NaCl) resulted in remarkable fitness costs in WFT. This study demonstrates that WFT has the potential to become problematic in regions with moderate salinity. Therefore, it might exacerbate the detrimental impact of salinity on tomato production. The current survey provides information on the abundance of WFT on saline‐stressed tomato plants, thereby contributing to developing environmentally friendly measures to manage this notorious species in ecosystems under salinity stress.
Exploring causal association between circulating inflammatory cytokines and functional outcomes following ischemic stroke: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Huacong , Liu Zhaoxing , Huang Yumeng , Ding Qian , Lai Zhenyi , Cai Xiaowen , Huang Shengtao , Yin Lianjun , Zheng Xiaoyan , Huang Yong , Chen Junqi
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Previous observational studies have indicated correlations between various inflammatory cytokines and functional outcomes following ischemic stroke (IS); however, the causality remains unclear. We aimed to further evaluate the causal association between 41 circulating inflammatory cytokines and functional outcomes following IS.

Methods

Two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used in this study. The genetic variation of 41 circulating inflammatory cytokines were derived from genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data of European ancestry (n = 8293). The corresponding genetic association of functional outcomes following IS were derived from European ancestry GWAS data (n = 6021).

Results

Inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis showed that genetically predicted increased levels of regulation and activation in normal T‐cell expression and secretion factor (RANTES/CCL5) and eosinophilic chemotactic factor (EOTAXIN/CCL11) were positively correlated with the increased adverse functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS≥3] following IS (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.002–1.96, p = 0.049; OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.15–1.54, p = 0.0001). Interleukin 18 (IL‐18) level might be the downstream consequence of adverse functional outcomes following IS (β: −0.09, p = 0.039). Other inflammatory cytokines and functional outcomes following IS did not appear to be causally related.

Conclusions

This study suggests a causality between inflammation and adverse functional outcomes following IS. RANTES (CCL5) and EOTAXIN (CCL11) may be the upstream factors of adverse functional outcomes following IS, while IL‐18 may be the downstream effect of adverse functional outcomes following IS. Whether these cytokines can be used to predict or improve adverse functional outcomes after IS requires further researches.