bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Estimation of Bird Abundance and Energy Consumption by Combining Point and Transect Observations
Authors: Bolagay Maria Jose Ayala , Brothers Aaron , Quitián Marta , Neuschulz Eike Lena , Schleuning Matthias , Böhning-Gaese Katrin , Alvarez Orlando , Santillán Vinicio , Thron Christopher
Published: August 2023

Point counts and transect surveys are both common methods for estimating bird abundance (by species, genus, or family) in a given environment. Sometimes both methods are used in the same study. Point counts reflect abundance directly, while transect observations of bird feeding instances reflect both the bird abundance and the mean energy consumption rate per bird.

In this paper we exploit the relationship between these two types of observations to draw inferences about bird energy consumption; to develop an improved estimator of bird abundance; and to derive error bars for abundance estimates. The mathematical methods developed are applied to a dataset consisting of point counts and transect surveys of Ecuadorian frugivore bird species in six different types of environment (three elevations and two degrees of forestation). By comparing transect-based and point count-based estimates of energy consumption across species, we show that mean fruit weight consumed does not have a significant effect on number of feeding instances. We also derive a procedure for forming an optimal linear combination of two relative abundance estimators based on point counts and transect observations respectively. The improvement in accuracy achieved by this combined estimator is verified by simulations applied to bird family data from the above-mentioned survey. Finally, we use simulations to obtain 90% confidence intervals for the bird family relative abundance estimates. These confidence intervals were also verified using simulations.
High-density genetic linkage mapping in Sitka spruce advances the integration of genomic resources in conifers
Authors: Tumas Hayley , Ilska Joana J. , Girardi Sebastien , Laroche Jerome , A’Hara Stuart , Boyle Brian , Janes Mateja , McLean Paul , Lopez Gustavo , Lee Steve J. , Cottrell Joan , Gorjanc Gregor , Bousquet Jean , Woolliams John A. , MacKay John J.
Published: August 2023

In species with large and complex genomes such as conifers, dense linkage maps are a useful for supporting genome assembly and laying the genomic groundwork at the structural, populational and functional levels. However, most of the 600+ extant conifer species still lack extensive genotyping resources, which hampers the development of high-density linkage maps. In this study, we developed a linkage map relying on 21,570 SNP makers in Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis[Bong.] Carr.), a long-lived conifer from western North America that is widely planted for productive forestry in the British Isles. We used a single-step mapping approach to efficiently combine RAD-Seq and genotyping array SNP data for 528 individuals from two full-sib families. As expected for spruce taxa, the saturated map contained 12 linkages groups with a total length of 2,142 cM. The positioning of 5,414 unique gene coding sequences allowed us to compare our map with that of other Pinaceae species, which provided evidence for high levels of synteny and gene order conservation in this family. We then developed an integrated map forP. sitchensisandP. glaucabased on 27,052 makers and 11,609 gene sequences. Altogether, these two linkage maps, the accompanying catalog of 286,159 SNPs and the genotyping chip developed herein opens new perspectives for a variety of fundamental and more applied research objectives, such as for the improvement of spruce genome assemblies, or for marker-assisted sustainable management of genetic resources in Sitka spruce and related species.
Phenotypic and genomic evidence for transparent cellulose, metabolic diversity, and stable cellulose production in the Acetobacteraceae
Authors: Keating Kevin W. , van Zyl Elizabeth M. , Collins Joseph H. , Nakagawa Carter , Weintraub Sarah J. , Coburn Jeannine M. , Young Eric M.
Published: August 2023

The Acetobacteraceae are a family of microbes that use sugars from fruits, beverages and fermented foods to overproduce bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), a living material with broad applications in medicine and industry. Yet, the family has few complete, contiguous genome sequences available. Here, three different strains – a high production strain NQ5, a metabolic engineering host NCIB 8034, and a new isolate DS12 from kombucha were characterized and completede novogenomes assembled. Initial growth and yield experiments reveal a diversity of carbon source utilization profiles and BNC production rates, with NQ5 achieving the highest yield on glucose and DS12 having the narrowest utilization profile. All strains synthesize optically clear BNC. Genomic evidence assigns the DS12 isolate toKomagataeibacter nataicola,reassigns NCIB 8034 fromKomagataeibacter xylinustoKomagataeibacter oboediens,and supports NQ5 asNovacetimonas hansenii.Thebcsgene clusters that encode BNC synthesis are also diverse. The highest producing strain,N. hanseniiNQ5, has fewerbnccopies thanK. oboediensNQ5, indicating that copy number does not explain high productivity. Analysis also reveals the type and frequency of mobile genetic elements. Notably,N. hanseniiNQ5 has a paucity of transposons relative to other strains, which could explain the BNC production stability ofN. hanseniiNQ5 in culture. Thus, this work argues that Acetobacteraceae are metabolically diverse, and provides genomic evidence explaining beneficial BNC production characteristics ofN. hanseniiNQ5. Therefore, this work provides evidence for selection of appropriate BNC production strains.

IMPORTANCE

Bacterial cellulose is an important material for biomedical applications like wound dressings. This study defines important characteristics of microbes that produce bacterial cellulose, namely their ability to process different sugars and features of their genomes that make cellulose yield more consistent. These findings will aid in the development of better bacterial cellulose production processes.
Remote and automated high-throughput powder diffraction measurements enabled by a robotic sample changer at SSRL beamline 2-1
Authors: Stone Kevin H. , Cosby Monty R. , Strange Nicholas A. , Thampy Vivek , Walroth Richard C. , Troxel Jr Charles
Published: August 2023

The general-purpose powder diffractometer beamline (BL2-1) at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) is described. The evolution of design and performance of BL2-1 are presented, in addition to current operating specifications, applications and measurement capabilities. Recent developments involve a robotic sample changer enabling high-throughput X-ray diffraction measurements, applicable to mail-in and remote operations. In situ and operando capabilities to measure samples with different form factors (e.g. capillary, flat plate or thin film, and transmission) and under variable experimental conditions are discussed. Several example datasets and accompanying Rietveld refinements are presented.
Hemilability and structural considerations in complexes of platinum(II) comprising bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane monoxide, monosulfide, and monoselenide
Authors: Faller Jack , Parr Jonathan
Published: August 2023

The structure of a platinum(II) complex containing (R)-(dimethylamino)ethylnapthyl and bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane monosulfide ligands, namely, {(R)-1-[1-(dimethylamino)ethyl]napthyl-κ2
N,C
2}[(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)diphenylphosphine sulfide-κ2
P,S]platinum(II) hexafluoridoantimonate dichloromethane monosolvate, [Pt(C14H16N)(C25H22P2S)][SbF6]·CH2Cl2, was determined. The structural features are compared with analogous platinum bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane monoxide [dppm(O)] and bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane monoselenide [dppm(Se)] complexes in relation to their potential hemilability and stereochemical nonrigidity.
Predicting student retention in higher education institutions (HEIs)
Authors: Addison Letetia , Williams Densil
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a parsimonious but rigorous model to assist decision-makers to determine critical factors which can lead to higher graduation rates amongst higher education institution (HEI) participants. It predicts the odds of dropout amongst university students, using HEI data from a developing country. This is used as a basis for a Student Retention Predictive (SRP) Model to inform HEI administrators about predicted risks of attrition amongst cohorts.

Design/methodology/approach

A classification tool, the Logistic Regression Model, is fitted to the data set for a particular HEI in a developing country. The model is used to predict significant factors for student dropout and to create a base model for predicted risks by various student demographic variables.

Findings

To reduce dropout and to ensure higher graduation rates, the model suggests that variables such as age group, faculty, academic standing and cumulative GPA are significant. These indicative results can drive intervention strategies to improve student retention in HEIs and lessen the gap between graduates and non-graduates, with the goal of reducing socio-economic inequalities in society.

Originality/value

This research employs risk bands (low, medium and high) to classify students at risk of attrition or drop out. This provides invaluable insights to HEI administrators in the development of intervention strategies to reduce dropout and increase graduation rates to impact the wider public policy issue of socio-economic inequities.
The achievement of sustainable development and business success through rational management decision-making in a circular economy
Authors: Shah Naimatullah , Bhatti Mitho Khan , Saraih Ummi Naiemah , Abdelwahed Nadia A. Abdelmegeed , Soomro Bahadur Ali
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore sustainable development and business success (BS) through decision-making (DM) in Pakistan’s circular economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a co-relational study in which the researchers used cross-sectional data collected from the managers of Pakistan’s manufacturing industries. Accordingly, the authors based this study’s findings on 373 valid samples.

Findings

This study’s structural equation modeling results reveal that DM has a positive and significant effect on sustainable development, which comprises competitiveness, business performance enhancement, flexibility, customer satisfaction and technology development. Moreover, DM positively and significantly affects BS.

Practical implications

This study’s findings support sustainable development, strengthen the socioeconomic conditions and bring about the industries’ well-being through DM. In addition, these findings demonstrate the need for the circular economy to tackle industrial challenges and simultaneously open up economic and environmental growth opportunities for society.

Originality/value

This study offers the original contribution from a circular economy perspective; there needs to be more empirical evidence among managers of manufacturing industries. Besides, this study provides DM’s role in achieving sustainable development in the presence of BS, which has disappeared in an integrated way, particularly in a circular context.
Tool-based mentoring conversations in teacher education: new structures, opportunities and the role of adaptive expertise
Authors: Hunskaar Tove Seiness , Gudmundsdottir Greta Björk
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how school-based mentors and preservice teachers (PTs) perceive mentoring conversations when applying a set of newly developed digital tools accompanied by discursive tools in mentoring in practicum.

Design/methodology/approach

This study performed a thematic analysis of 12 interviews (5 with mentors and 7 with PTs) to explore how the participants perceived mentoring conversations when applying a combination of digital and discursive tools in school-based mentoring conversations. This study uses a model of adaptive expertise to discuss the findings.

Findings

This analysis revealed that the tools could alter the typical order of mentoring conversations. Mentors reported a change in their mentoring routines in which mentees took a more active role in conversations. The use of tools also allowed for richer conversations. From the perspective of PTs, the tools provided a structure for mentoring sessions, provided an alternative opening for mentoring conversations and enhanced their awareness of certain aspects of their own teaching.

Originality/value

This study's results suggest that the application of tools in mentoring enhances mentoring by facilitating reflection among PTs and mentors and fostering the development of adaptive expertise.
Corporate net working capital: evidence from Shariah compliance
Authors: Bugshan Abdullah , Alnori Faisal , Ananzeh Husam
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the influence of Shariah compliance (SC) on firms' net working capital (NWC) target and adjustment speed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study samples of non-financial firms taken from six Gulf Cooperation countries between 2005 and 2019 and employs static and dynamic models to answer the present study research questions.

Findings

The outcomes of the study indicate that SC is one of the major determinants of the decision made by the corporation regarding their NWC. More specifically, enterprises that are compliant with restrictions within Shariah are seen to have laid targets of their NWC at a level that exceeds that of enterprises that are not compliant. Furthermore, compared to conventional firms, they seem to have higher speed when adjusting to meet set NWC targets. Submission to Islamic laws limits the choices from which an enterprise can outsource capital from existing funding instruments. Therefore, they experience a higher expected cost of bankruptcy. That being the case, such financial managers should readily maintain and adjust to higher NWC targets to meet current corporate needs, alleviate the risk of bankruptcy and lower dependency on expensive external funding options.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore the influence of SC on firms' NWC target and adjustment speed.
The determinants of sustainability reporting: evidence from Saudi petrochemical companies
Authors: Alshhadat Mohammad Q.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of sustainability reporting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty unstructured interviews were conducted to understand thoroughly the determinants and motivations of sustainability reporting among Saudi petrochemical shareholding companies.

Findings

This study finds that cultural aspects, compliance with international best practice, competitiveness, reputation and legitimacy are common motivations for sustainability reporting in KSA.

Research limitations/implications

This study has significant implications for industry, especially petrochemical and other highly polluting industries, and for policymakers. There are economic benefits to industry in adopting sustainability reporting, including transparency; and it is suggested that policymakers encourage industries to give more attention to sustainability reporting.

Originality/value

This study provides an original contribution to the extant literature on sustainability reporting, and incrementally adds to knowledge on sustainability reporting in KSA, Gulf cooperation council and Middle East North Africa region countries.
You are what your host eats: The trophic structure and food chain length of a symbiont community are coupled with the plastic diet of the host ant
Authors: Parmentier T. , Boeckx P. , Bonte D. , De Laender F.
Published: August 2023

Food chain length provides key information on the flow of nutrients and energy in ecosystems. Variation in food chain length has primarily been explained by environmental drivers such as ecosystem size and productivity. Most insights are obtained from theory or aquatic systems, but the importance of these drivers remains largely untested in terrestrial systems.

We exploited red wood ant nests markedly differing in size as natural experiments to quantify the drivers of trophic structure and food chain length of their symbiont arthropod communities. Using stable isotopes, we explored the variation in the trophic positions of four symbiont species with the trophic position of the top predator as a proxy for food chain length of the symbiont community.

Nest size did not affect food chain length, nor trophic distance between the symbionts. Instead, food chain length and the trophic positions of the symbionts were strongly affected by the host's foraging decisions. When the host diet shifted from predominantly herbivorous to more predacious, the trophic position of the symbionts and food chain length strongly increased.

We show for the first time that a food web can be structured by biotic interactions with an engineering species rather than by abiotic environmental variables.
On the marginal cost of public funds: the implications of charitable giving and warm glow
Authors: An Zhiyong
Published: August 2023

This paper highlights the important impact of charitable giving and warm glow on the identification of the marginal cost of public funds (MCF). We employ the warm glow model of charitable giving to describe taxpayer behaviour, whereas we employ the standard model to evaluate social welfare. We first identify the impact theoretically. Then we conduct simulations to quantify its size numerically. The results of our numerical simulations show that the standard model underestimates the magnitude of MCF by at least 10 per cent. Our work suggests that adopting a non‐welfarist social welfare function can make a significant difference to the identification of MCF.
Left behind: Voters’ reactions to local school and hospital closures
Authors: NYHOLT NIELS
Published: August 2023

Voters in rural and peripheral areas have increasingly turned away from mainstream parties and towards right‐wing populist parties. This paper tests the extent to which political decisions with adverse local effects—such as school and hospital closures—can explain this electoral shift. I theorize that political decisions such as these substantiate a perception of a disconnect between “ordinary” people and the politicians in power in day‐to‐day experiences. Using data on 315 school closures and 30 hospital closures in Denmark from 2005 to 2019 in a generalized difference‐in‐differences design, I find that mayors lose about 1.6 percentage points of the valid votes in areas where they close a school. Furthermore, I find that right‐wing populist parties increase their support in both local and national elections when a local school or hospital is closed. These findings provide insight into the electoral consequences of political decisions with adverse local effects and thus contribute to our understanding of the rise of right‐wing populism.
Rapid and non‐destructive approach for characterization and differentiation of sealing wax using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Bhatia Dimple , Nimi Chongtham , Sharma Sweety , Das Abhilash Kumar , Singh Rajinder
Published: August 2023

Sealing wax is used for maintaining the integrity and authenticity of a document or physical evidence. Any tampering with the seal calls into question the overall integrity and authenticity of the tangible evidence or document. In these circumstances, determining the authenticity of the sealing material (physical and chemical) becomes imperative. In this study, ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy supported by chemometrics has been used to differentiate sealing wax samples belonging to 12 different brands available across India. All the samples were first melted, cooled, and then analyzed using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy in the mid‐infrared region (4000–600 cm−1). The obtained spectra were first examined visually for the presence of different functional groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) and principal component analysis‐linear discriminant analysis (PCA‐LDA) were employed to analyze the sample clustering patterns and to categorize them into their respective groups, respectively. For classification, a PCA‐LDA training model was applied, and it demonstrated 95.83% accuracy. The validation test resulted in an accuracy of 83.33%. PCA‐LDA model offered 100% accurate prediction for samples on various substrates, including cloth, cardboard, and paper. A blind study was also performed using five unknown samples, which were accurately classified into their respective groups. PCA‐LDA model will be helpful in providing investigative leads by linking a questioned sealing wax sample with its respective group.
Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) negativity as a predictor of unfavorable response to EGFR‐TKI therapy in advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations
Authors: Ding Xiaosheng , Shi Weiwei , Han Bingxuan , Chen Hanxiao , Li Jia , An Juan , Zhou Lili , Xu Weiran , Shi Hui , Zheng Xixi , Hua Yichun , Li Xiaoyan
Published: August 2023

Background

The absence of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) is associated with a lower frequency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of TTF‐1 expression on the clinical response to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in patients with advanced LUAD.

Methods

The data of patients with advanced LUAD who were admitted to the Beijing Tiantan Hospital and Peking University Cancer Hospital (China) between April 2009 and May 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 227 patients diagnosed with advanced LUAD were included, of which 28.2% (64/227) had TTF‐1‐negative adenocarcinoma, while 54.6% (124/227) harbored EGFR mutations. Negative TTF‐1 expression significantly correlated with male sex (68.8% vs. 42.3%, p < 0.001), history of heavy smoking (57.8% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.003), poorly differentiated tumors (86.5% vs. 43.2%, p < 0.001), and lower frequency of EGFR mutations (26.6% vs. 65.6%, p < 0.001) compared with TTF‐1 positivity. Multivariable logistic regression showed that low prevalence of EGFR mutations (p < 0.001) and male sex (p = 0.006) were independent predictive factors for the negative expression of TTF‐1. Patients lacking TTF‐1 also exhibited worse overall response rate (ORR; 23.5% vs. 54.2%, p = 0.019), disease control rate (DCR; 58.8% vs. 89.7%, p = 0.003), and median progression‐free survival (PFS; 2.9 vs. 11.6 months, p < 0.001) following treatment with EGFR‐TKIs compared to the TTF‐1‐positive patients with EGFR mutations.

Conclusions

Patients with TTF‐1‐negative and EGFR‐mutant LUAD show a diminished response to EGFR‐TKIs.
Clinicopathological impact of VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C in patients with EGFR‐major mutant NSCLC receiving osimertinib
Authors: Kaira Kyoichi , Imai Hisao , Mouri Atsuto , Hashimoto Kosuke , Miura Yu , Shiono Ayako , Yamaguchi Ou , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Kawasaki Tomonori , Yasuda Masanori , Kagamu Hiroshi
Published: August 2023

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as one of the resistant mechanisms to epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs). However, the relationship between the efficacy of osimertinib and protein expression of VEGF family members in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 76 patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR major mutations (del19 or L858R) receiving first‐line osimertinib were eligible as the osimertinib (Osi) group, whereas 43 patients receiving first‐ or second‐generation EGFR‐TKIs were compared with the control group. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) in the tumor specimens was analyzed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C were highly expressed in 65.8% and 51.3% of patients, respectively, in the Osi group, and 69.7% and 76.7%, respectively, in the control group. High VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C levels were significantly associated with poor performance status (PS) and female sex, respectively. In the Osi group, patients with co‐high expression of VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C showed significantly worse progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than those without co‐high expression. In del19, VEGFR2 was a significant predictor of PFS and OS and independent predictor of OS in multivariate analysis. In L858R, co‐high expression of VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C was identified as a significant predictor of PFS and OS and independent predictor of PFS.

Conclusion

VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C are highly expressed in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC cells. Increased expression of VEGFR2 was identified as a significant prognostic factor in patients with EGFR del19 mutation who received osimertinib, whereas co‐high expression of VEGFR2 and VEGF‐C was a significant predictor for those with EGFR L858R mutation.
Investigating performance implications of intra‐family ownership successions: Equity transfers with versus without debt creation
Authors: Janssen Ellen , Vandemaele Sigrid , Voordeckers Wim , Vancauteren Mark
Published: August 2023

We relate two routes of intra‐family ownership succession (i.e., succession financed with versus without debt) to post‐succession financial performance. Investigating a sample of 203 privately‐held family businesses, our results show that the succession‐induced performance paths of the two subgroups are significantly different. When debt is used to fund the intra‐family share transfer, financial performance significantly increases in the post‐succession period. This phenomenon is absent when no debt is used to fund succession. We attribute the performance gap to a governance device characterising the debt‐financed succession route: debt creation at succession leads to firm‐level efficiency gains.
Artificial Intelligence text generators for overcoming language barriers in ecological research communication
Authors: Zenni Rafael D. , Andrew Nigel R.
Published: August 2023

Language barriers can impede the dissemination of research findings, restrict collaboration and exclude non‐English‐speaking researchers from the global scientific community. To overcome this challenge, we explore the potential of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) text generators to assist non‐anglophone researchers in producing high‐quality academic texts for publication in scientific journals, with a focus on the field of ecological research. These tools can produce grammatically correct, coherent and contextually appropriate text, improving scientific communication quality. Improving scientific communication is vital in Ecology, where research findings can have important implications for the environment and public policy. GenAI text generators can generate summaries of research findings, abstracts and social media posts promoting research findings. Nonetheless, researchers must exercise caution and use these tools together with human review and editing to ensure accuracy and clarity. As natural language processing and machine learning continue to evolve, the use of GenAI text generators in scientific communication is poised to become increasingly important.
Investigating the impact of innovative AI chatbot on post‐pandemic medical education and clinical assistance: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Xie Yi , Seth Ishith , Hunter‐Smith David J. , Rozen Warren M. , Seifman Marc A.
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly disrupted clinical experience and exposure of medical students and junior doctors. Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in medical education has the potential to enhance learning and improve patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three popular large language models (LLMs) in serving as clinical decision‐making support tools for junior doctors.

Methods

A series of increasingly complex clinical scenarios were presented to ChatGPT, Google's Bard and Bing's AI. Their responses were evaluated against standard guidelines, and for reliability by the Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, the Coleman‐Liau Index, and the modified DISCERN score for assessing suitability. Lastly, the LLMs outputs were assessed by using the Likert scale for accuracy, informativeness, and accessibility by three experienced specialists.

Results

In terms of readability and reliability, ChatGPT stood out among the three LLMs, recording the highest scores in Flesch Reading Ease (31.2 ± 3.5), Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (13.5 ± 0.7), Coleman–Lau Index (13) and DISCERN (62 ± 4.4). These results suggest statistically significant superior comprehensibility and alignment with clinical guidelines in the medical advice given by ChatGPT. Bard followed closely behind, with BingAI trailing in all categories. The only non‐significant statistical differences (P > 0.05) were found between ChatGPT and Bard's readability indices, and between the Flesch Reading Ease scores of ChatGPT/Bard and BingAI.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential utility of LLMs in fostering self‐directed and personalized learning, as well as bolstering clinical decision‐making support for junior doctors. However further development is needed for its integration into education.
Cerebral palsy in children born after assisted reproductive technology in Norway: Risk, prevalence, and clinical characteristics
Authors: Carlsen Henriette , Vik Torstein , Andersen Guro L. , Stangenes Kristine , Bjellmo Solveig , Westvik‐Johari Kjersti , Hollung Sandra Julsen
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The aim was to investigate the risk, prevalence, and clinical characteristics of cerebral palsy among children born after assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Norway.

Material and methods

All liveborn children from 2002 to 2015 were included. Information was collected from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, linked to the Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy as of December 31, 2022. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the prevalence of cerebral palsy per 1000 live births after ART and natural conception with birth year as covariate, crude odds ratios (OR) for cerebral palsy among children born after ART using children born after natural conception as reference, and OR adjusted for potential confounders, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Potential mediators of the association were studied in stratified analyses. Descriptive statistics were used to compare proportions in clinical characteristics among children with cerebral palsy born after ART and natural conception.

Results

Among 833 645 livebirths, 23 645 children were born after ART and of the latter 97 were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The overall prevalence of cerebral palsy after ART was 4.10 per 1000 live births (95% CI 3.36–5.00), decreasing from 7.79 per 1000 in 2002 to 3.55 in 2015. Compared with children born after natural conception, the OR for cerebral palsy was 2.01 (95% CI 1.63–2.47) adjusted for mother's age at birth, parity, and pre‐pregnancy health. When restricted to singletons born at term, the adjusted OR for cerebral palsy was 1.13 (95% CI 0.76–1.69). The distribution of cerebral palsy subtypes and the severity of gross and fine motor function and associated impairments did not differ significantly between children with cerebral palsy born after ART and natural conception.

Conclusions

Children born after ART had a risk of cerebral palsy that was twice that of children born after natural conception. The increased risk of cerebral palsy after ART is likely attributed to multiple pregnancies and preterm births. The prevalence of cerebral palsy after ART decreased significantly during the study period, despite an increased use of ART in the population. The distribution of clinical characteristics did not differ between children with cerebral palsy born after ART and those born after a natural conception, suggesting that the risk factors for, and causes of cerebral palsy were similar.
Association of suicide with psychiatric hospitalization in Taiwan
Authors: Shan Jia‐Chi , Tseng Mei‐Chih Meg , Chang Chin‐Hao
Published: August 2023

Introduction

A knowledge gap exists in the relationship between suicide and psychiatric hospitalization in Asia. This study investigated inpatient service utilization before suicide and suicide risk at different periods of hospitalization in Taiwan.

Methods

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database, we applied a nested case–control design with controls being alive on the date each case died by suicide.

Results

A total of 56 939 suicide cases and 1 138 780 controls were included (2:1 male‐to‐female ratio). Only 5.7% of suicide cases had a history of psychiatric hospitalization in the preceding year. Patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization were associated with a higher risk of inpatient and postdischarge suicide than those without prior hospitalization. The risk was greatest in the first postdischarge week, decreased gradually, and remained significantly elevated over 7 years after discharge. The suicide risk increased more in females. Patients with affective disorders had higher inpatient and postdischarge suicide risks than those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Discussion

A low rate of psychiatric hospitalization before suicide implies that inpatient treatment of psychiatric disorders could be enhanced. Community‐based approaches to suicide prevention can improve the treatment utilization of those with suicide risk and bridge continuous care from hospital to community.
A resilient ice cover over the southernmost Mendeleev Ridge during the late Quaternary
Authors: Song Tengfei , Hillaire‐Marcel Claude , de Vernal Anne , Liu Yanguang
Published: August 2023

The presence of a late Quaternary ice sheet/ice shelf over the East Siberian Sea has been proposed in several papers. Here, we further document its duration/resilience based on the sedimentary, bulk mineralogical, and geochemical (organic matter content and its stable isotopic composition, U‐Th series) properties of a core raised from the southernmost Mendeleev Ridge. The chronostratigraphy of the studied core was mainly built from the 230Th excess (230Thxs) distribution and decay downcore. At the core‐top, peaking 230Thxs values during the early MIS 3 and mid‐MIS 1 encompassing an MIS 2 hiatus were observed. As documented in several papers, these peaks suggest seasonally open ice conditions over proximal continental shelves. Below, the interval spanning MIS 4 and possibly MIS 5d records major ice‐rafting events illustrated by overall high coarse‐fraction contents. Underlying MIS 5e, down to MIS 11, the sediment depicts relatively low sand (1.7±2.5 dw%), high clay (33.5±4.7 dw%), and very low organic carbon (0.10±0.06 dw%) contents, and low δ13Corg values (−24.3±0.9‰). This section is interpreted as recording fine sediment transport by deep currents and/or meltwater plumes below a resilient ice cover, only interrupted by a few short‐duration events. These events include (i) detrital carbonate pulses assigned to deglacial events along the NW Laurentide Ice Sheet margin (Termination (T) III), and (ii) intervals with some planktonic foraminifer occurrences, likely relating to their advection from open areas of the Arctic Ocean (MIS 5e, 9 and 11). All Terminations, but TII and the early MIS 3, show peaking Mn/Al values linked to the submergence of Arctic shelves under a rising sea level. We conclude that the resilient ice cover, likely an ice shelf, has been present over the southern Mendeleev Ridge during most of the interval after the Mid‐Pleistocene Transition and was favoured by the low summer insolation of the MIS 14 to 10 interval.
Trends in the performance of arms‐length agencies in the Government of Canada
Authors: Doberstein Carey
Published: August 2023

Canada mirrors developments in most countries with the growth of government agencies created to deliver public goods—whether it is service delivery, adjudication of disputes, regulatory oversight, enforcement activities—purported to benefit from an arms‐length relationship to cabinet. There is a robust comparative literature documenting the “agencification” of the state, yet Canadian studies remain mostly absent. This article draws on the Government of Canada's Public Service Employee Survey (PSES) microdata from 2017, 2011, 2005, and 1999 to test key hypotheses advanced by proponents of agencification, specifically that agencies are more innovative, autonomous, and efficient public organizations. We find that those working in enforcement agencies exhibit few of the purported advantages of agencification. We also observe that in recent years regulatory, adjudicative, and parliamentary agencies consistently surpass conventional department organizations on these metrics. Future research avenues are proposed to explore how governance and oversight reforms may explain this shift.
Fibroblast inhibition by tocilizumab enabled gemcitabine/nab‐paclitaxel rechallenge for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mitsunaga Shuichi , Ikeda Masafumi , Imaoka Hiroshi , Sasaki Mitsuhito , Watanabe Kazuo , Sato Akihiro , Aoki Kazunori , Ochiai Atsushi , Makikawa Mayu , Nishidate Masanobu , Yamaguchi Kyoko , Terao Kimio , Sawada Noriaki , Fujitomo Takashi , Fujii Etsuko , Kato Atsuhiko , Tsunoda Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway inhibition may overcome chemoresistance of metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC). We sought to determine the safety and recommended dose of tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL‐6 receptor monoclonal antibody, and biological correlates of tumor shrinkage in patients with gemcitabine (GEM)/nanoparticle albumin‐bound paclitaxel (nab‐PTX)‐refractory MPC. This phase 1 study enrolled 10 patients with MPC who had progressed after GEM/nab‐PTX. Patients initially received TCZ 8 mg/kg on Day 1 and nab‐PTX 100 mg/m2 + GEM 750 mg/m2 on Days 2, 9, and 16. Before and at the end of Cycle 1, biopsy of liver metastases was performed 3–5 h after levofloxacin (LVFX) administration to measure LVFX infiltration into tumor tissue. No dose‐limited toxicities occurred, and the recommended dosage of TCZ was determined to be 8 mg/kg. Treatment‐emergent adverse events occurred in 80% of patients, of which decreased neutrophil count was the most common. Tumor reduction during Cycle 1 was observed in four patients, who were defined as responders. In paired‐biopsy samples, responder‐related biological activities were an increase of cleaved PARP expression of tumor nuclei (p = 0.01), a decrease of proliferative cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) (p = 0.08), and an increase of LVFX infiltration in the tumor (p = 0.04). A decrease of phosphorylated STAT3 expression (p = 0.02) favored an increase in LVFX infiltration. In conclusion, TCZ + GEM/nab‐PTX‐rechallenge had a manageable safety profile and showed preliminary activity via inhibition of CAF and improved intratumoral drug infiltration in MPC.
Resin‐bonded fixed dental prosthesis versus implant‐supported single crowns in the anterior region
Authors: Bawa Annika , Seth‐Johansen Chahak , Jensen Simon Storgård , Gotfredsen Klaus
Published: August 2023

Background

Different treatment options exist for replacement of an anterior tooth, and as implant‐supported single crowns (ISSC) and resin‐bonded fixed dental prosthesis (RBFDPs) both are widespread treatment options, it is of clinical relevance to know which treatment modality can be considered superior.

Purpose

The purpose of this comparative study was to evaluate the 3‐ and 5‐year survival and failure rate of tooth‐supported resin‐bonded fixed dental prosthesis compared to implant‐supported single crowns. The null hypothesis was that there was no significant difference in survival rate, occurrence of complications or patient‐reported outcome between RBFDPs and ISSCs.

Materials and Methods

A total of 45 resin‐bonded FDPs were inserted in 27 young patients (test group) with tooth agenesis in the anterior part of the maxilla or mandible and a control group of 28 patients also with tooth agenesis in the anterior region but treated with 40 implant‐supported single crowns were included in this study. All patients and treatments were followed with a baseline and a 3‐ or 5‐year examination. All patients had to fill out an Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐49) questionnaire at baseline and at the 3‐ or 5‐year examination. The restorations were evaluated according to the Copenhagen Index Score (CIS).

Results

For the RBFDP (test) group there was an 82% survival rate and 18% failure rate, that is, four RBFDPs were not in situ after 3 years and four RBFDPs were not in situ after 5 years. Correspondingly, the ISSC showed a survival rate of 98% and a failure rate of 2%, that is, only one failure (ceramic fracture) after 3 and none after 5 years. Of the 82% RBFDPs in situ, there were no complications in 78% of the cases, whereas 22% had complications after 3 (4 complications) and 5 years (4 complications). There were 92% of the ISSCs without any complications and 8% (ie, 3 ISSCs) with complications after 3 or 5 years. In general, there was a significant reduction in the OHIP‐49 scores, for example, an improved oral health quality of life for both treatment options.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that ISSCs have lower complication and failure rates than RBFDPs. In general, the OHIP‐scores were significantly reduced regardless of whether RBFDPs or ISSC were used.
Formation of a conceptual framework during the development of a patient‐reported outcome measure for early gastrointestinal recovery: phase I of the PRO‐diGi study
Authors: Baker Daniel M. , Chapman Stephen J. , Thomas Benjamin D. , Thompson Benjamin J. , Hawkins Deborah J. , Arnott Robert , Blackwell Sue , Thorpe Gabrielle , Harji Deena P. , Jones Georgina L. , Lee Matthew J.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Patients admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery often experience gastrointestinal dysfunction. Many studies have reported outcomes following gastrointestinal dysfunction, yet there is no unified definition of recovery or a validated patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM). The first stage of PROM development requires formation of a conceptual framework to identify key themes to patients. The aim of this study was to utilize semistructured interviews to identify core themes and concepts relevant to patients to facilitate development of a conceptual framework.

Method

Adult patients admitted to hospital for major gastrointestinal, urological or gynaecological surgery, in an emergency or elective setting, were eligible to participate. Patients treated nonoperatively for small bowel obstruction were also eligible. Interviews were conducted by telephone, audio‐recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed using NVivo software by two researchers and reviewed by lay members of the steering group. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Ethical approval was gained prior to interviews (21/WA/0231).

Results

Twenty nine interviews were completed (17 men, median age 64 years) across three specialties (20 gastrointestinal, six gynaecological, three urological). Two overarching themes of ‘general recovery’ and ‘gastrointestinal symptoms’ were identified. General recovery included three themes: ‘life impact’, ‘mental impact’, including anxiety, and ‘physical impact’, including fatigue. Gastrointestinal symptoms included three themes: ‘abdominal symptoms’ such as pain, ‘diet and appetite’ and ‘expulsory function’, such as stool frequency. A total of 18 gastrointestinal symptoms were identified during patient recovery—many of which lasted several weeks following discharge.

Conclusion

This study reports a range of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal symptoms experienced by patients during early gastrointestinal recovery. Identified symptoms have been synthesized into a conceptual framework to enable development of a definitive PROM for early gastrointestinal recovery.
A dye–fibre system from food waste: Dyeing casein fibres with anthocyanins
Authors: Blackburn Richard S. , Houghton Joseph A. , Stenton Marie , Tidder Alenka
Published: August 2023

Regenerated protein fibres manufactured from food side‐streams offer significant potential as circular and sustainable fibres, but greater knowledge of their dyeing properties is required. In this research, coloration of casein fibres with dyes also extracted from blackcurrant skins left over from juice pressing is explored. Casein fibre was dyed with blackcurrant extract, rich in anthocyanins, from pH 2 to pH 6 and from 40 to 80°C, with and without alum. Casein fibres could be dyed with blackcurrant extract across all conditions tested, and under optimal conditions, dyeing is achieved with medium depths of colour with good wash fastness. Highest sorption of anthocyanins onto casein is observed at pH 4, where anthocyanins are a mixture of 60% neutral purple quinonoidal base form and 40% flavylium cation form; under these conditions dye–fibre interaction is optimal. At pH 2, casein fibre has a highly positively charged surface and anthocyanin is in the flavylium cation form, leading to some dye–fibre repulsion. At pH 6, the slightly negatively charged casein fibre demonstrates lower sorption of the mixture of 40% purple quinonoidal base form and 60% the anionic quinonoidal base form, again leading to some dye–fibre repulsion. Presence of alum in the dyebath enhances sorption of anthocyanins onto fibre at pH 4 due to formation of Al–anthocyanin complexes. Wash fastness of the dyeings is better as pH increases and as temperature increases.
Public good provision with redistributive taxation
Authors: Pecorino Paul
Published: August 2023

A government sets the level of taxation to provide a public good valued by consumers. There are two groups of consumers, the rich and the poor. The government has redistributive preferences, but is initially constrained to use lump‐sum taxation. This potentially leads the government to provide a very low level of the public good out of concern for not reducing private good consumption of the poor. In this context, allowing a small amount of redistribution from the rich to the poor may be Pareto improving. The loss in private consumption by the rich may be more than offset by the added utility from increased public good provision. I also analyze the extent to which a flat income tax can induce the government to choose a level of public good consistent with the Samuelson condition. When consumers have a survival constraint on private consumption, a progressive tax code is required to induce the government to choose the efficient level of the public good. Generally speaking, there is a trade‐off between a desire to restrain the government's ability to redistribute income and a desire to induce it to choose the level of the public good implied by the Samuelson condition.