bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capital structure of special-purpose governments
Authors: Eger III Robert J. , Hermis Judith M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The paper examines whether special purpose governments follow the pecking order model when raising capital, replacing firm equity in the original model with local intergovernmental revenues. Special purpose governments are a relatively underexamined component of state and local governments, and their capital structure choices have important implications for America’s aggregate fiscal health. This paper seeks to illuminate special purpose governments’ choices among available forms of capital.

Design/methodology/approach

To address our research inquiry regarding whether special-purpose governments adhere to the pecking order theory, we narrow our focus to a specific group of transit entities. Our investigation utilizes data sourced from two distinct repositories: the United States Census of Governments and the National Transit Database. To facilitate integration of these disparate datasets, we establish a correspondence between them using the Federal Information Processing Standard and the transit identification number. Initially, our analysis employs maximum likelihood estimation, comparing these estimates to those generated by a naïve model. Subsequently, we derive parameter estimates through the application of a bivariate probit model.

Findings

The paper supports the pecking order hypothesis where internal funds are consumed first, debt is consumed next and IGR is consumed last. The results are robust and are not influenced by simultaneity bias.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses transit special purpose governments as the special purpose government of interest. These transit special purpose governments have high fixed costs that may inform their capital structure decisions relative to non-transit special purpose governments. Additionally, transit special purpose governments often have a profit-maximizing objective that may not uniformly apply to other special purpose governments, such as school districts, who lack such an incentive.

Practical implications

Our research should grab the attention of state and local politicians, voters, policy experts and scholars. Special-purpose governments, a key part of our governmental system, are on the rise. Understanding them better can guide decision-making on how to allocate resources, set policies and plan strategically. This knowledge boosts financial reporting quality, transparency, accountability and public confidence. Journalists can leverage our findings to ensure accurate and thorough reporting, fostering accountability and trust. Additionally, debt markets and analysts can factor this information into their risk assessments.

Originality/value

The paper enhances our understanding of how special purpose governments interact with existing models of corporate finance when making capital structure decisions.
Impact of intellectual capital on financial competitiveness in context of listed Indian healthcare enterprises
Authors: Ahlawat Deepika , Sharma Priti , Kumar Sanjiv
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine impact of Intellectual Capital (IC) and its constituents in impacting Financial Competitiveness (FC) of Standard & Poor’s Bombay Stock Exchange Healthcare index constituents for years 2013–2023.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work used Modified Value-Added Intellectual Coefficients model to gauge IC, whilst an index has been used to apprehend alterations in FC of enterprises. Generalised method of moments (GMM) model was used to determine association between IC and FC of these enterprises.

Findings

Results demonstrated that IC in entirety had a notable role in FC of healthcare firms. Results showed that human and relational capital had an affirmative role, while structural capital, capital employed and innovation capital had adverse roles in competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides important contributions to academicians, researchers, management, directors and policymakers by equipping them for preparing a roadmap for future performances. Outcomes imply that IC and its segments must be efficaciously managed in the highly knowledge intensive and intricately interconnected healthcare sector, to establish greater competitive acumen thereby rendering improved and superior results.

Originality/value

This work focusses in lesser researched Indian healthcare sector, scrutinising association between IC efficiency and FC for years 2013–2023.
Managerial ability and firm growth: intellectual capital components
Authors: Kweh Qian Long , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Asif Jawad , Lu Wen-Min
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study analyses the way various components of intellectual capital (IC), namely, human capital (HC), structural capital (SC), relational capital (RC) and innovation capital (INNC), act as mediators in the relationship between managerial ability (MA) and a firm’s ability to achieve growth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs data envelopment analysis to quantify the MA of 825 Taiwanese listed electronics companies from 2017 to 2022. The proxies of firm growth are return on asset growth, operating income growth and total asset growth. This study then utilises a three-step mediation analysis methodology to examine the relationships between MA, IC and firm growth.

Findings

Findings indicate that HC, SC, RC and INNC mediate the link between MA and firm growth. This suggests that competent managers can capitalise on the potential benefits of these investments to achieve firm growth.

Practical implications

Competent managers can utilise different IC investments to grow the financial performance and strength of their businesses. Managers should continually scan, secure opportunities and adjust their investments in knowledge assets in accordance with the dynamic capabilities view. That is, managers, in general, and operations managers, in particular, can implement guidelines that prioritise IC investments in the future to expedite firms’ development.

Originality/value

This study extends the existing frameworks that study investment variables as mediators between MA and firm outcomes. Most particularly, this study adopts four components of IC for measurement. Moreover, firm performance is measured using dynamic growth indicators rather than static measures.
Social entrepreneurship and value creation in the cultural sector. An empirical analysis using the multidimensional controlling model
Authors: Iodice Gesualda , Bifulco Francesco
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Social entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in the contemporary economic and social ecosystem, defining a value proposition that incorporates a plurality of dimensions to be considered. This research work analyzes the externalities of social enterprises driven by arts and culture for the territories they operate in.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach of a single case study is performed to consider multiple dimensions in the development of controlling models in the managerial field. The framework adopted is then implemented through a longitudinal analysis over the last three years.

Findings

The empirical evidence shows the evolution of the economic and financial performance, the social effectiveness and the institutional legitimacy of the case, explaining the role played in the reference community, even during crisis time. The predictive power of performance changes emerges as a direct link to socially responsible indexes that amplify the attractiveness of value proposition processes.

Research limitations/implications

The results obtained are aligned with Betzlet et al. (2021) key predictor of the success of social entrepreneurship. A wide sample with multiple social enterprises operating in the cultural and creative field needs to be considered in the future, to further advance the literature through a comparative analysis.

Originality/value

This paper reveals that, in the cultural and creative sector, social entrepreneurship value creation is intrinsically linked to the individual and collective identity dimension able to promote cohesion and community well-being.
The potential of virtual reality meetings in international research projects for greenhouse gas emission mitigation
Authors: van Thienen Peter , Tsiami Lydia , Torello Mollie , Savić Dragan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

European Union (EU) research projects generally involve international teams based in different countries. This means that researchers need to travel internationally to participate for in-person meetings, which are crucial for facilitating collaboration among research teams and provide a platform for teams to share their progress. Unfortunately, much of the international traveling in EU projects is done by air and therefore it has a significant carbon footprint. One potential solution that has gained attention in recent years is virtual reality (VR) and the metaverse. The aim of this work is to investigate to what degree VR meetings provide a viable alternative to physical meetings in the context of EU research projects and can thus contribute to climate change mitigation.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stepped approach was chosen. First, the requirements for VR meetings were determined by collecting all relevant aspects of physical meetings through a questionnaire. Second, a set of VR meeting experiments were designed and executed. Third, carbon footprints for both physical traveling and VR meetings (lifecycle) were calculated.

Findings

We conclude that VR can be a powerful tool which can supplement international projects and mitigate carbon emissions associated with traveling for in-person meetings by an estimated 7–19 times.

Originality/value

This paper explores the suitability of the current generation of VR technology and quantitatively evaluates its effectiveness for greenhouse gas emissions mitigation in the context of a European research project.
State‐level trends in access to Medicaid family planning services, 2008–2023
Authors: Williams Austin M. , Saldarriaga Enrique M. , Cramer Ryan
Published: October 2024

Objective

To characterize the landscape of policies that determine eligibility for family planning services through Medicaid programs and describe trends in eligibility and its determinants over time.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Secondary data were collected for all states in the United States for the years 2008 through 2023. Data on economic and demographic characteristics came from the American Community Survey (ACS).

Study Design

Our descriptive study characterized state adoptions of Medicaid family planning section 1115 waivers and state plan amendments (SPA) and their eligibility criteria. We then estimated the proportion of women aged 19–44 years who were eligible for family planning services through Medicaid and identified the key determinants of changes in eligibility, by state and year.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Information on state Medicaid policies was extracted from documentation on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website. When estimating the eligible population sizes, the denominator was women aged 19–44 years, the group most likely to be eligible for Medicaid family planning programs. Supplemental data on program enrollment or utilization were collected from states' websites and reports.

Principal Findings

Though eligibility limits for family planning through Medicaid generally increased over time, the proportion of women aged 19–44 years eligible for at least limited benefits decreased from 45.0% in 2012 to 39.4% in 2022, largely because of increases in household income. Trends varied considerably across states and by eligibility pathway. Among women with incomes below the poverty level, the proportion who were not eligible for Medicaid family planning services decreased from 6.3% in 2013 to 1.5% in 2022.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated substantial geographic and temporal variation in eligibility for family planning services through Medicaid. We identified key drivers of eligibility changes that may have important implications for health services analyses of means‐tested public programs.
Frequency and clinical implications of findings on true whole‐body 18F‐FDG PET in the assessment of breast cancer
Authors: Cheng Chris‐Tin , Lee Shane , Ahmad Kabir , Ma Dickson
Published: October 2024

Introduction

In the assessment of breast cancer using 18‐F FDG PET/CT, the incremental clinical benefit in performing a true whole‐body PET/CT (with a field of view (FOV) from the vertex to the toes) over a limited whole‐body PET/CT (with a FOV from the base of skull to the mid‐thighs) is uncertain.

Methods

Two hundred and one studies of 120 patients who underwent staging or restaging true whole body 18F‐FDG PET/CT for breast cancer were retrospectively identified. Any abnormal hypermetabolic or structural focus outside the limited FOV was recorded and characterised, and referenced with the patient's known disease status and any symptomatology.

Results

A total of 18 (9.0%) studies had FDG avid and/or structural abnormalities detected outside the limited whole‐body FOV which were identified as malignant. Seventeen out of 18 (94.4%) were skeletal and of these, 15/17 (88.2%) were located within the lower limbs. In three cases, there were de novo findings but identified in the presence of interval progression of other metastases within the limited whole‐body FOV. None of these additional findings is known to have resulted in a change to staging or clinical management.

Conclusion

In the assessment of breast cancer, a true whole‐body PET/CT can reveal metastases outside the limited whole‐body FOV, but these are unlikely to be encountered in isolation and therefore may have little bearing on clinical stage or management. Ultimately, while the choice of FOV should still be based on the individual patient situation, routine utilisation of the true whole‐body FOV in the asymptomatic patient may not be necessary.
Implementing the optimized hippo‐avoidance prophylactic cranial irradiation for limited‐stage small cell lung cancer by tomotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Zhan Tian‐You , Deng Lei , Wang Wen‐Qing , Zhang Tao , Wang Jian‐Yang , Wang Xin , Liu Wen‐Yang , Zhai Yi‐Rui , Xiao Ze‐Fen , Feng Qin‐Fu , Bi Nan , Li Ye‐Xiong , Zhou Zong‐Mei
Published: October 2024

Background

Hippo‐avoidance prophylactic cranial irradiation (HA‐PCI) requires a hippocampal avoidance zone expanded from hippocampus to ensure dose fall‐off and compensate for setup errors. Most studies recommend a 5‐mm margin, while it could be optimized to a 2‐mm expansion. Here, we showed the details of optimized HA‐PCI for limited‐stage small cell lung cancer (LS‐SCLC).

Methods

This cohort study reviewed patients with LS‐SCLC receiving optimized HA‐PCI from August 2014 to June 2020 in the National Cancer Center of China. The hippo‐related dose parameters were summarized. The comparison of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test—Revised (HVLT‐R) scores in different time points was conducted. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the survival rates.

Results

A total of 112 patients were included. The average doses of hippocampus and hippocampal avoidance zone were 6.80 Gy (IQR: 6.40–7.44) and 7.63 Gy (IQR: 7.14–8.39). No differences were observed in the two radiation techniques (tomotherapy [TOMO] vs. volumetric‐modulated arc therapy [VMAT]). The decline of HVLT‐R score remained in a low level and not significant in assessable patients (p = 0.095). With a median follow‐up of 52 months (95% CI: 47.2–56.7), the 2‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival were 74.1% and 50.0%, respectively. Two intracranial recurrence lesions (2.3%) located <2 mm from the hippocampus.

Conclusions

Optimized HA‐PCI could achieve similar dose limitation by TOMO and VMAT techniques with favorable efficacy and minor toxicity.
Early Childhood Education and Care Attendance and Its Association With Outdoor Play, Screen Time and Sleep Duration of Young Children: Findings From the CHAT Trial in Australia
Authors: Xu Huilan , Phongsavan Philayrath , Kerr Erin , Simone Lisa , Rissel Chris , Wen Li Ming
Published: October 2024

Background

Effects of attending early childhood education and care (ECEC) on health behaviours of young children remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ECEC attendance was associated with outdoor play, screen time, sleep duration and family demographics of children aged 2 and 3 years.

Methods

Secondary analysis was conducted using data extracted from two linked trials conducted in Australia, 2017–2020. Telephone surveys were conducted with participating mothers for data collection. Multiple logistic and linear regression models were built to investigate the associations of ECEC attendance with outdoor play, screen time, sleep duration and family demographics among young children.

Results

At ages 2 and 3 years, 797 and 537 mothers completed surveys, respectively. Of respondents, 65% and 72% of children attended ECEC, respectively. Children who attended ECEC had 17 min (95% CI 3.8–30.5) and 28 min (95% CI 14.1–41.9) more daily outdoor playtime and had 13 min (95% CI 4.0–21.5) and 19 min (95% CI 6.4–30.7) less daily screen time at home at 2 and 3 years, respectively. Although ECEC attendance was not associated with sleep duration, children who attended ECEC were more likely to meet all three recommendations (outdoor play, screen time and sleep) with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.84 (95% CI 1.24–2.72) at age 2 and AOR 2.34 (95% CI 1.28–4.28) at age 3. Mothers who were employed, first‐time mothers, spoke English at home or had a high household income were more likely to use ECEC services.

Conclusions

ECEC services may hold promise to influence outdoor play and screen time among young children. Children from lower socio‐demographic background had a lower rate of ECEC attendance. Future health promotion programmes for young children need to also consider children who do not attend ECEC.
Favorable Prognosis in Patients With Multiple Myeloma and Lenalidomide‐Induced Skin Rash: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Nakamura Ayumi , Kimura Yuta , Tanaka Yuka , Tsuchimoto Daisuke , Naruse Atsuhiko , Kanematsu Tetsufumi , Takeuchi Kento , Tomita Nobukazu , Miyazawa Kenji , Fukuoka Tomohiro , Mori Akiya , Tamaki Shinya , Fujioka Aiko , Yokoyama Satoshi , Ikeda Yoshiaki , Nagai Hirokazu
Published: October 2024

Although lenalidomide is an essential treatment for multiple myeloma (MM), skin rashes are a common adverse event. This retrospective study aimed to examine the association between skin rash development during lenalidomide treatment and the prognosis of relapsed/refractory MM. All patients who received lenalidomide at 10 hospitals between July 2009 and December 2015 were included in the study. The relationship of skin rash development with disease progression and survival was evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors affecting disease progression or survival, including skin rash. Of the 245 patients analyzed, 70 developed skin rashes. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) of patients with skin rashes was 22.4 months, whereas the median PFS for patients who did not develop skin rashes was 10.5 months (p = 0.003). The median overall survival for patients with and without skin rash was 42.6 and 24.6 months, respectively (p = 0.013). Multivariate regression analysis showed that skin rash was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (p = 0.009). In this study, patients with skin rashes during lenalidomide treatment had significantly better PFS than those without such symptoms, indicating that lenalidomide‐associated skin rashes may be a predictor of clinical outcomes in patients with MM.
Tremor after solid organ transplantation: Results from the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study
Authors: van der Stouwe A. Madelein M. , Riemersma Niels L. , Knobbe Tim J. , Kremer Daan , Nolte Svea , Plasmeijer Danieke B. , Gomes‐Neto Antonio. W. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Drost Gea , Elting Jan Willem J.
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

Tremor is a frequent complaint of solid organ transplant recipients. We report on the largest population investigated with clinical neurophysiological methods. Our aim is to objectively establish the tremor prevalence and syndrome in the largest population of solid organ transplant recipients.

Methods

Tremor was measured in heart, kidney, liver, and lung recipients, using accelerometers during rest, postural, and weight‐loaded conditions. The 95th percentile of healthy kidney donors' tremor amplitude was used as the cutoff to determine the presence of tremor in transplant recipients. Tremor frequency, frequency variability, and effect of loading were used to investigate enhanced physiological tremor as the likely tremor syndrome. Impact on activities of daily life was assessed, and correlations with tacrolimus blood levels were investigated.

Results

Tremor was present in 52% of 246 transplant recipients, typically in postural positions. Mean tremor frequency was 6.1 (±2.0) Hz; mean tremor variability was 2.6 (±1.8) Hz. A frequency decrease upon loading was found in 83% of patients with tremor. Sixty‐five percent of patients met formal clinical neurophysiological criteria for enhanced physiological tremor. Tremor‐related impairment was present in 55% and correlated with tremor amplitude (ρ = 0.23, p ≤ 0.001). In a binominal regression analysis, tacrolimus blood levels were independently associated with tremor prevalence (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

More than half of solid organ transplant recipients experience a tremor that best fits the syndrome of enhanced physiological tremor. This is the first objective study on tremor that has established a better understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms of tremor in a large population of solid organ transplant recipients.
Evaluating novel in silico tools for accurate pathogenicity classification in epilepsy‐associated genetic missense variants
Authors: Montanucci Ludovica , Brünger Tobias , Boßelmann Christian M. , Ivaniuk Alina , Pérez‐Palma Eduardo , Lhatoo Samden , Leu Costin , Lal Dennis
Published: October 2024

Objective

Determining the pathogenicity of missense variants in clinical genetic tests for individuals with epilepsy is crucial for guiding personalized treatment. However, achieving a definitive pathogenic classification remains challenging, with most missense variants still classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and with the availability of many computational tools which may provide conflicting predictions. Here, we aim to evaluate the performance of state‐of‐the‐art computational tools in pathogenicity prediction of missense variants in epilepsy‐associated genes. This will assist in selecting the most appropriate tool and critically assess their use in clinical setting.

Methods

We assessed the performance of nine in silico pathogenicity prediction tools for missense variants in epilepsy‐associated genes on three carefully curated data sets. The first two data sets comprise missense variants in epilepsy associated genes that have been uploaded to ClinVar in the last year and were, therefore, not part of the training set of any of the nine considered tools. These two data sets are based on two different lists of epilepsy‐associated genes and comprise ~700 and ~ 250 missense variants, respectively. The third data set includes ~400 missense variants within epilepsy‐associated genes for which the functional effects have been determined experimentally and are therefore used here to infer pathogenicity. These three data sets represent the best available approximation to blind and independent test sets.

Results

Among the nine assessed tools, AlphaMissense (area under the curve [AUC]: .93, .88, and .95) and REVEL (AUC: .93, .88, and .93) showed the best classification performance, also outperforming other tools in the number of classified variants.

Significance

We show which recently developed prediction tools achieve higher performance in epilepsy‐associated genes and should be integrated, therefore, into the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association of Molecular Pathology (AGMC/AMP) variant classification process. Periodic reevaluation of genetic test results with newly developed or updated tools should be incorporated into standard clinical practice to improve diagnostic yield and better inform precision medicine.
When Do Tumours Develop? Neoplastic Processes Across Different Timescales: Age, Season and Round the Circadian Clock
Authors: Bieuville Margaux , Dujon Antoine M. , Raven Nynke , Ujvari Beata , Pujol Pascal , Eslami‐S Zahra , Alix Panabières Catherine , Capp Jean‐Pascal , Thomas Frédéric
Published: October 2024

While it is recognised that most, if not all, multicellular organisms harbour neoplastic processes within their bodies, the timing of when these undesirable cell proliferations are most likely to occur and progress throughout the organism's lifetime remains only partially documented. Due to the different mechanisms implicated in tumourigenesis, it is highly unlikely that this probability remains constant at all times and stages of life. In this article, we summarise what is known about this variation, considering the roles of age, season and circadian rhythm. While most studies requiring that level of detail be done on humans, we also review available evidence in other animal species. For each of these timescales, we identify mechanisms or biological functions shaping the variation. When possible, we show that evolutionary processes likely played a role, either directly to regulate the cancer risk or indirectly through trade‐offs. We find that neoplastic risk varies with age in a more complex way than predicted by early epidemiological models: rather than resulting from mutations alone, tumour development is dictated by tissue‐ and age‐specific processes. Similarly, the seasonal cycle can be associated with risk variation in some species with life‐history events such as sexual competition or mating being timed according to the season. Lastly, we show that the circadian cycle influences tumourigenesis in physiological, pathological and therapeutic contexts. We also highlight two biological functions at the core of these variations across our three timescales: immunity and metabolism. Finally, we show that our understanding of the entanglement between tumourigenic processes and biological cycles is constrained by the limited number of species for which we have extensive data. Improving our knowledge of the periods of vulnerability to the onset and/or progression of (malignant) tumours is a key issue that deserves further investigation, as it is key to successful cancer prevention strategies.
The experiences of children with Williams syndrome and their nondisabled siblings of their relationship
Authors: Cebula Katie , Gillooly Amanda , Coulthard Laura K. B. , Riby Deborah M. , Hastings Richard P.
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study explored sibling relationships from the perspective of children with Williams syndrome (WS) and their nondisabled (ND) siblings.

Background

WS, a genetic condition with a profile that can include intellectual disabilities, hypersociability and anxiety, might be predicted to impact sibling relationships, but this has not been qualitatively explored from the children's perspective.

Methods

Thirty‐nine children (6–17 years; 20 male, 19 female) participated: 20 sibling dyads in which one child had WS and the other was ND (one child with WS did not participate). Children were interviewed about experiences of their relationship. Data were analyzed with reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Siblings described multifaceted relationships, in which love and positivity were overtly evident and embedded in the reciprocity of sibling expertise and support. Children skillfully navigated the spaces and boundaries of their relationship across home, school, and friendship contexts, with parent support. ND siblings' knowledge of WS supported interactions, relationships, and advocacy, but some children with WS felt their sibling lacked knowledge of the challenges of WS.

Conclusions

The WS profile was woven through multidimensional relationships.

Implications

Findings have implications for how parents are supported to help siblings navigate relationships and learn about WS, and how schools support WS sibling relationships.
Macrophages and autophagy: partners in crime
Authors: Vitaliti Alessandra , Reggio Alessio , Palma Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Macrophages and autophagy are intricately linked, both playing vital roles in maintaining homeostasis and responding to disease. Macrophages, known for their ‘eating’ function, rely on a sophisticated digestion system to process a variety of targets, from apoptotic cells to pathogens. The connection between macrophages and autophagy is established early in their development, influencing both differentiation and mature functions. Autophagy regulates essential immune functions, such as inflammation control, pathogen clearance, and antigen presentation, linking innate and adaptive immunity. Moreover, it modulates cytokine production, ensuring a balanced inflammatory response that prevents excessive tissue damage. Autophagy also plays a critical role in macrophage polarization, influencing their shift between pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory states. This review explores the role of autophagy in macrophages, emphasizing its impact across various tissues and pathological conditions, and detailing the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which autophagy shapes macrophage function.
TetraDENSITY 2.0—A Database of Population Density Estimates in Tetrapods
Authors: Santini L. , Mendez Angarita V. Y. , Karoulis C. , Fundarò D. , Pranzini N. , Vivaldi C. , Zhang T. , Zampetti A. , Gargano S. J. , Mirante D. , Paltrinieri L.
Published: October 2024

Motivation

Population density is a fundamental parameter in ecology and conservation, and taxonomic and geographic patterns of population density have been an important focus of macroecological research. However, population density data are time‐consuming and costly to collect, so their availability is limited. Leveraging decades of research, TetraDENSITY 1.0 was developed as a global repository containing over 18,000 population density estimates for > 2100 terrestrial vertebrate species, aiding researchers in investigating patterns of population density, its intrinsic and extrinsic drivers, and for developing predictive models. Here we present a substantially expanded version of the database, which now includes marine tetrapods and encompasses over 54,300 estimates for 3717 species associated with error estimates and geographical coordinates when available, hence enabling meta‐analytical approaches and better spatial matching of estimates with environmental conditions.

Main Types of Variables Contained

Population density estimates and associated errors, time and location of data collection, taxonomic information, estimation method.

Spatial Location

Global.

Time Period and Grain

1925–2024.

Major Taxa and Level of Measurement

Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia. Estimates reported at the population level.

Software Format

.csv.
Outcomes and prognostic factors of endodontically treated teeth filled with calcium silicate‐ or epoxy resin‐based root canal sealers: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kangseng Titanan , Banomyong Danuchit , Osiri Sittichoke , Jantarat Jeeraphat
Published: October 2024

Aim

The objectives of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes of root canal treatment between calcium silicate‐based sealer using the cold hydraulic condensation technique and epoxy resin‐based sealer using warm vertical compaction and to identify the prognostic factors affecting the outcomes of both obturation techniques.

Methodology

Dental records and radiographs of the teeth that received root canal treatment with calcium silicate‐based sealer using the cold hydraulic condensation technique or epoxy resin‐based sealer using warm vertical compaction during 2015–2021 were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cases were matched between the two groups based on four factors: primary root canal treatment or retreatment, tooth type, periapical lesion and its size and extension of root canal filling. The success rates of root canal treatment between two sealers/obturation techniques were analysed. The incidence and resorption of extruded sealer were evaluated using the McNemar's test. Generalized estimated equations were used to evaluate any prognostic factors.

Results

The median recall period of this study was 15 months. A total of 234 teeth, comprising 117 cases in each sealer/obturation group, were included. No significant difference was found in the success rates between the calcium silicate‐based sealer using the cold hydraulic condensation technique group (91.5%) and the epoxy resin‐based sealer using the warm vertical compaction group (94.9%). The incidence of sealer extrusion for the calcium silicate‐based sealer (27.6%) did not significantly differ from that of the epoxy resin‐based sealer (36.2%), with both sealers typically demonstrating no resorption at recalls. No prognostic factors related to the success rate of either technique were detected.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest no difference in the success rate between calcium silicate‐based sealer and epoxy resin‐based sealer. The study did not identify any prognostic factors that significantly influenced the outcomes of the endodontic treatments.
The Effects of Different Nursing Positions During Preterm Infants Feeding on Gastric Residual Volume and Emptying Rate: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Elhusein Amal Mohamed , Fadlalmola Hammad Ali
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

Preterm infants need nutritional support due to their premature digestive system, undeveloped anatomy and functional limitations. Neonatal positioning in the proper position is one of the nurses' main principles that affect the residual volume. We performed our systematic review and network meta‐analysis to determine the best feeding position for preterm infants in reducing gastric residual volume and increasing the rate of gastric emptying.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, CINHAL, Scopus and Web of Science from their inception to August 2023. We included studies that assess the effect of different feeding positions for preterm infants on gastric residuals. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (ROB2) appraised the included clinical trials. Cohort studies were assessed by the NIH tool and quasi‐experimental studies by the relevant items from (Downs and Black) checklist. RevMan Version 5.4 was used for analysing the pooled data. Our study included a frequentist network meta‐analysis of the aggregate data to obtain network estimates for the outcomes of interest. Network meta‐analysis was done using R software.

Results

We included 16 studies with 1139 premature infants, comparing six preterm feeding positions. The pooled MD and 95% CI for GRV at 30 min for right lateral, prone, right anterior oblique and left lateral compared to supine position were as follows: (−12.08 [−20.09, −4.07]), (−11.14 [−18.26, −4.01]), (−9.02 [−21.66, 3.61]) and (−0.18 [−7.87, 7.5]), respectively. Moreover, the pooled MD and 95% CI for GRV at 180 min for right lateral, prone and left lateral compared to supine position were as follows: (−0.69 [−1.29, −0.09]), (−0.56 [−1.22, 0.1]) and (0.09 [−0.63, 0.81]), respectively. Nevertheless, the pooled MD and 95% CI for GRV at 120 min for right anterior oblique, prone, right lateral and left lateral compared to supine position were as follows: (−6.09 [−11.33, −0.86]), (−5.07 [−7.71, −2.43]), (−3.08 [−5.89, −0.27]) and (−0.44 [−3.41, 2.53]), respectively.

Conclusion

We concluded that the best nursing position after preterm infants feeding for lower gastric residuals and higher gastric emptying rate is the right lateral position after 30 and 180 min post‐feeding. Also, the right anterior oblique was the best after 120 min. Although the prone position can lower the GRV better than the left lateral and supine positions, it is not advisable to use this position because it raises the SIDS risk. Our results could help healthcare professionals to provide the appropriate positioning of preterm infants.
Characterization of cellular and molecular immune components of the painted white sea urchin Lytechinus pictus in response to bacterial infection
Authors: Nesbit Katherine T , Hargadon Alexis Cody , Renaudin Gloria D , Kraieski Nicholas D , Buckley Katherine M , Darin Emily , Lee Yoon , Hamdoun Amro , Schrankel Catherine S
Published: October 2024

Sea urchins are basal deuterostomes that share key molecular components of innate immunity with vertebrates. They are a powerful model for the study of innate immune system evolution and function, especially during early development. Here we characterize the morphology and associated molecular markers of larval immune cell types in a newly developed model sea urchin, Lytechinus pictus. We then challenge larvae through infection with an established pathogenic Vibrio and characterize phenotypic and molecular responses. We contrast these to the previously described immune responses of the purple sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. The results revealed shared cellular morphologies and homologs of known pigment cell immunocyte markers (PKS, srcr142) but a striking absence of subsets of perforin‐like macpf genes in blastocoelar cell immunocytes. We also identified novel patterning of cells expressing a scavenger receptor cysteine rich (SRCR) gene in the coelomic pouches of the larva (the embryonic stem cell niche). The SRCR signal becomes further enriched in both pouches in response to bacterial infection. Collectively, these results provide a foundation for the study of immune responses in L. pictus. The characterization of the larval immune system of this rapidly developing and genetically enabled sea urchin species will facilitate more sophisticated studies of innate immunity and the crosstalk between the immune system and development.
A Rapid Virus‐Free Method for Producing Influenza HA Immunogen Needed for Preparation of Influenza Vaccine Potency Antisera Reagents
Authors: Odin Marcus , Schmeisser Falko , Soto Jackeline , Weir Jerry P.
Published: October 2024

Background

The potency of inactivated and recombinant influenza vaccines is measured using the single‐radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay. The strain‐specific antigen and antibody potency reagents required for the assay are prepared and distributed by regulatory agencies to ensure vaccine standardization, but timely reagent production is always challenging. This poses unique concerns for rapid pandemic responses. Alternative methods have been described for generating strain‐specific potency antibody reagents without the need for live influenza virus, but such methods are infrequently used, suggesting the need for additional antigen expression approaches.

Methods

We describe a rapid process using a mammalian expression system to produce recombinant influenza hemagglutinin (rHA). This platform was used to generate rHA from two H5 clade 2.3.4.4 influenza viruses, in both soluble ectodomain or full‐length HA forms, and a soluble ectodomain rHA from an influenza H2 virus.

Results

The purified rHAs were used as immunogens to produce HA antibody reagents that were tested for suitability in the SRID assay to accurately measure the potency of inactivated pandemic influenza vaccines. Antibody reagents generated to either ectodomain or full‐length rHA worked well in the SRID assay and resulted in vaccine potency values equivalent to those generated with standard reference antibodies.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that rHA produced from a simple mammalian cell transfection method can be used to generate HA antibody suitable for use in the influenza vaccine SRID potency assay and suggest a practical means by which an extensive library of pandemic reagents can easily be prepared in advance of and during an influenza emergency.
Shedding light on some dark branches: The under‐appreciated diversity of gymnosome pteropods and their coiled thecosome prey in the Neotropics
Authors: Madrid C. Maycol E. , De León Alexandra , Vrdoljak Dubravka , Macdonald Kenneth S. , Driskell Amy C. , Collin Rachel
Published: October 2024

Holoplanktonic organisms are thought to have enormous populations sizes, expansive geographic ranges, and low species diversity. Previous work suggests that pelagic gastropods are no exception to this generalization. However, most of these data are derived from temperate species, whereas the bulk of pteropod diversity occurs in the tropics. Here, we present DNA barcode data for COI focused on the under‐studied limacinoid, gymnosome, and pseudothecosome pteropods collected from the coastal waters of Panama. We applied four molecular species delimitation approaches to determine the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identifiable from our sequences and all data available from Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) and GenBank and compared these to the Barcode Index Number generated by the BOLD. Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP), Poisson Tree Processes (PTP), Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP), and Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) methods generally gave congruent results and suggest that pteropod diversity in the tropics is significantly underrepresented both in DNA sequence databases and in the number of named OTUs. Of 42 specimens collected and sequenced, we recovered 16 OTUs, only one of which belonged to an OTU already represented in sequence databases. Neighbor‐joining trees including the previously published sequences show that in all three groups morphospecies can include genetically divergent lineages. Many very divergent (>15% from nearest neighbor) taxa are also still represented by only a single sequence, suggesting that there is a large amount of cryptic or pseudo‐cryptic diversity still to be described. To aid this future endeavor, we include some preliminary 16S data derived from new pteropod‐specific primers.
Prognostic Impact of Microbiome Dysbiosis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Chew Ren Jie Jacob , Goh Charlene Enhui , Lin Xin Yi Sheena , Oh Feng Jun Bryan , Sim Ruiqi Paul , Preshaw Philip M. , Tan Kai Soo
Published: October 2024

Aims

To determine the relationship between microbiome dysbiosis indices and biofilm immunogenicity and their prognostic implications on periodontal treatment response.

Materials and Methods

Thirty periodontally healthy controls and 30 periodontitis cases (stage III) were recruited. Cases received non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), and their treatment response at 6 months was evaluated using a treat‐to‐target endpoint (≤ 4 sites with probing depths ≥ 5 mm). Pooled subgingival biofilm samples were obtained from controls and cases. The V3–4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced and two compositional indices (subgingival microbiome dysbiosis index, SMDI, and dysbiosis ratio, DR) were calculated. Nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) activation elicited by biofilm samples in monocytic reporter cells was quantified to assess biofilm immunogenicity.

Results

SMDI, DR and biofilm immunogenicity were highly diagnostic for periodontitis (area under curves [AUC] > 0.90, p < 0.001). Among periodontitis cases, all three microbial parameters were significantly reduced after NSPT (p < 0.001). Cases achieving the treat‐to‐target endpoint had lower pre‐treatment SMDI and biofilm immunogenicity (p < 0.05) and different microbial recolonization patterns from poor responders. Both measures predicted treatment response (AUC of 0.767 and 0.835, respectively, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Subgingival biofilm dysbiosis quantified using SMDI and biofilm immunogenicity was diagnostic of periodontitis and predictive of NSPT outcomes.
Analysis and modelling of global online public interest in multiple other infectious diseases due to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yang Yang , Wan Xingyu , Zhang Ning , Wu Zhengyang , Qiu Rong , Yuan Jing , Xie Yinyin
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Previous research has demonstrated the applicability of Google Trends in predicting infectious diseases.

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to analyze public interest in other infectious diseases before and after the outbreak of COVID‐19 via Google Trends data and to predict these trends via time series models.

Method

Google Trends data for 12 common infectious diseases were obtained in this study, covering the period from 1 February 2018 to 5 May 2023. The ARIMA, TimeGPT, XGBoost, and LSTM algorithms were then utilized to establish time series prediction models.

Results

Our study revealed a significant decrease in public interest in most infectious diseases at the beginning of the pandemic outbreak, followed by a rebound in the post‐pandemic era, which is consistent with reported disease incidences. Furthermore, our prediction models demonstrated good accuracy, with TimeGPT showing unique advantages.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the potential application value of Google Trends and large pre‐trained models for infectious disease prediction.
The effect of Mobile‐Assisted training and counseling on nurses' ventrogluteal injections application of nursing: A mixed method study
Authors: Gülnar Emel , Özener Gamze , Yilmaz Aslı , Aydogan Sinan , Gencer Özge , Bıyık Bayram Şule , Öztürk Deniz , Çalişkan Nurcan
Published: October 2024

Background

Nurses often administer intramuscular (IM) injections. However, they do not use the ventrogluteal (VG) site, although it is highly recommended.

Aim

This study investigated whether a mobile‐assisted training and counseling program (intervention) encouraged nurses to use the VG site to administer IM injections.

Methods

This study adopted a pretest‐posttest interventional design with no control group and employed a mixed research design. The sample consisted of 105 nurses from a public hospital in a metropolitan city in Turkey. Quantitative data were collected using a descriptive characteristics form and a Ventrogluteal Site Information Form (VSIF). Qualitative data were collected using a semi‐structured interview form. First, participants took a pretest and then watched an animation about VG injections on their mobile devices. Afterward, they were provided with counseling and then administered a posttest. Sixteen participants were interviewed after the posttest.

Results

Participants had a significantly higher mean posttest VSIF score (17.50 + 3.23) than the pretest score (12.73 + 5.40) (p < 0.05). They stated that the intervention helped them reinforce what they already knew and encouraged them to use the VG site to administer IM injections. They also noted that it boosted their confidence and helped them experience less anxiety.

Conclusion

The results showed that the intervention helped participants learn more about IM injections into the VG site. Therefore, hospitals should provide nurses with mobile‐assisted training and counseling programs to encourage them to use the VG site to administer IM injections.