bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four principles for improved statistical ecology
Authors: Popovic Gordana , Mason Tanya Jane , Drobniak Szymon Marian , Marques Tiago André , Potts Joanne , Joo Rocío , Altwegg Res , Burns Carolyn Claire Isabelle , McCarthy Michael Andrew , Johnston Alison , Nakagawa Shinichi , McMillan Louise , Devarajan Kadambari , Taggart Patrick Leo , Wunderlich Alison , Mair Magdalena M. , Martínez‐Lanfranco Juan Andrés , Lagisz Malgorzata , Pottier Patrice
Published: January 2024

Increasing attention has been drawn to the misuse of statistical methods over recent years, with particular concern about the prevalence of practices such as poor experimental design, cherry picking and inadequate reporting. These failures are largely unintentional and no more common in ecology than in other scientific disciplines, with many of them easily remedied given the right guidance.

Originating from a discussion at the 2020 International Statistical Ecology Conference, we show how ecologists can build their research following four guiding principles for impactful statistical research practices: (1) define a focussed research question, then plan sampling and analysis to answer it; (2) develop a model that accounts for the distribution and dependence of your data; (3) emphasise effect sizes to replace statistical significance with ecological relevance; and (4) report your methods and findings in sufficient detail so that your research is valid and reproducible.

These principles provide a framework for experimental design and reporting that guards against unsound practices. Starting with a well‐defined research question allows researchers to create an efficient study to answer it, and guards against poor research practices that lead to poor estimation of the direction, magnitude, and uncertainty of ecological relationships, and to poor replicability. Correct and appropriate statistical models give sound conclusions. Good reporting practices and a focus on ecological relevance make results impactful and replicable.

Illustrated with two examples—an experiment to study the impact of disturbance on upland wetlands, and an observational study on blue tit colouring—this paper explains the rationale for the selection and use of effective statistical practices and provides practical guidance for ecologists seeking to improve their use of statistical methods.
Magnetic resonance elastography captures a transient benefit of exercise intervention on forebrain stiffness in a rat model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Milbocker Katrina A. , Williams L. Tyler , Caban‐Rivera Diego A. , Smith Ian F. , Kurtz Samuel , McGarry Matthew D. J. , Wattrisse Bertrand , Van Houten Elijah E. W. , Johnson Curtis L. , Klintsova Anna Y.
Published: January 2024

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), a group of prevalent conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure, affect the maturation of cerebral white matter as first identified with neuroimaging. However, traditional methods are unable to track subtle microstructural alterations to white matter. This preliminary study uses a highly sensitive and clinically translatable magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) protocol to assess brain tissue microstructure through its mechanical properties following an exercise intervention in a rat model of FASD.

Methods

Female rat pups were either alcohol‐exposed (AE) via intragastric intubation of alcohol in milk substitute (5.25 g/kg/day) or sham‐intubated (SI) on postnatal days (PD) four through nine to model alcohol exposure during the brain growth spurt. On PD 30, half of AE and SI rats were randomly assigned to either a wheel‐running or standard cage for 12 days. Magnetic resonance elastography was used to measure whole brain and callosal mechanical properties at the end of the intervention (around PD 42) and at 1 month post‐intervention, and findings were validated with histological quantification of oligoglia.

Results

Alcohol exposure reduced forebrain stiffness (p = 0.02) in standard‐housed rats. The adolescent exercise intervention mitigated this effect, confirming that increased aerobic activity supports proper neurodevelopmental trajectories. Forebrain damping ratio was lowest in standard‐housed AE rats (p < 0.01), but this effect was not mitigated by intervention exposure. At 1 month post‐intervention, all rats exhibited comparable forebrain stiffness and damping ratio (p > 0.05). Callosal stiffness and damping ratio increased with age. With cessation of exercise, there was a negative rebound effect on the quantity of callosal oligodendrocytes, irrespective of treatment group, which diverged from our MRE results.

Conclusions

This is the first application of MRE to measure the brain's mechanical properties in a rodent model of FASD. MRE successfully captured alcohol‐related changes in forebrain stiffness and damping ratio. Additionally, MRE identified an exercise‐related increase to forebrain stiffness in AE rats.
The implication of the technology and chronology reflected in the metal assemblage from the middle‐class Xiongnu burials at Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu, Mongolia
Authors: Park Jang‐Sik , Turbat Tsagaan , Bayarkhuu Noost
Published: January 2024

Bronze and iron objects from the middle‐class Xiongnu burials at Tamiryn Ulaan Khoshuu were examined for technology and chronology. The bronze objects were made from copper–tin–lead alloys, mostly for ornamental purposes, while the iron objects were household items made of cast iron. Radiocarbon measurements dated the site to the 4th century bce to the 1st century ce. The results revealed two key factors: (1) Xiongnu style material culture established by incorporating various contributions from across Eurasia at an earlier date than previously supposed; and (2) the emergence of regionally stratified material culture suggesting intimate political relationships consistently maintained between geographically distant Xiongnu communities.
The epistemological status of subsidiarity in organizations: An insight from the notion of principle in the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas
Authors: Guéry Bernard
Published: January 2024

Subsidiarity is often implicitly conceived as an organizational model or a Weberian ideal type. The purpose of this paper is to show that, in contrast, subsidiarity is a principle in the sense of the tradition originating from Thomas Aquinas. Considered as an ideal type, subsidiarity may be perceived as impossible to apply because of its ideal status, abstracted from the circumstances. Here, we will demonstrate the consequences of the fact that subsidiarity is one of the common principles of practical moral reasoning of particular prudence. Because it is a principle, subsidiarity does not have a visualizable substance or prescribe an organizational model, unlike the ideal type. It thus avoids the indiscriminate application of organizational models to contexts that are not appropriate, and in the context of tension between external consultants and managers, it rehabilitates the prudence of leaders who know the circumstances of their organization.
Intestinal P‐gp activity is reduced in postmenopausal women under breast cancer therapy
Authors: Ximenez Joao Paulo B. , de Andrade Jurandyr Moreira , Rocha Adriana , Barbosa Coelho Eduardo , Suarez‐Kurtz Guilherme , Lanchote Vera Lucia
Published: January 2024

Intestinal P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) activity plays a crucial role in modulating the oral bioavailability of its substrates. Fexofenadine has commonly been used as a P‐gp probe, although it is important to note the involvement of other drug transporters like, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OATP2B1. In vitro studies demonstrated an upregulation of P‐gp protein in response to exposure to pregnancy‐related hormones. The objective of this study was to investigate how intestinal P‐gp activity is impacted by menopausal status. This study sampled fexofenadine plasma concentrations over 0–12 h after probe drug administration from two groups of patients with breast cancer: premenopausal (n = 20) and postmenopausal (n = 20). Fexofenadine plasma concentrations were quantified using liquid‐chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from zero to infinity (AUCinf) was calculated through limited sampling strategies equation. Multiple linear regression was applied on AUCinf, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and time to Cmax. Postmenopausal patients showed a significant increase in Cmax (geometric mean and 95% confidence interval [CI] 143.54, 110.95–176.13 vs. 223.54 ng/mL, 161.02–286.06 and in AUCinf 685.55, 534.98–878.50 vs. 933.54 ng·h/mL 735.45–1184.99) compared to premenopausal patients. The carriers of the ABCB1 3435 allele T displayed higher Cmax values of 166.59 (95% CI: 129.44–214.39) compared to the wild type at 147.47 ng/mL (95% CI: 111.91–194.34, p = 0.02). In postmenopausal individuals, the decrease in P‐gp activity of ~40% may lead to an increased plasma exposure of orally administered P‐gp substrates.
The role of translation equivalents in bilingual word learning
Authors: Tan Alvin W. M. , Marchman Virginia A. , Frank Michael C.
Published: January 2024

Bilingual environments present an important context for word learning. One feature of bilingual environments is the existence of translation equivalents (TEs)—words in different languages that share similar meanings. Documenting TE learning over development may give us insight into the mechanisms underlying word learning in young bilingual children. Prior studies of TE learning have often been confounded by the fact that increases in overall vocabulary size with age lead to greater opportunities for learning TEs. To address this confound, we employed an item‐level analysis, which controls for the age trajectory of each item independently. We used Communicative Development Inventory data from four bilingual datasets (two English–Spanish and two English–French; total N = 419) for modeling. Results indicated that knowing a word's TE increased the likelihood of knowing that word for younger children and for TEs that are more similar phonologically. These effects were consistent across datasets, but varied across lexical categories. Thus, TEs may allow bilingual children to bootstrap their early word learning in one language using their knowledge of the other language.

Research highlights

Bilingual children must learn words that share a common meaning across both languages, that is, translation equivalents, like dog in English and perro in Spanish.

Item‐level models explored how translation equivalents affect word learning, in addition to child‐level (e.g., exposure) and item‐level (e.g., phonological similarity) factors.

Knowing a word increased the probability of knowing its corresponding translation equivalent, particularly for younger children and for more phonologically‐similar translation equivalents.

These findings suggest that young bilingual children use their word knowledge in one language to bootstrap their learning of words in the other language.
Association of Onnia subtriquetra with living and dead bishop pine (Pinus muricata) and shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) in California, USA
Authors: Lee Christopher A. , Hawkins Ashley , Suli Hannah , Belisle Wei , Rooney‐Latham Suzanne
Published: January 2024

We report observations of Onnia subtriquetra on bishop pine (Pinus muricata) and shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) from north coastal California. Our identification of this fungus is supported by molecular information, morphological characteristics, and and a description of the observed range of the fungus on the West Coast. These observations represent an expansion of the geographic and host ranges of Onnia subtriquetra, which on the observed sites is generally associated with declining tree condition and the presence of other native forest pathogens and insects.
Update on monkeypox virus infection: Focusing current treatment and prevention approaches
Authors: Dhapola Rishika , Kumari Sneha , Sharma Prajjwal , KumarKushawaha Pramod , HariKrishnaReddy Dibbanti
Published: January 2024

Background

While the world is still facing the global pandemic COVID‐19, another zoonosis monkeypox (Mpox) has emerged posing a great threat to society. Insight into the pathogenesis, symptoms, and management strategies will aid in the development of potent therapeutics for the treatment of monkeypox virus infection.

Objectives

To get insight into the current treatment and prevention strategies will aid in effectively coping with the disease.

Methods

For obtaining information regarding the ongoing treatment and prevention strategies and the drugs under pipeline, we referred to Google Scholar, Pub Med, Pub Chem, and WHO official site.

Results

There are a few drugs that came out to be effective for the treatment of Mpox. Tecovirimat acts by inhibiting viral replication and viral wrapping. Another drug is cidofovir, which hinders the activity of viral DNA polymerase but has the drawback of nephrotoxicity. To overcome this, a conjugate of cidofovir is being used—known as brincidofovir—which has a similar mechanism as cidofovir but lesser toxicity. Ribavirin acts via inhibiting inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDPH) thus disrupting viral translation. It also interferes with helicase activity. Tiazofurin, Adenosine N1 oxide, and HPMPA have shown efficacy in in‐vitro studies by inhibiting IMPDH, DNA polymerase, and viral mRNA translation respectively. In‐silico studies have proven the effect of nilotinib, simeprevir, and dihydroergotamine for Mpox treatment. They have shown binding affinity for proteins required for the growth and release of MPXV. Vaccines have also been employed for the prevention of Mpox, which includes JYNNEOS, ACAM2000, and VIGIV.

Conclusion

This review highlights the pathogenesis of the virus, disease manifestations, drugs, and vaccines that are being used and those under pipeline for the treatment and prevention of Mpox.
Patient partner perspectives on compensation: Insights from the Canadian Patient Partner Survey
Authors: Dhamanaskar Roma , Tripp Laura , Vanstone Meredith , Canfield Carolyn , Levasseur Mary Anne , Abelson Julia
Published: January 2024

Introduction

There is a growing role for patients, family members and caregivers as consultants, collaborators and partners in health system settings in Canada. However, compensation for this role is not systematized. When offered, it varies in both type (e.g., one‐time honorarium, salary) and amount. Further, broad‐based views of patient partners on compensation are still unknown. We aimed to describe the types and frequency of compensation patient partners have been offered and their attitudes towards compensation.

Methods

This study uses data from the Canadian Patient Partner Study (CPPS) survey. The survey gathered the experiences and perspectives of those who self‐identified as patient partners working across the Canadian health system. Three questions were about compensation, asking what types of compensation participants had been offered, if they had ever refused compensation, and whether they felt adequately compensated. The latter two questions included open‐text comments in addition to menu‐based and scaled response options. Basic frequencies were performed for all questions and open‐text comments were analyzed through inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results

A total of 603 individuals participated in the CPPS survey. Most respondents were never or rarely offered salary (81%), honorarium (64%), gift cards (80%) or material gifts (93%) while half were offered conference registration and expenses at least sometimes. A total of 129 (26%) of 499 respondents reported refusing compensation. Of 511 respondents, half felt adequately compensated always or often, and half only sometimes, rarely or never. Open‐text comments revealed positive, ambivalent and negative attitudes towards compensation. Attitudes were framed by perceptions about their role, sentiments of giving back to the health system, feelings of acknowledgement, practical considerations, values of fairness and equity and accountability relationships.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm that compensation is not standardized in Canada. Half of survey respondents routinely feel inadequately compensated. Patient partners have diverse views of what constitutes adequate compensation inclusive of personal considerations such as a preference for volunteering, and broader concerns such as promoting equity in patient partnership. Organizations should attempt to ensure that compensation practices are clear, transparent and attentive to patient partners' unique contexts.

Patient Contribution

Two patient partners are members of the CPPS research team and have been fully engaged in all study phases from project conception to knowledge translation. They are co‐authors of this manuscript. The survey was co‐designed and pilot tested with patient partners and survey participants were patient partners.
Investigating the impact of sebum secretion on liquid makeup foundation darkening and its solution
Authors: Zhang Qi , Chen Gang , Hou Yifan , Wang Sijing , Xia Qianru , Yu Jing
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Darkening has been an issue of concern for foundation products. The secretion of sebum plays a significant role in the process of foundation darkening, but the underlying mechanisms and solutions have been rarely reported. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between sebum secretion and liquid foundation darkening and to provide possible solutions for reducing sebum‐induced darkening in liquid foundation.

Methods

Artificial sebum in different concentrations was added to a basic liquid foundation to simulate different stages of sebum secretion. The colour of the mixture was then measured by a spectrophotometer on the standard opacity chart. Potential technical solutions for anti‐darkening were applied to a basic liquid foundation, and its ability to anti‐darkening was further verified in vivo.

Results

(1) The influences of sebum addition on liquid foundation darkening had a significant positive correlation with the increase in transmissivities (R2 = 0.852, p < 0.01). (2) A certain range of sebum addition can reduce the darkening of volatile foundations. (3) The liquid foundations using pigments with high dispersibility in sebum were less influenced by sebum. (4) The replacement of pigments with oil‐fixing ability could effectively reduce the darkening of liquid foundations induced by sebum (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The effect of sebum on the darkening of liquid foundation was accompanied by a greater transmissivity as its pigment concentration decreased. Balanced volatility, the addition of powders with higher sebum dispersibility and the replacement of oil‐fixing powders could reduce the darkening of the liquid foundation caused by sebum secretion.
How workers meet new expertise needs throughout their careers: An integrative review revealing a dynamic process model of flexpertise
Authors: Frie Lonneke S. , Van der Heijden Beatrice I. J. M. , Korzilius Hubert P. L. M. , Sjoer Ellen
Published: January 2024

In expertise research, the focus is shifting from how one becomes an expert in a specific field towards understanding how workers sustain the value and recognition of their expertise by being flexible. This so‐called flexpertise requires that workers meet new expertise needs within and across the boundaries of their current expertise domains and working contexts. The current study grounds a new theoretical paradigm regarding this individual adaptivity by introducing a ‘dynamic process model of flexpertise’. By deploying a system dynamics lens, it synthesizes the scholarly knowledge from different disciplines about flexible or adaptive forms of expertise. The model incorporates six categories of adaptation processes that involve intra‐individual changes and social interactions over time, and that are interconnected by means of feedback loops without a single start‐ or endpoint. This enables scholars and practitioners to identify leverage points where small interventions can have a large effect on the individual's adaptivity. As such, the dynamic model provides a new paradigm on how to foster workers’ continued possession of expertise that is valuable to organizations’ competitive advantage and enables organizational and societal transitions and innovations, while safeguarding an individual's career sustainability.
Perceived algorithmic fairness: An empirical study of transparency and anthropomorphism in algorithmic recruiting
Authors: Ochmann Jessica , Michels Leonard , Tiefenbeck Verena , Maier Christian , Laumer Sven
Published: January 2024

Despite constant efforts of organisations to ensure a fair and transparent personnel selection process, hiring is still characterised by systematic inequality. The potential of algorithms to produce fair and objective decision outcomes has attracted the attention of academic scholars and practitioners as a conceivable alternative to human decision‐making. However, applicants do not necessarily consider an objective algorithm as fairer than a human decision maker. This study examines the conditions under which applicants perceive algorithms as fair and establishes a theoretical foundation of algorithmic fairness perceptions. We further propose and investigate transparency and anthropomorphism interventions as strategies to actively shape these fairness perceptions. In an online application scenario with eight experimental groups (N = 801), we analyse determinants for algorithmic fairness perceptions and the impact of the proposed interventions. Embedded in a stimulus‐organism‐response framework and drawing from organisational justice theory, our study reveals four justice dimensions (procedural, distributive, interpersonal, informational justice) that determine algorithmic fairness perceptions. The results further show that transparency and anthropomorphism interventions mainly affect dimensions of interpersonal and informational justice, highlighting the importance of algorithmic fairness perceptions as critical determinants for individual choices.
RETRACTED: Effects of quality nursing on the surgical site wound infections in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lv Xiuhong , Zhou Anyi , Chen Min , Qi Chunhua , Zhang Qiwen
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the effects of quality nursing on wound infections and postoperative complications in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. Computerised searches of the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang databases were conducted from database inception to October 2023 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of quality nursing to patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. The studies were screened and evaluated by two researchers based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted from the included studies. Stata software (version 17.0) was used for all analyses performed. A total of 18 RCTs and 1742 patients were included, including 972 in the quality nursing group and 870 in the routine nursing group. The analysis revealed that compared with routine nursing, patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery who received quality nursing care were significantly less likely to experience postoperative wound infections (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.19–0.51, p < 0.001) and complications (OR = 0.24. 95% CI: 0.17–0.33, p < 0.001). The implementation of quality nursing in clinical care after cardiothoracic surgery can effectively reduce the incidence of wound infections and postoperative complications, and is worthy of promotion and clinical application.
A review on wound management strategies in enhanced recovery after craniotomy: An in‐depth analysis of their influence on patient recovery and surgical outcomes
Authors: Wu Nan , Li Luping
Published: January 2024

Craniotomy, an essential neurosurgical operation, poses distinct difficulties in the realm of post‐operative care, specifically with regard to the management of wounds. Efficient wound management is critical in order to optimize the surgical outcomes, reduce complications and facilitate a speedier recovery. The purpose of this comprehensive review was to assess contemporary wound management approaches as they pertain to improved recovery following craniotomy. This was achieved by contrasting conventional methods with more recent and innovative techniques and analysing the effects of these approaches on patient recovery and surgical results. An exhaustive literature search was undertaken, comprising narrative reviews, clinical studies, peer‐reviewed articles and expert opinions. The emphasis was on the evolution of wound management strategies and techniques utilized after cranial section, as well as their contributions to patient recovery. The analysis reveals that while conventional wound management methods, including suturing and antiseptics, continue to be essential, innovative strategies such as negative pressure wound therapy, skin adhesives and advanced pain management protocols are becoming increasingly recognized. It has been demonstrated that these novel approaches improve recovery by decreasing the incidence of infections, enhancing patient comfort and producing superior cosmetic results. Nevertheless, obstacles continue to endure, including patient‐specific variables, technological and financial considerations and the enduring consequences of recovery. Thus the treatment of wounds during craniotomy recuperation necessitates an integrated strategy that incorporates conventional techniques alongside contemporary advancements. Progress in this domain necessitates the customization of approaches to suit the unique requirements of each patient, the resolution of identified obstacles and an emphasis on ongoing investigation and interdisciplinary cooperation. The ever‐changing terrain of wound management approaches underscores the ever‐changing character of neurosurgical treatment and the continuous endeavour to enhance patient results following cranial resection.
State of the art, trends, hotspots, and prospects of injection materials for controlling bleeding
Authors: Feng Changsheng , Yang Liang
Published: January 2024

Traumatic haemorrhage is a prevalent clinical condition, and effective and timely haemostasis is crucial for the preservation of patients' lives. In recent years, injectable hemostatic materials have gained significant attention due to their excellent hemostatic efficacy, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, making them widely applied in the treatment of incompressible traumatic haemorrhage. Systematic analysis of injectable hemostatic materials is crucial for research in this area. This article provides a comprehensive review of the development and research trends of injectable hemostatic materials over the past 20 years using visualization techniques. Analysis of collaboration and co‐citation networks revealed localized research collaboration networks, highlighting the need for enhanced international collaboration in the field of injectable hemostatic materials. Current research focuses primarily on hemostatic materials, hemostatic processes, and hemostatic mechanisms. Injectable hemostatic materials with excellent performance offer promising strategies for wound healing. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic summary of injectable hemostatic materials, offering valuable guidance for the development and clinical application of novel injectable hemostatic materials. Additionally, visualized methodology and mapping analysis are effective data mining methods that provide approaches and strategies for clear knowledge network analysis. These methods facilitate better understanding and interpretation of research dynamics in the field of injectable hemostatic materials, thereby guiding and inspiring future research.
Developing an early warning system for detecting sepsis in patients with trauma
Authors: Guo Kucun , Pan Bao , Zhang Xinliang , Hu Dezheng , Xu Guangyue , Wang Lin , Dong Shimin
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to analyse the risk factors for sepsis in patients with trauma and develop a new scoring system for predicting sepsis in patients with trauma based on these risk factors. This will provide a simple and effective early warning method for the rapid and accurate detection and evaluation of the probability of sepsis in patients with trauma to assist in planning timely clinical interventions. We undertook a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 216 patients with trauma who were admitted to the emergency intensive care unit of the emergency medicine department of the Hebei Medical University Third Hospital, China, between November 2017 and October 2022. We conducted a preliminary screening of the relevant factors using univariate logistic regression analysis and included those factors with a p value of <0.075 in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, from which the risk factors were screened and assigned, and obtained a total score, which was the sepsis early warning score. The incidence of sepsis in patients in the intensive care unit with trauma was 36.9%, and the mortality rate due to sepsis was 19.4%. We found statistically significant differences in several factors for patients with sepsis. The risk factors for sepsis in patients with trauma were the activated partial thromboplastin time, the New Injury Severity Score, growth differentiation factor‐15 levels, shock, mechanical ventilation and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the sepsis early warning score for predicting sepsis in patients with trauma was 0.725. When the cutoff value of the early warning score was set at 5.0 points, the sensitivity was 69.9% and the specificity was 60.3%. The incidence of sepsis in patients with trauma can be reduced by closely monitoring patients' hemodynamics, implementing adequate fluid resuscitation promptly and by early removal of the catheter to minimize the duration of unnecessary invasive mechanical ventilation. In this study, we found that the use of the sepsis early warning score helped in a more accurate and effective evaluation of the prognosis of patients with trauma.
Manager sentiment and conditional conservatism
Authors: Collins Daniel W. , Nguyen Nhat Q. , Nguyen Tri T.
Published: January 2024

This study examines the effect of manager sentiment on conditional conservatism. Manager sentiment refers to widely held beliefs of financial managers about their firms’ future economic prospects that are not justified by available economic fundamentals. Manager sentiment is likely to affect conditional conservative reporting because the decision to recognize unrealized economic losses in a timely manner flows from financial managers’ beliefs about their firms’ future cash flow prospects. We predict and find that manager sentiment is negatively associated with conditional conservatism, indicating that firms report less conservatively during periods of high manager sentiment (over‐optimism) and more conservatively during periods of low manager sentiment (over‐pessimism). Moreover, the effects of manager sentiment on conditional conservatism remain strongly negative after controlling for manager overconfidence. We further find that asset write‐offs are lower during high sentiment periods but higher in subsequent periods. Importantly, the manager sentiment effect on conservatism is incremental, and the opposite in sign, to the effect of investor sentiment, which has not been demonstrated in prior literature.
Self‐expanding versus balloon expandable stent for intracranial arterial stenosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Lodhi Abdullah , Ma Xiaoyu , Ahmed Rehan , Kwok Chun Shing , Maqsood Hamza , Liaqat Jahanzeb , Hassan Ameer E. , Siddiq Farhan , Gomez Camilo R. , Suri M. Fareed K.
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose

There are limited data regarding the comparison of balloon expandable stents (BES) and self‐expanding stents (SES) for the treatment of intracranial arterial stenosis.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to identify studies that compared SES and BES in patients with symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis. Data were extracted from relevant studies found through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until from January 1, 2010 to September 28, 2023. Statistical pooling with random‐effects meta‐analysis was undertaken to compare the rates/severity of postprocedure stenosis, technical success, 30‐day stroke and/or death, cumulative clinical endpoints, and restenosis rates.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for postprocedure stenosis (%) was significantly lower (SMD: −0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.79 to −0.24, p < .001, 10 studies involving 1515 patients) with BES. The odds for 30‐day stroke and/or death were significantly lower (odds ratio [OR] 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50‐0.94, p = .019, 15 studies involving 2431 patients), and cumulative clinical endpoints on follow‐up were nonsignificantly lower (OR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.30‐1.37, p = .250, 10 studies involving 947 patients) with BES. The odds for restenosis during follow‐up were significantly lower (OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31‐0.80, p = .004, 13 studies involving 1115 patients) with BES.

Conclusions

Compared with SES, BES were associated with lower rates of postprocedure 30‐day stroke and/or death with lower rates of restenosis during follow up and the treatment of symptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis.
Potential effects of probiotics (immunobacteryne; IMB) on growth performance, feed efficacy, blood biochemical, redox balance, nonspecific immunity and heat‐shock protein expression of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings
Authors: El‐Raghi Ali Ali , El‐Mezayen Mahmoud M. , Areda Hamada A.
Published: January 2024

The supplementation of aquafeed with probiotics is recommended for feasible aquaculture activities. Therefore, the aim of current study was to investigate the potential effects of probiotics on growth performance, feed utilization, biochemical attributes, redox status and immunity response as well as the transcription of heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) genes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus; n = 120). Fish with an initial weight of 8.17 ± 0.02 g/fish were randomly divided into four treatment groups and were fed diets containing 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg immunobacteryne (IMB)/kg diet respectively. Dietary IMB at 1.5 g/kg diet significantly improved the growth performance, feed consumption and growth hormone secretion of the experimental fish (p < 0.05). The 1 or 1.5 g IMB/kg diet boosted phagocytic activities and innate immune response. Serum total protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were significantly increased in the groups that were fed 1 and 1.5 mg IMB/kg diet compared to the control (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of uric acid, creatinine, liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and cortisol hormone were significantly reduced in the aforementioned treated groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). All fish fed IMB‐supplemented diet showed a significant increase in the expression of IGF‐1 gene, while the transcription of HSP70 was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of IMB (1 g/kg diet) enhanced growth promoters, feed efficacy, blood biochemical, redox balance and nonspecific immune responses in Nile tilapia fingerlings.
Nursing home closures and access to post‐acute care and long‐term care services in rural areas
Authors: Sharma Hari , Bin Abdul Baten Redwan , Ullrich Fred , MacKinney A. Clint , Mueller Keith J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Nursing home closures have raised concerns about access to post‐acute care (PAC) and long‐term care (LTC) services. We estimate the additional distance rural residents had to travel to access PAC and LTC services because of nursing home closures.

Methods

We identify nursing home closures and the availability of PAC and LTC services in nursing homes, home health agencies, and hospitals with swing beds using the Medicare Provider of Services file (2008–2018). Using distances between ZIP codes, we summarize distances to the closest provider of PAC and LTC services for rural and urban ZIP codes with nursing home closures from 2008 to 2018 and no nursing homes in 2018.

Findings

Compared to urban ZIP codes, rural ZIP codes experiencing nursing home closure had higher distances to the closest nursing home providing PAC (6.4 vs. 0.94 miles; p < 0.05) and LTC services (7.2 vs. 1.1 miles; p < 0.05), and these differences remain even after accounting for the availability of home health agencies and hospitals with swing beds. Distances to the closest providers with PAC and LTC services were even higher for rural ZIP codes with no nursing homes in 2018. About 6.1%–15.7% of rural ZIP codes with a nursing home closure or with no nursing homes had no PAC or LTC providers within 25 miles.

Conclusions

Nursing home closures increased distances to nursing homes, home health agencies, and hospitals with swing beds for rural residents. Access to PAC and LTC services is a concern, especially for rural areas with no nursing homes.
Establishing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a health belief model based educational training program on health belief perceptions and dementia‐preventive behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pipatpiboon Noppamas , Sripetchwandee Jirapas , Koonrungsesomboon Nut , Bawornthip Pataporn , Bressington Daniel
Published: January 2024

This quasi‐experimental study evaluated feasibility and preliminary efficacy of dementia‐preventive educational training intervention program based on the health belief model for improving perceived health beliefs and dementia‐preventive behaviors among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Two community hospitals with 72 eligible participants were chosen from 12 local institutions using simple random sampling method. One hospital (22 patients) was allocated to dementia‐preventive educational training intervention, and the other hospital (23 patients) was allocated to control intervention (using simple random sampling). Primary study outcome was feasibility, and secondary outcomes were changes in dementia prevention behaviors and health belief perceptions. Recruitment rate was 62.5% (45/72) and 22 patients in each group totally completed outcome measures and attended sessions, indicating feasibility of the intervention and study design. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. After training, participants in the intervention group had significantly higher scores than control group in prevention behaviors and perceptions of health beliefs. The intervention group experienced significant with‐group changes in outcomes. Results show that conducting a subsequent fully powered experimental study is feasible, and the intervention has promising efficacy.
The fundamental facts can be logically simple
Authors: Jackson Alexander
Published: January 2024

I like the view that the fundamental facts are logically simple, not complex. However, some universal generalizations and negations may appear fundamental, because they cannot be explained by logically simple facts about particulars. I explore a natural reply: those universal generalizations and negations are true because certain logically simple facts—call them φφ—are the fundamental facts. I argue that this solution is only available given some metaphysical frameworks, some conceptions of metaphysical explanation and fundamentality. It requires a ‘fitting’ framework, according to which metaphysical theories explain the aptness of representations in terms of how things are fundamentally. Fitting frameworks conceive of the fundamental facts as those that are metaphysically ‘real’; call them the ‘facts‐in‐reality’. Moreover, we must take as primary a plural notion of the facts‐in‐reality, not the singular notion of a fact‐in‐reality. By contrast, a metaphysics that grounds facts is incompatible with my strategy for keeping the fundamental facts logically simple.
Treatment stability with bonded versus vacuum‐formed retainers after 12 months in adolescents and young adults: A randomized clinical trial*
Authors: Bellini‐Pereira Silvio Augusto , Aliaga‐Del Castillo Aron , Vilanova Lorena , de Castro Ribeiro Tiago Turri , Janson Guilherme , Garib Daniela , Henriques José Fernando Castanha
Published: January 2024

Objective

To compare the clinical effectiveness of V‐bend bonded retainers (BR) versus vacuum‐formed retainers (VFR) regarding their capacity to maintain treatment stability and survival rates after 12 months.

Materials and Methods

Patients finishing orthodontic treatment were randomly allocated into two groups. The BR group received maxillary and mandibular BRs in the lingual surfaces of the anterior teeth. The VFR group received VFRs right after fixed appliances removal. The patients were evaluated at four time‐points: at fixed appliances removal (T0), after 3 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3). In each time‐point digital models were obtained and analysed with the OrthoAnalyzer™ software. Treatment stability based on occlusal outcomes and retainers' survival rates were evaluated. Intergroup comparisons were performed using Mann–Whitney U‐tests. The Kaplan–Meier survival plot and the log‐rank test were employed to assess the retainers' survival.

Results

Both BR and VFR groups included 25 patients. The groups were comparable regarding their baseline characteristics. Up to 6 months, both retainers were equally effective; however, after 12 months, BRs were more effective in maintaining the incisors' alignment in the maxilla and the mandible compared to the VFRs. No differences were noticed in the intercanine and intermolar widths, overjet and overbite. There were no differences regarding the retainers' survivability in both arches.

Conclusions

BRs were more effective in maintaining the alignment of the incisors in the maxilla and mandible compared to VFRs after 12 months. Both retainers presented the same survival rates after the same period.
Contrasting responses of fine root biomass and traits to large‐scale nitrogen and phosphorus addition in tropical forests in the Guiana shield
Authors: Lugli Laynara F. , Fuchslueger Lucia , Vallicrosa Helena , Van Langenhove Leandro , Ranits Christian , Roc Fernandez Garberi Pere , Verryckt Lore , Grau Oriol , Bréchet Laëtitia , Peguero Guille , Llusia Joan , Ogaya Romà , Marquez Laura , Portillo‐Estrada Miguel , Ramirez‐Rojas Irene , Courtois Elodie , Stahl Clement , Sardans Jordi , Penuelas Josep , Verbruggen Erik , Ivan Janssens
Published: January 2024

Fine roots mediate plant nutrient acquisition and growth. Depending on soil nutrient availability, plants can regulate fine root biomass and morphological traits to optimise nutrient acquisition. Little is known, however, about the importance of these parameters influencing forest functioning. In this study, we measured root responses to nutrient additions to gain a mechanistic understanding of plant adaptations to nutrient limitation in two tropical forests in French Guiana, differing twofold in their soil nutrient statuses. We analysed the responses of root biomass, mean root diameter (RD), specific root length (SRL), specific root area (SRA), root tissue density (RTD) and carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in roots down to 15 cm soil depth after three years of N and P additions. At the lower‐fertility site Paracou, no changes in root biomass or morphological traits were detected with either N or P addition, although P concentrations in roots increased with P addition. In the higher fertility site, Nouragues, root biomass and P concentrations in roots increased with P addition, with no changes in morphological traits. In contrast, N addition shifted root traits from acquisitive to more conservative by increasing RTD. A significant interaction between N and P in Nouragues pointed to stronger responses to P addition in the absence of N. Our results suggest that the magnitude and direction of root biomass and trait expression were regulated by soil fertility, corroborated by the response to N or P additions. At low fertility sites, we found lower plasticity in root trait expression compared to more fertile conditions, where N and P additions caused stronger and antagonistic responses. Identifying the exact role of mechanisms affecting root nutrient uptake in Amazon forests growing in different soils will be crucial to foresee if and how rapid global changes can affect their carbon allocation.
Frontloading visual field tests detect earlier mean deviation progression when applied to real‐world‐derived early‐stage glaucoma data
Authors: Wang Henrietta , Kalloniatis Michael , Tan Jeremy C.K. , Phu Jack
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To examine the diagnostic accuracy of performing two (frontloaded) versus one (clinical standard) visual field (VF) test per visit for detecting the progression of early glaucoma in data derived from clinical populations.

Methods

A computer simulation model was used to follow the VFs of 10,000 glaucoma patients (derived from two cohorts: Heijl et al., Swedish cohort; and Chauhan et al., Canadian Glaucoma Study [CGS]) over a 10‐year period to identify patients whose mean deviation (MD) progression was detected. Core data (baseline MD and progression rates) were extracted from two studies in clinical cohorts of glaucoma, which were modulated using SITA‐Faster variability characteristics from previous work. Additional variables included follow‐up intervals (six‐monthly or yearly) and rates of perimetric data loss for any reason (0%, 15% and 30%). The main outcome measures were the proportions of progressors detected.

Results

When the Swedish cohort was reviewed six‐monthly, the frontloaded strategy detected more progressors compared to the non‐frontloaded method up to years 8, 9 and 10 of follow‐up for 0%, 15% and 30% data loss conditions. The time required to detect 50% of cases was 1.0–1.5 years less for frontloading compared to non‐frontloading. At 4 years, frontloading increased detection by 26.7%, 28.7% and 32.4% for 0%, 15% and 30% data loss conditions, respectively. Where both techniques detected progression, frontloading detected progressors earlier compared to the non‐frontloaded strategy (78.5%–81.5% and by 1.0–1.3 years when reviewed six‐monthly; 81%–82.9% and by 1.2–2.1 years when reviewed yearly). Accordingly, these patients had less severe MD scores (six‐monthly review: 0.63–1.67 dB ‘saved’; yearly review: 1.10–2.87 dB). The differences increased with higher rates of data loss. Similar tendencies were noted when applied to the CGS cohort.

Conclusions

Frontloaded VFs applied to clinical distributions of MD and progression led to earlier detection of early glaucoma progression.