bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Stay Left Colectomy for Colon Cancer: Is It Safe?
Authors: Papanikolaou Angelos , Chen Sophia Y , Radomski Shannon N , Stem Miloslawa , Brown Lawrence B , Obias Vincent J , Graham Ada E , Chung Haniee
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Advances in surgical practices have decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) after surgery. This study aimed to determine the safety of short-stay (≤24-hour) left colectomy for colon cancer patients in the US.

STUDY DESIGN:

Adult colon cancer patients who underwent elective left colectomies were identified using the American College of Surgeons NSQIP database (2012 to 2021). Patients were categorized into 4 LOS groups: LOS 1 day or less (≤24-hour short stay), 2 to 4, 5 to 6, and 7 or more. Primary outcomes were 30-day postoperative overall and serious morbidity. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality and readmission. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore the association between LOS and overall and serious morbidity.

RESULTS:

A total of 15,745 patients who underwent left colectomies for colon cancer were identified with 294 (1.87%) patients undergoing short stay. Short-stay patients were generally younger and healthier with lower 30-day overall morbidity rates (LOS ≤1 day: 3.74%, 2 to 4: 7.38%, 5 to 6: 16.12%, and ≥7: 37.64%, p < 0.001). Compared with patients with LOS 2 to 4 days, no differences in mortality and readmission rates were observed. On adjusted analysis, there was no statistical difference in the odds of overall (LOS 2 to 4 days: odds ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.60, p = 0.049) and serious morbidity (LOS 2 to 4 days: odds ratio 0.86, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.76, p = 0.672) between the short-stay and LOS 2 to 4 days groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although currently performed at low rates in the US, short-stay left colectomy is safe for a select group of patients. Attention to patient selection, refinement of clinical pathways, and close follow-up may enable short-stay colectomies to become a more feasible reality.
Insulin receptor Arg717 and IGF-1 receptor Arg704 play a key role in ligand binding and in receptor activation
Authors: Kertisová Anna , Žáková Lenka , Macháčková Kateřina , Marek Aleš , Šácha Pavel , Pompach Petr , Jiráček Jiří , Selicharová Irena
Published: November 2023

The insulin receptor (IR, with its isoforms IR-A and IR-B) and the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) are related tyrosine kinase receptors. Recently, the portfolio of solved hormone–receptor structures has grown extensively thanks to advancements in cryo-electron microscopy. However, the dynamics of how these receptors transition between their inactive and active state are yet to be fully understood. The C-terminal part of the alpha subunit (
α
CT) of the receptors is indispensable for the formation of the hormone-binding site. We mutated the
α
CT residues Arg717 and His710 of IR-A and Arg704 and His697 of IGF-1R. We then measured the saturation binding curves of ligands on the mutated receptors and their ability to become activated. Mutations of Arg704 and His697 to Ala in IGF-1R decreased the binding of IGF-1. Moreover, the number of binding sites for IGF-1 on the His697 IGF-1R mutant was reduced to one-half, demonstrating the presence of two binding sites. Both mutations of Arg717 and His710 to Ala in IR-A inactivated the receptor. We have proved that Arg717 is important for the binding of insulin to its receptor, which suggests that Arg717 is a key residue for the transition to the active conformation.
Regulation of the heterochromatin spreading reaction by
trans-
acting factors
Authors: Hamali Bulut , Amine Ahmed A. A. , Al-Sady Bassem
Published: November 2023

Heterochromatin is a gene-repressive protein–nucleic acid ultrastructure that is initially nucleated by DNA sequences. However, following nucleation, heterochromatin can then propagate along the chromatin template in a sequence-independent manner in a reaction termed spreading. At the heart of this process are enzymes that deposit chemical information on chromatin, which attracts the factors that execute chromatin compaction and transcriptional or co/post-transcriptional gene silencing. Given that these enzymes deposit guiding chemical information on chromatin they are commonly termed ‘writers’. While the processes of nucleation and central actions of writers have been extensively studied and reviewed, less is understood about how the spreading process is regulated. We discuss how the chromatin substrate is prepared for heterochromatic spreading, and how
trans-
acting factors beyond writer enzymes regulate it. We examine mechanisms by which
trans-
acting factors in Suv39, PRC2, SETDB1 and SIR writer systems regulate spreading of the respective heterochromatic marks across chromatin. While these systems are in some cases evolutionarily and mechanistically quite distant, common mechanisms emerge which these
trans-
acting factors exploit to tune the spreading reaction.
Genetic independence between traits separated by metamorphosis is widespread but varies with biological function
Authors: Collet Julie M. , Nidelet Sabine , Fellous Simon
Published: November 2023

Why is metamorphosis so pervasive? Does it facilitate the independent (micro)evolution of quantitative traits in distinct life stages, similarly to how it enables some limbs and organs to develop at specific life stages? We tested this hypothesis by measuring the expression of 6400 genes in 41
Drosophila melanogaster
inbred lines at larval and adult stages. Only 30% of the genes showed significant genetic correlations between larval and adult expression. By contrast, 46% of the traits showed some level of genetic independence between stages. Gene ontology terms enrichment revealed that across stages correlated traits were often involved in proteins synthesis, insecticide resistance and innate immunity, while a vast number of genes expression traits associated with energy metabolism were independent between life stages. We compared our results to a similar case: genetic constraints between males and females in gonochoric species (i.e. sexual antagonism). We expected selection for the separation between males and females to be higher than between juvenile and adult functions, as gonochorism is a more common strategy in the animal kingdom than metamorphosis. Surprisingly, we found that inter-stage constraints were lower than inter-sexual genetic constraints. Overall, our results show that metamorphosis enables a large part of the transcriptome to evolve independently at different life stages.
The Vacant Niche Revisited: Using Negative Results to Refine the Limits of Habitability
Authors: Ratliff L.E. , Fulford A.H. , Pozarycki C.I. , Wimp G. , Nichols F. , Osburn M.R. , Graham H.V.
Published: November 2023

To define the boundaries of habitability, biologists often search for highly specialized organisms in extreme environments. However, negative life detections—when a method is unable to detect microorganisms in a given setting—are just as important to constrain the environmental limits of life on Earth. In turn, these limits inform the selection of targets for life detection on other worlds.

We performed a comprehensive, though non-exhaustive, literature search for negative life detections in polyextreme environments. We then catalogued the physicochemical conditions at these sites to further understand the habitability limits for life on Earth and the effects of multiple stressors on habitability. Using multivariate statistical techniques, our study searched for combinations of environmental parameters where extremes support or inhibit life. Our search raised several methodological and analytical considerations relevant to life detection studies in extreme environments. Incomplete documentation of environmental factors and experimental protocol limitations in the extreme environment literature complicated our analyses. This demonstrates the need to report negative results, particularly in life detection experiments, and the potential value for standardized reporting protocols. Exploring the range of results possible from life-detection methodologies is key to constrain the limits of life on Earth and informs our search for life elsewhere.
NMR metabolomic modelling of age and lifespan: a multi-cohort analysis
Authors: Lau Chung-Ho E. , Manou Maria , Markozannes Georgios , Ala-Korpela Mika , Shlomo Yoav Ben- , Chaturvedi Nish , Engmann Jorgen , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Hingorani Aroon , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Kähönen Mika , Kivimäki Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Marttila Saara , Menon Usha , Munroe Patricia B. , Palaniswamy Saranya , Providencia Rui , Raitakari Olli , Schmidt Floriaan , Sebert Sylvain , Wong Andrew , Vineis Paolo , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Robinson Oliver
Published: November 2023

Metabolomic age models have been proposed for the study of biological aging, however they have not been widely validated. We aimed to assess the performance of newly developed and existing nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) metabolomic age models for prediction of chronological age (CA), mortality, and age-related disease.

98 metabolic variables were measured in blood from nine UK and Finnish cohort studies (N ≈ 31,000 individuals, age range 24-86 years). We used non-linear and penalised regression to model CA and time to all-cause mortality. We examined associations of four new and two previously published metabolomic age models, with ageing risk factors and phenotypes. Within the UK Biobank (N≈ 102,000), we tested prediction of CA, incident disease (cardiovascular disease (CVD), type-2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and all-cause mortality.

Cross-validated Pearson’srbetween metabolomic age models and CA ranged between 0.47–0.65 in the training set (mean absolute error: 8-9 years). Metabolomic age models, adjusted for CA, were associated with C-reactive protein, and inversely associated with glomerular filtration rate. Positively associated risk factors included obesity, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity. In UK Biobank, correlations of metabolomic age with chronological age were modest (r= 0.29–0.33), yet all metabolomic model scores predicted mortality (hazard ratios of 1.01 to 1.06 / metabolomic age year) and CVD, after adjustment for CA.

While metabolomic age models were only moderately associated with CA in an independent population, they provided additional prediction of morbidity and mortality over CA itself, suggesting their wider applicability.
Development and utilization of new O2-independent bioreporters
Authors: Agranier Eva , Crétin Pauline , Joublin-Delavat Aurélie , Veillard Léa , Touahri Katia , Delavat François
Published: November 2023

Fluorescent proteins have revolutionized science since their discovery in 1962. They have enabled imaging experiments to decipher the function of proteins, cells and organisms, as well as gene regulation. GFP and all its derivatives are now standard tools in cell biology, immunology, molecular biology and microbiology laboratories around the world. A common feature of these proteins is their O2-dependent maturation allowing fluorescence, which precludes their use in anoxic contexts. In this work, we report the development andin cellulocharacterization of genetic circuits encoding the O2-independent KOFP-7 protein, a flavin-binding fluorescent protein. We have optimized the genetic circuit for high bacterial fluorescence at population and single-cell level, implemented this circuit in various plasmids differing in host range, and quantified their fluorescence under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Finally, we showed that KOFP-7 based constructions can be used to produce fluorescing cells ofV. diazotrophicus, a facultative anaerobe, demonstrating the usefulness of the genetic circuits for various anaerobic bacteria. These genetic circuits can thus be modified at will, both to solve basic and applied research questions, opening a highway to shed light on the obscure anaerobic world.

Importance

Fluorescent proteins are used since decades, and have allowed major discoveries in biology in a wide variety of fields, and are used in environmental as well as clinical contexts. GFP and all its derivatives share a common feature: they rely on the presence of O2for protein maturation and fluorescence. This dependency precludes their use in anoxic environments. Here, we constructed a series of genetic circuits allowing production of KOFP-7, an O2-independant Flavin-Binding Fluorescent Protein. We demonstrated thatEscherichia colicells producing KOFP-7 are fluorescent, both at the population and single-cell levels. Importantly, we showed that, unlike cells producing GFP, cells producing KOFP-7 are fluorescent in anoxia. Finally, we demonstrated thatVibrio diazotrophicusNS1, a facultative anaerobe, is fluorescent in the absence of O2when KOFP-7 is produced.

Altogether, the development of new genetic circuits allowing O2-independent fluorescence will open new perspective to study anaerobic processes.
Mobile tuberigen impacts tuber onset synchronization and canopy senescence timing in potato
Authors: van den Herik Bas , Bergonzi Sara , Bachem Christian W.B. , ten Tusscher Kirsten H.
Published: November 2023

Yield of harvestable organs is a complex function of photosynthetic output, and sink-strength and timing of competing carbon sinks. In potato (Solanum tuberosum) the effect of tuber onset timing and post-tuberization canopy senescence on growth dynamics and tuber fresh weight are poorly understood. To advance our understanding we compared above- and belowground traits of wildtype plants (WT) withStSP6A, i.e., tuberigen, knockdown plants (SP6Ai) and developed simple computational models to aid interpretation of results. We find that SP6Ai results in a delay of approximately 2 weeks in tuber onset, yet has a 4-to-5-week delayed canopy senescence. Together this results in a prolonged tuber growth phase, with reduced synchronization in tuber onset and a resulting increased variance in tuber sizes, while overall final tuber fresh weight remains similar. Using a leaf and tuber growth model comparing various leaf senescence mechanisms, we find that resource competition, and not a shared signal for tuberization and senescence, is able to explain how delayed tuberization leads to further delayed senescence. Our results point to a role for resource competition in the correlated timing of tuber onset and canopy senescence, as well as a leading role forStSP6Ain tuber onset synchronization and tuber size uniformity.

Graphical Abstract
Sustainability reporting, board diversity, earnings management and financial statements readability: evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Ndegwa James Ndirangu
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the moderating effect of sustainability reporting on the relationship between the independent variables of board diversity, and earnings management and the dependent variable of readability of financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

The study panel data regression analysis involved 36 Kenyan-listed companies from 2016 to 2020.

Findings

Key findings were that increased board diversity was found to significantly improve the readability of financial statements. Discretionary earnings management was found to significantly reduce the readability of financial statements. Sustainability reporting was found to significantly increase the readability of financial statements, and it moderated the relationship between board diversity, earnings management and financial statements readability in Kenya.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample of 36 non-financial listed in the Nairobi Securities Exchange was very small and was affected by the problem of thin trading; hence, caution should be adopted when interpreting the findings.

Practical implications

The Capital Markets Authorities (CMA) as a policymaker should enforce sustainability reporting by Kenyan listed firms as there is evidence that the reporting enhances the readability of financial statements. The Institute of Certified Public Accountants as a policymaker should closely monitor the published financial statements of firms for earnings management and punish the perpetrators, as there is empirical evidence that the practice reduces the readability of financial statements.

Social implications

Sustainability reporting is successful as a moderating variable between readability of financial statements and determinants of readability of financial statements.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge by studying sustainability reporting as a moderating variable between the independent variables of board diversity and earnings management and the dependent variable of readability of financial statements and measured sustainability reporting using a dummy variable for the period before and after the enactment and release of CMA code of 2016 on corporate governance that required sustainability reporting by Kenyan listed companies.
How the little tough man ruled the giants in the Turkish Basketball League
Authors: Unsal Efe
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

After reading and analysing the case study, the students would be able to distinguish the leadership styles based on leaders’ traits and behaviours, argue the importance of trust in leader–follower relationships thanks to the real-life examples presented and defend their side on the debate of whether leadership is born or made with the related theories and examples.

Case overview/synopsis

The teams coached by the successful Turkish basketball coach, Çetin Yılmaz, had reached the finals of the Turkish Basketball League six times and became champions three times. He assumed the coaching position of the Tuborg basketball team in December 2005. Although Tuborg’s Turkey branch made a serious financial investment in basketball, they were at the bottom of the league in the middle of the season. When Yılmaz took over the coaching position, the Tuborg basketball team’s main objective was not to be relegated from the top league in the 2005–2006 season. The team, working very hard, overcame the fear of relegation in two months but still had a very symbolic goal in front of it: winning the most prestigious game of the season by defeating the Karşıyaka team. However, in the last minutes of the game, with the influence of passionate Karşıkaya fans, the Tuborg team got scared and lost the game. At the end of the match, the club president entered the locker room and started shouting at the players, forcing the coach to face a severe dilemma. Either he would remain silent and risk damaging his leading position in the eyes of the players, or he would risk being fired by going against the president, even though he thought the president was right in what he said.

Complexity academic level

The target audience of this case study is undergraduate students. The field of study is sports management, leadership and coaching. This case study can be used in management, organizational behaviour and sports management courses while covering leadership and coaching topics.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human resource management.
Transformation of the architect's role: a reading of architectural education in Turkey through the Mimarlık journal (1963–2000)
Authors: Özer Özgür Gi̇zem , Şenel Aslıhan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the transformation of the architect's role as portrayed in written texts by analyzing discursive practices concerning architectural education in Turkey between 1963 and 2000.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs critical discourse analysis (CDA) to examine selected texts published in the Mimarlık journal, representing the Chamber of Architects of Turkey. By embracing M. Bakhtin's “dialogism” approach, it aspires to foster new discussions on architectural education and establishes a “dialogical landscape” showcasing various voices and arguments. The research supplements its methodology by mapping the dialogical landscape, illustrating the relationality of discursive practices.

Findings

The paper contends that alterations in the missions, goals, and priorities of the architectural discipline significantly impact architectural education. Rather than focusing on individual perspectives, the creation of new dialogical platforms, emphasizing the interplay of diverse and conflicting viewpoints, offers more comprehensive pathways to guide the future of architectural education.

Originality/value

Debates and conflicts regarding the architect's role are central to architectural education. This article offers a novel perspective on the history of architectural education in Turkey by analyzing shifts in the definition and role of the architect as expressed in the Mimarlık journal. By integrating the principles of dialogism into the study of educational discourses and revealing the relationality between material-discursive practices, it aims to enrich the discourse and contribute value to critical studies on architectural education.
Frequent supply chain disruptions and firm performance: the moderating role of exploitation, exploration and supply chain ambidexterity
Authors: Ambulkar Saurabh , Ralston Peter M. , Polyviou Mikaella , Sanders Nada
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The present manuscript assesses how firms should manage frequent supply chain disruption triggers and whether these firms should use existing supply chain competencies, develop new ones or both to mitigate any adverse consequences on financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study come from a survey administered to professionals in India. India was an appropriate base for the study because of its developing economy and businesses often facing SC disruptions in the marketplace.

Findings

The findings show that the negative association between the frequency of supply chain disruption triggers and financial performance is weaker when a firm utilizes supply chain exploitation competencies. Conversely, the negative association between the frequency of supply chain disruption triggers and financial performance becomes stronger when using supply chain exploration competencies. Most significantly, however, the authors show that a strategy of supply chain ambidexterity – one that combines both exploitation and exploration practices – is more beneficial in mitigating the impact of frequent disruption triggers on firm financial performance compared to the other strategies.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the literature, extending the benefits of ambidexterity beyond domains of innovation, manufacturing flexibility, competitiveness and firm performance to include mitigation of supply chain disruptions.
Police service in urban destination points: does it promote urban destination advocacy among tourists?
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to test an integrated model that examines the relationship between the service qualities of police at any urban tourist destination and the tourist urban destination advocacy at tourist cities in the Shimla region of India, where tourists’ trust in police acts as a mediating variable. This study mainly focused on the type of service shown by police officials to develop trust among the tourists, resulting in their urban destination advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire was adopted from previously developed and validated scales. The questionnaire was administered to different tourists who came to India. This study used the bootstrapping technique and structural equation modelling (SEM) to address the research questions and test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study results indicate that trust in the police mediates the relationship between police service quality and tourist satisfaction at any urban tourist destination. The study’s findings add to the literature on tourists’ trust in policing tourist sites, police service quality and leader behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The above-tested model has a very limited number of constructs. There are a variety of additional antecedents (e.g. police organization culture and urban destination attributes) and consequences (word-of-mouth referrals and customer identification) that could be considered for future research to develop a more comprehensive model. The cross-sectional study raises concerns about the causal relationships between constructs in the tested model. More substantial evidence of causality via longitudinal and experimental studies is needed.

Originality/value

The study’s findings added a chapter to the literature by identifying how police service quality impacts tourist trust building and urban destination advocacy.
Understanding sustainable service ecosystems: a meso-level perspective
Authors: Palakshappa Nitha , Dodds Sarah , Stangl Loren M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The world continues to grapple with grand challenges – climate change, pandemic, poverty, social injustice and diminishing resources – requiring mitigation if we are to focus on well-being and move towards a more sustainable future. Cultivating sustainable ecosystems offers a possible solution. The purpose of this paper is to understand how sustainable organizations at the meso level can nurture sustainable service ecosystems that provide the potential for greater well-being outcomes for individuals, business, society and the planet.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study data is gathered from 11 sustainable fashion organizations operating at the meso level within a complex ecosystem. The analysis includes interviews with founders and/or key managers and secondary information from company websites and publicly available reports.

Findings

The findings identify key value co-creation sustainable practices at the meso level that facilitate the function of the service ecosystem to create well-being outcomes. Value co-creation practices include – embedding a sustainable ethos; implementing sustainable strategies that embrace innovation, transparency and stakeholder collaboration; and incorporating sustainable communication practices that engage.

Originality/value

Encapsulating sustainability within macromarketing and service ecosystems enables the development of a sustainable service ecosystems framework that has the potential to offer enhanced well-being. Implications for marketing practice in terms of important factors that facilitate service-sustainable ecosystems to enhance well-being are considered.
Simulation study on the influence of longitudinal dynamic force on extreme-long heavy-haul trains
Authors: Chang Chongyi , Guo Gang , He Wen , Liu Zhendong
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of longitudinal forces on extreme-long heavy-haul trains, providing new insights and methods for their design and operation, thereby enhancing safety, operational efficiency and track system design.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal dynamics simulation model of the super long heavy haul train was established and verified by the braking test data of 30,000 t heavy-haul combination train on the long and steep down grade of Daqing Line. The simulation model was used to analyze the influence of factors on the longitudinal force of super long heavy haul train.

Findings

Under normal conditions, the formation length of extreme-long heavy-haul combined train has a small effect on the maximum longitudinal coupler force under full service braking and emergency braking on the straight line. The slope difference of the long and steep down grade has a great impact on the maximum longitudinal coupler force of the extreme-long heavy-haul trains. Under the condition that the longitudinal force does not exceed the safety limit of 2,250 kN under full service braking at the speed of 60 km/h the maximum allowable slope difference of long and steep down grade for 40,000 t super long heavy-haul combined trains is 13‰, and that of 100,000 t is only 5‰.

Originality/value

The results will provide important theoretical basis and practical guidance for further improving the transportation efficiency and safety of extreme-long heavy-haul trains.
Improving the chances of response to splenectomy in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Audia Sylvain , Bussel James
Published: November 2023

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia. Its pathogenesis is complex relying in large part on destruction of platelets recognized by autoantibodies within the spleen. However, other mechanisms, such as platelet desialylation, may play a role in platelet reduction by accelerating their clearance in the liver. In their study, Mendoza and colleagues reported on platelet scintigraphy performed in 51 ITP patients, showing a response in 87.5% when the sequestration occurred in the spleen versus 45% in case of non‐splenic destruction. Platelet desialylation was also measured after splenectomy and found to be higher in non‐responder patients. These latter results, while requiring confirmation prior to splenectomy, support platelet desialylation may also be a potential biomarker of non‐response to splenectomy.

Commentary on: Mendoza et al. Study of platelet kinetics in immune thrombocytopenia to predict splenectomy response. Br J Haematol 2024;204:315–323.
Individual body mass and sex of a frugivorous bird affect the quality of seed dispersal
Authors: Campagnoli Mariana Lopes , Batisteli Augusto Florisvaldo , Pizo Marco Aurélio , Christianini Alexander Vicente
Published: November 2023

Frugivorous animals play crucial roles dispersing seeds away from parental plants and influencing plant recruitment. Most studies focus on comparisons of seed dispersal services provided by distinct species of animals, but neglect how within‐species variation may affect dispersal. Individual traits, such as body mass and sex, are related to metabolic rates, gut load capacity, and transit times that potentially influence dispersal quantity and quality. Here, we aim at answering if individual traits (body mass and sex) of Pale‐breasted Thrushes (Turdus leucomelas) affect seed dispersal quality by testing the following hypotheses (a) individual traits influence seed retention time and germination, (b) seed retention time affects seed germination, and (c) seed passage through the gut enhances germination. We found that females retained seeds in the gut for longer periods than males. Gut passed and manually depulped seeds had similar germination success. However, heavier birds, irrespective of sex, had longer seed retention times and promoted higher germination. Our results indicate that intraspecific differences in morphological traits of frugivores are a source of variation in dispersal outputs and may help to explain complex patterns of seed dispersal. We highlight the importance of considering the quality of seed dispersal at an individual‐level, as well as at a species‐level, and reinforce that some individuals may contribute more to seed germination, and potentially recruitment, than others. Finally, a decrease in body masses of tropical birds in response to global warming may cascade to a decrease in seed dispersal quality.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Combining camera trap surveys and IUCN range maps to improve knowledge of species distributions
Authors: Chen Cheng , Granados Alys , Brodie Jedediah F. , Kays Roland , Davies T. Jonathan , Liu Runzhe , Fisher Jason T. , Ahumada Jorge , McShea William , Sheil Douglas , Mohd‐Azlan Jayasilan , Agwanda Bernard , Andrianarisoa Mahandry H. , Appleton Robyn D. , Bitariho Robert , Espinosa Santiago , Grigione Melissa M. , Helgen Kristofer M. , Hubbard Andy , Hurtado Cindy M. , Jansen Patrick A. , Jiang Xuelong , Jones Alex , Kalies Elizabeth L. , Kiebou‐Opepa Cisquet , Li Xueyou , Lima Marcela Guimarães Moreira , Meyer Erik , Miller Anna B. , Murphy Thomas , Piana Renzo , Quan Rui‐Chang , Rota Christopher T. , Rovero Francesco , Santos Fernanda , Schuttler Stephanie , Uduman Aisha , van Bommel Joanna Klees , Young Hilary , Burton A. Cole
Published: November 2023

Reliable maps of species distributions are fundamental for biodiversity research and conservation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) range maps are widely recognized as authoritative representations of species’ geographic limits, yet they might not always align with actual occurrence data. In recent area of habitat (AOH) maps, areas that are not habitat have been removed from IUCN ranges to reduce commission errors, but their concordance with actual species occurrence also remains untested. We tested concordance between occurrences recorded in camera trap surveys and predicted occurrences from the IUCN and AOH maps for 510 medium‐ to large‐bodied mammalian species in 80 camera trap sampling areas. Across all areas, cameras detected only 39% of species expected to occur based on IUCN ranges and AOH maps; 85% of the IUCN only mismatches occurred within 200 km of range edges. Only 4% of species occurrences were detected by cameras outside IUCN ranges. The probability of mismatches between cameras and the IUCN range was significantly higher for smaller‐bodied mammals and habitat specialists in the Neotropics and Indomalaya and in areas with shorter canopy forests. Our findings suggest that range and AOH maps rarely underrepresent areas where species occur, but they may more often overrepresent ranges by including areas where a species may be absent, particularly at range edges. We suggest that combining range maps with data from ground‐based biodiversity sensors, such as camera traps, provides a richer knowledge base for conservation mapping and planning.
Criteria for immediate extubation after pediatric liver transplantation in a single pediatric liver transplant center in Japan
Authors: Baba Chiaki , Ninagawa Jun , Uranaka Makoto , Hashiya Mai , Sakamoto Seisuke , Kasahara Mureo , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Nagasaka Yasuko , Kasuya Shugo
Published: November 2023

Immediate extubation (IE) following liver transplantation (LT) has become the standard practice, even for pediatric patients. However, no preoperative or postoperative case selection protocols for IE are currently available. We have developed selection criteria for IE following pediatric LT. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of these selection criteria and anesthetic management protocol implemented in our hospital for IE after pediatric LT.

Method

This was a retrospective study. The records of all cases undergoing LT in our center from January 2016 to December 2020 were collected. We excluded cases > 18 years old at the time of LT. Enrolled cases were divided into two groups: cases with immediate extubation (IE) or without immediate extubation (NIE). We compared preoperative conditions, intraoperative management, and postoperative courses. Finally, we classified NIE group patients into cases extubated at postoperative day 1 (early; E‐NIE) and others (delayed; D‐NIE) and compared their underlying diseases and postoperative courses.

Results

In the IE group, there were 81 cases, while the NIE group consisted of 185 cases. All patients in the IE group were successfully extubated without any instances of re‐intubation due to respiratory failure. Within the E‐NIE group, comprising 130 cases, all patients were ultimately extubated without the need for tracheostomy. However, in the D‐NIE group, which encompassed 53 cases, seven patients required tracheostomy.

Conclusion

In our center, the implementation of our anesthesia management protocol and the use of pre/postoperative case selection criteria have allowed for the safe practice of IE following pediatric LT. However, it should be noted that patients who cannot be extubated by Postoperative Day 1 (POD1) may be at an increased risk of requiring a tracheostomy. When contemplating IE, it is crucial to take into account the disease‐specific physiological aspects and surgical site situations.
Variation of soil amino acid pools and N‐hydrolysis potential in arid lands
Authors: Khosrozadeh Sajedeh , Khalili Banafshe , Nourbakhsh Farshid
Published: November 2023

Identification of the patterns through which potential rates of proteolysis and ammonification are affected by key edaphic and climatic factors offer a powerful avenue for elucidating the potential of nitrogen (N) cycle processes in arid terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we aimed to investigate how the tradeoff between soil properties and climatic factors govern amino acids and the nitrogen cycling enzyme traits in steppe biomes. We analysed changes in amino acid pools and protease and amidohydrolase activities along arid and semi‐arid climate gradients over time. The biome edaphic factors (site) were found to have significant (p < 0.001) effects on all enzyme activities, while climatic factors (time) showed significant (p < 0.001) effects on protease, L‐glutaminase, and L‐asparaginase activities. Over the sites and times, the soil moisture (%) explained 20%–27% of the variation in protease, L‐glutaminase, and L‐asparaginase activities. Soil‐free amino acid concentrations were observed to be significantly affected by site (p < 0.05). The aliphatic and polar amino acid pools, however, were the only soil‐free amino acid pools that significantly varied with time (p < 0.05). Pools of aliphatic and polar amino acids were significantly negatively correlated with soil moisture (r = −0.55, p < 0.05). These results find that the soil N dynamics in arid ecosystems might dramatically depend dramatically on edaphic factors and plant litter properties, and changes in soil pH, electrical conductivity, clay content, total soil organic carbon and total soil and litter N maybe even more important than the soil moisture, although sensitivity to edaphic factors were found to vary with a pathway and time of sampling. Thus, the information on N pools and N‐hydrolysis potential could be useful in linking climatic‐soil factors with arid ecosystem N fluxes.
Efficacy of a wheat polar lipid complex in reducing hair loss and improving hair growth in healthy women: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Dudonné Stéphanie , Kern Catherine , Garcia Christine
Published: November 2023

Objective

Hair loss is a major source of psychological distress for affected people. Safe and natural ingredients are therefore needed to help reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth. This pilot clinical study aimed at exploring the efficacy of a wheat polar lipid complex (WPLC, Ceramosides™), containing sphingolipids and digalactosyl diglycerides, on hair characteristics improvement in women showing acute hair shedding.

Methods

Sixty‐six women presenting a proportion of hair in the telogen phase greater than 15% were recruited and allocated to two groups, each including at least 10 postmenopausal women. For 84 days, participants consumed 30 mg/day of the WPLC supplement, or the placebo. Their hair characteristics were assessed after 56 and 84 days using phototrichogram evaluations of hairs in anagen/telogen phases, measuring hair shedding by a pull test, hair diameter and elongation at break point, hair growth and scalp sebum content. Hair density and volume were also clinically evaluated. All these parameters were also investigated in the subgroup of postmenopausal women.

Results

WPLC supplementation decreased telogen hair density/proportion while increasing the anagen hair density/proportion. These effects were significant compared with the placebo as early as within 56 days. It also led to reduced hair shedding upon pull test analyses. If no changes were evidenced in hair diameter, WPLC improved hair growth and resistance to breakage after 84 days. Clinical evaluations also showed hair density and volume improvement. Furthermore, supplementation decreased scalp sebum content in women with oily hair. The beneficial effects were also observed in the subgroup of postmenopausal women. Finally, WPLC supplementation improved participants' perception of their hair conditions.

Conclusion

Through a reducing effect on hair shedding and a stimulating effect on hair reappearance and growth, WPLC dietary supplementation was shown to significantly reduce hair loss in women.
Effect of laparoscopic versus open surgery on postoperative wound complications in patients with low rectal cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Shu , Lin Yuting , Zhong Wenjin , Xu Wenji , Huang Zhongxin , Cai Suqin , Chen Wen , Zhang Baogen
Published: November 2023

This meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of microinvasive and open operations on postoperative wound complications in low rectal carcinoma patients. Research on limited English has been conducted systematically in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The date up to the search was in August 2023. Following review of the classification and exclusion criteria for this research and the evaluation of its quality in the literature, there were a total of 266 related papers, which were reviewed for inclusion in the period from 2004 to 2017. A total of 1774 cases of low rectal cancer were enrolled. Of these 913 cases, the laparoscopic operation was performed on 913 cases, while 861 cases were operated on low rectal carcinoma. The overall sample was between 10 and 482. Five trials described the efficacy of laparoscopy have lower risk than open on postoperative wound infection in patients with low rectal cancer (OR, 0.72;95 % CI, 0.48,1.09 p = 0.12). Three studies results showed that the anastomotic leak was not significantly different between open and laparoscopy (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.58,1.26 p = 0.44). Six surgical trials in low rectal cancer patients reported haemorrhage, and five cases of surgical time were reported, with laparoscopy having fewer bleeding compared with open surgery (MD, −188.89; 95% CI, −341.27, −36.51 p = 0.02). Compared with laparoscopy, the operation time was shorter for the open operation (MD, 33.06; 95% CI, 30.56, 35.57 p < 0.0001). Overall, there is no significant difference between laparoscopy and open surgery in terms of incidence of infection and anastomosis leak. However, the rate of haemorrhage in laparoscopy is lower，and operation time in open surgery is lower.
Integrative demographic modelling reduces uncertainty in estimated rates of species' historical range shifts
Authors: Castilla Antonio R. , Brown Alissa , Hoban Sean , Abhainn Everett Andrew , Robinson John D. , Romero‐Severson Jeanne , Smith Adam B. , Strand Allan E. , Tipton John R. , Dawson Andria
Published: November 2023

Aim

Biogeographers have used three primary data types to examine shifts in tree ranges in response to past climate change: fossil pollen, genetic data and contemporary occurrences. Although recent efforts have explored formal integration of these types of data, we have limited understanding of how integration affects estimates of range shift rates and their uncertainty. We compared estimates of biotic velocity (i.e. rate of species' range shifts) using each data type independently to estimates obtained using integrated models.

Location

Eastern North America.

Taxon

Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall (green ash).

Methods

Using fossil pollen, genomic data and modern occurrence data, we estimated biotic velocities directly from 24 species distribution models (SDMs) and 200 pollen surfaces created with a novel Bayesian spatio‐temporal model. We compared biotic velocity from these analyses to estimates based on coupled demographic‐coalescent simulations and Approximate Bayesian Computation that combined fossil pollen and SDMs with population genomic data collected across the F. pennsylvanica range.

Results

Patterns and magnitude of biotic velocity over time varied by the method used to estimate past range dynamics. Estimates based on fossil pollen yielded the highest rates of range movement. Overall, integrating genetic data with other data types in our simulation‐based framework reduced apparent uncertainty in biotic velocity estimates and resulted in greater similarity in estimates between SDM‐ and pollen‐integrated analyses.

Main Conclusions

By reducing uncertainty in our assessments of range shifts, integration of data types improves our understanding of the past distribution of species. Based on these results, we propose further steps to reach the integration of these three lines of biogeographical evidence into a unified analytical framework.
Association among cognitive function, daytime activities, and nighttime sleep in older adults in a long‐term care facility
Authors: Zhou Lu , Suwa Sayuri
Published: November 2023

Aim

To determine how the nighttime sleep patterns of older adults in a long‐term care facility vary according to cognitive function and participation in daytime activities.

Methods

This observational study was conducted with older adults aged ≥65 years who are residents of a long‐term care facility. Nighttime sleep was monitored using a non‐wearable sleep monitor for 8 weeks. Based on the Mini‐Mental State Examination scores for assessment of cognitive function, participants were classified into non‐dementia, mild‐to‐moderate dementia, and severe dementia groups. The Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used to analyze the data.

Results

Twenty three older adults were included in this study. Sleep onset latency was significantly longer in the severe dementia group than in the non‐dementia (p = .027) and mild‐to‐moderate dementia (p = .041) groups. Sleep efficiency was significantly lower in the severe dementia group than in the mild‐to‐moderate dementia group (p = .003), whereas wakefulness after sleep onset was significantly longer in the severe dementia group than in the mild‐to‐moderate dementia group (p = .011). The number of days spent engaging in recreational activities was <50%, whereas those spent taking a nap was >60% in all older adults. Older adults with mild‐to‐moderate dementia had better sleep and participated in more daytime activities than those with severe or no dementia. Moreover, bathing in a bathtub improved sleep onset latency.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that participation in daytime activities and bathing in a bathtub affect nighttime sleep in older adults.
The parental involvement process regarding childhood cancer survivors becoming independent: Focus on balancing health management and social lives from adolescence to adulthood
Authors: Miyagishima Kyoko , Ichie Kazuko , Sakaguchi Kimiyoshi , Kato Yuka
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study aimed to elucidate the parental involvement process regarding childhood cancer survivors' (CCSs') independence while balancing their health management and social lives from adolescence to adulthood to obtain suggestions for long‐term support for CCSs and their parents.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 19 parents of Japanese CCSs aged 16–25 years. The data were then qualitatively analyzed using the modified grounded theory approach.

Results

Three “categories” and 20 “concepts” were generated. The connections among these categories and concepts revealed the parental involvement process regarding CCSs' independence while balancing their health management and social lives. The first phase in this process is to “support careful behaviors,” mainly during CCSs' treatment in the outpatient clinic or shortly after discharge. As CCSs recover after cancer treatment, parents “watch over, but feel conflicted,” with “conflicts between protecting their sons/daughters and giving them independence.” Then, parents reach a phase in which they “acknowledge and entrust,” which includes “acknowledgment of development and efforts” of their sons/daughters, and develop an “attitude to entrust medical checkups to their sons/daughters, along with their preparation.” The influencing factors of the three phases include “ongoing anxieties about the late effects of therapy and recurrence” and an “expectation for their sons/daughters to acquire abilities for living independently.”

Conclusions

These findings suggest that nurses need to accept parents' feelings and thoughts regarding conflicts with CCSs, recognition of CCSs' development, and values. These processes may help nurses and health‐care professionals support parents from a comprehensive perspective.