bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Who Runs for Office? Understanding Candidate Diversity, Safety and Localism in the UK General Election 2024
Authors: Collignon Sofia , Rüdig Wolfgang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA record number of candidates contested parliamentary seats in the 2024 general election in the United Kingdom. This article discusses three key aspects that have garnered attention from both academics and practitioners studying the characteristics, motivations and experiences of candidates: gender representation, security concerns and local residency. Candidate data shows that, despite an increase in female MPs, the overall number of female candidates declined, highlighting structural barriers within party selection processes. Second, the rise in harassment, abuse and intimidation has led many candidates, particularly women, to withhold their home addresses on ballot papers, impacting their perceived local connection to voters. Finally, while localism remains a valued asset for candidates, security concerns diminish its role in contemporary campaigns. Challenges for future elections remain for political parties to address gender imbalances during the selection process, enhance candidate safety and reconsider local engagement strategies to foster a more inclusive and connected political landscape.
Using life history to predict outcomes of conservation translocations of herpetofauna
Authors: Parker M.R. , Fitzgerald L.A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSuites of coevolved traits related to reproduction and demography enable species to persist in the face of environmental change. In the case of biological invasions, the suite of life history traits, “life history strategies,” can be linked to successful establishment after an introduction. Conservation translocations share many similarities with biological invasions, yet studies examining the relationship between life history and translocation outcome are scarce. We collected data on key life history traits for all herpetofauna profiled in the IUCN Global Conservation Translocation Perspectives series to examine how life history can predict outcomes and difficulties of conservation translocations. For reptiles, our model showed that age at maturity showed a significant positive association with higher probabilities of more successful outcomes, while increased clutch/litter size and lifespan predicted less successful outcomes. We found no relationship between any life history trait and translocation outcome for amphibians. Our results showed that difficulties with conservation translocations are related more to phylogeny than life history. Amphibian translocations faced more difficulties due to the physical environment of release sites, but reptile translocations experienced more socio‐political difficulties. These relationships provide important insights for conservation practitioners that can be used in the feasibility and planning stages of translocations to anticipate and avoid challenges facing this complex and increasingly common form of conservation intervention.
Lisdexamfetamine in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence: A randomised, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Ezard Nadine , Clifford Brendan , Siefried Krista J. , Ali Robert , Dunlop Adrian , McKetin Rebecca , Bruno Raimondo , Carr Andrew , Ward James , Farrell Michael , Graham Robert , Haber Paul , Lubman Dan , Donoghoe Mark W. , Olsen Nick , Baker Amanda , Hall Michelle , Arunogiri Shalini , Lintzeris Nicholas ,   LiMA Investigator Group
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsThis study tested the efficacy and safety of a 12‐week course of lisdexamfetamine in reducing methamphetamine use, an outcome which is associated with improvements in health and wellbeing, in people dependent on methamphetamine.Design, setting and participantsThis study was a randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial conducted in six specialist outpatient clinics in Adelaide, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney, Australia (2018–2021). Participants were164 adults with methamphetamine dependence, reporting at least 14 use days out of the previous 28 days (62% male, 38% female, < 1% other; mean age 39 years).InterventionsParticipants were randomly allocated 1:1 to a 15‐week regimen of lisdexamfetamine (1‐week induction to 250 mg, 12‐week maintenance regimen, 2‐week reduction; n = 80) or matched placebo (n = 84), followed‐up to Week 19.MeasurementsThe primary efficacy measure was past 28‐day methamphetamine use at Week 13. Safety was assessed by adverse event rates. Secondary measures included methamphetamine use during the 12‐week treatment period and treatment satisfaction.FindingsNine randomized participants did not start treatment (five were allocated to lisdexamfetamine and four allocated to placebo) and were excluded from the analyses. Fifty‐seven per cent of participants were retained on study medication to primary end‐point. There was only weak evidence of a lisdexamfetamine benefit at 13 weeks [adjusted difference in days of methamphetamine use = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –0.5 to 5.0; P = 0.49]. However, throughout the whole 12‐week treatment maintenance phase, the lisdexamfetamine group had fewer days of methamphetamine use in total (difference = 8.8, 95% CI = 2.7–15.0; P = 0.005). The lisdexamfetamine group reported greater self‐reported treatment effectiveness [odds ratio (OR) = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.67–5.02; P < 0.001] and treatment satisfaction (OR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.93–7.47; P < 0.001). Adverse events with lisdexamfetamine included nausea. Serious adverse events occurred in four (5%) of participants who received lisdexamfetamine.ConclusionsLisdexamfetamine appears to reduce methamphetamine use over a 12‐week treatment period, although there is only weak evidence that reduced use is maintained during the last 4 weeks.
The involvement of amyloid‐β in the central nervous system regulation underlying sleep deprivation‐induced rapid ejaculation in rats
Authors: Yang Peng , Zhu Tianle , Ma Yukuai , Cao Zhi , Gao Pan , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough some studies suggest that sleep deprivation may affect ejaculation regulation, related research is limited, and the mechanisms remain unclear.AimThis study aimed to explore whether sleep deprivation influences ejaculation regulation through amyloid‐beta and to investigate its potential mechanisms.Materials and methodsNormal ejaculating rats were randomly distributed into three separate groups for the study, and treated with sleep deprivation combined with saline gavage, sleep deprivation combined with sodium butyrate gavage, and control with saline gavage. The levels of amyloid‐beta and 5‐HT1A receptors were assessed through Western blotting, PCR, and immunohistochemical techniques. The levels of interleukin‐4 and serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine) in the brain were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe experiment showed that the rats in the sleep deprivation combined with saline gavage group rats had a significantly faster ejaculation compared to the control combined with saline gavage group rats. Meanwhile, sleep deprivation combined with saline gavage group had the highest levels of amyloid‐beta oligomers in the brain tissue. Correlation results revealed that the levels of amyloid‐beta oligomers in brain tissue were inversely related to ejaculation latency and positively associated with ejaculation frequency. Furthermore, we found that elevated levels of amyloid‐beta oligomers in brain tissue led to upregulation of 5‐HT1A receptor expression. Additionally, elevated levels of amyloid‐beta oligomers in brain tissue were found to increase interleukin‐4 levels, thereby reducing 5‐hydroxytryptamine levels.DiscussionSleep deprivation indeed accelerates ejaculation, and this acceleration is closely related to amyloid‐beta. Sleep deprivation can increase amyloid‐beta levels in brain tissue, mediating a decrease in 5‐hydroxytryptamine levels and overexpression of 5‐HT1A receptors, thereby accelerating ejaculation.ConclusionThere is a significant correlation between elevated amyloid‐beta levels in brain tissue because of sleep deprivation and accelerated ejaculation. This study's main findings offer insights into the development of acquired premature ejaculation linked to poor sleep and establish a theoretical framework for investigating potential treatments for this condition.
Efflux and uptake transport and gut microbial reactivation of raloxifene glucuronides
Authors: Uoti Arttu , Kurkela Mika , Niemi Mikko , Oksanen Timo , Oswald Stefan , Puustinen Lauri , Kidron Heidi , Sjöstedt Noora 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRaloxifene has low bioavailability due to extensive glucuronidation in the intestine and the liver, and its pharmacokinetics is associated with high intra‐ and interindividual variability. Some of this variability could be explained by the enterohepatic recycling of raloxifene, which is driven by transporter‐mediated uptake and efflux and gut microbial deglucuronidation of raloxifene glucuronides. These individual processes involved in raloxifene disposition, however, have not been characterized in full detail. In this study, we evaluated the interactions of raloxifene and its three glucuronide metabolites (raloxifene 4′‐glucuronide, raloxifene 6‐glucuronide and raloxifene 4′,6‐diglucuronide) with drug transporters using Sf9 membrane vesicles and HEK293 cells. Additionally, we measured the deglucuronidation of raloxifene glucuronides in human faecal extracts. All raloxifene glucuronides were transported by MRP2 and MRP3, whereas raloxifene monoglucuronides were identified as substrates of OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OATP2B1. All three raloxifene glucuronides were readily deglucuronidated in the presence of faecal extracts, although with high between‐subject variability. The results of this study provide further understanding of the disposition of raloxifene, which can help understand the sources behind the interindividual variability in raloxifene pharmacokinetics.
Metastatic risk in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a tool incorporating sex, size, and grade
Authors: Thomsen Frederik F. , Westerberg Marcus , Petersson Rasmus D. , Bak Rasmine , Lindholst Julie Bak , Al‐Husseinawi Hayder , Heeno Emma , Azawi Nessn H. 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo identify predictors of metastases, estimate the proportion of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cases according to these predictors, and subsequently create a risk table showing the absolute difference in metastasis proportion for each 10 mm increase in tumour size.Patients and MethodsPatients diagnosed with histopathological confirmed ccRCC in 2010–2018 in Denmark identified in the nationwide Danish Multidisciplinary Renal Cancer Group (DaRenCa) Study‐3. Association between diagnostic variables and metastases were assessed with logistic regression analyses. Proportion of cases with metastases were assess based on tumour sizes using a logistic regression model.ResultsThe study included 2109 cases with non‐metastatic ccRCC at diagnosis and 450 cases with metastatic ccRCC. Multivariable logistic regression analyses found sex, tumour size and grade were associated with metastatic ccRCC, whereas age was not. The proportion of cases with metastasis increased with larger tumours sizes and higher grade. As an example, the proportion of metastases in female cases with tumour size of 40 mm was 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–4.8%) in Grade 1 and 16% (95% CI 12–22%) in cases with Grade 4. Comparable numbers in cases with a tumour size of 70 mm were 6.6% (95% CI 4.0–11%) and 31% (95% CI 25–38). The absolute increase in the proportion of cases with metastases with a 10 mm increase in size was <2% for tumours <40 mm and Grade 1–2. In contrast, cases with tumour sizes >50 mm and/or Grade 3–4 had a moderate (2–<4%) to high (≥4%) absolute increase in the proportion of cases with metastases with each 10 mm increase.ConclusionThe risk table presented offers a valuable tool for discussing the risk of progression to metastases in patients under expected management for ccRCC, enabling clinicians to make more informed, evidence‐based decisions.
Drivers of mangrove area change and suppression in Brazil from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Vanin Gabriel Tofanelo , Lacerda Eduardo Ribeiro , Mori Gustavo Maruyama 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMangrove area loss is increasing globally, and drivers of loss differ depending not only on natural conditions but also on national and regional policies. Some countries with the most mangrove area, for instance, Brazil, lack broad systematic quantification of specific drivers of mangrove land‐use and land‐cover (LULC) change dynamics. We investigated the direct conversion (i.e., replacement) of mangrove forests due to changes in 21 types of LULC across Brazil from 2000 to 2020 based on annual LULC maps developed by the MapBiomas project. We quantified the area changes at national, regional, and state scales. We also determined and quantified mangrove forest conversion for each of the 21 LULC types with a pixel comparison analysis and identified temporal trends with a time‐series analysis. The total conversion of mangrove area (3429 km2) was offset by a gain that was twice as large (6776 km2). Forest formations and water bodies, which may be interpreted as natural or indirect anthropogenic changes, were associated with most of the areas where mangrove cover was lost. Land‐use modifications, mainly creation of pastures, accounted for 4% of direct mangrove conversions. We found that changes in LULC categories and patterns of gain and loss of mangrove areas differed among Brazilian states and regions. Based on other research, they also differ between Brazil and other countries. Thus, integrated mangrove forest conservation and management efforts that transcend political boundaries are essential to effectively address negative impacts on mangrove forests. We provide an interactive map to allow qualitative assessments of mangrove conversion drivers by different stakeholders, such as managers, policymakers, and nongovernmental organizations.
Three Cases of Allergic Contact Dermatitis to 2‐(Thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole in Leather Items
Authors: Samaran Quentin , Dereure Olivier , Raison‐Peyron Nadia 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground2‐(Thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole (TCMTB) is a fungicide product widely used in the leather industry, particularly since the 1990s. However, reports of allergic contact dermatitis triggered by this chemical are scarce.ObjectivesTo investigate three cases of dermatitis following contact with leather products, possibly related to TCMTB.MethodsThree female patients, aged 33–53, were referred with suspected allergic contact dermatitis related to leather products. Two patients presented with dermatitis on the feet, while one patient had dermatitis on the back and thighs. All patients were patch‐tested with the European baseline series, a shoe series, TMCTB (0.1% pet), and scrapings from their personal leather products.ResultsAll patients showed reactions to the scrapings from their personal products (+ to ++) and to TCMTB (++ to +++). Additionally, one patient was sensitised to mercapto mix and mercaptobenzothiazole (both ++), while another reacted to chromium (++), cobalt (+), 4‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin (+) and colophonium (++). All patients were advised to avoid TCMTB and to be cautious with leather, synthetic leather, and varnished wood.ConclusionsIf contact dermatitis related to leather exposure is suspected, patch testing with TCMTB 0.1% pet should be included, as it might be the only positive finding.
Beyond the Hype: Navigating the Conservation Implications of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sandbrook Chris 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTConservation AI—the deliberate application of artificial intelligence technology to achieve conservation goals—has great potential to boost productivity, make existing conservation actions more efficient, and enable entirely new areas of activity. However, it also comes with risks, including AI being used by bad actors; high material demand for energy, land, and water; biases in training datasets; AI‐fueled techno‐optimism distracting from other actions; and undesirable changes in staffing and working practices in the conservation sector. Changes in wider society brought about by AI in areas such as agriculture, human health, and labor markets may also have significant impacts on biodiversity (whether positive or negative), as these are major drivers of biodiversity loss. This article reviews the various links between AI and conservation, arguing that to date there has been too much techno‐optimism and a lack of attention to risks and broader implications. It concludes with recommendations for how conservation could approach AI more effectively by considering risks and potential unintended consequences; adopting a principle of transparency; ensuring AI does not harm the staff, skills, and independence of the conservation sector; and investing in research and advocacy to address the conservation implications of wider societal changes caused by AI.
Fish distribution across altitudinal gradients in the Upper Paraguay River Basin: Implications for conservation in the Pantanal region
Authors: Fernando Adriana Maria Espinoza , Severo‐Neto Francisco , Ferreira Fabiane Silva , Mateus Lúcia , Tondato‐Carvalho Karina K. , Kashiwaqui Elaine Antoniassi Luiz , Gimenes Junior Heriberto , Domingues Wladimir M. , Pavanelli Carla Simone , Pinho Henrique Ledo Lopes , Penha Jerry , Súarez Yzel Rondon 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLack of sufficient knowledge of biological diversity is the first barrier to promoting scientifically‐based conservation policies in Neotropical regions, where high diversity and limited sampling remains a challenge. We compiled fish occurrences data from the whole Upper Paraguay River basin (UPRB) and evaluated the altitudinal variation in species richness, local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD) and composition. We also evaluate the influence of other environmental variables on species richness. Occurrence of a total of 342 native and five exotic fish species were recorded. Fish species richness was higher in lower portions of the basin, with a clear decrease from 400 m.a.s.l. Richness was negatively correlated with altitude, and positively correlated with net primary productivity and slope. The LCBD presented higher values on floodplain and in headwaters. Intermediate classes presented greater relative importance, as they present greater relative richness in a small relative area in the basin. We observed a partial overlap in species composition along altitude classes. Three species classified in some category of threat according to the conservation status of ichthyofauna in Brazil have a limited spatial extent of occurrence, restricted within the Serra da Bodoquena plateau. The obtained results highlight the unique diversity in the floodplain–plateau continuum, therefore, choosing protected areas must consider altitude gradients in the UPRB. Given the small area of the conservation units in the basin, the important role of higher altitude streams in regional fish species diversity and the several threats in the plateau, we conclude that an increase in conservation effort is needed in the plateau portion of the Upper Paraguay River basin.
Researching Climate through Design
Authors: Conchis Erika 
Published: December 2024

This paper explores how design can be used as a process of enquiry in climate research in collaboration with climate scientists. The research discusses the value of design in navigating the complexities of transdisciplinary climate research by engaging with the mess and researching everyday climate actions.The ordinary can be described as the realm of social life where the repetition of daily cycles that we learn is eventually taken for granted. Climate actions that are situated in this ordinary are vital to delivering larger‐scale transformations and achieving carbon reductions. However, climate scientists across disciplines often overlook the importance of engaging with the messiness of such climate initiatives – such as understanding how ordinary climate initiatives emerge, impact a place, and move across contexts. As a result, academics and policymakers tend to focus on global and high‐tech responses to climate issues. However, by shifting our focus on the mundane, we can research and present situated perspectives of climate actions that are crucial to achieving carbon emission reductions and improving resilience to the impact of climate change at different scales.This paper presents theoretical grounding for design to be used as an integral part of ‘ordinary’ climate research.
Creating Cross‐Locational Experiential Service Journeys in Tourism
Authors: Gudiksen Sune 
Published: December 2024

Cultural tourism is a fast‐growing segment in the tourism industry and is estimated to be around 40% of the tourist segments globally. After COVID‐19, this has come back with renewed force. Regional attractions such as experience centers, museums, event developers, city developers, tourism offices, and so forth need to work together to create enough “reason‐to‐go” and subsequent “reason‐to‐stay” experiential qualities in their tourism service value propositions.Through two larger cultural tourism case projects, we investigate how one can bring ecosystem tourism stakeholders together through codesign tangible methods to ideate on cross‐locational experiential service value propositions and what opportunities and difficulties seem to emerge through this. In the first project, three regional museums and a tourism destination office worked together to find shared themes and connected stories. In the second project, seven Second World War museums, three tourism offices, and design developers collaborated to extract three experiential journeys that visitors could follow.We illustrate how a series of codesign interventions can engage a cross‐disciplinary circle of stakeholders and lead to novel insights and shared understandings, establish common ground, and generate ideas with potential. In addition, we analyze the use and effect of introducing codesign methods that can support the development of shared themes and stories attracting visitors and international tourists. Through observations, video recordings, and interaction analysis, we outline both the opportunities and difficulties found in these collaborations.The opportunities point to the possibilities in providing an attractive offering through a series of connected stories that involve the value chain of travel, food, and accommodation providers and in training the front personnel to guide to the next places. The difficulties point to issues such as the gap between stories as marketing and the stories as they are experienced on location and the difficulty in aligning practices according to a central story line and overall service value proposition across various distances and time.From the perspective of experiential service design, the results have theoretical implications because a holistic service flows through cross‐locational and cross‐organizational touchpoints while the practical implications also point to the development of ecosystems of tourism actors working closely together.