bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traits associated with the conservation gradient are the strongest predictors of early‐stage fine root decomposition rates
Authors: Jimoh Saheed O. , Atkins David H. , Mount Hailey E. , Laughlin Daniel C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fine root traits span two independent axes of variation, the conservation and collaboration axes, which define the root economic space (RES). However, whether early‐stage fine root decomposition rates (quantified as proportion mass loss, i.e. pml) are more strongly related to collaboration or conservation traits remains unclear.

We studied 63 tree species in New Zealand's temperate rain forest. We determined the phylogenetic signal in pml and fine root traits, conducted phylogenetic principal component analysis and used phylogenetic generalized least squares to determine which traits are most strongly related to pml.

Root decomposition exhibited a high phylogenetic signal and was more strongly related to the conservation than the collaboration axis. Root tissue density (RTD) was negatively correlated and root nitrogen (RN) was positively correlated with pml. Root diameter was positively yet weakly correlated with pml, but specific root length was uncorrelated with pml. The lignin‐to‐N ratio and root cellulose were the strongest predictors of pml.

Synthesis: Early‐stage fine root decomposition is most strongly driven by tissue quality traits, such as root nitrogen, tissue density and lignin‐to‐N ratio, which all align with the conservation axis of the root economics space. However, root diameter plays a weak yet undeniable role in early‐stage fine root decomposition. Some thick‐rooted species decomposed faster, possibly due to the higher quality cortical tissue. Thin‐rooted species decomposed slower, possibly because of their higher cellulose concentration that maintains the structural integrity of small diameter roots. Relationships between decomposition and other traits that align with the collaboration gradient deserve further study across the phylogeny of vascular plants.
Apostles of knowledge: Feminine modernities and the travelling schoolmistresses of interwar Iraq
Authors: Falb Kalisman Hilary 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDuring the interwar era, nearly all of Iraq's secondary schoolmistresses journeyed to Iraq from other corners of the Arab world. This article examines their extraordinary lives, impact on their students and the feminine modernity that these women represented. Policymakers, officials and intellectuals sought to spread women's education, linking it to a global vision of modern domesticity. In contrast, the schoolmistresses of interwar Iraq, the first women in the region to receive higher education, tied their journeys to their gender, underscoring that travel and a ‘modern’ education created a different type of ‘new woman’ who was to be, and to remain, exceptional.
A model to increase care delivery in nursing homes: The role of Institutional Special Needs Plans
Authors: Chen Amanda C. , Grabowski David C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate differences in facility‐level outcomes between nursing homes which reached Institutional Special Needs Plan (I‐SNP) maturity and those which never cared for I‐SNP enrollees.Study Setting and DesignWe used a difference‐in‐differences design to estimate the effect of I‐SNP maturity, defined as having at least 33.75% of Medicare long‐stayers in the nursing home enrolled in any I‐SNP. Our main outcome was the hospitalization rate in each nursing home‐year. Secondary outcomes included the share of residents with medication use, fall, urinary tract infection, catheter insertion, pressure ulcer, physical restraint use, increased need for help with activities of daily living (ADLs), and mortality.Data Sources and Analytic SampleThis repeated cross‐sectional study used 100% Medicare claims, Minimum Data Set assessments, and publicly available Medicare Advantage (MA) plan characteristics data (2004–2021). We included all MA beneficiaries who resided in US nursing homes which reached I‐SNP maturity and those without I‐SNP enrollees.Principal FindingsWe identified 2530 nursing homes which reached I‐SNP maturity (treated) and 9830 nursing homes without I‐SNP enrollees (untreated). There were some differences observed between these nursing homes, including shares of residents who were White (76.42% vs. 84.84%) and on Medicaid (66.94% vs. 55.45%). These nursing homes were also larger on average (141.76 beds vs. 87.56 beds). From the difference‐in‐differences model, nursing homes which reached I‐SNP maturity experienced declines of 4.1 percentage points (pp) for hospitalizations, 1.0 pp for pressure ulcers, 1.3 pp for urinary tract infections (p < 0.001) alongside increases in the need for help with ADLs, use of antipsychotics, falls, and physical restraints.ConclusionsNursing homes which reached I‐SNP maturity experienced fewer hospitalizations and pressure ulcers but a decline in function and increase in other negative outcomes. I‐SNPs may be a promising model to improve care for long‐stay residents, but more research is needed to understand potential adverse consequences.
Artificial intelligence as a tool for predicting the quality attributes of garlic (Allium sativum L.) slices during continuous infrared‐assisted hot air drying
Authors: El‐Mesery Hany S. , Qenawy Mohamed , Ali Mona , Hu Zicheng , Adelusi Oluwasola Abayomi , Njobeh Patrick Berka 
Published: October 2024

Effective drying methods are a highly suitable solution for ensuring stable food supply chains, reducing postharvest agricultural losses, and preventing the spoilage of perishable fruits and vegetables. Moreover, machine learning techniques are innovative and dependable, especially in addressing food spoilage and optimizing drying processes. This study utilized a continuous infrared (IR) hot air dryer to dry garlic (Allium sativum L.) slices. The experiments were conducted at different levels of IR power, air velocities (V), and temperature (T). The relationships between the input process parameters (IR, T, and V) and response parameters, including effective moisture diffusivity (Deff), drying time, and physicochemical properties of the dried slices (rehydration ratio [RR], total color change, flavor strength, and allicin content in the garlic), were modeled using an artificial neural network (ANN). Our findings showed that the maximum Deff of 6.8 × 10−10 m2/s and minimum drying time of 225 min were achieved with an IR of 3000 W/m2, an air velocity of 0.7 m/s, and a temperature of 60°C. The total color change and RR values increased with IR and higher air temperature but declined with higher air velocity. Furthermore, the garlic's flavor strength and allicin content levels decreased as the IR and air temperature increased. The results demonstrated a significant influence of the independent parameters on the response parameters (p < 0.01). Interestingly, the ANN predictions closely matched the test data sets, providing valuable insights for understanding and controlling the factors affecting drying behaviors.
Effects of land‐use change and elevation on endemic shrub frogs in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Lad H. , Gosavi N. , Jithin V. , Naniwadekar R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAgroforestry, often promoted as a sustainable agriculture practice, is rapidly expanding, often at the cost of primary tropical forests. While agroforestry negatively impacts amphibian diversity, its effects on population demography, microhabitat, use and body condition are relatively understudied. This information is crucial for determining and promoting amphibian‐friendly land‐use practices. We compared habitats, population densities, microhabitat use and body condition of two endemic species of shrub frogs (Pseudophilautus amboli and Raorchestes bombayensis) across (1) elevations (low‐ and high‐elevation forests) and (2) land‐use categories (cashew, rubber and low‐elevation forests) in the northern part of the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot. Using distance sampling, we demonstrated that the abundances of the two shrub frog species differed across elevation categories, with P. amboli more common in low‐elevation forests and R. bombayensis more prevalent in high‐elevation forests. Both species of frogs exhibited extremely skewed, male‐biased sex ratios, with three females for 100 males. P. amboli had lower densities and poor recruitment and exhibited altered microhabitat use in cashew plantations compared to low‐elevation forests. Although adult male P. amboli densities in rubber were similar to those in low‐elevation forests, they exhibited altered microhabitat use and smaller body sizes than in forests, indicating poor body condition. We demonstrate the differential impacts of agroforestry types on shrub frogs. We also demonstrate that distance sampling can be a useful tool for population monitoring of shrub frogs, which comprise almost 25% of the anuran diversity in the Western Ghats. There is a need to identify the drivers of extremely skewed sex ratios, which make these species vulnerable to population crashes. Given the recent downlisting of the two focal species to Least Concern, we advocate for their uplisting to at least Near Threatened status considering their patchy distribution, negative impacts of rapidly expanding agroforestry plantations and extremely skewed sex ratios.
Tuta absoluta's population genetic structure across Africa: Two well‐delineated but weakly differentiated groups suggesting few introductions and significant gene flow
Authors: Javal Marion , Ndiaye Arame , Loiseau Anne , Bocar Bal Amadou , Garba Madougou , Brévault Thierry , Gauthier Nathalie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Describing the genetic structure and diversity of invasive insect pest populations is essential to better understand a species' invasion history and success throughout its distribution range. Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) is a destructive pest of tomato and many other solanaceous crops, with very high economic impacts. Its invasion threatens food security in a large part of the globe, in areas such as sub‐Saharan Africa where the agricultural resilience has already been weakened by rapid human‐induced changes due in particular to population growth, increased trade and global change.
This work aimed to investigate the diversity and genetic structure of 60 populations of T. absoluta using microsatellite markers, with a particular focus on sub‐Saharan Africa.
Our results revealed distinct differentiation and diversity patterns between T. absoluta native versus invaded areas, and high genetic homogeneity among the African populations sampled. However, for the first time, two weakly differentiated but distinct genetic clusters in Africa were identified.
The results suggest few introduction events of the species in Africa or multiple introductions from genetically close areas, significant gene flow between outbreaks and seem to indicate the existence of two distinct clusters in Africa. This new data enable us to formulate hypotheses on the species' invasion patterns and the dynamics of its invasive populations.
These hypotheses must be verified with more extensive sampling over the whole range of T. absoluta, especially in its presumed native area.
Understanding the professional factors that impact the retention of pathology workers in regional, rural and remote Australia
Authors: Werth Kirrily , Gurney Tiana 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine what professional factors impact the retention of pathology workers in regional, rural and remote Australia.DesignA cross‐sectional survey was used to collect data regarding the professional factors that impact the retention of regional, rural and remote pathology workers in Australia (n = 95). The survey focused on pathology workers’ satisfaction with specific professional factors and how long they intended to stay in their current position.SettingRegional, rural and remote (MM2‐7) pathology laboratories in Australia.ParticipantsThere were a total of 95 participants, including 24 phlebotomists/laboratory assistants, 34 medical laboratory scientists and 29 supervisors/managers, with the majority of participants being from New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.ResultsSignificant positive associations were found between satisfaction with career advancement opportunities, workplace culture and maintaining professional skills with the retention of regional, rural and remote pathology workers. Open‐ended responses indicated that personal factors also played an important role in pathology worker retention in regional, rural and remote communities.ConclusionThis study provides important insights into the professional factors that impact the retention of pathology workers in regional, rural and remote Australia. Personal factors were also found to play an important role in retention. These findings have highlighted the need for further research to be conducted to explore the relationship between professional and personal factors and how this impacts the retention of pathology workers in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Consensus Statements on Assessments and Vaccinations Prior to Commencement of Advanced Therapies for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Leong Rupert W. , Sakiris Anthony , Arzivian Arteen , Chetwood John David , Chaemsupaphan Thanaboon , Sparrow Miles P. , Kamm Michael A. , Kariayawasam Viraj ,   For the Australian IBD Consensus Working Group
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundGiven the introduction of new advanced therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), expanded risk mitigation strategies are essential.AimsTo create a comprehensive set of statements on assessment procedures and vaccinations before starting monoclonal antibodies, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) modulators for IBD.MethodsWe examined literature, guidelines and drug product information regarding vaccination and assessment recommendations for initiating advanced IBD therapies. Using a modified Delphi approach, delegates voted anonymously on the acceptability of these statements prior to and following consensus discussion.ResultsWe developed eight statements on the domains of infectious diseases screening, vaccinations and assessments prior to commencing JAK inhibitors and S1P modulators. Six statements received agreement. Pre‐advanced therapy screening for infectious diseases was established, and the vaccination protocol was revised. Malignancy, cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk assessments are necessary before initiating JAK inhibitors. Those starting S1P modulators need cardiac and ophthalmic assessments.ConclusionsThese consensus statements combine vaccination and assessments on the currently available advanced therapies for IBD as a single comprehensive document that may reduce IBD complications associated with use of advanced therapies. Knowledge gaps identified during the consensus process will provide further research opportunities.
Preserving white privileges in organizations: white fragility, white counterreactions, and institutional resistance
Authors: Wolgast Sima Nurali , Wolgast Martin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRacialized inequalities in organizations and workplaces are reproduced not only by the discrimination of non‐whites but also by behaviors among whites aimed at counteracting and resisting initiatives and measures aimed at achieving racial equality. On this background, the purpose of the present study was to empirically investigate expressions of white fragility, white counterreactions, and institutional resistance in organizational contexts in Sweden, as well as how these processes relate to system justificatory ideologies such as colorblind racism and meritocracy. In doing so, the study used a cross‐sectional design and a large sample (N = 2774) of adults from the Swedish labor market to test hypotheses about the investigated concepts. The results of the study provided support for the hypotheses that white fragility, white counterreactions, and institutional resistance are relevant concepts to the understanding of the racial dynamics and the reproduction of racialized inequalities in organizations also outside the North American context (in this case Sweden). In addition, the study shows that white fragility is positively associated with colorblind racism and belief in meritocracy and highlights the role of these ideologies in legitimizing and maintaining workplace inequalities.
Evaluation of the effect of CYP2D6 and OCT1 polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol: Implications for clinical safety and dose rationale in paediatric chronic pain
Authors: Healy Paul , Allegaert Karel , Della Pasqua Oscar 
Published: October 2024

AimsOur investigation aimed to assess the dose rationale of tramadol in paediatric patients considering the effect of CYP2D6/OCT1 polymorphisms on systemic exposure. Recommendations were made for the oral dose of tramadol to be used in a prospective study in children (3 months to < 18 years old) with chronic pain.MethodsIntravenous pharmacokinetic and genotype data from neonatal patients (n = 46) were available for this analysis. The time course of tramadol and O‐desmethyltramadol (M1) concentrations was characterized using a nonlinear mixed effects approach in conjunction with extrapolation principles. Clinical trial simulations were then implemented to explore the effects of polymorphism, maturation and developmental growth on the disposition of tramadol and M1. Reported efficacious exposure range in adult subjects were used as reference.ResultsThe pharmacokinetics of tramadol and M1 was characterized by a two‐compartment model. The total clearance of tramadol (CLPP) comprised CYP2D6‐mediated metabolism (CLPM) and other pathways (CLPO). Age‐related changes in CLPM, CLPO and M1 clearance (CLMO) were described by a sigmoid function, with CYP2D6 as a covariate on CLPP and CLPM, and OCT1 on CLMO. Simulation scenarios including different CYP2D6/OCT1 combinations revealed that steady‐state concentrations are above the putative ranges for analgesia in >15% and >70% of subjects after doses of 3 and 8 mg/kg, respectively.ConclusionsIn the absence of genotyping, reference exposure ranges can be used to define the dose rationale for tramadol in paediatric chronic pain. However, a starting dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day should be considered, followed by stepwise titration to the desired analgesic response.
Reduced Intensity Conditioning Prior Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Elderly DLBCL Patients
Authors: Strüßmann Tim , Hermes Philipp , Ihorst Gabriele , Finke Jürgen , Duque‐Afonso Jesús , Engelhardt Monika , Duyster Justus , Marks Reinhard 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHigh‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely used in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. HDCT/ASCT is associated with increased morbidity in elderly/unfit patients. We retrospectively evaluated the use of reduced intensity conditioning in DLBCL patients. Our study included 146 patients aged 60 years and older treated at our institution between 2005 and 2019; 86 patients received standard intensity conditioning (SI group) with BEAM or TEAM (BCNU or thiotepa, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan). Sixty patients received reduced intensity high‐dose conditioning (RI group) with BM (BCNU, melphalan, 43.3%), TM (thiotepa, melphalan, 16.7%), BCNU or busulfan thiotepa (38.4%), or bendamustine melphalan (1.7%). Median follow‐up was 62.4 months. We observed comparable toxicities in the SI and RI groups. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was higher in the RI group (30.8% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.034). There was no difference in nonrelapse mortality (NRM). In univariate analyses, SI vs. RI conditioning resulted in superior progression‐free survival (PFS) (HR 1.80 CI 1.11–2.92, p = 0.017) but not in superior overall survival (OS) (HR 1.48 CI 0.86–2.56, p = 0.152). On multivariate analysis, we observed no difference in PFS (HR 0.74 CI 0.40–1.38, p = 0.345) and a trend toward better OS with RI conditioning (HR 0.45 CI 0.22–0.94, p = 0.032). Age 60–69 versus ≥ 70 years and remission prior to ASCT were the only factors predicting better PFS. Factors associated with better OS were RI conditioning, age 60–69 versus ≥ 70 years, ECOG 0 versus ≥ 1 performance status, bulky disease, and prior lines 1 versus ≥ 2. In conclusion, RI conditioning prior to ASCT may be feasible in elderly patients and led to a comparable outcome when corrected for several significant confounders.
The enemy is inside: Feminists of color navigate the nonprofit industrial complex
Authors: Birk Manjeet 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBased on interviews conducted with racialized and Indigenous activists in Vancouver, British Columbia, this article examines the structural racism that defines experiences of systemic exclusion in feminist nonprofit organizations. This article offers a critical methodological intervention in critical race studies and methods of interrogating systems of White supremacy. This article uses critical race theory's composite counter storytelling to build the character of Beti, who embodies the multiplicity of participants' experiences. This article spotlights the nonprofit industrial complex (NPIC) and its deep commitment to and reliance on institutional whiteness. Illustrating how the NPIC operates in and through Beti's life, I outline how whiteness cements the experiences of racialized activists and perpetuates a never‐ending cycle that maintains institutional whiteness at every level of the organization, preventing meaningful change.
Development and validation of the Child Hemophilia Treatment Experience Measure: A new observer‐reported outcome measure
Authors: Brod Meryl , Bushnell Donald M. , Busk Anne Kirstine , Neergaard Jesper Skov 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe Child Hemophilia Treatment Experience Measure (Child Hemo‐TEM) was developed to capture the treatment burden experience of children with haemophilia (CwH).AimDescribe the development of this novel haemophilia‐specific measure.MethodsInterviews were conducted with clinical experts, CwH and CwH's caregivers. Interviews were analysed according to adapted grounded theory principles. Based on the analysis, a preliminary measure was developed and debriefed. Psychometric analyses were performed according to an a priori analysis plan using data collected in a cross‐sectional web survey and a final measure was generated.ResultsInterviews with four clinical experts, 25 CwH ages 8 to <12 years, and 25 caregivers of CwH <12 years were conducted. Concepts endorsed by ≥10% of CwH and caregivers were: adherence, ease of use, emotional impacts, physical impacts, treatment concerns, and interference with daily life. Cognitive debriefing assessments were conducted to ensure participant understanding and item relevance. Caregivers found the measure to be understandable, comprehensive, and relevant. However, several issues with CwH completing the measure were identified and it was decided to only develop an observer‐reported outcome version. Data for psychometric validation was collected in a web survey (N = 187). Item reduction dropped 12 items. Factor analysis generated a single, 7‐item, internally consistent (α = .855) factor, which consisted of items covering all relevant a priori concepts. The majority of a priori convergent and all known groups validity hypotheses were confirmed.ConclusionsThe study findings provide evidence that the Child Hemo‐TEM is a brief, well‐designed, and valid and reliable measure of haemophilia treatment burden.