bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of eDNA and conventional sampling methods to survey rock pool (gnamma) biodiversity on granite inselbergs
Authors: Michael Damian R. , Murray Allan , Murray Phil , Murray Beau , Hagen Sam , Mcternan Richard , Furst Deborah J. , Nimmo Dale G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSampling of environmental DNA (eDNA) and high‐throughput sequencing is emerging as an effective biodiversity assessment method in aquatic systems and may have utility for biodiversity inventory in terrestrial environments. Rock pools (gnammas) on granite inselbergs support a rich community of aquatic organisms and are culturally important to Indigenous peoples worldwide. However, the application of eDNA to survey rock pool biodiversity are undocumented. In a collaborative study with traditional owners, we explore the application of eDNA metabarcoding and traditional sampling methods to document and compare species richness and composition of eukaryotes from 15 rock pools (pits and pans) on granite inselbergs in southeastern Australia. We detected 116 taxonomic units, 81 assignments from eDNA sequencing and 35 species (23 rotifers and 12 microcrustaceans) using microscopic analysis. eDNA detected a broad range of taxa not previously documented from rock pools in Australia, although significantly more zooplankton (rotifers and microcrustaceans) were detected under a microscope, including several rare species and two undescribed species of rotifer. Brachionus calyciflorus and B. angularis were the only rotifer species assigned to species level through eDNA sequencing and were detected using both methods. We found no significant difference in mean species richness between rock pool types; however, species composition differed significantly between pits and pans. This study highlights the value of using eDNA to document biodiversity of ephemeral aquatic habitats in terrestrial ecosystems but reveals the general lack of reference sequence data for microorganisms, underscoring the value of using traditional sampling and taxonomic assignment methods.
Multi‐year responses of reptiles to prescribed burning in a eucalypt forest ecosystem
Authors: Doherty Tim S. , Johnson Brent , Friend Gordon R. , Wayne Adrian F. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPrescribed burning is the primary method used to reduce wildfire risk in a range of ecosystems globally. Knowledge of how animal populations respond to prescribed burns is essential for designing fuel management plans that are sensitive to ecological values. We conducted a before–after, control‐impact experiment in the temperate jarrah forest ecosystem of south‐western Australia to examine how reptiles respond to season of burning (spring or autumn) and time since burning (0–5 years). Through pitfall trapping at 10 survey grids over 7 years, we captured 1808 reptiles from 22 species. Bayesian mixed effects models revealed that six of the eight species analysed showed either a decrease or increase in capture rate at burnt compared to unburnt sites, and most of these effects only occurred within the first 2 years post fire. Species richness showed a weak negative response to one autumn burn and no relationship with time since fire. Fire effects were more common in autumn compared to spring burns, which is likely a reflection of differing fire severities. These results suggest that prescribed burning can temporarily reduce habitat suitability and abundance for some species, particularly those that rely on leaf litter for shelter and foraging. Our findings emphasise the dynamic nature of reptile responses to prescribed burns and underscore the importance of considering both fire seasonality and recency of burning in wildlife management plans.
Spline linear mixed‐effects models for causal mediation analysis with longitudinal data
Authors: Albert Jeffrey M. , Zhu Hongxu , Dey Tanujit , Sun Jiayang , Woyczynski Wojbor A. , Powers Gregory , Min Meeyoung 
Published: July 2024

SummaryOften, causal mediation analysis is of interest when both the mediator and the final outcome are repeatedly measured, but limited work has been done for this situation (as opposed to where only the mediator is repeatedly measured). Available methods are primarily based on parametric models and tend to be sensitive to model assumptions. This article presents semiparametric, continuous‐time models to provide a flexible and robust approach to causal mediation analysis for longitudinal data, which allows these data to be unbalanced or irregular. Specifically, the method uses spline linear mixed‐effects models for the mediator and for the final outcome, with a two‐step approach to model‐fitting in which a predicted mediator is used as a covariate in the final outcome model. The models allow flexible functions for both the mean and individual response functions for each outcome. We derive estimated natural direct and indirect effects as a function of time using an extended mediation formula and sequential ignorability assumption. In simulation studies, we compare properties of estimated direct and indirect effects, and a delta method estimate of the standard error of the latter, under alternative approaches for predicting the mediator. The approach is illustrated using harmonised data from two cohort studies to examine attention as a mediator of the effect of prenatal tobacco exposure on externalising behaviour in children.
Pan‐European survey on medication adherence management by healthcare professionals
Authors: Kamusheva Maria , Aarnio Emma , Qvarnström Miriam , Hafez Gaye , Mucherino Sara , Potočnjak Ines , Trečiokiene Indre , Mihajlović Jovan , Ekenberg Marie , van Boven Job F. M. , Leiva‐Fernandez Francisca ,   European Network to Advance Best Practices and Technology on Medication AdherencE (ENABLE)
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsWhile medication adherence (MA) is a key prerequisite for achieving optimal clinical and economic outcomes, nonadherence is highly prevalent. Assessing how healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Europe manage MA, focusing on measurement, reporting and interventions, is the subject of this study.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 40 European countries and quantitative analysis was conducted via an online survey. The multi‐language online survey was created using Webropol 3.0 survey and reporting tool. Descriptive statistics and chi‐squared tests were applied.ResultsIn total, 2875 HCPs (pharmacists: 39.9%; physicians: 36.7%; nurses: 16.4%) from 37 European countries participated. The most used methods for MA assessment were direct communication with patients (86.4%) and referring to personal patient records (56.7%) (P < 0.0001). Physicians (74.9%) and nurses (58.8%) were more aware of problems related to MA in contrast to pharmacists (48.6%) (P < 0.001). Almost all HCPs (92.6%) indicated that MA‐enhancing interventions involved mainly direct communication with nonadherent patients (93.3%) and their caregivers (55.7%). Medication review and related optimization of therapy were mainly performed in Western European countries (46.8%). Technological solutions were ranked as one of the less applied approaches (10–15%) (P < 0.001).ConclusionsHCPs in all European regions recognize MA management as an integral element of overall patient‐centred care. More efforts are needed to ensure timely, adequate and relevant MA assessment, reporting and improvement and involvement of all HCPs, especially among pharmacists who were generally less aware of MA issues. Promotion and use of digital technological solutions should be the focus of current and future clinical practice to optimize MA management processes.
Let the foxes run free: Arresting bioethics' inward turn
Authors: Robin Dominic 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAs bioethics matures, a number of voices have called for a narrowing of what officially “counts” as bioethics. Bioethics defined broadly, they argue, creates a space that lacks objectivity and rigor, jeopardizing the credibility of the profession. Although a variety of proposed solutions exist, most advance a definitional narrowing of bioethics. In doing so, they mimic the siloed nature of the academy writ large, an institution that organizes itself through the logic of atomization, the belief that knowledge is generated through the process of isolation, examination, theorization, and ultimately reintegration. Borrowing language from Isaiah Berlin's essay “The Hedgehog and the Fox,” I argue that bioethics has thrived precisely because it stands distinct from other departments of learning, constituting one of the few places within the academy where true inter, multi, and cross‐disciplinary scholarship can thrive. Reducing bioethics to an internally defined set of axiomatic rationales does violence to this vision, eroding, in the process, one of the field's greatest assets.
Does contract surrogacy undermine gender equality?
Authors: Hill Jesse 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSome feminists hold that surrogacy contracts should be unenforceable or illegal because they contribute to and perpetuate unjust gender inequalities. I argue that in developed countries, surrogacy contracts either wouldn't have these negative effects or that these effects could be mitigated via regulation. Furthermore, the existence of a regulated surrogacy market is preferable on consequentialist grounds.
Increased risk of haematological malignancy in adults over age 60 with thrombocytopenia compared with matched controls: Time for an upfront bone marrow evaluation?
Authors: Vijenthira A. , Wilton A. S. , Lee S. , Tang G. H. , Gomes T. , Bussel J. B. , Sholzberg M. 
Published: July 2024

SummaryInternational societies have conflicting recommendations on whether bone marrow aspirate/biopsy (BMB) is needed during workup for isolated thrombocytopenia. Our objective was to determine if thrombocytopenia in patients aged ≥60 years is associated with an increased incidence of haematological malignancy. We performed a retrospective population‐based cohort study in patients aged ≥60 years between January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2019. Exposed patients had specialist consultation for thrombocytopenia, with platelet count <100 × 109/L, but normal haemoglobin and white blood cell count. Unexposed patients were those who never had specialist consultation for thrombocytopenia and whose platelets were ≥100 × 109/L. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of haematological malignancy using a competing risk of death model. During 4.0 years (IQR 2.2–6.7) of follow‐up, 378/4930 exposed (19.1/1000PY, 95% CI 17.1–21.0), and 204/17556 unexposed patients (2.5/1000PY, 95% CI 2.2–2.8) were diagnosed with haematological malignancy (HR 15.5 (95% CI 11.3–21.4, p < 0.0001) in year 1, and 5.3 (95% CI 4.4–6.6, p < 0.0001) in years 2+). This finding persisted in analyses stratified by sex, age, severity, or duration of thrombocytopenia, and treatment with corticosteroids within 2 weeks of consultation. This study found a strong association between isolated thrombocytopenia and haematological malignancy in patients ≥60 years, supporting consideration of diagnostic testing including BMB during outpatient specialist consultation.
Risk‐adapted treatment in multiple myeloma: Does more make it merrier?
Authors: Zanwar Saurabh , Galarza Fortuna Gliceida M. , Sborov Douglas W. 
Published: July 2024

Kaiser et al. offer management recommendations for transplant‐eligible, high‐risk multiple myeloma (HRMM), derived from recent trials exploring treatment intensification in the various phases of front‐line therapy. The definition of HRMM continues to evolve with emergence of novel genomic insights and impact of modern therapies, underscoring the need to expand beyond traditional interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization cytogenetics and International Staging System staging for a precise risk assessment. Despite progress, ongoing challenges in treatment delivery and tolerability underscore the urgency for exploring novel approaches like T‐cell redirecting bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell to enhance outcomes in this complex patient population.Commentary on: Kaiser et al. Diagnosis and initial treatment of transplant‐eligible high‐risk myeloma patients: A British Society for Haematology/UK Myeloma Society Good Practice Paper. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:833‐839.
Do the number of zirconia implants and the thickness of CBCT image reconstruction affect the detection of peri‐implant bone defect? A diagnostic accuracy ex vivo study
Authors: da Fonte Juliana Batista Melo , Fontenele Rocharles Cavalcante , Farias‐Gomes Amanda , Ruiz Débora Costa , Andrade‐Bortoletto Maria Fernanda Silva , Sousa Melo Saulo L. , Freitas Deborah Queiroz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the influence of multiplanar reconstruction thickness on the detection of peri‐implant bone defects with a standalone zirconia implant and compare it to when another implant is in the vicinity using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and MethodsFive dry human mandibles were used to create twenty implant sites in the second premolar and first molar regions. The OP300 Maxio was used to acquire CBCT images (90 kVp, 6.3 mA, 5 × 5 cm FOV, and 0.125 mm3 voxel size) before and after creating 3 mm peri‐implant bone defects in the buccal aspect of the premolar region. Half of the scans featured a single zirconia implant in the premolar region, while the others had two implants in the premolar and molar regions. Three reconstruction thicknesses (0.125 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm) were considered for the multiplanar reconstruction analyses. Five oral and maxillofacial radiologists assessed the detection of peri‐implant bone defects using a 5‐point scale. Diagnostic parameters were calculated and compared using Two‐way ANOVA (α = .05).ResultsThe studied factors showed no significant influence on the diagnosis of peri‐implant bone defects (p > .05). Diagnostic performance was notably higher with a single implant, especially with a 2‐mm reconstruction thickness (AUC = 0.88, sensitivity = 0.68, specificity = 0.94). Although the differences were not statistically significant, the results were more modest when two implants were present (AUC = 0.80, sensitivity = 0.58, specificity = 0.82).ConclusionsThe presence of an adjacent zirconia implant and variations in reconstruction thickness did not influence the detection of 3 mm buccal peri‐implant bone defects on CBCT images.
A descriptive study of poisoners and users of other indiscriminate means to illegally control wildlife in Spain
Authors: Moreno José Antonio Alfaro , García José Antonio Fernández , Jiménez Francisco Velasco , Touza José Manuel Quintana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPoison and other indiscriminate means are used illegally for wildlife control worldwide. This pervasive phenomenon can significantly damage ecosystems overall and be particularly harmful to certain species (endangered or otherwise) that are susceptible to poisoned baits. Poisoning (and co‐occurring poaching) jeopardizes public administration efforts to reintroduce or support the populations of certain species, while the favored toxic substances used pose a major threat not only to the biodiversity of habitats but also to human health. Both alleged and actual harm to crops and hunting resources are the main driver of illegal vermin and predator control. Previous studies on poisons and other nonselective methods of wildlife elimination have focused on the means used and the species affected. We have instead taken a global empirical approach, also analyzing contextual aspects, what motivates perpetrators and, eventually, the characteristics of the poisoners and users of various indiscriminate means for illegal wildlife control in Spain. This analysis is derived from a thorough examination of incidents based on the investigation of perpetrator by police and judicial records. Furthermore, this work provides a methodological framework that serves as first approach to this issue, gaining insight into the formulation of preventive policies and improving decision taking by law enforcement agencies.
Translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for mRNA‐0184, an investigational therapeutic for the treatment of heart failure
Authors: Kaushal Neeraj , Attarwala Husain , Iqbal Mir Javid , Saini Rajnish , Van Linh , Liang Min 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHeart failure (HF) is a complex, progressive disorder that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality on a global scale. Relaxin‐2 is a naturally occurring hormone that may have potential therapeutic benefit for patients with HF. To investigate the therapeutic potential of relaxin in the treatment of patients with HF, mRNA‐0184, a novel, investigational, lipid nanoparticle (LNP)–encapsulated mRNA therapy that encodes for human relaxin‐2 fused to variable light chain kappa (Rel2‐vlk) was developed. A translational semi‐mechanistic population pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) model was developed using data from non‐human primates at dose levels ranging from 0.15 to 1 mg/kg. The PK/PD model was able to describe the PK of Rel2‐vlk mRNA and translated Rel2‐vlk protein in non‐human primates adequately with relatively precise estimates. The preclinical PK/PD model was then scaled allometrically to determine the human mRNA‐0184 dose that would achieve therapeutic levels of Rel2‐vlk protein expression in patients with stable HF with reduced ejection fraction. Model‐based simulations derived from the scaled PK/PD model support the selection of 0.025 mg/kg as an appropriate starting human dose of mRNA‐0184 to achieve average trough relaxin levels between 1 and 2.5 ng/mL, which is the potential exposure for cardioprotective action of relaxin.
Usefulness of the C2HEST score to predict new onset atrial fibrillation. A systematic review and meta‐analysis on >11 million subjects
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Menichelli Danilo , Li Yan‐Guang , Brogi Tommaso , Biccirè Flavio Giuseppe , Pignatelli Pasquale , Farcomeni Alessio , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is increasing in the last decades. NOAF is associated with worse long‐term prognosis. The C2HEST score has been recently proposed to stratify the risk of NOAF. Pooled data on the performance of the C2HEST score are lacking.MethodsSystematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies reporting data on NOAF according to the C2HEST score. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar databases without time restrictions until June 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Meta‐analysis of the area under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and a sensitivity analysis according to setting of care and countries were performed.ResultsOf 360 studies, 17 were included in the analysis accounting for 11,067,496 subjects/patients with 307,869 NOAF cases. Mean age ranged from 41.3 to 71.2 years. The prevalence of women ranged from 10.6 to 54.75%. The pooled analysis gave an AUC of .70 (95% CI .66–.74). A subgroup analysis on studies from general population/primary care yielded an AUC of 0.69 (95% CI 0.64–0.75). In the subgroup of patients with cardiovascular disease, the AUC was .71 (.69–.79). The C2HEST score performed similarly in Asian (AUC .72, 95% CI .68–.77), and in Western patients (AUC .68, 95% CI .62–.75). The best performance was observed in studies with a mean age <50 years (n = 3,144,704 with 25,538 NOAF, AUC .78, 95% CI .76–.79).ConclusionThe C2HEST score may be used to predict NOAF in primary and secondary prevention patients, and in patients across different countries. Early detection of NOAF may aid prompt initiation of management and follow‐up, potentially leading to a reduction of AF‐related complications.
Food web context modifies predator foraging and weakens trophic interaction strength
Authors: Lemmen Kimberley D. , Pennekamp Frank 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTrophic interaction modifications (TIM) are widespread in natural systems and occur when a third species indirectly alters the strength of a trophic interaction. Past studies have focused on documenting the existence and magnitude of TIMs; however, the underlying processes and long‐term consequences remain elusive. To address this gap, we experimentally quantified the density‐dependent effect of a third species on a predator's functional response. We conducted short‐term experiments with ciliate communities composed of a predator, prey and non‐consumable ‘modifier’ species. In both communities, increasing modifier density weakened the trophic interaction strength, due to a negative effect on the predator's space clearance rate. Simulated long‐term dynamics indicate quantitative differences between models that account for TIMs or include only pairwise interactions. Our study demonstrates that TIMs are important to understand and predict community dynamics and highlights the need to move beyond focal species pairs to understand the consequences of species interactions in communities.
Family bonds at risk: The spillover effects of workplace ostracism in the parent–child relationship
Authors: Li Yufan , Xin Ziqiang , Gao Hong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to bridge the gap between occupational psychology and family psychology by exploring whether and how social connections in the workplace can lead to changes in family relations.BackgroundAmid intensified competition, workplace ostracism has become prevalent. However, its negative impacts on children, a vulnerable group within the family, have been largely neglected.MethodA cross‐sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 673 working parents from multiple companies, along with their children. This enabled us to examine the impacts of workplace ostracism on the parent–child relationship based on both parents' and children's data, with a specific focus on the mediating role of emotional exhaustion.ResultsThe consistent findings obtained from parents' and children's relationship ratings revealed that parents' reported workplace ostracism predicted parent–child conflict positively and parent–child closeness negatively. Parents' emotional exhaustion only partially mediated the relationship between workplace ostracism and parent–child conflict, whereas its mediation effect between workplace ostracism and parent–child closeness was found to be insignificant.ConclusionThe spillover effect of workplace ostracism can exacerbate conflicts and reduce closeness between parents and their children. Emotional exhaustion acts as the underlying mechanism linking workplace ostracism to conflict but not to closeness.ImplicationsPrograms designed to foster better intraorganizational relationships and promote individual emotion regulation skills may ultimately benefit family harmony.
ZrB2‐based ultrahigh‐temperature ceramic with various SiC particle size: Microstructure, thermodynamical behavior, and mechanical properties
Authors: Irom Elnaz , Zakeri Mohammad , Razavi Mansour , Farvizi Mohammad 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the influences of WC and HfB2 additives along with SiC reinforcement (with various particle sizes) on densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of ZrB2–SiC composites. The results showed that WC and HfB2 addition formed a solid solution of (Zr,W,Hf)B2 with a core–shell structure, whereas the remaining WC transformed into WB. Moreover, nano‐sized SiC caused a much better impact on densification compared to micro‐sized SiC. A small fraction of localized phases like ZrC, HfB, and (Hf,Zr)C in the form of solid solution were also formed. The maximum room temperature flexural strength and the fracture toughness of the sample containing 150 nm SiC and 8.9 wt.% WB were measured to be 682 17 MPa and 6.5 .3 MPa m1/2, respectively.