bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Root inoculation with beneficial soil microbes enhances indirect plant defences induced by insect feeding and egg deposition
Authors: Alınç Tuğcan , Peri Ezio , Torta Livio , Guarino Salvatore , Colazza Stefano , Lievens Bart , Cusumano Antonino 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Plants can respond to insect egg deposition by emitting oviposition‐induced plant volatiles (OIPVs) recruiting parasitoids. The recruitment of carnivore insects in response to egg deposition is considered an indirect defence strategy that is widespread in the plant kingdom. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence showing that microbial colonization can influence the strength of plant responses to insect herbivory, yet no information is available on how beneficial microbes modulate indirect defences induced by insect egg deposition.

In this work, we evaluated the effects of inoculation with the beneficial soil fungus Trichoderma harzianum strain T22 on a tritrophic system consisting of tomato, the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula and its associated egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis. We used Y‐tube olfactometer assays to evaluate the behavioural responses of the parasitoids to OIPVs emitted by plants colonized with beneficial soil microbes. We also used gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to investigate whether and how root inoculation with T. harzianum T22 affects the chemical composition of induced plant volatiles.

In olfactometer assays, we found that root inoculation with T. harzianum T22 enhanced the attraction of the egg parasitoid towards tomato plants induced by N. viridula feeding and oviposition activities. In particular, the egg parasitoid preferred OIPVs emitted by tomato plants previously inoculated with T. harzianum T22 over OIPVs emitted by non‐inoculated plants. Furthermore, chemical analysis showed that root inoculation with T. harzianum T22 resulted in changes in the composition of OIPVs, which was consistent with the behavioural observations. Among the compounds that strongly contribute to the chemical differences between OIPVs from non‐inoculated and inoculated plants, chemical analysis identified green leaf volatiles ((Z)‐3‐hepten‐1‐ol, (E,E)‐2,4‐hexadienal), along with terpenoids (terpinen 4‐ol, α‐tujene and δ‐elemene).

Taken together our results indicate that beneficial soil microbes enhance indirect plant defences induced by feeding and oviposition, broadening our understanding of plant responses to insect eggs. Our results underscore the importance of taking into account the role of microorganisms to fully comprehend the intricate interactions among plants, herbivore eggs and their associated egg parasitoids.

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Forest canopies as nature‐based solutions to mitigate global change effects on people and nature
Authors: Verheyen Kris , Gillerot Loïc , Blondeel Haben , De Frenne Pieter , De Pauw Karen , Depauw Leen , Lorer Eline , Sanczuk Pieter , Schreel Jeroen , Vanneste Thomas , Wei Liping , Landuyt Dries 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Via sheltering, decoupling and buffering mechanisms, tree canopies have the capacity to mitigate impacts of multiple global‐change drivers on below‐canopy processes and organisms in forests. As a result, canopies have an important potential as nature‐based solution.

The optimal combinations of forest canopy structural attributes to jointly mitigate the impacts of multiple global‐change drivers on below‐canopy organisms and processes have received little attention to date.

To help solving this research gap, here we review how forest canopies modulate the effects of four important global‐change drivers—climate warming, drought, air pollution and biological invasions—on below‐canopy conditions. Particular attention is paid to mitigating canopy attributes that can be influenced by forest management, including canopy cover, tree species composition and vertical and horizontal structure.

Synthesis. We show that the potential of forest canopies to mitigate global‐change effects is highly context‐dependent and that optimal canopy‐based solutions strongly depend on the environmental context and the targeted subcanopy organisms. Hence, holistic approaches, which maximize synergies and minimize trade‐offs, are needed to optimize the solution potential of forest canopies.
Determining the impact of the 2004 Australian Baby Bonus on fertility rates using a synthetic control analysis
Authors: Reich Genevieve 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe longstanding issue of declining fertility in developed nations motivates a revaluation of the effectiveness of fertility‐targeted policies. This thesis focuses on the 2004 Australian Baby Bonus, a past pronatalist incentive offering a lump sum financial transfer for every child born after 1 July 2004. We employ the synthetic control method to construct a counterfactual scenario for Australia in the absence of the policy's introduction. Using aggregate country‐level data from the World Bank World Indicator's Database from 1998 to 2012, we carefully select suitable Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries as control units and economic indicators to include as covariates. Our primary specification reveals a 6.82% increase in total fertility between 2005 and 2012, induced by the ABB. Robustness tests, including various model specifications, consistently confirm a positive fertility effect. This comparative case study provides a comprehensive analysis of the ABB's impact, emphasising the significance of methodological choices in assessing fertility‐related policies.
The impact of US housing demand and supply shocks on the Australian economy: Analysis implementing a SVAR model
Authors: Manning Patrick 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis thesis develops an open economy structural vector autoregression model to determine how the Australian economy is affected by both a US housing demand shock and a US housing supply shock. Previous literature has either grouped Australia with other economies or has excluded Australia altogether. This leaves a significant literature gap in explaining how the Australian economy is solely impacted. The results of the model indicate both a US housing demand and a US housing supply shock significantly impact the Australian economy, with the most significant being the impact of a US house price shock upon Australian GDP which is large and persistent over time. The results contribute to the understanding of how Australian policymakers should incorporate the US housing market into policy decisions and central bank modelling.
ChatGPT in public policy teaching and assessment: An examination of opportunities and challenges
Authors: Casey Daniel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper presents the findings of an innovative assessment task that required students to use ChatGPT for drafting a policy brief to an Australian Government minister. The study explores how future public policy students perceive ChatGPT's role in both public policy and teaching and assessment. Through self‐reflective essays and focus group discussions, the research looks at the limitations of ChatGPT that the students identified, demonstrating it struggles to produce analytically sound, politically responsive, and nuanced policy recommendations. The findings align with the “technoscepticism” theoretical frame, indicating concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) tools could undermine good policy analysis processes. The students supported greater use of ChatGPT in the classroom, to increase ChatGPT‐literacy, help students learn to engage ethically and appropriately with AI tools, and better develop evaluative judgement skills.The paper contributes insights into the intersection of ChatGPT, teaching and assessment, and public policy and seeks to prompt further exploration and discussion on the implications of integrating ChatGPT into both public policy and its education and assessment.Points for practitioners
Future public service graduates are highly sceptical about the value of ChatGPT for developing policy.
They are concerned about the ethical implications, the lack of transparency, and the impact it may have on marginalised communities.
Expatriate voice: The effects of nationality and social status
Authors: Haak‐Saheem Washika , Wilkinson Adrian , Brewster Chris , Arnaut Marina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe expression of voice is valuable for organisations and individuals but most of what we know about voice is drawn from western contexts. This paper focuses on why, how and on what issues expatriates speak up. Examining voice in the multinational context of the United Arab Emirates allows us to develop a more in‐depth understanding of national, organisational, and individual factors that influence voice. Interviews with 71 expatriates and 29 host country nationals show that expatriates' social status influences their attitude and behaviour towards voice and that informal structures and social networks in organisations are important in understanding expatriates' voice behaviours. The overlapping categories of expatriates from non‐western countries and expatriates in low‐status jobs take a wider view of their situation and are as a result less likely to use voice in the workplace.
Thermal fixation technologies affect phenolic profile, ginkgolides, bilobalide, product quality, and ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba leaf tea
Authors: Soetanto Desy Anggraini , Li Fengnan , Boateng Isaac Duah , Yang Xiao‐Ming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGinkgo biloba leaves (GBLs) contain high phytoconstituents, but ginkgolic acids (GAs, the main toxic compound in GBLs) have limited its applications. Processing Ginkgo biloba dark tea (GBDT) using fixation technology could decrease the toxic compounds; retain flavonoids, ginkgolides, and bilobalide; and improve the product quality. For the first time, various thermal fixations (hot air fixation [HAF], iron pot fixation [IPF], and boiled water fixation [BWF]) followed by rolling, fermentation, and drying were applied to produce GBDT. A comprehensive analysis of the toxicants (GAs), main bioactive compounds (ginkgolides and bilobalide, flavonoids, antioxidants, and phenolic profiles), and product qualities (moisture content, reducing sugar [RS], free amino acids [FAAs], enzyme activity, color properties, antioxidant capacity, etc.) were evaluated. The results revealed that thermal fixations BWF and HAF significantly reduced the GA contents (41.1%–34.6%). Most terpene lactones showed significant differences in control, IPF, and HAF. The HAF had lower total flavonoid content (TFC) than BWF and IPF. The control group (unfixated) had the highest toxic components (GA), terpene trilactones, and TFC compared with various fixations. Adding different fixations to rolling, fermentation, and drying had various impacts on GBDT, and principal component analysis supported the results. Among four thermal fixations, HAF yielded the best results in RS, FAA, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activities, while IPF had the highest TFC. BWF had the lowest content for GA. In conclusion, HAF (6) was chosen as the best technique for producing GBDT since it preserved GBDT's bioactive components while lowering its toxic components.
Recent drug development of dorzagliatin, a new glucokinase activator, with the potential to treat Type 2 diabetes: A review study
Authors: Jiang Yu , Wang Luyao , Dong Zhenhua , Xia Baotian , Pang Shuguang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complicated disease related to metabolism that results from resistance to insulin and sustained hyperglycemia. Traditional antidiabetic drugs cannot meet the demand of different diabetes patients for reaching the glycemic targets; thus, the identification of new antidiabetic drugs is urgently needed for the treatment of T2DM to enhance glycemic control and the prognosis of patients suffering from T2DM. Recently, glucokinase (GK) has attracted much attention and is considered to be an effective antidiabetic agent. Glucokinase activators (GKA) represented by dorzagliatin could activate GK and mimic its function that triggers a counter‐regulatory response to blood glucose changes. Dorzagliatin has shown great potential for glycemic control in diabetic patients in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Phase 3 trial (SEED study) and had a favorable safety profile and was well tolerated (DAWN study). In the SEED study, dorzagliatin significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 1.07% and postprandial blood glucose by 2.83 mol/L, showing the great potential of this drug to control blood glucose in diabetic patients, with good safety and good tolerance. An extension of the SEED study, the DREAM study, confirmed that dorzagliatin monotherapy significantly improved 24‐h glucose variability and increased time in range (TIR) to 83.7% over 46 weeks. Finally, the clinical study of dorzagliatin combined with metformin (DAWN study) confirmed that dorzagliatin could significantly reduce HbA1c by 1.02% and postprandial blood glucose by 5.45 mol/L. The current review summarizes the development of GK and GKA, as well as the prospects, trends, applications, and shortcomings of these treatments, especially future directions of clinical studies of dorzagliatin.image
Blood laboratory analyses preceding in‐hospital cardiac arrest: A matched case–control study
Authors: Lind Peter C. , Stankovic Nikola , Holmberg Mathias J. , Andersen Lars W. , Granfeldt Asger 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhether blood laboratory analyses differ in patients who later suffer in‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) compared to other hospitalised patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to describe pre‐arrest sampling frequencies, results, and trends in blood laboratory analyses in patients with IHCA compared to controls.MethodsThis study was a matched case–control study using national registries in Denmark. Cases were defined as patients with IHCA from 2017 to 2021. Controls were defined as hospitalised patients and were matched on age, sex, and date and length of admission. Data on a total of 51 different blood laboratory analyses were obtained. The laboratory analyses of primary interest were lactate, sodium, potassium, and haemoglobin. The index time for cases was defined as the time of cardiac arrest, and a corresponding index time was defined for controls based on the time to cardiac arrest for their corresponding case. Blood sampling frequencies were reported for blood laboratory analyses obtained either within the last 24 h before the index time or between the time of hospital admission and the index time. Blood sampling results were reported for blood laboratory analyses obtained within the last 24 h before the index time.ResultsA total of 9268 cases and 92,395 controls were included in this study. Cases underwent more frequent sampling of all blood laboratory analyses compared to controls. This higher sampling frequency was more pronounced for lactate compared to sodium, potassium, or haemoglobin. The last measured lactate was higher in cases (median [IQR]: 2.3 [1.3, 4.9]) compared to controls (median [IQR]: 1.3 [0.9, 2.0]). Differences in sodium, potassium, and haemoglobin were negligible. The proportion of abnormally elevated levels of lactate and potassium increased as time to cardiac arrest decreased; no such effect was seen in controls. No temporal trend was evident for sodium or haemoglobin.ConclusionsPatients with IHCA undergo more frequent blood sampling prior to IHCA and have higher levels of lactate compared to matched controls.
SPARC – A multi‐disciplinary team program for retroperitoneal sarcoma: the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Collaboration
Authors: Lee Peter J. , Kim Tae Jun , Ye Lylee , Wu Yu (Sunny) , Steffens Daniel , Karunaratne Sacha , Brown Wendy , Karim Rooshdiya , Grimison Peter , Hong Angela M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse (COBLH) established a formal Sarcoma of the Pelvic and Abdominal Retroperitoneum Collaboration (SPARC) in November 2020. An established multidisciplinary team (MDT) with the aims to centralise patient referrals and treatment, establish database and research, coordinate surgical resections is critical in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.MethodsA prospective database was established in October 2021. Clinical, pathological and radiological data points were recorded for all patients since the inception of SPARC. Quality of Life questionnaires were included and follow‐up planned regularly for 5 years.ResultsFrom November 2020 to Feb 2024, 294 new referrals were discussed at the MDT meeting. Majority were from the metropolitan area (182) followed by regional NSW (87), interstate (20) and five internationals. 141 operations were performed during this period compared to 119 operations from 2010 to November 2020 in RPAH. The inception of the SPARC program has resulted in exponential growth in operations, improving from the previous rate of 15 cases annually to 35. Liposarcomas followed by leiomyosarcomas are the most common types of sarcomas resected. The majority were extended resections (81.6%) and 22% were pelvic exenterations. Overall R0 rate is 54.6%, R1 38.3% and R2 1.4% (131 (92.9%) had R0/R1 resections. Overall complication rate is 35.5% with one in‐hospital mortality.ConclusionSuccess and expansion of a robust retroperitoneal sarcoma program requires a collaborative surgical approach, an MDT meeting, centralized referral process, and a research team in specialized tertiary institutions.
Organic residue analysis in Latin American archaeology: Past, present, and future perspectives
Authors: Lantos Irene , Chaile Cecilia , Careaga Valeria P. , de Salazar Lucía , Maier Marta S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOrganic residue analysis (ORA) studies residual anthropogenic organic molecules within archaeological matrices, offering valuable insights into various research inquiries. Despite the development of ORA in Latin America, its significance remains largely unrecognised and underrepresented. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution, status, and prospects of ORA in Latin America. To achieve this, we conducted a thorough bibliographic survey and analysed contributions related to topics such as foodways, psychoactive consumption, the utilisation of paints, dyes, adhesives, binders, activity areas, and residue radiocarbon dating. We examine the geographical distribution of the studies, the flow between countries of sample origin and destination for ORA, and the chronological development in publications. We address challenges encountered in the production of ORA data in Latin America and emphasise the need for multiproxy and multi‐analytical approaches to characterise and identify robust biomarker sets to investigate the use and circulation of local commodities.
Impacts of COVID‐19 on social work teaching and learning in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Ismail , Ahmad Iftakhar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic had a significant impact on both classroom instruction and practical learning within Social Work Departments in Bangladesh. This research took two state universities in Bangladesh as case studies, using a qualitative methodology. Researchers conducted 10 Key Informant Interviews, with professors and field supervisors, 20 in‐depth interviews with Master of Social Sciences (MSS) students and two Focus Group Discussions with MSS students. During the pandemic, University faculty experimented with virtual classrooms, pre‐recorded lectures, and online chat forums to interact with postgraduate students. However, these approaches were not completely successful due to the limitations of digital infrastructure at the Universities and at students' residences. Shortcomings in virtual education included technological barriers, insufficient access to educational resources, and an unusual mental health situation for many students. Student practica were difficult to organize, due to technological barriers, restricted field placement opportunities, disruption in client interaction, and community outreach, interruptions in fieldwork and data collection, as well as insufficient faculty supervision and support. Universities ought to take proactive measures to integrate technology into teaching and learning in normal times so that both can continue during public health emergencies without adding educational crisis to the general state of emergency.
Sputum interleukin‐6 level as a marker of severity during acute chest syndrome in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Mayrand Lara , Elie Juliette , Pinhas Yael , Rignault‐Bricard Rachel , Taylor Melissa , Brice Joséphine , de Montalembert Mariane , Heilbronner Claire , Beranger Agathe , Angyalosy Sofia , Chhun Stephanie , Maciel Thiago Trovati , Hermine Olivier , Allali Slimane 
Published: May 2024

SummaryAcute chest syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of morbimortality in sickle cell disease (SCD). In this prospective observational study, we investigated sputum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) level as an ACS severity marker during 30 ACS episodes in 26 SCD children. Sputum IL‐6 levels measured within the first 72 h of hospitalisation for ACS were significantly higher in patients with oxygen requirement ≥2 L/min, ventilation (invasive and/or non‐invasive) length ≥5 days, bilateral and/or extensive opacities on chest X‐ray or erythrocytapheresis requirement. Sputum IL‐6 could serve as an ACS severity marker to help identify patients requiring targeted anti‐inflammatory treatments such as tocilizumab.
Long‐term effects of adjunctive eslicarbazepine acetate in adult Asian patients with refractory focal seizures: Post hoc analysis of a phase III trial
Authors: Lee Sang Kun , Lee Sang Ahm , Hong Seung Bong , Cho Yong Won , Castilla‐Fernández Guillermo , Fonseca Miguel M. , Moreira Joana , Gama Helena , Holenz Joerg 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA post hoc analysis of data from Asian patients included in the study BIA‐2093‐304 was conducted to evaluate the long‐term safety/tolerability and efficacy of adjunctive eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) in adult Asian patients with refractory focal seizures. Part I was a randomized controlled trial, in which patients received ESL (800 or 1200 mg once daily [QD]) or placebo, assessed over a 12‐week maintenance period. Patients completing Part I could enter two open‐label extension periods (Part II, 1 year; Part III, ≥2 years), during which all received ESL (400–1600 mg QD). Safety/tolerability was assessed by evaluating treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Efficacy assessments included responder and seizure freedom rates. The safety population included 125, 92, and 23 Asian patients in Parts I, II, and III, respectively. Incidence of ESL‐related TEAEs was 61.3%, 45.7%, and 17.4% during Parts I, II, and III, respectively. ESL‐related TEAEs (most commonly, dizziness, somnolence, and headache) were consistent with ESL's known safety profile. During Part I, responder rates were higher with ESL 800 (41.7%) and 1200 mg QD (44.4%) versus placebo (32.6%), although not statistically significant. Seizure freedom rates with ESL 800 (5.5%) and 1200 mg QD (11.1%) were also higher versus placebo (0%) (p < 0.05 for ESL 1200 mg QD versus placebo). At the end of Part II, responder and seizure freedom rates were 60.3% and 14.7%, respectively. In summary, adult Asian patients with refractory focal seizures were responsive to treatment with ESL as adjunctive therapy and generally showed treatment tolerance well for up to 3 years. No new/unexpected safety findings were observed.
1093. Agapetes oxycoccoides J. Murata, Nob. Tanaka & Ohi‐Toma: Ericaceae
Authors: Murata Jin , Murata Hiroko , Yamanaka Masumi 
Published: May 2024

SummaryAgapetes oxycoccoides J. Murata, Nob. Tanaka & Ohi‐Toma from Kachin State, Myanmar is described and illustrated. In its floral morphology, this species is very similar to Vaccinium oxycoccos L. Extrafloral nectaries on the margins of young leaves of this species and of A. moorei Hook.f. are reported here for the first time.