bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effectiveness of palliative radiotherapy for painful bone metastases in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Kaganda Bomboka Von , Galietta Erika , Donati Costanza Maria , Cellini Francesco , Rossi Romina , Buwenge Milly , Wondemagegnehu Tigeneh , Deressa Biniyam Tefera , Uddin AFM Kamal , Sumon Mostafa A , Vadalà Maria , Maltoni Marco , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPalliative radiotherapy (RT) effectively relieves pain in patients with bone metastases (BMs). Furthermore, several clinical trials, in most cases conducted in high‐income countries (HICs), proved that single‐fraction RT is equally effective compared to multi‐fractionated RT. However, the evidence is scarce regarding low/middle‐income countries (LMICs), where the diagnosis of BMs could be later and RT techniques less advanced. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the efficacy of palliative RT of BMs in the LMIC setting. A literature search was performed independently by two authors on the PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases. Overall, 333 records were screened and after the selection process, 11 papers were included in the analysis. Complete pain response rates ranged from 11.5% to 37.1% (median: 22%) for single‐fraction RT and from 0% to 35.1% (median: 19%) for multi‐fractionated RT. Partial pain response rates ranged from 23.1% to 76.9% (median: 53.8%) for single fraction RT and from 23.8% to 84.6% (median: 65%) for multi‐fractionated RT. Four randomized trials compared single‐fraction RT with multiple‐fraction RT and none of them showed significant differences in terms of pain relief. Our analysis showed that pain response rates after palliative RT recorded in LMIC are like those reported in studies performed in HIC. Even in this setting, RT in single fraction shows comparable pain response rates to multifractional RT.
Regulation of nitrogen transformation and microbial community by inoculation during livestock manure composting
Authors: Cao Rui , Huang Yihao , Li Ruyu , Li Ke , Ren Zhuqing , Wu Jian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examined the effects of three Bacillus strains and one Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain on nitrogen transformation and microbial communities in pig and chicken manure compost. The findings revealed that the use of compound microbial inoculants increased the compost temperature, accelerated moisture reduction, enhanced cellulase activity, and stimulated the accumulation of NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N, and total nitrogen (TN), resulting in a 9% increase in TN content. The abundance of Firmicutes decreased by 3.95% at the maturation phase, while Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes increased by 1.64% and 1.85%, respectively. Inoculation led to an increase in amoA, nxrA and nifH gene copy numbers, while simultaneously reducing the abundance of nirK, nosZ and nirS genes. It also resulted in an increase in functional enzyme levels, specifically nif and amo, with a corresponding decrease in nor. Clostridium, Phascolarctobacterium, Eubacterium and Faecalibacterium from the class Clostridium, which have a significant correlation with nifH and nxrA genes, suggest their likely crucial role in nitrogen retention and fixation. Inoculation aided in the removal of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) like fluoroquinolones, nucleosides and nitroimidazole. This study provides effective theoretical support for the mechanism of nitrogen retention and fixation, and for improving the quality of compost.
Co‐production processes for translation and validation of psychosocial assessments for older adults in aged care
Authors: Siette Joyce , Nguyen Amy D. , Dodds Laura , Brett Lindsey , Georgiou Andrew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveGiven the diverse ethnic backgrounds of aged care clients, there is a critical requirement to translate psychosocial assessment tools into various languages to effectively evaluate social engagement and quality of life in older adults receiving aged care services. This study aimed to translate psychosocial tools into Turkish, Korean and Mandarin, the primary languages spoken by clients of an Australian community aged care provider.MethodsA co‐development approach encompassing forward and backward translations of the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire and ICEpop CAPability measure for Older people tools, along with focus group discussions involving bilingual staff (n = 7) and clients (n = 16), was employed to ensure precision and cultural relevance. Multiple iterations were undertaken until linguistic, conceptual and scaling equivalence was achieved, with recorded sessions transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsCultural appropriateness significantly impacted the delivery of questions within the tools, emphasising translation challenges tied to specific queries. These difficulties included the lack of terms for unique places of worship, the use of outdated language (e.g., references to reading newspapers), and varying priorities in social and well‐being matters between Western and Eastern/Asian cultures. Staff feedback identified that formal translated tool versions eased administration for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) clients, enabling them to independently interpret questions, resulting in improved questionnaire completion rates.ConclusionsInsights indicate the need for continued efforts in tailoring assessment tools to diverse cultural contexts to ensure accurate and meaningful data collection.
Vitrification of immature oocytes in pigs
Authors: Somfai Tamás 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCryopreservation of oocytes is an important technology for the in vitro gene banking of female germplasm. Although slow freezing is not feasible, porcine oocytes survive vitrification at high rates. Cryopreservation at the germinal vesicle stage appears to be more advantageous than that at the metaphase‐II stage. Several factors are considered to affect the success of vitrification and subsequent utilization of immature porcine oocytes such as the device, the protocols for cryoprotectant application, warming, and the post‐warming culture. Although live piglets could be obtained from vitrified immature oocytes, their competence to develop to the blastocyst stage is still reduced compared to their non‐vitrified counterparts, indicating that there is room for further improvement. Vitrified oocytes suffer various types of damage and alteration which may reduce their developmental ability. Some of these can recover to some extent during subsequent culture, such as the damage of the cytoskeleton and mitochondria. Others such as premature nuclear progression, DNA damage and epigenetic alterations will require further research to be clarified and addressed. To date, the practical application of oocyte vitrification in pigs has been confined to the gene banking of a few native breeds.
Beyond the phenotype: Exploring inherited retinal diseases with targeted next‐generation sequencing in a Turkish cohort
Authors: Ozguc Caliskan Busra , Uslu Kubra , Sinim Kahraman Neslihan , Erkilic Kuddusi , Oner Ayse , Dundar Munis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research aims to compile recent clinical and genetic data from Turkish patients with inherited retinal disorders and evaluate the effectiveness of targeted Next‐generation sequencing panels. The study included Turkish individuals with hereditary retinal diseases who visited the Medical Genetic Department of Erciyes University between 2019 and 2022. One proband per family was selected based on eligibility. We used Hereditary Disorder Solution (HDS) by Sophia Genetics and performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) with Illumina NextSeq‐500. Bioinformatics analysis using Sophia DDM® SaaS algorithms and ACMG guidelines classified genomic changes. The study involved 354 probands. Disease‐causing variants were found in 58.1% of patients, with ABCA4, USH2A, RDH12, and EYS being the most frequently implicated genes. Forty‐eight novel variants were detected. This study enhances the knowledge of clinical diagnoses, symptom onset, inheritance patterns, and genetic details for Turkish individuals with hereditary retinal disease. It contributes to broader health strategies by enabling comparisons with other studies.
Pulmonary volumes and signs of chronic airflow limitation in quantitative computed tomography
Authors: Bäcklin Emelie , Gonon Adrian , Sköld Magnus , Smedby Örjan , Breznik Eva , Janerot‐Sjoberg Birgitta 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundComputed tomography (CT) offers pulmonary volumetric quantification but is not commonly used in healthy individuals due to radiation concerns. Chronic airflow limitation (CAL) is one of the diagnostic criteria for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where early diagnosis is important. Our aim was to present reference values for chest CT volumetric and radiodensity measurements and explore their potential in detecting early signs of CAL.MethodsFrom the population‐based Swedish CArdioPulmonarybioImage Study (SCAPIS), 294 participants aged 50–64, were categorized into non‐CAL (n = 258) and CAL (n = 36) groups based on spirometry. From inspiratory and expiratory CT images we compared lung volumes, mean lung density (MLD), percentage of low attenuation volume (LAV%) and LAV cluster volume between groups, and against reference values from static pulmonary function test (PFT).ResultsThe CAL group exhibited larger lung volumes, higher LAV%, increased LAV cluster volume and lower MLD compared to the non‐CAL group. Lung volumes significantly deviated from PFT values. Expiratory measurements yielded more reliable results for identifying CAL compared to inspiratory. Using a cut‐off value of 0.6 for expiratory LAV%, we achieved sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative predictive values of 72%, 85% and 40%/96%, respectively.ConclusionWe present volumetric reference values from inspiratory and expiratory chest CT images for a middle‐aged healthy cohort. These results are not directly comparable to those from PFTs. Measures of MLD and LAV can be valuable in the evaluation of suspected CAL. Further validation and refinement are necessary to demonstrate its potential as a decision support tool for early detection of COPD.
Too much diversity—Multiple definitions of geodiversity hinder its potential in biodiversity research
Authors: Maliniemi Tuija , Tukiainen Helena , Hjort Jan , Toivanen Maija , Vernham Grant , Bailey Joseph J. , Baines Oliver , Benniston Lucy , Brilha José , Field Richard , Fox Nathan , Gray Murray , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Huusko Karoliina , Kemppinen Julia , Pereira Paulo , Salminen Henriikka , Schrodt Franziska , Turner Laura , Alahuhta Janne 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGeodiversity—the diversity of abiotic features and processes of the Earth's surface and subsurface—is an increasingly used concept in ecological research. A growing body of scientific literature has provided evidence of positive links between geodiversity and biodiversity. These studies highlight the potential of geodiversity to improve our understanding of biodiversity patterns and to complement current biodiversity conservation practices and strategies. However, definitions of geodiversity in ecological research vary widely. This can hinder the progress of geodiversity–biodiversity research and make it difficult to synthesize findings across studies. We therefore call for greater awareness of how geodiversity is currently defined and for more consistent use of the term ‘geodiversity’ in biodiversity research.
Successful valve‐in‐valve transcatheter intervention to treat severe stenosis of a 38‐year‐old tricuspid bioprosthesis
Authors: John Amal , Onwordi Eunice C. , Richens Trevor , Shah Benoy N. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA 60‐year‐old man presented with breathlessness. Nearly four decades previously, he had required three operations for Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis of the tricuspid valve and had received a bioprosthetic valve. He had critical tricuspid bioprosthesis stenosis which was treated successfully by valve‐in‐valve transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement using a balloon‐expandable transcatheter heart valve. One year after intervention, the patient is well with no tricuspid valve stenosis or regurgitation.
Oriental beech decline caused by Brenneria alni
Authors: Mirhabibi Mohammad‐Ali , Araeinejhad Mohammad‐Hossein , Falahi Charkhabi Nargues 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHyrcanian forests comprise a long strip along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) is one of the most valuable forest tree species in the Hyrcanian forests. Bark necrosis and bleeding spots of oriental beech were observed in Savadkuh forests in Mazandaran province during summer 2021. Ten samples were collected from symptomatic oriental beech trees. The bark canker symptoms included stem tissue necrosis, dark brown to black spots on the trunk, bleeding with dark exudates and dark lesions in the inner bark. Twenty‐six strains of culturable bacteria were isolated from the samples which in culture were predominantly round, convex, smooth with entire margins on nutrient agar and a metallic green sheen pigment on eosin‐methylene blue (EMB) agar. Fourteen strains induced necrosis and browning of the tissues around the inoculation sites on acorns after 2 weeks. Five representative strains also caused dieback in twigs of oriental beech 3 weeks after inoculation. These bacteria were Gram‐negative, catalase positive and oxidase negative. All strains produced colonies with a green metallic sheen on EMB agar. Strains were negative in tests for starch and gelatine hydrolysis or production of levan. A phylogenetic tree based on concatenated sequences of gyrB and infB genes, of representative strains well as in each of the single gene‐based phylogenetic trees, indicated that these strains clustered with Brenneria alni NCPPB 3934T with high bootstrap values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. alni associated with bark necrosis and bleeding spots on oriental beech.
Fast–slow traits predict competition network structure and its response to resources and enemies
Authors: Daniel Caroline , Allan Eric , Saiz Hugo , Godoy Oscar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPlants interact in complex networks but how network structure depends on resources, natural enemies and species resource‐use strategy remains poorly understood. Here, we quantified competition networks among 18 plants varying in fast–slow strategy, by testing how increased nutrient availability and reduced foliar pathogens affected intra‐ and inter‐specific interactions. Our results show that nitrogen and pathogens altered several aspects of network structure, often in unexpected ways due to fast and slow growing species responding differently. Nitrogen addition increased competition asymmetry in slow growing networks, as expected, but decreased it in fast growing networks. Pathogen reduction made networks more even and less skewed because pathogens targeted weaker competitors. Surprisingly, pathogens and nitrogen dampened each other's effect. Our results show that plant growth strategy is key to understand how competition respond to resources and enemies, a prediction from classic theories which has rarely been tested by linking functional traits to competition networks.
The effect of SEC regulatory oversight on implied cost of equity
Authors: Abakah Alex Annan , Somé Hyacinthe Yirlier 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe examine the effect of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) oversight on the cost of equity. We argue that companies near regulatory oversight by the SEC are subject to increased scrutiny. Such heightened scrutiny, which is associated with enhanced disclosure quality, ultimately leads to a reduction in the cost of equity. We find empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis. Importantly, the cost of equity declines significantly when firms relocate their headquarters close to SEC office. Our results suggest that SEC effective external monitoring lowers the cost of equity for firms with weak governance.
Temporal displacement and spatial unbinding of commuting in the Brno Metropolitan Area
Authors: Gorný David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCommuting is generally considered a routine aspect of daily life. As a result of the growing importance of the tertiary sector in the economy, the increasing flexibility of work arrangements, and other individual factors, there has been a noticeable change in commuting patterns, both in terms of time and place. This study aims to characterise the spatio‐temporal practices employed in commuting. We describe these spatio‐temporal practices using spatio‐temporal rhythms enforced among individuals in the case of the Brno Metropolitan Area. To achieve the results we use questionnaire surveys and semi‐structured interviews. The results indicate that the major morning and afternoon commuting flows are spread out over several hours. The afternoon commute is more distributed in time. The phenomenon of the daily commute is clearly weakened. Part of the population commutes to work only some days of the week. Also, the spatial dimension of commuting is diverse, as many originally non‐working places become centres where people commute, such as a café or a hotel. It turns out that commuters typically chain trips when commuting. In this paper, we demonstrate several specific practices associated with these movements, such as commuting to someone's house to work, commuting to a café or realising long‐distance commuting. The observed commuting characteristics are then referred to by the terms of temporal displacement and spatial unbinding of commuting.
Word by word: An attempt at creating a collective conversation around sexual violence
Authors: van Amsterdam Noortje 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper I present a reading of poetry on the silences that surround experiences of sexual violence. The reading took place at an academic conference in 2022 in a stream on the topic of vulnerability. I offer these poems, based on my personal experiences, in the spirit of connection and solidarity, and as a feminist strategy of reclamation and resistance. I posit that collective conversations about sexual violence as a social phenomenon are necessary to change the status quo and explore the difficulty to speak of/through pain in relation to my particular subjectivity as a grievable body. I also reflect on my experiences of doing the reading and the impossibilities of knowing how this kind of work will be received taking into consideration the different registers through which the experience can be communicated, discussed and taken forward: the affective, discursive, and action‐oriented registers. Grappling with the question how we can imagine an alternative future if we continue to be lost for words, I don't offer answers but an invitation for readers to engage.
Tales of the unexpected: The lives and experiences of working‐class academics
Authors: Burnell Reilly Iona 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article explores and discusses some aspects of autoethnographies from a published collection written by working‐class academics. The original objective was for each academic to write an account of their life and their experiences of becoming who they are in an industry steeped in elitism. I was interested in how they experienced becoming a working‐class academic, what their journeys had been like, and how they navigated their way into their professional roles. I was also curious about their identities and if they continued to identify as working class, or if their social positioning and/or identities have undergone change. The autoethnographies are powerful and deeply personal accounts of the working‐class academics' lives; they make a significant contribution to the field of research on higher education by providing unique insight into personal experiences. Within this article I have explored some of the accounts and considered how the academics overcame, for example, feelings of failure from previous educational experiences, feelings of (un)belonging and tackling imposterism.
Depression and anxiety between nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lin Wan‐Yi , Chen Yu‐An , Huang Kuang‐Hua , Tsai Tung‐Han , Shieh Shwn‐Huey 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimThis study investigated the levels of depression and anxiety in nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We also explored the potential causes of depression and anxiety in nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on long‐term care facilities. The high infection and mortality rates for COVID‐19 have resulted in an increased workload for caregivers.IntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic exposed caregivers working in long‐term care facilities to higher risks of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the high risk of infection in the work environment and concerns about spreading COVID‐19 to family members and long‐term care facility residents led to various forms of stress among caregivers.MethodsThe present study was a cross‐sectional study. Questionnaires were used to investigate depression and anxiety among regarding nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.ResultsThe depression and anxiety levels of the nurses were higher than nursing assistants, but had no statistically significant difference (p = 0.551). The factors influencing levels of depression and anxiety in nurses contained facility affiliation and experience working. In terms of nursing assistants, age, marital status, and facility affiliation were correlated with the levels of depression and anxiety.DiscussionThe pandemic has severely impacted caregivers. In the process of implementing pandemic prevention measures and providing care for COVID‐19 patients, safeguarding the psychological health of caregivers is also essential.ConclusionThe levels of depression and anxiety in nurses were higher than in nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.Implication for nursing and health policyLong‐term care facilities managers are recommended to enhance the education and training process for caregivers. Managers are also recommended to ensure provision of sufficient amounts of pandemic prevention equipment and resources.
Labor empowerment in corporate boards: The devil is in the details
Authors: Harnay Sophie , Manseri Riyad , Rebérioux Antoine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn 2013, mandatory worker representation on French corporate boards was enacted. We examine the way employee directors have been incorporated within the board machinery. Our empirical results indicate that employee representatives have a limited access to board committees. This result casts doubt on the ability of employee directors to significantly influence corporate governance. Consistent with this analysis, we do not find any significant impact, either positive or negative, of codetermination on firm performance.