bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gendering the beginning of life: Taiwanese gay fathers’ navigation of preimplantation genetic diagnosis‐assisted sex selection in transnational third‐party reproduction
Authors: Chen Jung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPreimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been used not only to avoid genetic diseases and increase conception success rates but also to perform non‐medical sex selection, particularly in the surging cross‐border reproductive care (CBRC). In the context of commercialised biomedicine, assisted reproductive technologies, such as lifestyle sex selection, have been tailored to meet intended parents’ preferences. However, there is a lack of analysis on how individuals’ reproductive decisions on PGD‐assisted sex selection were shaped within the sociocultural norms and CBRC. This article explores Taiwanese gay fathers’ navigations on sex selection while seeking third‐party reproduction overseas because of local legal constraints. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 53 gay fathers (to‐be), I analysed how ‘individual preferences’ were dynamically shaped by local sociocultural norms and embedded within transnational settings of routinising PGD in chosen repro‐destinations. The findings showed that gay fathers mobilised strategic discourses on non‐medical sex selection from both the local and the global to negotiate their decisions in coherence with their LGBTQ+ identity and their role as sons carrying familial responsibility to procreate male heirs. This article proposed a nuanced understanding of gay fathers’ reproductive practices of ‘gendering the beginning of life’ through PGD‐assisted sex selection.
State home and community‐based services expenditures and unmet care needs in the United States: Has everyone benefitted equally?
Authors: Yang Yulin , Lee Ah‐Reum , Rapp Thomas , Chen Ruijia , Glymour M. Maria , Torres Jacqueline M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo test whether the impacts of Medicaid's Home and Community‐Based Services (HCBS) expenditures have been equitable.Data Sources and Study SettingThis is a secondary data analysis. We linked annual data on state‐level Medicaid HCBS expenditures with individual data from U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 2006–2016).Study DesignWe evaluated the association between state‐level HCBS expenditure quartiles and the risk of experiencing challenges in basic or instrumental activities of daily living (I/ADLs) without assistance (unmet needs for care). We fitted generalized estimating equations (GEE) with a Poisson distribution, log link function, and an unstructured covariance matrix. We controlled demographics, time, and place‐based fixed effects and estimated models stratified by race and ethnicity, gender, and urbanicity. We tested the robustness of results with negative controls.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsOur analytic sample included HRS Medicaid beneficiaries, aged 55+, who had difficulty with ≥1 I/ADL (n = 2607 unique respondents contributing 4719 person‐wave observations).Principal FindingsAmong adults with IADL difficulty, higher quartiles of HCBS expenditure (vs. the lowest quartile) were associated with a lower overall prevalence of unmet needs for care (e.g., Prevalence Ratio [PR], Q4 vs. Q1: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.98). This protective association was concentrated among non‐Hispanic white respondents (Q4 vs. Q1: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73–0.93); estimates were imprecise for Hispanic individuals and largely null for non‐Hispanic Black participants. We found no evidence of heterogeneity by gender or urbanicity. Negative control robustness checks indicated that higher quartiles of HCBS expenditure were not associated with (1) the risk of reporting I/ADL difficulty among 55+ Medicaid beneficiaries, and (2) the risk of unmet care needs among non‐Medicaid beneficiaries.ConclusionThe returns to higher state‐level HCBS expenditures under Medicaid for older adults with I/ADL disability do not appear to have been equitable by race and ethnicity.
Nursing educational framework: A new nurse‐driven, conceptually guided approach
Authors: Choperena Ana , Rosa‐Salas Virginia La , Esandi‐Larramendi Nuria , Diez‐Del‐Corral Mercedes P. , Jones Dorothy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this article is to present the Nursing Educational Framework (NEF) as an opportunity to integrate core elements of a humanistic person/family‐centered view and as guidance in structuring a relationship‐based curriculum.Data sourcesEmpirical and theoretical literature studies were reviewed to define the framework rationale and its components.Data synthesisA deductive/inductive collaborative expert‐informed approach was undertaken to develop this evidence‐based codesigned framework. Its mission, along with unique components, implementation strategies, and outcomes, were successively integrated into the framework to guide nursing knowledge, learning, and curriculum development. A hermeneutic collaborative process of circular reflection was used in the development process.ConclusionsThe NEF contains central guiding principles and concepts that are intended to provide structural consistency across its included programs from a humanistic person/family‐centered approach.Implications for nursing practiceThis comprehensive theory‐guided framework allows educators to suggest specific directions for nursing practice within the nursing discipline and articulate nursing's unique and specialized approach to promoting excellent patient care outcomes. It can assist students to develop critical lens from a person/family‐centered relationship‐based practice approach.
Testosterone replacement therapy: association with mortality in high‐risk patient subgroups
Authors: Mann Amar , Strange Richard C , König Carola S , Hackett Geoffrey , Haider Ahmad , Haider Karim Sultan , Desnerck Peter , Ramachandran Sudarshan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe describe studies determining the association between testosterone therapy (TTh) and mortality.Materials & methodsWe used a registry database of 737 men with adult‐onset testosterone deficiency defined as presenting with low serum total testosterone (TT) levels ≤12.1 nmol/L and associated symptoms over a near 10‐year follow‐up. We compared associations between testosterone undecanoate (TU), cardio‐metabolic risk factors and mortality using non‐parametric statistics followed by separate Cox regression models to determine if any association between TU and morality was independent of age and cardio‐metabolic risk factors. Finally, the association between TU and mortality was studied in men stratified by cardio‐metabolic risk.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up interquartile range (IQR) of 114 (84–132) months, 94 of the 737 men died. TU (ref: non‐treatment) was associated with mortality; hazard ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence intervals = 0.14–0.40. Cox's regression models showed the above association to be independent of baseline age, waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c, lipids, blood pressure, smoking, and type 2 diabetes. These variables remained associated with mortality. We finally stratified the men by the high‐risk baseline variables and established that the association between mortality and TU was only evident in men at higher risk. A possible explanation could lie with the “law of initial value,” where greater improvements are evident following treatment in patients with worse baseline values.ConclusionsThis study with long follow‐up confirms that TTh is associated with lower mortality in men with adult‐onset TD. This association was evident only in men with greater cardio‐metabolic risk factors who demonstrated greater benefit.
Deglaciation of the highest mountains in Scandinavia at the Younger Dryas–Holocene transition: evidence from surface exposure‐age dating of ice‐marginal moraines
Authors: Matthews John A. , Linge Henriette , Nesje Atle , Wilson Peter , Mourne Richard W. , Winkler Stefan , Owen Geraint , Hill Jennifer L. , Haselberger Stefan , Olsen Jesper 
Published: December 2023

Surface exposure–age dating was applied to rock surfaces associated with ice‐marginal moraines at elevations of ~1520–1780 m a.s.l. on the slopes of Galdhøpiggen and Glittertinden, the two highest mountains in Scandinavia located in the Jotunheimen mountains of central southern Norway. This is important for understanding the pattern and timing of wastage of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet at the Younger Dryas–Holocene transition. Cosmogenic exposure dating (here 10Be dating) of boulders from the moraine ridges yielded overall mean ages (corrected for glacio‐isostatic uplift, surface erosion and snow shielding) of ~11.6 ka from Galdhøpiggen and ~11.2 ka from Glittertinden. Similar 10Be ages were also obtained from additionally collected proximal and distal erratic boulders and bedrock samples. These enabled age calibration of Schmidt‐hammer R‐values and independent Schmidt‐hammer exposure‐age dating (SHD) of the moraine ridges, which yielded comparable mean SHD ages of ~10.8 and ~10.6 ka from the Galdhøpiggen and Glittertinden sites, respectively. Taking account of the age resolution and other limitations of both dating techniques, the results suggest that the two sets of moraines have approximately the same age but that neither technique can distinguish unambiguously between moraine formation in the late Younger Dryas or Early Holocene. Together with features of moraine‐ridge morphology and estimates of equilibrium‐line altitude depression of ~360–575 m (corrected for land uplift), the results imply moraine formation during short‐lived re‐advances of active glaciers, at least the lower reaches of which were warm‐based. It is concluded that the local glaciers remained active and advanced during deglaciation either very late in the Younger Dryas or very early in the Holocene, possibly in response to the Preboreal Oscillation at ~11.4 ka. The study supports the concept of a thin Younger Dryas ice sheet and places time constraints on the timing of final deglaciation in southern Norway.
Sex‐specific behavioural, metabolic, and immunohistochemical changes after repeated administration of the synthetic cannabinoid AKB48 in mice
Authors: Corli Giorgia , Roda Elisa , Tirri Micaela , Bilel Sabrine , De Luca Fabrizio , Strano‐Rossi Sabina , Gaudio Rosa Maria , De‐Giorgio Fabio , Fattore Liana , Locatelli Carlo Alessandro , Marti Matteo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeAKB48 is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally sold for its psychoactive cannabis‐like effects that have been associated with acute intoxication and whose effects are poorly known.Experimental ApproachUsing a behavioural, neurochemical, and immunohistochemical approach, we investigated the pharmaco‐toxicological effects, pharmacokinetics, and neuroplasticity at cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the cerebellum and cortex induced by repeated AKB48 administration in male and female mice.Key ResultsThe effects of AKB48 varied significantly depending on sex and treatment duration. The first injection impaired sensorimotor responses and reduced body temperature, analgesia, and breath rate to a greater extent in females than in males; the second injection induced stronger effects in males while the third injection of AKB48 induced weaker responses in both sexes, suggesting emergence of tolerance. The CB1 receptor antagonist NESS‐0327 prevented the effects induced by repeated AKB48, confirming a CB1 receptor‐mediated action. Blood AKB48 levels were higher in females than in males and repeated administration caused a progressive rise of AKB48 levels in both sexes, suggesting an inhibitory effect on cytochrome activity. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher expression of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum and cortex of females, and a rapid CB1 receptor down‐regulation in cerebellar and cortical areas following repeated AKB48 injections, with neuroadaptation occurring generally more rapidly in females than in males.Conclusion and ImplicationsWe have shown for the first time that AKB48 effects significantly vary with prolonged use and that sex affects the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic responses to repeated administration, suggesting a sex‐tailored approach in managing AKB48‐induced intoxication.
Scavenging with invasive species
Authors: Newsome Thomas , Cairncross Rhys , Cunningham Calum X. , Spencer Emma E. , Barton Philip S. , Ripple William J. , Wirsing Aaron J. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACTCarrion acts as a hotspot of animal activity within many ecosystems globally, attracting scavengers that rely on this food source. However, many scavengers are invasive species whose impacts on scavenging food webs and ecosystem processes linked to decomposition are poorly understood. Here, we use Australia as a case study to review the extent of scavenging by invasive species that have colonised the continent since European settlement, identify the factors that influence their use of carcasses, and highlight the lesser‐known ecological effects of invasive scavengers. From 44 published studies we identified six invasive species from 48 vertebrates and four main groups of arthropods (beetles, flies, ants and wasps) that scavenge. Invasive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), feral pigs (Sus scrofa), black rats (Rattus rattus) and feral cats (Felis catus) were ranked as highly common vertebrate scavengers. Invasive European wasps (Vespula germanica) are also common scavengers where they occur. We found that the diversity of native vertebrate scavengers is lower when the proportion of invasive scavengers is higher. We highlight that the presence of large (apex) native vertebrate scavengers can decrease rates of scavenging by invasive species, but that invasive scavengers can monopolise carcass resources, outcompete native scavengers, predate other species around carcass resources and even facilitate invasion meltdowns that affect other species and ecological processes including altered decomposition rates and nutrient cycling. Such effects are likely to be widespread where invasive scavengers occur and suggest a need to determine whether excessive or readily available carcass loads are facilitating or exacerbating the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems globally.
Social competence of single‐parent children with child abuse in China: Mediation model of resilience
Authors: Wang Miao , Hong Jun Sung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractChildren from single‐parent families typically face severe developmental risks, especially those with prior experience in child abuse. This study aimed to investigate the child abuse experience and social competence of children from single‐parent families and discuss the possible mediation effect of resilience in Mainland China. This study analysed 431 single‐parent children samples collected in China (50% females, Mage = 13.10). Group comparison analyses were conducted to illustrate group differences in social competence between single‐parent children with and without child abuse experience. In addition, path analyses were conducted to examine the mediation effect of resilience between child abuse and social competence. This study findings indicated that single‐parent children with physical and emotional abuse experience did not perform significantly worse in social competence, but those with emotional neglect were found to do worse. Resilience fully mediated the effect of physical abuse and partially mediated the effect of emotional neglect on single‐parent children's social competence, while it did not mediate the impact of emotional abuse. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms between child abuse, social competence and resilience of children from single‐parent families in Mainland China. The findings have implications for social services for single‐parent children who are abused.
Martensite content effect on fatigue crack growth and fracture energy in dual‐phase steels
Authors: Avendaño‐Rodríguez D. , Rodriguez‐Baracaldo R. , Weber S. , Mujica‐Roncery L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe effect of different microstructural factors on crack growth and fatigue fracture mechanisms in dual‐phase (DP) steels has yet to be fully understood. The present research examines the relationship between crack growth, microstructure, and fracture mechanisms. The samples were intercritically annealed at different temperatures to produce three different martensite volume fractions (MVFs). The results show that the mechanical incompatibility of ferrite and martensite promotes continuous crack tip deflection. MVF increases are associated with elevated fracture tortuosity, more significant fracture energy surface formation, and higher Paris law exponent m values. The interaction of the microstructure with the crack tip, the strain energy density, and the softening caused by secondary microcrack propagation are all illustrated by Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) maps. Increasing MVF promotes slow crack growth and a fracture energy increase of 22.9% between the as‐received and heat‐treated steels.
Does biochar improve nitrogen use efficiency in maize?
Authors: Preza Fontes Giovani , Greer Kristin D. , Pittelkow Cameron M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBiochar is promoted as a means of improving soil fertility. Yet, few experiments have investigated its potential to improve nitrogen (N) use efficiency for high‐yielding maize production in the U.S. Midwest. We tested the hypothesis that biochar application increases inorganic soil N availability during maize growth, leading to higher grain yields and N recovery efficiency while reducing the risk of N leaching following harvest. Four N fertilizer rates (0, 90, 179, and 269 kg ha−1 as urea ammonium nitrate [UAN] solution) were applied with or without biochar (10 Mg ha−1) before planting in a two‐year field study. Inorganic soil N concentration was measured during the growing season (0–15 cm), and deep soil cores were obtained following harvest (0–90 cm). Results show that biochar did not affect maize yield, crop N uptake, or N recovery efficiency (by the difference method) across N rates, and there was no biochar by N rate interaction. While biochar lowered soil inorganic N concentrations on several sampling dates, this did not translate into seasonal differences in cumulative soil N availability, although grain yields in the unfertilized control were ~10% lower with biochar, suggesting net N immobilization. Biochar partially reduced the risk of N leaching following harvest by decreasing soil N concentrations at 30–60 cm, but mean concentrations for 0–90 cm were not different. Compared to previous work highlighting the benefits of biochar in arid climates with low soil fertility, we found no evidence of increased crop yield, NRE, or reduced risk of N leaching on Mollisols in a temperate climate.
The troika of energy consumption, economic growth, and CO2 emission: Quantile regression evidences for five Asian economies
Authors: Khan Saleem , Jehan Noor , Rauf Abdur , Nawaz Fahim , Erum Naila 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study examined the quadratic role of renewable energy and economic growth on environment quality in Asia's five most populous countries: China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Previous literature has scarcely addressed these economies and ignores the quadratic role of GDP per capita (GDPPC) and renewable energy (REN) together in a single study. Therefore, using STIRPAT model, we first added the quadratic term of GDPPC and then REN. In both cases, a quantile regression technique is utilised to identify the inclusive relationship between CO2 emissions and determining factors, considering different quantiles (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 0.90, and 0.95) of CO2 emissions. The findings show that during the annual sample period of 1983–2019, urbanisation, GDPPC, non‐renewable energy, and REN all have an impact on CO2 emissions. Urbanisation and REN have nominal effects, with a 1% change in these variables leading to a 0.19% and 0.05% change in CO2 emissions, respectively. Non‐renewable energy and GDPPC are found to be main sources of CO2 emissions in the region. GDPPC is positively associated with CO2 emissions across all quantiles, but higher quantiles show a stronger correlation (i.e., GDPPC coefficients vary from 0.26 to 0.66). In addition, the results also revealed that the square term of GDPPC and REN significantly reduces CO2 emissions. This implies that our results support the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis; an inverted U‐shaped is established for both GDPPC and REN. These results encourage policy makers to adopt renewable energy that is both growth and environment friendly.
Comparison of one‐stage and chromogenic factor VIII assays to tailor the dose of recombinant factor VIII‐Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc, efmoroctocog alfa) in adult patients with haemophilia A: Single‐centre, real‐world experience of surgery
Authors: Désage Stéphanie , Nougier Christophe , Meunier Sandrine , Chamouard Valérie , Jousselme Emilie , Dargaud Yesim , Lienhart Anne 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundEfmoroctocog alfa (rFVIIIFc) is an extended half‐life FVIII used notably in surgery for patients with haemophilia A. More information is needed of its usage in real‐life.MethodsAdult patients with HA followed at the Lyon Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center who underwent a surgery with rFVIIIFc were included in this retrospective analysis. The pharmacokinetics of rFVIIIFc was assessed by plasma factor VIII clotting activity (FVIII:C) using both one‐stage (OSA) and chromogenic substrate (CSA) assays.ResultsA total of 39 major and 31 minor surgeries were performed in 49 patients treated with rFVIIIFc. The median dose of rFVIIIFc infused before major and minor surgeries respectively was 67.5 ((interquartile range [IQR] 52.6‐76.9) and 48.0 (38.5‐51.8) IU/kg. For major surgeries, during the first postoperative week, the median residual FVIII:C was 78 (64.5‐101.5) IU/dL with OSA and 99 (71‐118) IU/dL with CSA (p < .0001).After surgery, rFVIIIFc doses were adjusted according to CSA results. This led to a significant decrease of rFVIIIFc consumption compared to what would have been proposed according to the OSA assay, without unusual bleeding or appearance of inhibitor. Considering the high price of the molecule, this was also associated with a significant cost reduction.ConclusionDose adjustment of rFVIIIFc according to FVIII: C measured by CSA is effective, safe and well tolerated in patients with haemophilia A undergoing invasive surgery.