bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Restinga degradation impact the association between mites and dung beetles?
Authors: Lyra Raphael Rodrigues , de Araujo Rodrigues Taís Helena , da Costa Cristiane Maria Queiroz , Correa César M. A. , Louzada Julio Neil Cassa , de Oliveira Bernardi Leopoldo Ferreira 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe conservation state of an environment can be a key factor in maintaining the existence of some interactions between species. The relationship between the dung beetle Dichotomius schiffleri, a habitat‐specific species endemic to the Restinga ecosystem, and endangered, and its symbiont mites can serve as a model to improve knowledge about this issue. In this study, we investigated whether the conservation state of Brazilian Restingas, a native ecosystem of the coastal zone that has suffered from anthropic pressure and impacts due to irregular occupation by humans, affects the abundance of mites present on D. schiffleri. Beetles and their associated mites were collected using pitfall traps in Conserved and Degraded Restingas at nine locations in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, Sergipe, and Pernambuco. The abundance of mites associated with beetles was significantly higher in conserved sites than in degraded sites. Our findings provide evidence that Restinga degradation can affect not only abundance of dung beetle species, as previously reported, but also the ecological relationships that can be established between dung beetles and mites. The habitat quality and hosts availability are some mechanisms that may explain the maintenance of the interactions between dung beetles and mites. Finally, imbalance in ecological relationships is one more factor capable of signalling as human modified habitats impact fauna.
Changes in the bird communities of Nothofagus forests in a long‐term plot in Tierra del Fuego
Authors: Benitez Julieta , Lencinas María Vanessa , Chaves Jimena Elizabeth , de Cruz Marcelo , Martínez Pastur Guillermo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLong‐term studies have proven to be important to characterize animal communities and analyse the ecological responses to climate and environmental changes. These studies are necessary to determine the natural community variability (e.g., richness and density) to develop better conservation strategies to face climate changes. Here, we analysed the natural changes in the structure and functional traits of bird communities over 13 consecutive years (2010–2022) and determined the number of years of sampling needed to obtain a good estimation of the community structure variables in deciduous high latitude Nothofagus forests. Using point counts, we studied closed (80% of canopy cover) and open (40% of canopy cover) forests inside the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Species richness, density, biomass, and functional traits (migratory status, trophic groups, nest type, and feeding strata) were analysed using generalized linear models with forest type (closed and open) and year (2010–2022) as the main factors, while the standard error (SE) of sampling obtained from one to 12 sampling years was compared. Richness was significantly higher in open forests (p < 0.01), while density and biomass were higher in closed forests. Additionally, density and biomass significantly varied among years in both forest types (e.g., lower density in 2013, 2014 and 2015, and higher in 2019). The density of birds for some functional traits also varied among years and forest types (e.g., higher values of cavity nesters in closed forests during 2019). Five to six years of sampling were needed to have an acceptable estimation of richness (20% SE), between 10 and 12 years for density, and >12 years for biomass. This study highlights the importance of long‐term studies to visualize natural variations in undisturbed habitats along time.
Detection and density estimation for a cryptic species
Authors: Owens Giselle , Gracanin Ana , Potts Joanne , Young Catherine M. , Heinsohn Robert , Gibbons Philip , Stojanovic Dejan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDetection of animals is influenced by species traits, environment, season and the methods used. Analytical techniques can address imperfect detection, such as false absences, but data limitations hinder accurate density estimation. Identifying field survey methods that optimize detectability is therefore a high research priority, especially for species of conservation concern. We consider a model species, the sugar glider Petaurus notatus, to evaluate how optimizing detections can affect survey outcomes. A literature meta‐analysis found little innovation in baiting approaches for sugar gliders over four decades. Honey‐based baits prevailed, despite emerging evidence of opportunistic carnivory. We compared sugar glider detection probabilities using honey and fish‐based baits in a spatially explicit capture‐recapture study. Fish bait increased detections 33‐fold, and density estimation (0.12 ha−1) was only possible using the fish‐baited data – detections were too sparse using honey‐bait to facilitate analysis. Other factors that influence detectability include trap height and habitat connectivity, which were top moderators in our meta‐analysis, but these may be secondary to the bait or lure used. By using (i) species‐specific bait that accounts for the biology of the target species, and (ii) analytical tools to account for imperfect detection and heterogeneous movement of animals, we achieved good enough detection probabilities to undertake detailed analysis of the spatial ecology of sugar gliders. Compared to honey‐based baits (the prevailing approach of other studies on this species), the high detection probability attained with fish‐based baits provides an improvement on conventional practices. Our study is an important reminder that accounting for the biology of the target species during survey effort may mean the difference between collecting enough data for analysis or not. In the context of species conservation, optimizing detection likelihoods is critical for answering ecological questions about cryptic species, and our results demonstrate the need to reappraise generic approaches when better information is available.
Seasonal and spatial patterns of infestation with ectoparasitic mites on New Zealand geckos revealed using a crowd‐sourced citizen science database
Authors: Rolfes Jon W. , Godfrey Stephanie S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe advent of online crowd‐sourced nature databases provides an opportunity to yield information about ecological interactions on a scale not previously possible. In particular, such databases provide an opportunity to collate information on host–parasite interactions through screening photographs of hosts. Using photographs from iNaturalist we expanded the known hosts for ectoparasitic mites in New Zealand geckos from 9 to 20 host species, including the first report of ectoparasitic mites on geckos from the genus Toropuku. Additionally, spatial and seasonal variation in mite prevalence was investigated, giving deeper insight in the possibilities of analysing crowd‐sourced datasets.
Specialized herbivores have differential distribution in veredas under different drying levels
Authors: de Araújo Walter Santos , Oliveira e Silva Sabrina Celie , Alves Aldenice Barbosa , Freitas Érica Vanessa Durães , Grandez‐Rios Julio Miguel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe investigated the distribution patterns of galling insects in veredas with varying degrees of drying in the Brazilian Cerrado. We tested if the insect gall diversity is higher in degraded veredas (dry veredas) compared to preserved (wet veredas) ones, as predicted by the hygrothermal stress hypothesis. Additionally, we also tested whether the composition of galling insects varied along the veredas and if species richness and abundance of galling insects are higher in the upstream zone of the veredas. In total, we recorded 99 species of galling insects, distributed across 54 plant species and 24 botanical families. We found that galling species richness was high in degraded veredas compared to preserved ones, while the abundance of galling insects was higher in preserved veredas than in degraded ones. When examining the different zones along the veredas, we observed variations in the richness and abundance of galling insects in preserved veredas. Specifically, the galling insect richness was higher in the upstream and middle zones compared to the downstream zone, while the abundance of galling insects was higher in the middle zone compared to the upstream zone. However, in the degraded veredas, there were no significant differences in galling species richness and abundance among the zones studied. The composition of galling insect species differed significantly between degraded and preserved veredas, with a higher faunal similarity observed in preserved veredas for both the downstream and upstream zones compared to degraded veredas (upstream zone). Our results indicate a preference of galling insects for more hygrothermally stressed environments, such as dry veredas and upstream zones of wet veredas.
Patterns of breast reconstruction and the influence of a surgical multidisciplinary clinic
Authors: Tian Yuan , Birks Sarah , Kemp Sarah , Lee James C. , Weymouth Michael , Serpell Jonathan , Walker Melanie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundOf the 40% of breast cancer patients who have a mastectomy as part of their surgical treatment, only approximately 29% have a breast reconstruction. In 2016, Alfred Health established a multidisciplinary surgical clinic with breast and plastic surgeons, aiming to improve interdisciplinary collaboration. This study aimed to assess the provision of breast reconstruction at an Australian tertiary public hospital and examine whether the multidisciplinary surgical clinic have improved our reconstructive service provision.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent mastectomy at Alfred Health between October 2011 and September 2021 was conducted. Patients were divided into before and after groups, treated during the 5‐year period before and after establishing the multidisciplinary clinic respectively. Demographic data, operative details, histopathology, and treatments were compared.ResultsOver the 10‐year period, 423 mastectomies were performed for 351 patients. Of those, 153 patients underwent breast reconstruction, providing an overall reconstruction rate of 43.6%. There was a statistically significant increase in the breast reconstruction rate from 36.5% before to 53.4% after the creation of the multidisciplinary surgical clinic. Patient factors such as age and tumour receptor status did not differ significantly between the groups.ConclusionThe establishment of a surgical multidisciplinary clinic has led to a statistically significant increase in the rate of breast reconstruction from 36.5% to 53.4%, leading to improved healthcare provision for our patients. Factors identified to be associated with increased uptake in the reconstruction service include younger age and node negative disease.
Vulvar cancer incidence and net survival in Sweden 1960 to 2019: A population‐based national study
Authors: Moberg Louise , Sundqvist Avalon , Holmberg Erik , Dickman Paul W. , Borgfeldt Christer 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionVulvar cancer is a rare gynecological cancer affecting mostly older women. The aim of this population‐based study was to investigate the incidence and net survival of vulvar cancer in Swedish women from 1960 to 2019.Material and methodsData were retrieved from the mandatory Swedish Cancer Registry consisting of all women diagnosed with vulvar cancer between 1960 and 2019. Only women with a morphologically verified diagnosis of vulvar cancer were included. The individuals were then further matched with the Swedish Death Registry up until May 31, 2020.ResultsIn total, 8499 women were included with the following morphologies: squamous cell carcinoma 7250 (85.8%), malignant melanoma 539 (6.4%), adenocarcinoma 401 (4.8%) and other: 259 (3.1%). More than 50% of vulvar cancer cases occurred in women aged between 65 and 84 years of age. The 5‐year age‐standardized net survival increased from 53.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.9–57.5) in 1960 to 72.1% (95% CI 68.8–75.5) in 2019. The proportion of adenocarcinoma among all cases increased from 2.0% to 8.7% between the 1960s and 2010s and an increase in age‐standardized 5‐year net survival was found for adenocarcinoma.ConclusionsThe age‐standardized incidence of vulvar cancer cases in Sweden was stable between 1960 and 2019. During the study period, an increase in adenocarcinoma and a decrease in malignant melanoma cases was found. Five‐year net survival increased by 20 percent units during the study period. For squamous cell carcinoma, an increased age‐specific 5‐year net survival was observed for all age groups, apart for women aged ≥85.
Pelvic floor and sexual function 3 years after hysterectomy – A prospective cohort study
Authors: Johannesson Ulrika , Amato Martina , Forsgren Catharina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionLong term effects after hysterectomy, such as a worsening of pelvic floor and sexual function, have been studied with diverse results. Therefore, we investigated the long‐term effects of hysterectomy for benign indication on pelvic floor and sexual function as well as differences in outcome depending on mode of hysterectomy.Material and methodsIn a prospective clinical cohort study, we included 260 women scheduled for hysterectomy who answered validated questionnaires; pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ‐7), pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI‐20) and female sexual function index (FSFI). Participants were followed up to 3 years after surgery. Nonparametric statistics and mixed effect models were used in analyses of the data.ResultsAfter exclusions, 242 women remained in the study, with a response rate at the 3‐year follow‐up of 154/242 (63.6%) for all questionnaires. There was an improvement of pelvic floor function with a mean score of PFIQ‐7 at baseline of 42.5 (SD 51.7) and at 3 years 22.7 (SD 49.4), (p < 0.001) and mean score of PFDI‐20 at baseline was 69.6 (SD 51.1) and at 3 years 56.2 (SD 54.6), (p = 0.001). A deterioration of sexual function was seen among the sexually active women after 3 years with a mean score of FSFI at baseline 25.2 (SD 6.6) and after 3 years 21.6 (SD 10.1), (p < 0.001). However, this was not consistent with the unaltered sexual function for the whole cohort. No difference in pelvic floor or sexual function was detected when comparing robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy.ConclusionsThree years after surgery robotic assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy improve pelvic floor function to the same extent. Among the sexually active women, a decline of sexual function was seen after 3 years, not consistent with the entire cohort and independent of surgical methods. Whether this is a trend associated with aging or menopausal transition remains to be studied.
TP53 variant allele frequency and therapy‐related setting independently predict survival in myelodysplastic syndromes with del(5q)
Authors: Tefferi Ayalew , Fleti Farah , Chan Onyee , Al Ali Najla H. , Al‐Kali Aref , Begna Kebede H. , Foran James M. , Badar Talha , Khera Nandita , Shah Mithun , Hiwase Devendra , Padron Eric , Sallman David A. , Pardanani Animesh , Arber Daniel A. , Orazi Attilio , Reichard Kaaren K. , He Rong , Ketterling Rhett P. , Gangat Naseema , Komrokji Rami 
Published: December 2023

SummaryAmong 210 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) with del(5q), molecular information was available at diagnosis or at least 3 months before leukaemic transformation in 146 cases. Multivariate analysis identified therapy‐related setting (p = 0.02; HR 2.3) and TP53 variant allele frequency (VAF) ≥22% (p < 0.01; HR 2.8), but not SF3B1 mutation (p = 0.65), as independent risk factors for survival. Median survival was 11.7 versus 4 years (5/10‐year survival 73%/52% vs. 42%/14%) in the absence (N = 112) versus presence (N = 34) of ≥1 risk factors; leukaemia‐free survival was affected by TP53 VAF ≥22% (p < 0.01). Such information might inform treatment decision‐making in MDS‐del(5q) regarding allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Income generation on care work digital labour platforms
Authors: McDonald Paula , Williams Penny , Mayes Robyn , Khan Maria 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecently, a growing number of digital platforms have emerged that intermediate or facilitate connections between care workers and people requiring care. Platforms position themselves as a viable response to the ‘care crisis’, yet have been decried for driving down wages and exposing workers to greater risk and precarity. Unlike more transactional types of intermediated work such as ride‐hailing or food delivery, the income of care workers depends not on pricing algorithms but on how much they work and the potential for individual agency in negotiating pay rates with clients. Drawing on three sources of data from a global digital platform business, this study asks how self‐employed care workers enact agency in relation to income generation. The findings revealed evidence of three types of agentic action: establishing professional worth; assessing costs and maximizing income; and negotiating with clients. Agency was constrained, however, by the platform's architecture and client‐related dynamics. The study provides insights into the nuanced dynamics of individual worker agency in relation to income, in a growing, feminized and largely devalued new market. The findings also demonstrate how platform businesses, despite not managing work or workers directly, play a significant role in the organization and distribution of work.
Space for youth mental health—coercive measure use before and after architectural innovation at a department of child and adolescent psychiatry
Authors: Czernin Klara , Bründlmayer Anselm , Baumgartner Josef S. , Plener Paul L. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundInfluence of architectural features in child and adolescent psychiatric wards on coercive measure use has not been investigated so far. We aimed to assess the effect of altering the physical environment of an adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit on the proportion and frequency of adolescents experiencing mechanical coercive measures.MethodIn a naturalistic observational design, coercive measures were compared before and after an architectural intervention facilitated by rebuilding a child and adolescent psychiatric department in October 2020. Age, gender, length of stay, main psychiatric diagnosis and indices of coercion in n = 782 admissions to inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry from April 2019 to April 2022 were extracted. Group comparisons were performed using chi‐squared tests for categorical and Mann–Whitney U‐tests for numerical variables.ResultsAfter structural modernization which included amplifying space and with the newly introduced availability of seclusion rooms, significantly fewer patients were affected by mechanical restraint (8.1% vs. 13.7%, p = .013). Rate of seclusion increased to 5.0% (vs. 0%, p < .001). Rate of seclusion and/or restraint decreased from 13.7% to 11.8% (p = .425). The median cumulative duration of all coercive measures per affected case decreased significantly (2.8 vs. 5.4 h, p = .005), as well as its proportion to length of stay (0.8% vs. 2.8%, p = .006).ConclusionsModernisation and restructuring of buildings hosting psychiatric departments can contribute to a reduction of coercive measures in child and adolescent psychiatric units.
Progress of SARS‐CoV‐2 Main protease peptide‐like inhibitors
Authors: Liu Xiaoyong , Ren Xiaoli , Hua Miao , Liu Fang , Ren Xiaoping , Sui Chaoya , Li Qing , Luo Fen , Jiang Zhiyong , Xia Ziqiao , Chen Jingxia , Yang Bing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe pneumonia outbreak caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection poses a serious threat to people worldwide. Although vaccines have been developed, antiviral drugs are still needed to combat SARS‐CoV‐2 infection due to the high mutability of the virus. SARS‐CoV‐2 main protein (Mpro) is a special cysteine protease that is a key enzyme for SARS‐CoV‐2 replication. It is encoded by peptides and is responsible for processing peptides into functional proteins, making it an important drug target. The paper reviews the structure and peptide‐like inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro, also the binding mode and structure–activity relationship between the inhibitors and Mpro are introduced in detail. It is hoped that this review can provide ideas and help for the development of anti‐coronavirus drugs such as COVID‐19, and help to develop broad‐spectrum antiviral drug for the treatment of coronavirus diseases as soon as possible.
Self‐care and hand function in preschool children with unilateral or bilateral cerebral palsy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bonden Hilde , Jahnsen Reidun Birgitta , Klevberg Gunvor Lilleholt 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsTo describe self‐care capabilities among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore associations between self‐care and hand function for children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) and children with bilateral cerebral palsy (BCP) separately.MethodCross‐sectional data on self‐care capabilities (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, PEDI), manual abilities (Manual Ability Classification System, MACS) and hand use during bimanual performance (Assisting Hand Assessment, AHA; Both Hands Assessment, BoHA) were retrieved from the Norwegian Quality and Surveillance Registry for Cerebral Palsy (NorCP). Eighty‐seven children with CP (UCP, n = 61, mean age 4 years 1 month, SD 1 year 3 months, range 56) or BCP (n = 26, mean age 4 years 4 months, SD 1 year, range 41), classified at MACS level I (n = 26), II (n = 40) or III (n = 21), were included.ResultsNo significant differences in self‐care capabilities were found between children with UCP and children with BCP. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in self‐care between MACS levels for the whole group. No significant differences in self‐care between MACS levels were observed for children with UCP (p = 0.36), but significant differences were found for those with BCP (p < 0.001). Whereas a small correlation (r = 0.3) between PEDI and AHA scores was found for children with UCP, a large correlation (r = 0.6) was found for those with BCP. Children with BCP with symmetric hand use during bimanual performance (BoHA) had higher PEDI scores than children with asymmetric hand use.ConclusionThough children with UCP and children with BCP who were classified at MACS I–III exhibited similar self‐care capabilities, the limited hand use seems to contribute differently between the two groups. The two different measures of hand use exhibit different associations with self‐care capabilities for young children with UCP and BCP, respectively, and illustrate the need to treat UCP and BCP as two distinct groups, each requiring tailored interventions according to their specific needs.