bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prioritizing road mitigation using ecologically based land‐use planning
Authors: Ribeiro Yuri Geraldo Gomes , Ascensão Fernando , Yogui Débora Regina , de Barros Ferraz Katia Maria Paschoaletto Micchi , Desbiez Arnaud Léonard Jean 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWildlife–vehicle collisions (WVCs) are a critical threat to biodiversity and human safety. To implement WVC mitigation measures where most needed, we need to link models predicting the probability of the presence of species, at large spatial scales, with the likelihood of occurring collisions along roads. Here, we propose a framework for the prioritization of road sections for implementing mitigation measures using ecologically based information. Within this framework, we first model the likelihood of WVC occurrence for focal species in road vicinity areas. We then use spatial prioritization tools to select road sections that entail a higher probability of WVC across the focal species using user‐defined criteria for weighting species records. We applied this framework to Mato Grosso do Sul state (Brazil), using systematic information on WVC collected over 3 years along ca. 2000 km of roads. We focused on the WVC involving three large mammals commonly road‐killed therein, which represent a threat to humans when involved in WVC: the lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris, giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla and capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. We were able to identify road sections (<10% of the road network) that should be prioritized for implementing mitigation actions, which could significantly reduce the number of WVCs. However, the large extent of the road network classified as a priority for mitigation suggests the need to engage the public and private sectors in the early stages of the decision‐making process, in order to reach a consensus on the prioritization. Our framework may improve the environmental licensing process, namely by guiding where mitigation measures should be implemented first.
Influence of healthy human capital and environmental regulation on green total factor productivity in China
Authors: Zheng Yueming , Chen Yaqian 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEnvironment affects the health of residents; to promote high‐quality economic development, their combined effect is crucial in measuring green total factor productivity (GTFP). Yet, scholars seldom consider the regulatory effect of the environment, spillover effect of healthy human capital, and synergistic effect between the environment and the health of residents. Using the panel threshold model and spatial Durbin model, along with the measurement of inter‐provincial GTFP from 2011 to 2019, we examine the effect of environmental regulation, healthy human capital, and their synergistic effect on the development of the green economy in China. The results reveal that environmental regulation inhibits the improvement of GTFP, whereas healthy human capital and interaction items promote the improvement of GTFP. There exists a threshold effect of environmental regulation on the promoting effect of healthy human capital on the GTFP in China, in general, and inland areas in particular. Moreover, environmental regulation, healthy human capital, and interaction items have significant spatial spillover effects on the GTFP in provinces with similar economic attributes.
Spontaneous alterations in semen parameters are associated with age, accessory gland function and the FSHB c.‐211G>T variant
Authors: Zitzmann Michael , Schubert Maria , Sansone Andrea , Kliesch Sabine 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is a strong within‐subject alteration of semen parameters in men with infertility. However, it remains unknown in which subgroup variations are likely to occur and which semen parameters are affected.ObjectiveTo evaluate parameters associated with spontaneous alterations in semen analysis.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively selected 3456 men with infertility without known causes affecting spermatogenesis or sperm output for analysis of repeated ejaculate samples. Exclusion criteria comprised sperm concentration <1 million/mL, abnormal follicle‐stimulating hormone or low testosterone, and low bitesticular volume (<10 mL). Grouped linear two‐level nested mixed‐effect models were applied. The analyzed parameters included abstinence time, bitesticular volume, age, accessory gland markers, follicle‐stimulating hormone, and FSHB c.‐211 variants.ResultsGroups include A (n = 397): ≥1.0 to <5.0 million/mL, B (n = 708): ≥5.0 to <15.0 million/mL, and C (n = 2351): ≥15.0 million/mL. Groups A, B, and C: changes in ejaculate volume were associated with alterations in total sperm count and motility (p < 0.003). Changes were, controlled for abstinence time (p < 0.001), related to α‐glucosidase, fructose, or zinc (p = 0.005–0.02). Group A + B: fluctuations in follicle‐stimulating hormone level influenced sperm concentration/count (p = 0.004–0.02), albeit only in men with FSHB c.‐211 GG (p = 0.007–0.02). T‐allele carriers did not show changes in follicle‐stimulating hormone levels (p > 0.1). Group B: age <50 years (p = 0.007–0.01) and normal bitesticular volume (p = 0.008–0.02) were associated with spontaneous increases in sperm concentration, count, and motility.ConclusionSemen parameters exhibit intra‐individual alterations associated with organic, hormonal, and genetic variables. Changes are pronounced in younger men with normal bitesticular volume and oligozoospermia to almost normozoospermia. The effect is modulated by abstinence time, accessory gland function, and fluctuations in follicle‐stimulating hormone level, which is bound to FSHB c.‐211G>T variant. Judgment of semen analysis should be based on two semen samples, with abstinence times between 4 and 5 days. As a future perspective, it might be investigated whether younger men with normal bitesticular volume who are unable to elicit increases in serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSHB c.‐211 genotype of GT/TT) benefit from improving accessory gland function and increasing follicle‐stimulating hormone.
The use of neoadjuvant systemic therapies in breast cancer in Australia and New Zealand: Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand quality audit
Authors: Duffield Jaime A. , Blanch Adam J. , Esterman Adrian , Bochner Melissa A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundBreast surgeons must maintain contemporary knowledge regarding appropriate referral for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in breast cancer (BC) patients. To date, the greatest benefit is seen in stage II–III HER2‐enriched and triple negative breast cancers (TNBC). This study is the first audit of use of NACT in Australia and New Zealand to stratify data by BC biological subtype.MethodsProspective data from 116,745 patients between 2010 and 2019 was provided by the Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ) Quality Audit (BQA) of Breast Cancer Care. Annual rates of NACT use were determined and change across time analysed with fractional regression. Data from 2018 to 2019 were combined and stratified by biological subtype (LumA, LumB HER2‐neg, LumB HER2‐pos, HER2 enriched, TNBC, Other basal‐like), and age (<50, 51–74, and ≥75 years) and compared using negative binomial regression.ResultsThe use of NACT increased annually (OR 1.26, P < 0.001), and the use of additional adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) decreased (OR 0.78, P < 0.001). A significantly greater use of NACT was noted in patients with TNBC and HER2+ BC, and in all patients aged <50 years compared with older ages (P < 0.001), regardless of biological subtype.ConclusionIncreased uptake of NACT and decreased use of additional ACT is in keeping with progressive change in practice in response to contemporary evidence. Expansion of BQA data fields related to use of NACT, and detailed audit of NACT rates in Stage II–III TNBC and HER2 enriched BC will allow accurate determination of quality of practice in ANZ.
Safety and performance assessment of hyaluronic acid‐based vitreous substitutes in patients with phthisis bulbi
Authors: Schulz André , Wakili Philip , Januschowski Kai , Heinz Werner R. , Engelhard Melanie , Menz Helge , Szurman Peter 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPurposeTo assess the safety and performance of hyaluronic acid‐based vitreous substitutes in phthitic eyes.MethodsIn this retrospective interventional study a total of 21 eyes from 21 patients with phthisis bulbi were treated at the Eye Clinic Sulzbach between August 2011 and June 2021. Patients who underwent a 23G pars plana vitrectomy received a vitreous substitute composed of (I) a non‐crosslinked hyaluronic acid (Healon GV), (II) a crosslinked hyaluronic acid‐based hydrogel (UVHA), or (III) silicone oil (SO‐5000). Main outcome measures were the intraocular pressure (IOP), the visual acuity and the structural integrity of the retina and choroid assessed by optical coherence tomography.ResultsAn increase in IOP ≥ 5 mmHg was achieved with SO‐5000 in 5/8 eyes (6/10 interventions, 60.0%) for 36.4 ± 39.5 days, with Healon GV in 4/8 eyes (7/11 interventions, 63.6%) for 82.6 ± 92.5 days and with UVHA in 4/5 eyes (5/6 interventions, 83.3%) for 93.6 ± 92.5 days. Visual acuity increased in 5/21 eyes (23.8%), remained constant in 12/21 eyes (57.1%) and decreased in 4/21 eyes (19.0%). No enucleations were required during the mean follow‐up time of 192 ± 182 days. The OCT images indicated the preservation of retinal structures, while choroidal folds were only diminished in UVHA eyes.ConclusionsHyaluronic acid‐based hydrogels are biocompatible vitreous substitutes in humans and can increase and stabilize IOP in patients with phthisis bulbi for about 3 months.
Preterm birth in the Nordic countries—Capacity, management and outcome in neonatal care
Authors: Norman Mikael , Padkær Petersen Jesper , Stensvold Hans Jørgen , Thorkelsson Thordur , Helenius Kjell , Brix Andersson Charlotte , Ørum Cueto Heidi , Domellöf Magnus , Gissler Mika , Heino Anna , Håkansson Stellan , Jonsson Baldvin , Klingenberg Claus , Lehtonen Liisa , Metsäranta Marjo , Rønnestad Arild E. , Trautner Simon 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimOrganisation of care, perinatal and neonatal management of very preterm infants in the Nordic regions were hypothesised to vary significantly. The aim of this observational study was to test this hypothesis.MethodsInformation on preterm infants in the 21 greater healthcare regions of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden was gathered from national registers in 2021. Preterm birth rates, case‐mix, perinatal interventions, neonatal morbidity and survival to hospital discharge in very (<32 weeks) and extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks of gestational age) were compared.ResultsOut of 287 642 infants born alive, 16 567 (5.8%) were preterm, 2389 (0.83%) very preterm and 800 (0.28%) were extremely preterm. In very preterm infants, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids varied from 85% to 98%, live births occurring at regional centres from 48% to 100%, surfactant treatment from 28% to 69% and use of mechanical ventilation varied from 13% to 77% (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Significant regional variations within and between countries were also seen in capacity in neonatal care, case‐mix and number of admissions, whereas there were no statistically significant differences in survival or major neonatal morbidities.ConclusionManagement of very preterm infants exhibited significant regional variations in the Nordic countries.
Effects of mixed sugarcane tops and napiergrass silages on fermentative quality, nutritional value, and milk yield in water buffaloes
Authors: Xie Huade , Peng Lijuan , Li Mengwei , Guo Yanxia , Liang Xin , Peng Kaiping , Yang Chengjian 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sugarcane tops (STs) and napiergrass (NG) silage on fermentative quality, nutritional value and milk yield in water buffaloes. Silage were prepared either conventionally without ST (C) or mixed with 25% (S1), 50% (S2), and 75% (S3) ST based on fresh matter. Twenty‐eight lactating buffaloes were divided into four groups with seven replicates and fed four experimental diets containing the corresponding silages. The S3 silage fermented well with a higher (P < 0.05) lactic acid content and lower (P < 0.05) pH and ammonia‐N level than those of other mixed silage. Silage with increasing ST proportions showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, and gross energy. As a result, water buffalo fed S3 silage increased dry matter intake (P < 0.05) and tended to have higher milk yield and feed efficiency as compared with the C group. Our study indicates that adding ST improves NG silage fermentation and enhances the nutrient digestibility and milk production in water buffaloes, and mixing ratio of 25%NG and 75%ST had the highest lactate fermentation quality and presented a high feed value.
Cyclopeptide mushroom poisoning: A retrospective series of 204 patients
Authors: Lecot Jérémy , Cellier Morgane , Courtois Arnaud , Vodovar Dominique , Le Roux Gaël , Landreau Anne , Labadie Magali , Bruneau Chloé , Descatha Alexis 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCyclopeptide mushroom poisoning is responsible for 90%–95% of deaths from macrofungi ingestion. The main objectives of this study are to describe cases of cyclopeptide mushroom poisoning and to determine risk factors that may influence the severity/mortality of poisoned patients. We included all cases of amatoxin toxicity reported to two French Poison Centers from 2013 through 2019. We compared the severity with the Poison Severity Score (PSS) and the outcomes of patients using simple logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression. We included 204 cases of amatoxin toxicity. More than three‐quarters developed an increase in AST and/or ALT (78.1%), and over half developed a decrease in prothrombin ratio (<70%: 53%) and/or Factor V (<70%: 54%). One‐third developed an acute renal injury (AKI). Twelve patients (5.9%) developed post‐poisoning sequelae (persistent kidney injury more than 1 month after ingestion and liver transplant). Five patients (2.5%) received a liver transplant, and nine died (4.4%). The mean time to onset of digestive disorders was shorter in PSS2 and PSS3–4 patients (10.9 ± 3.9/11.3 ± 6.3 h) than in PSS1 patients (14 ± 6.5 h; p < 0.05). Patients who died or developed post‐poisoning sequelae had more frequent cardiovascular comorbidities compared with recovered patients (60.0% versus 29.5%; p < 0.01).
Break and Splice: A Statistical Method for Non‐Rigid Point Cloud Registration
Authors: Gao Qinghong , Zhao Yan , Xi Long , Tang Wen , Wan Tao Ruan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract3D object matching and registration on point clouds are widely used in computer vision. However, most existing point cloud registration methods have limitations in handling non‐rigid point sets or topology changes (e.g. connections and separations). As a result, critical characteristics such as large inter‐frame motions of the point clouds may not be accurately captured. This paper proposes a statistical algorithm for non‐rigid point sets registration, addressing the challenge of handling topology changes without the need to estimate correspondence. The algorithm uses a novel Break and Splice framework to treat the non‐rigid registration challenges as a reproduction process and a Dirichlet Process Gaussian Mixture Model (DPGMM) to cluster a pair of point sets. Labels are assigned to the source point set with an iterative classification procedure, and the source is registered to the target with the same labels using the Bayesian Coherent Point Drift (BCPD) method. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves lower registration errors and efficiently registers point sets undergoing topology changes and large inter‐frame motions. The proposed approach is evaluated on several data sets using various qualitative and quantitative metrics. The results demonstrate that the Break and Splice framework outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods, achieving an average error reduction of about 60% and a registration time reduction of about 57.8%.
1056. Passiflora bakhuisensis Vanderplank & Boender
Authors: Vanderplank John , Boender Ronald , Figueroa Julio 
Published: March 2023

SummaryPassiflora bakhuisensis (plate 1056) a new species of Passiflora L. in subgenus Astrophea (DC.) Mast., supersection Astrophea, section Dolichostemma Killip from Surinam is described; its taxonomy, distribution and cultivation are discussed, and a key to this and related species is provided. A new synopsis of subgenus Astrophea (DC.) Mast., supersections Astrophea and Pseudoastrophea (Harms) Feuillet & J. M. MacDougal is provided.
Thai Labour NGOs during the ‘Modern Slavery’ Reforms: NGO Transitions in a Post‐aid World
Authors: Kadfak Alin , Wilhelm Miriam , Oskarsson Patrik 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTThis article explores how domestic NGOs responded to new opportunities that emerged during the 2015–2020 ‘modern slavery’ labour reforms in Thailand's seafood sector. The analysis takes place against the background of civil society transitions in a ‘post‐aid’ setting. Like NGOs in other middle‐income countries, the Thai NGO sector has struggled to remain relevant and financially viable in recent decades, as international donors have withdrawn from countries with steadily declining poverty rates. As a result of the ‘developmental successes’ of Thailand, the NGO sector needed to rethink its strategies. Examining the modern slavery labour reform process provides an opportunity to understand the strategic choices available to NGOs in the face of several important phenomena: the emergence of new actors such as international philanthropic donors; the growing influence of the private sector in governance matters; and the need for NGOs to balance multiple strategic alliances. The article draws on in‐depth interviews to explore narratives of Thai labour NGO adjustments during the period of the modern slavery reform. The study contributes to a better understanding of how NGOs in post‐aid countries transition and adapt to changing circumstances by embracing new roles as ‘sub‐contractors’ for emerging global philanthropic donors and as ‘partners’ of private corporations.
Assessing cardiorespiratory fitness relative to sex improves surgical risk stratification
Authors: Rose George A. , Davies Richard G. , Torkington Jared , Berg Ronan M. G. , Appadurai Ian R. , Poole David C. , Bailey Damian M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo what extent sex‐related differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) impact postoperative patient mortality and corresponding implications for surgical risk stratification remains to be established.MethodsTo examine this, we recruited 640 patients (366 males vs. 274 females) who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to elective colorectal surgery. Patients were defined high risk if peak oxygen uptake was <14.3 mL kg−1 min−1 and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide at ‘anaerobic threshold’ >34. Between‐sex CRF and mortality was assessed, and sex‐specific CRF thresholds predictive of mortality was calculated.ResultsSeventeen percent of deaths were attributed to sub‐threshold CRF, which was higher than established risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The group (independent of sex) exhibited a 5‐fold higher mortality (high vs. low risk patients hazard ratio = 4.80, 95% confidence interval 2.73–8.45, p < 0.001). Females exhibited 39% lower CRF (p < 0.001) with more classified high risk than males (36 vs. 23%, p = 0.001), yet mortality was not different (p = 0.544). Upon reformulation of sex‐specific CRF thresholds, lower cut‐offs for mortality were observed in females, and consequently, fewer (20%) were stratified with sub‐threshold CRF compared to the original 36% (p < 0.001).ConclusionsLow CRF accounted for more deaths than traditional CVD risk factors, and when CRF was considered relative to sex, the disproportionate number of females stratified unfit was corrected. These findings support clinical consideration of ‘sex‐specific’ CRF thresholds to better inform postoperative mortality and improve surgical risk stratification.
Association of hydroxytyrosol enriched olive oil with vascular function in chronic coronary disease
Authors: Ikonomidis Ignatios , Katogiannis Konstantinos , Chania Christina , Iakovis Nikolaos , Tsoumani Maria , Christodoulou Andriana , Brinia Evangelia , Pavlidis George , Thymis John , Tsilivarakis Damianos , Kountouri Aikaterini , Korakas Emmanouil , Lambadiari Vaia , Triposkiadis Filippos , Skaltsounis Leandros , Tseti Ioulia , Iliodromitis Efstathios K. , Andreadou Ioanna 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundHydroxytyrosol reduces low‐density lipoprotein oxidation, contributing to prevention of atherosclerosis progression.MethodsIn a prospective, crossover, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 30 chronic coronary artery syndrome (CCAS) patients were randomized to 4 capsules/day, containing 412.5 mg olive oil with 2.5 mg hydroxytyrosol (OOHT) each one or placebo for 1 month and then were crossed over to the alternate treatment (placebo or OOHT). We measured (a) perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels (increased PBR indicates reduced glycocalyx thickness), (b) flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), (c) Coronary Flow Reserve (CFR) and markers of LV diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography, (d) pulse wave velocity (PWV), and (e) oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and blood lipids at baseline and after treatment.ResultsTreatment with OOHT improved PBR, FMD, CFR and PWV compared to baseline (1.8 ± .3 vs. 1.7 ± .4 μm, p = .040, 3.7 ± 2.1 vs. 6.5% ± 2.3%, p < .001, 2.3 ± .4 vs. 2.5 ± .4, p = .030 and 11.1 ± 1.8 vs. 11.8 ± 2.3 m/s, p = .002) while there was no effect after placebo (p = NS). No effect of OOHT treatment was observed on blood pressure. There was a parallel improvement of E' of the mitral annulus and deceleration time of the E wave of mitral inflow after OOHT (p < .05) but not after placebo. Compared to baseline, treatment with OOHT reduced malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation, oxidized LDL, triglycerides, PCSK9 and CRP blood levels (p < .05) in contrast to placebo.ConclusionsHydroxytyrosol‐enriched olive oil may have beneficial effects on endothelial, arterial and LV diastolic function likely by reducing oxidative and inflammatory burden in CCAS, though further studies are needed to confirm this mechanism.