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Accurate abundance estimates are essential for the development of effective conservation management strategies, yet they are difficult to produce for small populations that are elusive and sparsely distributed throughout their range. For such populations it is challenging to collect a representative dataset sufficient for robust estimation of detectability and abundance. Over a one‐year study, we used two methods to estimate abundance of a Nationally Critical, widely dispersed Bryde's whale population in the Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa/New Zealand; (i) distance sampling from systematic line‐transect aerial surveys (n = 22 surveys, 9,944 km, total sightings 21–24 whales), and (ii) mark‐recapture (MR) using photo‐identification images collected from a platform‐of‐opportunity and small‐boat surveys (218 sampling occasions, 27 whales). From the aerial surveys, we estimated an average of 15 whales (95% CI = 6, 30; CV = 37%) at the sea‐surface at any time. For the boat‐based surveys, we developed a custom MR model to address seasonal and individual heterogeneity in capture probabilities and obtained an estimate of 72 distinct whales (95% CI = 38, 106; CV = 24%) in the population. These two approaches provide different perspectives on the abundance and dynamics of Bryde's whales. The aerial surveys estimate the average number of individuals present at any one time, whereas the MR model estimates the total number of animals that used the Gulf during the study. Although neither sampling method is optimal for estimating the abundance of this small, dispersed population, the use of two complementary approaches informs conservation managers about patterns of abundance and distribution over different temporal and spatial scales. It is common to have limited resources for marine research where model assumptions cannot be met. Here, we highlight pragmatic strategies showing how models can be customized to the population of interest to assist with monitoring species of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In the pivotal phase III RECOURSE trial, trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) improved progression-free and overall survival (PFS, OS) of patients with pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Subsequently, the TALLISUR trial provided post-authorisation efficacy and safety data and patient-reported outcomes on quality of life (QoL) in a German patient cohort. The present analysis reports the final data on efficacy, safety and QoL and investigates the impact of baseline characteristics and associated prognostic subgroups on outcome. Methods In this prospective, multi-centre, Germany-wide, phase IV study, patients with pre-treated mCRC were given the choice to receive either FTD/TPI or best supportive care (BSC). To assess the primary endpoint, QoL, EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires were employed. Secondary endpoints included QoL assessed through EQ-5D-5L questionnaires, OS, PFS and safety. Additionally, 3 subgroups were defined according to a post-hoc analysis of the RECOURSE trial: best, good and poor prognostic characteristics (BPC, GPC, PPC). Patients with

This article synthesizes research on auditors’ ‘bright’ and ‘dark’ personality traits. Our systematic literature review identified 34 studies that met our inclusion criteria. These studies provide insights into auditors’ personality traits, their impact on audit quality, and their association with various professional behaviors and outcomes. Our review emphasizes the importance of understanding personality traits and considering them in the recruitment phase and throughout an auditor’s career. Recognizing the variation in auditors’ personalities and understanding their interplay within audit practices are relevant for improving and refining the profession.

Abstract Axon diameter influences the conduction properties of myelinated axons, both directly, and indirectly through effects on myelin. However, we have limited understanding of mechanisms controlling axon diameter growth in the central nervous system, preventing systematic dissection of how manipulating diameter affects myelination and conduction along individual axons. Here we establish zebrafish to study axon diameter. We find that importin 13b is required for axon diameter growth, but does not affect cell body size or axon length. Using neuron-specific ipo13b mutants, we assess how reduced axon diameter affects myelination and conduction, and find no changes to myelin thickness, precision of action potential propagation, or ability to sustain high frequency firing. However, increases in conduction speed that occur along single myelinated axons with development are tightly linked to their growth in diameter. This suggests that axon diameter growth is a major driver of increases in conduction speeds along myelinated axons over time.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2006.09.005 Byline: W. Weidenhammer (a), A. Streng (a), K. Linde (a), A. Hoppe (a), D. Melchart (a)(b) Keywords: Acupuncture; Chronic pain conditions; Observational study; Side effects; Medical specialty; Acupuncture training Abstract: To investigate which patients receive acupuncture in the framework of statutory health insurance in Germany, how treatment was carried out, and what results were achieved. Author Affiliation: (a) Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, Department of Internal Medicine II, Technical University Munich, Kaiserstr. 9, 80801 Munchen, Germany (b) Division of Complementary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract We present a systematic review of observational studies of hypericum extracts in the treatment of depressive disorders. We included non-randomized studies with at least 100 patients suffering from depressive [...]

The building and construction sector is responsible for a large share of carbon emissions resulting in the need to reduce them to mitigate climate change. Timber construction methods promise to lower emissions combined with biogenic carbon storage in the built environment. While there are several studies comparing the emissions of mineral-based and timber-based buildings, a consistent comparison of different timber-based building assemblies is still missing. This study compares carbon emissions from material production and carbon storage capabilities of four timber-based and two brick and reinforced concrete building assemblies. These assemblies were designed for a residential multi-storey building in Berlin, Germany. To compare and rank the carbon impacts of these assemblies we introduce a carbon storage-to-emission ratio. The calculations were performed using a Carbon Cycle Assessment Model implementation in Python. The results indicate an average reduction in carbon emissions of timber-based building assemblies by 32.6% to “Brick” and 40.4% to “Reinforced Concrete”, respectively. Across the timber-based building assemblies, the carbon emissions range between 85 t and 115 t, leading to an average of 105 t per building. Pronounced differences were observed in carbon storage, with the “Dowel Laminated Timber” building assembly storing more than three times the amount of carbon compared to “Light Weight Timber” assembly. To further reduce emissions from buildings and the construction sector and potentially enhance urban carbon storage, “Glue Laminated Timber” and “Dowel Laminated Timber” building assemblies were identified as the most promising.

Abstract Background The prognosis of patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) who have progressed on gemcitabine plus cisplatin is dismal. Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) and irinotecan have proven efficacy in different gastrointestinal malignancies. We therefore hypothesized that this combination might improve the therapeutic outcome in patients with BTC after failure of first line treatment. Methods TRITICC is an interventional, prospective, open-label, non-randomised, exploratory, multicentre, single-arm phase IIA clinical trial done in 6 sites with expertise in managing biliary tract cancer across Germany. A total of 28 adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with histologically verified locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder or ampullary carcinoma) with documented radiological disease progression to first-line gemcitabine based chemotherapy will be included to receive a combination of FTD/TPI plus irinotecan according to previously published protocols. Study treatment will be continued until disease progression according to RECIST 1.1 criteria or occurrence of unacceptable toxicity. The effect of FTD/TPI plus irinotecan on progression-free survival will be analyzed as primary endpoint. Safety (according to NCI-CTCAE), response rates and overall survival are secondary endpoints. In addition, a comprehensive translational research program is part of the study and might provide findings about predictive markers with regard to response, survival periods and resistance to treatment. Discussion The aim of TRITICC is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FTD/TPI plus irinotecan in patients with biliary tract cancer refractory to previous Gemcitabine based treatment. Trial registration EudraCT 2018–002936-26; NCT04059562

Tax legislation traditionally distinguishes between returns on investment paid on equity and debt instruments. In the main, returns on debt instruments (interest payments) are deductible for the paying company, while distributions on equity instruments (dividends) are not. This difference in taxation can be exploited using hybrid instruments and often leads to a debt bias in investment patterns. South Africa, Australia and Canada have specific rules designed to prevent the circumvention of tax liability when company distributions are made in respect of hybrid instruments. In principle, Australia and Canada apply a more robust approach to prevent tax avoidance and also tend to include a wider range of transactions, as well as an unlimited time period in their regulation of the taxation of distributions on hybrid instruments. In addition to the anti-avoidance function, a strong incentive is created for taxpayers in Australia and Canada to invest in equity instruments as opposed to debt. This article suggests that South Africa should align certain principles in its specific rules regulating hybrid instruments with those in Australia and Canada to ensure optimal functionality of the South African tax legislation. The strengthening of domestic tax law will protect the South African tax base against base erosion and profit shifting through the use of hybrid instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I Editor i Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease affecting the intertriginous skin of axillary, inguinal and perianal sites.1 In these areas, patients develop painful and disabling skin lesions such as inflamed nodules, abscesses and fistula with foul-smelling secretions. Data were determined for following patient Groups: Group 1 (HS patients with drug therapy according to HS guidelines [HS drug therapy]), Group 2 (HS patients without HS drug therapy), Groups 3 (patients with suspected HS diagnosis and with HS drug therapy), Groups 4 (patients with suspected HS diagnosis and without HS drug therapy), Group 5 (potential HS patient with misdiagnosis and with HS drug therapy) and Group 6 (potential HS patient with misdiagnosis and without HS drug therapy). Importantly, the amount of mean sickness benefits was higher for HS patients than for other insured individuals (727€ vs. 311 €; average for insured patients with sickness benefit claims in SHI cohort was 311€ in 2012, calculation by the authors). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract The hobo syndrome (i.e., the wanderlust someone posits to frequently change employers) has a behavioural (i.e., frequent job-quitting behaviour) and an attitudinal dimension (i.e., attitudes towards frequent job-quitting). Across two studies, we examine both dimensions across 348 career starters. By doing so, we expand our understanding of Ghiselli’s hobo syndrome in two ways: (a) we explore the effect of both ‘bright’- and ‘dark’-side personality traits on each dimension of the hobo syndrome, and (b) using longitudinal research, we shed light on the role of each dimension of the hobo syndrome in predicting actual job-quitting behaviour. Data for both studies were gathered through a survey and LinkedIn. Results of regression analyses show that psychopathy is associated with both dimensions of the hobo syndrome. Conversely, openness to experience is only associated with the attitudinal dimension, while agreeableness and extraversion are only associated with the behavioural dimension. Finally, we find that only the behavioural dimension is associated with the length of tenure with the first employer, suggesting that one’s intentions to frequent job-quitting are more important in predicting one’s actual job-quitting behaviour than one’s attitudes towards frequent job-quitting.

Myelin formation is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms and ensures proper neuronal function during development and after demyelination. Here, the authors show that TET1, a DNA hydroxymethylase, regulates myelin repair in adult mice, but is defective with aging.

Conceptual approaches to thoroughly study governance of cruise tourism are lacking in the literature. Relying on Castells’ network society, we analyze how two interconnected flows of cruise ships and passengers are governed by a marine community of users and policy makers. Bonaire is used as a case study. Research shows that the transnational cruise ship flow increasingly determines the local passenger flow at Bonaire. Therefore, the marine community increasingly connects with and adapts to the requirements of the transnational cruise network. Moreover, unequal power relations between cruise networks and flows prioritize the economy over the environment at Bonaire. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]