bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the relationship between coping styles and well‐being among Chinese university students: A longitudinal study based on the transactional stress model
Authors: Pan Qianqian , Fu Wangqian , Zhang Yaqian
Published: April 2024

In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, university students were exposed to increased stress, which significantly affected their well‐being. This study examines the coping mechanisms employed by Chinese university students during this crisis, with a particular focus on the potential protective role of coping flexibility in maintaining their well‐being. Using the transactional stress model and the dual‐process theory of coping flexibility, this longitudinal study analyzed the responses of 206 Chinese university students at three measurement points in late 2022. The findings suggest that disruptions in daily life during the pandemic likely led students to engage in problematic internet use as a coping strategy, which subsequently led to reduced well‐being. However, the study also shows that coping flexibility plays a crucial protective role in maintaining students' well‐being. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing coping flexibility among university students, especially in the evolving post‐pandemic landscape.
Nucleic acid‐extracted torula yeast from the paper industry as a protein feed for ruminants: A comparison with soybean meal
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Asano Sanae , Sato Saeko , Murai Kae , Yabe Nanami , Kajikawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

We compared nucleic acid‐extracted torula yeast (NTY) with soybean meal (SBM) to evaluate NTY as a potential protein feed for ruminants in a metabolic trial using four castrated male goats. NTY was replaced isonitrogenously with SBM at a 25% crude protein (CP) level on a dry matter (DM) basis. NTY has 55% CP and 74% total digestive nutrients on DM. Absorbed N was lower on the NTY diet, but since the urinary N excretion was lower on the NTY diet, no significant between‐diet difference in retained N was observed. The efficiency of N utilization (retained N/absorbed N) was significantly higher on the NTY diet. The Lys and Met contents (presumed limiting amino acids for dairy cattle) were higher in NTY than SBM, which may be why N utilization efficiency was higher for the NTY diet. Ruminal ammonia‐N and blood serum N were lower on the NTY diet, suggesting that NTY has more rumen undegradable protein than SBM. There was no significant between‐diet difference in the visceral disorder indicators or antioxidant activities. Our results indicate that NTY is a safe protein feed with a high CP ratio and high‐quality amino acid profile for ruminants that is equivalent to SBM.
Different self‐damaging behaviours, similar motives? Testing measurement invariance of motives for nonsuicidal self‐injury, disordered eating and substance misuse
Authors: Robillard Christina L. , Merrin Gabriel J. , Legg Nicole K. , Ames Megan E. , Turner Brianna J.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Theory and research suggest that distinct self‐damaging behaviours (SDBs; e.g., nonsuicidal self‐injury [NSSI], restrictive eating, binge eating, drug misuse, alcohol misuse) share similar motives. However, few studies have used a common self‐report inventory to investigate the shared relevance and relative salience of motives for SDBs. Accordingly, the present study: (1) examined whether self‐report scales assessing intrapersonal motives (i.e., relieving negative emotions, enhancing positive emotions, punishing oneself) and interpersonal motives (i.e., bonding with others, conforming with others, communicating distress, communicating strength, reducing demands) have invariant factor structures across SDBs; and (2) compared the salience of these motives across SDBs.

Methods

1018 adults (54.6% men, Mage = 35.41 years) with a history of SDBs were allocated to the following groups: NSSI (n = 213), restrictive eating (n = 200), binge eating (n = 200), drug misuse (n = 200) or alcohol misuse (n = 205). Participants reported on their motives for engaging in their allocated SDB. Measurement invariance analyses compared the factor structures and latent means of the motive scales across SDBs.

Results

The motive scales had comparable factor structures across SDBs. Intrapersonal motives were most strongly endorsed for NSSI and drug misuse. Interpersonal motives were most strongly endorsed for drug and alcohol misuse. All motives were least salient to restrictive eating.

Conclusions

Results suggest that common motives underlie distinct SDBs and that they can be adequately assessed using a single self‐report inventory. However, certain motives are more relevant to some SDBs than others, with restrictive eating being the most motivationally distinct SDB. This knowledge can inform transdiagnostic models and interventions for SDBs.
Assessing quality of selection procedures: Lower bound of false positive rate as a function of inter‐rater reliability
Authors: Bartoš František , Martinková Patrícia
Published: April 2024

Inter‐rater reliability (IRR) is one of the commonly used tools for assessing the quality of ratings from multiple raters. However, applicant selection procedures based on ratings from multiple raters usually result in a binary outcome; the applicant is either selected or not. This final outcome is not considered in IRR, which instead focuses on the ratings of the individual subjects or objects. We outline the connection between the ratings' measurement model (used for IRR) and a binary classification framework. We develop a simple way of approximating the probability of correctly selecting the best applicants which allows us to compute error probabilities of the selection procedure (i.e., false positive and false negative rate) or their lower bounds. We draw connections between the IRR and the binary classification metrics, showing that binary classification metrics depend solely on the IRR coefficient and proportion of selected applicants. We assess the performance of the approximation in a simulation study and apply it in an example comparing the reliability of multiple grant peer review selection procedures. We also discuss other possible uses of the explored connections in other contexts, such as educational testing, psychological assessment, and health‐related measurement, and implement the computations in the R package IRR2FPR.
What drive financial inclusion gender gap in Cameroon? A Fairlie decomposition approach
Authors: Ndoya Hermann , Tsala Charly , Kamguia Brice
Published: April 2024

Based on a Fairlie decomposition method, this paper analyzes the drivers of gender gaps in financial inclusion in Cameroon. We use Finscope 2017 data for Cameroon and assess six distinct financial inclusion variables grouped into two dimensions mainly, access to and use of financial products and services. Our results show that there is a gap in all indicators of access to and use of financial products and services in favor of men. The results also show that the largest contributor to the gender gap in access to financial products and services is income, with more than 50% of the contribution, whereas the largest contributor to the gender gap in the use of financial products and services is education with an average contribution of more than 35%. Based on the above findings, decision‐makers in Cameroon must conduct economic policies toward facilitating equitable access to education, by providing incentives to attract women to gain higher education.
Clonal expansion in normal tissues
Authors: Maeda Hirona , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki
Published: April 2024

Cancer originates from a single ancestral cell that acquires a driver mutation, which confers a growth or survival advantage, followed by the acquisition of additional driver mutations by descendant cells. Recently, it has become evident that somatic cell mutations accumulate in normal tissues with aging and exposure to environmental factors, such as alcohol, smoking, and UV rays, increases the mutation rate. Clones harboring driver mutations expand with age, leading to tissue remodeling. Lineage analysis of myeloproliferative neoplasms and der(1;16)‐positive breast cancer revealed that driver mutations were acquired early in our lives and that the development of cancer takes decades, unveiling the previously unknown early process of cancer development. Evidence that clonal hematopoiesis affects various diseases, including nonneoplastic diseases, highlights the potential role of the identification and functional analysis of mutated clones in unraveling unknown pathologies. In this review, we summarize the recent updates on clonal expansion in normal tissues and the natural history of cancer revealed through lineage analysis of noncancerous and cancerous tissues.
A Comprehensive Examination of Prediction‐Based Error as a Mechanism for Syntactic Development: Evidence From Syntactic Priming
Authors: Donnelly Seamus , Rowland Caroline , Chang Franklin , Kidd Evan
Published: April 2024

Prediction‐based accounts of language acquisition have the potential to explain several different effects in child language acquisition and adult language processing. However, evidence regarding the developmental predictions of such accounts is mixed. Here, we consider several predictions of these accounts in two large‐scale developmental studies of syntactic priming of the English dative alternation. Study 1 was a cross‐sectional study (N = 140) of children aged 3−9 years, in which we found strong evidence of abstract priming and the lexical boost, but little evidence that either effect was moderated by age. We found weak evidence for a prime surprisal effect; however, exploratory analyses revealed a protracted developmental trajectory for verb‐structure biases, providing an explanation as for why prime surprisal effects are more elusive in developmental populations. In a longitudinal study (N = 102) of children in tightly controlled age bands at 42, 48, and 54 months, we found priming effects emerged on trials with verb overlap early but did not observe clear evidence of priming on trials without verb overlap until 54 months. There was no evidence of a prime surprisal effect at any time point and none of the effects were moderated by age. The results relating to the emergence of the abstract priming and lexical boost effects are consistent with prediction‐based models, while the absence of age‐related effects appears to reflect the structure‐specific challenges the dative presents to English‐acquiring children. Overall, our complex pattern of findings demonstrates the value of developmental data sets in testing psycholinguistic theory.
Deletion of Tgm2 suppresses BMP‐mediated hepatocyte‐to‐cholangiocyte metaplasia in ductular reaction
Authors: Chen Yaqing , Yan Yi , Li Yujing , Zhang Liang , Luo Tingting , Zhu Xinlong , Qin Dan , Chen Ning , Huang Wendong , Chen Xiangmei , Wang Liqiang , Zhu Xianmin , Zhang Lisheng
Published: April 2024

Transglutaminase 2 (Tgm2) plays an essential role in hepatic repair following prolonged toxic injury. During cholestatic liver injury, the intrahepatic cholangiocytes undergo dynamic tissue expansion and remodelling, referred to as ductular reaction (DR), which is crucial for liver regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms governing the dynamics of active cells in DR are still largely unclear. Here, we generated Tgm2‐knockout mice (Tgm2−/−) and Tgm2‐CreERT2‐Rosa26‐mTmG flox/flox (Tgm2CreERT2‐R26T/Gf/f) mice and performed a three‐dimensional (3D) collagen gel culture of mouse hepatocytes to demonstrate how Tgm2 signalling is involved in DR to remodel intrahepatic cholangiocytes. Our results showed that the deletion of Tgm2 adversely affected the functionality and maturity of the proliferative cholangiocytes in DR, thus leading to more severe cholestasis during DDC‐induced liver injury. Additionally, Tgm2 hepatocytes played a crucial role in the regulation of DR through metaplasia. We unveiled that Tgm2 regulated H3K4me3Q5ser via serotonin to promote BMP signalling activation to participate in DR. Besides, we revealed that the activation or inhibition of BMP signalling could promote or suppress the development and maturation of cholangiocytes in DDC‐induced DR. Furthermore, our 3D collagen gel culture assay indicated that Tgm2 was vital for the development of cholangiocytes in vitro. Our results uncovered a considerable role of BMP signalling in controlling metaplasia of Tgm2 hepatocytes in DR and revealed the phenotypic plasticity of mature hepatocytes.
Introduction to the Compositae of the North American Prairies
Authors: Hind Nicholas
Published: April 2024

The North American Prairie landscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, West Sussex, is discussed. The abundance of the Compositae in the North American Prairies is outlined, by tribe, and comments provided on a range of 105 interesting Compositae that could be considered in prairie plantings, for dry, moist and wet situations. The exclusion of a number of plants that are most unsuitable for prairie plantings is also covered, with whole tribes, such as the Cardueae and Anthemideae, excluded from potential planting schemes, and a limited selection made from the Lactuceae and Senecioneae. The Astereae, other than providing a large selection of potential prairie plants, is discussed more fully, especially with the break‐up of the core genus Aster. Both inside and outside of the prairie environment there have been many taxonomic changes, with name changes of concern to taxonomists and horticulturists alike. Shaw's list is revised, relevant to those he left in Aster, and some observations made on how the splitting of Aster is still an active area of research. The differing propagation methods, in general and for the Compositae in particular, are outlined, covering vegetative propagation methods, and seed harvesting, cleaning, and sowing preparation techniques outlined. A number of previously published plates from Curtis's Botanical Magazine are used to illustrate some of the tribes, and are supplemented by photographs of several species, mostly from the Heliantheae, in cultivation at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The supportive appendices cover: Appendix 1 – 105 suitable Compositae that can be considered for prairie plantings, each with an indication of tribe, common name/s, publication details of those previously illustrated in Curtis's Botanical Magazine (or in this issue), the plate number under which it was published, together with those republished in this issue, and photographs of a handful of others, together with an indication of the base colour/s of the flowering capitula of each, and Appendix 2 an updated list of the species left in Aster in Shaw's 2014 list following several subsequent transfers into other genera, and a different view of the taxonomy of some of the genera.
Projected climate‐driven shifts in coral distribution indicate tropicalisation of Southwestern Atlantic reefs
Authors: Martello Melina Ferreira , Bleuel Jessica , Pennino Maria Grazia , Longo Guilherme Ortigara
Published: April 2024

Aim

Predicting and acting on the future of ecosystems requires understanding species distribution shifts due to climate change. We investigated which corals are more likely to shift their distribution in the Southwestern Atlantic under a warming scenario.

Location

Southwestern Atlantic (SWA; 1° N–28° S).

Methods

We used spatial distribution models with a Bayesian approach to predict the current and future (2050 and 2100) coral occurrence probabilities of 12 zooxanthellate corals and hydrocorals under an intermediate scenario of increasing greenhouse gas emissions (RCP6.0) projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Results

We found a decline in the occurrence probabilities of all 12 taxa within the tropics (1° N–20° S) and an increase towards subtropical sites (20–28° S) as early as 2050. The most significant declines are projected to occur between 9° S and 20° S, a region that currently hosts the richest reef complex in the South Atlantic, the Abrolhos bank. The imminent loss of suitable habitat in the tropics mostly threatens the Brazilian endemics and range restricted corals Mussismilia braziliensis and Mussismilia harttii, while more widely distributed taxa such as Siderastrea spp., Millepora spp. and Porites spp. are expected to expand their ranges southwards.

Main Conclusions

The projected declines in the tropical region are likely to reduce structural complexity causing biodiversity loss. The overall increase in occurrence probabilities in subtropical areas indicates tropicalisation of SWA reefs, which may benefit species already established in these areas and potentially enrich coral assemblages through the range expansion of taxa that currently do not occur in the region. These findings emphasise the need to support ecological corridors that could aid coral migration towards more suitable habitats under climate change.
Evaluation of quality and quantity of randomized controlled trials in hepatobiliary surgery: A scoping/mapping review
Authors: Majlesara Ali , Aminizadeh Ehsan , Ramouz Ali , Khajeh Elias , Shahrbaf Mohammadamin , Borges Filipe , Goncalves Gil , Carvalho Carlos , Golriz Mohammad , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: April 2024

Aim

To evaluate the quantity and quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in hepatobiliary surgery and for identifying gaps in current evidences.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL) for RCTs of hepatobiliary surgery published from inception until the end of 2023. The quality of each study was assessed using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias (RoB) tool. The associations between risk of bias and the region and publication date were also assessed. Evidence mapping was performed to identify research gaps in the field.

Results

The study included 1187 records. The number and proportion of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in hepatobiliary surgery increased over time, from 13 RCTs (.0005% of publications) in 1970–1979 to 201 RCTs (.003% of publications) in 2020–2023. There was a significant increase in the number of studies with a low risk of bias in RoB domains (p < .01). The proportion of RCTs with low risk of bias improved significantly after the introduction of CONSORT guidelines (p < .001). The evidence mapping revealed a significant research focus on major and minor hepatectomy and cholecystectomy. However, gaps were identified in liver cyst surgery and hepatobiliary vascular surgery. Additionally, there are gaps in the field of perioperative management and nutrition intervention.

Conclusion

The quantity and quality of RCTs in hepatobiliary surgery have increased over time, but there is still room for improvement. We have identified gaps in current research that can be addressed in future studies.
Sex‐associated differences in cardiac ageing: Clinical aspects and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Calvo‐López Margarita , Ortega‐Paz Luis , Jimenez‐Trinidad Francisco Rafael , Brugaletta Salvatore , Sabaté Manel , Dantas Ana Paula
Published: April 2024

Despite the extensive clinical and scientific advances in prevention, diagnostics and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide for people aged 65 and over. Of all ageing‐related diseases, CVD are responsible for almost one‐third of deaths in the elderly, being above all cancers combined. Age is an independent and unavoidable risk factor contributing to the impairment of heart and blood vessels. As the average age of the population in industrialized countries has doubled in the last century, and almost a fifth of the world's population is predicted to be over 65 in the next decade, we can assume that the burden of CVD will fall primarily on the elderly. Evidence from basic and clinical science has shown that sex significantly influences the onset and severity of CVD. In women, CVD usually develop later than in men and with atypical symptomatology. After menopause, however, the incidence and severity of CVD increase in women, reaching equality in both sexes. Although intrinsic sexual dimorphism in cardiovascular ageing may contribute to the sex differences in CVD progression, the molecular mechanisms associated with cardiovascular ageing and their clinical value are not known in detail. In this review, we discuss the scientific knowledge available, focusing on structural, hormonal, genetic/epigenetic and inflammatory pathways, seeking to transfer these findings to the cardiovascular clinic in terms of prevention, diagnosis, prognosis and management of these pathologies and proposing possible validation of target specifics.
Unveiling climatic niches for deeper insights into invasion potential and enhanced distribution models of freshwater fishes
Authors: Jan Arif , Giannico Guillermo , Arismendi Ivan , Flitcroft Rebecca
Published: April 2024

Introduced species may exhibit variations in their preferred climatic niches between their native and introduced ranges, which can have important implications for the transferability of distribution models. In the Himalayan ecoregion, little is known about the geographic distribution and climatic niche overlap between native and introduced cold‐water species. Here, we used the COUE (centroid shift, overlap, unfilling, and expansion) framework to explore the invasive potential of rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown (Salmo trutta fario) trout and corresponding climatic niche overlap with native snow trout (Schizothorax plagiostomus and Schizothorax richardsonii) in the Indus and Ganges River basins. Although we found more stability in the climatic niche for O. mykiss (93%) than S. trutta (58%), both species do not conserve their climatic niches in this region (p > 0.05). S. trutta has expanded more toward new environmental conditions (42%) compared to O. mykiss (7%). However, there are still available environmental gaps that O. mykiss and S. trutta can potentially occupy in the future. There was a higher overlap in climatic niches between S. plagiostomus and O. mykiss and between S. richardsonii and S. trutta. Observed shifts in climatic niches of these introduced species can negatively affect the transferability of distribution models, which may underestimate the assessments of habitat suitability for introduced trout in the Himalayas. Our study demonstrates that the information on climatic niche dynamics can inform the model‐building process and improve the transferability and predictive performance to better assess vulnerability of sensitive habitats to introduced species in the Himalayas and elsewhere.
The process of adaptation to higher education studies and its relation to academic dropout
Authors: Garcés‐Delgado Yaritza , Fernández‐Esteban Mª. Inmaculada , Álvarez‐Pérez Pedro R. , Conde‐Vélez Sara
Published: April 2024

The academic dropout of higher education students represents one of the most significant challenges that university institutions have to face today. This research analysed the university academic trajectory of students who dropped out of university for good. The aim of this paper is to examine in depth the factors that influence the idea of the construction of academic dropout and its relationship with the difficulties of adaptation to the university training system. A qualitative study was carried out in which the interview technique was applied to n = 34 dropout students belonging to three Spanish autonomous communities. The results made it possible to identify and examine students' difficulties in adapting to university studies in greater depth. The interviews revealed contextual and emotional details that contributed to dropout, such as personal and professional challenges and a lack of emotional support. The findings lead to the need to approach the issue from a holistic viewpoint in order to address the different reasons behind university dropouts. This broad view of the academic trajectories of university students who drop out is a benchmark for strategies to improve student retention and success in higher education.
Temporal mechanisms in frontoparallel stereomotion revealed by individual differences analysis
Authors: Llamas‐Cornejo Ichasus , Peterzell David H. , Serrano‐Pedraza Ignacio
Published: April 2024

Masking experiments, using vertical and horizontal sinusoidal depth corrugations, have suggested the existence of more than two spatial‐frequency disparity mechanisms. This result was confirmed through an individual differences approach. Here, using factor analytic techniques, we want to investigate the existence of independent temporal mechanisms in frontoparallel stereoscopic (cyclopean) motion. To construct stereomotion, we used sinusoidal depth corrugations obtained with dynamic random‐dot stereograms. Thus, no luminance motion was present monocularly. We measured disparity thresholds for drifting vertical (up‐down) and horizontal (left‐right) sinusoidal corrugations of 0.4 cyc/deg at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Hz. In total, we tested 34 participants. Results showed a small orientation anisotropy with lower thresholds for horizontal corrugations. Disparity thresholds as a function of temporal frequency were almost constant from 0.25 up to 1 Hz, and then they increased monotonically. Principal component analysis uncovered two significant factors for vertical and two for horizontal corrugations. Varimax rotation showed that one factor loaded from 0.25 to 1–2 Hz and a second factor from 2 to 4 to 8 Hz. Direct Oblimin rotation indicated a moderate intercorrelation of both factors. Our results suggest the possible existence of two somewhat interdependent temporal mechanisms involved in frontoparallel stereomotion.
Study on the Pb(II) adsorption mechanism on acid‐modified ceramsite made from sewage sludge and industrial solid wastes
Authors: Feng Li‐Juan , Li Jia‐Li , Ou Yang‐Yang , Liu An‐Rong
Published: April 2024

Ceramsite was made from sludge, phosphogypsum, and red mud and then modified with different concentrations of hydrochloric, nitric, or citric acid. The resulting composite ceramsite was subsequently utilized for the adsorption of Pb(II). The maximum adsorption capacities of hydrochloric acid– and nitric acid–modified ceramsites were 90.38 and 88.57 mg/g, respectively, which were much higher than those of unmodified ceramsite (66.86 mg/g) and citric acid–modified ceramsite (57.85 mg/g). The variation of isoelectric point, acidic and basic groups, and Fourier transform infrared spectra of ceramsite were compared before and after adsorption. A decrease of isoelectric point implied weakening of electrostatic repulsion between Pb(II) and the modified ceramsite. Functional groups, such as O─H, C═O (or C═C), and Si─O─Si (or Al─O─Al), were involved in the adsorption. In addition, phenol hydroxyl, which exhibited a significant increase in modified ceramsite and a noticeable decrease after adsorption, was the most important group. Besides, the modified ceramsite had larger specific surface areas and pores (30.66 g/m2, .11256 cm3/g), more functional groups, and lower isoelectric points (8.57), which were favorable for adsorption. The adsorption processes described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetics were controlled by chemical adsorptions. Isothermal studies indicated that monolayer adsorption occurred on hydrochloric acid–modified ceramsite and multiple processes occurred on nitric acid– and citric acid–modified ceramsites. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed Pb(II) adsorption on modified ceramsite was spontaneous and endothermic.
Complement inhibition in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: From biology to therapy
Authors: Versino Francesco , Fattizzo Bruno
Published: April 2024

Complement inhibitors are the mainstay of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) treatment. The anti‐C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab was the first treatment to improve hemolysis, thrombotic risk, and survival in PNH although at the price of a life‐long intravenous fortnightly drug. Additionally, suboptimal response may occur in up to 2/3 of patients with persistent anemia due to incomplete control of intravascular hemolysis, development of upstream C3‐mediated extravascular hemolysis (EVH), or concomitant bone marrow failure. Ravulizumab, a longer half‐life anti‐C5 developed from eculizumab, administered every 8 weeks, improved patient convenience, and reduced pharmacokinetic breakthrough hemolysis (BTH) by establishing more stable anti‐C5 concentrations. More recently, several other anti‐C5 compounds (crovalimab, pozelimab, tesidolumab, cemdisiran, zilucoplan, and coversin) are on study in clinical trials. Upstream inhibition of complement cascade was also explored with the anti‐C3 pegcetacoplan, and with the alternative pathway inhibitors iptacopan (anti‐factor B) and danicopan (anti‐factor D). These drugs efficiently target EVH and are able to improve anemia and transfusion need in suboptimal responders to anti‐C5. The route and schedule of administration (twice weekly subcutaneously for pegcetacoplan and twice or thrice oral daily dosing for iptacopan and danicopan, respectively) are very convenient but pose novel issues regarding adherence. Additionally, both anti‐C5 and upstream inhibitors do not resolve the unmet need of pharmacodynamic BTH events due to complement amplifying conditions such as infections, traumas, and surgery. In this review, we will recapitulate PNH physiopathology, clinical presentation, and diagnosis and describe available and developing drugs that will lead to a precision medicine approach for this rare though heterogenous disease.
Infant feeding practices and body mass index up to 7.5 years in the French nationwide ELFE study
Authors: Camier Aurore , Cissé Aminata Hallimat , Heude Barbara , Nicklaus Sophie , Chabanet Claire , Bernard Jonathan Y. , Lioret Sandrine , Charles Marie Aline , de Lauzon‐Guillain Blandine
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives

The infant diet represents one of the main modifiable determinants of early growth. This study aimed to investigate the associations of infant feeding practices with body mass index (BMI) until 7.5 years.

Subjects/Methods

Analyses were based on data from the French nationwide ELFE birth cohort. Data on breastfeeding (BF) and complementary feeding (CF) were collected monthly from 2 to 10 months. Infant feeding practices were characterized using principal component analyses (PCA) and hierarchical ascendant classification. BMI z‐score was computed at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7.5 years, from data collected in the child's health booklet; 7.5‐year overweight was defined according to IOTF references. Associations between infant feeding practices and BMI were investigated by linear regression models adjusted for main confounders.

Results

Ever breastfeeding was not associated with BMI up to 7.5 years. Compared to intermediate breastfeeding duration (1 to <3 months), longer breastfeeding duration (≥6 months) was related to lower 1‐year BMI, but not at older ages. Compared to the recommended age at CF introduction (4–6 months), early CF (<4 months) was related to higher BMI up to 5 years with a similar trend at 7.5 years, but not to the risk of overweight. The PCA patterns characterized by early baby cereal introduction and late food pieces introduction or by frequent intake of main food groups were related to a lower BMI up to 7.5 years.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding was related with a lower BMI in infancy but not thereafter, whereas an early CF initiation (<4 months) was associated with a higher BMI in childhood.
Advanced practice nursing in the field of pelvic floor disorder – Lessons learned 5 years after role implementation
Authors: Enaux Jennifer , Ortner Manuela , Kobleder Andrea , Knecht Christiane
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Pelvic floor disorder is a widespread chronic disease that confronts patients with a variety of physical and psychosocial challenges. An interprofessional team from a hospital region of eastern Switzerland created a specialized health service for this patient population and expressed the need for support by an APN to further develop interprofessional care. A retrospective look, 5 years after the role was implemented, reveals success factors, challenges and insights that can be utilized for similar and future projects.

Method and Analysis

In 2018 and 2019, a stakeholder‐oriented, participatory evaluation research was conducted to shape the role of the APN in the field of pelvic floor disorders. Ten interviews with internal and external experts in the field of pelvic floor disorder were analysed by thematic qualitative text analysis according to Kuckartz. A comparison between the original and the current profile illustrates its further development. Internal controlling shows the workload and number of patient contacts over the years 2018 to 2023. From a management perspective, the organizational and professional policy challenges are highlighted.

Results

In 2018, the APN's scope of practice was described in eight areas, which were assigned to four APN competencies: direct clinical practice, collaboration, counselling, and evidence‐based practice. In 2022, 1211 different patient cases were treated in 1956 APN consultations. 64% of patients were women with interstitial cystitis. The focus was on direct clinical practice along the entire treatment pathway. The APN is predominantly the first and ongoing point of contact and coordinator of interprofessional treatment. The APN focuses on counselling and educating patients and their relatives, in particular on self‐management, for example, on the use of aids and the importance of self‐care. The number and complexity of the diagnostic and treatment interventions carried out by the APN have increased and are supported by expanding and extending competencies. The difficulty of recruiting nurses with a Master's degree, the legally unclear competence profile of APNs and the lack of cost coverage for APN services posed challenges in the development of this patient‐centred care model and required innovative solutions.

Discussion

The initially assumed scope of practice of the APN is still evident 5 years after implementation but is constantly evolving. Although delegated medical activities are carried out by the APN, the focus remains on the original nursing competences. The increase in the number of patients indicates the need for and successful establishment of the care model presented. Professional policy changes are urgently needed to enable the development of patient‐centred, innovative APN roles, both financially and legally.
Treatment selection and real‐world analysis of immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy in PD‐L1‐high metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Smith Samuel , Kao Steven , Boyer Michael , Franco Michael , Moore Melissa
Published: April 2024

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Australia. Immunotherapy has improved outcomes in patients with metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pembrolizumab is approved in first‐line treatment as single‐agent immunotherapy (SAI) or combination chemoimmunotherapy (CIT). In metastatic NSCLC programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) ≥50% either regimen may be used.

Aims

We aim to identify patient and tumour characteristics that influence treatment selection.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study. Pharmacy records identified patients with metastatic/recurrent NSCLC receiving pembrolizumab at two metropolitan centres in Victoria, Australia, since 2018. Demographics, tumour characteristics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and treatment data were collected. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Sixty‐one patients had metastatic NSCLC PD‐L1 ≥50% and received pembrolizumab with median age of 65.6 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0–1 in 82%. CIT was administered to 23% (14) with no difference in rate of delivery between centres (P = 0.808). CCI mean score differed (3.38 SAI vs 2.36 CIT, P = 0.042). Patients with high CCI score (≥2) were less likely to receive CIT (OR = 0.15, P = 0.003, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04–0.57). Primary tumours over 5 cm were more likely to receive CIT (OR = 3.74, P = 0.043, 95% CI = 1.04–13.42). Site‐specific metastases of liver, brain and pericardial effusion were not associated with CIT.

Conclusions

Patients with higher comorbidity score were less likely to receive CIT, suggesting chemotherapy avoidance in comorbid patients. Larger tumours are associated with CIT use, indicating that oncologists may use tumour size as a surrogate of disease burden. Limitations include small sample size and data cut‐off. Future prospective studies could incorporate comorbid status and a validated disease burden score to stratify patients.
Techno‐eustress creators: Conceptualization and empirical validation
Authors: Tarafdar Monideepa , Stich Jean‐François , Maier Christian , Laumer Sven
Published: April 2024

Technostress is an inevitable part of work life. This paper takes a step toward mastering it by focusing on positive stress that Information Systems (IS) creates for IS users, known as techno‐eustress. Factors that create techno‐eustress are known as techno‐eustress creators, which we conceptualise as cognitions experienced by IS users, that IS positively challenges and motivates them to enhance their work. They are important to study because they represent foundational opportunities for professional achievement and growth emanating from IS use. Drawing from theories of psychological eustress, self‐determination and proactive work, this paper theorises and validates an instrument to measure techno‐eustress creators. We establish the construct's validity and examine its nomological relationships based on data collected from working professionals who used IT for their work. We draw on data from two qualitative studies (N = 35) and three quantitative surveys (N = 980) conducted at different points in time. We validate techno‐eustress creators as a second‐order reflective construct having four dimensions: techno‐mastery, techno‐autonomy, techno‐enrichment and techno‐relatedness. We examine its nomological relationships with factors that create techno‐distress, IT strain, and user satisfaction. We contribute to the literature by theorising and validating four ways in which IS users are challenged and motivated by IS to enhance their work. We inform to managerial practice by drawing attention to how organisations can strengthen the different ways employees experience the creators of the ‘good’ stress that use of IS generates.
Economic globalization and unemployment: Evidence from high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries
Authors: Pal Shreya , Villanthenkodath Muhammed Ashiq
Published: April 2024

This study intends to empirically evaluate the effects of economic globalization and its components (i.e. trade and financial openness) on unemployment in high‐, middle‐ and low‐income countries from 1991 to 2020. Further, it considers real GDP per capita (sectoral divisions of income, i.e. agriculture, industry and service sector) and urbanization as control variables in the unemployment function. On the empirical front, this study employs the Panel Dynamic Simulated ARDL model and the Kernel‐Based Regularized Least Squares for long‐run influence estimations. The emanating outcome of these analyses states that economic globalization destroys employment opportunities for low‐income countries as it enhances unemployment in the long run. However, in high‐ and middle‐income countries, economic globalization creates employment, which implies reducing unemployment in the long run. The result also indicates that trade and financial openness destroy employment opportunities in low‐income countries. Although trade openness in middle‐income countries shows the same effect, financial openness does not mimic the same. For high‐income countries, trade openness reduces unemployment, but financial openness fosters it. Therefore, these findings indicate that to keep unemployment at a low level, policies related to the opening up of the economy in terms of factor mobility, offshoring, outsourcing and international trade need to be implemented in low‐income countries. Moreover, a similar consideration is needed for high and middle‐income countries to avoid faraway repercussions on unemployment due to becoming a peripheral country.
Age and growth of the blue shark Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Ecuadorian Pacific: Bayesian multi‐models
Authors: Nicole Suárez‐Aguilar , Fernanda Zambrano‐Cedeño , Mendoza‐Nieto Klever , Briones‐Mendoza Jesus
Published: April 2024

The blue shark Prionace glauca plays a critical role as a predator in marine ecosystems but is threatened by by‐catch. To obtain more precise biological data, a Bayesian approach was used, and 536 vertebrae samples collected during 1 year at the landing stage called “Playita Mía” Manta, Ecuador, were analysed. The objective was to estimate the age and growth parameters of the species. The size of the specimens varied between 116 and 310 cm in total length (TL). Using a Bayesian approach based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, growth parameters were evaluated. The von Bertalanffy model was the one that best fitted the data and provided more adequate estimates (females: = 325.50 cm, = 53.23 cm, and k = 0.12 years; males: = 331.47 cm, = 51.59 cm, k = 0.12 years −1; combined sexes: = 329.65 cm, = 53.64 cm, k = 0.11 year−1). The results indicated that females and males have a similar growth, and that the species has a slow growth. Further studies using multi‐model Bayesian approaches and covering a broader range of sizes in the Pacific Ocean are suggested. These studies will provide crucial information for the management and conservation of this species.
Assessment of the chemical profile and potential biocontrol of Amphora coffeaeformis against foodborne pathogens and Culex pipiens L. to ensure food safety
Authors: Abdel‐Haleem Doaa R. , Marrez Diaa A. , El Raey Mohamed A. , Emam Mahmoud , Seif Mohamed , Farag Shaimaa M.
Published: April 2024

The extensive use of synthetic antibiotics and insecticides in controlling microbes and insect spreads led to a build‐up of resistance strains and caused negative impacts on human health through bioaccumulation in food and the environment. The present study assessed the antimicrobial activity of Amphora coffeaeformis (A. coffeaeformis) ethanolic extract against foodborne pathogenic microbes as well as assessed its ability to control Culex pipiens L. (C. pipiens) larvae. The gas chromatography–mass spectrum (GC/MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that A. coffeaeformis extract was rich with phenolic compounds, organosulfur compounds, carboxylic acids, amino acids, organic quinoline, dipeptide and monosaccharide. The extract of A. coffeaeformis showed antibacterial capability against all tested bacteria, with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) values ranging from 20.2 to 66.7 g/mL, as well as antifungal effects against all tested mycotoxigenic fungi, with MIC values ranging from 113.62, 68.95 and 49.37 μg/mL mg/mL. Furthermore, the extract showed high larvicidal activity against C. pipiens larvae at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. LC50 values decreased gradually with the treatment period. Likewise, the adult emergence and growth index were significantly negatively related to increasing extract concentrations. Moreover, the extract exhibited a noteworthy depletion in the reproductive potential and increased sterility index of C. pipiens females developed of treated larvae. Besides a reduction in egg hatching percent, increase pupal malformations, increase and adult abnormalities. C. pipiens biochemical markers; glutathione‐S‐transferase, carboxylesterase, acetylcholinesterase, α‐esterase and cytochrome P‐450 showed significant alteration after the extract exposure. Overall, these findings promise the application possibility of A. coffeaeformis extract as a biopreservator against foodborne pathogens and as bioinsecticides for mosquito control as well.
With or without you: Family and Career‐Work in a Demanding and Precarious Profession
Authors: Reid Erin , Ghaedipour Farnaz , Obodaru Otilia
Published: April 2024

Family arrangements are crucial to people's abilities to meet the high demands of professional careers; but most scholarship has examined stable, highly remunerated professions. To understand the relationship between career and family within the increasing number of precarious professions, we analyse interviews with 102 journalists. We discover two broad types of career‐work practices these professionals employ to engage family in their careers: career‐family positioning (i.e., crafting a narrative of how career and family relate) and career‐family resourcing (i.e., generating resources from family for career or vice‐versa). Together, these practices touch more family members – spouses, children, parents, siblings, and extended family members – and involve a wider range of resources than documented in stable fields. By piecing together variations of these practices, professionals construct career strategies that address their difficult context in different ways. Two strategies largely accept the demands and precarity, by prioritizing career and drawing on family, or prioritizing career and forgoing family. A third, prioritizing family over career, involves defying the demands. Gender does not clearly influence which career strategy people pursue. These findings advance scholarship on career and family in the professions, social‐symbolic work, and contribute to careers research more broadly.
Unlocking liver health: Can tackling myosteatosis spark remission in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease?
Authors: Henin Guillaume , Loumaye Audrey , Deldicque Louise , Leclercq Isabelle A. , Lanthier Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Myosteatosis is highly prevalent in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and could reciprocally impact liver function. Decreasing muscle fat could be indirectly hepatoprotective in MASLD. We conducted a review to identify interventions reducing myosteatosis and their impact on liver function. Non‐pharmacological interventions included diet (caloric restriction or lipid enrichment), bariatric surgery and physical activity. Caloric restriction in humans achieving a mean weight loss of 3% only reduces muscle fat. Lipid‐enriched diet increases liver fat in human with no impact on muscle fat, except sphingomyelin‐enriched diet which reduces both lipid contents exclusively in pre‐clinical studies. Bariatric surgery, hybrid training (resistance exercise and electric stimulation) or whole‐body vibration in human decrease both liver and muscle fat. Physical activity impacts both phenotypes by reducing local and systemic inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity and modulating the expression of key mediators of the muscle‐liver‐adipose tissue axis. The combination of diet and physical activity acts synergistically in liver, muscle and white adipose tissue, and further decrease muscle and liver fat. Several pharmacological interventions (patchouli alcohol, KBP‐089, 2,4‐dinitrophenol methyl ether, adipoRon and atglistatin) and food supplementation (vitamin D or resveratrol) improve liver and muscle phenotypes in pre‐clinical studies by increasing fatty acid oxidation and anti‐inflammatory properties. These interventions are effective in reducing myosteatosis in MASLD while addressing the liver disease itself. This review supports that disturbances in inter‐organ crosstalk are key pathophysiological mechanisms involved in MASLD and myosteatosis pathogenesis. Focusing on the skeletal muscle might offer new therapeutic strategies to treat MASLD by modulating the interactions between liver and muscles.