bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eyes on nature: Embedded vision cameras for terrestrial biodiversity monitoring
Authors: Darras Kevin F. A. , Balle Marcel , Xu Wenxiu , Yan Yang , Zakka Vincent G. , Toledo‐Hernández Manuel , Sheng Dong , Lin Wei , Zhang Boyu , Lan Zhenzhong , Fupeng Li , Wanger Thomas C.
Published: October 2024

We need comprehensive information to manage and protect biodiversity in the face of global environmental challenges, and artificial intelligence is required to generate that information from vast amounts of biodiversity data. Currently, vision‐based monitoring methods are heterogenous; they poorly cover spatial and temporal dimensions, overly depend on humans, and are not reactive enough for adaptive management.

To mitigate these issues, we present a portable, modular, affordable and low‐power device with embedded vision for biodiversity monitoring of a wide range of terrestrial taxa. Our camera uses interchangeable lenses to resolve barely visible and remote targets, as well as customisable algorithms for blob detection, region‐of‐interest classification and object detection to automatically identify them. We showcase our system in six use cases from ethology, landscape ecology, agronomy, pollination ecology, conservation biology and phenology disciplines.

Using the same devices with different setups, we discovered bats feeding on durian tree flowers, monitored flying bats and their insect prey, identified nocturnal insect pests in paddy fields, detected bees visiting rapeseed crop flowers, triggered real‐time alerts for waterfowl and tracked flower phenology over months. We measured classification accuracies (i.e. F1‐scores) between 55% and 95% in our field surveys and used them to standardise observations over highly resolved time scales.

Our cameras are amenable to situations where automated vision‐based monitoring is required off the grid, in natural and agricultural ecosystems, and in particular for quantifying species interactions. Embedded vision devices such as this will help addressing global biodiversity challenges and facilitate a technology‐aided agricultural systems transformation.
Use and perceptions of involuntary civil commitment among post‐overdose outreach staff in Massachusetts, United States: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Cummins Emily R. , Walley Alexander Y. , Xuan Ziming , Yan Shapei , Schoenberger Samantha F. , Formica Scott W. , Bagley Sarah M. , Beletsky Leo , Green Traci C. , Lambert Audrey , Carroll Jennifer J.
Published: October 2024

Background and aims

Involuntary civil commitment (ICC) is a legal process by which people are compulsorily admitted to substance use treatment. This study explored views about and promotion of ICC procedures for substance use disorders among public health‐public safety post‐overdose outreach programs and their outreach team members in Massachusetts, USA.

Design

In this mixed‐methods study, survey data were collected from post‐overdose outreach programs in 2019, and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with outreach team members in 2019 and 2020.

Setting

Massachusetts, USA.

Participants

We received 138 survey responses and conducted 38 interviews with post‐overdose outreach team members (law enforcement officers, recovery coaches, social workers and harm reductionists) who were majority male (57%) and white (66%).

Measurements

We used the survey instrument to categorize programs as more (discussed ICC at 50% or more of outreach encounters) or less ICC focused (discussed ICC at less than 50% of outreach encounters) and to identify program characteristics that corresponded with each categorization. Semi‐structured interviews explored staff perceptions of ICC effectiveness.

Findings

Among 138 programs, 36% (n = 50) discussed ICC at 50% or more of outreach encounters. Discussing ICC at a majority of visits was positively associated with abstinence‐only program philosophies (36% v. 6%, P < 0.001) and collaborating with drug courts (60% v. 30%, P < 0.001), but negatively associated with naloxone distribution (48% v. 75%, P < 0.001) and referring to syringe service programs (26% v. 65%, P < 0.001). Qualitative interviews identified three themes: 1) some programs viewed ICC as a first line tool to engage overdose survivors in treatment; 2) other programs considered ICC a last resort, skeptical of its benefits and concerned about potential harms; 3) families commonly initiated discussions about ICC, reportedly out of desperation.

Conclusions

Promotion of involuntary civil commitment (ICC) appears to vary widely across post‐overdose outreach programs in Massachusetts, USA, with approaches ranging from seeing it as a first step to treatment to being a tool of last resort. Demand for ICC among family members may relate to inadequate access to voluntary treatment. Family interest in ICC appears to be driven by inadequate availability of treatment and other services. ICC at post‐overdose outreach visits should be limited, if used at all.
Validating Simple Modifications to the Rome IV Criteria for the Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Secondary Care
Authors: Goodoory Vivek C. , Riggott Christy , Khasawneh Mais , Black Christopher J. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: October 2024

Background

The Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be too restrictive for clinical practice and research.

Aims

To validate the Rome IV criteria and study the diagnostic performance of simple modifications to them.

Methods

We collected symptom data from consecutive adults with suspected IBS seen in a single clinic. We used a reference standard to confirm IBS (presence of lower abdominal pain associated with altered stool form or frequency; no evidence of organic gastrointestinal disease after limited investigation). We applied Rome IV criteria, but also two modifications. First, we re‐incorporated abdominal discomfort but kept symptom frequency required for both abdominal pain and discomfort to at least 1 day per week. Second, we included only abdominal pain but relaxed symptom frequency back to 3 days per month. We calculated sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for each diagnostic criterion.

Results

We recruited 170 patients (76.5% female, mean age 37.9 years). Sensitivity and specificity of the Rome IV criteria were 82.1% and 85.1%, respectively; positive and negative LRs were 5.51 (95% CI 2.95–11.3) and 0.21 (95% CI 0.14–0.31), respectively. Modifying the criteria by relaxing the frequency of abdominal pain to 3 days per month led to the best performance [sensitivity 90.2%, specificity 85.1%, positive LR 6.06 (95% CI 3.25–12.2), and negative LR 0.11 (95% CI 0.07–0.19)].

Conclusions

The Rome IV criteria performed well in diagnosing IBS. A simple modification relaxing the required frequency of abdominal pain improved their performance.
18F‐FDG PET/CT impact in grade 3B follicular lymphoma
Authors: Albano Domenico
Published: October 2024

[18F]‐fluoro‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) is a non‐invasive imaging tool that has a fundamental role in the management of FDG‐avid lymphoma (also FL) in different settings, especially in the evaluation of treatment response and prognostication. The report by Barraclough et al. demonstrated that the treatment response evaluation by 18F‐FDG PET/CT was a strong predictor of prognosis in grade 3B follicular lymphoma (G3BFL). Moreover, among semiquantitative baseline PET features, standardized uptake value (SUV) and TGL showed to be useful in predicting progression‐free survival (PFS).

Commentary on: Barraclough et al. The value of semiquantitative PET features and end‐of‐therapy PET in grade 3B follicular lymphoma. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:2254‐2261.
Secondary haematological dysplasia after CAR‐T‐cell therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children
Authors: Theron Alexandre , Alonso‐Saladrigues Anna , Dapena Jose‐Luis , López‐Duarte Mónica , Diaz de Heredia Cristina , Verdú‐Amorós Jaime , Sarrate Edurne , Esperanza‐Cebollada Elena , Cuatrecasas Esther , Andreu Sandra , Conde Nuria , Sanchez‐Sierra Nazaret , Isola Ignacio , Camós Mireia , Torrebadell Montse , Rives Susana , Català Albert
Published: October 2024

The use of CAR‐T is becoming more widespread in the treatment of haematological malignancies. In adults, secondary myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) after CAR‐T have been described. However, there are currently no data on the risk of MDS following CAR‐T in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We studied all children treated with CAR‐T cells at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona and those with persistent cytopenias were evaluated at the cytological, cytogenetic, and molecular levels to look for MDS. A total of 106 patients received CAR‐T for ALL. Among 40 patients without early relapse or subsequent therapy after CAR‐T, four fulfilled the WHO criteria for myelodysplasia. These four patients had received a haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) prior to CAR‐T and presented cytopenias with severe dysplastic changes in bone marrow after CAR‐T. One patient had clonal MDS with high‐risk cytogenetics arising from the host cells requiring a HSCT. Three patients had non‐progressive dysplasia arising from the donor cells. Two are alive in complete remission with stable cytopenias and one succumbed to ALL relapse. This is the first description of post‐CAR‐T MDS and haematological dysplasia in children and highlights the need to monitor children with persistent post‐CAR‐T cytopenias.
Preclinical models for evaluating psychedelics in the treatment of major depressive disorder
Authors: Alexander Laith , Anderson Dasha , Baxter Luke , Claydon Matthew , Rucker James , Robinson Emma S. J.
Published: October 2024

Psychedelic drugs have seen a resurgence in interest as a next generation of psychiatric medicines with potential as rapid‐acting antidepressants (RAADs). Despite promising early clinical trials, the mechanisms which underlie the effects of psychedelics are poorly understood. For example, key questions such as whether antidepressant and psychedelic effects involve related or independent mechanisms are unresolved. Preclinical studies in relevant animal models are key to understanding the pharmacology of psychedelics and translating these findings to explain efficacy and safety in patients. Understanding the mechanisms of action associated with the behavioural effects of psychedelic drugs can also support the identification of novel drug targets and more effective treatments. Here we review the behavioural approaches currently used to quantify the psychedelic and antidepressant effects of psychedelic drugs. We discuss conceptual and methodological issues, the importance of using clinically relevant doses and the need to consider possible sex differences in preclinical psychedelic studies.
Evaluation of cfDNA fragmentation characteristics in plasma for the diagnosis of lung cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Fudong , Wang Chong , Li Hongxia , Yu Bo , Chang Luyuan , Wang Feng , Long Chaolian , Bai Ling , Zhao Hanqing , Che Nanying
Published: October 2024

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, yet only approximately 16% of patients are diagnosed in early stage, highlighting the urgent need for novel, highly accurate detection models. In our study, patients with suspected lung cancer or lung disease, as identified through radiographic imaging, along with healthy individuals, were consecutively recruited from Beijing Chest Hospital. Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) was extracted from plasma samples, and low‐depth whole‐genome sequencing was performed to identify fragmentomic features for model construction. A total of 265 participants were prospectively enrolled, comprising 124 lung cancer patients and 141 noncancer individuals. The model we developed was based on four cfDNA fragmentation characteristics, including 20‐bp breakpoint nucleotides motif, fragmentation size coverage, fragmentation size distribution, and copy number variation. In an independent test cohort, the model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.861 (95% CI: 0.781–0.942) and demonstrated a sensitivity of 70% (95% CI: 53.5%–83.4%) at a specificity of 89.4% (95% CI: 76.9%–96.5%). Notably, the model was also effective in detecting early‐stage cancer, with an AUC of 0.808 (95% CI: 0.69–0.925). In summary, our lung cancer detection model shows strong screening capabilities by leveraging four cfDNA fragmentation characteristics, exhibiting robust performance in early cancer diagnosis.
Effect of Endogenous Hormone Levels on Basal Metabolic Rate in Men With Obesity
Authors: Van Cauwenberghe Jolijn , Van Dessel Kristof , De Block Christophe , Dirinck Eveline
Published: October 2024

Objective

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is an important factor in weight management and is influenced by fat‐free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and age. Current knowledge of the influence of hormonal levels on BMR is based on studies with small populations, studies that investigate exogenous administration and studies frequently lacking correction for body composition.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Patients

All men (n = 457) who were referred to our centre for a metabolic work‐up were eligible for inclusion. Median age was 47 (18–78) years and the vast majority had obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², 90.9%).

Measurements

All men had a measurement of BMR, body composition and measurement of testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4). Men with low, normal and/or high levels of each of these hormones were compared. The association between hormone levels and BMR was assessed through linear regression models. All analyses were controlled for FFM, FM and age.

Results

In men with obesity, testosterone (total or free) was not associated with BMR. Linear regression analysis showed that DHEAS was positively associated with BMR in a sample of men with obesity and normal endogenous DHEAS levels, with the following equation: BMR (adjusted R² = 0.72): (BMR [kcal/d] = 513.402 + 18.940 × FFM [kg] + 9.507 × FM [kg] − 3.362 × age [years] + 0.307 × DHEAS [µg/dL]) (p < 0.01). TSH, fT4 and IGF‐1 were not associated with BMR.

Conclusion

In men with obesity, endogenous DHEAS is positively associated with BMR. Testosterone, TSH, fT4 and IGF‐1 were not associated with BMR in men with obesity. Since we examined the specific population of men with obesity and only examined endogenous hormone levels, no extrapolation of results to other populations or the overall population can be made.
Complex Words as Shortest Paths in the Network of Lexical Knowledge
Authors: Monakhov Sergei , Diessel Holger
Published: October 2024

Lexical models diverge on the question of how to represent complex words. Under the morpheme‐based approach, each morpheme is treated as a separate unit, while under the word‐based approach, morphological structure is derived from complex words. In this paper, we propose a new computational model of morphology that is based on graph theory and is intended to elaborate the word‐based network approach. Specifically, we use a key concept of network science, the notion of shortest path, to investigate how complex words are learned, stored, and processed. The notion of shortest path refers to the task of finding the shortest or most optimal path connecting two non‐adjacent nodes in a network. Building on this notion, the current study shows (i) that new complex words can be segmented into morphemes through the shortest path analysis; (ii) that attested English words tend to represent the shortest paths in the morphological network; and (iii) that novel (unattested) words receive higher acceptability ratings in experiments when they are formed along established optimal paths. The model's performance is tested in two experiments with human participants as well as against the behavioral data from the English Lexicon Project. We interpret our empirical results from the perspective of a usage‐based model of grammar and argue that network science provides a powerful tool for analyzing language structure.
Effectiveness and safety of levodopa–entacapone–carbidopa infusion in Parkinson disease: A real‐world data study
Authors: Santos‐García Diego , López‐Manzanares Lydia , Muro Inés , Lorenzo‐Barreto Pablo , Casas Peña Elena , García‐Ramos Rocío , Fernández Valle Tamara , Morata‐Martínez Carlos , Baviera‐Muñoz Raquel , Martínez‐Torres Irene , Álvarez‐Sauco María , Alonso‐Modino Déborah , Legarda Inés , Valero‐García María Fuensanta , Suárez‐Muñoz José Andrés , Martínez‐Castrillo Juan Carlos , Perona Ana Belén , Salom Jose María , Cubo Esther , Valero‐Merino Caridad , López‐Ariztegui Nuria , Sánchez Alonso Pilar , Novo Ponte Sabela , Gamo González Elisa , Martín García Raquel , Espinosa Raúl , Carmona Mar , Feliz Cici Esmerali , García Ruíz Pedro , Muñoz Ruíz Teresa , Fernández Rodríguez Beatriz , Mata Marina
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

Levodopa–entacapone–carbidopa intestinal gel (LECIG) infusion is a recently developed device‐aided therapy for advanced Parkinson disease (PD) patients. The aim of this study was to report real‐world evidence about the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of LECIG in PD patients.

Methods

A multicenter observational retrospective study of the first patients who initiated LECIG in Spain was performed. All neurologists with an experience of at least two patients treated until 30 March 2024 were invited to participate. Data about effectiveness and safety from the medical records (V0, pre‐LECIG; V1, initiation of LECIG; V2, post‐LECIG follow‐up) with a total of 246 variables were collected.

Results

Seventy‐three PD patients (61.6% males, 70.1 ± 9.1 years old) from 21 Spanish centers with a mean disease duration of 14.4 ± 6.3 years (range = 5–31) were included. Twenty‐six patients (35.6%) were switched directly from levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gel. The mean exposure to LECIG was 177.3 ± 110.5 days (range = 7–476). The mean daily OFF time decreased from 5.2 ± 3 (pre‐LECIG) to 1.9 ± 1.8 (post‐LECIG; n = 66, p < 0.0001). Global improvement was observed in >85% of the patients. No significant change was detected in the levodopa equivalent daily dose from V0 to V2. Only 7% received 24‐h infusion, and 24.7% required more than one cartridge per day at V2. Thirty‐four patients (46.6%) had at least one adverse event related to LECIG and/or the device system. Five patients (6.8%) discontinued LECIG.

Conclusions

LECIG was safe and effective in advanced PD patients.
A wearable real‐time particulate monitor demonstrates that soaking hay reduces dust exposure
Authors: Ivester Kathleen M. , Ni Ji‐Qin , Couetil Laurent L. , Peters Thomas M. , Tatum Marcus , Willems Lynn , Park Jae Hong
Published: October 2024

Background

Affordable particulate matter (PM) monitors suitable for use on horses will facilitate the evaluation of PM mitigation methods and improve the management of equine asthma.

Objective

Calibrate a real‐time wearable PM monitor (Black Beauty [BB]) and compare the PM exposures of horses fed dry or soaked hay.

Study design

Laboratory calibration; complete cross‐over feed trial.

Methods

Side‐by‐side sampling with BB monitors and tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs) was performed under varying concentrations of PM from alfalfa hay. Linear regression was used to derive a calibration formula for each unit based on TEOM PM measurements. Precision was evaluated by calculating the coefficient of variation and pairwise correlation coefficients between three BB monitors. PM exposure was measured at the breathing zone of 10 horses for 8 h after they were fed dry or soaked hay. Repeated measures generalised linear models were constructed to determine the effect of hay treatment and measurement duration (initial 20‐min vs. 8‐h) upon exposure to PM with diameters smaller than or equal to 10 μm (PM10) and 2.5 μm (PM2.5).

Results

BB monitor PM2.5 and PM10 measurements were linearly correlated with TEOM data (coefficient of determination r2 > 0.85 and r2 > 0.90 respectively), but underestimated PM2.5 mass concentrations by a factor of 4 and PM10 concentrations by a factor of 44. Measures from the three BB monitors had a coefficient of variation <15% and pairwise r > 0.98. Feeding soaked hay significantly reduced average PM2.5 exposures (20‐min: dry: 160 μg/m3, soaked: 53 μg/m3, p < 0.0001; 8‐h: dry: 76 μg/m3, soaked: 31 μg/m3, p = 0.0008) and PM10 exposures (20‐min: dry: 2829 μg/m3, soaked: 970 μg/m3, p < 0.0001; 8‐h: dry: 1581 μg/m3, soaked: 488 μg/m3, p = 0.008).

Main limitations

No health outcome measures were collected.

Conclusions

With appropriate corrections, the BB monitor can be used to estimate horse PM exposure. While 20‐min measurements yielded higher estimates of exposure than 8‐h measurements, both intervals demonstrate that soaking hay reduces PM exposures by more than 50%.
The relationship between familial factors and youth mental health outcomes in Korean American families: The mediation effects of youth's negative emotionality
Authors: Park In Young , Park Michael , Bellamy Jennifer , Choi Yoonsun
Published: October 2024

Depressive symptoms are one of the mental health problems among Korean American (KA) youth. Although several studies examined mental distress among KA youth, few have examined the associations between different familial factors, negative emotionality, and depressive symptoms among them, especially using longitudinal data. Drawing on the Triadic Model of Family Process (TMFP), this study examined the longitudinal associations between Korean‐specific aspects of familial factors and depressive symptoms among KA youth and the mediation role of negative emotionality in the relationships. Using KA youth and parent data from the Midwest Longitudinal Study of Asian American Families (MLSAAF) project, path analyses revealed that family enmeshment and youth‐reported intergenerational conflict were associated with youth depressive symptoms, with negative emotionality serving as a mediator. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing negative emotionality and improving parent–youth relationship quality and family boundaries could be helpful in reducing youth depressive symptoms.
The structure of the IL‐11 signalling complex provides insight into receptor variants associated with craniosynostosis
Authors: Sentosa Darlene D. , Metcalfe Riley D. , Sims Natalie A. , Putoczki Tracy L. , Griffin Michael D. W.
Published: October 2024

Interleukin 11 (IL‐11), a member of the IL‐6 family of cytokines, has roles in haematopoiesis, inflammation, bone metabolism, and craniofacial development. IL‐11 also has pathological roles in chronic inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. In this structural snapshot, we explore our recently published cryo‐EM structure of the human IL‐11 signalling complex to understand the molecular mechanisms of complex formation and disease‐associated mutations. IL‐11 signals by binding to its cell surface receptors, the IL‐11 receptor α subunit (IL‐11Rα) and glycoprotein 130 (gp130), to form a hexameric signalling complex. We examine the locations within the complex of receptor sequence variants that are associated with craniosynostosis and craniosynostosis‐like phenotypes and speculate on potential molecular mechanisms leading to defects in signalling function. While these causative amino acid sequence changes in IL‐11Rα are generally distal to interfaces between components of the complex, important structural residues are highly represented, including proline residues, cysteine residues involved in disulfide bonds, and residues within or surrounding the tryptophan‐arginine ladder. We also note the locations and potential effects of amino acid substitutions within the extracellular domains of gp130 that are associated with craniosynostosis. As focus on the physiological and pathological functions of IL‐11 grows, the importance of high‐resolution structural knowledge of IL‐11 signalling to understand disease‐associated mutations and to inform therapeutic strategies will only increase.
Resolving the Intricate Effects of Multiple Global Change Drivers on Root Litter Decomposition
Authors: Zhao Qingzhou , Freschet Grégoire T. , Tao Tingting , Smith Gabriel Reuben , Wang Peng , Hu Lingyan , Ma Miaojun , Johnson David , Crowther Thomas W. , Hu Shuijin
Published: October 2024

Plant roots represent about a quarter of global plant biomass and constitute a primary source of soil organic carbon (C). Yet, considerable uncertainty persists regarding root litter decomposition and their responses to global change factors (GCFs). Much of this uncertainty stems from a limited understanding of the multifactorial effects of GCFs and it remains unclear how these effects are mediated by litter quality, soil conditions and microbial functionality. Using complementary field decomposition and laboratory incubation approaches, we assessed the relative controls of GCF‐mediated changes in root litter traits and soil and microbial properties on fine‐root decomposition under warming, nitrogen (N) enrichment, and precipitation alteration. We found that warming and N enrichment accelerated fine‐root decomposition by over 10%, and their combination showed an additive effect, while precipitation reduction suppressed decomposition overall by 12%, with the suppressive effect being most significant under warming‐alone and N enrichment‐alone conditions. Significantly, changes in litter quality played a dominant role and accelerated fine‐root decomposition by 15% ~ 18% under warming and N enrichment, while changes in soil and microbial properties were predominant and reduced decomposition by 7% ~ 10% under precipitation reduction and the combined warming and N enrichment. Examining only the decomposition environment or litter properties in isolation can distort global change effects on root decomposition, underestimating precipitation reduction impacts by 38% and overstating warming and N effects by up to 73%. These findings highlight that the net impact of GCFs on root litter decomposition hinges on the interplay between GCF‐modulated root decomposability and decomposition environment, as well as on the synergistic or antagonistic relationships among GCFs themselves. Our study emphasizes that integrating the legacy effects of multiple GCFs on root traits, soil conditions and microbial functionality would improve our prediction of C and nutrient cycling under interactive global change scenarios.
Imagined Communities of Chinese International Graduates in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Yin Yijun , Chik Alice , Falloon Garry
Published: October 2024

The rapid increase in the number of international graduates seeking employment opportunities in host countries has been accompanied by a corresponding growth in related discourse regarding how international students could successfully benefit from post‐study work visa schemes and whether or not they are ‘career‐ready’ in local job markets. This study focuses on the linguistic capital among international graduates during their study–work transition processes. The qualitative analysis highlights that international graduates encounter various language‐related challenges during their transitions. However, their increased investment in English could not be simply interpreted as actions to overcome the language‐related challenges that they had encountered but was also for gaining access to their imagined communities, achieving non‐linguistic goals and employment outcomes. The study draws implications for understanding how international graduates could be better accommodated and encouraged to participate in the wider communities in their host countries. This is important knowledge, as enhancing employment outcomes is not only a goal for students pursuing international education but also of critical interest to countries seeking to sustain the international education industry.
Knowledge and Skills Are Not Enough—Exploring the Determinants of Financial Behavior Formation
Authors: Lučić Andrea , Erceg Nikola , Barbić Dajana
Published: October 2024

Understanding how young people learn to manage their finances responsibly can guide interventions to improve their financial health and stability in the short and long term, yet merely increasing financial knowledge and skills is ineffective. Psychological and environmental factors appear to be important determinants of financial behavior, yet such factors have long been neglected in the literature. The present study appears to be the first to assess empirically the contribution of intuitive and rational mental capacity as well as opportunities and motivation to financial behavior formation. We surveyed 2299 young adults at 229 high schools and universities in Croatia. Through structural equation modeling, we found that intuitive and rational thinking as well as motivation and opportunity substantially influenced the formation of financial behavior, whereas financial knowledge played a negligible role. Rational thinking was a stronger determinant than intuitive thinking in the case of healthy financial behavior, while the opposite was true in the case of impulsive consumption. These insights may help develop effective interventions for promoting positive financial habits among young adults.
Comorbidities in Japanese testicular cancer survivors: A multi‐institutional, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Koyama Juntaro , Yamashita Shinichi , Kakimoto Kenichi , Uemura Motohide , Kishida Takeshi , Kawai Koji , Nakamura Terukazu , Goto Takayuki , Osawa Takahiro , Nishimura Kazuo , Nonomura Norio , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Shiraishi Takumi , Ukimura Osamu , Ogawa Osamu , Shinohara Nobuo , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Ito Akihiro , Arai Yoichi
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate comorbidities in Japanese testicular cancer (TC) survivors in a multi‐institutional, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study enrolled TC survivors who visited any of the eight high‐volume institutions in Japan from 2018 to 2019. After obtaining informed consent, participants answered questionnaires about their comorbidities. We analyzed the impact of treatment on comorbidities rate in TC survivors.

Results

A total of 509 TC survivors responded to the comorbidity questionnaires. Median age at the time of response was 43 years (IQR 35–51 years) and median follow‐up period after treatment was 5.1 years (IQR 2.1–9.2 years). TC survivors were divided according to the number of cycles of chemotherapy into the following groups: None (n = 153); 1–2 cycles (n = 34); 3–4 cycles (n = 234); or ≥5 cycles (n = 88). The prevalence of kidney disease increased significantly with increasing number of cycles of chemotherapy (p < 0.05). The relative risk of cardiovascular disease in the groups with three or more cycles was 2.6 compared to the group without chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The present study showed that the prevalence of kidney disease in TC survivors was increased with increasing number of cycles of chemotherapy.
Identification and functional study of Fib‐L, a major silk fibroin gene component in rice leaf folders
Authors: Xie Jing , Mo Qiyao , Chen Lina , Zhu Zhongyan , Liu Xiao , Smagghe Guy , Ye Mao , Li Shangwei
Published: October 2024

The rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a major migratory pest in rice agriculture. This pest is characterised by its larvae's ability to fold rice leaves using silk, a behaviour that culminates in the formation of a silken cocoon during the pupal stage. The fibroin light chain (CmFib‐L) gene is crucial for silk production, yet its specific function in C. medinalis has reminded elusive. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the CmFib‐L gene, revealing its complete open reading frame (ORF) and expression patterns. Notably, the gene is highly expressed in the fifth‐instar larvae and the silk gland, which are critical stages for silk production. Our experiments demonstrate that silencing the CmFib‐L gene leads to a reduction in pupal weight, an extension of the pupal stage and a disorganised silk cocoon. Furthermore, the larval behaviour of leaf folding and spinning is significantly impaired when the expression of CmFib‐L is downregulated. These findings not only show the importance of fibroin light chain in silk production but also reveal a new target gene to regulate and control the behaviour and development of C. medinalis.
Challenges for Family Caregivers of Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kuo Li‐Min , Wang Ching‐Lin , Huang Huei‐Ling , Hsu Wen‐Chuin , Shyu Yea‐Ing L.
Published: October 2024

Family caregivers of persons with mild cognitive impairment attempt to understand the behavioural and functional changes exhibited by their relative. However, how caregivers respond to initial changes and changes over time has not been explored. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of family caregivers responding to changes in their relative's memory, behaviours, and physical functions over 2 years. Eleven family caregivers of a relative with mild cognitive impairment were purposively recruited from neurological clinics in Taiwan. Face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were conducted within 6‐months of referral; three follow‐ups were conducted at 6‐month intervals. Content analysis of 41 transcribed audio‐recorded interviews revealed the longitudinal changes in their relative with cognitive impairment was made caregiving challenging. Three themes described the challenges: (1) Changes related to their relative's cognitive impairment, which included increases in mood fluctuations, erratic behaviours, and reductions in physical abilities; (2) changes in their relative's comorbidities, which included adapting to new symptoms and treatments for a chronic disease, monitoring medication adherence and drug interactions; and (3) changes in caregiver burden, which increased levels of stress, uncertainty, and anxiety resulting in greater role strain. Caregiving became more challenging with time, especially caregivers whose relative developed dementia during the study period. These findings offer insight into the trajectory of the experience of family caregivers attempting to understand changes in cognition, behaviours, and physical functions for their relative with mild cognitive impairment over 2 years, which could help mental healthcare providers develop support services to reduce caregiver role strain.
The Impact of Clinical Supervision on the Mental Health Nursing Workforce: A Scoping Review
Authors: McDonough Joshua , Rhodes Kate , Procter Nicholas
Published: October 2024

Clinical supervision is a psychologically safe practice that aims to provide support and training for workers within the healthcare industry, including mental health nurses. Over the years, clinical supervision has been cited as a practice to improve workforce outcomes for both individual mental health nurses and the organisations they work in. The aim of this scoping review is to examine the evidence exploring the relationship between clinical supervision and workforce outcomes for mental health nurses. Twenty‐eight articles sourced from six databases were included in this study. The most frequently evaluated workforce outcomes were competence (n = 14), workplace culture (n = 13) and compassion (n = 7). Studies reported that the association between clinical supervision and workforce outcomes was predominantly positive, but there were mixed results for competence, workplace culture, job satisfaction and burnout. Details on the type of clinical supervision received by participants were limited, and most of the evidence included in this review included qualitative research and participants self‐reporting their perceived benefits from clinical supervision, as opposed to using validated instruments in experimental and/or longitudinal study designs. Organisations should be hesitant to implement mandatory clinical supervision within workplaces, as this could have the opposite effect on workforce outcomes for mental health nurses who are already time‐poor and overworked, as well as those who are indifferent or hostile to clinical supervision.
Do pay secrecy policies prevent voluntary turnover?
Authors: Acuna Carlos
Published: October 2024

Pay secrecy (PS) policies, commonly found in the US private sector, restrict pay communication among employees. Previous research suggests that these policies help prevent pay dissatisfaction and attrition among low earners by limiting salary comparisons. However, by exploiting the staggered adoption of PS bans across US states as a negative shock to PS, I find no causal relationship between PS and voluntary turnover. This suggests that workers' reluctance to ask others about their pay renders PS policies irrelevant for retention purposes. This, in turn, highlights the need for organizations to consider alternative approaches to enhance employee retention and commitment.
Bone sialoprotein facilitates anoikis resistance in lung cancer by inhibiting miR‐150‐5p expression
Authors: Thuong Le Huynh Hoai , Huang Chang‐Lun , Fong Yi‐Chin , Liu Chun‐Lin , Guo Jeng‐Hung , Wu Chih‐Ying , Liu Po‐I , Tang Chih‐Hsin
Published: October 2024

Metastatic lung cancer is a highly prevalent cancer with a very low chance of long‐term survival. Metastasis at secondary sites requires that cancer cells develop anoikis resistance to survive during circulation. High levels of bone sialoprotein (BSP), a member of the small integrin‐binding ligand N‐linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs), have been shown to promote the spread of lung cancer cells; however, the effects of BSP in anoikis resistance are largely unknown. In this study, we determined that BSP promotes anoikis resistance in lung cancer cells. BSP was also shown to promote the expression of E‐cadherin and vimentin (epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition markers, which have been utilized as indicators of anoikis resistance). It appears that BSP facilitates MMP‐14‐dependent anoikis resistance by inhibiting the synthesis of miR‐150‐5p and activating the ERK signalling pathway. Knockdown of BSP expression was shown to block lung cancer metastasis by lowering anoikis resistance in vivo. These results indicate that BSP is a promising target to deal with anoikis resistance and metastasis in human lung cancers.
Measuring guideline adherence in physiotherapy: A scoping review of methodological approaches
Authors: Bahns Carolin , Scheffler Bettina , Bremer Alexander , Kopkow Christian
Published: October 2024

Rationale

Clinical practice guidelines summarise the existing evidence on specific health conditions and aim to optimise quality of care by providing evidence‐based recommendations. Studies have reported a gap between research findings and clinical practice in physiotherapy. Guideline adherence is often used as a measure of agreement between therapeutic care and guideline recommendations. However, there is currently no standardised methodological approach for measuring guideline adherence.

Aims and Objective

The objective of this scoping review was to summarise the methods and results of studies that assessed guideline adherence in physiotherapy.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro and CENTRAL databases were searched for relevant literature up to December 2022. Published reports of observational studies and controlled clinical trials that provided information on the assessment of guideline adherence in physiotherapists were included. The selection process was performed independently by two reviewers. The methodological quality of the identified reports was not assessed. Results were summarised narratively.

Results

From a total of 2560 potentially relevant records, 53 reports were included in the analysis. Physiotherapists' adherence to guidelines was primarily assessed in the context of musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain (n = 25, 47.2%) and osteoarthritis (n = 8, 15.1%). A wide range of measurement approaches were used with the majority of reports using web‐based surveys (n = 21, 39.6%), followed by chart reviews (n = 17, 32.1%). Most reports (n = 21, 39.6%) provided information on the level of adherence in terms of frequency dichotomising (self‐reported) clinical practice as adherent or non‐adherent. Adherence rates varied widely between included reports.

Conclusions

Although the large number of included reports indicates a high level of interest in the topic of guideline adherence, there is considerable heterogeneity between studies regarding the methodological approaches used to assess guideline adherence in physiotherapists. This reduces the comparability of the study results.

Trial Registration

INPLASY (registration no. 202250081). Registered on 12th May 2022.
Effects of Kinesio‐taping and rigid‐taping on vertical jump in individuals with pes planus: A randomised crossover comparison
Authors: Ünsalan Melissa , Miçooğulları Mehmet , Angın Salih
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The effects of Kinesio‐taping (KT) and rigid‐taping (RT) on vertical jump performance have been investigated; however, remain unclear. The study was designed to compare the effects of KT and RT on vertical jump in individuals with pes planus.

Methods

A total of 74 participants were diagnosed with pes planus. The foot posture index (FPI) was used to determine pes planus. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Before taping, the vertical jump height and power were measured using a VertiMetric device as baseline data. Jump measurement was repeated after Kinesio‐taping (KT) and rigid taping (RT) application to group 1 and group 2 respectively in the first period and after crossing in the second period following a 1‐week washout. Crossover and equivalence analyses were used for data analysis.

Results

KT and RT showed a statistically significant increase in jump height and power. However, the effect of the RT was higher compared to KT (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

While both taping techniques increased jump height and power, RT was more effective than KT in improving jumping performance in individuals with pes planus, possibly because of its direct supporting function on the MLA. RT may also improve performance in various sports or clinical settings to accelerate recovery after injury or lower the risk of injury caused by poor foot posture.
Big data and artificial intelligence‐aided crop breeding: Progress and prospects
Authors: Zhu Wanchao , Li Weifu , Zhang Hongwei , Li Lin
Published: October 2024

The past decade has witnessed rapid developments in gene discovery, biological big data (BBD), artificial intelligence (AI)‐aided technologies, and molecular breeding. These advancements are expected to accelerate crop breeding under the pressure of increasing demands for food. Here, we first summarize current breeding methods and discuss the need for new ways to support breeding efforts. Then, we review how to combine BBD and AI technologies for genetic dissection, exploring functional genes, predicting regulatory elements and functional domains, and phenotypic prediction. Finally, we propose the concept of intelligent precision design breeding (IPDB) driven by AI technology and offer ideas about how to implement IPDB. We hope that IPDB will enhance the predictability, efficiency, and cost of crop breeding compared with current technologies. As an example of IPDB, we explore the possibilities offered by CropGPT, which combines biological techniques, bioinformatics, and breeding art from breeders, and presents an open, shareable, and cooperative breeding system. IPDB provides integrated services and communication platforms for biologists, bioinformatics experts, germplasm resource specialists, breeders, dealers, and farmers, and should be well suited for future breeding.
Quantitative Easing and Direct Lending in Response to the COVID‐19 Crisis
Authors: OCCHINO FILIPPO
Published: October 2024

This paper develops a dynamic general equilibrium model to study quantitative easing (QE) and direct lending to firms. QE works through three channels: expanding bank reserves raises liquidity and lowers the liquidity premium, purchasing assets withdraws risk and lowers the volatility risk premium, and the resulting economic stimulus lowers the credit risk premium. When bank reserves are higher, the liquidity premium channel is weaker, and QE is less expansionary. Direct lending is more expansionary than QE because it substitutes bank lending and mitigates the credit risk frictions associated with bank lending, while QE stimulates bank lending and worsens the frictions.
Unveiling the Gut Microbiome of Malaysia's Colobine Monkeys : Insights into Health and Evolution
Authors: Mohd‐Ridwan Abd Rahman , Md‐Zain Badrul Munir , Najmuddin Mohd Faudzir , Othman Nursyuhada , Haris Hidayah , Sariyati Nur Hartini , Matsuda Ikki , Yee Boo Sook , Lee Yiling , Lye Siew Fen , Abdul‐Latiff Muhammad Abu Bakar
Published: October 2024

Background

Colobines are primarily leaf‐eating primates, depend on microbiota of gastrointestinal tracts for food digestion. However, the gut microbiota of Malaysia's colobines specifically langurs remains unstudied.

Aims

Hence, we aim to analyze the fecal microbiomes of Malaysia's langurs using Presbytis femoralis, Presbytis robinsoni, Trachypithecus obscurus, and Trachypithecus cristatus from various landscapes as models.

Material and Methods

We collected samples from all four species across several areas in Peninsular Malaysia and performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing using the Illumina sequencing platform.

Results

Presbytis femoralis exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, followed by T. obscurus, T. cristatus, P. robinsoni and the lowest, P. siamensis. Over 11 million operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified across Malaysia's langurs spanning 26 phyla, 180 families, and 329 genera of microbes. The OTUs were dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. There are 11 genera of pathogenic bacteria were identified across all host species. Nine pathogenic bacterial genera inhabit both T. obscurus, indicating poor health due to low bacterial diversity and heightened pathogenicity. In contrast, P. robinsoni with the fewest pathogenic species is deemed the healthiest among Malaysia's langurs.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that alterations in diet, behavior, and habitat affect bacterial diversity in Malaysia's langurs' gut microbiota. Even though this is the first comprehensive analysis of langur microbiomes in Malaysia, it is important to note the limitations regarding the number of samples, populations sampled, and the geographical origins and landscapes of these populations. Our results suggest that Malaysia's langurs may harbor pathogenic bacteria, potentially posing a risk of transmission to humans.

Conclusion

This highlights the critical need for the conservation and management of Malaysia's langurs, particularly considering their interactions with humans. This data can serve as a foundation for authorities to inform the public about the origins and significance of animal health and the management of zoonotic diseases.