bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a self‐determination theory‐based smoking cessation intervention plus instant messaging via mobile application for smokers with cancer: Protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li William Ho Cheung , Lam David Chi Leung , Sin Kit Man , Wong Eliza Lai Yi , Wong Carlos King Ho , Loong Herbert Ho Fung , Cheung Kai Yeung , Xia Wei , Song Peige , Chung Joyce Oi Kwan
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

Despite evidence that patients living with cancer who continue to smoke after diagnosis are at higher risk for all‐cause mortality and reduced treatment efficacy, many cancer patients continue to smoke. This protocol is for a study to test the effectiveness of a self‐determination theory‐based intervention (quit immediately or progressively) plus instant messaging (WhatsApp or WeChat) to help smokers with cancer to quit smoking.

Design

This will be a multi‐centre, two‐arm (1:1), single‐blind, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Taking part will be specialist outpatient clinics in five major hospitals in different location‐based clusters in Hong Kong.

Participants

The sample will include 1448 Chinese smokers living with cancer attending medical follow‐ups at outpatient clinics.

Interventions

The intervention group will receive brief advice (approximately 5–8 minutes) from research nurses in the outpatient clinics and then be invited to choose their own quit schedules (immediate or progressive). During the first 6‐month follow‐up period they will receive instant messaging with smoking cessation advice once per week for the first 3 months, and thereafter approximately once per month. They will also receive four videos, and those opting to quit progressively will receive a smoking reduction leaflet. The control group will also receive brief advice but be advised to quit immediately, and instant messaging with general health advice during the first 6‐month follow‐up period using the same schedule as the intervention group. Participants in both groups will receive smoking cessation leaflets.

Measurements

The primary outcome is biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 6 months, as confirmed by saliva cotinine level and carbon monoxide level in expired air. Secondary outcomes include biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 12 months, self‐reported 7‐day point prevalence of smoking abstinence at 6 and 12 months, self‐reported ≥ 50% reduction of cigarette consumption at 6 and 12 months and quality of life at 6 and 12 months. All time‐points for outcomes measures are set after randomization.

Comments

The results could inform research, policymaking and health‐care professionals regarding smoking cessation for patients living with cancer, and therefore have important implications for clinical practice and health enhancement.
Activity, movement and habitat‐use patterns of a critically endangered endemic Australian freshwater crayfish
Authors: O’Hea Miller Sarah B. , Davis Andrew R. , Broadhurst Ben , Wong Marian Y. L.
Published: May 2024

Establishing the activity, movement and habitat‐use patterns of endangered species is fundamental in designing effective conservation plans. In Australia, the critically endangered freshwater crayfish, Euastacus dharawalus, is facing considerable risk of extinction due to numerous stressors, including the proliferation of the invasive Cherax destructor throughout their range. However, little is known about the fine‐scale spatial ecology of E. dharawalus and if this overlaps with C. destructor. Here, we aimed to establish the activity, movement and habitat‐use patterns of E. dharawalus as well as conduct a preliminary assessment into the overlap of their spatial ecology with that of C. destructor. In 2020, 15 E. dharawalus and six C. destructor were radio tracked at a site along Wildes Meadow Creek in the Southern Highlands region of New South Wales, Australia. Additionally, in 2021, 12 more E. dharawalus were tracked at this site over the same period. Euastacus dharawalus exhibited high site fidelity, small home ranges and diurnal activity patterns. Both E. dharawalus and C. destructor indicated significant preference for bank habitat, indicating potential for individual competitive interactions. We also report a significant reduction in the movement and activity of E. dharawalus from 2020 to 2021, possibly in response to population control of C. destructor or environmental variation across the 2 years. Our results indicate that the preservation or restoration of bank habitat will be critical to the conservation of E. dharawalus. Further, due to the extent of habitat‐use overlap between E. dharawalus and C. destructor, we conclude that C. destructor represents a substantial competitive threat to E. dharawalus, and therefore, C. destructor population control efforts should continue within the range of E. dharawalus.
Effect of an herbivorous subterranean rodent on vegetation in relation to primary productivity
Authors: Bongiovanni Silvina Beatriz , Nordenstahl Marisa , Borghi Carlos Eduardo
Published: May 2024

Subterranean rodents modify the surrounding environment being classified, in some cases, as keystone species and/or ecosystem engineers. This role could be context‐dependent if the changes produced shift throughout the species distribution range and are stronger under certain environmental conditions. Our objective was to analyse whether the effect of Ctenomys mendocinus on vegetation cover is context‐dependent. Given that primary productivity may increase plants' ability to tolerate or compensate following herbivory, we hypothesize that the effect of C. mendocinus on vegetation cover will be context‐dependent along a primary productivity gradient, with smaller effects in highly productive environments and larger effects in less productive ones. We compared the effect of C. mendocinus on plant cover among four contrasting environments and found that it depended on primary productivity in a predictable manner. In low productivity environments, the rodent significantly reduces vegetation cover, while it has no discernible effect in highly productive ones. These findings suggest that the effect of C. mendocinus on plant cover depends on primary productivity level and highlights the importance of accounting for the underlying environmental factors that influence the intensity of C. mendocinus–plant interaction.
Soil quality evaluation for irrigated agroecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan: The Luenberger indicator approach
Authors: Sheikh Asjad Tariq , Hailu Atakelty , Mugera Amin , Pandit Ram , Davies Stephen
Published: May 2024

This article describes the construction of the Luenberger soil quality indicator (SQI) using data on crop yield, non‐soil inputs, and soil profile from three irrigated agroecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan, namely, rice–wheat, maize–wheat–mix, and cotton–mix zones. Plot level data are used to construct a soil quality indicator by estimating directional distance functions within a data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework. We find that the SQI and crop yield relationships exhibit diminishing returns to improving soil quality levels. Using the constructed SQI values, we estimate linear regression models to generate weights that could be used directly to aggregate individual soil attributes into soil quality indicators without the necessity of fitting a frontier to the crop production data. For wheat and rice production, we find that SQI is most sensitive to changes in soil electrical conductivity (EC) and potassium (K). The SQI has direct relevance for site‐specific decision‐making problems where policymakers need to price land resources and conservation services to achieve agricultural and environmental goals.
Elongated linear vessels simulating branching vessels and diffuse structureless orange areas as prominent dermoscopic features of diffuse flat facial and extrafacial granuloma faciale: A case series
Authors: Savoia Francesco , Medri Matelda , Stanganelli Ignazio , Zago Silvia , Domeniconi Lucia , Melandri Davide , Alaibac Mauro , Tartaglia Jacopo , Ciolfi Christian , Sechi Andrea
Published: May 2024

Dermoscopy can be an important help for the diagnosis of skin cancers and inflammatory cutaneous diseases. The list of the dermoscopic features reported in granuloma faciale is wide and includes vascular and non‐vascular features. We report here three cases of diffuse flat facial and extrafacial granuloma faciale that exhibited elongated linear vessels simulating branching vessels and diffuse structureless orange areas. The differential diagnosis between flat‐type granuloma faciale, basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous sarcoidosis can be extremely difficult, making histology mandatory before any treatment.
Identification of urine biomarkers of endometriosis—Protein mass spectrometry
Authors: Višnić Alenka , Barišić Dubravko , Čanadi Jurešić Gordana , Sušanj Šepić Tina , Smiljan Severinski Neda
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to a series of pathological reactions. The basis is a changed proinflammatory activated immune system, which results in more pronounced oxidative stress, disturbed function of proteolysis and cell apoptosis. These processes are crucial in the development of the disease because their dysfunctional activities cause the progression of the disease. It is believed that the proteins excreted in the urine interact with each other and promote pathological processes in endometriosis.

Methods

We analyzed the urine proteome of patients and aimed to detect a potential protein biomarker for endometriosis in the urine proteome. We collected urine samples from 16 patients with endometriosis and 16 patients in the control group with functional ovarian cysts. The diagnosis for all patients was confirmed through pathohistological analysis. After the preanalytical preparation of the urine, chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) used the technology of urine proteome analysis.

Results

The main finding was a significantly different concentration of 14 proteins in the urine samples. We recorded a considerably higher concentration of proteins that have a significant role in activating the immune system (SELL), iron metabolism (HAMP) and cell apoptosis (CHGA) in endometriosis compared to controls. Proteins having an antioxidant function (SOD1) and a role in proteolysis of the extracellular matrix (MMP‐9) were significantly reduced in endometriosis compared to controls.

Conclusion

Consistent with the known pathogenesis of endometriosis, the study results complement the pathological responses that occur with disease progression.
Prevalence of technology and connectivity issues in general practices in rural New South Wales and their impact on staff capability to perform their job
Authors: Leeson‐Smith Margot , Geddes Louise , Johnson Heath , Pit Sabrina , Ramsden Robyn
Published: May 2024

Objective

To identify the technology and connectivity issues in rural and remote general practices, and the factors independently associated with these issues that negatively impact staff's capability to perform their job.

Methods

An annual cross‐sectional survey of rural and remote general practice managers. Dependent variables included demographic data, practice size, geographic location, connection type and frequency of connectivity issues. Descriptive statistics are presented, and bivariate logistic regression was undertaken to determine factors independently associated with connectivity issues that negatively impact staff's capability to perform their job.

Participants

One hundred sixty‐eight general practice managers from rural and remote New South Wales.

Results

The majority of respondents (87%, n = 146) indicated that technology and connectivity issues had impacted staff's capability to perform their job. Internet problems were the most frequently reported issue (36%, n = 61). In bivariate analysis, practices that had a total clinical staff headcount between 5 and 7 (OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.10–0.67; p = 0.005) or between 8 and 11 (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.16–0.95; p = 0.038) were significantly less likely to report technology and connectivity issues that negatively impact staff's capability to perform their job, compared with practices with a total clinical headcount of less than five.

Conclusions

Technology and connectivity issues persist in rural and remote general practices. This is the first study to demonstrate that technology and connectivity issues impact on rural staff's capability to perform their job. Furthermore, smaller practices face more technology and connectivity issues that negatively impact staff's capability to do their job than larger practices. Further research is required to find solutions to address these challenges.
The “Finance‐Extraction‐Transitions Nexus”: Geographies of the Green Transition in the 21st Century
Authors: Franz Tobias , McNelly Angus
Published: May 2024

The hegemonic understanding of the green transition will require a massive surge in mineral extraction. We contend that this entails wider, radical shifts in 21st century financialised capitalism. While there has been increasing critical interest in the role of finance capital in development, the links between finance, extraction, and the green transition have been largely overlooked. We fill this gap by arguing that the green transition, understood as a transformation of global capitalism, is marked by new rounds of appropriation, exploitation, and extraction, (re)producing dependencies for resource‐rich Global South countries. These emergent geographies of the green transition are best evaluated through what we call the “finance‐extraction‐transitions nexus”. The nexus highlights the interplay between finance capital, mineral extraction, and the material, socio‐economic, and environmental implications of the green transition. This provides new ways to theoretically, conceptually, and methodologically engage with resource extraction and the green transition in the age of financialised capitalism.
Marketing innovation for sustainability: Review, trends, and way forward
Authors: Verma Sanjeev , Diwan Hema
Published: May 2024

Sustainable development goals are aligning marketing innovations to meet sustainability interventions. Recently, marketing has evolved to incorporate sustainability in outreach objectives. Heightened literature on the interplay between sustainability, innovations, and marketing demands a holistic understanding to guide future research direction. The current review bridges the research gap using quantitative performance analysis and qualitative intellectual structure analysis. The thematic and content analysis points towards permeating sustainability focus across the business verticals and value chain for differentiated brand positioning and sustainability‐based competitive advantage. The emergent conceptual framework underpins the moderated‐mediation role of sustainability and economic enablers with marketing initiatives to promote business innovations beneficial to all stakeholders. The sustainability‐aligned innovations in products and processes reflect in gaining cost advantage, revenue generation, access to newer markets, and differentiation. It can be inferred from the study that sustainability and conducive marketing strategies can co‐create value across the value chain, providing tangible and non‐tangible corporate payoffs. This cross‐section in the research domain calls for environmental and business focus at the micro and macro levels, supported by pro‐business strategies, system efficiencies, productivity, and technological changes in synergy with the societal landscape. The findings discern strategic directions for practitioners to chart out an organizational portfolio centered around marketing innovations to create business value for the shareholders and sustainability value for the stakeholders, ecosystem, and society. The conceptual framework can help academicians comprehend the business model around sustainability, innovations, and marketing. The evolutionary mapping of the research domain can be used to discern corporate or macro‐level policies and transcend reforms aligned to the dynamic market/stakeholder expectations.
Macroevolution of the plant–hummingbird pollination system
Authors: Barreto Elisa , Boehm Mannfred M. A. , Ogutcen Ezgi , Abrahamczyk Stefan , Kessler Michael , Bascompte Jordi , Dellinger Agnes S. , Bello Carolina , Dehling D. Matthias , Duchenne François , Kaehler Miriam , Lagomarsino Laura P. , Lohmann Lúcia G. , Maglianesi María A. , Morlon Hélène , Muchhala Nathan , Ornelas Juan Francisco , Perret Mathieu , Salinas Nelson R. , Smith Stacey D. , Vamosi Jana C. , Varassin Isabela G. , Graham Catherine H.
Published: May 2024

Plant–hummingbird interactions are considered a classic example of coevolution, a process in which mutually dependent species influence each other's evolution. Plants depend on hummingbirds for pollination, whereas hummingbirds rely on nectar for food. As a step towards understanding coevolution, this review focuses on the macroevolutionary consequences of plant–hummingbird interactions, a relatively underexplored area in the current literature. We synthesize prior studies, illustrating the origins and dynamics of hummingbird pollination across different angiosperm clades previously pollinated by insects (mostly bees), bats, and passerine birds. In some cases, the crown age of hummingbirds pre‐dates the plants they pollinate. In other cases, plant groups transitioned to hummingbird pollination early in the establishment of this bird group in the Americas, with the build‐up of both diversities coinciding temporally, and hence suggesting co‐diversification. Determining what triggers shifts to and away from hummingbird pollination remains a major open challenge. The impact of hummingbirds on plant diversification is complex, with many tropical plant lineages experiencing increased diversification after acquiring flowers that attract hummingbirds, and others experiencing no change or even a decrease in diversification rates. This mixed evidence suggests that other extrinsic or intrinsic factors, such as local climate and isolation, are important covariables driving the diversification of plants adapted to hummingbird pollination. To guide future studies, we discuss the mechanisms and contexts under which hummingbirds, as a clade and as individual species (e.g. traits, foraging behaviour, degree of specialization), could influence plant evolution. We conclude by commenting on how macroevolutionary signals of the mutualism could relate to coevolution, highlighting the unbalanced focus on the plant side of the interaction, and advocating for the use of species‐level interaction data in macroevolutionary studies.
Long‐term restoration of bowel continuity after rectal cancer resection and the influence of surgical technique: A nationwide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hazen Sanne‐Marije J. A. , van Geffen Eline G. M. , Sluckin Tania C. , Beets Geerard L. , Belgers Henricus J. , Borstlap Wernard A. A. , Consten Esther C. J. , Dekker Jan‐Willem T. , Hompes Roel , Tuynman Jurriaan B. , van Westreenen Henderik L. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , Tanis Pieter J. , Kusters Miranda ,   the Dutch Snapshot Research Group
Published: May 2024

Aim

Literature on nationwide long‐term permanent stoma rates after rectal cancer resection in the minimally invasive era is scarce. The aim of this population‐based study was to provide more insight into the permanent stoma rate with interhospital variability (IHV) depending on surgical technique, with pelvic sepsis, unplanned reinterventions and readmissions as secondary outcomes.

Method

Patients who underwent open or minimally invasive resection of rectal cancer (lower border below the sigmoid take‐off) in 67 Dutch centres in 2016 were included in this cross‐sectional cohort study.

Results

Among 2530 patients, 1470 underwent a restorative resection (58%), 356 a Hartmann's procedure (14%, IHV 0%–42%) and 704 an abdominoperineal resection (28%, IHV 3%–60%). Median follow‐up was 51 months. The overall permanent stoma rate at last follow‐up was 50% (IHV 13%–79%) and the unintentional permanent stoma rate, permanent stoma after a restorative procedure or an unplanned Hartmann's procedure, was 11% (IHV 0%–29%). A total of 2165 patients (86%) underwent a minimally invasive resection: 1760 conventional (81%), 170 transanal (8%) and 235 robot‐assisted (11%). An anastomosis was created in 59%, 80% and 66%, with corresponding unintentional permanent stoma rates of 12%, 24% and 14% (p = 0.001), respectively. When corrected for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, cTNM, distance to the anorectal junction and neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy, the minimally invasive technique was not associated with an unintended permanent stoma (p = 0.071) after a restorative procedure.

Conclusion

A remarkable IHV in the permanent stoma rate after rectal cancer resection was found. No beneficial influence of transanal or robot‐assisted laparoscopy on the unintentional permanent stoma rate was found, although this might be caused by the surgical learning curve. A reduction in IHV and improving preoperative counselling for decision‐making for restorative procedures are required.
Comparative effectiveness of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in improvement of fatty liver index in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease: A retrospective nationwide claims database study in Japan
Authors: Shikamura Mitsuhiro , Takayama Atsushi , Takeuchi Masato , Kawakami Koji
Published: May 2024

Aim

To date, there are limited clinical studies and real‐world evidence investigating whether sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are associated with improved hepatic steatosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SGLT2i compared with that of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4i) in improving the fatty liver index (FLI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included new users of SGLT2i or DPP4i with T2DM and MASLD from a large claims database (JMDC Claims Database). The primary outcome was the incidence of improvement of the FLI. Cox proportional hazard models, weighted using propensity scores for predicting the initiation of treatment, were fitted to estimate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Time‐course changes in the FLI values were also assessed.

Results

This study included 9127 SGLT2i and 12 286 DPP4i initiators. SGLT2i showed a higher incidence of improvement in the FLI (≥30%, ≥40% and ≥50% reduction from baseline FLI) compared with DPP4i, and the weighted hazard ratios were 1.27 (95% CI 1.18‐1.38), 1.24 (95% CI 1.13‐1.37) and 1.19 (95% CI 1.05‐1.33), respectively. SGLT2i indicated a greater decreased in FLI values compared with DPP4i at up to 3 years of the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

SGLT2is use appeared to be associated with a greater improvement of the FLI than DPP4i use in patients with T2DM and MASLD. In the absence of direct head‐to‐head comparisons from clinical studies, our study, using real‐world data, may support physicians' decision‐making in clinical practice.
Doppler‐derived pulmonary pulse transit time measurements in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Reproducibility and cardiopulmonary function
Authors: Löffler Friederike , Westhoff‐Bleck Mechthild , Welte Tobias , Park Da‐Hee , Olsson Karen M , Behrendt Lea , Klimeš Filip , Bauersachs Johann , Wacker Frank , Pöhler Gesa Helen
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Doppler‐derived pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) is an auspicious hemodynamic marker in chronic pulmonary diseases. The aim is to compare four distinct pPTT measurements and its relation to right cardiac and pulmonary function.

Methods

Prospectively, 25 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (four patients excluded) and 32 healthy subjects underwent repeated distinct pPTT measurements, standard echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing on the same day. pPTT was defined as the interval from the R or Q‐wave in the electrocardiogram to the corresponding pulse wave Doppler peak late systolic (S) 2 or diastolic (D) pulmonary vein flow velocity (pPTT R‐S, Q‐S, R‐D, Q‐D). Reproducibility was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis, coefficient of variation (COV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and power calculations. Associations with right ventricular RV tissue and pulse wave Doppler velocities (RV E', RV S', RV A', RV E, RV A, RV E/E', RV E/A), TAPSE, right ventricular fractional area change, left ventricular systolic and diastolic function (LV ejection fraction, E, A, E/A, E/E', septal E', lateral E'), LA diameters, as well as forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity (FVC) predicted (%), and in liters were analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference and no bias between pPTT measures (p range: .1–.9). COV was in COPD 1.2%–2.3%, in healthy subjects 1.0%–3.1%. ICC ranged from .92 (COPD) to .96 (healthy subjects). In COPD significant correlations were found for pPTT R‐S, Q‐S and R‐D with RV E`, (all > ρ: .49, < p = .0364), pPTT R‐S, Q‐S with RV E/E` (both > ρ: .49, < p = .0291), pPTT Q‐S with RV S´ (ρ: .58, p = .0134), RV A (ρ: .59, p = .0339) and heart rate > ρ: −.39, < p = .0297). pPTT R‐S, R‐D showed significant correlations with FVC predicted (%) (ρ: .48 p = .0224) and FVC (l) (ρ:.47 p = .0347).

Conclusions

All pPTT measures exhibited high reproducibility. In COPD patients pPTT measures correlate with diastolic right ventricular function. Defining Q as starting point seems clinically advantageous considering electromechanical desynchrony in patients with conduction disorders.
An open pilot trial of a behavioural intervention to reduce violence by young adults with early psychosis receiving treatment in an early intervention services setting: A protocol
Authors: Rolin Stephanie A. , Caffrey Deirdre , Flores Megan G. , Pope Leah G. , Mootz Jennifer , Bello Iruma , Nossel Ilana , Compton Michael T. , Stanley Barbara , Wainberg Milton , Dixon Lisa B. , Appelbaum Paul S.
Published: May 2024

Aims

Despite the public health impact of violence among young adults with psychosis, behavioural interventions to reduce the risk of engaging in violence remain rare. For young adults with early psychosis, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)‐based psychotherapy has efficacy in reducing impairment and improving functioning. However, no CBT‐based intervention to reduce violence has been formally adapted for young adults with early psychosis. This protocol outlines the first clinical trial of a behavioural intervention to reduce violence for young adults with early psychosis. This study is set in an early intervention services (EIS) setting and seeks to adapt and pilot Psychological Intervention for Complex PTSD and Schizophrenia‐Spectrum Disorder (PICASSO), a CBT‐based intervention, through an iterative process utilizing mixed‐methods assessments.

Methods

All research will occur at OnTrackNY, the largest EIS program in the United States. This study will consist of an open pilot trial, with four EIS clinicians delivering the intervention to one to two EIS participants per round. In this mixed‐methods study, both quantitative measures (acceptability, feasibility and hypothesized mediators of target outcome collected on a weekly basis) and qualitative interviews (with EIS clinicians at weeks 4, 8 and 12) will be conducted. Transcripts will be analyzed using thematic content analysis. Two to three rounds of iterative modifications are anticipated (n = 10–16 EIS participants total).

Results

Recruitment began in February 2024 and is expected to continue over a 9–12‐month period.

Conclusions

Because violent behaviour causes interpersonal disruptions such as incarceration and increased caregiver burden, an innovative intervention to reduce violence risk could have broader health impact for this vulnerable population. Adapting the PICASSO intervention to the EIS setting will optimize its acceptability and feasibility by the intended target population.
First report of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Greece
Authors: Kapantaidaki Despoina Ev. , Partsinevelos Georgios , Milonas Panagiotis
Published: May 2024

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, 1898 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), commonly known as the cotton mealybug or solenopsis mealybug, is a highly polyphagous species. This paper provides the first report of this species in Greece. It was detected in high numbers on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants cultivated in a greenhouse in the region of Mirtos, close to the city of Ierapetra in the Southeast part of the island of Crete. The species identification was carried out using morphological and molecular analyses. The fact that P. solenopsis can be transferred easily via trade of live plant material, in combination with its ability to affect many different hosts causing severe damage, constitutes an increasing threat to Greek cultivation and especially to horticultural and vegetable crops. Additional surveys should be conducted to investigate the species distribution in Greece.
Nonlinear dynamical system approximation and adaptive control based on hybrid‐feed‐forward recurrent neural network: Simulation and stability analysis
Authors: Shobana R. , Kumar Rajesh , Jaint Bhavnesh
Published: May 2024

We proposed an online identification and adaptive control framework for the nonlinear dynamical systems using a novel hybrid‐feed‐forward recurrent neural network (HFRNN) model. The HFRNN is a combination of a feed‐forward neural network (FFNN) and a local recurrent neural network (LRNN). We aim to leverage the simplicity of FFNN and the effectiveness of RNN to capture changing dynamics accurately and design an indirect adaptive control scheme. To derive the weights update equations, we have applied the gradient‐descent‐based Back‐Propagation (BP) technique, and the stability of the proposed learning strategy is proven using the Lyapunov stability principles. We also compared the proposed method's results with those of the Jordan network‐based controller (JNC) and the local recurrent network‐based controller (LRNC) in the simulation examples. The results demonstrate that our approach performs satisfactorily, even in the presence of disturbance signals.
Overcoming retinoic acid resistance in HER2‐enriched breast cancers: role of MYC
Authors: Choi Won‐Shik , Liu Rong‐Zong , Mak Caitlin , Maadi Hamid , Godbout Roseline
Published: May 2024

HER2‐enriched (HER2+) breast cancers express high levels of the growth‐promoting HER2 protein. Although these cancers are treated with the HER2‐targeted drug, trastuzumab, resistance to treatment is common. Retinoic acid (RA) is an anti‐cancer agent that has been successfully used for the treatment of leukemia and holds promise for the treatment of solid cancers, including breast cancer. The HER2 gene is frequently co‐amplified with RARA, a key determinant of RA sensitivity in breast cancers. It seems surprising, therefore, that HER2+ breast cancers are refractory to RA treatment. Here, we show that MYC mediates RA resistance by suppressing the expression of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2), resulting in RARα inactivation. CRABP2 is an intracellular RA transporter that delivers RA to the nuclear receptor RARα for its activation. Our results indicate that response to RA is enhanced by MYC depletion in HER2+ breast cancer cells and that RA treatment enhances trastuzumab responsiveness. Our findings support the use of RA and trastuzumab for the treatment of subsets of patients with breast cancers that are HER2‐RARα co‐amplified and have low levels of MYC.
A new mutation in the Parkinson's‐related FBXO7 gene impairs mitochondrial and proteasomal function
Authors: Navarro Elisa , Esteras Noemí
Published: May 2024

Around 10% of Parkinson's disease (PD) cases are associated with mutations in various genes, including FBXO7, which encodes the substrate‐recognition component for the Skp1‐Cullin‐F‐box (SCF) class of ubiquitin E3 ligases that target proteins for proteasomal degradation. In their recent study, Al Rawi et al. characterized a new mutation in FBXO7, L250P, in a pediatric patient. Their findings reveal that the L250P mutation abolishes Fbxo7 interaction with the proteasome regulator, proteasome inhibitor 31kD (PI31), affecting proteasomal activity and the ubiquitination of some of the ligase's targets. Furthermore, the authors show that this previously undescribed mutation impairs mitochondrial function and mitophagy, emphasizing the importance of mitochondrial and proteasomal dysfunction in PD pathogenesis.
Multiaxial fatigue assessment of welded joints: A review of Eurocode 3 and International Institute of Welding criteria with different stress analysis approaches
Authors: Ng Chin Tze , Sonsino Cetin Morris , Susmel Luca
Published: May 2024

This paper reviews quantitively the multiaxial fatigue assessment of steel and aluminum welded joints, focusing on Eurocodes (ECs) and the recommendations of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). Extensive fatigue data under constant and variable amplitude loading are reanalyzed using stress analysis approaches such as nominal stress, hot spot stress, and effective notch stress. Evaluation of the ECs and IIW criteria reveals an effective assessment of multiaxial fatigue, with a satisfactory level of conservatism. Further research is needed especially for variable amplitude (VA) loading to enhance the precision and reliability of assessments, contributing to improved design practices and structural integrity in welded joint applications.
Suspension of Short‐lasting, Unilateral, Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT) symptoms with ayahuasca and serotonergic psychedelics
Authors: Leighton Jonathan , Petignat Cyril , McGeeney Brian E.
Published: May 2024

Plain Language Summary

A suicidal patient with Short‐lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing (SUNCT) whose excruciating condition did not respond to various treatments discovered that ayahuasca, a psychoactive concoction used by indigenous populations of South America, caused his attacks to cease entirely. Inhaled N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT), the principal psychoactive component of ayahuasca, also caused symptoms to disappear temporarily, as did a strong dose of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). This case study supports the potential of serotonergic psychedelics for the treatment of SUNCT and related headache disorders.
Modelling student issues with MOOCs using TISM‐P linkages
Authors: Khera Shikha N. , Pawar Himanshu
Published: May 2024

To date, student issues with Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have only been explored in context‐specific environments. Mainstream problems such as declining student motivation during a course, massive student dropout rates, accountability, user experience, etc., persist due to the permutations and combinations of these issues. Literature is replete with a deep understanding of such problems, but the causal relationships among these issues are less focused upon. We delve into these problems by studying the interrelations among student issues that cause such problems. Garnering insights from students (N = 149) and using Total Interpretive Structural Modelling with Polarity (TISM‐P), the study has established direct and transitive relations among nine detrimental MOOC‐related student issues. The results of the study depict clear positive, negative and transitive relationships between the student issues. Matrice d'Impacts croises‐multipication applique' an classment (MICMAC) analysis was also used to assess the driving and dependence power of all issues that further allowed the model to trace out negative and positive pathways of influence. The model constructed in the study will provide a platform for future research to test these interconnections as independent factors affecting problems such as dropout rates, motivation, etc. Therefore, the TISM‐P model could further be explored to understand the behaviour of such issues, which might have far‐reaching consequences on major existing problems with MOOCs.
Local and landscape drivers of natural enemy communities in Indonesian oil palm plantation
Authors: Rizali Akhmad , Karindah Sri , Rahardjo Bambang Tri , Nurindah  , Sahari Bandung
Published: May 2024

Oil palm plantations are typically managed in a monoculture system over large areas. This system contributes to biodiversity loss and promotes pest outbreaks by reducing natural enemies. However, ecosystem functions in oil palm plantations vary spatially and temporally and can still support biodiversity under certain conditions.

We conducted a study on the species richness, abundance and species composition of natural enemies in oil palm plantations and investigated the factors influencing natural enemy communities in oil palm plantations at both local and landscape scales. We selected 12 sites in an oil palm plantation in Central Borneo, Indonesia, which were grouped into 4 sub‐areas based on the presence of natural habitats, which varied in local and landscape characteristics. Arthropods were sampled using canopy knockdown fogging with a pyrethroid insecticide.

Different taxa of natural enemies responded differently to changes in habitat characteristics within oil palm plantations. Species richness of spiders was not affected by either local or landscape scale, but their species composition was affected by oil palm tree age (local scale) and the total edge of dominant oil palm tree age (landscape scale). Ant species richness was influenced by the class area of natural habitat (landscape scale), whereas their species composition was not influenced by either local or landscape scale. On the other hand, species richness of parasitoid wasps was influenced by light intensity (local scale) and the variation of oil palm tree age within a landscape (landscape scale). However, their species composition was only affected by light intensity.

The results suggest that oil palm management practices need to consider both local and landscape scales to maintain biodiversity and biological control and to achieve sustainable management of oil palm plantations.
The greater the challenge, the more diverse the community must be to solve it – the case of the agri‐food system
Authors: Sloan Ken
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the significant challenges that the agri‐food industry faces if it is to secure the skilled workforce needed to meet the requirement to massively expand food production across the globe. It highlights the significant role that specialist universities and higher education universities play in identifying, nurturing and equipping people with the knowledge and skills required by industry. It also highlights the complex practical and intellectual challenges the food industry faces in meeting the future food needs of the planet's inhabitants. It argues for the need for better story‐telling and collaboration across universities and industry to inspire more people to see this sector as a destination.
Consumer involvement and guiding frameworks in mental healthcare: An integrative literature review
Authors: Ahlstrand Anita , Mishina Kaisa , Elomaa‐Krapu Minna , Joronen Katja
Published: May 2024

Perspectives of healthcare have, in past decades, focused more on active citizenship, human rights and empowerment. Healthcare consumer involvement as a concept is still unstructured and consumers have no apparent opportunities to participate in their care processes. The focus is often on the expertise of professionals, even if mental health consumers are willing to become involved and have sufficient decisional capacity. The aim of this integrative literature review was to construct an understanding of consumer perceptions and guiding frameworks of consumer involvement. There was no previous synthesis of mental health consumer perceptions combined with guiding frameworks. An integrative review methodology was employed, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. The quality of the 18 studies included was analysed with the Whittemore and Knafl approach. By following Braun and Clarke's guidelines, an inductive thematic analysis was conducted to collate the themes from the selected papers. Mental health consumers' perceptions of involvement included expectations of person‐centred care, such as respect, dignity, equal interaction, supportive environments and being part of a community. This research did not find any single established framework to give clear guidelines for consumer involvement in mental healthcare, but similar determinants describing various frameworks were uncovered. This review also shows how the terminology has changed throughout the years. The perceptions of mental health consumers need to be considered to enable the implementation of person‐centredness from guidelines through to practice. Paying more attention to the education of professional mental health caregivers and the involvement of mental health consumers in their care provides better opportunities to co‐develop successful mental health services and recovery processes.
Comparative Effectiveness of Baloxavir Marboxil and Oseltamivir Treatment in Reducing Household Transmission of Influenza: A Post Hoc Analysis of the BLOCKSTONE Trial
Authors: Ikematsu Hideyuki , Baba Takamichi , Saito Masaya M. , Kinoshita Masahiro , Miyazawa Shogo , Hata Ayano , Nakano Saki , Kitanishi Yoshitake , Hayden Frederick G.
Published: May 2024

Background

The transmission of influenza virus in households, especially by children, is a major route of infection. Prior studies suggest that timely antiviral treatment of ill cases may reduce infection in household contacts. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of oseltamivir (OTV) and baloxavir marboxil (BXM) treatment of index cases on the secondary attack rate (SAR) of influenza within household.

Methods

A post hoc analysis was done in BLOCKSTONE trial—a placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded post‐exposure prophylaxis of BXM. Data were derived from the laboratory‐confirmed index cases' household contacts who received placebo in the trial and also from household members who did not participate in the trial but completed illness questionnaires. To assess the SAR of household members, multivariate analyses adjusted for factors including age, vaccination status, and household size were performed and compared between contacts of index cases treated with BXM or OTV.

Results

In total, 185 index cases (116 treated with BXM and 69 treated with OTV) and 410 household contacts (201 from trial, 209 by questionnaire) were included. The Poisson regression modeling showed that the SAR in household contacts of index cases treated with BXM and OTV was 10.8% and 18.5%, respectively; the adjusted relative reduction in SAR was 41.8% (95% confidence interval: 1.0%–65.7%, p = 0.0456) greater with BXM than OTV. Similar reductions were found in contacts from the trial and those included by questionnaire.

Conclusion

BXM treatment of index cases appeared to result in a greater reduction in secondary household transmission than OTV treatment.
Origin of strong piezoelectric enhancement in bismuth titanate‐ferrite for high‐temperature applications
Authors: Wang Qian , Liang En‐Meng , Wang Chun‐Ming
Published: May 2024

Advancing the development of high‐temperature piezoelectric devices requires high‐performance piezoelectric materials with high Curie temperature, where charge signals can be efficiently collected at elevated temperatures. Recent investigations indicate that bismuth titanate‐ferrite (Bi5Ti3FeO15) is a good high‐temperature piezoelectric material because of its high Curie temperature (TC > 760°C). However, the piezoelectric performance of Bi5Ti3FeO15‐based compounds has not been extensively studied because of their extremely poor piezoelectric performance and low direct current electrical resistivity at elevated temperatures. Herein, we reported the strong piezoelectric performance enhancement in Bi5Ti3FeO15, with the nominal compositions of Bi5‐xEuxTi3FeO15 (BTF‐100xEu). X‐ray diffraction Rietveld refinements and Raman spectra reveal an enhanced lattice distortion in europium‐substituted Bi5Ti3FeO15, which is mainly dominated by rotation distortion. The increased domain wall density that detected by out‐of‐plane piezoelectric force microscopy is in favor of domain wall movement and polarization reversal. Both of the enhanced lattice distortion and the increased domain wall density contribute to the piezoelectric enhancement in Bi5Ti3FeO15, as a result, the optimal composition of BTF‐8Eu exhibits a large piezoelectric constant d33 of 24 pC/N, three times higher than that of Bi5Ti3FeO15. Importantly, BTF‐8Eu exhibits high TC of 782°C, excellent in‐situ piezoelectric response (>94% that of the initial value at room temperature), and stable electromechanical coupling properties up to 400°C. This work reveals the origin of strong piezoelectric enhancement in europium‐substituted Bi5Ti3FeO15 results from the intrinsic contribution of structure distortion and the extrinsic contribution of ferroelectric domain.
Effect of poling on photocatalytic activity with SrBi4Ti4O15 catalyst
Authors: Kumar Pushpendra , Vaish Rahul
Published: May 2024

This research article is related to a bismuth oxide‐layered pseudo‐perovskite ferroelectric material and its capabilities in the area of photocatalysis. SrBi4Ti4O15 (SBT) catalyst was prepared via a solid‐state reaction followed by calcination at 950°C sustained over 4 h. X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, bandgap analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of the SBT catalyst. The photocatalysis capability was checked on a methylene blue (MB) model dye. The poling of the SBT catalyst was performed under 2 kV/mm of electric field. The poling of the catalyst material played a crucial role in enhancing the photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the effect of volume (k(v)), initial concentration (k(ic)) of the MB dye, amount of catalyst (k(c)), and intensity (k(i)) of the light were examined and analyzed by the mathematical model. This study suggested that higher intensity and amount of catalyst enhance photocatalytic activity, whereas higher concentration and volume of dye suppress the photocatalytic activity. The amount of catalyst showed the highest effect on the photocatalytic activity. The rate constant is influenced by these factors and the order of influence is k(c) > k(i) > k(v) ≃ k(ic).