bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drone‐induced flight initiation distances for shorebirds in mixed‐species flocks
Authors: Wilson Joshua P. , Amano Tatsuya , Fuller Richard A.
Published: July 2023

Drone use has increased in the last decade prompting management efforts to regulate flights near vulnerable wildlife; however, these efforts are hindered by a lack of data characterising drone‐induced wildlife disturbance. Many shorebird populations are rapidly declining and efforts to survey them can be hampered by the inaccessibility of their habitat. Drone surveys might overcome this barrier, although there is a risk that increased drone use near shorebirds may cause disturbance and exacerbate declines. We characterise drone‐induced disturbance for mixed‐species shorebird flocks to inform the management of drones near shorebirds.

We conducted 240 drone approaches of mixed‐species flocks containing roosting non‐breeding shorebirds in Moreton Bay, eastern Australia. We performed approaches horizontally at varying vertical distances and recorded metrics characterising the drone, flock and environment. This enabled us to estimate the factors influencing disturbance as well as the distance of an approaching drone at which the flock is likely to take flight.

We determined the drone‐induced flight initiation distance for 12 species of waterbird, including seven shorebird species. We could not approach Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis at any vertical distance below the recreational drone limit of 120 m without inducing flight; however, for all other species, there was less than 20% probability that they would take flight when approached by a drone at vertical distances above 60 m. We do not recommend approaches below 30 m. We also found that flight initiation of mixed‐species flocks is largely dictated by the most sensitive species present, and that disturbance generally increases with approach velocity, drone noise/size, decreasing distance, and if the drone is obscured by trees.

Policy Implications. We conclude that (i) drone use needs to be carefully regulated to ensure roosting shorebird flocks are not approached within distances that will disturb the most sensitive species likely to be present, (ii) researchers contemplating drone surveys need to carefully evaluate the risk of disturbance, especially where there are mixed‐species flocks, and (iii) that alternatives to drone surveys should be sought wherever disturbance data for the species potentially encountered are unavailable.
Health Risks Related to COVID‐19, Psychological Distress and Perceived Productivity
Authors: Park Sarah , Koch Michael
Published: July 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the lives of billions around the globe. Yet, our understanding of its impact on psychological distress and work productivity remains limited. Using data from two waves of the Understanding Society COVID‐19 study, a representative British survey of reactions to the COVID‐19 pandemic, comprising 5829 individuals, we find that perceived health risks related to COVID‐19 affect the productivity of working individuals negatively via increased psychological distress. Results also show that the extent of homeworking amplifies the negative relationship between psychological distress and productivity. Additionally, we find that the negative relationship between psychological distress and productivity is stronger for self‐employed individuals compared to those who are in paid employment. Psychological distress, self‐employment status and gender jointly interact in reducing productivity, such that self‐employed women experience the strongest decline in productivity. We discuss the implications of our findings in light of supporting individuals to reduce psychological distress and maintain their productivity following the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Preparing German pre‐service teachers in special needs education for school development—Can we do otherwise?
Authors: Resch Katharina , Hartmüller Eva , Walczuch Sarah , Marschall Sabine
Published: July 2023

Although school development can be viewed as an emerging responsibility of teachers, special needs education in Germany does not leave sufficient room for non‐teaching tasks, leading to a knowledge gap in the professionalisation of pre‐service teachers with regard to school development upon entering the profession. This study focused on the preparedness of pre‐service teachers in school development as a professional task at the end of their initial teacher training. The respondents of the interview study are 12 pre‐service teachers enrolled at master level in special educational needs at a German university. The findings of the study report on the marginal situatedness of school development in the curriculum, the associated understanding of pre‐service teachers of school development and their low assessment of the relevance of school development within special needs education. The study closes with practical recommendations on how to tackle the low level of preparedness for school development tasks in German teacher education.
Short‐term impact of food safety standards on agri‐product exports: Evidence from Japan's positive list system on Chinese vegetable exports
Authors: Jin Shaosheng , Ma Baojie , Zheng Yuqing , Jin Xin , Wu Wenchao
Published: July 2023

We examine the short‐term impact of the Positive List System (PLS), a strict food safety standard implemented by Japan in 2006, on vegetable exports from China to Japan. By applying a difference‐in‐difference model to unique monthly export data at the firm‐product level, we found that the PLS decreased the probability of Chinese vegetable firms exporting to Japan by 3.4%, and decreased their export quantity and value by 9.7% and 8.6%, respectively. Most of the policy impact is through a decrease in the intensive trade margin (i.e., how much to trade), rather than the extensive trade margin (i.e., whether to trade). We also found that foreign‐invested enterprises and smaller enterprises are less affected than non‐foreign‐invested enterprises and larger enterprises. Our results alleviate the concern that stricter food safety standards may exclude many firms, especially small ones, from the export market.
Interventional metabology: A review of bariatric arterial embolization and endovascular denervation for treating metabolic disorders
Authors: Wang Zhi , Zhu Dan‐Qi , Zhu Xiang‐Yun , Liu De‐Chen , Cao Qing‐Yue , Pan Tao , Zhang Qi , Gu Xiao‐Chun , Li Ling , Teng Gao‐Jun
Published: July 2023

The rising prevalence of metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) poses a major challenge to global health. Existing therapeutic approaches have limitations, and there is a need for new, safe, and less invasive treatments. Interventional metabolic therapy is a new addition to the treatment arsenal for metabolic disorders. This review focuses on two interventional techniques: bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) and endovascular denervation (EDN). BAE involves embolizing specific arteries feeding ghrelin‐producing cells to suppress appetite and promote weight loss. EDN targets nerves that regulate metabolic organs to improve glycemic control in T2DM patients. We describe the current state of these techniques, their mechanisms of action, and the available safety and effectiveness data. We also propose a new territory called “Interventional Metabology” to encompass these and other interventional approaches to treating metabolic disorders.
Entrepreneurial Risk and Digital Financial Inclusion: A Cross‐Country Analysis
Authors: Konou Comlanvi Martin
Published: July 2023

The inception of financial technologies (Fintech) has enabled expanded use of financial services. Fintech contributes to financial inclusion and by doing so provides impacts on income inequality, poverty and economic growth. A prospective route of influence exerted by Fintech is to assist economic agents in taking entrepreneurial risks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of digital financial inclusion, as enhanced by FinTech, on entrepreneurial risk. An index for measuring levels of digital financial inclusion was constructed based on variation patterns in several indicators of digital activities. A cross‐country model was proposed that relates entrepreneurial risk to digital financial inclusion as well as to a variety of other economic and social factors. Estimation results based on a panel of countries show that digital financial inclusion (0.265), institutional quality (0.169), per capita GDP (0.0456) and education (0.0475) have positive and significant effects on entrepreneurial risk. In contrast, time required to start a business (−0.136) and effective tax rates on capital (−0.494) provide negative and significant effects. In addition, a significant quadratic relationship between entrepreneurial risk and remittances (employee compensation and personal transfers) was found.
2‐methoxyestradiol restrains non‐small cell lung cancer tumorigenesis through regulating circ_0010235/miR‐34a‐5p/NFAT5 axis
Authors: Zhang Yong , Mi Yuanyuan , He Chunhui
Published: July 2023

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most prevalent and severe malignant tumors in the world and its molecular mechanism is still unclear. In recent years, increasing evidence indicates the significant roles of circRNAs in NSCLC. It has been determined that 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐MeOE2) exerts antitumor roles in many cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of 2‐MeOE2 in regulating the development of lung cancer needs further elucidation.

Methods

The expression levels of circ_0010235, microRNA‐34a‐5p (miR‐34a‐5p), and nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion were detected by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry and transwell assays, respectively. The interaction between miR‐34a‐5p and circ_0010235 or NFAT5 was predicted by bioinformatic software and confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Our data showed 2‐MeOE2 hindered cell proliferation, invasion and induced apoptosis in NSCLC, which could be reversed by upregulation of circ_0010235 and NFAT5 or miR‐34a‐5p knockdown. Circ_0010235 and NFAT5 expression levels were increased, and miR‐34a‐5p expression level was decreased in NSCLC tissues and cells. In addition, 2‐MeOE2 treatment suppressed the expression of circ_0010235 and NFAT5 while promoted the expression of miR‐34a‐5p. Furthermore, circ_0010235 functioned as a molecular sponge of miR‐34a‐5p to regulate NFAT5 expression. Knockdown of circ_0010235 or 2‐MeOE2 treatment constrained tumor growth in vivo, and circ_0010235 depletion enhanced the inhibitory effect of 2‐MeOE2 on tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrated that 2‐MeOE2 retarded NSCLC progression by modulating the circ_0010235/miR‐34a‐5p/NFAT5 axis, thus providing a new perspective for 2‐MeOE2 treatment in NSCLC.
Why do we focus on the exception and not the rule? Examining the prevalence of mono‐ versus polysubstance use in the general population
Authors: Bailey Allen J. , McHugh R. Kathryn
Published: July 2023

Background and aims

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are predominantly studied as drug class specific constructs (e.g. opioid versus alcohol use disorder). Polysubstance use (PSU), or the use of two or more substances from multiple drug classes, is only captured diagnostically by the co‐occurrences of drug class‐specific SUDs, and in many ways is relegated to a secondary position within the literature. However, this is not consistent with mounting empirical evidence regarding the high prevalence of PSU patterns compared with a mono‐use pattern (i.e. all use contained within a single‐drug class). The current study measured how many individuals in the general United States population could be characterized as having a mono‐use versus PSU pattern.

Methods

We measured the prevalence of mono‐use versus PSU in those who used substances in the past year, those with at least two symptoms of an SUD and in those who received treatment for alcohol/drug problems in the past year using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from years 2015–19.

Results

Of those who used substance(s) in the past year, 64% reported a mono‐use pattern. Importantly, only 26% of those who had at least two symptoms of an SUD and 22% of those who received treatment for substance use reported a mono‐use pattern.

Conclusions

Although mono‐use of drugs is common in the United States at the public health level, it is a much less common presentation than polysubstance use (PSU) among individuals of even mild substance use disorder severity. This means that common efforts to study substances in isolation do not focus upon the most common presentation of the phenomenon. We discuss the importance and implications of embracing a PSU framework in the study of substance misuse and substance use disorders.
Evaluation of cyclic and torsional fatigue resistance of several heat‐treated reciprocating nickel–titanium instruments
Authors: Weissheimer Theodoro , Duarte Marco Antonio Húngaro , Só Marcus Vinicius Reis , da Rosa Ricardo Abreu , Espinosa Michel Klymus , Vivan Rodrigo Ricci , Alcalde Murilo Priori
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the cyclic fatigue and torsional resistance of Unicone Plus (UCP 25.06), Unicone (UC 25.06), Reciproc Blue (RB 25.08) and Wave One Gold (WOG 25.07) performed at body temperature (35° ± 1°C). Time and number of cycles to fracture (NCF), as well as torque and angular deflection were recorded. Fractured surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA and Holm–Sidak's tests for multiple comparison. The RB had a significantly higher time to fracture, followed by the WOG and UCP (p < 0.05). Regarding the NCF, there was no significantly difference between RB and WOG (p > 0.05). UC presented highest torque values and the lowest angular deflection (p < 0.05). SEM analysis demonstrated typical failures features in both cyclic and torsional fatigue tests. Overall, UC had the lowest time, NCF and angular deflection at fracture. RB presented the highest time to fracture and angular deflection values.
A frameshift deletion inF8associated with hemophilia A in Labrador Retriever dogs
Authors: Hytönen Marjo K. , Viitanen Sanna , Hundi Sruthi , Donner Jonas , Lohi Hannes , Kaukonen Maria
Published: July 2023

Hemophilia A is the most common inherited coagulation factor disorder in dogs. It manifests as excessive bleeding resulting from pathogenic variants in the X‐chromosomalF8gene encoding coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) protein. In this study, we performed careful clinical phenotyping to confirm hemophilia A in two distinct Labrador Retriever (LR) pedigrees. Whole‐genome sequencing on an affected dog from litter 1 identified a case‐specific frameshift deletion variant inF8predicted to cause a premature stop codon (c.2923_2924del, p.(E975Kfs*8)). This variant was hemizygous in all the affected males from litter 1 (n = 3), while all the unaffected LRs in the pedigree were heterozygous or wild‐type (n = 22). Additionally, screened samples from 199 LRs were all found to be wild‐type. As a result of this study, a gene test can now be developed to screen dogs before breeding to prevent further cases. However, it is important to note that the affected LR with decreased FVIII activity from litter 2 was wild‐type for the identified deletion variant, and no segregatingF8variants were detected when this dog's DNA sample was whole‐genome sequenced. Thus, the cause of decreased FVIII activity in this dog remains to be unraveled in future studies.
Kill your ancestors
Authors: Sanchez Andrew
Published: July 2023

This essay explains why debates about the decolonization of anthropology tend to become reactive and confrontational, and outlines a model for why productive critique is central to intellectual progress. In a small, young discipline that values subjectivity and the questioning of ethnocentrism, the decolonial critique of tradition is more likely to be felt as a personalized war on one's professional community and sense of self. Further, the tendency toward factionalism in anthropology is driven by an emphasis on charismatic and individualistic intellectual work. The essay argues that decolonization should not be conceived as a discrete generational war that can be definitively won. Rather, it should be understood as an ongoing collective transformation that expresses the logics of social progress and is consistent with the ethnographic imperative.
Selective use of radiological staging in node‐positive stage II breast cancer patients may have a role in treatment
Authors: Leem Chaey , Wang Yijiao , Kirkpatrick Joshua , Juhasz Eva
Published: July 2023

Background

Advanced‐staging radiography is used inconsistently for patients with early‐stage (stage I + II) breast cancer. However, accurate and appropriate staging of newly diagnosed breast cancer may significantly impact treatment decisions.

Methods

Four hundred and ninety‐nine patients with stages II and III breast cancer were seen in the breast service at Waitemata DHB, New Zealand from 2013 to 2018 were enrolled in the study and audited for radiological staging.

Results

One hundred and two stage II patients had computed tomography (CT) at baseline; 88 of 102 (86%) of stage II patients were node‐positive (≥N1) with six patients (6.8%) having distant metastatic disease, and were upstaged to stage IV. Fifty‐two stage III patients out of 72 (72%) had baseline staging CTs. Nine out of 52 patients (17%) of stage III patients were upstaged to stage IV. Despite guideline recommendations, baseline staging for T4 disease (stage IIIB) was poor, with only 7 out of 13 patients with stage IIIB disease radiologically staged.

Conclusion

Consideration for baseline radiological staging should be given to stages II and III, cN1 breast cancer patients, in which diagnosis of distant metastatic disease would change the treatment plan. Regional guidelines for baseline radiological staging for breast cancer patients may have an impact on patient management in breast cancer patients.
The public health theory of populism
Authors: Di Nucci Ezio
Published: July 2023

Successful public health interventions have, in recent decades, improved the health of the working classes in significant ways across much of the western world. Nevertheless, here, I argue that populist electoral breakthroughs over the last decade may be considered side‐effects of ‘successful’ public health policies: crucially, the claim is that those political side‐effects resulted because of—rather than despite—the health‐measured success of those public health interventions.
S&P 500 volatility, volatility regimes, and economic uncertainty
Authors: Adrangi Bahram , Chatrath Arjun , Raffiee Kambiz
Published: July 2023

We assess the relationship between regime‐dependent volatility in S&P 500, economic policy uncertainty, the S&P 500 bull and bear sentiment spread (bb_sp), as well as the Chicago Board Options Exchange's VIX over the period 2000–2018. Our findings from two‐covariate GARCH–MIDAS (GM) methodology, regime switching Markov Chain, and quantile regressions suggest that the association of realized volatility and sentiment varies across high‐ and low‐volatility regimes and depends on investors’ sensitivity toward incidents of market uncertainties under these regimes. The findings suggest that these indicators may not be useful in volatility forecasting, especially under high‐volatility regimes.
Impact of early introduction of biologics on internal medications for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Sakurai Kenzo , Isahaya Kenji , Imai Takeshi , Yamano Yoshihisa
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) can cause severe disability after a single attack. This study aimed to investigate the reduction of oral medications, including steroids, in patients using biologics within 1 year after the onset or relapse of NMOSD.

Methods

Patients with NMOSD who were using biologics and attending the Department of Neurology at St. Marianna University School of Medicine from November 2019 to February 2023 were enrolled. The patients were introduced to biologics within 1 year of their last relapses. The study examined whether these patients experienced clinical relapse, changes in prednisolone dosage of 5 mg/day or less and changes in the number of oral medications.

Results

A total of 14 patients were included. The mean prednisolone dosage was 17.5 ± 5.8 mg/day, and the mean number of medications was 6.2 ± 4.2. No relapse was reported in any patient after the introduction of biologics. The prednisolone dosage gradually decreased to 5.3 ± 2.9 mg/day and 3.1 ± 1.7 mg/day at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and the rates of achieving a prednisolone dosage of ≤5 mg/day at 6 and 12 months were 61.5% and 100%, respectively. The total number of medications decreased to 4.4 ± 4.6.

Conclusions

Biologics can be introduced early after NMOSD relapse to reduce prednisolone dosage and counteract polypharmacy. The high relapse prevention rate of biologics makes them a valuable option for preventing relapse in patients with NMOSD.
Effects of minocycline on dendrites, dendritic spines, and microglia in immature mouse brains after kainic acid‐induced status epilepticus
Authors: Yang Xiaoyue , Li Tianyi , Liu Jie , Sun Hong , Cheng Li , Song Xiaojie , Han Ziyao , Luo Hanyu , Han Wei , Xie Lingling , Jiang Li
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether minocycline could influence alterations of microglial subtypes, the morphology of dendrites and dendritic spines, the microstructures of synapses and synaptic proteins, or even cognition outcomes in immature male mice following status epilepticus (SE) induced by kainic acid.

Methods

Golgi staining was performed to visualize the dendrites and dendritic spines of neurons of the hippocampus. The microstructures of synapses and synaptic proteins were observed using transmission electron microscopy and western blotting analysis, respectively. Microglial reactivation and their markers were evaluated using flow cytometry. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to analyze spatial learning and memory ability.

Results

Significant partial spines increase (predominate in thin spines) was observed in the dendrites of neurons after acute SE and partial loss (mainly in thin spines) was presented by days 14 and 28 post‐SE. The postsynaptic ultrastructure was impaired on the 7th and 14th days after SE. The proportion of M1 microglia increased significantly only after acute SE Similarly, the proportion of M2 microglia increased in the acute stage with high expression levels of all surface markers. In contrast, a decrease in M2 microglia and their markers was noted by day 14 post‐SE. Minocycline could reverse the changes in dendrites and synaptic proteins caused by SE, and increase the levels of synaptic proteins. Meanwhile, minocycline could inhibit the reactivation of M1 microglia and the expression of their markers, except for promoting CD200R. In addition, treatment with minocycline could regulate the expression of M2 microglia and their surface markers, as well as ameliorating the impaired spatial learning and memory on the 28th day after SE.

Conclusions

Dendritic spines and microglia are dynamically changed after SE. Minocycline could ameliorate the impaired cognition in the kainic acid‐induced mouse model by decreasing the damage to dendrites and altering microglial reactivation.
The engagement of autophagy in maniac disease
Authors: Yang Yidong , Yuan Renxiang , Lu Yangyang , Zhu Chenze , Zhang Chen , Lue Haifeng , Zhang Xiangnan
Published: July 2023

Aims

Mania is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with undefined pathological mechanism. Here, we reviewed current knowledge indicating the potential involvement of autophagy dysregulation in mania and further discussed whether targeting autophagy could be a promising strategy for mania therapy.

Discussions

Accumulating evidence indicated the involvement of autophagy in the pathology of mania. One of the most well‐accepted mechanisms underlying mania, circadian dysregulation, showed mutual interaction with autophagy dysfunction. In addition, several first‐line drugs for mania therapy were found to regulate neuronal autophagy. Besides, deficiencies in mitochondrial quality control, neurotransmission, and ion channel, which showed causal links to mania, were intimately associated with autophagy dysfunction.

Conclusions

Although more efforts should be made to either identify the key pathology of mania, the current evidence supported that autophagy dysregulation may act as a possible mechanism involved in the onset of mania‐like symptoms. It is therefore a potential strategy to treat manic disorder by correting autophagy.
Tax Incentives and Maturity Mismatch between Investment and Financing: Evidence from China
Authors: Feng Qianbin , Zhao Lexin , Xu Mingxue
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the effects of China's accelerated depreciation policy (ADP) on the maturity mismatch between investment and financing. Using panel data for China's A‐share nonfinancial listed companies from 2010 to 2019 and a staggered difference‐in‐differences approach, we found the following. First, ADP significantly aggravated the degree of corporate maturity mismatch, and this result was robust across multiple checks. Second, due to an insufficient long‐term loan supply, firms had to finance the fixed investments induced by ADP with short‐term debts, leading to maturity mismatches. Third, the positive policy effects were mainly significant for firms with high policy exposure, high‐risk preferences, a high degree of information asymmetry, and firms with weak long‐term financing capacity. Finally, maturity mismatch exacerbated corporate financial risks. Our research findings indicate that passive maturity mismatch is prevalent among Chinese companies and emphasize the need to address financial repression in order to mitigate the potential financial risks that may arise from tax incentives.
Measuring alcohol use among adolescents in Africa: A systematic scoping review of consumption, screening and assessment tools
Authors: Seekles Maaike L. , Briegal Eleanor , Biggane Alice M. , Obasi Angela I.
Published: July 2023

Issues

Globally, adolescent drinking is a major public health concern. Alcohol measurements are influenced by local consumption practices, patterns and perceptions of alcohol‐related harm. This is the first review to examine what tools are used to measure alcohol consumption, or screen for or assess harmful use in African adolescents, and how these tools take into account the local context.

Approach

A systematic scoping review was conducted in line with the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A search in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Global Health and the Cochrane Database covered the period of 2000–2020.

Key Findings

The search identified 121 papers across 25 African countries. A range of single‐ and multi‐item tools were identified. Very few adaptations of existing questions were specified, and this search identified no tools developed by local researchers that were fundamentally different from established tools often designed in the USA or Europe. Inconsistencies were found in the use of cut‐off scores; many studies used adult cut‐off scores.

Implications and Conclusion

The possible impact of African drinking practices and culture on the accuracy of alcohol screening tools is currently unknown, but is also not taken into account by most research. This, in combination with a limited geographical distribution of alcohol‐related research across the continent and inconsistent use of age‐ and gender‐specific cut‐off scores, points towards probable inaccuracies in current data on adolescent alcohol use in Africa.
RNF216 affects the stability of STAU2 in the hypothalamus
Authors: Yang Han , Zhu Yong , Li Xin , Jiang Zuiming , Dai Wenting
Published: July 2023

Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a rare disease characterized by gonadal failure due to deficiency in gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) synthesis, secretion, or action. RNF216 variants have been recently identified in patients with IHH. Ring finger protein 216 (RNF216), as a ubiquitin E3 ligase, catalyzes the ubiquitination of target proteins with high specificity, which consequently modulates the stability, localization, and interaction of the target protein. In this study, we found that RNF216 interacted with Staufen2 (STAU2) and affected the stability of STAU2 through the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. STAU2, as a double‐stranded RNA‐binding protein enriched in the nervous system, plays a role in RNA transport, RNA stability, translation, anchoring, and synaptic plasticity. Further, we revealed that STAU2 levels in the hypothalamus of RNF216−/− mice were increased compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. The change in STAU2 protein homeostasis may affect a series of RNA cargoes. Therefore, we analyzed the changes in RNA levels in the hypothalamus of RNF216−/− mice and WT mice by RNA sequencing. We found that deletion of RNF216 led to decreased activities of the prolactin signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, GnRH signaling pathway, and ovarian steroidogenesis. The weakening of these signal pathways is likely to affect the secretion of GnRH, thereby affecting the development of gonads. Therefore, our study suggests that STAU2 may be a potential therapeutic target for IHH. Further experiments are needed to demonstrate the association between the weakening of these signaling pathways and the RNA‐binding protein STAU2.
Geographies of queer economies
Authors: Rush‐Morgan Rowan
Published: July 2023

This paper provides a critical overview of research in geography that has explored the economic lives of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. I begin by considering how the consumption and production of mainstream commercial gaybourhoods is the primary approach through which geographies of sexuality, and queer geographies have engaged with economy. I then examine the ways in which digital spaces have blurred the boundaries of consumption and production, arguing that digital spaces are indicative of the much broader range of economic actions in which LGBTQ+ people take part. Finally, I turn to Gibson‐Graham's ‘diverse economies’, suggesting that this concept can attend to the existence of numerous multi‐scalar and overlapping queer economies. Developing a queer economies research agenda is crucial to turn attention beyond consumption and production in a narrow range of gaybourhoods, and to better portray the lives of those frequently excluded from mainstream commercial LGBTQ+ economies.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the primary lung cancer screening program in Akita Prefecture, a region with the fastest aging population in Japan
Authors: Okuda Yuji , Sato Kazuhiro , Asano Mariko , Kudoh Kentaroh , Omoto Eiki , Izumiya Yuka , Sakamoto Sho , Takeda Masahide , Shimizu Tatsunori , Ota Hidetaka , Kurokawa Hirokazu , Minamiya Yoshihiro , Nakayama Katsutoshi
Published: July 2023

Aim

Akita Prefecture has the largest proportion of older inhabitants and the highest cancer mortality rate in Japan. Lung cancer is one of the biggest killers, and early detection is critical. Chest X‐ray examinations are the main screening method for lung cancer; however, the COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the screening system. Here, we evaluate how COVID‐19 has affected lung cancer screening in Akita Prefecture.

Methods

Using the Akita General Health Corporation database, the average annual number of chest X‐ray screening tests, close examinations and lung cancer diagnoses (stratified by sex and age) was evaluated during 2016–2019, and compared with the 2020 values. Furthermore, data on lung cancer registrations from 2018 to 2020 were obtained from the Collaborative Akita Prefecture Hospital‐Based Cancer Registration System and analyzed.

Results

The average annual number of screening tests, close examinations and lung cancer diagnoses declined (by >50%) between 2016 to 2019 and 2020, especially among older people (aged ≥65 years). Furthermore, by stage, the number of patients with early‐stage lung cancer (stage 0–I) decreased, and the number with advanced‐stage cancer (stage IV) increased.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic reduced lung cancer screening participation, especially among the older adult population in Akita Prefecture, resulting in a decrease in lung cancer diagnoses through screening. This might have reduced the number of early‐stage cancer registrations. It is necessary to improve health education among the public regarding the importance of chest X‐ray screening. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 622–627.
Similar survival of birds between wet and seasonally dry Neotropical environments
Authors: Silva Clarisse Caroline de Oliveira E. , de Paiva Luciana Vieira , Pichorim Mauro , Leite Lemuel Oliveira , Pinho João Batista , Dias Raphael Igor , Passos Daniel Cunha , França Leonardo Fernandes
Published: July 2023

Studies in the tropics suggest a regional similarity in survival rates of adult birds; however, this literature often overlooks species in semi‐arid tropical environments. Bird survival in seasonally dry environments (e.g. seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTFa)) may be lower than that in more constantly wet areas (e.g. tropical rainforests (TRFs)), especially if the birds are negatively affected by seasonal rainfall or food‐limitation. However, survival could be similar across these tropical environments, as the asymmetry between young and adult mortality tends to be high in all tropical areas, and the higher risk of mortality in young animals may favour adult survival (residual reproductive investment) regardless of the local climatic conditions. To fill this knowledge gap, we tested the hypothesis that bird survival is similar between seasonally dry (SDTF) and constantly wet (TRF) Neotropical environments. We estimated the apparent survival of 27 South American bird populations from three SDTF areas and 39 populations from a TRF. Apparent survival was estimated from Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) models fitted using a Bayesian structure and the resulting variation in survival rates between study areas and with body mass was explored using a Bayesian phylogenetic mixed model. Apparent annual survival of passerines did not differ between areas (geometrical mean of survival: SDTF = 0.50, 0.56, 0.64; TRF = 0.58), but body mass was positively associated with survival. The variation in bird survival was partially explained by phylogenetic relationships among species. Our results suggest that bird survival is regionally similar in Neotropical forests, despite the climatic variation. We discuss possible physiological and behavioural mechanisms adopted by birds in SDTFs to attenuate effects of environmental seasonality on survival.
Evaluating von Willebrand factor and ADAMTS13 levels in thalassemia major patients and assessing a possible association with Thrombospondin‐1
Authors: Al‐Sabaan Kefayah , Al‐Awadhi Anwar
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Alterations in the endothelium and endothelial adhesion proteins such as von Willebrand factor (vWF) play major roles in hypercoagulability in thalassemia. vWF protein release leads to platelet aggregation and thrombi formation at the site of vascular injury. It is then degraded by the proteolytic enzyme ADAMTS13. Thrombospondin‐1 is a multifactorial glycoprotein, which was reported to compete with ADAMTS13 for sites of vWF proteolysis. In this study, levels of vWF, ADAMTS13, and TSP‐1 proteins were determined in β‐thalassemia major patients. A possible association between TSP‐1 and vWF and ADAMTS‐13 was also evaluated.

Methods

The study was conducted on 80 β‐thalassemia major patients and 80 age and sex matched healthy controls. The 80 patients were sub‐divided into two groups; splenectomised and non‐splenectomised. vWF, ADAMTS13 and TSP‐1 plasma level were measured using ELISA technique.

Results

There was no significant difference in vWF and TSP‐1 levels between patients and controls (p > 0.05). However, ADAMTS13 levels and ADAMTS13 activity/vWF antigen ratio were significantly higher in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). VWF antigen and TSP‐1 level were significantly higher in splenectomised patients (p = 0.025 and p < 0.001, respectively). We also observed a significant decrease in ADAMTS13 activity/vWF antigen ratio among splenectomised compared to non‐ splenectomised patients (p = 0.019). Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between TSP‐1 and vWF Collagen Binding Activity (r = −0.394, p = 0.021) and a positive correlation with ADAMTS13 activity/vWF antigen ratio (r = 0.356, p = 0.039) in splenectomised compared to non‐ splenectomised patients.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the adequacy of patient management protocols for β‐TM in Kuwait as patients presented with comparable levels of platelets, vWF and TSP‐1 compared to normal controls. The reported increase in ADAMTS13 in patients may be required to maintain normal levels of vWF. Although no active thrombotic episodes were reported at the time of the study, the significant rise in platelets, vWF:Ag and TSP‐1 levels in splenectomised patients may indicate a tendency towards hypercoagulability. Monitoring of splenectomised patients is recommended.
AMIGO2 attenuates innate cisplatin sensitivity by suppression of GSDME‐conferred pyroptosis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Lian‐kuai , Lin Shu‐ping , Xie Yong‐huan , Tan Xiang‐peng , Xiong Ben‐han , Zeng Xiang‐feng , Zhu Cai‐rong , Cao Shao‐yi , Ye Xiao‐yan , Liu Hong‐jiao , Wu Xiao‐ping
Published: July 2023

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancer. Cisplatin is commonly used in the treatment of many malignant tumours including NSCLC. The innate drug sensitivity greatly affects the clinical efficacy of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. As a plasma membrane adhesion molecule, amphoterin‐induced gene and ORF‐2 (AMIGO2) initially identified as a neurite outgrowth factor has been recently found to play a crucial role in cancer occurrence and progression. However, it is still unclear whether AMIGO2 is involved in innate cisplatin sensitivity. In the present study, we provided the in vitro and in vivo evidences indicating that the alteration of AMIGO2 expression triggered changes of innate cisplatin sensitivity as well as cisplatin‐induced pyroptosis in NSCLC. Further results revealed that AMIGO2 might inhibit cisplatin‐induced activation of (caspase‐8 and caspase‐9)/caspase‐3 via stimulating PDK1/Akt (T308) signalling axis, resulting in suppression of GSDME cleavage and the subsequent cell pyroptosis, thereby decreasing the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to cisplatin treatment. The results provided a new insight that AMIGO2 regulated the innate cisplatin sensitivity of NSCLC through GSDME‐mediated pyroptosis.
Board gender diversity and acquisition choices
Authors: Gunasekarage Abeyratna , Khedmati Mehdi , Minnick Kristina , Shams Syed
Published: July 2023

We investigate the influence of gender diversity on the acquisition choices of bidding firms and find that firms with greater gender diversity are more likely to acquire nonlisted targets, use cash as the method of payment, and purchase firms in similar industries. Results show that these preferences are significantly influenced by female directors' financial expertise, target industry experience, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) experience, academic and professional qualifications, and networks. The percentage of female directors on boards is positively correlated with the market response to the announcement of acquisition choices preferred by female directors. Furthermore, bidders improve efficiency and accumulate long‐term value gains through the contributions made by their female directors to these acquisition choices.
Financial analysts' bundling across firms: Target prices and stock recommendations
Authors: Chen Yu‐An , Palmon Dan
Published: July 2023

A rising trend is that analysts bundle earnings forecasts for multiple firms on the same day, and such forecast bundling is associated with low‐quality forecasts. We explore target price bundling and recommendation bundling. Factors driving bundling revisions of an output for multiple firms vary across three outputs: forecasts, target prices, and recommendations. Target price (recommendation) revisions bundled for firms are less informative than stand‐alone revisions. Although consistency in the direction of revisions between different outputs is typically associated with higher perceived quality, consistent revisions between outputs are not associated with higher informativeness of revisions bundled for multiple firms.
Exploring the role of dietitians in mental health services and the perceived barriers and enablers to service delivery: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Teasdale Scott B. , Tripodi Elise , Harman Alexandra , Plain Janice , Burrows Tracy L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Mental health is a rapidly evolving area of practice for dietitians. The role of dietitians in supporting the physical health of consumers experiencing mental illness is becoming more widely recognised given the importance of lifestyle interventions for physical health. The present study aimed to explore the dietitian role in mental health services as well as identify barriers and enablers to service delivery.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey of dietitians currently employed in any capacity in public and private mental health services. An online survey comprised of questions pertaining to four domains, including demographics, role and service provision, experience and supervision, barriers/challenges and drivers/enablers was completed and included closed and open‐ended responses.

Results

In total, 48 responses were included. The mean ± SD age of respondents was 36.1 ± 10.9 years (range 23–67 years) with the majority working in inpatient settings. The top three tasks respondents reported conducting were individual consultations (n = 47; 98%), group programs (n = 23; 48%) and multidisciplinary team meetings. Barriers included a lack of awareness from others regarding a dietitian's role in mental health, and a lack of specific tools for nutrition screening. More training, resources and increased evidence base to guide practice would enable better service provision.

Conclusions

The present study provides insights regarding the possible drivers and barriers to effective service provision for dietitians working in mental health services focusing on the local contexts of respondents. The findings highlight the importance and value of working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Examining legislation and trends in healthcare pricing: A research agenda for consumer well‐being
Authors: Popovich Deidre , Frias Kellilynn M.
Published: July 2023

Healthcare costs continue to rise considerably in the United States; one proposed solution is to give consumers more choices regarding their healthcare decisions. Recent legislation has the aim of making healthcare pricing more transparent and providing consumers with an increased understanding of costs. This article offers a research agenda for studying healthcare price transparency and provides an overview of several potential implications for consumers. The authors review the recent legislation and its intended impact on consumer shopping in the healthcare market. Research propositions are focused on healthcare as a unique decision context, the power and peril of price information, the emerging healthcare information market, and individual differences in consumers. The authors also illustrate some of these issues with a price transparency dataset. Opportunities for future research and implications for marketing, healthcare providers, and policymakers are offered.
Evaluating the efficacy of a digital App to enhance patient‐centred nursing handover: A simulation study
Authors: Yuen Eva Y. N. , Street Maryann , Abdelrazek Mohamed , Blencowe Phillipa , Etienne Gina , Liskaser Raj , Choudhary Navit , Considine Julie
Published: July 2023

Aim

The study aim was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a digital App developed to enhance patient communication with nurses during bedside nursing handover at shift change.

Methods

Six nurses and 11 patient actors/volunteers participated in 12 simulated nursing handovers across six simulation workshops. Over half the patients were aged 70+ years (55%); majority were female (82%). Handover video recordings were analysed using a structured observation tool and a revised Four Habits Coding Scheme to assess nurses' handover communication skills. Patient and nurse feedback was also sought. The STROBE checklist (Data S1) guided preparation of the study.

Results

For all simulated handovers (n = 12): Nurses greeted the patient at commencement; nurses made eye contact with the patient; patients were given opportunity to ask questions; and all patient questions were answered. Nurses explained the handover process for less than half the handovers (42%). Familiarity with the patient's history was evident in every handover. Communication behaviours identified in most handovers included: good nonverbal behaviour; allowing time for the patient to absorb information; giving clear explanations; involving the patient in decisions; and exploring acceptability of the care plan. Patient and nurse feedback on the App included: The App was easy to navigate, features were well‐liked, with some improvements suggested.

Conclusion

Patients and nurses provided positive feedback for the App during hospital stay and at handover. The App has the potential to enhance existing handover processes and increase safety of hospital care by using technology to educate and empower patients/carers to be active partners in communication with nurses during change‐of‐shift handover.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The App empowers and enables patients/carers to actively participate in nursing handover and allows patients to communicate concerns and provide information to their nursing team, facilitating a new approach.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and carers were involved in the research from the original co‐design workshops that guided the development of the handover App. The research aims and outcome measures were informed by the experiences and preferences of patients/carers. Two patient representatives were involved in writing and submission of the grant application for the study to evaluate the efficacy of the App and were listed as co‐authors on this paper. Patient volunteers were involved in the current study to pilot test the handover App. Patient volunteers were recruited through a consumer representative and volunteer registry at the health service. They participated in simulated nursing handovers with two nurses to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the handover App and then provided feedback and suggestions for improvement.