bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and content validity of educational videos on self‐management of fluid restriction and thirst for individuals with heart failure
Authors: Costa Rossetto Sophia , Bosco Aprile Daniele Cristina , Lopes Grisante Daiane , Gomes Vancini Milena , D'Agostino Fabio , Herdman T. Heather , de Lima Lopes Juliana , Batista Santos Vinicius , Takáo Lopes Camila
Published: July 2024

Objective

To create and evaluate the content validity of educational videos on self‐management of fluid restriction and thirst for individuals with heart failure (HF).

Method

A psychometric study was conducted in three stages: (1) an integrative literature review to identify strategies for self‐management of fluid restriction and thirst by individuals with HF; (2) creation of animated videos about strategies for self‐management of fluid restriction and thirst; and (3) analysis of the content validity of the educational videos by 11 experts. For each criterion, the content validity ratio (CVR) was calculated; it was considered adequate when <0.636. Suggestions were evaluated by the researchers, and the videos were modified.

Results

Ten scripts and videos were created, averaging 30 s each. The videos’ contents were based on 11 studies retrieved from the review and one specialized website. The videos were evaluated by experts, and adjustments were made when CVR < 0.636 and when allowed by the video production platform.

Conclusions

Educational videos were developed and have satisfactory content validity evidence according to expert opinions.

Implications for nursing practice

These videos are expected to be used as educational strategies in clinical practice to prevent episodes of decompensation due to excessive fluid volume.
Illustrating the experiences of students with learning disabilities in higher education: Comics‐based representation of fieldwork findings
Authors: Chetan S. V.
Published: July 2024

Comics‐based /arts‐based research is increasingly employed in anthropology and other social science disciplines. As part of my ongoing doctoral research on the experiences of young adults with learning disabilities in India, I have engaged in researcher‐produced drawings/comics to depict my fieldwork findings. In this paper, I present three single‐panel comics that illustrate experiences of “the invisibility of learning disability,” “ableism in classrooms,” and “negotiating the disability identity.” I then present three corresponding counter‐comics with alternative visualizations to depict inclusive practices in higher education. Through these, I aim to demonstrate the utility of comics in research and their potential in disability advocacy and pedagogy.
Plasma Kallistatin and Progranulin as Predictive Biomarkers of Intraamniotic Inflammation, Microbial Invasion of the Amniotic Cavity, and Composite Neonatal Morbidity/Mortality in Women With Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Park Kyo Hoon , Lee Kyong‐No , Cho Iseop , Lee Min Jung , Choi Bo Young , Jeong Da Eun
Published: July 2024

Problem

To explore the clinical utility of nine inflammatory immune‐, adhesion‐, and extracellular matrix‐related mediators in the plasma for predicting intraamniotic inflammation and/or microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (IAI/MIAC) and composite neonatal morbidity and/or mortality (CNMM) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) when used alone or in combination with conventional blood‐, ultrasound‐, and clinical‐based factors.

Methods of Study

This retrospective cohort comprised 173 singleton pregnant women with PPROM (24 + 0 – 33 + 6 weeks), who underwent amniocentesis. Amniotic fluid was cultured for microorganisms and assayed for IL‐6 levels. Plasma levels of AFP, CXCL14, E‐selectin, Gal‐3BP, kallistatin, progranulin, P‐selectin, TGFBI, and VDBP were determined by ELISA. Ultrasonographic cervical length (CL) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were measured.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between (i) decreased plasma kallistatin levels and IAI/MIAC and (ii) decreased plasma progranulin levels and increased CNMM risk after adjusting for baseline variables (e.g., gestational age at sampling [or delivery] and parity). Using stepwise regression analysis, noninvasive prediction models for IAI/MIAC and CNMM risks were developed, which included plasma progranulin levels, NLR, CL, and gestational age at sampling, and provided a good prediction of the corresponding endpoints (area under the curve: 0.79 and 0.87, respectively).

Conclusions

Kallistatin and progranulin are potentially valuable plasma biomarkers for predicting IAI/MIAC and CNMM in women with PPROM. Particularly, the combination of these plasma biomarkers with conventional blood‐, ultrasound‐, and clinical‐based factors can significantly support the diagnosis of IAI/MIAC and CNMM.
Crossing the rice–wheat border: Income, gender role attitudes and female subjective well‐being
Authors: Chen Xiangpo , Hu Xinyan
Published: July 2024

Working women's subjective well‐being has raised a growing interest and debate over the last few decades. The present study addresses the puzzlement of whether gender ‘neutral’ or ‘matter’ in the income‐happiness nexus by shedding new light on the rice–wheat system. The 9898 married female participants completed the interview‐questionnaire from four waves of the Chinese General Social Survey from 2012 to 2017, answering questions about subjective well‐being, time allocation, and gender role attitudes. We find a different pattern in the income‐female subjective well‐being nexus amongst rice and wheat agriculture regions. Specifically, higher income promotes female subjective well‐being in rice agriculture regions, whilst such an association is not valid in wheat agriculture regions. Women will feel stressed and unhappy in wheat agriculture regions when their income exceeds the spouses'. Further, the mechanism analyses reveals two channels that account for these results, namely, gender role attitudes and time allocation.
Comparative functional analysis reveals differential nucleotide sensitivity between human and mouse UCP1
Authors: Musiol Eva , Fromme Tobias , Hau Julia , Di Pizio Antonella , Klingenspor Martin
Published: July 2024

Aim

Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a unique protein of brown adipose tissue. Upon activation by free fatty acids, UCP1 facilitates a thermogenic net proton flux across the mitochondrial inner membrane. Non‐complexed purine nucleotides inhibit this fatty acid‐induced activity of UCP1. The most available data have been generated from rodent model systems. In light of its role as a putative pharmacological target for treating metabolic disease, in‐depth analyses of human UCP1 activity, regulation, and structural features are essential.

Methods

In the present study, we established a doxycycline‐regulated cell model with inducible human or murine UCP1 expression and conducted functional studies using respirometry comparing wild‐type and mutant variants of human UCP1.

Results

We demonstrate that human and mouse UCP1 exhibit similar specific fatty acid‐induced activity but a different inhibitory potential of purine nucleotides. Mutagenesis of non‐conserved residues in human UCP1 revealed structural components in α‐helix 56 and α‐helix 6 crucial for uncoupling function.

Conclusion

Comparative studies of human UCP1 with other orthologs can provide new insights into the structure–function relationship for this mitochondrial carrier and will be instrumental in searching for new activators.
MicroRNA‐210 mediates hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension by targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics and mtROS flux
Authors: Ahmed Abu Shufian Ishtiaq , Blood Arlin B. , Zhang Lubo
Published: July 2024

Aim

Chronic hypoxia is a common cause of pulmonary hypertension (PH). We test the hypothesis that microRNA‐210 (miR‐210) mediates hypoxia‐induced PH by targeting mitochondrial metabolism and increasing reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production in the lungs.

Methods

Adult wildtype (WT) or miR‐210 knockout (KO) mice were exposed to hypoxia (10.5% O2) or normoxia for 4 weeks. We measured miR‐210 levels, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), and histological changes in heart and lung tissues. Mitochondrial bioenergetics and mtROS production were assessed in isolated lung mitochondria.

Results

Hypoxia increased right ventricular wall thickness and pulmonary vessel wall muscularization in WT, but not miR‐210 KO mice. No sex differences were observed. In male mice, hypoxia increased miR‐210 levels in the lung and RVSP, which were abrogated by miR‐210 deficiency. Hypoxia upregulated mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and mtROS flux, which were negated in miR‐210 KO animals. In addition, chronic hypoxia increased macrophage accumulation in lungs of WT, but not miR‐210 KO mice. Moreover, miR‐210 overexpression in lungs of WT animals recapitulated the effects of hypoxia and increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, mtROS flux, right ventricular wall thickness, pulmonary vessel wall muscularization and RVSP. MitoQ revoked the effects of miR‐210 on lung mitochondrial bioenergetics, right ventricular and pulmonary vessel remodeling and RVSP.

Conclusion

Our findings with loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function approaches provide explicit evidence that miR‐210 mediates hypoxia‐induced PH by upregulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and mtROS production in a murine model, revealing new insights into the mechanisms and therapeutic targets for treatment of PH.
Assessing the influence ofESGwashing on bank reputational exposure: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Venturelli Valeria , Pedrazzoli Alessia , Pennetta Daniela , De Novellis Gennaro
Published: July 2024

The study investigates the effects of ESG washing on banks' reputational exposure. We define ESG washing as a disparity between a bank's environmental and social disclosure level and the practical implementation of the relative measures. The analysis involves an international sample of 120 banks operating across 35 countries from 2014 to 2020. The results evidence a different effect based on the pillar considered: the higher the inconsistency on environmental issues, the higher a bank's reputational exposure. Conversely, higher levels of disclosure compared to performance on social issues appear to reduce reputational exposure. In addition, citizen movements and the country's legal system play a significant role in amplifying or mitigating a bank's reputational exposure. Our findings offer insight into the phenomenon of ESG washing in the banking industry, supporting the need for more verified information across countries and all economic sectors.
Overcoming socioeconomic adversity: Academic resilience in mathematics achievement among children and adolescents in Ireland
Authors: Sheehan Jillian , Hadfield Kristin
Published: July 2024

Although socioeconomic disadvantage is linked with academic underachievement, many children from low‐income backgrounds perform well in school. Which modifiable factors predict this academic resilience? We examine between‐ and within‐person predictors of one important academic metric – mathematics performance – across adolescence in 1715 (796 male, 919 female) youth living in poverty in Ireland, using data from three waves (9, 13, and 17/18 years) of the Growing Up in Ireland study. Using linear mixed models, math performance was worse when adolescents had more socioemotional and behavioural difficulties, more child–parent relationship conflict, parents had lower expectations of the adolescent's educational achievement, and when primary caregivers had less education. Adolescents who had better intellectual self‐concept and attended a non‐disadvantaged school had greater math performance. This research adds to the growing body of work suggesting academic resilience is dynamic and multisystemic; it provides potential targets at multiple levels to promote such resilience.
Blocking CXCR4–CARM1–YAP axis overcomes osteosarcoma doxorubicin resistance by suppressing aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Li Zihua , Lu Hengli , Zhang Yiwei , Lv Jiyang , Zhang Yi , Xu Tianyang , Yang Dong , Duan Zhengwei , Guan Yonghao , Jiang Zongrui , Liu Kaiyuan , Liao Yuxin
Published: July 2024

Osteosarcoma, recognized for its aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy, notably doxorubicin, poses significant treatment challenges. This comprehensive study investigated the CXCR4–CARM1–YAP signaling axis and its pivotal function in controlling aerobic glycolysis, which plays a crucial role in doxorubicin resistance. Detailed analysis of Dox‐resistant 143b/MG63‐DoxR cells has uncovered the overexpression of CXCR4. Utilizing a combination of molecular biology techniques including gene silencing, aerobic glycolysis assays such as Seahorse experiments, RNA sequencing, and immunofluorescence staining. The study provides insight into the mechanistic pathways involved. Results demonstrated that disrupting CXCR4 expression sensitizes cells to doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis and alters glycolytic activity. Further RNA sequencing revealed that CARM1 modulated this effect through its influence on glycolysis, with immunofluorescence of clinical samples confirming the overexpression of CXCR4 and CARM1 in drug‐resistant tumors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies further highlighted the role of CARM1, showing it to be regulated by methylation at the H3R17 site, which in turn affected YAP expression. Crucially, in vivo experiments illustrated that CARM1 overexpression could counteract the tumor growth suppression that resulted from CXCR4 inhibition. These insights revealed the intricate mechanisms at play in osteosarcoma resistance to doxorubicin and pointed toward potential new therapeutic strategies that could target this metabolic and signaling network to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Sodium copper chlorophyllin‐loaded chitosan nanoparticle‐based photodynamic therapy for B16 melanoma cancer cells
Authors: Shinde Vinod Ravasaheb , Khatun Sajmina , Thanekar Ajinkya Madhukar , Bhattacharjee Basu , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: July 2024

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and fatal skin cancers owing to its ability to metastasize and develop resistance to chemotherapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally noninvasive treatment modality comprising photosensitizers (PSs), light sources, and endogenous molecular oxygen that exert a localized cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. The current study explores the therapeutic potential of sodium copper chlorophyllin‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CH‐SCC NPs) along with handheld laser‐based PDT on B16 cancer cells. A modified chlorophyll derivative identified as sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) is a dietary supplement that has anticancer properties. Herein, we have synthesized CH‐SCC NPs using the ionic gelation method to enhance the PS's bioavailability and efficiency. Chitosan nanoparticles exhibited high biocompatibility in a normal cell line L929, zebrafish, and chick embryos, and were successfully employed to deliver the SCC to cancer cells. CH‐SCC NPs showed an enhanced PDT effect that killed approximately 80%–85% of B16 cells. CH‐SCC NPs in combination with a handheld portable laser source showed significant therapeutic potential against the B16 skin cancer cell line. The experimental findings further strengthen our device‐repurposing strategy, which suggests that SCC nanoformulations along with handheld laser can be a suitable treatment for skin cancer even in remote areas where power source and treatment cost can be a limitation.
Cognitive characteristics of children with high mathematics achievement before they start formal schooling
Authors: Bakker Merel , Torbeyns Joke , Verschaffel Lieven , De Smedt Bert
Published: July 2024

This 5‐year longitudinal study examined whether high mathematics achievers in primary school had cognitive advantages before entering formal education. High mathematics achievement was defined as performing above Pc 90 in Grades 1 and 3. The predominantly White sample (M
age in preschool: 64 months) included 31 high achievers (12 girls) and 114 average achievers (63 girls). We measured children's early numerical abilities, complex mathematical abilities, and general cognitive abilities in preschool (2017). High mathematics achievers had advantages on most tasks in preschool (ds > 0.62). Number order, numeral recognition, and proportional reasoning were unique predictors of belonging to the high‐achieving group in primary school. This study shows that the cognitive advantages of high mathematics achievement are already observed in preschool.
Elevated aqueous TNF‐α levels are associated with more severe functional and anatomic findings in eyes with diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Chew Sky , Tran Tuan , Sanfilippo Paul , Lim Lyndell L. , Sandhu Sukhpal S. , Wickremasinghe Sanjeewa
Published: July 2024

Background

Intravitreal ranibizumab for diabetic macular oedema (DMO) has been recently shown to modulate levels of aqueous cytokines. This study investigates the associations between changes in aqueous cytokine levels following intravitreal ranibizumab therapy and the corresponding anatomical and functional changes in the eye.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients comprising 30 eyes diagnosed with DMO were prospectively recruited. All eyes received three loading dose ranibizumab injections at baseline, week 4 and week 8, followed by pro re nata treatment based on best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) up to week 48. Prior to ranibizumab administration, aqueous samples were collected from all eyes, and subsequent sampling was performed at week 8. Levels of 32 cytokines were assessed at baseline and at week 8.

Results

At baseline, higher aqueous TNF‐α levels were associated with poorer BCVA (p = 0.033), greater macular volume (p = 0.017) and worse diabetic retinopathy (p = 0.047). Higher levels of IL‐7 were associated with poorer BCVA and greater macular volume (MV). Following treatment with ranibizumab there was a significant correlation with reduction of aqueous TNF‐α and improvements in BCVA and MV, both at 6 months (BCVA [r = −0.558, p = 0.001], MV [r = 0.410, p = 0.024]) and 12‐months (BCVA [r = −0.413, p = 0.023], MV [r = 0.482, p = 0.008]). The change in VEGF concentration following ranibizumab treatment did not correlate with either BCVA or MV improvements (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Higher levels of aqueous TNF‐α and IL‐7 correlated with worse DMO, both anatomically and functionally. Reductions in levels of aqueous TNF‐α, but not VEGF, post ranibizumab treatment were associated with improvement in BCVA and MV.
The p75 neurotrophin receptor attenuates secondary thalamic damage after cortical infarction by promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Peng Linhui , Li Kongping , Li Dan , Zuo Xialin , Zhan Lixuan , Chen Meiyan , Gong Ming , Sun Weiwen , Xu En
Published: July 2024

Background

Angiogenesis is crucial in neuroprotection of secondary thalamic injury after cortical infarction. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) plays a key role in activating angiogenesis. However, the effects of p75NTR on angiogenesis in the thalamus after cortical infarction are largely unknown. Herein we investigate whether p75NTR facilitates angiogenesis to attenuate secondary thalamic damage via activating hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway mediated by Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO).

Methods

The male rat model of dMCAO was established. The effects of p75NTR on the angiogenesis was evaluated using RNA‐sequencing, immunohistochemistry, western blot, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, magnetic resonance imaging, behavior tests, viral and pharmacological interventions.

Results

We found that the p75NTR and vessel density were decreased in ipsilateral thalamus after dMCAO. The p75NTR‐VHL interaction was reduced, which promoted the ubiquitination degradation of HIF‐1α and reduced VEGF expression after dMCAO. Notably, p75NTR overexpression restrained the ubiquitination degradation of HIF‐1α by inhibiting VHL‐HIF‐1α interaction, further promoted angiogenesis, increased cerebral blood flow of ipsilateral thalamus and improved neurological function after dMCAO.

Conclusion

For the first time, we highlighted that the enhancement of p75NTR‐VHL interaction promoted angiogenesis in attenuating secondary thalamic damage after dMCAO.
Insulin attenuates LPS‐induced cognitive impairment and ferroptosis through regulation of glucose metabolism in hippocampus
Authors: Sun Miao , Liu Min , Li Qingxiao , Liu Siyuan , Yang Huikai , Song Yuxiang , Qu Mengyao , Zhang Xiaoying , Ma Yulong , Mi Weidong
Published: July 2024

Aims

Neuroinflammation is a recognized contributor to cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease, with ferroptosis emerging as a novel mechanism underlying cognitive dysfunction associated with neuroinflammation. Insulin, pivotal in the central nervous system, holds promise for cognitive function enhancement. This study aimed to establish a cognitive impairment model through intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and explore the impact of intracerebroventricular insulin injection on cognitive function in mice.

Methods

We employed diverse experimental techniques, including animal behavior testing, molecular assays, targeted metabolomics, nuclear medicine, and electron microscopy, to assess neurodegenerative changes, brain insulin resistance (IR), glucose uptake and metabolism, and ferroptosis. The model of cognitive impairment was induced via intracerebroventricular injection of LPS, followed by intracerebroventricular administration of insulin to evaluate its effects.

Results

Insulin treatment effectively mitigated LPS‐induced cognitive decline and safeguarded against neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, insulin alleviated LPS‐induced insulin resistance, enhanced glucose uptake in the hippocampus, and promoted the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) production. Additionally, insulin activated the glutathione (GSH)‐glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway, reducing lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial damage characteristic of LPS‐induced ferroptosis in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of insulin in alleviating LPS‐induced cognitive impairment and ferroptosis by modulating glucose metabolism. This study offers a promising avenue for future interventions targeting cognitive decline.
Identifying biomarkers related to motor function in chronic stroke: A fNIRS and TMS study
Authors: Cai Guiyuan , Xu Jiayue , Zhang Cailing , Jiang Junbo , Chen Gengbin , Chen Jialin , Liu Quan , Xu Guangqing , Lan Yue
Published: July 2024

Background

Upper limb motor impairment commonly occurs after stroke, impairing quality of life. Brain network reorganization likely differs between subgroups with differing impairment severity. This study explored differences in functional connectivity (FC) and corticospinal tract (CST) integrity between patients with mild/moderate versus severe hemiplegia poststroke to clarify the neural correlates underlying motor deficits.

Method

Sixty chronic stroke patients with upper limb motor impairment were categorized into mild/moderate and severe groups based on Fugl‐Meyer scores. Resting‐state FC was assessed using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to compare connectivity patterns between groups across motor regions. CST integrity was evaluated by inducing motor evoked potentials (MEP) via transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Results

Compared to the mild/moderate group, the severe group exhibited heightened premotor cortex–primary motor cortex (PMC–M1) connectivity (t = 4.56, p < 0.01). Absence of MEP was also more frequent in the severe group (χ2 = 12.31, p = 0.01). Bayesian models effectively distinguished subgroups and identified the PMC–M1 connection as highly contributory (accuracy = 91.30%, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.86).

Conclusion

Distinct patterns of connectivity and corticospinal integrity exist between stroke subgroups with differing impairments. Strengthened connectivity potentially indicates recruitment of additional motor resources to compensate for damage. These findings elucidate the neural correlates underlying motor deficits poststroke and could guide personalized, network‐based therapies targeting predictive biomarkers to improve rehabilitation outcomes.
COVID vaccination and social norms
Authors: Cook Jonathan , Newberger Noah , Smalling Sami
Published: July 2024

We quantify the impact of county‐level vaccination rates on vaccine uptake. While the marginal effect at current vaccination rates is modest, the overall impact is large. Moving from a 0% to 15% vaccination rate in a county is associated with an increase in the daily uptake of over 10 fold. Our results shed light on the rise and decline of vaccine hesitancy and imply an externality of vaccination programs. For Ohio's Vax‐A‐Million lottery, a back‐of‐the‐envelope calculation finds that there were an additional 30,000 vaccinations immediately following the lottery as a result of the increased vaccinations from the lottery.
All at sea? Exploring key actors' understandings of the role of European Union policies for protecting marine nature
Authors: Gorjanc Sašo , Stojanovic Timothy A. , Warren Charles R.
Published: July 2024

Ambitious European Union (EU) policies are aiming to halt and reverse marine biodiversity loss in the current decade. However, EU environmental and conservation policies have so far fallen short of their targets. This study explores how the key actors in policy interpretation and implementation frame their understandings of these policy objectives, and how these framings influence the protection of marine biodiversity. The results of a Q‐methodological study undertaken with key actors from national, regional sea, and EU governance levels reveal the existence of two predominant frames. Key actors are divided between Environmental Protection and Sustainable Use‐focused understandings, with the first framing further partitioning into four distinct subframes. All the identified frames are internally coherent and are firmly held, therefore begging the question of how EU conservation policy should proceed, given that the same policy texts and the marine biodiversity crisis are perceived in distinctly different ways, with different actions prioritized. It is important to understand and reflect on the different positioning of key actors because these differences directly influence the achievement of marine biodiversity goals.
Novel reopenable clip with anchor prongs facilitates mucosal defect closure after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection: Pilot feasibility study (with video)
Authors: Tada Naoya , Tamai Naoto , Ito Mamoru , Fukuda Mai , Futakuchi Toshiki , Horiuchi Hideka , Kobayashi Masakuni , Sumiyama Kazuki
Published: July 2024

Closure of mucosal defects following colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (C‐ESD) is often performed to prevent post‐C‐ESD adverse events. However, large mucosal defect closure using conventional clips remains technically challenging. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of the novel endoclip with anchor prongs, called the MANTIS Clip (Boston Scientific, Tokyo, Japan), for mucosal defect closure after C‐ESD. This high‐volume retrospective study was conducted at a single center. From March until December 2023, consecutive patients who underwent post‐C‐ESD mucosal defect closure using MANTIS Clip to achieve complete closure were enrolled. Patient clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated. Closure of the mucosal defect using the MANTIS Clip was attempted following C‐ESD in 32 lesions. The median sizes of the resection specimens and the tumors were 32 mm (range, 17–100 mm) and 23.5 mm (range, 5–96 mm), respectively. The lesions were distributed between the cecum, ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid, and rectum. Complete closure was achieved in 96.9% of cases (31/32). All lesions up to 61 mm in defect size were completely closed. The median closure time was 7.9 (range, 3.3–18.0) min. The median numbers of MANTIS Clip and additional conventional clips were 3 (range, 1–4) and 5 (range, 1–11), respectively. No adverse events associated with closure, post‐ESD bleeding, and delayed perforation occurred. MANTIS Clip closure for large post‐C‐ESD mucosal defects was found to be feasible and reliable with a high complete closure rate and a short procedure time.
Mortality patterns in Dutch diabetes outpatients
Authors: Bak Jessica C. G. , de Vries Silvia A. G. , Serné Erik H. , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , de Valk Harold W. , Mul Dick , Sas Theo C. J. , Bizino Maurice , Nieuwdorp Max , Kramer Mark H. H. , Verheugt Carianne L.
Published: July 2024

Aim

Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of death. Outpatients with diabetes have more complications than patients in general practice; mortality patterns have only been studied in the total diabetes population. This study aims to assess mortality, causes, and predictors in outpatients with diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A cohort study, included people with diabetes mellitus from the nationwide Dutch Paediatric and Adult Registry of Diabetes (DPARD) visiting diabetes outpatient clinics in 2016‐2020. DPARD data were linked to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), comprising data on mortality, ethnicity and education. All‐cause and cardiovascular mortality rates were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 3.1 years among 12 992 people with diabetes, mortality rates per 10 000 person‐years were 67.7 in adult type 1 diabetes and 324.2 in type 2 diabetes. The major cause of non‐cardiovascular death was malignancy. During the pandemic years of influenza (2018) and COVID (2020), mortality rates peaked. Age, smoking and an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min were associated with all‐cause mortality. In type 2 diabetes, additional factors were male sex, body mass index <20 kg/m2, diabetes duration <1 year and hypertension.

Conclusions

Mortality among Dutch outpatients with diabetes is high. Smoking and renal failure were associated with mortality in both types. Further focus on early detection and treatment of mortality‐associated factors may improve clinical outcomes.
Envisioning the humanitarian‐development‐peace nexus in the Rohingya response in Bangladesh: Implementation challenges and suggestions for the future
Authors: Khan Abdul Kadir
Published: July 2024

Motivation

Since 2017, more than a million forcibly displaced Rohingya refugees from Myanmar have been heavily reliant on humanitarian assistance in Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh. The donors and humanitarian stakeholders involved, often drawing on OECD recommendations, are calling for a triple nexus design linking humanitarian, development, and peace pillars to increase effectiveness.

Purpose

To further understanding of the issues involved and to provide recommendations for the implementation of a triple‐nexus programme, the article explores the main challenges relating to triple‐nexus implementation in Bangladesh.

Approach and Methods

Thematic analysis is conducted on 25 qualitative key informant interviews with selected government officials and international and national NGOs involved in the Rohingya humanitarian response in Cox's Bazar.

Findings

The study identifies five main challenges to triple‐nexus implementation, foregrounding the OECD guiding principles: (1) the “peace” component remains unaddressed and undefined; (2) the capacity of local organizations is undermined in the Rohingya response due to the dominance of international organizations; (3) the shrinkage of overall funding leads to ambiguities in multi‐year funding commitments and modalities; (4) there is a co‐ordination gap between the three nexus pillars; and (5) the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) is reluctant to design long‐term refugee policies for Rohingyas.

Policy Implications

The study suggests that adopting the triple nexus in the Rohingya response requires stronger political commitment on the part of the GoB and goal‐oriented national policy in accordance with OECD principles. The inclusion of a “peace” element is indispensable to enable the balance between humanitarian and development components, but requires a clearly defined conflict context to be entwined with the nexus programming. The findings also contribute to reappraising the impediments to operationalizing the nexus programme and refurbishing policy discussions in other major cases in forced migration, IDP, or refugee crises globally.
Platform economy and missing entrepreneurship: Evidence from E‐commerce development policy in China
Authors: Pan Sitong , Shi Qinghua , Zhang Yue
Published: July 2024

This paper utilises the staggered county‐level rollout of China's E‐commerce entering villages policy to examine the effect of policy‐driven platform economy development on local entrepreneurship. Exploiting county‐level variations in yearly new business registration with a difference‐in‐differences strategy, we find that policy‐driven platform economy development decreased the number of new business registrations and business entry rates by approximately 4.6% and 0.6%, respectively. The reduction effect is more prominent in business registration in micro‐small scale, tertiary industries, eastern regions, and rural areas. Microfinance plays a positive role in this association. Mechanism analysis shows that the platform‐driven supply chain transformation could rule out entrepreneurial opportunities, and the platform‐enabled gig work opportunities could weaken entrepreneurial motivation. Loss of entrepreneurial opportunities and motivation leads to less entrepreneurship.
Can the improvements in human capital quality mitigate the negative impact of ageing on growth? Evidence from selected EU countries
Authors: Sobiech Pellegrini Izabela , Chmura Rafał , Sawulski Jakub , Mętrak Tymoteusz
Published: July 2024

Most long‐term GDP projections in developed countries expect a substantial decline in GDP growth rates over time. The main factor behind it is demographic changes, especially the decreasing working‐age population. We argue that these projections do not consider improvements in the quality of the human capital, which may, at least to some extent, mitigate the effects of the negative demographic shock. We start with a simple observation—the skills of younger age cohorts are higher than of older cohorts. Assuming that the current level of skills will be obtained also by the generations which will enter the labour market in the future, the average level of skills among the working‐age population will increase. Trying to catch this effect, we use the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies standardised test results to create an aggregate human capital measure, the average skill level of the work force, for 18 European Union countries and project it until 2040. We show that on average at least one sixth of the negative impact of the shrinking of the working‐age population can be offset by the increase in the quality of human capital and that this number can increase to three quarters in a less conservative scenario.
The pivotal role of clinical tutorial teaching in knowledge construction
Authors: Gonzalez Oneto Humberto
Published: July 2024

Students' new knowledge is gradually built up in the context of the task for which it is required and consolidated by applying it to clinical cases. As students see more and more clinical cases the knowledge emerges from an associative mesh of different levels of understanding. During tutorial clinical teaching, residents should be gradually exposed to an increasing range of real‐world learning tasks and increasing levels of complexity. This exposure allows them to gradually develop shortcuts in the retrieval of their knowledge. This commentary provides a rationale for the construction of knowledge and the pivotal role that clinical tutorial teaching plays in this task.
An automated sleep staging tool based on simple statistical features of mice electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) data
Authors: Yamada Rikuhiro G. , Matsuzawa Kyoko , Ode Koji L. , Ueda Hiroki R.
Published: July 2024

Electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) are fundamental tools in sleep research. However, investigations into the statistical properties of rodent EEG/EMG signals in the sleep–wake cycle have been limited. The lack of standard criteria in defining sleep stages forces researchers to rely on human expertise to inspect EEG/EMG. The recent increasing demand for analysing large‐scale and long‐term data has been overwhelming the capabilities of human experts. In this study, we explored the statistical features of EEG signals in the sleep–wake cycle. We found that the normalized EEG power density profile changes its lower and higher frequency powers to a comparable degree in the opposite direction, pivoting around 20–30 Hz between the NREM sleep and the active brain state. We also found that REM sleep has a normalized EEG power density profile that overlaps with wakefulness and a characteristic reduction in the EMG signal. Based on these observations, we proposed three simple statistical features that could span a 3D space. Each sleep–wake stage formed a separate cluster close to a normal distribution in the 3D space. Notably, the suggested features are a natural extension of the conventional definition, making it useful for experts to intuitively interpret the EEG/EMG signal alterations caused by genetic mutations or experimental treatments. In addition, we developed an unsupervised automatic staging algorithm based on these features. The developed algorithm is a valuable tool for expediting the quantitative evaluation of EEG/EMG signals so that researchers can utilize the recent high‐throughput genetic or pharmacological methods for sleep research.
The human‐specific nicotinic receptor subunit CHRFAM7A reduces α7 receptor function in human induced pluripotent stem cells‐derived and transgenic mouse neurons
Authors: Görgülü Ilayda , Jagannath Vinita , Pons Stephanie , Koniuszewski Filip , Groszer Matthias , Maskos Uwe , Huck Sigismund , Scholze Petra
Published: July 2024

We investigated the impact of the human‐specific gene CHRFAM7A on the function of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs) in two different types of neurons: human‐induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived cortical neurons, and superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons, taken from transgenic mice expressing CHRFAM7A. dupα7, the gene product of CHRFAM7A, which lacks a major part of the extracellular N‐terminal ligand‐binding domain, co‐assembles with α7, the gene product of CHRNA7. We assessed the receptor function in hiPSC‐derived cortical and SCG neurons with Fura‐2 calcium imaging and three different α7‐specific ligands: PNU282987, choline, and 4BP‐TQS. Given the short‐lived open state of α7 receptors, we combined the two orthosteric agonists PNU282987 and choline with the type‐2 positive allosteric modulator (PAM II) PNU120596. In line with different cellular models used previously, we demonstrate that CHRFAM7A has a major impact on nicotinic α7 nAChRs by reducing calcium transients in response to all three agonists.
Gender and resources' role in parents' time with children in South Korea and the United States
Authors: Kramer Karen Z. , Gong Qiujie , Bae Hanjin , Şahin Esra
Published: July 2024

Objective

Parental time with children varies across cultures but has mostly been studied in a European context. In this paper we estimate whether the association of work and gender with parental allocation of time is different in South Korea and the United States.

Background

We suggest that household level characteristics are associated with the time parents spend with their children, but that these associations are more gendered in South Korea than in the United States.

Method

We used data from the 2003–2018 American Time Use Survey (n = 38,562) and 2004–2014 Korean Time Use Survey (n = 12,828). Using ordinary least squares, we estimated the association of the intersection of gender and work in predicting parental time with children.

Results

Gender is an important factor in time allocation in South Korea, where education was positively associated and working hours were negatively associated with mothers', but not fathers', time spent with their children. In the United States, resources and work have a dominant role, as both parents tend to spend more time with their children if they have higher education and income and work fewer hours.

Conclusion

In South Korea, a gendered regime is associated with the allocation of parental time only; mothers are influenced by their spouses' time allocation and resources. The United States follows a trade‐off regime, where resources are associated with time spent with children, whereas gender plays a smaller role in parental time allocation.

Implications

Studying parental time allocation should account for the intertwined relationship of culture, resources, and gender.
Elevated testosterone levels during moult have contrasting effects on structural and carotenoid‐based plumage colours in Eurasian Blue Tits
Authors: Serra Lorenzo , Griggio Matteo , Casasole Giulia , Pirrello Simone , Fusani Leonida , Pilastro Andrea
Published: July 2024

Feather colours can be produced by the organization of feather microstructure, by pigmentation (mainly due to melanins and carotenoids) or both. The expression of feather colours is usually influenced by testosterone (T) levels through several interacting mechanisms. First, high T levels can negatively affect bird condition and hence the expression of condition‐dependent feather colours (e.g. carotenoid‐based colours). Secondly, high levels of T can slow moult progression, which in turn may result in brighter colours, as moult speed has been shown to be negatively correlated with the expression of feather colours. Thirdly, T can affect the bioavailability of pigments that are involved in feather colours. The effect of experimental manipulation of T levels may therefore influence, either positively or negatively, feather colour expression according to the relative importance of these mechanisms and the type of coloration involved. We experimentally investigated whether plumage coloration is affected by T in yearling Eurasian Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus. We implanted 11 males and 11 females with T (T‐birds) at the onset of their post‐juvenile moult and compared the spectral reflectance of their structural ultraviolet (UV)/blue colour (crown feathers and upper lesser wing‐coverts) and carotenoid‐based yellow colour (breast feathers) with those of control birds (C‐birds) that were sham‐implanted (12 males, 16 females). At the implant date, all the right lesser wing‐coverts were plucked in both experimental groups to test the effect of T on feathers grown exclusively during our treatment. After 40 days, the implants were removed. Two weeks before removing the implants, the mean T plasma levels were assayed (average 3.21 ng/mL in T‐birds and 0.33 ng/mL in C‐birds). In T‐birds, body moult progression was suspended, and moult was resumed 33 days after implant removal. Moult duration from implant date, excluding suspension, did not differ between treatments and controls. T had a negative effect on UV coloration only in plumage that started growing exclusively during the treatment (right lesser wing‐coverts), and not in other UV/blue plumage. In contrast, the carotenoid‐based yellow coloration of the breast increased in T‐birds, suggesting an immediate effect of T on the mobilization of carotenoids available for ornamentation. Despite sexual dichromatism, T treatment had similar effects in the two sexes. Our results highlight the importance of considering the effect of T on moult speed and possibly moult suspension in the interpretation of the results of studies based on T manipulation.
Preparation and characterization of foamed ceramics from silicomanganese and fluorgypsum waste
Authors: Dong Xiongwei , Han Fenglan , Li Ning , Dong Fuyuan , Liu Haipeng , Neng Yu , Li Maohui
Published: July 2024

High‐strength foamed ceramics were synthesized employing silicon‐manganese slag (SM) and fluorgypsum (FG) as raw materials, with SiC serving as the foaming agent. Investigations into the influence of firing temperature and FG content on the phase structure, microstructure, and physical properties of foam ceramics were conducted. Characterization of the samples was performed through X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that an increase in FG content lowers the matrix melting point, promotes crystal growth, enhances compressive strength, and forms a uniform pore structure. At an FG content of 11%, ceramics prepared at a firing temperature of 1130°C exhibit a density of 0.56 g/cm3, porosity of 78.45%, and compressive strength of 3.05 MPa. This study explores the use of FG as a cost‐effective alternative to borax, demonstrating a sustainable approach for foam ceramics preparation using silicomanganese slag and FG synergy.
Transfer of internationally qualified nurses’ specialty skills to developed countries after immigration: A multicentre policy review
Authors: Kurup Chanchal , Burston Adam Scott , Betihavas Vasiliki , Jacob Elisabeth Ruth
Published: July 2024

Background

Internationally qualified nurses are highly sought after as a labour source due to continued shortages in the nursing profession in most developed countries. However, the lack of clear policies and procedures for nurses in the host country to use specialty nursing skills can result in the underutilisation of their expertise.

Objectives

To review the registration processes of internationally qualified nurses in 20 developed countries, with a focus on the transferability of specialised skills gained overseas.

Methods

A multicentre policy review design was used, using the STROBE reporting guidelines. The study sourced policy information from nurse registration bodies in developed countries and reviewed and removed redundant policies.

Results

Out of 34 policies initially identified, 26 were used to show the registration process of nurses after immigration to developed countries. Only four of the 20 countries reviewed indicated the option of specialised nurse registration on their website for internationally qualified nurses, with a university qualification required before years of experience. All other countries indicated the general registration pathway only.

Implications for nursing policy

More attention is needed to address the lack of well‐defined policies that guide the utilisation of internationally qualified nurses' specialised skills. Transparent procedures are essential to fully benefit from their expertise in the host country's health workforce.