bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating drifting fish aggregating device trajectories to identify potential interactions with endangered sea turtles
Authors: Escalle Lauriane , Scutt Phillips J. , Lopez J. , Lynch J. M. , Murua H. , Royer S. J. , Swimmer Y. , Murua J. , Sen Gupta Alex , Restrepo V. , Moreno G.
Published: May 2024

Purse‐seine fishers using drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs), mainly built with bamboo, plastic buoys, and plastic netting, to aggregate and catch tropical tuna, deploy 46,000–65,000 dFADs per year in the Pacific Ocean. Some of the major concerns associated with this widespread fishing device are potential entanglement of sea turtles and other marine fauna in dFAD netting; marine debris and pollution; and potential ecological damage via stranding on coral reefs, beaches, and other essential habitats for marine fauna. To assess and quantify the potential connectivity (number of dFADs deployed in an area and arriving in another area) between dFAD deployment areas and important oceanic or coastal habitat of critically endangered leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles in the Pacific Ocean, we conducted passive‐drift Lagrangian experiments with simulated dFAD drift profiles and compared them with known important sea turtle areas. Up to 60% of dFADs from equatorial areas were arriving in essential sea turtle habitats. Connectivity was less when only areas where dFADs are currently deployed were used. Our simulations identified potential regions of dFAD interactions with migration and feeding habitats of the east Pacific leatherback turtle in the tropical southeastern Pacific Ocean; coastal habitats of leatherback and hawksbill in the western Pacific (e.g., archipelagic zones of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands); and foraging habitat of leatherback in a large equatorial area south of Hawaii. Additional research is needed to estimate entanglements of sea turtles with dFADs at sea and to quantify the likely changes in connectivity and distribution of dFADs under new management measures, such as use of alternative nonentangling dFAD designs that biodegrade, or changes in deployment strategies, such as shifting locations.
Factors associated with very high‐risk drinking in the Australian general population: How do men and women compare?
Authors: Kostadinov Victoria , Bonevski Billie , Harrison Nathan J. , Bowden Jacquie
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Despite vulnerability to alcohol‐related harms, women have historically been under‐represented in alcohol research. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of women who drink at very high‐risk levels (11+ standard drinks monthly), factors associated with this consumption and comparisons with men.

Methods

Secondary analyses of 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey data were undertaken. Significant differences by sex in the distribution of demographic and alcohol‐related variables were explored using chi‐squared and Mann–Whitney U tests. Binary logistic regression examined factors associated with very high‐risk drinking.

Results

Very high‐risk drinking was reported by 10.4% of men and 3.1% of women. Compared to men, women were significantly younger with higher levels of psychological distress/mental health conditions, and were more likely to be unmarried. Both women and men engaged in a range of harm‐minimisation strategies. Odds of very high‐risk drinking were significantly higher for respondents who were male, younger, employed, lived in a regional/rural/remote area, psychologically distressed, smoked and used illicit drugs. Interactions with sex indicated that very high‐risk drinking declined after the age of 24 for men compared to 44 for women. Being married reduced the likelihood of very high‐risk drinking more greatly among women compared to men, while living in a major city reduced the likelihood among men (and not women).

Discussion and Conclusions

Very high‐risk drinking is not limited to Australian men, and the women who drink at these levels have distinct profiles and factors associated with consumption.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the measure of insight into cognition‐self‐report in psychosis‐risk and non‐clinical Mexican young adults
Authors: Fresán Ana , Domínguez Tecelli , Flores Yvonne , Nieto Lourdes , Sheinbaum Tamara , Robles Rebeca , Medalia Alice
Published: May 2024

Aim

Cognitive disturbances typically precede the onset of overt psychotic symptoms and represent a neurobiological marker for psychosis risk that is also associated with poor functional outcomes. The Measure of Insight into Cognition‐Self Report (MIC‐SR) is a widely used 12‐item questionnaire that assesses the perceived frequency of cognitive impairment in the domains of executing functioning, attention, and memory. However, the MIC‐SR is not available in Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide. The present study aimed to provide a Spanish version of the MIC‐SR and examine its psychometric properties in psychosis‐risk and non‐clinical Mexican young adults.

Methods

The sample comprised 621 participants who completed a battery of self‐report measures via an online survey. Of the participants, 478 were non‐clinical, and 143 met the screening criteria for a clinical high‐risk for psychosis (CHR‐positive).

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analyses supported a one‐factor model, consistent with the findings for the original MIC‐SR. The results showed adequate fit indices for the general model and the independent models for both groups, with high Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Furthermore, the CHR‐positive group showed more frequent subjective cognitive problems on each of the 12 items, higher total scores, and higher average frequency than the non‐clinical group.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first translation of the MIC‐SR into Spanish. Using the MIC‐SR at the CHR stage may contribute to our understanding of cognitive processes associated with the onset of a psychotic disorder and provide valuable information in the context of detection and early intervention efforts.
Examining the impact of a group treatment using cognitive and social cognition remediation for young offenders: The justice health NSW school‐link advantage pilot study
Authors: Jones Rene , Malouf Peter , Talbot Daniel , Elhindi James , Baker Richard , Harris Anthony
Published: May 2024

Aim

Young offenders experience higher rates of neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders than the general population, and significant access barriers to health treatment. Treatment combining Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Social Cognition Remediation Therapy (SCRT) has demonstrated benefits for functional improvements and social development. However, there is limited information regarding group treatment programs in custodial settings for young offenders. This pilot study explores the effectiveness and feasibility of a group treatment program for youth offenders with cognitive deficits and mental health concerns in youth detention.

Methods

The School‐Link Advantage pilot study designed and tested a 10‐week group treatment program combining CRT and SCRT for young offenders in custody. The closed groups incorporated interactive activities focussed on emotional recognition and regulation skills, optimizing executive functioning, understanding values, exploring belief systems, improving relationships, and safety planning.

Results

Of the 22 male participants recruited in an Australian Youth Justice Centre, 12 completed all aspects of the treatment program, reflecting a 54.5% completion rate in a typically challenging to engage population cohort. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the ability to store and retrieve information, recognize information, and control emotions. Planning and organizing skills also showed considerable development.

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests that a combined CRT and SCRT group treatment program has the potential to effectively target cognitive challenges associated with mental health disorders in young offenders in custody. These promising outcomes suggest exploring randomized controlled trials with increased cultural sensitivity for diverse populations.
Psychotic‐like experiences and associated factors in resident physicians: A Canadian cross‐sectional study
Authors: Paquin Vincent , Guay Emilie , Moderie Christophe , Paradis Camille , Nahiddi Nima , Philippe Frederick L. , Geoffroy Marie‐Claude
Published: May 2024

Aim

Medical residency training is associated with a range of sociodemographic, lifestyle and mental health factors that may confer higher risk for psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) in residents, yet little research has examined this question. Thus, we aimed to document the prevalence and associated factors of PLEs among resident physicians.

Methods

Physicians enrolled in residency programmes in the Province of Québec, Canada (four universities) were recruited in Fall 2022 via their programme coordinators and social media. They completed an online questionnaire assessing PLEs in the past 3 months (the 15‐item Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences), as well as sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle and mental health. Analyses included survey weights and gamma regressions.

Results

The sample included 502 residents (mean age, 27.6 years; 65.9% women). Only 1.3% (95% CI: 0.5%, 4.0%) of residents met the screening cut‐off for psychotic disorder. Factors associated with higher scores for PLEs included racialised minority status (relative difference: +7.5%; 95% CI: +2.2%, +13.2%) and English versus French as preferred language (relative difference: +7.9% 95% CI: +3.1%, +12.9%), as well as each additional point on scales of depression (relative difference: +0.8%; 95% CI: +0.3%, +1.3%) and anxiety (relative difference: +1.3%; 95% CI: +0.8%, +1.7%). In secondary analyses, racialised minority status was associated with persecutory items, but not with other PLEs. Gender, residency programmes and lifestyle variables were not associated with PLEs.

Conclusions

This study found low reports of PLEs in a sample of resident physicians. Associations of PLEs with minoritised status may reflect experiences of discrimination.
Paralysing parallelism? Co‐existing agile and traditional organisational paths in large‐scale telecommunications
Authors: Zientara Ronja , Müller‐Seitz Gordon
Published: May 2024

Previous research on co‐existing paths has usually revolved around the development of a novel path that finally supersedes an existing path. In contrast, this study introduces an empirically grounded conception of the dynamic interplay between two intentionally co‐existing organisational paths, one path persisting although in decline and one emergent path, where parallelism between the paths prevails. Our research is based upon a longitudinal, explorative case study at a large‐scale telecommunications corporation, which tackles the challenge of introducing a new organisational path (i.e. an agile approach) while at the same time—intentionally and for good reasons—sticking to an older, well‐established organisational path for some of its operations (i.e. a traditional management approach), leading to a fadeaway from the old path. We contribute to the literature by elucidating the evolving interaction dynamics of two parallel paths and how they give rise to a phenomenon we term paralysing parallelism in organisational paths. Towards this end, we elucidate the role of endogenous and exogenous self‐reinforcing mechanisms.
Dynamic tensile viscoelastic properties of porcine periodontal ligament
Authors: Yang Song , Zhao Qiuxu
Published: May 2024

The periodontal ligament plays a significant role in orthodontic and masticatory processes. To explicitly investigate the effects of dynamic force amplitude and frequency on the dynamic tensile properties of the periodontal ligament, in vitro tensile experiments were conducted using a dynamic mechanical analysis at various dynamic force amplitudes across a wide frequency range. Storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss factor values were measured. A Maxwell constitutive model based on modulus was established to describe the dynamic mechanical properties of the periodontal ligament. The results showed that the storage modulus ranged from 29.53 MPa to 158.24 MPa, the loss modulus ranged from 3.26 MPa to 76.16 MPa, and the loss factor values all increased with higher frequencies and higher dynamic force amplitudes. Based on the parameters obtained from the fitting results, it is evident that the short‐term response has a more pronounced impact on the elastic response of the periodontal ligament than the long‐term response. Increasing the dynamic force amplitude and its frequency amplified the viscous effects of the periodontal ligament and enhanced energy dissipation. The proposed constitutive model further demonstrated that the periodontal ligament acts as a viscoelastic biomaterial. These findings have implications for future research on the periodontal ligament.
Watching the guards: Ensuring compliance with fundamental rights at the external borders
Authors: Rijpma Jorrit J.
Published: May 2024

The essay deals with the enhancement of the legal framework for informal readmissions at internal borders enshrined in the proposal on an amended Schengen Border Code, which in turn requires enhancement of bilateral police cooperation. It focuses on the impact of the new rules on the prohibition on police controls equivalent to border checks to highlight that the case‐law of the Court of Justice on the matter creates a huge grey area which is critical for the ideal of a border‐check‐free Union. Increased use of video surveillance and other technologies also faces the legal bottleneck of prohibition on police controls having equivalent effects to border checks, as well as raising serious concerns on fundamental rights. It is argued that the situation resulting from these amendments to the Schengen Border Code should be considered in terms of an impending rule of law crisis at internal borders. [Correction added on 19 July 2024 after first online publication: The Abstract section was previously omitted and has been included in this version.]
Unlocking the secret life of blue mussels: Exploring connectivity in the Skagerrak through biophysical modeling and population genomics
Authors: Gustafsson Malin , Strand Åsa , Laugen Ane T. , Albretsen Jon , André Carl , Broström Göran , Jorde Per Erik , Knutsen Halvor , Ortega‐Martinez Olga , Sodeland Marte , Waern Malin , Wrange Anna‐Lisa , De Wit Pierre
Published: May 2024

Knowledge of functional dispersal barriers in the marine environment can be used to inform a wide variety of management actions, such as marine spatial planning, restoration efforts, fisheries regulations, and invasive species management. Locations and causes of dispersal barriers can be studied through various methods, including movement tracking, biophysical modeling, demographic models, and genetics. Combining methods illustrating potential dispersal, such as biophysical modeling, with realized dispersal through, e.g., genetic connectivity estimates, provides particularly useful information for teasing apart potential causes of observed barriers. In this study, we focus on blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) in the Skagerrak—a marginal sea connected to the North Sea in Northern Europe—and combine biophysical models of larval dispersal with genomic data to infer locations and causes of dispersal barriers in the area. Results from both methods agree; patterns of ocean currents are a major structuring factor in the area. We find a complex pattern of source‐sink dynamics with several dispersal barriers and show that some areas can be isolated despite an overall high dispersal capability. Finally, we translate our finding into management advice that can be used to sustainably manage this ecologically and economically important species in the future.
Effects of episodic stream dewatering on brook trout spatial population structure
Authors: Hitt Nathaniel P. , Rogers Karli M. , Kessler Karmann G. , Briggs Martin A. , Fair Jennifer H. , Dolloff C. Andrew
Published: May 2024

Stream dewatering is expected to become more prevalent due to climate change, and we explored the potential consequences for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) within a temperate forest ecosystem in eastern North America.

We estimated fish density within stream pools (n = 386) from electrofishing surveys over 10 years (2012–2021) to compare a stream that exhibits episodic dewatering (Paine Run) against a stream of similar size that remains flow‐connected (Staunton River) within Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (U.S.A.). Annual surveys encompassed fluvial distances ranging from 2.6 to 4.4 km in each stream.

Mean annual fish density (fish/pool m2) was not different between streams for juvenile or adult age classes, but spatial variation in density was greater in Paine Run for both age classes of fish. Paine Run also included a greater proportion of unoccupied pools than Staunton River and exhibited stronger spatial autocorrelation in fish density among nearby pools, suggesting dispersal limitation due to surface flow fragmentation.

Fish density in pools increased during years with low summer precipitation, and this effect was observed in both streams but was stronger in Paine Run than Staunton River, further indicating the importance of fish movement into pools in response to low‐flow thresholds.

Our results indicate the importance of pools as ecological refuges during low‐flow conditions and that episodic dewatering may affect extirpation risks for brook trout by sequestering more fish into fewer areas. Our findings also highlight the importance of hydrological variation within stream networks because downstream river gages could not predict the observed spatial heterogeneity in fish density or pool occupancy.
Does work after retirement affect health‐related quality of life: Evidence from a propensity score matching study in China
Authors: Wang Yiming , Tian Yong , Du Wei , Fan Lijun
Published: May 2024

Aim

Extending working life is considered as an important initiative to respond to the population aging and pension payment dilemma. This study aimed to investigate whether work after retirement is related to improved health‐related quality of life.

Methods

We used two waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011 and 2018. Work after retirement was ascertained based on self‐reported retirement and work status, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured with the three‐level EuroQol five‐dimensions. The impact of work after retirement on HRQOL was analyzed using the propensity score matching with difference‐in‐difference approach.

Results

A total of 1043 retirees were included. The results showed that work after retirement was associated with significant improvement in HRQOL among retirees (β = 0.072, P < 0.001). Heterogeneity analyses did not show specificity on sex (P for sex interaction >0.05), but older‐aged retirees seemed more sensitive to the benefits of work after retirement on HRQOL than their younger‐aged counterparts (≥65 years: β = 0.167, P < 0.001 vs <65 years: β = −0.047, P > 0.05; P for age interaction = 0.010).

Conclusions

Work after retirement shows a positive impact on HRQOL among community‐dwelling adults in China. Policy‐makers should take the health of retirees into account when implementing policies related to delayed retirement, and reduce health inequity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 722–729.
Subgingival 0.75% boric acid vs 1% povidone‐iodine adjunctive to subgingival instrumentation in stage II and III periodontitis–A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pham Thuy Anh Vu , Nguyen Minh Duc
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To compare the effects of subgingival irrigation with 0.75% boric acid (BA) and 1% povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and microbiologic parameters in the management of patients with periodontitis after a 12‐month follow‐up.

Methods

Sixty systemically healthy individuals diagnosed with periodontitis were included in this double‐blind randomised clinical trial. The patients were randomly allocated to treatment groups: (1) SRP plus 0.75% BA and (2) SRP plus 1% PVP‐I. Whole‐mouth periodontals were clinically examined, and the counts of bacteria including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Solobacterium moorei (Sm) and Streptococcus salivarius (Ss) were tested by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

All periodontal parameters and the counts of Aa, Fn, Pg, Td, Tf, Sm and Ss in both groups showed statistically significant reductions at T3, T6 and T12 compared to T0. Whole‐mouth or moderate or severe PD and CAL improvements were significantly found in the 0.75% BA group compared to the 1% PVP‐I group at T3, T6 and T12. The reduction in Aa or Fn and the reduction in Ss were significantly higher in the 0.75% BA group at T6 and T12 than in the 1% PVP‐I group.

Conclusion

This study shows that subgingival irrigation with 0.75% BA may be an alternative to 1% PVP‐I because it promotes greater PD reductions and CAL gain, particularly up to 12 months after treatment.
Prognostic outcomes in Japanese patients with metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer: Comparative assessments between conventional androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and ADT with novel androgen receptor signal inhibitor
Authors: Watanabe Hiromitsu , Nakane Keita , Takahara Kiyoshi , Naiki Taku , Yasui Takahiro , Shiroki Ryoichi , Koie Takuya , Miyake Hideaki
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the prognostic outcomes between metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) patients receiving conventional androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and those receiving ADT plus a novel androgen‐receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI) in routine clinical practice in Japan.

Methods

This was conducted as a retrospective multicenter study including 581 mCSPC patients, consisting of 305 receiving ADT alone or in combination with bicalutamide (group 1) and 276 receiving ADT plus one of the following ARSIs: abiraterone acetate, apalutamide, or enzalutamide (group 2). Prognostic outcomes between these 2 groups were comprehensively compared.

Results

In the entire cohort, prostate‐specific antigen—progression‐free survival (PSA‐PFS) in group 2 was significantly longer than that in group 1, while no significant difference was noted in overall survival (OS) between the two groups. In patients corresponding to the LATITUDE high‐risk group, however, both PSA‐PFS and OS in group 2 were significantly longer than those in group 1. Of several factors examined, the following were identified as independent predictors of poor PSA‐PFS in the entire cohort as well as the LATITUDE high‐risk group: high C‐reactive protein, high lactate dehydrogenase, high alkaline phosphatase, high Gleason score, and group 1. Furthermore, it was possible to precisely classify both the entire cohort and LATITUDE high‐risk group into 3 risk groups regarding PSA‐PFS according to the positive numbers of independent factors: positive for ≤1 factor, favorable; 2 factors, intermediate; and ≥3 factors, poor.

Conclusion

Combined use of ARSIs with ADT could improve the prognostic outcomes of mCSPC patients, particularly those in the LATITUDE high‐risk group, in real‐world clinical practice in Japan.
The impact of automated writing evaluation on English as a foreign language learners' writing self‐efficacy, self‐regulation, anxiety, and performance
Authors: Sari Elif , Han Turgay
Published: May 2024

Background

With the growing trend of integrating technology into teaching environments, using Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) in writing instruction has been extensively studied over the last two decades. The studies on AWE mostly investigated its impact on students' writing proficiencies and revealed conflicting results. However, very few studies have investigated how the use of AWE impacts learners' writing‐specific psychological factors, such as self‐efficacy, self‐regulation, and anxiety, from an empirical perspective. Therefore, further experimental studies are needed in this regard.

Objectives

This study aimed at examining how a combined automated‐teacher feedback condition in which the students received automated feedback on their sentence‐level errors alongside teacher feedback on content and organization impacted English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' self‐efficacy, self‐regulation, anxiety, and writing performance, compared with a traditional teacher‐only feedback condition.

Methods

The study utilized a quasi‐experimental design in which two intact classes were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. During one semester (16 weeks), students in the experimental group received both automated and teacher feedback, referred to in this study as combined automated‐teacher feedback. In contrast, students in the control group received only teacher feedback. Two scales, a questionnaire and a focus group interview, were used to obtain the data. The data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques.

Results and Conclusion

The quantitative results demonstrated no statistically significant difference between the two types of feedback procedures in promoting the use of self‐regulated writing strategies by the students. However, the use of combined automated‐teacher feedback was found to be more effective than conventional teacher‐only feedback in enhancing the students' writing self‐efficacy and writing performance. The two different feedback processes were shown to be ineffective at helping the students' writing anxiety, however. The qualitative data also showed that students had favourable opinions of their experiences with receiving automated and teacher comments together.

Implications

Considering the findings of this study regarding the impact of combined automated‐teacher feedback on students' writing self‐efficacy and writing performance, as well as positive student perceptions, it is suggested that this feedback model is used as an alternative to teacher‐only feedback in EFL writing instruction.
Potential of computer‐mediated communications in directing communication repair, co‐regulation patterns and student engagement
Authors: Mohammadi Zenouzagh Zohre , Admiraal Wilfried , Saab Nadira
Published: May 2024

Background study

Although the number of computer‐based instruction has increased drastically, the understanding of how design features of learning modality can affect learning remains incompelte. This partly stems from studies' heavy focus on modified output. Therefore, how interactive nature of computer‐mediated learning feeds into learning is under examined.

Objectives

This study examined the potentials of multimodal and text‐based computer‐mediated communication (CMC) to support learner communication repair, co‐regulation patterns and engagement dimensions.

Method

To this end, collaborative online writing performance of 30 English as a Foreign Language learners in Moodle and online writing forum was analysed via conversation analysis. Data from stored conversation of Moodle and chat logs of writing forum were coded for communication repair to trace language related episodes (LREs), co‐regulation patterns and students' engagement dimensions.

Results

The frequency analysis of coded data on LREs indicated while multimodal CMC involved students in global and organisational and content LREs, text‐based computer‐mediate communication involved students in morphosyntactic and lexical LREs. Results also indicated significant differences in co‐regulation patterns in multimodal and text‐based computer‐mediated communication. While students enacted planning, monitoring co‐regulation practices in multimodal computer‐mediated communication, students in text‐based CMC executed evaluation and elaboration co‐regulation practices. Findings also indicated that students were differentially engaged in learning. Students were more emotionally and socially engaged in multimodal CMC and cognitively and behaviourally engaged in text‐based computer‐mediated writing.

Conclusions

The results posit dual function for CMCs, as a mean for communication and cognitive co‐regulation. However, dynamics of interaction is influenced by the mode of interaction.
SAP deletion promotes malignant insulinoma progression by inducing CXCL12 secretion from CAFs via the CXCR4/p38/ERK signalling pathway
Authors: Jiang Guangchun , Xu Shuo , Mai Xiaobin , Tu Juan , Wang Le , Wang Lijing , Zhan Yaping , Wang Yan , Zhang Qianqian , Zheng Lingyun , Li Jiangchao , Tang Pei , Qi Cuiling
Published: May 2024

Malignant insulinoma is an extremely rare type of functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour with a high degree of malignancy and a high incidence of metastasis. However, it is still unclear how malignant insulinomas develop and metastasize. Serum amyloid P component (SAP), a member of the pentraxin protein family, is an acute‐phase protein secreted by liver cells. The role of SAP in insulinoma and the related mechanism are still unknown. To determine the effect of SAP on insulinoma, we crossed Rip1‐Tag2 mice, which spontaneously develop insulinoma, and SAP knockout (KO) mice to generate Rip1‐Tag2;SAP−/− mice. We found that SAP deletion significantly promoted the growth, invasion and metastasis of malignant insulinoma through C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) secreted by cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Further study showed that SAP deletion promoted CXCL12 secretion by CAFs through the CXCR4/p38/ERK signalling pathway. These findings reveal a novel role and mechanism of SAP in malignant insulinoma and provide direct evidence that SAP may be a therapeutic agent for this disease.
Automatic assessment of bowel preparation by an artificial intelligence model and its clinical applicability
Authors: Lee Ji Young , Park Jooyoung , Lee Hyo Jeong , Park Hana , Jin Eun Hyo , Park Kanggil , Baek Ji Eun , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Hong Seung Wook , Kim Namkug , Byeon Jeong‐Sik
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Reliable bowel preparation assessment is important in colonoscopy. However, current scoring systems are limited by laborious and time‐consuming tasks and interobserver variability. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model to assess bowel cleanliness and evaluate its clinical applicability.

Methods

A still image‐driven AI model to assess the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) was developed and validated using 2361 colonoscopy images. For evaluating real‐world applicability, the model was validated using 113 10‐s colonoscopy video clips and 30 full colonoscopy videos to identify “adequate (BBPS 2–3)” or “inadequate (BBPS 0–1)” preparation. The model was tested with an external dataset of 29 colonoscopy videos. The clinical applicability of the model was evaluated using 225 consecutive colonoscopies. Inter‐rater variability was analyzed between the AI model and endoscopists.

Results

The AI model achieved an accuracy of 94.0% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.939 with the still images. Model testing with an external dataset showed an accuracy of 95.3%, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.976, and a sensitivity of 100% for the detection of inadequate preparations. The clinical applicability study showed an overall agreement rate of 85.3% between endoscopists and the AI model, with Fleiss' kappa of 0.686. The agreement rate was lower for the right colon compared with the transverse and left colon, with Fleiss' kappa of 0.563, 0.575, and 0.789, respectively.

Conclusions

The AI model demonstrated accurate bowel preparation assessment and substantial agreement with endoscopists. Further refinement of the AI model is warranted for effective monitoring of qualified colonoscopy in large‐scale screening programs.
Developing a circular design framework: Co‐creation and validation of a circular product and service design tool
Authors: Dagilienė Lina , Čeičytė‐Pranskūnė J. , Telešienė A. , Valušytė R. , Varžinskas V.
Published: May 2024

Sustainable products are at the core of the circular economy, which is gaining momentum in scientific, economic, and policy fields. However, existing research in the field of circular product design remains fragmented. The literature has generally tended to focus on material or resource efficiency, while other complex issues related to product ecosystem also exist, such as the needs of the ecosystem (non‐human) and human user, circular challenge, and circular business model. By using a co‐creation approach, this study aims to create and validate a circular product design framework (CD‐Framework) and a self‐assessment tool for circular product design (CD‐Tool) that facilitates an understanding of how product circularity can be improved from the product ideation. The proposed CD‐Framework consists of 10 interconnected categories: circular challenge; circular business model; production; digital fabrication technologies; materials; branding and communication for circularity; packaging, distribution and logistics; user; usage; and after usage. The CD‐Tool was designed as a tool to aid product developers from various industry sectors in the self‐assessment of the circularity of product design. We contribute to developing tools that accelerate integration of circularity into product design through product‐level and ecosystem‐level considerations.
Clinicians Address Gestational Weight Gain and Nutrition Using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Nutrition Checklist
Authors: Salazar Nichele , Ortiz Felina , Edie Alison , Miller Anne
Published: May 2024

The negative effects of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) and obesity during pregnancy are well documented in the literature. However, lack of time, education, comfort, and confidence among health care providers often make it difficult to provide proper nutrition and weight gain guidance for pregnant persons. In response, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) has developed a nutrition checklist that can standardize recommendations for GWG, facilitate discussions with pregnant persons, and aid providers with nutrition education. The checklist is an innovative tool that can help reduce complications associated with excessive GWG. This article discusses the benefits of FIGO Nutrition Checklist and its implementation at a midwifery clinic that primarily serves Native American women. By using this quick, simple, guided, time‐efficient tool, clinics can be successful in facilitating important conversations and education about nutrition and GWG during pregnancy.
Anti‐hair loss effect of a shampoo containing caffeine and adenosine
Authors: Chen Dongxiao , Yu Fanglu , Wang Congcong , Chen Haowei , Tan Jie , Shi Qingying , He Xihong , Liu Xinyan , Wang Fang , Zhao Huabing
Published: May 2024

Background

Hair loss is a widespread health problem that affects numerous individuals and is associated with age, lack of sleep, stress, endocrine problems, and other problems. Caffeine exerts various pharmacological effects, particularly after ingestion. The caffeine‐induced inhibition of phosphodiesterases can increase intracellular cAMP concentrations, ultimately resulting in stimulatory effects on cell metabolism and proliferation. Hence, caffeine has been confirmed to inhibit hair loss caused by premature termination of the hair growth phase. Adenosine also improves hair loss by stimulating hair growth and thickening hair shafts. However, further empirical evidence is required to comprehensively assess the efficacy of hair loss treatment and prevention using a formulation of caffeine and adenosine in specific proportions in shampoos.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate a shampoo with caffeine and adenosine as a daily scalp care product for hair loss in 77 subjects aged 18–60 years.

Methods

The overall and local hair densities were assessed using professional cameras and dermoscopes at different magnifications and distances. Five hairs that came off the participant's head were randomly selected to measure hair diameter. The self‐assessment questionnaires were filled on third month of product use.

Results

The combination of caffeine and adenosine in the shampoo significantly enhanced hair density compared to that of the baseline. The results revealed a significant reduction in hair loss. The hair diameters of the subjects did not change significantly. Most of the participants (71.05%) were satisfied with their hair after using the product.

Conclusions

Shampoos containing caffeine and adenosine have been demonstrated to exert therapeutic benefits for reducing hair loss.
A prospective observational study of pH testing to confirm ongoing nasogastric tube position
Authors: Glen Kate , Weekes Christine Elizabeth , Banks Merrilyn , Arbi Ismail , Hannan‐Jones Mary
Published: May 2024

Aims and Objectives

To measure the reliability of pH testing to confirm ongoing nasogastric tube (NGT) position and to document associated complications.

Background

Confirming NGT position is essential, as use of an incorrectly positioned tube can cause harm. Substantial evidence examines initial confirmation of NGT position, yet limited evidence exists considers NGT displacement which is identified via ongoing NGT position tests. In the NHS, pH testing is recommended to confirm ongoing NGT position; however, there may be an association with excess X‐rays and missed enteral nutrition and/or medications.

Design

Prospective observational study using STROBE checklist.

Methods

Data collected from medical records of 136 patients with NGTs in a London NHS Trust included pH tests, test results and complications related to ongoing pH tests which failed to confirm the tube was positioned in the stomach, that is, X‐rays, and disruptions to enteral nutrition and medication. Cohen's Kappa determined pH test reliability.

Results

Of 1381 pH tests conducted to confirm NGT position, five (0.3%) correctly identified an NGT displacement, and one (0.07%) failed to identify displacement before use. The reliability of ongoing pH tests using Cohen's Kappa was minimal (0.29). Ongoing pH tests that failed to confirm a correctly positioned NGT led to 31 (22.8%) patients having X‐rays, 24 (17.6%) missing >10% of prescribed enteral nutrition and 25 (18.4%) missing a critical medication.

Conclusion

Ongoing NGT position testing using pH tests did not prevent the use of a displaced tube, and more than one‐fifth of patients required X‐rays to confirm a correctly position NGT, contributing to missed medications and enteral nutrition.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Caution should be used when confirming ongoing NGT position with a pH test. Future guidelines should balance the risk of using a displaced tube with potential delays to nutrition and/or medication. More research is needed to explore alternative methods of ongoing NGT position testing.
A core competency evaluation index system for the graded use of clinical nurse specialists: A Delphi study
Authors: Zhao Yafang , Lai Xiaoxing , Zheng Danping , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Xinyue , Huo Xiaopeng
Published: May 2024

Aims and Objectives

To describe a grading system that can be used to evaluate core competency of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) at different levels.

Background

Evaluate core competence of CNSs at different levels reflects the quality of nursing and the development of the nursing profession.

Design

This research employed the Delphi method.

Methods

The STROBE checklist for observational cross‐sectional studies was followed to report this research study. This study consisted of two main phases: a literature review and semistructured interviews. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 healthcare experts and two patients. Two rounds of questionnaire surveys were administered to 21 nursing experts using the Delphi method. The CNSs were classified as primary, intermediate or advanced based on their years of work, professional titles and educational qualifications.

Results

The graded competency evaluation system consisted of five first‐level indicators (clinical practice, consulting guidance and teaching, scientific research innovation, management and discipline development, and ethical decision‐making), 15 second level indicators, and 40 third‐level indicators. The authority coefficients (Cr) of the experts were .865 and .901. The Kendall's concordance coefficients of the three‐level indicators were .417, .289 and .316 for primary CNSs; .384, .294 and .337 for intermediate CNSs; and .489, .289 and .239 for advanced CNSs.

Conclusion

The graded use evaluation system in clinical practice initially involves a comprehensive evaluation of the core abilities of CNSs. This is a tool for cultivating and grading the abilities of specialised nurses that can promote a practical upwards spiral.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The evaluation system can promote the scientific management and continuous improvement of CNSs in clinical nursing and can serve as a practical and objective reference for the effective management and development of CNSs.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients participated in the data collection process, during which they shared their health‐seeking experience with our research team.
Nerve cross‐sectional area in advanced uremic neuropathy: A nerve ultrasound pilot study
Authors: Tosberg Jan‐Hendrik , Mork Hannah , Klimas Rafael , Radermacher Jörg , Schellinger Peter Dieter , Philipps Jörg
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

Uremic neuropathy (UN) is a disabling neuropathy in end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) affecting the majority of patients receiving long‐term hemodialysis (HD). One previous nerve ultrasound study reported an increased cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve in moderate UN, while another study found enlarged sural nerves in small‐fiber polyneuropathy associated with ESKD. The present cohort study aims to analyze bilateral CSA of multiple nerves in UN.

Methods

Ten nondiabetic ESKD patients with UN on HD for at least 2 years and 10 healthy age‐matched controls underwent bilateral ultrasound examinations with CSA measurements in 13 arm and leg nerve sites. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and the total neuropathy score (TNS) were recorded. Pearson's coefficient and the Mann‐Whitney U‐test were used to analyze correlations and compare groups.

Results

ESKD patients presented advanced neuropathic symptoms (mean TNS 15.9). NCS showed significantly reduced motor and sensory amplitudes in the UN group compared to the control group, and a slightly reduced nerve CSA was observed in 5 of 13 nerve sites (p < .05); the other nerve sites were not enlarged. Sural nerve CSA (p < .05) and sensory amplitude (p < .01) were negatively correlated with the TNS.

Conclusions

Nerve enlargement was not observed in the present study in advanced UN. A reduced nerve CSA observed in the sural nerve suggests an axonal loss associated with long‐term HD in ESKD. During clinical workup of an acute disease of the peripheral nervous system in ESKD patients, nerve enlargement might be attributable to other causes than chronic UN.
Contribution of nanotechnology to greater efficiency in animal nutrition and production
Authors: Almeida Carina F. , Faria Márcia , Carvalho Josué , Pinho Eva
Published: May 2024

Feed costs present a major burden in animal production for human consumption, representing a key opportunity for cost reduction and profit improvement. Nanotechnology offers potential to increase productivity by creating higher‐quality and safer products. The feed sector has benefited from the use of nanosystems to improve the stability and bioavailability of feed ingredients. The development of nanotechnology products for feed must consider the challenges raised by biological barriers as well as regulatory requirements. While some nanotechnology‐based products are already commercially available for animal production, the exponential growth and application of these products requires further research ensuring their safety and the establishment of comprehensive legislative frameworks and regulatory guidelines. Thus, this article provides an overview of the current state of the art regarding nanotechnology solutions applied in feed, as well as the risks and opportunities aimed to help researchers and livestock producers.
A generative adversarial network approach for removing motion blur in the automatic detection of pavement cracks
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2024

Advancements in infrastructure management have significantly benefited from automatic pavement crack detection systems, relying on image processing enhanced by high‐resolution imaging and machine learning. However, image and motion blur substantially challenge the accuracy of crack detection and analysis. Nevertheless, research on mitigating motion blur remains sparse. This study introduces an effective image processing system adept at deblurring and segmentation, employing a generative adversarial network (GAN) with UNet as the generator and Wasserstein GAN with Gradient Penalty (WGAN‐gp) as the loss function. This approach performs exceptionally in deblurring pavement crack images and improves segmentation accuracy. Models were trained with sharp and artificially blurred images, with WGAN‐gp surpassing other loss functions in effectiveness. This research innovatively suggests assessing deblurring quality through segmentation accuracy in addition to peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM), revealing that PSNR and SSIM may not fully capture deblurring effectiveness for pavement crack images. An extensive evaluation of various generators, including UNet, lightweight UNet, TransUNet, DeblurGAN, DeblurGAN‐v2, and MIMO‐UNet, identifies the superior performance of UNet on simulated motion blur. Validation with actual motion‐blurred images confirms the effectiveness of the proposed model. These findings demonstrate that GAN‐based models have great potential in overcoming motion blur challenges in pavement crack detection systems, marking a notable advancement in the field.
Unraveling the drivers and impacts of leaf phenological diversity in a subtropical forest: A fine‐scale analysis using PlanetScope CubeSats
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Yuanzhi , Rahman Md Mizanur , Li Buhang , Yan Zhengbing , Song Guangqin , Zhao Yingyi , Wu Jin , Chu Chengjin
Published: May 2024

Leaf phenology variations within plant communities shape community assemblages and influence ecosystem properties and services. However, questions remain regarding quantification, drivers, and productivity impacts of intra‐site leaf phenological diversity.

With a 50‐ha subtropical forest plot in China's Heishiding Provincial Nature Reserve (part of the global ForestGEO network) as a testbed, we gathered a unique dataset combining ground‐derived abiotic (topography, soil) and biotic (taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, functional traits) factors. We investigated drivers underlying leaf phenological diversity extracted from high‐resolution PlanetScope data, and its influence on aboveground biomass (AGB) using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Our results reveal considerable fine‐scale leaf phenological diversity across the subtropical forest landscape. This diversity is directly and indirectly influenced by abiotic and biotic factors (e.g. slope, soil, traits, taxonomic diversity; r2 = 0.43). While a notable bivariate relationship between AGB and leaf phenological diversity was identified (r = −0.24, P < 0.05), this relationship did not hold in SEM analysis after considering interactions with other biotic and abiotic factors (P > 0.05).

These findings unveil the underlying mechanism regulating intra‐site leaf phenological diversity. While leaf phenology is known to be associated with ecosystem properties, our findings confirm that AGB is primarily influenced by functional trait composition and taxonomic diversity rather than leaf phenological diversity.