bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunolocalization and expression of Siglec5 protein in the male reproductive tract of dromedary camel during rutting season
Authors: Al Khodair Khalid Mohamed , Moqbel Mohammed Salem , Elseory Abdelrahman Mohamed Ali , Elsebaei Mahmoud Gamil , Al‐Thnaian Thnaian A. , Elhassan Mortada M. O.
Published: July 2023

Lectins are carbohydrate‐binding proteins that are highly selective for sugar groups on other molecules. Siglec5 is a cell‐surface lectin that belongs to the sialic acid‐binding Ig‐like lectins (Siglecs) and acts as a suppressor of immune responses. In this study, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were used to detect the expression of Siglec5 in the male reproductive tract of dromedary camels during the rutting season. Siglec5 displayed strong immunostaining in the cranial and caudal testicular regions and moderate immunostaining in the rete testis. Different parts of the epididymis showed varying immunoreactions to Siglec5. The spermatozoa in the testes and epididymis also showed positive immunostaining for Siglec5, whereas, the vas deferens showed negative immunostaining for the protein. The results obtained by western blotting confirmed the immunohistochemical detection of the protein in the testicular and epididymal tissues. The results of qRT‐PCR showed that Siglec mRNA was expressed differently in each part of the testis and epididymis; the highest levels of expression were observed in the caudal part of the testis and in the head of the epididymis. In conclusion, the present study revealed that Siglec5 is mainly located in the testis and epididymis, where sperm production and maturation occur. Therefore, this protein may play an essential role in the development, maturation and protection of camel sperm.
Evaluation of practice change following SAFE obstetric courses in Tanzania: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lilaonitkul M. , Zacharia A. , Law T. J. , Yusuf N. , Saria P. , Moore J.
Published: July 2023

Anaesthesia has been shown to contribute disproportionately to maternal mortality in low‐resource settings. This figure exceeds 500 per 100,000 live births in Tanzania, where anaesthesia is mainly provided by non‐physician anaesthetists, many of whom are working as independent practitioners in rural areas without any support or opportunity for continuous medical education. The three‐day Safer Anaesthesia from Education (SAFE) course was developed to address this gap by providing in‐service training in obstetric anaesthesia to improve patient safety. Two obstetric SAFE courses with refresher training were delivered to 75 non‐physician anaesthetists in the Mbeya region of Tanzania between August 2019 and July 2020. To evaluate translation of knowledge into practice, we conducted direct observation of the SAFE obstetric participants at their workplace in five facilities using a binary checklist of expected behaviours, to assess the peri‐operative management of patients undergoing caesarean deliveries. The observations were conducted over a 2‐week period at pre, immediately post, 6‐month and 12‐month post‐SAFE obstetric training. A total of 320 cases completed by 35 participants were observed. Significant improvements in behaviours, sustained at 12 months after training included: pre‐operative assessment of patients (32% (pre‐training) to 88% (12 months after training), p < 0.001); checking for functioning suction (73% to 85%, p = 0.003); using aseptic spinal technique (67% to 100%, p < 0.001); timely administration of prophylactic antibiotics (66% to 95%, p < 0.001); and checking spinal block adequacy (32% to 71%, p < 0.001). Our study has demonstrated positive sustained changes in the clinical practice amongst non‐physician anaesthetists as a result of SAFE obstetric training. The findings can be used to guide development of a checklist specific for anaesthesia for caesarean section to improve the quality of care for patients in low‐resource settings.
Definition, management, and training in impacted fetal head at cesarean birth: a national survey of maternity professionals
Authors: Cornthwaite Katie , Hewitt Pauline , van der Scheer Jan W. , Brown Imogen A. F. , Burt Jenni , Dufresne Eliane , Dixon‐Woods Mary , Draycott Tim ,   ABC Contributor Group,   Thiscovery Authorship Group, Bahl Rachna
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study assessed views, understanding and current practices of maternity professionals in relation to impacted fetal head at cesarean birth, with the aim of informing a standardized definition, clinical management approaches and training.

Material and methods

We conducted a survey consultation including the range of maternity professionals who attend emergency cesarean births in the UK. Thiscovery, an online research and development platform, was used to ask closed‐ended and free‐text questions. Simple descriptive analysis was undertaken for closed‐ended responses, and content analysis for categorization and counting of free‐text responses. Main outcome measures included the count and percentage of participants selecting predefined options on clinical definition, multi‐professional team approach, communication, clinical management and training.

Results

In total, 419 professionals took part, including 144 midwives, 216 obstetricians and 59 other clinicians (eg anesthetists). We found high levels of agreement on the components of an impacted fetal head definition (79% of obstetricians) and the need for use of a multi‐professional approach to management (95% of all participants). Over 70% of obstetricians deemed nine techniques acceptable for management of impacted fetal head, but some obstetricians also considered potentially unsafe practices appropriate. Access to professional training in management of impacted fetal head was highly variable, with over 80% of midwives reporting no training in vaginal disimpaction.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate agreement on the components of a standardized definition for impacted fetal head, and a need and appetite for multi‐professional training. These findings can inform a program of work to improve care, including use of structured management algorithms and simulation‐based multi‐professional training.
Delphi consensus study and clinical practice guideline development for functional electrical stimulation to support upright mobility in people with an upper motor neuron lesion
Authors: Bulley Cathy , Burridge Jane , Adonis Adine , Joiner Sarah , Curnow Eleanor , van der Linden Marietta L. , Street Tamsyn
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) is required to provide guidance on optimal service delivery for Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to support upright mobility in people living with mobility difficulties due to an upper motor neuron lesion, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. A modified Delphi consensus study was used to provide expert consensus on best practice.

Methods

A Steering Group supported the recruitment of an Expert Panel, which included a range of stakeholders who participated in up to three survey rounds. In each round, panelists were asked to rate their agreement with draft statements about best practice using a 6‐point Likert scale and add free text to explain their answer. Statements that achieved over 75% agree/strongly agree on the Likert scale were included in the CPG. Those that did not were revised based on free text comments and proposed in the next survey round.

Results

The first round included 82 statements with seven substatements. Sixty‐five people (84% response rate) completed survey round 1 leading to 62 statements and four substatements being accepted. Fifty‐six people responded to survey round 2, and consensus was achieved for all remaining statements.

Conclusion

The accepted statements are included within the CPG and provide recommendations about who can benefit from FES and how they can be optimally supported through FES service provision. As such the CPG will support advocacy for, and optimal design of, FES services.
‘She was hungry’—Croatian mothers' reasons for supplementing their healthy, term babies with formula during the birth hospitalisation
Authors: Vidović Roguljić Ana , Zakarija‐Grković Irena
Published: July 2023

Aim

To explore why Croatian mothers request formula for their healthy, term newborn infants during the postnatal hospital stay.

Methods

Four focus groups discussions were conducted with a total of 25 women who gave birth to healthy newborn infants, between May and June 2021 in Split, Croatia. A homogenous, non‐random purposive sampling technique was used. The semi‐structured interview schedule contained 15 open‐ended questions. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied.

Results

Three themes were generated. The first theme fear of hunger referred to the mothers' fears arising from difficulties in interpreting newborn infant behaviour and finding solace in giving formula. The second theme too little support–too late reflected participants' unrealised expectations of hospital staff. The third theme non‐supportive communication addressed mother's need for empathy during the postpartum hospital stay.

Conclusion

Croatian mothers want to breastfeed, but often feel unsupported in doing so in the maternity hospital setting. Antenatal education of expectant mothers and training of maternity staff in breastfeeding counselling, with a strong emphasis on communication skills, as well as employment of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and/or volunteer breastfeeding counsellors, were perceived by participants as a way to decrease mothers' requests for formula for their healthy, newborn infants.
Clinical utility of liver fat quantification for determining cardiovascular disease risk among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kuo Selena Z. , Cepin Sandra , Bergstrom Jaclyn , Siddiqi Harris , Jung Jinho , Lopez Scarlett , Huang Daniel Q. , Taub Pam , Amangurbanova Maral , Loomba Rohit
Published: July 2023

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Aims

To examine the clinical utility of liver fat quantification for determining CVD risk among a well‐phenotyped cohort of patients with T2DM.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of adults aged ≥50 with T2DM. Liver fat was quantified with magnetic resonance imaging proton‐density‐fat‐fraction (MRI‐PDFF), an advanced imaging‐based biomarker. Patients were stratified into a higher liver fat group (MRI‐PDFF ≥ 14.6%), and a lower liver fat group (MRI‐PDFF < 14.6%). The co‐primary outcomes were CVD risk determined by Framingham and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk scores. High CVD risk was defined by risk scores ≥20%.

Results

Of the 391 adults (66% female) in this study, the mean (±SD) age was 64 (±8) years and BMI 30.8 (±5.2) kg/m2, respectively. In multivariable analysis, adjusted for age, gender, race, and BMI, patients in the higher liver fat group had higher CVD risk [OR = 4.04 (95% CI: 2.07–7.88, p < 0.0001)] and ASCVD risk score [OR = 2.85 (95% CI: 1.19–6.83, p = 0.018)], respectively.

Conclusion

Higher liver fat content increases CVD risk independently of age, gender, ethnicity and BMI. These findings raise the question whether liver fat quantification should be incorporated into risk calculators to further stratify those with higher CVD risk.
MRGPRX2, drug pseudoallergies, inflammatory diseases, mechanisms and distinguishing MRGPRX2‐ and IgE/FcεRI‐mediated events
Authors: Baldo Brian A.
Published: July 2023

MRGPRX2, a novel Gaq‐coupled human mast cell receptor, mediates non‐immune adverse reactions without the involvement of antibody priming. Constitutively expressed by human skin mast cells, MRGPRX2 modulates cell degranulation producing pseudoallergies manifesting as itch, inflammation and pain. The term pseudoallergy is defined in relation to adverse drug reactions in general and immune/non‐immune‐mediated reactions in particular. A list of drugs with MRGPRX2 activity is presented, including a detailed examination of three important and widely used approved therapies: neuromuscular blockers, quinolones and opioids. For the clinician, the significance of MRGPRX2 is considered as an aid in distinguishing and ultimately identifying specific immune and non‐immune inflammatory reactions. Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions, neurogenic inflammation and inflammatory diseases with a clear or strongly suspected association with MRGPRX2 activation are examined. Inflammatory diseases include chronic urticaria, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, mastocytosis, allergic asthma, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. MRGPRX2‐ and allergic IgE/FcεRI‐mediated reactions may be clinically similar. Importantly, the usual testing procedures do not distinguish the two mechanisms. Currently, identification of MRGPRX2 activation and diagnosis of pseudoallergic reactions is generally viewed as a process of exclusion once other non‐immune and immune processes, particularly IgE/FcεRI‐mediated degranulation of mast cells, are ruled out. This does not take into account that MRGPRX2 signals via β‐arrestin, which can be utilized to detect MRGPRX2 activation by employing MRGPRX2 transfected cells to assess MRGPRX2 activation via two pathways, the G‐protein‐independent β‐arrestin pathway and the G‐protein‐dependent Ca2+ pathway. Testing procedures, interpretations for distinguishing mechanisms, patient diagnosis, agonist identification and drug safety evaluations are addressed.
Investigating associations between parent engagement and toddlers' mathematics performance
Authors: Silver Alex M. , Swirbul Mackenzie , Tamis‐LeMonda Catherine S. , Cabrera Natasha , Libertus Melissa E.
Published: July 2023

Early mathematics skills relate to later mathematics achievement and educational attainment, which in turn predict career choice, income, health and financial decision‐making. Critically, large differences exist among children in early mathematics performance, with parental mathematics engagement being a key predictor. However, most prior work has examined mothers' mathematics engagement with their preschool‐ and school‐aged children. In this Registered Report, we tested concurrent associations between mothers' and fathers' engagement in mathematics activities with their 2‐ to 3‐year‐old toddlers and children's mathematics performance. Mothers and fathers did not differ in their engagement in mathematics activities, and both parents' mathematics engagement related to toddlers' mathematics skills. Fathers' mathematics engagement was associated with toddlers' number and mathematics language skills, but not their spatial skills. Mothers' mathematics engagement was only associated with toddlers' mathematics language skills. Critically, associations may be domain‐specific, as parents' literacy engagement did not relate to measures of mathematics performance above their mathematics engagement. Mothers' and fathers' mathematics activities uniquely relate to toddlers' developing mathematics skills, and future work on the nuances of these associations is needed.
Are curiosity and situational interest different? Exploring distinct antecedents and consequences
Authors: Shin Dajung Diane , Park Yoonah , Lee Minhye , Kim Sung‐il , Bong Mimi
Published: July 2023

Background

A controversy over the distinction between curiosity and situational interest has recently resurfaced. Nonetheless, empirical research comparing the two is noticeably lacking.

Aims

We attempted to fill this gap and provide much‐needed evidence of the distinction between curiosity and situational interest by examining the antecedents and consequences of the two constructs.

Methods

We assessed enjoyment, novelty, uncertainty and surprise as potential antecedents and information seeking, individual interest, career intention and achievement as potential outcomes of curiosity and situational interest among 219 Korean sixth graders in the domain of science.

Results

Of the hypothesized antecedents, enjoyment during science class related most strongly to students' situational interest in science, whereas novelty in science class related most strongly to students' science curiosity. Uncertainty and surprise in science class related to only science curiosity and not situational interest in science. Among the outcomes considered, situational interest in science related to only students' individual interest in science. In comparison, science curiosity related significantly to all science outcomes measured in this study. Science curiosity also significantly mediated the relationships between the antecedents and outcomes in science.

Conclusions

Together, these results support the distinction between curiosity and situational interest and suggest different ways to promote each motivation construct depending on desired outcomes in the science classroom.
Intangible rewards versus tangible rewards in gamified online learning: Which promotes student intrinsic motivation, behavioural engagement, cognitive engagement and learning performance?
Authors: Xiao Ya , Hew Khe Foon Timothy
Published: July 2023

Gamification has often been used to stimulate learner engagement via intangible rewards, such as virtual points and virtual badges, rather than material goods or benefits. However, not all learners value such intangible rewards; some express their desire to redeem intangible rewards for utilitarian resources or benefits. Although tangible rewards have long been considered a key gamification mechanism in commercial loyalty programs, few studies have explicitly explored its effectiveness in the context of gamified education. To address this gap, the present study used a randomized controlled trial approach to examine the effects of tangible rewards that are redeemed through intangible rewards on students' intrinsic motivation, behavioural and cognitive engagement, and learning performance in a fully online gamified flipped class. Each student was randomly assigned either to the tangible rewards group (EG = 28) or the intangible rewards group (CG = 29). The students in EG significantly outperformed those in CG in terms of intrinsic motivation, behavioural engagement, cognitive engagement and learning performance in the final exam. The results provided practical implications for instructors who plan to use tangible rewards in their gamified classes.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Fully online learning often suffers from a lack of student engagement.

Gamification is often used to stimulate learner engagement via intangible rewards (eg, virtual points and badges) that do not contain any utilitarian benefits outside the gamified system.

Not all learners value intangible rewards over time—instead, they desire to convert the intangible badges or points into more utilitarian benefits/resources.

What this paper adds

This study conducted a randomized controlled experiment to compare the effects of redeemable tangible rewards and intangible rewards on student intrinsic motivation, behavioural engagement, cognitive engagement and learning performance.

The tangible rewards group significantly outperformed the intangible rewards group in all aspects.

Implications for practice

Using tangible rewards is better than merely using intangible rewards in gamified learning.

Practitioners should link tangible rewards to a standard of performance.

Practitioners should also set a specific and moderately challenging redemption goal.
K‐Plus anticlustering: An improved k‐means criterion for maximizing between‐group similarity
Authors: Papenberg Martin
Published: July 2023

Anticlustering refers to the process of partitioning elements into disjoint groups with the goal of obtaining high between‐group similarity and high within‐group heterogeneity. Anticlustering thereby reverses the logic of its better known twin—cluster analysis—and is usually approached by maximizing instead of minimizing a clustering objective function. This paper presents k‐plus, an extension of the classical k‐means objective of maximizing between‐group similarity in anticlustering applications. K‐plus represents between‐group similarity as discrepancy in distribution moments (means, variance, and higher‐order moments), whereas the k‐means criterion only reflects group differences with regard to means. While constituting a new criterion for anticlustering, it is shown that k‐plus anticlustering can be implemented by optimizing the original k‐means criterion after the input data have been augmented with additional variables. A computer simulation and practical examples show that k‐plus anticlustering achieves high between‐group similarity with regard to multiple objectives. In particular, optimizing between‐group similarity with regard to variances usually does not compromise similarity with regard to means; the k‐plus extension is therefore generally preferred over classical k‐means anticlustering. Examples are given on how k‐plus anticlustering can be applied to real norming data using the open source R package anticlust, which is freely available via CRAN.
Clinical characteristics of functioning gonadotroph adenoma in women presenting with ovarian hyperstimulation: Audit of UK pituitary centres
Authors: Papanikolaou Nikoleta , Millar Ophelia , Coulden Amy , Parker Nina , Sit Lee , Kelly Chris , Cox Jeremy , Dhillo Waljit S. , Meeran Karim , Al Memar Maya , Anderson Richard , Rees D Aled , Karavitaki Niki , Jayasena Channa N.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Functioning gonadotroph adenomas (FGAs) are rare pituitary tumours stimulating ovarian function with potential life‐threatening consequences in women. However, a lack of aggregated clinical experience of FGAs impairs management in affected women. The aim of this study is to present the clinical course of FGA‐induced ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) cases as identified by some of the largest UK pituitary endocrine tertiary centres with a view to increasing awareness and improving diagnosis and management of women with FGA.

Design

A retrospective observational study; audit of eight UK regional pituitary centres for cases of FGAs.

Setting

Specialist neuroendocrine centres in the United Kingdom.

Patients and Measurements

Women diagnosed with FGA‐induced OHSS. Description of their clinical course.

Results

Seven cases of FGA were identified in women, all causing OHSS. Mean age was 33.4 years at diagnosis. Abdominal pain, irregular periods, headache, and visual disturbances were reported at presentation by 100%, 71%, 57% and 43% of women, respectively. Three of seven women underwent ovarian surgery before FGA diagnosis. Six women underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) with incomplete tumour resection in five of those, but all showed improvement or resolution in symptoms and biochemistry postoperatively.

Conclusion

FGA is a rare cause of spontaneous OHSS. TSS improves clinical and biochemical features of ovarian hyperstimulation in FGAs. Improved awareness of FGA will prevent inappropriate emergency ovarian surgery.
Assessing the potential of conspecific playbacks as a post‐translocation management tool for white rhinoceros
Authors: Pfannerstill Vera , Balkenhol Niko , Bennitt Emily , Maboga Onkgopotse Somalia , Scheumann Marina
Published: July 2023

Translocations can be a useful management tool to support endangered species. Translocated white rhinoceroses sometimes disperse from their release sites and leave protected areas, requiring sedation and return transport by vehicles. To avoid stressful transportation, less invasive management tools are needed to get animals back to the release site. We tested whether playbacks of white rhinoceros calls can influence their movements and thereby offer a potential management tool. We performed 200 experiments with 26 free‐roaming white rhinoceroses in two reserves in Botswana and recorded response intensity and duration, including body movement toward and away from the loudspeaker in response to a socio‐positive and a socio‐negative call. Rhinoceroses responded more to conspecific calls than to control sounds but did not show consistent behavioral responses across all experiments per call type. Males approached the loudspeaker more often than females. The intensity of responses was higher for calls recorded from unfamiliar than from familiar callers and behavioral responses differed between reserves. Further research is necessary to develop an applicable design for a combination of playbacks that would more reliably lead to directed body movement responses.
Derisking Developmentalism: A Tale of Green Hydrogen
Authors: Gabor Daniela , Sylla Ndongo Samba
Published: July 2023

In the global race to scale up green hydrogen, a renewed appetite for the visible hand of the state once again promises to expand developmental space for low‐ and middle‐income countries. On the African continent, several countries have announced green industrialization ambitions that rely on mobilizing, through various ‘derisking’ schemes, private (institutional) capital looking for investible opportunities. To examine the transformative potential of this new derisking developmentalism, this article extends the critical macrofinance lens to include Thandika Mkandawire's theorization of post‐independence African developmental states. Using Namibia as an illustration, it argues that an assumption of ‘divine coincidence’ creates the ideological space for the state to forge derisking blocs but structurally weakens its ability to discipline private capital into pursuing green industrialization. As (foreign) capital dominates the state‒capital relationship in derisking developmentalism, the new green rules written by powerful investors and global North governments threaten to transform global South countries into consumers of green hydrogen technology and generators of yield for portfolio investors, thus reinforcing the structural drivers of their ongoing external debt vulnerabilities. Instead, countries should experiment with green public ownership and partnerships that discipline local green industries. Such strategies require replacing the Wall Street Consensus with a supportive global macrofinancial framework the authors call ‘Green Bandung Woods’.
Epidemiology of adult meningioma: Report from the Dutch Brain Tumour Registry (2000–2019)
Authors: Ho Vincent K. Y. , Anten Monique M. , Garst Anniek , Bos Eelke M. , Snijders Tom J. , Eekers Daniëlle B. P. , Seute Tatjana ,   the Dutch Brain Tumour Registry (DBTR) and the Dutch Society for Neuro‐Oncology (LWNO)
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Meningiomas are the most common primary tumours of the central nervous system. This study aimed to provide comprehensive nationwide estimates on the incidence, prevalence and prognostic impact of meningioma diagnosis in the Netherlands.

Methods

Adult patients diagnosed with meningioma in 2000–2019 were selected from the Dutch Brain Tumour Registry (DBTR), part of the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). Time trends in age‐adjusted incidence and prevalence rates were evaluated using the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Relative survival rates were calculated using the Pohar Perme estimator. Case completeness of the DBTR/NCR was estimated through record linkage with one of the Dutch neuro‐oncology centres.

Results

From a total of 23,454 cases of meningioma, 11,306 (48.2%) were histologically confirmed and 12,148 (51.8%) were radiological diagnoses. Over time, the incidence of diagnosis increased from 46.9 per 1,000,000 inhabitants (European Standardized Rate [ESR]) to 107.3 (EAPC 4.7%, p < 0.01), with an increase in the incidence of radiological diagnoses from 14.0 to 70.2 per 1,000,000 ESR (EAPC 9.1%, p < 0.01). The prevalence of meningioma was estimated at 1012/1,000,000 on 1 January 2020, with almost 17,800 individuals having had a diagnosis of meningioma. Relative survival rate at 10 years for grade 1 meningiomas was 91.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 89.4%–92.3%), 71.3% (95% CI 66.8%–75.2%) for grade 2 meningiomas and 36.4% (95% CI 27.3%–45.6%) for grade 3 meningiomas. Local case completeness was estimated at 97.6% for histologically confirmed meningiomas and 84.5% for radiological diagnoses.

Conclusion

With a near‐complete registry, meningioma prevalence was estimated at over 1000 per 1,000,000 inhabitants.
Warm oceans exacerbate Chinook salmon bycatch in the Pacific hake fishery driven by thermal and diel depth‐use behaviours
Authors: Sabal Megan C. , Richerson Kate , Moran Paul , Levi Taal , Tuttle Vanessa J. , Banks Michael
Published: July 2023

Fisheries bycatch impacts marine species globally and understanding the underlying ecological and behavioural mechanisms could improve bycatch mitigation and forecasts in novel conditions. Oceans are rapidly warming causing shifts in marine species distributions with unknown, but likely, bycatch consequences. We examined whether thermal and diel depth‐use behaviours influenced bycatch of a keystone species (Chinook salmon; Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, Salmonidae) in the largest fishery on the US West Coast (Pacific hake; Merluccius productus, Merlucciidae) with annual consequences in a warming ocean. We used Generalized Additive Models with 20 years of data including 54,509 hauls from the at‐sea hake fishery spanning Oregon and Washington coasts including genetic information for five salmon populations. Our results demonstrate that Chinook salmon bycatch rates increased in warm ocean years explained by salmon depth‐use behaviours. Chinook salmon typically occupy shallower water column depths compared to hake. However, salmon moved deeper when sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were warm and at night, which increased overlap with hake and exacerbated bycatch rates. We show that night fishing reductions (a voluntary bycatch mitigation strategy) are effective in reducing salmon bycatch in cool SSTs by limiting fishing effort when diel vertical movements bring salmon deeper but becomes less effective in warm SSTs as salmon seek deeper thermal refugia during the day. Thermal and diel behaviours were more pronounced in southern compared with northern salmon populations. We provide mechanistic support that climate change may intensify Chinook salmon bycatch in the hake fishery and demonstrate how an inferential approach can inform bycatch management in a changing world.
Deterministic approach on microstructurally small crack definition based on a crystalline plasticity finite element method incorporating strain localization
Authors: Li Wanjia , Hamada Shigeru
Published: July 2023

The transition point of the crack length to a microstructurally small crack is necessary for predicting crack extension behavior. The conventional criterion is the crack length smaller than the grain size and is a probabilistic criterion. This criterion does not consider the metal's crystallite plasticity property discrepancy (CPPD). However, CPPD determines crack extension behavior for recently developed advanced materials with complex microstructures. Therefore, the authors propose a deterministic judgment method for microstructurally small cracks considering crystallite plasticity based on a physics‐based crystal plasticity finite element model with strain localization. The proposed method is based on the difference value of the crack tip opening displacement varying with the ratio between the crack length and grain size with the change in the grain orientation ahead of the crack tip. A case study for copper is performed, and the results show that the novel method can be applied to define the microstructurally small crack.
Cover Image
Authors: Song Yaoyao , Chen Zequn , Zhu Minhui , Chu Wanli , Liu Gang , Shen Chuan'an
Published: July 2023

The cover image is based on the Original Article The application of the Limberg flap repair technique in the surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus disease by Yaoyao Song et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.14105.

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Development and testing of a patient‐reported experience measure for cancer: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Reid Carol , Jones Lee , Janda Monica , Langbecker Danette , Stone Leanne , Laing Bobbi , McCarthy Alexandra
Published: July 2023

Aim

To develop and psychometrically test the Patient‐reported Experience Measure‐Cancer (PREM‐C), reflecting patients' perceptions of cancer care experiences according to the Institute of Medicine domains.

Design

A three‐phase cross‐sectional survey was conducted.

Methods

Development, reliability and validity testing of the PREM‐C measure was undertaken. Data collection included three phases: firstly (development) between October and November, 2015; secondly (psychometric testing), May 2016–June, 2017, and finally, (revision and psychometric testing) May 2019–March 2020.

Results

The final PREM‐C structure, created using the Institute of Medicine domains, was psychometrically sound with five factors identified in the Exploratory Factor Analysis, demonstrating internal reliability ranging from 0.8 to 0.9. Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated the hypothesized model fitted well (Root mean square error of approximation = 0.076). External convergent and divergent validity was established with the PREM‐C found to be moderately correlated with the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire but weakly correlated with the WHOQoL‐BREF.

Conclusion

The development and testing of the PREM‐C demonstrated good fit as a clinically relevant measure of ambulatory cancer patients' experiences of care. To make meaningful changes to nursing practice and health services, patient experience measures such as the PREM‐C might support staff to identify areas for service improvement.

Impact

Few reliable measures and less validated measures collect patients' perceptions of the quality of their healthcare provision. Rigorous psychometric testing of the newly developed PREM‐C demonstrated good internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and external convergent and divergent validity. The PREM‐C is a potentially relevant measure of cancer patients' experiences of care. It might be used to assess patient‐centred care and guide safety and quality improvements in clinical settings. PREM‐C use might inform service providers of experiences of care in their institution and inform policy and practice development. This measure is sufficiently generic, allowing potential use in other chronic disease populations.

Patient or Public Contribution

This conduct of this study was supported by the participating patients of the hospital Cancer Outpatients Service.
Effect of lipid accumulation product on the development of hypertension among nondiabetic individuals in eastern China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shu Li , Zhang Jiaye , Jia Linlin , Wang Jinchen , Han Ziyan
Published: July 2023

This study was aimed at assessing the risk factors for hypertension (HTN) and prehypertension (PHT) in order to clarify the role of lipid accumulation product (LAP) in the development of HTN among nondiabetic individuals. A large cross‐sectional study was conducted in community health service centers in urban Bengbu, Anhui Province, China. All participants completed an interview questionnaire and procedures to obtain physical measurements and biochemical indicators. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test for the prevalence of HTN and PHT in relation to each quartile increase in LAP level and family history of HTN. The resulting interaction effects were evaluated by relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (SI). A total of 7733 subjects were enrolled in the study. The overall prevalence rates of PHT and HTN were 37.1% and 24.8%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that compared with subjects in LAP quartile 1, those in quartile 3 (OR, 1.257; 95% CI, 1.062–1.494) and quartile 4 (OR, 1.323; 95% CI, 1.101–1.592) had a significantly higher risk for HTN (p for trend < .001). A significant interaction was observed between LAP and family history of HTN in men (AP, 0.1661; 95% CI, 0.0024–0.3296; SI, 1.4037; 95% CI, 1.0599–1.8593) and in women (RERI, 1.4111; 95% CI, 0.1458–2.9678; AP, 0.1662; 95% CI, 0.0085–0.3237; SI, 1.3886; 95% CI, 1.0568–1.8247). The results demonstrated that the interactive effects of LAP with family history of HTN may influence the development of HTN synergistically.
Combined use of amlodipine and folic acid are significantly more efficacious than amlodipine alone in lowering plasma homocysteine and blood pressure among hypertensive patients with hyperhomocysteinemia and intolerance to ACEI: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bao Huihui , Huang Xiao , Li Ping , Sheng Changsheng , Zhang Jin , Wang Zhirong , Song Demin , Hu Lihua , Ding Congcong , Cheng Zaihua , Yao Chen , Chen Guangliang , Cui Yimin , Qin Xianhui , Tang Genfu , Wang Xiaobin , Huo Yong , Cheng Xiaoshu , Wang Jiguang
Published: July 2023

Hyperhomocysteinemia with hypertension can synergistically increase the risk of stroke. The China stroke primary prevention trial showed that combining 0.8 mg folic acid (FA) with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) can effectively lower plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and blood pressure (BP); and reduce first stroke risk by additional 21% compared to ACEI alone. However, intolerance to ACEI is common in Asians and amlodipine can be alternative. This is a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐controlled clinical trial (RCT) which evaluated whether amlodipine combined with FA is more efficacious than amlodipine alone in lowering tHcy and BP among Chinese hypertensive with hyperhomocysteinemia and intolerance to ACEI. 351 Eligible patients were randomly assigned by 1:1:1 ratio to receive amlodipine‐FA tablet daily (amlodipine 5 mg/FA 0.4 mg, A group); amlodipine 5 mg/FA 0.8 mg tablet daily (B group); amlodipine 5 mg daily (C group, control group). Follow‐up was conducted at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The primary outcome was efficacy of lowering both tHcy and BP at the end of 8‐week treatment. Compared with C group, A group had a significantly higher rate of lowering both tHcy and BP (23.3% vs. 6.0%; Odds Ratio [OR], 8.68; 95% CI, 3.04‐24.78, P < .001); B group also had a higher rate of lowering both tHcy and BP (20.3% vs. 6.0%; OR: 5.90; 95% CI, 2.11‐16.47, P < .001). This RCT showed amlodipine combined with FA compared with amlodipine alone, each had significantly higher efficacy of lowering both tHcy and BP. No difference was found in BP‐lowering and occurrence of adverse events between the three groups.
Oridonin suppresses gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cell proliferation by targeting the TNF‐alpha/androgen receptor/TGF‐beta signalling pathway axis
Authors: Gao Shiyong , Tan Huixin , Li Dan
Published: July 2023

Statistics provided by GLOBOCAN list gastric cancer as the sixth most common, with a mortality ranking of third highest for the year 2020. In China, a herb called Rabdosia rubescens (Hemsl.) H.Hara, has been used by local residents for the treatment of digestive tract cancer for hundreds of years. Oridonin, the main ingredient of the herb, has a curative effect for gastric cancer, but the mechanism has not been previously clarified. This study mainly aimed to investigate the role of TNF‐alpha/Androgen receptor/TGF‐beta signalling pathway axis in mediating the proliferation inhibition of oridonin on gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells. MTT assay, cell morphology observation assay and fluorescence assay were adopted to study the efficacy of oridonin on cell proliferation. The network pharmacology was used to predict the pathway axis regulated by oridonin. Western blot assay was adopted to verify the TNF‐α/Androgen receptor/TGF‐β signalling pathway axis regulation on gastric cancer by oridonin. The results showed Oridonin could inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, change cell morphology and cause cell nuclear fragmentation. A total of 11signaling pathways were annotated by the network pharmacology, among them, Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) signalling pathway, androgen receptor (AR) signalling pathway and transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) signalling pathway account for the largest proportion. Oridonin can regulate the protein expression of the three signalling pathways, which is consistent with the results predicted by network pharmacology. These findings indicated that oridonin can inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer SGC‐7901 cells by regulating the TNF‐α /AR /TGF‐β signalling pathway axis.
TREM2 expression promotes liver and peritoneal M2 macrophage polarization in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Huang Min , Shen Pei , Zhang Bei , Chen Guo , Chen Jinling , Duan Lian , Duan Yinong
Published: July 2023

Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease that damages the liver and poses a serious threat to human health. Macrophages play a key role in the development of liver granulomas and fibrosis by undergoing polarization from M1 to M2 type during schistosomiasis. Therefore, regulating macrophage polarization is important for controlling pathological changes that occur during this disease. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) expressed on the surface of macrophages, dendritic cells and other immune cells has been shown to play a role in inhibiting inflammatory responses and regulating M2 macrophage polarization, however its role in macrophage polarization in schistosomiasis has not been investigated. In this study, we confirmed that TREM2 expression was upregulated in the livers and peritoneal macrophages of mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Moreover, the TREM2 expression trend correlated with the expression of M2 macrophage polarization‐related molecules in the liver tissues of S. japonicum‐infected mice. Using Trem2−/− mice, we also showed that Trem2 deletion inhibited Arg1 and Ym1 expression in liver tissues. Trem2 deletion also increased the number of F4/80 + CD86+ cells in peritoneal macrophages of infected mice. In summary, our study suggests that TREM2 may be involved in M2 macrophage polarization during schistosomiasis.
Evaluation of the effects of the FODMAP diet and probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, quality of life and depression in women with IBS
Authors: Ustaoğlu Tuba , Tek Nilüfer Acar , Yıldırım Abdullah Emre
Published: July 2023

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of fermented oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyols (FODMAP) diet therapy and probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, quality of life and depression in women diagnosed with IBS.

Methods

For the study, 52 female IBS patients between the ages of 20 and 55 were enrolled. Individuals were monitored for 6 weeks in two groups. A low‐FODMAP diet was given to the first group and a low‐FODMAP diet plus a probiotic supplement was given to the second group (Lactobacillus rhamnosus). Three‐day food intake records were kept at the start of the study and continued up to its conclusion, with a weekly check‐in in between. At the start and end of the trial, participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS‐QOL) and IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS‐SSS). The Bristol Stool Scale was also used by the subjects to record their daily stool densities.

Results

At the end of the study, it was determined that the daily intake of FODMAP (lactose [g] + oligosaccharides [g] + mannitol [g] + sorbitol [g]) decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, it was determined that the IBS‐SSS, anxiety and depression scores of the individuals in both groups decreased significantly and their IBS‐QOL scores increased significantly (p < 0.05). However, the difference between these values between the groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

A low‐FODMAP diet has been demonstrated to benefit people by lessening the severity of their IBS symptoms and enhancing their quality of life. No evidence was found, however, to indicate that the FODMAP diet would be more beneficial on these metrics if additional probiotics were used. It should be emphasised that the reaction of probiotic strains may vary depending on the IBS subtype.
A natural small molecule‐mediated inhibition of alpha‐synuclein aggregation leads to neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Srivastava Tulika , Tyagi Divya , Fatima Siraj , Sathyan Malur Thirumalesh Vishnu , Raj Ritu , Sharma Aniket , Chaturvedi Minal , Sinha Meetali , Shishodia Sonia Kumari , Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Sandeep K. , Shankar Jata , Satish Aruna , Priya Smriti
Published: July 2023

Small molecules are being explored intensively for their applications as therapeutic molecules in the management of metabolic and neurological disorders. The natural small molecules can inhibit protein aggregation and underlying cellular pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases involving multi‐factorial mechanisms of action. Certain natural small molecular inhibitors of pathogenic protein aggregation are highly efficient and have shown promising therapeutic potential. In the present study, Shikonin (SHK), a natural plant‐based naphthoquinone has been investigated for its aggregation inhibition activity against α‐synuclein (α‐syn) and the neuroprotective potential in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). SHK significantly inhibited aggregation of α‐syn at sub‐stochiometric concentrations, delayed the linear lag phase and growth kinetics of seeded and unseeded α‐syn aggregation. The binding of SHK to the C‐terminus of α‐syn maintained α‐helical and disordered secondary structures with reduced beta‐sheet content and complexity of aggregates. Further, in C. elegans transgenic PD models, SHK significantly reduced α‐syn aggregation, improved locomotor activity and prevented dopaminergic (DA) neuronal degeneration, indicating the neuroprotective role of SHK. The present study highlights the potential of natural small molecules in the prevention of protein aggregation that may further be explored for their therapeutic efficacy in the management of protein aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases.

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Segmentation of the Chinese stock market: A review
Authors: Peng Zhe , Xiong Kainan , Yang Yahui
Published: July 2023

The Chinese stock market has a threefold segmented structure. Firstly, there is a division between floatable and nonfloatable shares, known as the split‐share structure. Before 2005, more than two‐thirds of the shares outstanding were nonfloatable. This structure limited shareholders’ ability to exercise governance rights through stock trading. While largely dismantled by the 2005 reform, the split‐share structure has not been fully eliminated. Secondly, floatable shares can be issued in multiple currencies. However, shares denominated in the domestic currency often trade at a premium over those denominated in foreign currencies. This premium can be explained by the differences in target investors and the trading restrictions. Thirdly, stocks denominated in the domestic currency are sorted into different market tiers depending on the firms’ profitability and market capitalization. The limited mobility of stocks across different tiers engenders tier‐specific characteristics, such as high family ownership and venture‐capital backing, which have not been sufficiently studied. In this paper, we delineate the three aspects of market segmentation, offer critical comments on the caveats of the extant studies, and propose topics for future research.