bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional quality, information and communication technologies and gender inclusion nexus: global comparative evidence
Authors: Achuo Elvis , Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel Ongo , Ndam Nembo Leslie , Forgha Njimanted G.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite the longstanding male dominance in the socio-politico-economic spheres, recent decades have witnessed remarkable improvements in gender inclusion. Although the issue of gender inclusion has been widely documented, answers to the question of whether institutional arrangements and information technology shape gender inclusion remain contentious. This study, therefore, empirically examines the effects of institutional quality and information and communication technology (ICT) penetration on gender inclusion on a global scale.

Design/methodology/approach

To control for the endogeneity of modeled variables and cross-sectional dependence inherent with large panel datasets, the study employs the Driscoll-Kraay fixed effects (DKFE) and the system generalised method of moments (GMM) estimators for a panel of 142 countries from 1996 to 2020.

Findings

The empirical findings from the DKFE and system GMM estimators reveal that strong institutions significantly enhance gender inclusion. Moreover, by disaggregating institutional quality into various governance indicators, we show that besides corruption control, which has a positive but insignificant effect on women’s empowerment, other governance indicators significantly enhance gender inclusion. Furthermore, there is evidence that various ICT measures promote gender inclusion.

Practical implications

The study results suggest that policymakers in developing countries should implement stringent measures to curb corruption. Moreover, policymakers in low-income countries should create avenues to facilitate women’s access to ICTs. Hence, policymakers in low-income countries should create and equip ICT training centers and render them accessible to all categories of women. Furthermore, developed countries with high-tech knowledge could help developing countries by organizing free training workshops and sensitization campaigns concerning the use of ICTs vis-à-vis women empowerment in various fields of life.

Originality/value

The present study fills a significant research gap by comprehensively exploring the nexuses between governance, ICT penetration and the socio-politico-economic dimensions of gender inclusion from a global perspective. Besides the paucity of studies in this regard, the few existing studies have been focused on either region and country-specific case studies in developed or developing economies. Moreover, this study is timely, given the importance placed on gender inclusion (SDG5), quality of institutions (SDG16) and ICT penetration (SDG9) in the 2015–2030 global development agenda.
Determinants of e-pharmacy adoption and the mediating role of social influence among young users
Authors: Adebo Adetumilara Iyanuoluwa , Aladelusi Kehinde , Mohammed Mustapha
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of social influence on the relationship between key predictors of E-pharmacy adoption among young consumers based on the unified theory of adoption and use of technology (UTAUT).

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a quantitative correlational research design. Based on cluster sampling, data was collected from 306 university students from three public universities in southwestern Nigeria. Data was analysed using partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The primary determinant driving the adoption of e-pharmacy is performance expectancy. Social influence plays a partial mediating role in linking performance expectancy to e-pharmacy adoption. In contrast, it fully mediates the relationship between effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and the adoption of e-pharmacy services.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides theoretical clarity on recent issues within the UTAUT framework. Findings highlight the complexity of how social factors interact with individual beliefs and external conditions in determining technology acceptance.

Practical implications

Research includes information relevant to access the impact of e-pharmacy services on healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality in developing countries.

Originality/value

The findings extend the adoption of technology literature in healthcare and offer a new understanding of adoption dynamics. The results emphasize the importance of performance expectancy in driving e-pharmacy adoption, providing a clear direction for stakeholders to enhance service quality and user experience of e-pharmacy. Additionally, the mediating effect of social influence highlights the significance of peer recommendations, celebrity endorsements and social media campaigns in shaping consumer adoption of e-pharmacies among young people.
Cultivating the digital citizen: trust, digital literacy and e-government adoption
Authors: AbdulKareem Abdulrazaq Kayode , Oladimeji Kazeem Adebayo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of trust and digital literacy in influencing citizens’ adoption of e-government services.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in the technology acceptance model (TAM), a research model was developed focusing on e-filing services adoption. Hypotheses were formulated to assess the moderating effect of digital literacy on the relationship between trust and the key TAM determinants of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. A questionnaire-based survey of 876 citizens who have used e-filing using the snow-ball sampling technique was adopted to generate data. The data was analyzed using PLS-SEM through the aid of SmartPLS 4 to assess the measurement model and structural relationships.

Findings

Trust positively influences perceived usefulness and ease of use, which in turn drive adoption. Additionally, digital literacy significantly moderates the impact of trust on usefulness and ease of use perceptions – the effect is stronger for higher digital literacy.

Research limitations/implications

The study adopted a single country developing economy context limiting cross-cultural applicability. Second, the focus on e-filing adoption precludes insights across other e-government services. Third, the reliance on perceptual measures risks respondent biases and fourth, the study is a cross-sectional survey design.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize multifaceted strategies to accelerate e-government adoption. Nurturing citizen trust in e-government systems through enhanced reliability, security and transparency remains vital. Simultaneously, initiatives to cultivate digital access, skills and proficiencies across population segments need to be undertaken.

Originality/value

This study integrates trust and digital literacy within the theoretical model to provide a more holistic understanding of adoption determinants. It highlights the need for balanced technology-enabled and social interventions to foster acceptance of e-government services.
Conceptualisations of neurodiversity and barriers to inclusive pedagogy in schools: A perspective article
Authors: Cook Anna
Published: March 2024

Teachers agree on the pivotal role of inclusion for social justice, but reductive conceptualisations of neurodiversity as akin to deficit or impairment inhibit the capacity or willingness of teachers to adapt pedagogical strategies to meet diverse student needs. Existing research underscores the association between positive attitudes towards inclusion and effective inclusive practice. Less research focuses on ideological assumptions held by teachers arising from their own experiential narratives or engagement with theories underpinning social equity and neurodiversity as accepted facets of mainstream education. Several factors may influence teacher conceptualisations. Regulatory frameworks for teacher training and development can foster the internalisation of technicist approaches to teaching that are less personalised and responsive to a broad range of pupil needs. Explicit reflection on beliefs, goals and self‐perceptions pertaining to teaching practice can broaden conceptualisations and galvanise change, but these aspects are frequently overlooked within teacher education programmes. Further research is needed to increase our understanding of prevailing conceptions and misconceptions of neurodiversity within the education landscape. By challenging societal assumptions of ‘normalcy’, future research should provide conceptual and pedagogical tools to advance understanding of the barriers to inclusive practice in schools and increase teachers' capacity to embrace a more inclusive pedagogical approach.
Effect of gastrointestinal digestion on the stability, antioxidant activity, and Caco‐2 cellular transport of pigmented grain polyphenols
Authors: Ed Nignpense Borkwei , Francis Nidhish , Blanchard Christopher , Santhakumar Abishek Bommannan
Published: March 2024

Grain polyphenols are known to possess several health properties. However, their digestive stability and intestinal absorption have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the fate of pigmented grain polyphenols in the digestive system. Purple rice, purple barley, purple wheat, and blue wheat extracts were subjected to simulated gastric and intestinal phase digestion, followed by Caco‐2 cellular transport. Phenolic profiling and antioxidant activity were determined using benchtop assays and an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid free radical) (UHPLC‐ABTS•+) system. The results demonstrated a decrease in the total phenolic content of extracts after digestion, with purple rice extract retaining the highest phenolic content (79%) and ABTS•+antioxidant activity (31%). Antioxidant activity was retained the most during the gastric phase; however, dominant antioxidant compounds were not detected after intestinal digestion. Significant variations in phenolic composition and radical scavenging activity were detected after digestion. Protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin, and chrysoeriol were all transported across the intestinal barrier. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the in vitro stability and antioxidant activity of cereal grain polyphenols after simulated digestion.
Lipopolysaccharide exacerbates depressive‐like behaviors in obese rats through complement C1q‐mediated synaptic elimination by microglia
Authors: Chunchai Titikorn , Chinchapo Thirathada , Sripetchwandee Jirapas , Thonusin Chanisa , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Prolonged high‐fat diet (HFD) consumption has been shown to impair cognition and depression. The combined effects of HFD and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration on those outcomes have never been thoroughly investigated. This study investigated the effects of LPS, HFD consumption, and a combination of both conditions on microglial dysfunction, microglial morphological alterations, synaptic loss, cognitive dysfunction, and depressive‐like behaviors.

Methods

Sixty‐four male Wistar rats were fed either a normal diet (ND) or HFD for 12 weeks, followed by single dose‐subcutaneous injection of either vehicle or LPS. Then, cognitive function and depressive‐like behaviors were assessed. Then, rats were euthanized, and the whole brain, hippocampus, and spleen were collected for further investigation, including western blot analysis, qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and brain metabolome determination.

Results

HFD‐fed rats developed obese characteristics. Both HFD‐fed rats with vehicle and ND‐fed rats with LPS increased cholesterol and serum LPS levels, which were exacerbated in HFD‐fed rats with LPS. HFD consumption, but not LPS injection, caused oxidative stress, blood–brain barrier disruption, and decreased neurogenesis. Both HFD and LPS administration triggered an increase in inflammatory genes on microglia and astrocytes, increased c1q colocalization with microglia, and increased dendritic spine loss, which were exacerbated in the combined conditions. Both HFD and LPS altered neurotransmitters and disrupted brain metabolism. Interestingly, HFD consumption, but not LPS, induced cognitive decline, whereas both conditions individually induced depressive‐like behaviors, which were exacerbated in the combined conditions.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that LPS aggravates metabolic disturbances, neuroinflammation, microglial synaptic engulfment, and depressive‐like behaviors in obese rats.
Editorial: Shorter course of intravenous terlipressin in acute variceal bleeding ‐ the promise, controversies and future directions
Authors: Wong Yu Jun , Abraldes Juan G.
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Vaishnav et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17868 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17893
Editorial: Corticosteroids for severe checkpoint inhibitor‐induced liver injury—Not one size fits all?
Authors: Cunningham Morven
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Riveiro‐Barciela et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17898
Condensed tannin‐induced variations in the rumen metabolome and the correlation with fermentation characteristics in goats
Authors: Tian K. E. , Aldian Dicky , Luo Gan , Sossou Armess , Yayota Masato
Published: March 2024

In this study, we characterized the effects of CT dietary inclusion at 2% (wt/wt) dry matter on the goat rumen metabolome and fermentation characteristics. Barley (BA) and corn (CN) were separately used as basal grain for the control rations, and rations supplemented with CT were BACT and CNCT, respectively. The rations were tested using eight Japanese Shiba × Saanen goats in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square arrangement (28 days for each period). Ruminal fluid was obtained on day 25 of each period, and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS) analysis was performed. Metabolites from BACT against BA and CNCT against CN were mostly associated with purine metabolism. Moreover, BACT against BA showed intensified biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and CNCT against CN resulted in strengthened amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, strong correlations were observed between rumen NH3‐N and the copy number of total bacteria with most of the differential metabolites. The present paper provides a better understanding of the relationship between the rumen metabolome and fermentation characteristics and supports a shift in concern about using CT as a strategy to manipulate rumen metabolism.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for preterm birth in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Hanbing , Gao Lingling , Yang Xiao , Chen Lu
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aims to develop and validate a prediction model for preterm birth in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Design

We conducted a retrospective study on women with GDM who gave birth at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, Guangzhou, China, between November 2017 and July 2021. We divided 1879 patients into a development set (n = 1346) and a validation set (n = 533). The development set was used to construct the prediction model for preterm birth using the stepwise logistic regression model. A nomogram and a web calculator were established based on the model. Discrimination and calibration were assessed in both sets.

Patients and Measurements

Patients were women with GDM. Data were collected from medical records. GDM was diagnosed with 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test during 24‐28 gestational weeks. Preterm birth was definied as gestational age at birth <37 weeks.

Results

The incidence of preterm birth was 9.4%. The predictive model included age, assisted reproductive technology, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, reproductive system inflammation, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, high‐density lipoprotein, homocysteine, and fasting blood glucose of 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the development and validation sets was 0.722 and 0.632, respectively. The model has been adequately calibrated using a calibration curve and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, demonstrating a correlation between the predicted and observed risk.

Conclusion

This study presents a novel, validated risk model for preterm birth in pregnant women with GDM, providing an individualized risk estimation using clinical risk factors in the third trimester of pregnancy.
Exposure of protected areas in Central America to extreme weather events
Authors: González‐Trujillo Juan David , Alagador Diogo , González‐del‐Pliego Pamela , Araújo Miguel B.
Published: March 2024

Central America and the Caribbean are regularly battered by megadroughts, heavy rainfall, heat waves, and tropical cyclones. Although 21st‐century climate change is expected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of these extreme weather events (EWEs), their incidence in regional protected areas (PAs) remains poorly explored. We examined historical and projected EWEs across the region based on 32 metrics that describe distinct dimensions (i.e., intensity, duration, and frequency) of heat waves, cyclones, droughts, and rainfall and compared trends in PAs with trends in unprotected lands. From the early 21st century onward, exposure to EWEs increased across the region, and PAs were predicted to be more exposed to climate extremes than unprotected areas (as shown by autoregressive model coefficients at p < 0.05 significance level). This was particularly true for heat waves, which were projected to have a significantly higher average (tested by Wilcoxon tests at p < 0.01) intensity and duration, and tropical cyclones, which affected PAs more severely in carbon‐intensive scenarios. PAs were also predicted to be significantly less exposed to droughts and heavy rainfall than unprotected areas (tested by Wilcoxon tests at p < 0.01). However, droughts that could threaten connectivity between PAs are increasingly common in this region. We estimated that approximately 65% of the study area will experience at least one drought episode that is more intense and longer lasting than previous droughts. Collectively, our results highlight that new conservation strategies adapted to threats associated with EWEs need to be tailored and implemented promptly. Unless urgent action is taken, significant damage may be inflicted on the unique biodiversity of the region.
Intersession reliability of lower limb muscle strength assessments in adults with obesity eligible for bariatric surgery
Authors: Gam Søren , Petz Anders K. , Bjerre Lukas R. , Bøgild Jeppe , Nielsen Anders B. , Sørensen Rikke N. , Kolind Mikkel I. , Gram Bibi , Hansen Stinus , Aagaard Per
Published: March 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the test−retest reliability in lower limb muscle strength and rate of torque development (RTD) using isokinetic dynamometry in adults with obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2.

Method

Thirty‐two adults with a BMI of 43.8 ± 6.6 kg/m2 eligible for bariatric surgery were enroled in the study. Isokinetic and isometric knee extensor (KE) and flexor (KF) strength were assessed in an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex 4) during three test sessions separated by 3−7 days.

Results

There were no statistical differences in peak KE and KF torque for any test modalities between sessions. Intraclass correlation (ICC) was 0.91−0.94 between sessions 1 and 2 and 0.94−0.97 between sessions 2 and 3. Standard error of measurement (SEM%) and coefficient of variation (CV) ranged across test sessions from 4.3% to 7.3%. KE RTD showed high test−retest reliability following familiarization, with ICC, CV and SEM% values ranging from 0.84 to 0.90, 13.3%−20.3% and 14.6%−24.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

Maximal lower limb muscle strength measured by isokinetic dynamometry showed excellent test−retest reliability manifested by small measurement errors and low CV. Reliability was slightly improved by including a familiarization session. KE RTD but not KF RTD demonstrated high test−retest reliability following familiarization. The present data indicate that isokinetic dynamometry can be used to detect even small changes in lower limb muscle strength in adults with obesity.
Comprehensive molecular‐isotopic characterization of archaeal lipids in the Black Sea water column and underlying sediments
Authors: Zhu Qing‐Zeng , Elvert Marcus , Meador Travis B. , Schröder Jan M. , Doeana Katiana D. , Becker Kevin W. , Elling Felix J. , Lipp Julius S. , Heuer Verena B. , Zabel Matthias , Hinrichs Kai‐Uwe
Published: March 2024

The Black Sea is a permanently anoxic, marine basin serving as model system for the deposition of organic‐rich sediments in a highly stratified ocean. In such systems, archaeal lipids are widely used as paleoceanographic and biogeochemical proxies; however, the diverse planktonic and benthic sources as well as their potentially distinct diagenetic fate may complicate their application. To track the flux of archaeal lipids and to constrain their sources and turnover, we quantitatively examined the distributions and stable carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) of intact polar lipids (IPLs) and core lipids (CLs) from the upper oxic water column into the underlying sediments, reaching deposits from the last glacial. The distribution of IPLs responded more sensitively to the geochemical zonation than the CLs, with the latter being governed by the deposition from the chemocline. The isotopic composition of archaeal lipids indicates CLs and IPLs in the deep anoxic water column have negligible influence on the sedimentary pool. Archaeol substitutes tetraether lipids as the most abundant IPL in the deep anoxic water column and the lacustrine methanic zone. Its elevated IPL/CL ratios and negative δ13C values indicate active methane metabolism. Sedimentary CL‐ and IPL‐crenarchaeol were exclusively derived from the water column, as indicated by non‐variable δ13C values that are identical to those in the chemocline and by the low BIT (branched isoprenoid tetraether index). By contrast, in situ production accounts on average for 22% of the sedimentary IPL‐GDGT‐0 (glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether) based on isotopic mass balance using the fermentation product lactate as an endmember for the dissolved substrate pool. Despite the structural similarity, glycosidic crenarchaeol appears to be more recalcitrant in comparison to its non‐cycloalkylated counterpart GDGT‐0, as indicated by its consistently higher IPL/CL ratio in sediments. The higher TEX86, CCaT, and GDGT‐2/‐3 values in glacial sediments could plausibly result from selective turnover of archaeal lipids and/or an archaeal ecology shift during the transition from the glacial lacustrine to the Holocene marine setting. Our in‐depth molecular‐isotopic examination of archaeal core and intact polar lipids provided new constraints on the sources and fate of archaeal lipids and their applicability in paleoceanographic and biogeochemical studies.
Piecing the barcoding puzzle of Palearctic water frogs (Pelophylax) sheds light on amphibian biogeography and global invasions
Authors: Dufresnes Christophe , Monod‐Broca Benjamin , Bellati Adriana , Canestrelli Daniele , Ambu Johanna , Wielstra Ben , Dubey Sylvain , Crochet Pierre‐André , Denoël Mathieu , Jablonski Daniel
Published: March 2024

Palearctic water frogs (genus Pelophylax) are an outstanding model in ecology and evolution, being widespread, speciose, either threatened or threatening to other species through biological invasions, and capable of siring hybrid offspring that escape the rules of sexual reproduction. Despite half a century of genetic research and hundreds of publications, the diversity, systematics and biogeography of Pelophylax still remain highly confusing, in no small part due to a lack of correspondence between studies. To provide a comprehensive overview, we gathered >13,000 sequences of barcoding genes from >1700 native and introduced localities and built multigene mitochondrial (~17 kb) and nuclear (~10 kb) phylogenies. We mapped all currently recognized taxa and their phylogeographic lineages (>40) to get a grasp on taxonomic issues, cyto‐nuclear discordances, the genetic makeup of hybridogenetic hybrids, and the origins of introduced populations. Competing hypotheses for the molecular calibration were evaluated through plausibility tests, implementing a new approach relying on predictions from the anuran speciation continuum. Based on our timetree, we propose a new biogeographic paradigm for the Palearctic since the Paleogene, notably by attributing a prominent role to the dynamics of the Paratethys, a vast paleo‐sea that extended over most of Europe. Furthermore, our results show that distinct marsh frog lineages from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Near East, and Central Asia (P. ridibundus ssp.) are naturally capable of inducing hybridogenesis with pool frogs (P. lessonae). We identified 14 alien lineages (mostly of P. ridibundus) over ~20 areas of invasions, especially in Western Europe, with genetic signatures disproportionally pointing to the Balkans and Anatolia as the regions of origins, in line with exporting records of the frog leg industry and the stocks of pet sellers. Pelophylax thus emerges as one of the most invasive amphibians worldwide, and deserves much higher conservation concern than currently given by the authorities fighting biological invasions.
Unravelling the role of tropical cyclones in shaping present species distributions
Authors: Thonis Anna , Stansfield Alyssa , Akçakaya H. Resit
Published: March 2024

Driven by climate change, tropical cyclones (TCs) are predicted to change in intensity and frequency through time. Given these forecasted changes, developing an understanding of how TCs impact insular wildlife is of heightened importance. Previous work has shown that extreme weather events may shape species distributions more strongly than climatic averages; however, given the coarse spatial and temporal scales at which TC data are often reported, the influence of TCs on species distributions has yet to be explored. Using TC data from the National Hurricane Center, we developed spatially and temporally explicit species distribution models (SDMs) to examine the role of TCs in shaping present‐day distributions of Puerto Rico's 10 Anolis lizard species. We created six predictor variables to represent the intensity and frequency of TCs. For each occurrence of a species, we calculated these variables for TCs that came within 500 km of the center of Puerto Rico and occurred within the 1‐year window prior to when that occurrence was recorded. We also included predictor variables related to landcover, climate, topography, canopy cover and geology. We used random forests to assess model performance and variable importance in models with and without TC variables. We found that the inclusion of TC variables improved model performance for the majority of Puerto Rico's 10 anole species. The magnitude of the improvement varied by species, with generalist species that occur throughout the island experiencing the greatest improvements in model performance. Range‐restricted species experienced small, almost negligible, improvements but also had more predictive models both with and without the inclusion of TC variables compared to generalist species. Our findings suggest that incorporating data on TCs into SDMs may be important for modeling insular species that are prone to experiencing these types of extreme weather events.
Effect of etranacogene dezaparvovec on quality of life for severe and moderately severe haemophilia B participants: Results from the phase III HOPE‐B trial 2 years after gene therapy
Authors: Itzler Robbin , Buckner Tyler W. , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Miller Joel , Recht Michael , Drelich Douglass , Monahan Paul E. , Pipe Steven W.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

For people with haemophilia B (PwHB), bleeding may occur despite prophylaxis, negatively affecting health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The pivotal phase 3 HOPE‐B trial investigating the adeno‐associated virus gene transfer product, etranacogene dezaparvovec (EDZ), demonstrated sustained factor IX (FIX) activity and bleed protection in PwHB with baseline FIX levels ≤2%.

Aim

Assess how EDZ affects HRQoL in HOPE‐B trial participants.

Methods

HRQoL was evaluated using generic and disease‐specific patient reported outcomes (PROs) including the EQ‐5D‐5L and the Hem‐A‐QoL questionnaires. Mean domain and total scores were compared 6 months pre‐ and the first 2 years post‐EDZ administration using repeated measures linear mixed models. The percentage of participants with minimal clinically important improvements in HRQoL was also evaluated.

Results

Two years post‐EDZ, there were nominally significant increases in the least squares (LS) mean score for the EQ‐5D‐5L Index Value (.04; p = .0129), reflecting better HRQoL. Nominally significant decreases in the LS mean scores, reflecting better HRQoL, were also found for the Hem‐A‐QoL total score (−6.0; p < .0001) and the Treatment (−13.94; p < .0001), Feelings (−9.01; p < .0001), Future (−6.45; p = .0004) and Work/School (−5.21; p = .0098) domains. The percentage of participants with ≥15‐point improvement ranged from 45.83% (95% CI: 31.37%, 60.83%) for Treatment to 13.89% (95% CI: 4.67%, 29.50%) for Family Planning. Results were similar for Year 1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gene therapy with EDZ improved HRQoL in the first and second years in several Hem‐A‐QoL domains, including Treatment, Feelings, Work/School and Future domains, whereas improvement in other aspects of HRQoL were not demonstrated.
Turkish students' language‐learning perezhivanie, learner identities, and transformation of self
Authors: Bektaş‐Çetinkaya Yeşim
Published: March 2024

This study used the Vygotskian concept of perezhivanie, an emotionally lived experience, to examine the identities of two Turkish language learners. Learner identity has been researched from social and psychological perspectives; however, the role of emotion and its relationship with cognition has not been sufficiently addressed. As a unit of analysis, Perezhivanie offers a holistic approach to examining learners' identities by considering their emotional and cognitive processes in their learning environments. This study reports on a qualitative case study. Data were obtained from Dodo and Uraz's observations while taking an elective course in Global English and Culture, their multiple reflections written throughout the course, and their interviews. The data analysis revealed ontological instances of perezhivaniya (plural) that stemmed from the two participants' emotionally charged, memorable moments. It revealed how these perezhivaniya formed and transformed their identities throughout their language‐learning experience. These results indicate the importance of assisting language learners by introducing them to the new World of Englishes, thus providing new theoretical frameworks that create a fertile environment for identity transformation.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors causing hyperplasia of the prostate
Authors: Kyoda Yuki , Shibamori Kosuke , Shindo Tetsuya , Maehana Takeshi , Hashimoto Kohei , Kobayashi Ko , Tanaka Toshiaki , Fukuta Fumimasa , Masumori Naoya
Published: March 2024

Prostatic hyperplasia is very common in elderly men and is a typical disease that reduces quality of life. Histologically, hyperplasia of the prostate gland causes obstruction at the bladder outlet, resulting in symptoms such as a weak urine stream. Various factors have been considered to cause histological enlargement of the prostate, but the underlying cause is still unknown. The factors that cause prostate hyperplasia can be broadly classified into intrinsic and extrinsic ones. Extrinsic factors include things that we directly come into contact with such as bacteria and food. On the other hand, intrinsic factors are those that cause changes in functions originally provided in the body due to some cause, including extrinsic factors, such as chronic inflammation and an imbalance of sex hormones. A large number of reports have been made to date regarding the etiology of prostatic hyperplasia, although they have not yet clarified the fundamental cause(s). The various factors currently known should be outlined for future research. Should it be possible to prevent this highly prevalent prostatic hyperplasia which is mainly cause of dcreasing quality of life, there is no doubt that it would be a huge contribution to humanity.
Impact of a general medicine consultant‐led ward round in the emergency department
Authors: Bajaj Nupur , Goyal Tushar , Teo Ken , Yip Gary
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients requiring admission to the general medicine wards in a public hospital are usually assessed by a medical registrar. This study is based at a metropolitan public hospital in Melbourne where the majority of general medicine patients in the emergency department (ED) are not seen by a consultant physician until they are transferred to the ward.

Aims

To assess the impact of general medicine consultant‐led ward rounds (CWRs) in the ED on patient length of stay (LOS).

Methods

One‐month audit was conducted of all patients admitted to general medicine and awaiting transfer to ward from ED at a metropolitan public hospital in Melbourne. A general medicine CWR was then implemented in the ED, followed by another 1‐month audit, with the primary outcome being LOS and the secondary outcome being 30‐day readmission rate. Additionally, admitting medical registrars were invited to complete a survey before and after the implementation of CWRs to assess satisfaction rate.

Results

Data from electronic medical records were analysed for 162 patients (90 preimplementation group and 72 postimplementation group). The median LOS was 6 days in the preimplementation group and 4 days in the postimplementation group (P = 0.014). There was no significant difference in 30‐day readmission rates. Surveys showed admitting medical registrars reported a reduced level of stress and fewer barriers to seeking consultant input following implementation.

Conclusions

A CWR in the ED has led to decreased LOS for general medicine patients and improved satisfaction among junior medical staff.
Association between famine exposure during infancy and childhood and the risk of chronic kidney disease in adulthood
Authors: Liu Xiao , Sun Junhui , Ge Bing , Pan Chi , Yan Hongxuan , Sun Xiaohui , Peng Jiahui , Wang Weijing , Lin Yongfeng , Zhang Dongfeng , Ning Feng
Published: March 2024

Background

Famine exposure in childhood is proven to be associated with multiple chornic disease in adult but has not been studied with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Aims

This study was conducted to identify the relationship between famine exposure during infancy and childhood – specifically, the Chinese famine of 1959–1961 – and the risk of adult‐onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Chinese individuals.

Methods

This study included 2937 individuals from the Qingdao Diabetes Prevention Program. They were stratified by birth year into infancy‐exposed (1956–1958), childhood‐exposed (1950–1955) and unexposed (1963–1971) groups. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. CKD was defined as an eGFR of <90 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Results

The mean eGFR values for the infancy‐exposed and childhood‐exposed groups were 107.23 ± 12.53 and 103.23 ± 12.44 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, both of which were lower than that of the unexposed group (114.82 ± 13.39 mL/min/1.73 m2; P < 0.05). In the crude model, the odds ratio (OR) for CKD was 2.00 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39–2.88) in the infancy‐exposed group and 2.92 (95% CI: 2.17–3.93) in the childhood‐exposed group. Further adjustments for urban/rural residence, body mass index, age, current smoking, type 2 diabetes, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol did not significantly alter the association between famine exposure and CKD. The corresponding ORs were 1.71 (95% CI: 1.17–2.50) and 2.48 (95% CI: 1.81–3.40) for the infancy‐exposed and childhood‐exposed groups respectively.

Conclusions

Famine exposure during infancy and childhood is associated with a long‐term decline in eGFR and an increased adult‐onset CKD risk. Early intervention for high‐risk individuals may mitigate the risk of adult‐onset CKD.
Remote consultations in community mental health: A qualitative study of clinical teams
Authors: McCarron Robyn , Moore Anna , Foreman Ilana , Brewis Emily , Clarke Olivia , Howes Abby , Parkin Katherine , Luk Diana , Hirst Maisie Satchwell , Sach Emilie , Shipp Aimee , Stahly Lorna , Bhardwaj Anupam
Published: March 2024

Accessible summary

What Is Known on the Subject?

Mental health care can be delivered remotely through video and telephone consultations.

Remote consultations may be cheaper and more efficient than in person consultations.

What the Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge

Accessing community mental health care through remote consultations is perceived as not possible or beneficial for all service users.

Delivering remote consultations may not be practical or appropriate for all clinicians or community mental health teams.

What are the Implications for Practice?

Remote consultation cannot be a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ model of community mental health care.

A flexible approach is needed to offering remote consultation that considers its suitability for the service‐user, service and clinician.

Introduction

Responding to COVID‐19, community mental health teams in the UK NHS abruptly adopted remote consultations. Whilst they have demonstrable effectiveness, efficiency, and economic benefits, questions remain around the acceptability, feasibility and medicolegal implications of delivering community mental health care remotely.

Aim

To explore perceived advantages, challenges, and practice adaptations of delivering community mental health care remotely.

Methods

Ten community mental health teams in an NHS trust participated in a service evaluation about remote consultation. Fifty team discussions about remote consultation were recorded April–December 2020. Data analysis used a framework approach with themes being coded within a matrix.

Results

Three major horizontal themes of operations and team functioning, clinical pathways, and impact on staff were generated, with vertical themes of advantages, challenges, equity and adaptations.

Discussion

Remote consultation is an attractive model of community mental healthcare. Clinical staff note benefits at individual (staff and service‐user), team, and service levels. However, it is not perceived as a universally beneficial or practical approach, and there are concerns relating to access equality.

Implications for Practice

The suitability of remote consultation needs to be considered for each service‐user, clinical population and clinical role. This requires a flexible and hybrid approach, attuned to safeguarding equality.
Knockout of SlDCL2b attenuates the resistance of tomato to potato spindle tuber viroid infection
Authors: Zhang Yuhong , Tian Xiaxia , Xu Huiyuan , Zhan Binhui , Zhou Changyong , Li Shifang , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: March 2024

RNA interference, or RNA silencing, is an important defence mechanism against viroid infection in plants. Plants encode multiple DICER‐LIKE (DCL) proteins that are key components of the RNA silencing pathway. However, the roles of different DCLs in defence responses against viroid infection remain unclear. Here, we determined the function of tomato DCL2b (SlDCL2b) in defence responses against potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) infection using SlDCL2b loss‐of‐function tomato mutant plants. Compared with wild‐type plants, mutant plants were more susceptible to PSTVd infection, developing more severe symptoms earlier and accumulating higher levels of PSTVd RNAs. Moreover, we verified the feedback mechanism for the regulation of SlDCL2b expression by miR6026. Functional blocking of tomato miR6026, by expressing its target mimics, can enhance resistance to PSTVd infection in tomato plants. These findings deepen the current understanding of RNAi‐based resistance against viroid infection and provide a potentially new strategy for viroid control.
Potent incretin‐based therapy for obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy of semaglutide and tirzepatide on body weight and waist circumference, and safety
Authors: Müllertz Alberte Laura Oest , Sandsdal Rasmus Michael , Jensen Simon Birk Kjær , Torekov Signe Sørensen
Published: March 2024

Potent incretin‐based therapy shows promise for the treatment of obesity along with reduced incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease and obesity. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the incretin‐based obesity treatments, once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg and tirzepatide 10 or 15 mg, in people with obesity without diabetes. Of the 744 records identified, seven randomized controlled trials (n = 5140) were included. Five studies (n = 3288) investigated semaglutide and two studies (n = 1852) investigated tirzepatide. The treatment effect, shown as placebo‐subtracted difference, on body weight was −15.0% (95% CI, −17.8 to −12.2) with −12.9% (95% CI, −14.7 to −11.1) for semaglutide and −19.2% (95% CI, −22.2 to −16.2) for tirzepatide. The treatment effect on waist circumference was −11.4 cm (95% CI, −13.7 to −9.2) with −9.7 cm (95% CI, −10.8 to −8.5) for semaglutide and −14.6 cm (95% CI, −15.8 to −13.4) for tirzepatide. The adverse events related to semaglutide and tirzepatide were primarily of mild‐to‐moderate severity and mostly gastrointestinal, which was more frequent during the dose‐titration period and leveled off during the treatment period. This emphasizes that once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg and tirzepatide 10 or 15 mg induce large reductions in body weight and waist circumference and are generally well‐tolerated.
Evaluating different rates of activated carbon in commercially produced seed coatings in laboratory and field trials
Authors: Baughman Owen , Rios Roxanne , Duquette Cameron , Boyd Chad , Riginos Corinna , Eshleman Magdalena , Kildisheva Olga
Published: March 2024

Pre‐emergent herbicides, commonly employed for managing invasive annual plants, often fail to meet restoration targets due to the absence of remnant perennial plants, which leaves sites vulnerable to re‐invasion and hinders effective control of annual grasses. Combining an herbicide treatment with seeding is therefore desirable, but seeded plants can also be negatively impacted by pre‐emergent herbicides. Herbicide protection (HP) seed technologies use activated carbon to adsorb herbicide near seeds and have shown promise for allowing simultaneous deployment of herbicide and seed, but recent research recommends numerous additional refinements be tested. We addressed some of these recommendations through one laboratory and a field trial replicated at multiple sites to explore whether commercially produced, single‐seed HP coatings with two different rates of activated carbon can prevent herbicide‐related damage to two perennial bunchgrasses native to the western United States. We also investigated how these coated prototypes compare in performance to the multi‐seed extruded herbicide protection pellets (HPPs) tested in prior research. In the laboratory, neither coating treatment reduced total emergence, emergence rate, survival, or biomass in the absence of herbicide. In the presence of herbicide, both provided several‐fold higher survival and aboveground biomass compared to untreated bare seed, but this represented incomplete protection from herbicide. In field trials where conditions were harsher than the laboratory, we found no evidence of HP from any treatment, and HPPs reduced seedling count for one species. We conclude that the tested HP coating prototype is an improvement over HPPs but requires additional refinements and testing.
On an SIS epidemic model with power‐like nonlinear incidence and with/without cross‐diffusion
Authors: Li Huicong , Xiang Tian
Published: March 2024

We study global existence, boundedness, and convergence of nonnegative classical solutions to a Neumann initial‐boundary value problem for the following possibly cross‐diffusive SIS (susceptible–infected–susceptible) epidemic model with power‐like infection mechanism generalizing the standard mass action incidence:in a bounded smooth domain . The infection force of the form with is a natural extension of the classical mass action type , and the cross‐diffusive term with describes the effect that susceptible individuals tend to move away from higher density of infected populations. Global existence and boundedness of classical solutions are established in certain parameter ranges, and threshold/nonthreshold long‐time behaviors of global bounded solutions are also detected. Our findings significantly improve and extend previous related studies.
Numerical simulation on the MHD time-dependent Williamson nanofluid flow with cross diffusion and heat generation/absorption over a stretching plate
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Asad , Khan Kashif Ali , Hussein Mohamed , Fathima Dowlath , Alroobaea Roobaea , Raza Nauman , Ghazwani Hassan Ali , Awan Aziz Ullah
Published: March 2024

This novel study unfolds the heat and mass transfer investigation of Williamson nanofluid (WNF) through a porous medium past a stretching plate, along with considering heat generation/absorption. Nanoparticles hold significant significance in thermal engineering, industrial operations, and biomedical advancements, contributing to enhanced heat transfer, cooling mechanisms, thermal extrusion processes, and applications in cancer treatment, particularly in addressing brain tumors. The coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are gained from governing partial differential equations (PDEs) by applying sufficient transformations. Then the ODEs of a nonlinear nature, along with boundary conditions, are solved through bvp4c, a built-in MATLAB program. A good agreement has been found in comparing the present study with already published papers. Numerical values for skin friction, mass transfer, and heat transfer are shown through a table against involved physical parameters, especially for both injection [Formula: see text] and suction [Formula: see text] cases, by varying the values of unsteadiness parameter A and Weissenberg number [Formula: see text]. The effects of the physical parameters on velocity, temperature, and mass profile are graphically depicted and illustrated minutely. It is noted that both the magnetic and Williamson parameters cause the thickness of the boundary layer to be reduced. It can be deduced from these findings that the rate of heat transfer over the surface of the plate decreases as the unsteadiness parameter increases. Furthermore, it is observed that an increase in the parameters of thermophoresis and Brownian motion leads to a higher temperature of the nanofluid.
ICT under Constraint: Exposing Tensions in Collaboratively Prioritising ICT Innovation for Climate Targets
Authors: Widdicks Kelly , Knowles Bran , Friday Adrian , Blair Gordon S.
Published: March 2024

The international treaty known as the Paris Agreement requires global greenhouse gas emissions to decrease at a pace that will limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Given the pressure on all sectors to reduce their emissions to meet this target, the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector must begin to explore how to innovate under constraint for the first time. This could mean facing the unprecedented dilemma of having to choose between innovations, in which case the community will need to develop processes for making collective decisions regarding which innovations are most deserving of their carbon costs. In this article, we expose tensions in collaboratively prioritising ICT innovation under constraints and discuss the considerations and approaches the ICT sector may require to make such decisions effectively across the sector. This opens up a new area of research where we envision HCI expertise can inform and resolve such tensions for values-based and target-led ICT innovation toward a sustainable future.