bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of water level and water quality on small‐sized and juvenile fish assemblages in the littoral zones of the Zambezi/Chobe floodplain
Authors: Simasiku Evans Kamwi , Hay Clinton , Abah James 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe effect of flooding phase and water quality on the littoral fish species of the Zambezi/Chobe floodplain was assessed between March 2017 and February 2018. Using the similarity percentage analyses (SIMPER), a 61.9% dissimilarity was detected in fish assemblages among the four flooding phases of the Zambezi/Chobe floodplain (rising, peak, recession and low flooding phase). Cichlids (63.1%) were the most dominant taxa during the peak flooding phase while cyprinids were dominant during the rising (40.7%), recession (45.3%) and low flooding phases (40.9%), respectively. Juveniles of the two commercially important species, Oreochromis andersonii and Coptodon rendalli, were among the four abundant species across the four flooding phases of the Zambezi/Chobe floodplain. Higher densities of these two species were in synchrony with the peak flooding phase, characterised by high levels of dissolved oxygen (5.7 ± 1.0 mg/L), neutral pH (7.9) and moderate water temperature (27.6 ± 1.1°C). During the flood recession phase, a severe decline in juvenile of the commercially important species (O. andersonii and C. rendalli) coincided with fish migration off the littoral zone into the main river at a mean size between 70 and 80 mm SL. Generally, the observed variations in the fish species composition during the different stages of flooding might reflect the influence of water quality and water volume to sustain large fish assemblages on the littoral zone of the Zambezi/Chobe floodplain. Any change in the natural flow and reduction in water volume of the Zambezi/Chobe floodplain might negatively affect the recruitment of juvenile fish into adult populations.
How Chinese Agricultural Immigrants Affect Farmers in the Russian Far East
Authors: Yi Fujin , Gudaj Richard T. , Arefieva Valeria , Mishchuk Svetlana , Potenko Tatiana A. , Yanbykh Renata , Zhou Jiayi , Zuenko Ivan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractChina’s international position as a net creditor nation provides it with foreign exchange that it has invested in Asian and African countries. One example is China's investment in the Russian Far East (RFE). Thousands of Chinese agricultural workers have migrated to the RFE in recent decades. They are often welcomed by Russian farmers who face a labor shortage and by local residents who can buy cheap vegetables from them, but there are others who resent their presence in the region as competitors. Our study is the first empirical study of this relationship. Our results demonstrate economic benefits to the Russian households. There are, however, some negative repercussions of Chinese farmers in the RFE, and the governments of both China and Russia need to manage the situation wisely.
Chinese Migrant Farmers in the Russian Far East: Impact on Rural Labor Markets
Authors: Yi Fujin , Gudaj Richard T. , Arefieva Valeria , Yanbykh Renata , Mishchuk Svetlana , Potenko Tatiana A. , Zhou Jiayi , Zuenko Ivan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe close proximity of China and Russia, the activities of Chinese farmers, and the reduction in Russian labor resources have created job opportunities for Chinese workers in the Russian Far East (RFE). Chinese workers fill a labor shortage in agriculture, but little research has been done on them. We developed an econometric model to test the effects of Chinese intermittent migration on labor markets in the RFE. We found the proximity of Chinese to Russian farms reduces wages for both Russian and Chinese workers and increases their part‐time employment on Russian farms. The greater availability of Chinese workers in the region results in lower number of family members working on Russian farms. Thus, the influx of Chinese workers may contribute to demographic shifts in the Russian population.
Covid‐19 changes to maternity care: Experiences of Australian doctors
Authors: Szabo Rebecca A. , Wilson Alyce N. , Homer Caroline , Vasilevski Vidanka , Sweet Linda , Wynter Karen , Hauck Yvonne , Kuliukas Lesley , Bradfield Zoe 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic meant rapid changes to Australian maternity services. All maternity services have undertaken significant changes in relation to policies, service delivery and practices and increased use of personal protective equipment.AimsThe aim of this study was to explore and describe doctors’ experiences of providing maternity care during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia.MethodsA national online survey followed by semi‐structured interviews with a cohort of participants was conducted during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia (May–June 2020). Participants were recruited through social media networks. Eighty‐six doctors completed the survey, and eight were interviewed.ResultsAlmost all doctors reported rapid development of new guidelines and major changes to health service delivery. Professional colleges were the main source of new information about COVID‐19. Most (89%) doctors felt sufficiently informed to care for women with COVID‐19. Less than half of doctors felt changes would be temporary. Doctors described workforce disruptions with associated personal and professional impacts. The ability to access and process up‐to‐date, evidence‐based information was perceived as important. Doctors acknowledged that altered models of care had increased pregnant women’s anxiety and uncertainty. All doctors described silver linings from sector changes.ConclusionsThis study provides unique insights into doctors’ experiences of providing maternity care during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia. Findings have immediate relevance to the maternity sector now and into the future. Lessons learnt provide an opportunity to reshape the maternity sector to better prepare for future public health crises.
Whole genome sequencing identifies novel genetic mutations in patients with eczema herpeticum
Authors: Bin Lianghua , Malley Claire , Taylor Patricia , Preethi Boorgula Meher , Chavan Sameer , Daya Michelle , Mathias Malaika , Shankar Gautam , Rafaels Nicholas , Vergara Candelaria , Potee Joseph , Campbell Monica , Hanifin Jon M. , Simpson Eric , Schneider Lynda C. , Gallo Richard L. , Hata Tissa , Paller Amy S. , De Benedetto Anna , Beck Lisa A. , Ong Peck Y. , Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Richers Brittany , Baraghoshi David , Ruczinski Ingo , Barnes Kathleen C. , Leung Donald Y. M. , Mathias Rasika A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundEczema herpeticum (EH) is a rare complication of atopic dermatitis (AD) caused by disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. The role of rare and/or deleterious genetic variants in disease etiology is largely unknown. This study aimed to identify genes that harbor damaging genetic variants associated with HSV infection in AD with a history of recurrent eczema herpeticum (ADEH+).MethodsWhole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 49 recurrent ADEH+ (≥3 EH episodes), 491 AD without a history of eczema herpeticum (ADEH−) and 237 non‐atopic control (NA) subjects. Variants were annotated, and a gene‐based approach (SKAT‐O) was used to identify genes harboring damaging genetic variants associated with ADEH+. Genes identified through WGS were studied for effects on HSV responses and keratinocyte differentiation.ResultsEight genes were identified in the comparison of recurrent ADEH+to ADEH−and NA subjects: SIDT2, CLEC7A, GSTZ1, TPSG1, SP110, RBBP8NL, TRIM15, and FRMD3. Silencing SIDT2 and RBBP8NL in normal human primary keratinocytes (NHPKs) led to significantly increased HSV‐1 replication. SIDT2‐silenced NHPKs had decreased gene expression of IFNk and IL1b in response to HSV‐1 infection. RBBP8NL‐silenced NHPKs had decreased gene expression of IFNk, but increased IL1b. Additionally, silencing SIDT2 and RBBP8NL also inhibited gene expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers keratin 10 (KRT10) and loricrin (LOR).ConclusionSIDT2 and RBBP8NL participate in keratinocyte's response to HSV‐1 infection. SIDT2 and RBBP8NL also regulate expression of keratinocyte differentiation genes of KRT10 and LOR.
Acceptability and feasibility of self‐sampling and follow‐up attendance after text message delivery of human papillomavirus results: A cross‐sectional study nested in a cohort in rural Tanzania
Authors: Mremi Alex , Linde Ditte S. , Mchome Bariki , Mlay Joseph , Schledermann Doris , Blaakær Jan , Rasch Vibeke 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe objective was to determine if self‐collection of vaginal samples for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing was acceptable and feasible in rural Tanzania and to assess the extent of attendance at a follow‐up appointment among women who tested HPV‐positive after delivery of HPV results via text messages.Material and methodsA combined cross‐sectional and cohort study was conducted among women aged 25‐60 years from rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Women were offered HPV self‐sampling or traditional visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid. If HPV self‐sampling was preferred, participants received instructions on self‐collection with an Evalyn Brush. A questionnaire was used to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the self‐sampling procedure for the participants and delivery of HPV results via text messages. A mobile text message platform was used to send private text messages with the screening results to the participants.ResultsA total of 1108 women were enrolled and self‐collected an HPV sample; 11.8% tested positive for high‐risk HPV. The majority (98.9%) agreed that they had no trouble in understanding the instructions on how to perform the self‐collection and that they would recommend it to a friend (94.5%) or as a standard screening method in Tanzania (95.5%). A minority of women experienced bleeding (2.4%) or pain (6%) while collecting the sample, while some were worried that they would get hurt (12.7%) or felt embarrassed (3.5%). The majority (98.4%) of women would like to receive the screening test results via text messages. Eighty‐two per cent of those who tested positive for high‐risk HPV attended the follow‐up appointment after receiving a text message reminder and an additional 16% attended after receiving both a text message and a phone call reminder whereas 2% did not attend follow up at all. Attendance was not influenced by age, marital status, education level, parity, or HIV status.ConclusionsHuman papillomavirus self‐sampling and text‐message feedback delivery are generally well‐perceived and accepted among rural Tanzanian women, and the majority of HPV‐positive women attended a follow‐up appointment after receiving their HPV results and follow‐up appointment via text messages. This screening method may have potential to be transferrable to other low‐income countries with a high incidence of cervical cancer and so improve cervical cancer screening attendances.
What is the influence of government programs on farmer organizations and their impacts? Evidence from Zambia
Authors: Minah Margitta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGovernments and donors often promote farmer organizations (FOs) in the implementation of their agricultural development programs. Yet, there is a lot of uncertainty whether externally supported FOs provide benefits beyond the channelling of programs. This paper uses Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and representative data from 4,074 Zambian households to estimate FO impacts on members, with and without controlling for a national input‐subsidy program. The results show that Zambian FOs tend to attract better‐educated households with larger farm sizes, but can lead to female integration when external subsidies are involved. FOs also have a significantly positive effect on members’ farm performance, irrespective of whether members receive input subsidies, while the presence of the external program leads to an unequal distribution of benefits within the FOs: positive impacts on farm performance are, on average 13–44% lower amongst members who do not benefit from the Zambian government program. Overall, these findings imply that Zambian FOs seem to provide benefits that go beyond the intention of the subsidy‐program, which can be used to promote women empowerment and smallholder farm performance. The findings also demonstrate, however, that governments need to carefully design their programs to not reinforce inequality amongst farmer organizations and their members.
Congruence and discrepancy in migrant children’s and mothers’ perceived discrimination: Using response surface analysis to examine the effects on psychological distress
Authors: Qu Diyang , Chen Chen , Kouros Chrystyna D. , Yu Nancy Xiaonan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNew migrants from Mainland China to Hong Kong have faced increased discrimination from local Hong Kongers, which may have negative impacts on their adjustment and mental health. Guided by the family systems theory, we tested the dyadic effects of perceived discrimination levels among migrant children and mothers on their psychological distress in a sample of 200 child–mother pairs who migrated from Mainland China to Hong Kong. Using polynomial regression and response surface analyses, we found that when children's and mothers’ reports of perceived discrimination showed congruence, higher levels of perceived discrimination were positively associated with both children's and mothers’ psychological distress. In addition, when children's and mothers’ reports of perceived discrimination were discrepant, higher levels of perceived discrimination among children compared with mothers were associated with increased psychological distress for children, and higher levels of perceived discrimination among mothers compared with children were associated with increased psychological distress for mothers. By using a dyadic approach, our study advances the understanding of the degree to which child–mother congruence and the direction of discrepancies in perceived discrimination contributes to children's and mothers’ psychological distress. These findings have implications for the design of psychological distress‐reduction intervention programs in the context of discrimination among migrant pairs.
Outcomes of systemic targeted therapy in recurrent renal cell carcinoma treated with adjuvant sunitinib
Authors: de Velasco Guillermo , Ruiz‐Granados Álvaro , Reig Oscar , Massari Francesco , Climent Duran Miguel Angel , Verzoni Elena , Graham Jeffrey , Llarena Roberto , De Tursi Michele , Donskov Frede , Iglesias Clara , Pandha Hardev S. , Garcia del Muro Xavier , Procopio Giuseppe , Oudard Stephane , Castellano Daniel , Albiges Laurence 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and tolerability of rechallenge with sunitinib and other targeted therapies (TTs) in patitents with relapsed recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the advanced setting.MethodsIn this multi‐institutional retrospective study, patients with relapsed RCC were rechallenged with sunitinib or other systemic TTs as a first‐line therapeutic approach after failed adjuvant sunitinib treatment. Patient characteristics, treatments and clinical outcomes were recorded. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 34 patients with relapses were recorded, and 25 of these (73.5%) were men. Twenty‐five patients were treated with systemic TT: 65% of patients received TT against the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway (including sunitinib), 21.7% received mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors and 13% received immunotherapy. The median (interquartile range) time to relapse was 20.3 (5.2–20.4) months from diagnosis, and 7.5 months (1.0–8.5) from the end of adjuvant suntinib treatment. At a median follow‐up of 23.5 months, 24 of the 25 patients had progressed on first‐line systemic therapy. The median PFS was 12.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.78–18.2). There were no statistical differences in PFS between different treatments or sunitinib rechallenge. PFS was not statistically different in patients relapsing on or after adjuvant suntinib treatment (≤ 6 or >6 months after adjuvant suntinib ending). The ORR was 20.5%. The median OS was 29.1 months (95% CI 16.4–41.8).ConclusionsRechallenge with sunitinib or other systemic therapies is still a feasible therapeutic option that provides patients with advanced or metastastic RCC with additional clinical benefits with regard to PFS and OS after failed response to adjuvant sunitinib.
Role of intracellular complement activation in kidney fibrosis
Authors: Portilla Didier , Xavier Sandhya 
Published: February 2021

Increased expression of complement C1r, C1s and C3 in kidney cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis. Our studies suggest that activation of complement in kidney cells with increased generation of C3 and its fragments occurs by activation of classical and alternative pathways. Single nuclei RNA sequencing studies in kidney tissue from unilateral ureteral obstruction mice show that increased synthesis of complement C3 and C5 occurs primarily in renal tubular epithelial cells (proximal and distal), while increased expression of complement receptors C3ar1 and C5ar1 occurs in interstitial cells including immune cells like monocytes/macrophages suggesting compartmentalization of complement components during kidney injury. Although global deletion of C3 and macrophage ablation prevent inflammation and reduced kidney tissue scarring, the development of mice with cell‐specific deletion of complement components and their regulators could bring further insights into the mechanisms by which intracellular complement activation leads to fibrosis and progressive kidney disease.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed issue on Canonical and non‐canonical functions of the complement system in health and disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.14/issuetoc
Sodium rutin extends lifespan and health span in mice including positive impacts on liver health
Authors: Li Shuoshuo , Li Jun , Pan Ruiyuan , Cheng Jinbo , Cui Qinghua , Chen Jianxin , Yuan Zengqiang 
Published: February 2021

Background and PurposeAgeing is associated with progressive metabolic dysregulation. Rutin is a metabolic regulator with a poor solubility. Using soluble sodium rutin we investigating the effect and mechanisms of rutin in ageing process.Experimental ApproachWild type male mice were treated with or without sodium rutin ( 0.2 mg·ml−1 in drinking water from 8‐month‐old until end of life. Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used for lifespan assay, ageing‐related histopathology analysis and metabolic analysis were performed to determine the effects of chronic sodium rutin on the longevity. Serological test, liver tissue metabolomics and transcriptomics were used for liver function assay. SiRNA knockdown Angptl8 and autophagy flux assay in HepG2 cell lines explored the mechanism through which sodium rutin might impact the function of hepatocyte.Key ResultsSodium rutin treatment extends the lifespan of mice by 10%. Sodium rutin supplementation alleviates ageing‐related pathological changes and promotes behaviour performance in ageing mice. Sodium rutin supplementation altered the whole‐body metabolism in mice, which exhibited increased energy expenditure and lower respiratory quotient. Transcriptomics analysis showed that Sodium rutin affected the expression of metabolic genes. Metabolomics analysis showed that Sodium rutin reduced liver steatosis through increased lipid β‐oxidation. Sodium rutin treatment increased the autophagy level both in vivo and in vitro. The inhibition of autophagy partially abolished the sodium rutin‐mediated effect on lipolysis in HepG2 cells.Conclusion and ImplicationsSodium rutin treatment extends the lifespan and health span of mice with beneficial effects on metabolism, which were achieved by enhancing the autophagy activity in hepatocytes.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Inflammation, Repair and Ageing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.9/issuetoc
The Messinian Salinity Crisis as a trigger for high pore pressure development in the Western Mediterranean
Authors: Dale Michael S. , Marín‐Moreno Héctor , Falcon‐Suarez Ismael Himar , Grattoni Carlos , Bull Jonathan M. , McNeill Lisa C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEvaporites are typically described as impermeable seals that create some of the world's highest reservoir pressures beneath the salt seal. However, several laboratory studies demonstrate that evaporites can retain open pore spaces that hydraulically connect the sediments above and below them in sedimentary basins. During the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.97–5.33 Ma), up to 2,400 m thickness of evaporites were rapidly deposited in the Western Mediterranean, which may have generated high pore fluid overpressure in the basin sediments. Here we use one‐dimensional numerical modelling to quantify the temporal evolution of overpressure at two distinct locations of the Western Mediterranean, the Liguro‐Provençal and Algero‐Balearic basins, from the Miocene to Present. We reconstruct the sedimentation history of the basin, considering disequilibrium compaction as an overpressure mechanism and constraining model parameters (such as permeability and porosity) using laboratory experiments and the literature. In the Liguro‐Provençal basin the highest overpressure of 11.2 MPa occurs within the halite during deposition of Pliocene to Quaternary sediment, while in the Algero‐Balearic basin at the base of the Emile Baudot Escarpment, the highest overpressure of 3.1 MPa also occurs within the halite but during stage 3 of the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.55–5.33 Ma). In the Algero‐Balearic basin an overpressure of 3.1 MPa could have been sufficient to hydro fracture the sediments, which agrees with the development of fluid escape features observed on seismic reflection profiles. In general, our models with evaporite deposition rates above 20 m kyr−1 and permeabilities below 10–18 m2, suggest that high overpressure, approaching lithostatic, can be generated in salt basins.
Comparison of radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation for benign thyroid nodules: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Dong‐Ming , Chen Zhe , Zhai Yu‐Xia , Su Hong‐Hui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeTo compare the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).MethodsPubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched up to September 11, 2020. Volume reduction rate (VRR), symptomatic and cosmetic scores analysed by standardized mean difference (SMD), and complications analysed by risk difference (RD) were performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA and MWA for treating BTNs.ResultsFive eligible studies were included. 899 patients with 956 BTNs and 869 patients with 938 BTNs received RFA and MWA, respectively. RFA and MWA have the similar pooled 3‐month (56.0% vs. 53.9%, p = .668) and 6‐month (80.8% vs. 74.9%, p = .080) VRRs. But RFA showed a significantly higher VRR than MWA after 12 months (86.2% vs. 80.0%, p = .036). The pooled symptomatic and cosmetic scores decreased significantly after 6 and 12 months in both RFA and MWA. The improvements of symptoms were equivalent between two groups at 6 (SMD: 1.17 vs. 1.12, p = .930) and 12 (SMD: 1.46 vs. 1.45, p = .930) months. No significant differences in cosmetic scores were found between two groups at 6 (SMD: 0.87 vs. 0.94, p = 0. 334) and 12 (SMD: 1.21 vs. 1.15, p = 0. 872) months. Major (RD = −0.02, P = .107) and minor (RD = 0.00, p = .661) complications did not significantly differ between RFA and MWA.ConclusionsRFA and MWA are effective and safe treatment modalities for BTNs. But RFA showed a superior 12‐month VRR. RFA may have a better long‐term effect on volume reduction of nodules compared with MWA.