bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TAilored SToma policY after TME for rectal cancer: The TASTY approach
Authors: Boissieras Lara , Harji Deena , Celerier Bertrand , Rullier Eric , Denost Quentin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimDiverting stomas are routinely used in restorative surgery following total mesorectal exicision (TME) for rectal cancer to mitigate the clinical risks of anastomotic leakage (AL). However, routine diverting stomas are associated with their own complication profile and may not be required in all patients. A tailored approach based on personalized risk of AL and selective use of diverting stoma may be more appropriate. The aim of the TAilored SToma policY (TASTY) project was to design and pilot a standardized, tailored approach to diverting stoma in low rectal cancer.MethodA mixed‐methods approach was employed. Phase I externally validated the anastomotic failure observed risk score (AFORS). We compared the observed rate of AL in our cohort to the theoretical, predicted risk of the AFORS score. To identify the subset of patients who would benefit from early closure of the diverting stoma using C‐reactive protein (CRP) we calculated the Youden index. Phase II designed the TASTY approach based on the results of Phase I. This was evaluated within a second prospective cohort study in patients undergoing TME for rectal cancer between April 2018 and April 2020.ResultsA total of 80 patients undergoing TME surgery for rectal cancer between 2016 and 2018 participated in the external validation of the AFORS score. The overall observed AL rate in this cohort of patients was 17.5% (n = 14). There was a positive correlation between the predicted and observed rates of AL using the AFORS score. Using ROC curves, we calculated a CRP cutoff value of 115 mg/L on postoperative day 2 for AL with a sensitivity of 86% and a negative predictive value of 96%.The TASTY approach was designed to allocate patients with a low risk AFORS score to primary anastomosis with no diverting stoma and high risk AFORS score patients to a diverting stoma, with early closure at 8–14 days, if CRP values and postoperative CT were satisfactory. The TASTY approach was piloted in 122 patients, 48 (39%) were identified as low risk (AFORS score 0–1) and 74 (61%) were considered as high risk (AFORS score 2–6).The AL rate was 10% in the low‐risk cohort of patient compared to 23% in the high‐risk cohort of patients, p = 0.078 The grade of Clavien‐Dindo morbidity was equivalent. The incidence of major LARS was lowest in the no stoma cohort at 3 months (p = 0.014).ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of employing a selective approach to diverting stoma in patients with a low anastomosis following TME surgery for rectal cancer.
Correlations among genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic variation of Phragmites australis along latitudes
Authors: Chen Yu‐Han , Meng Jian‐Qiao , Wang Chun‐Lin , Fang Tao , Jia Zi‐Xuan , Luo Fang‐Li 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimEstuarine vegetation routinely experiences natural tidal fluctuations and is highly vulnerable to extreme events such as heavy rainfall, leading to changes in plant population structure and adaptability. Genetic and epigenetic modifications are widely considered to be mechanisms of phenotypic variation, triggered in plants responding to extreme changing environments. However, understanding on correlations among genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic variation of wild plant populations is still limited.LocationChina.MethodsIn this study, populations of the typical wetland clonal species Phragmites australis were selected from four estuaries along various latitudes in China. Genetic and epigenetic diversity and phenotypic variation of these populations were analysed.ResultsPhenotypic variation of P. australis populations was the highest at Yellow River Estuary and the lowest at Min River Estuary. Across all estuaries, Genetic and epigenetic diversity was strongly linear‐correlated. Genetic diversity had significant correlations with variation in reproductive traits, whereas epigenetic diversity had significant correlations with variation in growth traits. Climatic factors of mean annual temperature and precipitation, as well as soil nitrogen and phosphorus, were negatively correlated with variation in genetic diversity, epigenetic diversity, and variation in reproductive traits of P. australis populations along latitudes. Variation in growth traits was negatively correlated with soil salinity, reflecting the limiting effect of salinity on plant growth.Main ConclusionOur findings found that genetic and epigenetic variations may play different roles in phenotypic variation of P. australis populations along latitudes, the variation becomes greater when the climatic and edaphic conditions deteriorate. The findings shed new light on the adaptation and evolution of wetland plant populations along a large latitudinal scale, and may contribute to the revegetation of estuary wetlands.
Experiences of health services for adults with cerebral palsy, their support people, and service providers
Authors: Manikandan Manjula , Kerr Claire , Fortune Jennifer , Walsh Michael , Ryan Jennifer , Walsh Aisling 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimTo explore the experiences of health services among adults with cerebral palsy (CP) in Ireland, from the perspectives of adults with CP, their support people, and service providers.MethodA qualitative descriptive study design was used. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted between March and August 2021 with adults with CP, people who supported them, and health professionals. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the data.ResultsTwenty‐one adults with CP, seven support people (family carer[s], spouse or partner, or friend), and 15 service providers participated in the study. Adults had a mean age of 38 years 5 months (range 22–58 years) and were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to V. Five themes were identified from the data: (1) access challenges in adult services; (2) knowledge and understanding of CP; (3) support people's role and care burden; (4) communication and interaction in adult services; and (5) health system challenges.ConclusionAdults with CP in Ireland face multiple challenges accessing the health services they need. Services were reported to be inadequate, with limited resources and understanding of CP. Participants highlighted a need for system‐level interventions, including enhanced training for health professionals to effectively meet the needs of adults with CP.
Contrasting effect of hybridization on genetic differentiation in three rockfish species with similar life history
Authors: Wray Anita , Petrou Eleni , Nichols Krista M. , Pacunski Robert , LeClair Larry , Andrews Kelly S. , Kardos Marty , Hauser Lorenz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHybridization can provide evolutionary benefits (e.g., population resilience to climate change) through the introduction of adaptive alleles and increase of genetic diversity. Nevertheless, management strategies may be designed based only on the parental species within a hybrid zone, without considering the hybrids. This can lead to ineffective spatial management of species, which can directly harm population diversity and negatively impact food webs. Three species of rockfish (Brown Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus), Copper Rockfish (S. auriculatus), and Quillback Rockfish (S. maliger)) are known to hybridize within Puget Sound, Washington, but genetic data from these species are used to infer population structure in the entire genus, including in species that do not hybridize. The goal of this project was to estimate the hybridization rates within the region and determine the effect of hybridization on geographic patterns of genetic structure. We sequenced 290 Brown, Copper, and Quillback rockfish using restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) from four regions within and outside Puget Sound, Washington. We show that (i) hybridization within Puget Sound was asymmetrical, not recent, widespread among individuals, and relatively low level within the genome, (ii) hybridization affected population structure in Copper and Brown rockfish, but not in Quillback Rockfish and (iii) after taking hybridization into account we found limited directional dispersal in Brown and Copper rockfish, and evidence for two isolated populations in Quillback Rockfish. Our results suggest that rockfish population structure is species‐specific, dependent on the extent of hybridization, and cannot be inferred from one species to another despite similar life history.
Anti‐IL17 Secukinumab in hidradenitis suppurativa: A long‐term drug survival analysis
Authors: Roccuzzo Gabriele , Repetto Federica , Giordano Silvia , Sarda Cristina , Comes Arianna , Dapavo Paolo , Quaglino Pietro , Ribero Simone 
Published: July 2024

AbstractReal‐world data on the long‐term effectiveness of the anti‐IL17 agent secukinumab in treating moderate‐to‐severe Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are lacking. In this study, 24 patients with moderate–severe HS received five weekly subcutaneous injections followed by maintenance doses every 4 weeks. Primary outcomes included HiSCR, IHS4 reduction, and DLQI measures assessed at 12‐week intervals. The median secukinumab drug survival was 16.0 months (range 3–51), with a 56.5% maximal response rate at 6 months and dropout exceeding 40% at 1 year. Baseline disease burden emerged as a key predictor of treatment response, overshadowing factors like sex or BMI. Prior systemic steroid use negatively impacts drug survival. The study underscores the critical 6‐month window for assessing treatment efficacy, emphasizing the importance of initial induction dosing. Additionally, the newly developed scoring system, IHS4‐55, showed analogies to the older HiSCR score in capturing treatment response. In this real‐life scenario, challenges persist in HS management, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches and predictive markers.
Century‐scale loss and change in the fishes and fisheries of a temperate marine ecosystem revealed by qualitative historical sources
Authors: Moore Alec B. M. , Brander Keith , Evans Shaun , Holm Poul , Hiddink Jan Geert 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolicies aiming to restore ecosystems, achieve thriving fisheries and reverse biodiversity loss require knowledge of their former status and long‐term variation. As quantitative fish data is typically only available for recent decades long after changes may have occurred, a greater use of qualitative sources has been encouraged in marine historical ecology. We examined diverse historical information (including maritime history, fisheries reports, naturalists' accounts, recipes, nautical charts and newspapers) across a multi‐century time span (13th–20th century) for a wide range of species to document their long‐term trajectories in an understudied Northeast Atlantic ecosystem (Irish Sea coast of Wales). We find strong evidence of the loss of both a pelagic fishery for herring, which was of fundamental socio‐ecological importance since at least the 13th century, and the loss of significant multi‐species demersal and intertidal fisheries. Local, commercial and/or functional extinction has occurred for taxa spanning a wide range of diversity (crustacean, elasmobranchs, sturgeon, and teleosts), body size and ecological role, suggesting far‐reaching changes to food webs. This raises fundamental questions about the present‐day health and integrity of this coastal ecosystem and the long‐term viability of current fisheries which depend on a few shellfish species. Our century‐scale synthesis of qualitative data for multiple taxa allows the collective breadth of losses to be fully appreciated and may reduce the risk of ‘shifting baselines’. Restoration to historical baselines may not be achievable, but our findings provide evidence of long‐term change relevant to policies for recovery, and prevention of further decline of fishes, fisheries and ecosystems.
Network dynamics in public health advisory systems: A comparative analysis of scientific advice for COVID‐19 in Belgium, Quebec, Sweden, and Switzerland
Authors: Lemor Antoine , Montpetit Éric , Téhinian Shoghig , Belleghem Clarisse Van , Eichenberger Steven , Öberg PerOla , Varone Frédéric , Aubin David , Denis Jean‐Louis 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study presents a dual‐method approach to systematically analyze public health advisory networks during the COVID‐19 pandemic across four jurisdictions: Belgium, Quebec, Sweden, and Switzerland. Using network analysis inspired by egocentric analysis and a subsystems approach adapted to public health, the research investigates network structures and their openness to new actors and ideas. The findings reveal significant variations in network configurations, with differences in density, centralization, and the role of central actors. The study also uncovers a relation between network openness and its structural attributes, highlighting the impact of network composition on the flow and control of expert advice. These insights into public health advisory networks contribute to understanding the interface between scientific advice and policymaking, emphasizing the importance of network characteristics in shaping the influence of expert advisors. The article underscores the relevance of systematic network descriptions in public policy, offering reflections on expert accountability, information diversity, and the broader implications for democratic governance.
Ceramic materials as an alternative for conventional spark plug electrodes
Authors: Harrer Walter , Gruber Manuel , Melcher Verena , Tilz Anton , Engelmayer Michael , Wimmer Andreas , Bermejo Raul 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLarge gas engines are typically applied to compensate for peak loads and grid instabilities in the electric power supply. A key component of these engines is the spark plug. Because of the harsh conditions encountered in their use, the spark plug electrodes are subject to significant wear. Conventional electrodes are expensive due to the precious metal alloys they contain. As an alternative, ceramic materials from the groups of silicide, carbides, and nitrides were selected for preliminary experiments that investigate functional as well as mechanical properties and wear behavior. Because of the harsh conditions during operation, the new materials must have a high melting temperature, good thermal shock resistance, high thermal conductivity, and high corrosion/oxidation resistance as well as high density. It was found that the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of certain ceramic candidates are sufficient for application as spark plug electrodes. Furthermore, the chosen ceramic materials achieve an adequate performance in terms of secondary voltage trace and ignition behavior. However, wear resistance may not be sufficient for service times longer than the service time of existing spark plugs and further research is still necessary before ceramic electrodes may be established as a commercial alternative to existing electrodes.
Evaluation of artificial intelligence‐assisted morphological analysis for platelet count estimation
Authors: Guo Ping , Zhang Chi , Liu Dandan , Sun Ziyong , He Jun , Wang Jianbiao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study aims to assess the performance of the platelet count estimation using artificial intelligence technology on the MC‐80 digital morphology analyzer.MethodsDigital morphology analyzer uses two different computational principles for platelet count estimation: based on PLT/RBC ratio (PLT‐M1) and estimate factor (PLT‐M2). 977 samples with various platelet counts (low, median, and high) were collected. Out of these, 271 samples were immunoassayed using CD61 and CD41 antibodies. The platelet counts obtained from the hematology analyzer (PLT‐I and PLT‐O), digital morphology analyzer (PLT‐M1 and PLT‐M2), and flow cytometry (PLT‐IRM) were compared.ResultsThere was no significant deviation observed before and after verification for both PLT‐M1 and PLT‐M2 across the analysis range (average bias: −0.845/−0.682, 95% limit of agreement (LOA): −28.675–26.985/−29.420–28.056). When platelet alarms appeared, PLT‐M1/PLT‐M2 showed the strongest correlation with PLT‐IRM than PLT‐I with PLT‐IRM (r: 0.9814/0.9796 > 0.9601). The correlation between PLT‐M1/PLT‐M2 and PLT‐IRM was strong for samples with interference, such as large platelets or RBC fragments, but relatively weak in small RBCs. The deviation between PLT‐M1 and PLT‐M2 is related to the number of RBCs. Compared with PLT‐I, PLT‐M1/PLT‐M2 showed higher accuracy for platelet transfusion decisions, especially for samples with low‐value PLT.ConclusionThe novel platelet count estimation on the MC‐80 digital morphology analyzer provides high accuracy, especially the reviewed result, which can effectively confirm suspicious platelet count.
Activity, triage levels and impact of the pandemic on hospital emergency departments: A multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Font‐Cabrera Cristina , Juvé‐Udina Maria Eulàlia , Adamuz Jordi , Diaz Membrives Montserrat , Fabrellas Núria , Guix‐Comellas Eva Maria 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimDescribe the activity of hospital emergency departments (EDs) and the sociodemographic profile of patients in the eight public hospitals in Spain, according to the different triage levels, and to analyse the impact of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on patient flow.DesignAn observational, descriptive, cross‐sectional and retrospective study was carried out.MethodsThree high‐tech public hospitals and five low‐tech hospitals consecutively included 2,332,654 adult patients seen in hospital EDs from January 2018 to December 2021. Hospitals belonging to the Catalan Institute of Health. The main variable was triage level, classified according to a standard for the Spanish structured triage system known as Sistema Español de Triaje. For each of the five triage levels, a negative binomial regression model adjusted for year and hospital was performed. The analysis was performed with the R 4.2.2 software.ResultsThe mean age was 55.4 years. 51.4% were women. The distribution of patients according to the five triage levels was: level 1, 0.41% (n = 9565); level 2, 6.10% (n = 142,187); level 3, 40.2% (n = 938,203); level 4, 42.6% (n = 994,281); level 5, 10.6% (n = 248,418). The sociodemographic profile was similar in terms of gender and age: as the level of severity decreased, the number of women, mostly young, increased. In the period 2020–2021, the emergency rate increased for levels 1, 2 and 3, but levels 4 and 5 remained stable.ConclusionMore than half of the patients attended in high‐technology hospital EDs were of low severity. The profile of these patients was that of a young, middle‐aged population, mostly female. The SARS‐CoV2 pandemic did not change this pattern, but an increase in the level of severity was observed.ImpactWhat problem did the study address? There is overcrowding in hospital EDs.What were the main findings? This study found that more than half of the patients attended in high‐technology hospital EDs in Spain have low or very low levels of severity. Young, middle‐aged women were more likely to visit EDs with low levels of severity. The SARS‐CoV2 pandemic did not change this pattern, but an increase in severity was observed.Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The research will have an impact on the functioning of hospital EDs and their staff.Patient or Public ContributionNot applicable.
Fitness cost of imidacloprid resistance in generalist predator from northernmost and equatorial range in the tropics
Authors: Yu Jin‐Jia , Feng Wen‐Bin , Zuharah Wan Fatma , Neoh Kok‐Boon 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLife‐history traits and population size of organisms may be affected by fitness costs associated with insecticide resistance. In this study, we examined the insecticide resistance and life‐history traits of Paederus fuscipes (Curtis), a common generalist predator, in field populations from Taiwan (high‐latitude region; 22° N–25° N) and Malaysia (low‐latitude region; 3° N–5° N). The results showed that Malaysian populations had higher imidacloprid resistance compared with Taiwanese populations. The fitness costs associated with imidacloprid resistance resulted in reduced fecundity, longer adult pre‐oviposition period, shorter egg length, and lighter pupal weight in the Malaysian populations, in contrast to the Taiwanese populations. However, the immature developmental time of the Malaysian populations was relatively short compared with the Taiwanese populations. The longevity of the Taiwanese populations was significantly shorter compared with the Malaysian populations. The fecundity of the adult populations increased in inverse proportion to longevity. The intrinsic rate of increase was significantly lower in the Malaysian populations compared with the Taiwanese populations. This regional‐scale study provided insights into the differences in life‐history traits and population growth of P. fuscipes as a result of fitness cost. However, it is worth noting that despite the high intrinsic rate of increase observed in the Taiwanese populations, among other factors, cannibalism may serve as a density‐dependent compensatory mechanism in regulating population size.
Anchovy and sardine condition and energy content in the North Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean) in relation to their contrasting reproductive strategies
Authors: Schismenou Eudoxia , Chatzifotis Stavros , Tsiaras Kostas , Somarakis Stylianos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractForage species with high biomass, such as anchovies and sardines, play a key role in pelagic ecosystems and make up a significant proportion of the world's capture fisheries production. In recent years, condition indices have gained interest as significant indicators for assessing the effects of environmental and human pressures on these species and the quality of their habitats. In the present study, we examined, for the first time in the North Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean), the year‐round variation in somatic and gonadal condition, energy density, and percentage of lipid content of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus). Energy density was measured with bomb calorimetry and percentage lipid content with the fatmeter, a portable electronic device. Finally, the monthly changes in gonadal and energetic condition were examined in relation to the annual cycle of temperature and mesozooplankton biomass, simulated by the implementation of a coupled hydrodynamic‐biogeochemical model (POM‐ERSEM). There was a strong relationship between fish energy density (kJ g−1) and percentage dry weight. Furthermore, the mean monthly energy density and fatmeter measurements were strongly correlated, especially in sardine. Overall, the monthly changes in energetic condition were indicative of the species’ different strategies for energy acquisition and allocation to reproduction (capital vs. income breeding): sardine exhibited low energy density and percentage lipid content during the winter spawning period (November–March) and markedly higher energetic condition from spring to autumn (April–October). Anchovy spawning period, as inferred from gonadal condition, lasted from April to September, i.e., during the warm period of the year but its energy density and percentage lipid content did not exhibit any seasonal changes and were markedly lower than in sardine from April to October. Finally, the simulated mesozooplankton biomass was higher from January to July, which corresponded to the second half of the spawning season for sardine, but first half of the spawning season for anchovy.