bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the addition of perineal block enhance pain control after a haemorrhoidectomy? A prospective randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Markaryan Daniil , Garmanova Tatiana , Kazachenko Ekaterina , Lukianov Alexander , Markaryan Eduard , Agapov Mikhail 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundHaemorrhoidectomy is associated with severe postoperative pain, a long rehabilitation, and QoL worsening for months. Most patients experience mild‐to‐moderate postoperative pain. We aimed to evaluate the intraoperative perineal block role for patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy.MethodsIn this prospective randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, eligible patients with III–IV stage haemorrhoids were randomized to the experimental group (EG) with intraoperative perineal block and spinal anaesthesia and the control one (CG) only with spinal anaesthesia. During the postoperative period, the opioid consumption rate was evaluated as a primary endpoint, and the postoperative pain level according to VAS, systemic analgesics consumption, readmission, and complication rate, the timing of returning to work, patients' QoL, and overall satisfaction according to SF‐36 were evaluated as secondary endpoints.ResultsOne hundred patients completed the study (48 in EG and 52 in CG). Patients of the EG had less postoperative pain intensity (P < 0.0001), required less opioid analgesia (P = 0.03), and had longer pain‐free postoperative periods (P = 0.0002). 90% of patients in the CG required additional NSAID injections for adequate analgesia compared with only 58% in the EG. The average hospital stays, complication rate, and average operation duration didn't reach clinical significance. General health evaluation according to the SF‐36 score and the median satisfaction rate was better in the EG (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively).ConclusionsThe administration of the perianal block is safe and effective and should be administered to appropriate patients undergoing anorectal surgery.
Beyond generic support: Contextual influences on careers of gender and sexuality diverse groups in higher education
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Riggs Damien W. , Wang Ying , Chapman Andrew , Mate Susan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite the emerging attention to career development for gender and/or sexuality diverse (GSD) students, the literature is largely limited to generic support, missing a specific focus on either careers or being GSD. Such a generic view about contextual influences makes it difficult to guide the design and implementation of concrete, feasible practices for supporting GSD students' careers. Extending the existing body of work, this study employed qualitative methods to explore more specific, nuanced contextual factors within the university setting that influence GSD students' career development. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 25 Australian university students who self‐identified as GSD. Our findings report seven major themes that could explain the influence of university contexts on the career development and experiences of GSD students. These themes include generic mentoring not always being useful, the negative effects of framing diversity as a “risk,” small things that can foster a sense of safety, the importance of designated areas and resources, the importance of advice on safe workplaces and being authentic at work, the importance of the visibility of key people, and the need for intersectional support. In addition to unpacking the influence of unique contextual features, these findings contribute to the extension of existing career frameworks such as the career self‐management model into GSD contexts. Our results also shed light on detailed, implementable practical solutions for universities, career counselors, and psychologists to support the career development of GSD students.
Letter: Critical appraisal of biologic therapy in early ulcerative colitis management—Addressing study limitations and the role of psychological resilience—Authors' reply
Authors: Strande Vibeke , Høivik Marte Lie , Kristensen Vendel A. 
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Strande et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18097 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18156.
Child‐directed speech in a large sample of U.S. mothers with low income
Authors: Egan‐Dailey Shannon , Gennetian Lisa A. , Magnuson Katherine , Duncan Greg J. , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Fox Nathan A. , Noble Kimberly G. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractResearch on early language input and socioeconomic status typically relies on correlations in small convenience samples. Using data from Baby's First Years, this paper assesses the causal impact of monthly, unconditional cash transfers on child‐directed speech and child vocalizations among a large, racially diverse sample of low‐income U.S. mothers and their 1‐year‐olds (N = 563; 48% girls; 2019–2020). The monthly, unconditional cash transfers did not impact mothers' child‐directed speech during a 10‐min at‐home play session (effect sizes range from −.08 to .02), though there was wide variability within this sample. Future work will assess the impact of the continued cash transfer on children's language input and development over time.
Paediatric thyroid disease
Authors: Cheetham Timothy , Wood Claire 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe spectrum of thyroid disorders presenting to paediatricians is different to that seen by adult physicians. Referrals reflect cases detected by the neonatal screening programme for congenital hypothyroidism and many of the inherited defects of thyroid hormone generation or action will be manifest in early life. Autoimmune thyroid disease can be particularly challenging to manage in the young and the potential impact of thyroid status on neurodevelopment and schooling are key considerations throughout childhood and adolescence.
Effectiveness and mechanisms of combined use of antioxidant nutrients in protecting against oxidative stress‐induced neuronal loss and related neurological deficits
Authors: Wang Lu , Wei Yingjuan , Sun Zhenzhou , Tai Wenya , Li Hui , Yin Yaling , Jiang Lin‐Hua , Wang Jian‐Zhi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundOxidative stress is a well‐known pathological factor driving neuronal loss and age‐related neurodegenerative diseases. Melatonin, coenzyme Q10 and lecithin are three common nutrients with an antioxidative capacity. Here, we examined the effectiveness of them administrated individually and in combination in protecting against oxidative stress‐induced neuronal death in vitro, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and associated deficits in vivo.MethodsMouse neuroblastoma Neuro‐2a (N2a) cells were exposed with H2O2 for 6 h, and subsequently treated with melatonin, coenzyme Q10, and lecithin alone or in combination for further 24 h. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK‐8 assay. Eight‐week‐old male mice were intraperitoneally injected with D‐(+)‐galactose for 10 weeks and administrated with melatonin, coenzyme Q10, lecithin, or in combination for 5 weeks starting from the sixth week, followed by behavioral tests to assess the effectiveness in mitigating neurological deficits, and biochemical assays to explore the underlying mechanisms.ResultsExposure to H2O2 significantly reduced the viability of N2a cells and increased oxidative stress and tau phosphorylation, all of which were alleviated by treatment with melatonin, coenzyme Q10, lecithin alone, and, most noticeably, by combined treatment. Administration of mice with D‐(+)‐galactose‐induced oxidative stress and tau phosphorylation, brain aging, impairments in learning and memory, anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors, and such detrimental effects were mitigated by melatonin, coenzyme Q10, lecithin alone, and, most consistently, by combined treatment.ConclusionsThese results suggest that targeting oxidative stress via supplementation of antioxidant nutrients, particularly in combination, is a better strategy to alleviate oxidative stress‐mediated neuronal loss and brain dysfunction due to age‐related neurodegenerative conditions.
Ultrasound assessment of the distal resection margin during robotic rectal surgery
Authors: Giuliani Giuseppe , Matarazzo Francesco , Guerra Francesco , Benigni Roberto , Marino Michele Di , Coratti Andrea 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimEnsuring an adequate distal resection margin (DRM) is a key factor in achieving the gold standard in surgical treatment for rectal surgery. The aim of this article is to describe our surgical technique and the usefulness of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) for evaluating the DRM during robotic rectal surgery (RRS).MethodProspective data on five consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent RRS between January 2023 and December 2023 were collected. IOUS was utilized to evaluate the DRM in all patients.ResultsThe mean time for the IOUS examination ranged from 5 to 10 min. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. The median length of hospital stay was 6.4 days (±1.67 days). During hospitalization, one patient experienced a Grade II complication according to the Clavien–Dindo classification, specifically postoperative ileus. Furthermore, one patient experienced a delayed anastomotic fistula, which was conservatively treated without readmission. At definitive pathology, the median distance of the tumour from the DRM was 29 mm (±1.41 mm) and all patients had an R0 resection.ConclusionIOUS is a reproducible and helpful modality for identifying the distal margin of the cutting line during robotic resection of rectal cancers. It does not affect the operating time compared with other methods and could be an alternative method for assessment of the DRM during RRS.
Evaluation of the diagnostic role of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound for peripheral pulmonary lesions
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Li , Zhang Qian , Wang Yan , Xu Chun Hua 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive value of echo features of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP‐EBUS) in the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign 1esions.MethodsThe clinical data of 336 patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) undergoing RP‐EBUS were analyzed in order to evaluate the predictive value of the three EBUS echo features including continuous margin, absence of a linear‐discrete air bronchogram, and heterogeneous in pulmonary lesions. The sensitivity and specificity for each echoic feature or in combination in diagnosing malignancy or benignity were determined.Results336 cases of PPLs including 216 cases of malignant lesions and 120 cases of benign lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of the continuous margin to the diagnosis of malignant lesions were 86.11% and 17.50%. The sensitivity and specificity of the absence of a linear‐discrete air bronchogram to the diagnosis of malignant lesions were 66.67% and 57.50%, and the positive predictive value was 73.85%. The sensitivity and specificity of heterogeneity to the diagnosis of malignant lesions were 65.28% and 72.50%, and the positive predictive value was 81.03%. The combination of heterogeneous and absence of a linear‐discrete air bronchogram could improve the diagnostic specificity to 87.50%, and the positive predictive value to 80.77%.ConclusionThe two EBUS echo features of heterogeneous and absence of a linear‐discrete air bronchogram have predictive value for PPLs, especially in the presence of two features the pulmonary lesions should be highly suspected malignant tumors.
Incorporating projected climate conditions to map future riparian refugia
Authors: Szcodronski Kimberly E. , Wade Alisa A. , Burton Sarah E. , Hossack Blake R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIdentifying areas expected to remain buffered from climate change and maintain biodiversity and ecological function (i.e., climate refugia) is important for climate adaptation planning. As structurally diverse transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic environments, riparian areas are often biological hotspots and provide critical corridors for species movement, particularly in arid and semi‐arid regions. In our study region in the western and central USA, identifying riparian areas that could serve as climate refugia is a priority for wildlife managers. We mapped areas with connected riparian habitats that, based on landscape diversity and projected changes in summer temperatures and landscape runoff, are expected to serve as climate refugia. To incorporate uncertainty and balance the need for near‐ and long‐term planning, we mapped potential refugia for 2 future time periods (2040–2069, 2070–2099) based on 2 climate models that represented divergent but plausible climate outcomes. The approach we developed is not constrained by physiology or behavior of target species and can be used to identify areas expected to fare comparatively well under a wide range of future climate scenarios. Our approach can also be used to identify areas where restoration could increase riparian connectedness and climate resilience.
Assessing the net financial benefits of employing digital endpoints in clinical trials
Authors: DiMasi Joseph A. , Dirks Abigail , Smith Zachary , Valentine Sarah , Goldsack Jennifer C. , Metcalfe Thomas , Grewal Upinder , Leyens Lada , Conradi Ute , Karlin Daniel , Maloney Lesley , Getz Kenneth A. , Hartog Bert 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the last few decades, developers of new drugs, biologics, and devices have increasingly leveraged digital health technologies (DHTs) to assess clinical trial digital endpoints. To our knowledge, a comprehensive assessment of the financial net benefits of digital endpoints in clinical trials has not been conducted. We obtained data from the Digital Medicine Society (DiMe) Library of Digital Endpoints and the US clinical trials registry, ClinicalTrials.gov. The benefit metrics are changes in trial phase duration and enrollment associated with the use of digital endpoints. The cost metric was obtained from an industry survey of the costs of including digital endpoints in clinical trials. We developed an expected net present value (eNPV) model of the cash flows for new drug development and commercialization to assess financial value. The value measure is the increment in eNPV that occurs when digital endpoints are employed. We also calculated a return on investment (ROI) as the ratio of the estimated increment in eNPV to the mean digital endpoint implementation cost. For phase II trials, the increase in eNPV varied from $2.2 million to $3.3 million, with ROIs between 32% and 48% per indication. The net benefits were substantially higher for phase III trials, with the increase in eNPV varying from $27 million to $40 million, with ROIs that were four to six times the investment. The use of digital endpoints in clinical trials can provide substantial extra value to sponsors developing new drugs, with high ROIs.
Social sustainability discourse in cohesion policy: A critical review of Interreg Europe 2021–2027
Authors: Okrožnik Daša , Kopić Peter , Vodeb Ksenija 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMotivationAs a leading European funding programme aimed at enhancing the cohesion of cross‐border regions and countries, Interreg plays a significant role in fostering regional development. Sustainability, as one of the programme's central themes, covers a large portion of the objective focus, aiming for sustainable development. Although the guidelines contain implications for social sustainability, the programme demonstrates that the concept is poorly understood, which can be seen in project implementation.PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the conceptual framework and development of the discourse on social sustainability in the context of tourism and cohesion strategy, specifically within the Interreg programme. Thus, this article examines the social sustainability discourse within Interreg Europe's implications for cross‐border tourism development.Approach and methodsThe study is concerned with the construction of the social sustainability discourse within cohesion policy in the broader European region. In particular, this study seeks to answer the question “how does Interreg structure the discourse on social sustainability in relation to tourism?” Our research is based on a critical review of the literature, followed by a discourse analysis of the core documents of Interreg Europe 2021–2027: the Programme Manual and the Cooperation Programme document.FindingsIn conclusion, three key themes emerge from the discourse on social sustainability in tourism: (1) Interreg's recognition of tourism‐dependent regions; (2) a dominant presence of the economic and environmental pillars of sustainability; and (3) an ambiguous characterization of the social pillar and its objectives. As a result, we confirm the significance of social sustainability and clear policy formulation for the development of sustainable tourism.Policy implicationsThis article warns against imprecise project objectives and the use of overly simplified and ambiguous terminology, while emphasizing the importance of social sustainability in the context of sustainable tourism development.
Does subsidizing seed help farmers? Nepal's rice seed subsidies
Authors: Gautam Shriniwas , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Guzman Danice Brown , Dangol Prabin , K.C. Dilli Bahadur , Beshir AbduRahman , Choudhary Dyutiman 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMotivationImproved seed adoption can increase yield, enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and reduce poverty. Although many governments in the global South use seed subsidies to achieve these outcomes, the success and efficiency of input subsidies is subject to debate.Most smallholders in Nepal lack information and finance to access improved technologies, including improved seeds. To address this, Nepal's universal seed subsidy programme (SSP) began in 2012. SSP offers participants up to 50% off the price of rice seed from improved varieties.PurposeWe evaluate the impact of SSP on farmer participants five years after its inception. Until now, the programme had not been evaluated.Approach and MethodsWe compare rice‐growing households receiving subsidized seeds (treatment group) with those that do not (control group). We match the two groups using propensity scoring. We compare rice yield per hectare for the two groups, looking at aggregate and heterogeneous treatment effects. Primary data come from a 2019 survey of 157 treated and 173 control farm households in the Terai lowlands.FindingsWe find no evidence of SSP impact on rice yield in the aggregate. One potential explanation is that the programme tended to promote seed of a long‐standing open‐pollinated variety (OPV), rather than newer, higher‐yielding OPVs and hybrids. Examination of heterogenous impacts, however, shows higher yields among treated households who were either on low incomes or remote from agro‐dealers and agricultural extension offices.Policy implicationsGiven the lack of impact on yields of SSP, sustaining the programme in the same form is neither advisable nor justified. We suggest targeting households on low incomes and in remote areas; subsidizing only the more recent high‐yielding varieties; and considering cost‐effective approaches to administer the programme, such as seed vouchers. To improve last‐mile seed delivery, SSP needs to engage more with private seed providers and be more transparent in its operations. Results from this study may have broader implications for other long‐standing agricultural subsidies in Nepal and other developing countries with universal subsidy programmes.
First report of leaf spot caused by Neopestalotiopsis and Calonectria species on Areca ipot seedlings in Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Mastrili Romana Alyssa D. , Ibarra Caballero Jorge R. , Malabrigo Pastor L. , Stewart Jane E. , Ata Jessa P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAreca ipot, a Philippine endemic species, is categorized as endangered primarily due to habitat loss. A severe outbreak of a new leaf spot disease was observed on A. ipot seedlings in a nursery. Morphological and molecular features of isolates from diseased samples were identified as Neopestalotiopsis sp. and Calonectria sp. The pathogenicity of the isolates was confirmed by fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of Neopestalotiopsis sp. and Calonectria sp. causing leaf spot on A. ipot in the Philippines.
Neural rhythms of narcissism: Facets of narcissism are associated with different neural sources in resting‐state EEG
Authors: Leota Josh , Faulkner Paige , Mazidi Shafa , Simpson David , Nash Kyle 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTrait narcissism is characterized by significant heterogeneity across individuals. Despite advances in the conceptualization of narcissism, including the increasing recognition that narcissism is a multidimensional construct, the sources of this heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Here, we used a neural trait approach to help better understand “how,” and shed light on “why,” individuals vary in facets of trait narcissism. Participants (N = 58) first completed personality measures, including the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), and then in a second session sat passively while resting‐state electroencephalography (rs‐EEG) was recorded. We then regressed source‐localized rs‐EEG activity on the distinct facets of narcissism: Grandiose Exhibitionism (GE), Entitlement/Exploitativeness (EE), and Leadership/Authority (LA). Results revealed that each facet was associated with different (though sometimes overlapping) neural sources. Specifically, GE was associated with reduced activation in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC). EE was associated with reduced activation in the DMPFC and right lateral PFC. LA was associated with increased activation in the left anterior temporal cortex. These findings support the idea that trait narcissism is a multidimensional construct undergirded by individual differences in neural regions related to social cognition (the DMPFC), self‐regulation (right lateral PFC), and self‐referential processing (left anterior temporal cortex).
Multi‐omics analyses highlight molecular differences between clinical and neuropathological diagnoses in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lüleci Hatice Büşra , Jones Attila , Çakır Tunahan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBoth clinical diagnosis and neuropathological diagnosis are commonly used in literature to categorize individuals as Alzheimer's disease (AD) or non‐AD in omics analyses. Whether these diagnostic strategies result in distinct profiles of molecular abnormalities is poorly understood. Here, we analysed one of the most commonly used AD omics datasets in the literature from the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP) cohort and compared the two diagnosis strategies using brain transcriptome and metabolome by grouping individuals as non‐AD and AD according to clinical or neuropathological diagnosis separately. Differentially expressed genes, associated pathways related with AD hallmarks and AD‐related genes showed that the categorization based on neuropathological diagnosis more accurately reflects the disease state at the molecular level than the categorization based on clinical diagnosis. We further identified consensus biomarker candidates between the two diagnosis strategies such as 5‐hydroxylysine, sphingomyelin and 1‐myristoyl‐2‐palmitoyl‐GPC as metabolite biomarkers and sphingolipid metabolism as a pathway biomarker, which could be robust AD biomarkers since they are independent of diagnosis strategies. We also used consensus AD and consensus non‐AD individuals between the two diagnostic strategies to train a machine‐learning based model, which we used to classify the individuals who were cognitively normal but diagnosed as AD based on neuropathological diagnosis (asymptomatic AD individuals). The majority of these individuals were classified as consensus AD patients for both omics data types. Our study provides a detailed characterization of both diagnostic strategies in terms of the association of the corresponding multi‐omics profiles with AD.