bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of 3 months and 12 months of financial incentives on 12‐month postpartum smoking cessation maintenance: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ussher Michael , Best Catherine , Lewis Sarah , McKell Jennifer , Coleman Tim , Cooper Sue , Orton Sophie , Bauld Linda 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsOffering financial incentives is effective for smoking cessation during pregnancy. We tested the effectiveness of financial incentives for maintaining postpartum cessation, comparing 12‐month and 3‐month incentives with each other and with usual care (UC).Design, setting and participantsThis study was a pragmatic, multi‐centre, three‐arm randomized controlled trial involving four English, National Health Service, stop smoking services. A total of 462 postpartum women (aged ≥ 16 years) took part, who stopped smoking during pregnancy with financial incentives, validated as abstinent from smoking at end of pregnancy or early postpartum.InterventionsInterventions comprised (i) UC; (ii) UC plus up to £60 of financial voucher incentives offered to participants and £60 offered to an optional significant‐other supporter, over 3 months postpartum, contingent upon validated abstinence (‘3‐month incentives’); or (iii) UC plus ‘3‐month incentives’ plus £180 of vouchers offered to participants over 9 months postpartum, contingent upon abstinence (‘12‐month incentives’).MeasurementsPrimary outcome: biochemically validated abstinence at 1 year postpartum. To adjust for testing all comparisons between groups with equal precision, P < 0.017 was necessary for significance. Secondary outcomes: self‐reported and validated abstinence at 3 months postpartum; self‐reported abstinence at 1 year postpartum.FindingsPrimary outcome ascertainment: abstinence was 39.6% (63/159) 12 months incentives, 21.4% (33/154) 3 months incentives and 28.2% (42/149) UC. Adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 12‐month versus 3‐month incentives OR = 2.41 (95% CI = 1.46−3.96), P = 0.001; 12 months versus UC 1.67 (1.04−2.70), P = 0.035; 3 months versus UC 0.69 (0.41−1.17), P = 0.174. Bayes factors indicated that for 12‐month versus 3‐month incentives and 12 months versus UC there was good evidence for the alternative hypothesis, and for 3 months versus UC there was good evidence for the null hypothesis.ConclusionsThis randomized controlled trial provides weak evidence that up to £300 of voucher incentives over 12 months is effective for maintaining smoking abstinence postpartum compared with usual care. There was good evidence that 12‐month incentives are superior to those over only 3 months, for which there was no evidence of effectiveness relative to usual care.
Robot‐assisted distal gastrectomy and local resection for gastric cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Ishizuka Chihiro , Ishikawa Takahisa , Yagi Hayato , Yamamoto Yoichi , Koro Daisuke , Nishikoshi Takahiro , Koshizuka Yasuyuki , Yanagida Naoyuki , Shibaki Taiichiro , Akabane Hiromitsu , Yasuda Shunsuke , Ishibashi Kei , Taketomi Akinobu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGastrointestinal stromal tumors surrounding the esophagogastric junction are often challenging to resect, with no consensus regarding the optimal surgical technique. Here in, we present a case of concurrent gastric cancer in the antrum and gastrointestinal stromal tumors adjacent to the esophagogastric junction. The patient underwent simultaneous distal gastrectomy and local resection assisted by a surgical robot, avoiding the need for total gastrectomy. The utilization of robot‐assisted surgery has become an increasingly popular technique, holding promise for simplifying complex surgical procedures across diverse medical settings.
EZH2 suppresses ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma and reduces sorafenib sensitivity through epigenetic regulation of TFR2
Authors: Lai Yongwei , Han Xu , Xie Bo , Xu Yan , Yang Zhengyi , Wang Didi , Li Wei , Xie Yaohong , Song Wenqi , Zhang Xiaohong , Xia Jia Qi , Zhang Pengxia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEnhancing sensitivity to sorafenib can significantly extend the duration of resistance to it, offering substantial benefits for treating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of ferroptosis in influencing sorafenib sensitivity within HCC remains pivotal. The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) plays a significant role in promoting malignant progression in HCC, yet the relationship between ferroptosis, sorafenib sensitivity, and EZH2 is not entirely clear. Bioinformatic analysis indicates elevated EZH2 expression in HCC, predicting an unfavorable prognosis. Overexpressing EZH2 can drive HCC cell proliferation while simultaneously reducing ferroptosis. Further analysis reveals that EZH2 amplifies the modification of H3K27 me3, thereby influencing TFR2 expression. This results in decreased RNA polymerase II binding within the TFR2 promoter region, leading to reduced TFR2 expression. Knocking down EZH2 amplifies sorafenib sensitivity in HCC cells. In sorafenib‐resistant HepG2(HepG2‐SR) cells, the expression of EZH2 is increased. Moreover, combining tazemetostat—an EZH2 inhibitor—with sorafenib demonstrates significant synergistic ferroptosis‐promoting effects in HepG2‐SR cells. In conclusion, our study illustrates how EZH2 epigenetically regulates TFR2 expression through H3K27 me3, thereby suppressing ferroptosis. The combination of the tazemetostat with sorafenib exhibits superior synergistic effects in anticancer therapy and sensitizes the HepG2‐SR cells to sorafenib, shedding new light on delaying and ameliorating sorafenib resistance.
1081. Parthenium integrifolium L.: Compositae
Authors: Hind Nicholas , King Christabel 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThe North American Prairie plant, Parthenium integrifolium L. (Compositae: Heliantheae: Ambrosiinae) is described and illustrated. Related genera in the subtribe are commented on, as well as the better‐known species, P. argentatum A. Gray, the Guayule Rubber Plant, and infrageneric taxonomy within Parthenium L., in addition to the characteristics of the genus. Aspects of cultivation, propagation, pests and diseases and availability for P. integrifolium are also noted. A full synonymy of this rather variable species is provided, together with type citations, locations of known types, and related commentary. The distribution, habitat and ecology, phenology, common names and conservation status are stated or discussed, together with comments on usage, and the species' roots being used as an adulterant in preparations of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.
1083. Liatris aspera Michx.: Compositae
Authors: Hind Nicholas , Lambkin Deborah 
Published: April 2024

SummaryThe North American Prairie plant Liatris aspera Michx. (Compositae: Eupatorieae: Liatrinae) is illustrated and described. The tribe Eupatorieae, subtribe Liatrinae and the genus Liatris Gaertn. ex Schreb. are discussed, along with comments on cultivated members of the tribe, and the position of Liatris aspera in the genus indicated, as well as the existence of sympatry with two other species, and the presence of natural hybrids between the three. Notes on cultivation, propagation, pests and diseases and availability of L. aspera are given, along with indications of the distribution of the species, its habitat and ecology, etymology, phenology, conservation status and known vernacular names. The lack of type material of Liatris aspera Michx. and Liatris spheroidea [sic!] Michx. in Paris, the acceptance of infraspecific taxa in Liatris aspera, and the controversy over the ability to age plants via ‘growth rings’, are discussed, along with concerns how early research might have been covered by ‘guilt‐free collection’.
Kelp forest diversity under projected end‐of‐century climate change
Authors: Assis Jorge , Fragkopoulou Eliza , Gouvêa Lidiane , Araújo Miguel B. , Serrão Ester A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimFuture climate change threatens marine forests across the world, potentially disrupting ecosystem function and services. Nonetheless, the direction and intensity of climate‐induced changes in kelp forest biodiversity remain unknown, precluding well‐informed conservation and management practices.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe use machine‐learning models to forecast global changes in species richness and community composition of 105 kelp forest species under contrasting Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios of climate change (decade 2090–2100): one aligned with the Paris Agreement and another of substantially higher emissions.ResultsA poleward and depth shift in species distributions is forecasted, translating into ~15% less area in the extent of the global biome, coupled with marked regional biodiversity changes. Community composition changes are mostly projected in the Arctic, the Northern Pacific and Atlantic, and Australasia, owing to poleward range expansions and wide low latitude losses.Main ConclusionsBy surpassing the Paris Agreement expectations, species reshuffling may simplify and impair ecosystem services in numerous temperate regions of Australasia, Southern Africa, Southern America and the Northern Atlantic, and in the tropical Pacific, where complete species losses were projected without replacement. These estimates, flagging threatened regions and species, as well as refugial areas of population persistence, can now inform conservation, management and restoration practices considering future climate change.
Taxing the informal sector: Coping with Coercion in Bamako, Mali
Authors: Haavik Viljar , Cissé Abdoul Wahab 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMotivationIn recent years, research has shown that informal workers and businesses in low‐income countries are increasingly taxed by the state. While rarely a significant revenue source, informal sector taxation in highly informalized economies affects a large proportion of the working population. Under such circumstances the question of whether taxing informal economic activity either improves or undermines state–society relations are still debated, particularly in the case of fragile states whose tax systems tend to be characterized by a high degree of coercion towards poor actors.PurposePrevious research has tended to focus on tax evasion and how to increase tax compliance in the informal economy. In this article, we aim to explore how informal sector actors in Bamako, Mali, interact with local tax collectors in various ways with varying levels of agency. On this basis, we develop a broader analytical framework for understanding local government–taxpayer relations.Approach and methodsIn a case study of Mali, a fragile state with violent conflict and a highly informalized economy, we made use of qualitative research methods with semi‐structured interviews and focus group discussions with different actors in the informal economy.FindingsWe find four main modes of interaction: (1) “tax evasion,” where individuals evade or minimize their tax obligations; (2) “tax bargaining,” where groups with limited political resources negotiate with local authorities; (3) “forced taxation,” where disadvantaged groups pay taxes without tangible returns or a voice in protest; and (4) “harsh sanctions” faced by those unable to pay or evade taxes. Informal sector actors show a different capacity for collective action impacting their agency vis‐à‐vis state authorities.Policy implicationsThe informal sector needs to be unpacked in fragile states, focusing on understanding existing fiscal pressures on different informal actors and their various strategies for navigating tax systems. Tax administrations should promote dialogue and trust‐building measures and avoid strategies that exacerbate social division and undermine state–society relations.
MicroRNA in cardiometabolic health and disease: The perspectives of sex, gender and personalised medicine
Authors: Ministrini Stefano , Padro Teresa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPersonalized medicine represents a novel and integrative approach that focuses on an individual's genetics and epigenetics, precision medicine, lifestyle and exposures as key players of health status and disease phenotypes.MethodsIn this narrative review, we aim to carefully discuss the current knowledge on gender disparities in cardiometabolic diseases, and we consider the sex‐ specific expression of miRNAs and their role as promising tool in precision medicine.ResultsPersonalised medicine overcomes the restricted care of patient based on a binomial sex approach, by enriching itself with a holistic and dynamic gender integration. Recognized as a major worldwide health emergency, cardiometabolic disorders continue to rise, impacting on health systems and requiring more effective and targeted strategies. Several sex and gender drivers might affect the onset and progression of cardiometabolic disorders in males and females at multiple levels. In this respect, distinct contribution of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, molecular and physiological pathways, sex hormones, visceral fat and subcutaneous fat and lifestyle lead to differences in disease burden and outcomes in males and females.ConclusionsSex and gender play a pivotal role in precision medicine because the influence the physiology of each individual and the way they interact with environment from intrauterine life.
Assessing the fidelity of supported education programs for first‐episode psychosis to the supported employment guidelines adapted for education
Authors: Thibaudeau Elisabeth , Lecomte Tania , Corbière Marc , Abdel‐Baki Amal , Simard Andréanne , Roy Marc‐André , Cellard Caroline 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionPsychotic disorders are associated with academic difficulties. Supported Employment Program (SEP) guidelines have become the gold standard to improve occupational functioning in psychotic disorders. More recently, these guidelines have been adapted to education. In Canada, several community organizations and hospital programs offer supported education to young people with psychotic disorders. However, SEP guidelines are not systematically used. The objective of this study was to assess the fidelity of 6 Canadian (Quebec) organizations offering supported education services to young people with psychotic disorders to the SEP guidelines adapted to education.MethodsSix sites offering educational services to young people with psychotic disorders were recruited. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with one supported education professional and one manager of each site, using the Quality of Supported Education Implementation Scale (QSEDIS). This new scale has been developed from the Quality of Supported Employment Implementation Scale. The QSEDIS assesses the fidelity of the quality of the implementation of supported education programs, using three subscales (Employees, Organization and Services).ResultsAcceptable fidelity scores were observed in the three QSEDIS subscales for all six sites combined. The Services subscale received the highest score of fidelity (4.4/5), followed by the Supported Education Employee (4.1/5) and the Organization (3.7/5).ConclusionThe results suggest that supported education services offered to young people with psychotic disorders in the six sites are generally consistent with SEP guidelines adapted to education. Further research is warranted to validate whether acceptable SEP guidelines fidelity according to the QSEDIS translates into educational outcomes.
Integrating hands‐on practical and reflective feedback in teaching dental materials science to undergraduate dental students
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Foong Chan Choong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to develop a module that incorporates hands‐on and reflective feedback in teaching dental materials science and subsequently analyse undergraduate dental students' learning experiences with the module.Materials and MethodsThe module was developed based on the ADDIE (Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) model. First, a need analysis was conducted, followed by designing the module to address the needs. Next, the module sought experts' feedback and was piloted. The revised module was implemented among all second‐year undergraduate dental students. Finally, a validated questionnaire (5‐point Likert scale items and open‐ended questions) was used to evaluate students' learning experiences. The questionnaire Likert scale items were analysed descriptively, whereas open‐ended responses were analysed using content analysis.ResultsIn the analysis phase, a slight misalignment in cognitive competency levels was observed, alongside a need for the inclusion of more hands‐on activities. In the design phase, learning objectives and resources were listed. Subsequently, a module consisting of four teaching sessions (3 h each) was developed, and the pilot test showed favourable feedback. The module was then implemented in small groups of 10–12 students. In the evaluation phase, 72 students (97% response rate) completed the questionnaire. The majority of students agreed with all items, with mean scores ranging from 4.53 to 4.72. Open‐ended responses highlighted that hands‐on activities and reflective feedback sessions were useful.ConclusionStudents demonstrated positive learning experiences after participating in the module, advocating for dental educators to consider more hands‐on activities and reflective feedback sessions in teaching dental materials science.
Lipid nanoparticle mediated small interfering RNA delivery as a potential therapy for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that exhibits a gradual decline in cognitive function and is prevalent among a significant number of individuals globally. The use of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules in RNA interference (RNAi) presents a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been developed as a delivery vehicle for siRNA, which can selectively suppress target genes, by enhancing cellular uptake and safeguarding siRNA from degradation. Numerous research studies have exhibited the effectiveness of LNP‐mediated siRNA delivery in reducing amyloid beta (Aβ) levels and enhancing cognitive function in animal models of AD. The feasibility of employing LNP‐mediated siRNA delivery as a therapeutic approach for AD is emphasized by the encouraging outcomes reported in clinical studies for other medical conditions. The use of LNP‐mediated siRNA delivery has emerged as a promising strategy to slow down or even reverse the progression of AD by targeting the synthesis of tau phosphorylation and other genes linked to the condition. Improvement of the delivery mechanism and determination of the most suitable siRNA targets are crucial for the efficacious management of AD. This review focuses on the delivery of siRNA through LNPs as a promising therapeutic strategy for AD, based on the available literature.
Fitness surfaces and local thermal adaptation in Drosophila along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Alruiz José M. , Peralta‐Maraver Ignacio , Cavieres Grisel , Bozinovic Francisco , Rezende Enrico L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLocal adaptation is commonly cited to explain species distribution, but how fitness varies along continuous geographical gradients is not well understood. Here, we combine thermal biology and life‐history theory to demonstrate that Drosophila populations along a 2500 km latitudinal cline are adapted to local conditions. We measured how heat tolerance and viability rate across eight populations varied with temperature in the laboratory and then simulated their expected cumulative Darwinian fitness employing high‐resolution temperature data from their eight collection sites. Simulations indicate a trade‐off between annual survival and cumulative viability, as both mortality and the recruitment of new flies are predicted to increase in warmer regions. Importantly, populations are locally adapted and exhibit the optimal combination of both traits to maximize fitness where they live. In conclusion, our method is able to reconstruct fitness surfaces employing empirical life‐history estimates and reconstructs peaks representing locally adapted populations, allowing us to study geographic adaptation in silico.
Thalamic stereoelectroencephalography for neuromodulation target selection: Proof of concept and review of literature of pulvinar direct electrical stimulation
Authors: Ikegaya Naoki , Aung Thandar , Mallela Arka , Hect Jasmine L. , Damiani Arianna , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) who are not candidates for resective surgery, various thalamic nuclei, including the anterior, centromedian, and pulvinar nuclei, have been extensively investigated as targets for neuromodulation. However, the therapeutic effects of different targets for thalamic neuromodulation on various types of epilepsy are not well understood. Here, we present a 32‐year‐old patient with multifocal bilateral temporoparieto‐occipital epilepsy and bilateral malformations of cortical development (MCDs) who underwent bilateral stereoelectroencephalographic (SEEG) recordings of the aforementioned three thalamic nuclei bilaterally. The change in the rate of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) from baseline were compared in temporal, central, parietal, and occipital regions after direct electrical stimulation (DES) of each thalamic nucleus. A significant decrease in the rate of IEDs (33% from baseline) in the posterior quadrant regions was noted in the ipsilateral as well as contralateral hemisphere following DES of the pulvinar. A scoping review was also performed to better understand the current standpoint of pulvinar thalamic stimulation in the treatment of DRE. The therapeutic effect of neuromodulation can differ among thalamic nuclei targets and epileptogenic zones (EZs). In patients with multifocal EZs with extensive MCDs, personalized thalamic targeting could be achieved through DES with thalamic SEEG electrodes.