bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do combined sustainable agricultural intensification practices improve smallholder farmers welfare? Evidence from eastern and western Kenya
Authors: Nyarindo Wilckyster Nyateko , Mugera Amin , Hailu Atakelty , Obare Gideon Aiko 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSmallholder farmers often bundle different sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) practices to boost crop yield and address soil fertility challenges. However, there is a dearth of empirical studies that investigate farmers’ adoption of SAI bundles and their subsequent impacts. Using data from a three‐wave panel survey of smallholder maize‐legume producers in Kenya, we examine the adoption and payoffs from 10 SAI practices clustered into five dominant groups. We use a random effects multinomial logit model to determine the choice of SAI cluster at the plot level while controlling for unobserved individual heterogeneity. The results show that the number of extension contacts, farm labor availability, household wealth, and education of household heads positively and significantly affect the adoption of SAI clusters while renting plots and poor soil quality have negative effects. The multinomial endogenous treatment effects model results reveal significant variability in crop yield, total variable cost, revenue, and net income across the five SAI clusters. The benefits vary by crop system, region, and cropping year, indicating that a one‐size‐fits‐all extension design is unsuitable for farmers. The study suggests the promotion of participatory extension policies that would allow locally adaptable and highly profitable bundles of SAI practices to be identified, refined, and disseminated.
Serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in relation to craving and duration of abstinence in patients with heroin dependence—A case‐control study
Authors: Arafa Mohamed , Enaba Dalia Ahmed , Baz Heba , Gomaa Maged A. , Ragab Sara Abdelnaser , Tarek Mennat‐Allah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAddiction is a chronic disorder that comes with emotional and financial burdens. Several neurobiological factors were correlated to opiate‐use disorder which is brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF has been found to be involved in long‐term potentiation of synaptic strength, a mechanism that is thought to motivate both natural adaption mechanisms as well as the development of addictive behavior. In this study, we aimed to address the relation between BDNF serum level and heroin craving and the effect of duration of abstinence on them.MethodsA case study was conducted on 80 subjects from Kasr Al‐Ainy Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment Hospital with a history of heroin dependence and were divided into two groups: Group A had 40 active heroin‐dependent subjects while in Group B, 40 subjects with 1‐year heroin abstinence. Severity of addiction was assessed by the addiction severity index, heroin craving was measured by Brief Substance Craving Scale and serum BDNF level was investigated using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe findings show that active heroin users had significantly higher serum BDNF which is associated with high heroin craving in comparison to the abstinent group.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceThis study revealed a significant positive correlation between serum BDNF levels and craving in active heroin users versus 1‐year abstinent subjects. It is the first study to address the relationship between craving and serum BDNF level in a 1‐year abstinent participants. These findings help to determine the brain alterations associated with illness and recovery in heroin dependence.
Searching priorities for a species at the brink of extinction: Threats analysis on the critically endangered Nubian Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans)
Authors: Luiselli Luca , Demaya Gift Simon , Benansio John Sebit , Ajong Stephanie N. , Behangana Mathias , Marsili Letizia , Giovacchini Pietro , Dendi Daniele , Fa Julia E. , Walde Andrew D. , Battisti Corrado 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Critically Endangered Nubian Flapshell Turtle (Cyclanorbis elegans) is found in the White Nile River system in South Sudan and northern Uganda. Over the past few decades, its populations have sharply declined, primarily due to human‐induced threats, leading to its near‐extinction across almost its entire range. In this paper, we present the results of a comprehensive threat analysis undertaken to pinpoint the challenges confronting the species within its natural habitat, specifically in the only known sites where it currently exists. We aimed to develop a conceptual framework to understand causal relationships among driving forces, threats and the target species. This framework allows the visualisation and analysis of the web of intricate interactions that contribute to the species' decline and vulnerability. We convened a panel of experts who identified three primary direct threats to the Nubian Flapshell Turtle: (1) Sand mining (IUCN code 3.2); (2) Overfishing by native fishers and refugees (code 5.4) and (3) Habitat loss at nesting sites (code 7.3). Among these threats, overfishing had the largest geographical extension, the highest intensity and duration, while habitat loss occurred at the highest frequency. These threats varied significantly in intensity and frequency. Additionally, when assessing the overall magnitude of these threats, habitat loss and overfishing had the highest impact, with significantly higher scores compared to sand mining. Our experts also identified the underlying driving forces behind these threats: (1) Economic interests driving sand mining activities along the Nile; (2) The influence of civil conflict and refugee populations, which contribute to the demand for bushmeat; (3) the Chinese expatriates, that lead to overfishing; (4) The removal of bank vegetation serves as a catalyst for habitat loss at nesting sites. The resulting conceptual framework serves as a valuable tool for defining targeted conservation measures for each distinct threat.
Health‐related quality of life in two birth cohorts of extremely preterm born adults
Authors: Benestad Merete Røineland , Drageset Jorunn , Vollsæter Maria , Hufthammer Karl Ove , Halvorsen Thomas , Vederhus Bente Johanne 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimInvestigate potential long‐term cohort influences on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults born extremely preterm (EP) during the 1980–90s, in view of advancements in neonatal care within that timeframe.MethodsTwo cohorts of EP‐born adults (82–85 cohort and 91–92 cohort) enrolling matched term controls, were compared. Participants were assessed at 18 years and again in their mid‐twenties using the Child Health Questionnaire Children Form‐87 (CHQ‐CF87) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36).ResultsAt 18 years, 77 (90%) EP‐born and 75 (93%) term controls had data, followed by 67 (78%) EP‐born and 66 (82%) term controls in their mid‐twenties. At 18 years, there were no differences across the birth decades, and EP‐born and term‐born reported relatively similar HRQoL scores. In the mid‐twenties, birth decade did also not significantly impact HRQoL scores, although the EP‐born 82–85 cohort scored numerically poorer than the 91–92 cohort in three domains. Term controls scored similarly across birth decade in all domains. Regarding influence from neonatal factors, postnatal corticosteroids had a negative impact in some domains.ConclusionNo significant differences in HRQoL were observed between EP‐born adults from the 82–85 cohort versus the 91–92 cohort, although the EP‐born 82–85 cohort tended to score poorer in their mid‐twenties.
Bleeding in patients on concurrent treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and low‐dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) compared with SSRI or low‐dose ASA alone—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Axelsson Magnus A. B. , Tukukino Carina , Parodi López Naldy , Wallerstedt Susanna M. 
Published: February 2024

AimsThe aim of this study was to systematically review whether concurrent treatment with an SSRI and low‐dose ASA increases the risk of bleeding compared with treatment with an SSRI alone or ASA alone.MethodsMedline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Web of Science (from database inception to January 2023) were searched according to PICO: P = patients on treatment with an SSRI and/or low‐dose ASA; I = intervention: SSRI + ASA; C = comparison: ASA or SSRI alone; O = outcomes: bleeding/major bleeding. The included articles were assessed using checklists. Studies without major risk of bias formed the basis for the conclusions. Extracted data were pooled using random‐effects meta‐analyses. Certainty of evidence was assessed according to GRADE.ResultsTwenty‐four studies met the PICO and were included. One randomized and six nonrandomized studies were assessed not to have major risk of bias. Regarding SSRI + ASA vs. ASA only, the pooled hazard ratio of three nonrandomized studies (n = 38 467) was 1.37 (95% confidence interval: 1.10; 1.70; I2 = 0%), and the pooled odds ratio of two nonrandomized studies (n = 28 296) was 0.95 (0.77; 1.19; I2 = 0%). Regarding SSRI + ASA vs. SSRI only, the randomized controlled trial (n = 1048) reported a hazard ratio of 1.82 (0.66; 5.02), the hazard ratio being 1.60 (1.24; 2.06) for ASA vs. placebo in patients without SSRI treatment; and one nonrandomized controlled study (n = 18 920) reported an incidence rate ratio of 1.03 (0.96; 1.12).ConclusionsThe compiled evidence was too uncertain to support an interaction when an SSRI is added to low‐dose ASA. Low‐dose ASA added to an SSRI may imply an increased risk of bleeding primarily attributable to the initiation of ASA.
Enabling Dominic's voice and participation through the cocreation of an ‘I am’ Digital Story for supporting his post‐19 transition from special school to adult social care
Authors: Barron Cleo , Parsons Sarah , Kovshoff Hanna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundTransitions into adult services for young people with complex communication needs are often experienced as challenging and rarely include the voices of young people.MethodsWe piloted a person‐centred method to enable one young person's (Dominic) voice to be included in his transition to adult services. An ‘I am’ Digital Story is a short video (c.6 min) that provides a strengths‐based representation of a young person that is designed to be shared with and between settings. The process and outcomes of story cocreation were evaluated through semi‐structured interviews with key stakeholders.FindingsThe process of story creation was evaluated very positively by key stakeholders. The information about Dominic's strengths and preferences helped the new setting to prepare for Dominic's arrival.ConclusionsThe ‘I am’ Digital Story method provides a powerful and accessible method for including the voices of young people with complex communication needs in their transitions.
Oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of adults: Findings from a National Oral Health Survey in Singapore
Authors: Wong Mun Loke , Lee Yun Hui , Sim Yu Fan , Wong Tzu‐Jung , Soh Shean Han , Goh Bee Tin , Poon Choy Yoke , Allen Patrick Finbarr , Chia Kee Seng , Sim Christina P. C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesPrevention complements the curative management of oral diseases. Effective preventive interventions involve the adoption of oral health promoting behaviours. Little is known about the awareness of oral disease and its prevention among Singaporean adults as well as their prevailing oral health attitudes and behaviours. The aim of the study was to describe the oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of adults in Singapore.MethodsA random sample of adults (≥21 years old) in Singapore was selected to complete an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered information about their knowledge of the aetiology, signs and symptoms as well as prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease; attitudes about the value of teeth, locus of control in maintaining oral health and oral health behaviours including toothbrushing, flossing and dental attendance.ResultsA total of 1196 adults of weighted mean age 48 years old with almost equal proportions of males and females responded to the questionnaire. Participants were more unaware about the causes of periodontal disease (25.7%) than dental caries (4%). While more than 90% of participants felt that healthy teeth were important and could affect their overall health, many (67.0%) felt it was natural to lose their teeth with old age. Among the participants, 83.5% brushed their teeth twice a day; 41.9% flossed their teeth and 53.9% visited the dentist at least once a year.ConclusionsThe study findings showed good knowledge around dental caries but some gaps around periodontal disease. It also found that participants perceived having limited control over preventing tooth loss. Irregular dental attendance and poor denture wearing habits were also noted. The findings shed light on key areas to focus on through oral health promotion to improve overall oral health.
Overexpression of EphB2 in the basolateral amygdala is crucial for inducing visceral pain sensitization in rats subjected to water avoidance stress
Authors: Duan Guang‐Bing , Wang Jun‐Wen , Sun Hui‐Hui , Dong Zhi‐Yu , Zhang Yan , Wang Zhen‐Xiang , Chen Ye , Chen Ying , Huang Ying , Xu Shu‐Chang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimsBasolateral amygdala (BLA), as a center for stress responses and emotional regulation, is involved in visceral hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) induced by stress. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of EphB2 receptor (EphB2) in BLA and explore the underlying mechanisms in this process.MethodsVisceral hypersensitivity was induced by water avoidance stress (WAS). Elevated plus maze test, forced swimming test, and sucrose preference test were applied to assess anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors. Ibotenic acid or lentivirus was used to inactivate BLA in either the induction or maintenance stage of visceral hypersensitivity. The expression of protein was determined by quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot.ResultsEphB2 expression was increased in BLA in WAS rats. Inactivation of BLA or downregulation of EphB2 in BLA failed to induce visceral hypersensitivity as well as anxiety‐like behaviors. However, during the maintenance stage of visceral pain, visceral hypersensitivity was only partially relieved but anxiety‐like behaviors were abolished by inactivation of BLA or downregulation of EphB2 in BLA. Chronic WAS increased the expression of EphB2, N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs), and postsynaptic density protein (PSD95) in BLA. Downregulation of EphB2 in BLA reduced NMDARs and PSD95 expression in WAS rats. However, activation of NMDARs after the knockdown of EphB2 expression still triggered visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety‐like behaviors.ConclusionsTaken together, the results suggest that EphB2 in BLA plays an essential role in inducing visceral hypersensitivity. In the maintenance stage, the involvement of EphB2 is crucial but not sufficient. The increase in EphB2 induced by WAS may enhance synaptic plasticity in BLA through upregulating NMDARs, which results in IBS‐like symptoms. These findings may give insight into the treatment of IBS and related psychological distress.
Energy optimization with authentication and cost effective storage in the wireless sensor IoTs using blockchain
Authors: Alghamdi Turki Ali , Javaid Nadeem 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a hybrid blockchain‐based authentication scheme is proposed that provides the mechanism to authenticate the randomly distributed sensor IoTs. These nodes are divided into three types: ordinary nodes, cluster heads and sink nodes. For authentication of these nodes in a Wireless Sensor IoTs (WSIoTs), a hybrid blockchain model is introduced. It consists of both private and public blockchains, which are used to authenticate ordinary nodes and cluster heads, respectively. Moreover, to handle the issue of cluster head failure due to inefficient energy consumption, Improved Heterogeneous Gateway‐based Energy‐Aware Multi‐hop Routing (I‐HMGEAR) protocol is proposed in combination with blockchain. It provides a mechanism to efficiently use the overall energy of the network. Besides, the processed data of subnetworks is stored on blockchain that causes the issue of increased monetary cost. To solve this issue, an external platform known as InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) is used, which distributively stores the data on different devices. The simulation results show that our proposed model outperforms existing clustering scheme in terms of network lifetime and data storage cost of the WSIoTs. Our proposed scheme increases the lifetime of the network as compared to existing trust management model, intrusion prevention and multi WSN authentication schemes by 17.5%, 24.2% and 19.6%, respectively.
Efficacy of airway stenting and nasogastric tube insertion in airway–esophageal fistula patients with airways compromised by advanced malignancy
Authors: Wu Xue , Lu Guangbing , Luo Lin cheng , Wei Hailong , Yi Qun , Luo Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionWhether airway‐compromised airway–esophageal fistula (AEF) patients should undergo combined airway and esophageal stenting is controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the survival prognosis and poststent interventions in AEF patients with airways compromised by advanced malignancy with or without airway stents.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the medical records, survival times, and poststent interventions of 17 patients with or without airway stents was performed.ResultsThe causes of AEF were esophageal cancer (11/17, 64.7%), lung cancer (6/17, 29.4%), and thyroid cancer (1/17, 5.9%). All patients received a nasogastric tube (n = 12) or underwent gastrostomy (n = 5) to resume enteral nutrition. Thirteen patients underwent airway stent insertion (13/17, 76.5%), whereas four patients did not. Four patients with a high risk of stent migration received external stent fixation to the trachea. Three of the patients with stents suffered severe granulation tissue formation and needed repeated bronchoscopy interventions. In the stented group, none of the patients developed stent migration, and the overall median survival time was 9 months, compared with 1.25 months in the nonstented group (P = 0.04). Cox proportional hazards regression revealed that stent insertion, nasogastric tube insertion, and transcatheter bronchial artery chemoembolization were protective factors against death, whereas surgery‐related fistula, fistula larger than 2 cm, continued chemotherapy, and age were risk factors for poor survival (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn airway‐compromised AEF patients, airway stents and nasogastric tubes are probably the preferred treatments. Airway stenting is tolerable, and routine weekly poststent bronchoscopy is needed in the first month and depending on respiratory symptoms thereafter.
The diagnostic utility of Merkel cell polyoma virus immunohistochemistry in cytology specimens
Authors: Mubeen Aysha , Mito Jeffrey K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine neoplasm that predominantly affects elderly and immunocompromised patients. Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) is clonally integrated into the majority of MCCs and has been linked to patient outcomes, playing a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. We aimed to assess the utility of MCPyV immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the diagnosis of MCC in cytology cell block specimens and correlating with clinicopathologic features.MethodsFifty‐three cytology samples of MCC with sufficient cell block material were stained for MCPyV by IHC and scored semi‐quantitatively in extent and intensity. Morphologic mimics of MCC including small cell lung carcinoma (n = 10), non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 10), basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (n = 6) and other neuroendocrine carcinomas (n = 8) were stained in parallel. Positive staining was defined as >1% of the tumour cells showing at least moderate staining intensity.ResultsThe cytologic features of MCC were characterized by high nuclear‐cytoplasmic ratios, hyperchromatic nuclei with ‘salt and pepper’ chromatin, and nuclear moulding. MCPyV was detected in 24 of 53 cases (45%). Staining was strong and diffuse in roughly half of the positive samples. Of the morphologic mimics, one follicular lymphoma showed strong and diffuse staining. In contrast to prior studies, we saw no association between MCPyV status and patient outcomes.ConclusionMerkel cell polyoma virus IHC is highly specific (97%) for the diagnosis of MCC in our cohort, and can serve as a useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing MCC for morphologic mimics.
Publishing in the Open Access and Open Science era
Authors: Arita Masanori , Pulverer Bernd , Uemura Tadashi , Sakuma Chisako , Hayashi Shigeo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOur research activities would be better served if they were communicated in a manner that is openly accessible to the public and all researchers. The research we share is often limited to representative data included in research papers—science would be much more efficient if all reproducible research data were shared alongside detailed methods and protocols, in the paradigm called Open Science. On the other hand, one primary function of research journals is to select manuscripts of good quality, verify the authenticity of the data and its impact, and deliver to the appropriate audience for critical evaluation and verification. In the current paradigm, where publication in a subset of journals is intimately linked to research evaluation, a hypercompetitive “market” has emerged where authors compete to access a limited number of top‐tier journals, leading to high rejection rates. Competition among publishers and scientific journals for market dominance resulted in an increase in both the number of journals and the cost of publishing and accessing scientific papers. Here we summarize the current problems and potential solutions from the development of AI technology discussed in the seminar at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Molecular Biology Society of Japan.