bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometry and evolution of polygonal fault systems under a regionally anisotropic stress field: Insights from 3D seismic analysis of the Qiongdongnan Basin, NW South China Sea
Authors: Hu Shouxiang , Rotevatn Atle , Jackson Christopher , Li Wei , Wu Xiaochuan
Published: February 2024

Polygonal fault systems (PFS) are developed in many sedimentary basins, and their formation, growth, and ultimate geometry have been widely studied. The geometry and growth of PFS forming under the influence of regionally anisotropic stresses, however, are poorly understood, despite the fact these structures may serve as key paleo‐stress indicators that can help reconstruct the tectonic and stress history of their host basins. We here use high‐quality 3D seismic reflection data and quantitative fault analysis to determine the geometry and evolution of a PFS in the Qiongdongnan Basin (NW South China Sea), and its possible relationship with the geological and stress history of the basin. The PFS is dominated by two intersecting NNW‐to‐N‐ and E‐striking fault sets, which initiated in the Early Miocene. The dominant fault strike at the structural level at which the faults nucleated and where strain is greatest (i.e., Lower Miocene) is close to NW–SE. However, at the top and bottom of the PFS tier faults strike NNW–SSE, thereby defining a very slight vertical, clockwise rotation of strike. Based on the observation that the host rock is flat‐lying, it is unlikely that basin‐tilting perturbed (i.e., δ2 ≠ δ3) the otherwise radially isotropic stress field that typically characterize PFS. Likewise, diapirs that punctuate the host rock and that are spatially related to the PFS appear not to control fault geometry. We instead infer that the PFS geometry reflects a combination of local isotropic and regional, extension‐related tectonics stress affecting the Qiongdongnan Basin during the Early Oligocene to Middle Miocene. Regional studies suggest that during this time, extensional stresses in eastern Qiongdongnan Basin rotated clockwise from roughly NNW to N; we noticed the rotation of strike of the PFS, within which the vertical change in fault strike being relatively minor. Our study determines the timing of polygonal fault growth within the Qiongdongnan Basin and the associated geometry, highlighting the key role played by regional and local stresses.
Constructing child participation in early years classrooms: An exploration from Wales
Authors: Waters‐Davies Jane , Murphy Alison , Chicken Sarah , Tyrie Jacky , Clement Jennifer
Published: February 2024

This paper addresses the research problem that arises from evidence that, despite supportive policy contexts, enactment of pedagogies that attend to young children's participation rights in classroom settings is highly variable. We report our exploration of the ways in which the child, and child participation are constructed in early education settings in Wales, where legislation and policy around children's rights has been a key feature of the Welsh Government agenda post‐devolution. Data were gathered via a qualitative online bilingual (English and Welsh) survey offered via email to teachers of children aged 3–7 in Wales. The overarching research question of the project was: How do teachers of children 3–7 years understand and enact the notion of participation as it relates to the children they teach? Data analysis focused on research participants' apparent constructions of the children they teach and their capabilities, and unpacked the ways in which these constructions relate to the reported opportunities for participation. The discussion is informed by the notion of the threshold concept, described by Meyer & Land as akin to a portal that opens new and previously inaccessible ways of thinking. We consider the extent to which the conceptual construction of the capable child maybe a threshold concept in shaping the realisation of children's participation rights in educative contexts.
Narrow band imaging reveals field cancerisation undetected by conventional white light: Optical diagnosis versus histopathology
Authors: Westra Jeroen M. , Zwakenberg Manon A. , Halmos Gyorgy B. , van der Laan Bernard F. A. M. , van der Vegt Bert , Plaat Boudewijn E. C.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess whether narrow band imaging (NBI) detects fields of cancerisation around suspicious lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract, which were undetected by white light imaging (WLI).

Methods

In 96 patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal lesions suspicious for malignancy, 206 biopsies were taken during laryngoscopy: 96 biopsies of suspicious lesions detected by both WLI and NBI (WLI+/NBI+), 60 biopsies adjacent mucosa only suspicious with NBI (WLI‐/NBI+), and 46 biopsies of NBI and WLI unsuspicious mucosa (WLI‐/NBI‐) as negative controls. Optical diagnosis according to the Ni‐classification was compared with histopathology.

Results

Signs of (pre)malignancy were found in 88% of WLI+/NBI+ biopsies, 32% of WLI‐/NBI+ biopsies and 0% in WLI‐/NBI‐ (p < .001). In 58% of the WLI‐/NBI+ mucosa any form of dysplasia or carcinoma was detected.

Conclusion

The use of additional NBI led to the detection of (pre)malignancy in 32% of the cases, that would have otherwise remained undetected with WLI alone. This highlights the potential of NBI as a valuable adjunct to WLI in the identification of suspicious lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract.
Treatment of childhood obesity based on the reduction of ultra‐processed foods plus energy restriction: A randomised controlled trial based on the Brazilian guidelines
Authors: Brandão Joana Maia , Sichieri Rosely , Paravidino Vitor Barreto , Ribas Simone Augusta , Cunha Diana Barbosa
Published: February 2024

Reducing ultra‐processed foods (UPF) improves diet quality and may curb energy consumption. This study aimed to compare an intervention based on the reduction of UPF, according to the Dietary Guideline for the Brazilian Population (DGBP), with and without advice on energy intake. A parallel and randomised controlled trial was carried out with children with obesity from 7 to 12 years old. Both control (CG) and intervention groups (IG) participated monthly in 6 standardised educational activities based on the 10 steps of the DGBP. An individualised food plan was also provided to the IG. The rate of change for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, body weight, and UPF consumption were investigated based on mixed‐effect models. At the end of the study, the BMI declined in the IG (Δ = −0.27 kg/m2) compared to the CG (Δ = + 0.53 kg/m2) (p = .0002). Both groups showed a decline in grams of UPF until the fourth month and a gradual increase in the following months. Combining the qualitative approach of the DGBP with counselling on energy restriction through the diet plan proved to be effective in reducing childhood obesity. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC), under the RBR‐3st5sn registry, available at http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3st5sn/. The datasets generated by the current study are not publicly available but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
AAV‐mediated Gpm6b expression supports hair cell reprogramming
Authors: Sun Qiuhan , Zhang Liyan , Chen Tian , Li Nianci , Tan Fangzhi , Gu Xingliang , Zhou Yinyi , Zhang Ziyu , Lu Yicheng , Lu Jie , Qian Xiaoyun , Guan Bing , Qi Jieyu , Ye Fanglei , Chai Renjie
Published: February 2024

Irreversible damage to hair cells (HCs) in the cochlea leads to hearing loss. Cochlear supporting cells (SCs) in the murine cochlea have the potential to differentiate into HCs. Neuron membrane glycoprotein M6B (Gpm6b) as a four‐transmembrane protein is a potential regulator of HC regeneration according to our previous research. In this study, we found that AAV‐ie‐mediated Gpm6b overexpression promoted SC‐derived organoid expansion. Enhanced Gpm6b prevented the normal decrease in SC plasticity as the cochlea develops by supporting cells re‐entry cell cycle and facilitating the SC‐to‐HC transformation. Also, overexpression of Gpm6b in the organ of Corti through the round window membrane injection facilitated the trans‐differentiation of Lgr5+ SCs into HCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that Gpm6b overexpression promotes HC regeneration and highlights a promising target for hearing repair using the inner ear stem cells combined with AAV.
Acute changes in cardiac dimensions, function, and longitudinal mechanics in healthy individuals with and without high‐altitude induced pulmonary hypertension at 4559 m
Authors: Mereles Derliz , Rudolph Jens , Greiner Sebastian , Aurich Matthias , Frey Norbert , Katus Hugo A. , Bärtsch Peter , Dehnert Christoph
Published: February 2024

Background

High‐altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) has a prevalence of approximately 10%. Changes in cardiac morphology and function at high altitude, compared to a population that does not develop HAPH are scarce.

Methods

Four hundred twenty‐one subjects were screened in a hypoxic chamber inspiring a FiO2 = 12% for 2 h. In 33 subjects an exaggerated increase in systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) could be confirmed in two independent measurements. Twenty nine of these, and further 24 matched subjects without sPAP increase were examined at 4559 m by Doppler echocardiography including global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Results

SPAP increase was higher in HAPH subjects (∆ = 10.2 vs. ∆ = 32.0 mm Hg, p < .001). LV eccentricity index (∆ = .15 vs. ∆ = .31, p = .009) increased more in HAPH. D‐shaped LV (0 [0%] vs. 30 [93.8%], p = .00001) could be observed only in the HAPH group, and only in those with a sPAP ≥50 mm Hg. LV‐EF (∆ = 4.5 vs. ∆ = 6.7%, p = .24) increased in both groups. LV‐GLS (∆ = 1.2 vs. ∆ = 1.1 –%, p = .60) increased slightly. RV end‐diastolic (∆ = 2.20 vs. ∆ = 2.7 cm2, p = .36) and end‐systolic area (∆ = 2.1 vs. ∆ = 2.7 cm2, p = .39), as well as RA end‐systolic area index (∆ = −.9 vs. ∆ = .3 cm2/m2, p = .01) increased, RV‐FAC (∆ = −2.9 vs. ∆ = −4.7%, p = .43) decreased, this was more pronounced in HAPH, RV‐GLS (∆ = 1.6 vs. ∆ = −.7 –%, p = .17) showed marginal changes.

Conclusions

LV and LA dimensions decrease and left ventricular function increases at high‐altitude in subjects with and without HAPH. RV and RA dimensions increase, and RV longitudinal strain increases or remains unchanged in subjects with HAPH. Changes are negligible in those without HAPH.
Plant canopies promote climatic disequilibrium in Mediterranean recruit communities
Authors: Perez‐Navarro Maria A. , Lloret Francisco , Molina‐Venegas Rafael , Alcántara Julio M. , Verdú Miguel
Published: February 2024

Current rates of climate change are exceeding the capacity of many plant species to track climate, thus leading communities to be in disequilibrium with climatic conditions. Plant canopies can contribute to this disequilibrium by buffering macro‐climatic conditions and sheltering poorly adapted species to the oncoming climate, particularly in their recruitment stages. Here we analyse differences in climatic disequilibrium between understorey and open ground woody plant recruits in 28 localities, covering more than 100,000 m2, across an elevation range embedding temperature and aridity gradients in the southern Iberian Peninsula. This study demonstrates higher climatic disequilibrium under canopies compared with open ground, supporting that plant canopies would affect future community climatic lags by allowing the recruitment of less arid‐adapted species in warm and dry conditions, but also it endorse that canopies could favour warm‐adapted species in extremely cold environments as mountain tops, thus pre‐adapting communities living in these habitats to climate change.
Self‐transcendent leadership: A meta‐perspective
Authors: Theissen Maximilian H. , Theissen Hubertus H. , Gümüsay Ali A.
Published: February 2024

Self‐transcendence as a concept is increasingly found in leadership literature—yet in diverse ways. It is this diversity that serves as the motivation for the current article in which we develop a comprehensive and coherent conceptualization of self‐transcendence for leadership research. We demonstrate that self‐transcendence is the cognitive orientation of accepting something other than one's self to be of highest worth. We show that this something, which is greater than the self, may take four different forms: other people, social collectives, moral principles and ideals, or metaphysical beings. We contribute to leadership research by linking each greater something to one theory: servant, transformational, moral, and spiritual leadership. Our conceptualization of self‐transcendence allows us to integrate different leadership theories into a meta‐perspective of self‐transcendent leadership. We conclude with implications for leadership research as well as practice.
Defining benchmark outcomes for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy surgery: A global multicenter analysis of 1119 cases
Authors: Drexler Richard , Ricklefs Franz L. , Ben‐Haim Sharona , Rada Anna , Wörmann Friedrich , Cloppenborg Thomas , Bien Christian G. , Simon Matthias , Kalbhenn Thilo , Colon Albert , Rijkers Kim , Schijns Olaf , Borger Valeri , Surges Rainer , Vatter Hartmut , Rizzi Michele , de Curtis Marco , Didato Giuseppe , Castelli Nicoló , Carpentier Alexandre , Mathon Bertrand , Yasuda Clarissa Lin , Cendes Fernando , Chandra Poodipedi Sarat , Tripathi Manjari , Clusmann Hans , Delev Daniel , Guenot Marc , Haegelen Claire , Catenoix Hélène , Lang Johannes , Hamer Hajo , Brandner Sebastian , Walther Katrin , Hauptmann Jason S. , Jeffree Rosalind L. , Kegele Josua , Weinbrenner Eliane , Naros Georgios , Velz Julia , Krayenbühl Niklaus , Onken Julia , Schneider Ulf C. , Holtkamp Martin , Rössler Karl , Spyrantis Andrea , Strzelczyk Adam , Rosenow Felix , Stodieck Stefan , Alonso‐Vanegas Mario A. , Wellmer Jörg , Wehner Tim , Dührsen Lasse , Gempt Jens , Sauvigny Thomas
Published: February 2024

Objective

Benchmarking has been proposed to reflect surgical quality and represents the highest standard reference values for desirable results. We sought to determine benchmark outcomes in patients after surgery for drug‐resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included patients who underwent MTLE surgery at 19 expert centers on five continents. Benchmarks were defined for 15 endpoints covering surgery and epilepsy outcome at discharge, 1 year after surgery, and the last available follow‐up. Patients were risk‐stratified by applying outcome‐relevant comorbidities, and benchmarks were calculated for low‐risk (“benchmark”) cases. Respective measures were derived from the median value at each center, and the 75th percentile was considered the benchmark cutoff.

Results

A total of 1119 patients with a mean age (range) of 36.7 (1–74) years and a male‐to‐female ratio of 1:1.1 were included. Most patients (59.2%) underwent anterior temporal lobe resection with amygdalohippocampectomy. The overall rate of complications or neurological deficits was 14.4%, with no in‐hospital death. After risk stratification, 377 (33.7%) benchmark cases of 1119 patients were identified, representing 13.6%–72.9% of cases per center and leaving 742 patients in the high‐risk cohort. Benchmark cutoffs for any complication, clinically apparent stroke, and reoperation rate at discharge were ≤24.6%, ≤.5%, and ≤3.9%, respectively. A favorable seizure outcome (defined as International League Against Epilepsy class I and II) was reached in 83.6% at 1 year and 79.0% at the last follow‐up in benchmark cases, leading to benchmark cutoffs of ≥75.2% (1‐year follow‐up) and ≥69.5% (mean follow‐up of 39.0 months).

Significance

This study presents internationally applicable benchmark outcomes for the efficacy and safety of MTLE surgery. It may allow for comparison between centers, patient registries, and novel surgical and interventional techniques.
Therapeutic drug monitoring in pregnancy: Levetiracetam
Authors: Fallik Noam , Trakhtenbroit Ilia , Fahoum Firas , Goldstein Lilach
Published: February 2024

Objective

Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiseizure medication that is mainly excreted by the kidneys. Due to its low teratogenic risk, LEV is frequently prescribed for women with epilepsy (WWE). Physiological changes during gestation affect the pharmacokinetic characteristics of LEV. The goal of our study was to characterize the changes in LEV clearance during pregnancy and the postpartum period, to better plan an LEV dosing paradigm for pregnant women.

Methods

This retrospective observational study incorporated a cohort of women who were followed up at the epilepsy in pregnancy clinic at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center during the years 2020–2023. Individualized target concentrations of LEV and an empirical postpartum taper were used for seizure control and to reduce toxicity likelihood. Patient visits took place every 1–2 months and included a review of medication dosage, trough LEV blood levels, week of gestation and LEV dose at the time of level measurement, and seizure diaries. Total LEV concentration/dose was calculated based on LEV levels and dose as an estimation of LEV clearance.

Results

A total of 263 samples were collected from 38 pregnant patients. We observed a decrease in LEV concentration/dose (C/D) as the pregnancy progressed, followed by an abrupt postpartum increase. Compared to the 3rd trimester, the most significant C/D decrease was observed at the 1st trimester (slope = .85), with no significant change in the 2nd trimester (slope = .11). A significant increase in C/D occurred postpartum (slope = 5.23). LEV dose was gradually increased by 75% during pregnancy compared to preconception. Average serum levels (μg/mL) decreased during pregnancy. During the postpartum period, serum levels increased, whereas the LEV dose was decreased by 24%, compared to the 3rd trimester.

Significance

LEV serum level monitoring is essential for WWE prior to and during pregnancy as well as postpartum. Our data contribute to determining a rational treatment and dosing paradigm for LEV use during both pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Intraluminal vesicle trafficking is involved in the secretion of base excision repair protein APE1
Authors: Parolini Isabella , Degrassi Monica , Spadaro Francesca , Caponnetto Federica , Fecchi Katia , Mastantuono Serena , Zhouyiyuan Xue , Demple Bruce , Cesselli Daniela , Tell Gianluca
Published: February 2024

The apurinic/apyrimidinic endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APE1) is an essential enzyme of the base excision repair pathway of non‐distorting DNA lesions. In response to genotoxic treatments, APE1 is highly secreted (sAPE1) in association with small‐extracellular vesicles (EVs). Interestingly, its presence in the serum of patients with hepatocellular or non‐small‐cell‐lung cancers may represent a prognostic biomarker. The mechanism driving APE1 to associate with EVs is unknown, but is of paramount importance in better understanding the biological roles of sAPE1. Because APE1 lacks an endoplasmic reticulum‐targeting signal peptide, it can be secreted through an unconventional protein secretion endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi‐independent pathway, which includes an endosome‐based secretion of intraluminal vesicles, mediated by multivesicular bodies (MVBs). Using HeLa and A549 cell lines, we investigated the role of endosomal sorting complex required for transport protein pathways (either‐dependent or ‐independent) in the constitutive or trichostatin A‐induced secretion of sAPE1, by means of manumycin A and GW 4869 treatments. Through an in‐depth biochemical analysis of late‐endosomes (LEs) and early‐endosomes (EEs), we observed that the distribution of APE1 on density gradient corresponded to that of LE–CD63, LE–Rab7, EE–EEA1 and EE–Rab 5. Interestingly, the secretion of sAPE1, induced by cisplatin genotoxic stress, involved an autophagy‐based unconventional secretion requiring MVBs. The present study enlightens the central role played by MVBs in the secretion of sAPE1 under various stimuli, and offers new perspectives in understanding the biological relevance of sAPE1 in cancer cells.
Structural determinants of cold activity and glucose tolerance of a family 1 glycoside hydrolase (GH1) from Antarctic Marinomonas sp. ef1
Authors: Gourlay Louise Jane , Mangiagalli Marco , Moroni Elisabetta , Lotti Marina , Nardini Marco
Published: February 2024

Cold‐active enzymes support life at low temperatures due to their ability to maintain high activity in the cold and can be useful in several biotechnological applications. Although information on the mechanisms of enzyme cold adaptation is still too limited to devise general rules, it appears that very diverse structural and functional changes are exploited in different protein families and within the same family. In this context, we studied the cold adaptation mechanism and the functional properties of a member of the glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1) from the Antarctic bacterium Marinomonas sp. ef1. This enzyme exhibits all typical functional hallmarks of cold adaptation, including high catalytic activity at 5 °C, broad substrate specificity, low thermal stability, and higher lability of the active site compared to the overall structure. Analysis of the here‐reported crystal structure (1.8 Å resolution) and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that cold activity and thermolability may be due to a flexible region around the active site (residues 298–331), whereas the dynamic behavior of loops flanking the active site (residues 47–61 and 407–413) may favor enzyme‐substrate interactions at the optimal temperature of catalysis (Topt) by tethering together protein regions lining the active site. Stapling of the N‐terminus onto the surface of the β‐barrel is suggested to partly counterbalance protein flexibility, thus providing a stabilizing effect. The tolerance of the enzyme to glucose and galactose is accounted for by the presence of a “gatekeeping” hydrophobic residue (Leu178), located at the entrance of the active site.
Cell cycle dynamics of food‐entrapping cells of sponges: an experimental approach
Authors: Melnikov Nikolai P. , Lavrov Andrey I.
Published: February 2024

Sponges (phylum Porifera) exhibit surprisingly complex tissue dynamics, maintaining constant cell turnover and migration, rearranging internal structures, and regenerating after severe injuries. Such tissue plasticity relies on the activity of proliferating cells represented primarily by the food‐entrapping cells, choanocytes. Although there are plenty of studies regarding the dynamics of regeneration and tissue rearrangement in sponges, cell cycle kinetics of choanocytes in intact tissues remains a controversial issue. This study is devoted to the comparative description of choanocyte cell cycle dynamics in intact tissues of two sponges, Halisarca dujardinii (class Demospongiae) and Leucosolenia corallorrhiza (class Calcarea). We have identified populations of proliferating cells and synchronized them in the S‐phase to estimate the growth fraction of cycling cells. Using continuous exposure to labeled thymidine analog ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU), we calculated choanocyte cell cycle duration and the length of the S phase. We also applied double labeling with EdU and antibodies against phosphorylated histone 3 to estimate the lengths of choanocyte M and G2 phases. Finally, flow‐cytometry‐based quantitative analysis of DNA content provided us with the lengths of G2 and G1 phases. We found that tissue growth and renewal in the studied sponges are generally maintained by a relatively large population of slowly cycling choanocytes with a total cell cycle duration of 40 h in H. dujardinii and 60 h in L. corallorrhiza. In both species, choanocytes are characterized by an extremely short M‐phase and heterogeneity in the duration of the G2 phase.
Climate‐limited vegetation change in the conterminous United States of America
Authors: Parra Adriana , Greenberg Jonathan
Published: February 2024

The effects of climate change on vegetation composition and distribution are evident in different ecosystems around the world. Although some climate‐derived alterations on vegetation are expected to result in changes in lifeform fractional cover, disentangling the direct effects of climate change from different non‐climate factors, such as land‐use change, is challenging. By applying “Liebig's law of the minimum” in a geospatial context, we determined the climate‐limited potential for tree, shrub, herbaceous, and non‐vegetation fractional cover change for the conterminous United States and compared these potential rates to observed change rates for the period 1986 to 2018. We found that 10% of the land area of the conterminous United States appears to have climate limitations on the change in fractional cover, with a high proportion of these sites located in arid and semiarid ecosystems in the Southwest part of the country. The rates of change in lifeform fractional cover for the remaining area of the country are likely limited by non‐climate factors such as the disturbance regime, land management, land‐use history, soil conditions, and species interactions and adaptations.
The past, present, and future of underwater spaces: From tourist experiences to the possibility of habitation
Authors: Vannini Phillip
Published: February 2024

This paper reviews contemporary geography literature pertaining to the development and experience of underwater spaces. Examining the underwater world as a space of practices, experiences, and visions that are both phenomenologically and geopolitically rich, the review covers research studies from human geography and cognate fields concentrating on the tourism and travel literature. After a brief overview of the many activities taking place underwater worldwide—from the evolution of the mythical Atlantis to the development of modern‐day Atlantis such as underwater hotels—the paper focuses studies in three areas: the consumption of cultural and natural heritage, Self‐contained underwater breathing apparatus diving and divers' experiences, and the possibility of human inhabitation of underwater realms in habitats such as underwater hotels and submarine research sites. It is argued that by becoming more familiar with underwater spaces, geographers who concentrate on tourism and marine environments can gain new perspectives that are likely to challenge the terrestrial imagination.
Association of decreased frequency of conversation with depression, oral function and eating alone: A cross‐sectional study of older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ishimoto Yasuko , Kimura Yumi , Wada Taizo , Hirayama Kiichi , Kato Emiko , Tatsuno Mai , Fujisawa Michiko , Kasahara Yoriko , Nakatsuka Masahiro , Nose Mitsuhiro , Iwasaki Masanori , Kakuta Satoko , Hirosaki Mayumi , Okumiya Kiyohito , Matsubayashi Kozo , Sakamoto Ryota
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study examined the associations between geriatric factors and decreased opportunities for conversation among older adults amid a period of self‐restraint during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based survey was carried out in October 2020. The participants were 204 residents aged ≥65 years staying at a private care home in Kyoto city, Japan. Logistic regression analysis was carried out with the reduction of conversation opportunities as the dependent variable, and geriatric factors as independent variables after adjusting for age and sex. We compared the decreased frequency of opportunities between residents in the assisted living wing and in the nursing care wing of the private care home.

Results

The percentages of respondents who reported a decrease in the opportunities for conversation among themselves were 43.9% for residents in the assisted living wing and 19.7% for those in the nursing care wing. After adjusting for age and sex, the opportunities for conversation was significantly associated with the basic activities of daily living (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.12), instrumental self‐maintenance (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.08–1.46), intellectual activity (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.66), depression (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.23), depressive mood (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.98–7.42), decreased motivation (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.58–6.12), appetite loss (OR 4.32, 95% CI 1.54–12.07), swallowing function (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.10), chewing difficulty (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.31–4.75) and eating alone (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.35–4.62).

Conclusion

Decreased opportunities for conversation was more perceived among older adults with higher daily functioning, suggesting that it is associated with depressed mood, oral function and solitary eating. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 385–391.
Patient readiness for shared decision making about treatment: Conceptualisation and development of the ReadySDM
Authors: Keij Sascha M. , Stiggelbout Anne M. , Pieterse Arwen H.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Shared decision making (SDM) requires an active role of both clinicians and patients. We aimed to conceptualise patient readiness for SDM about treatment, and to develop a patient questionnaire to assess readiness.

Methods

We used the results of a scoping review and a qualitative study to inform the patient readiness construct. We conducted five additional rounds of data collection to finalise the construct definition and develop the Patient Readiness for SDM Questionnaire (ReadySDM) in an oncological setting: (1) longitudinal interviews with patients with cancer during and after a treatment decision‐making process; (2) a pilot study among experts, clinicians, and patients for feedback on the concept and items; (3) a field test among (former) patients with cancer to test item format and content validity, and to reduce the number of items; (4) cognitive interviews with people with low literacy to test the comprehensibility of the questionnaire; and (5) a field test among (former) patients who faced a cancer treatment decision in the last year, to test the content validity of the final version of the questionnaire.

Results

A total of 251 people participated in the various rounds of data collection. We identified eight elements of patient readiness for SDM about treatment: (1) understanding of and attitude towards SDM; (2) information skills; (3) skills in communicating and claiming space; (4) self‐awareness; (5) consideration skills; (6) self‐efficacy; (7) emotional distress; and (8) experienced time. We developed the 20‐item ReadySDM to retrospectively measure these elements in an oncological setting.

Conclusion

We conducted a thorough procedure to conceptualise patient readiness and to develop the ReadySDM. The questionnaire aims to provide novel insights into ways to enhance SDM in daily practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

Multiple people with lived experience were involved in various phases of the study. They were asked for input on the study design, the conceptualisation of readiness, and the development of the questionnaire.
Co‐production and adaptation of a prison‐based problem‐solving workbook to support the mental health of patients housed within a medium‐ and low‐secure forensic service
Authors: Perry Amanda E. , Baker Heather , Aboaja Anne , Wilson Lindsey , Morris Sarah ,   Patient Public Involved Service User
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Problem‐solving skills (PSS) help to provide a systematic approach to dealing with and managing complex problems. The overall aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of developing and adapting a prison‐based PSS  workbook for adults within a medium‐ and low‐secure hospital.

Method

We used the Medical Research Council framework in our participatory mixed methods study incorporating an adapted survey (to identify what types of problems people experience in secure hospitals), a series of three interactive workshops (to co‐produce two case study examples for a workbook) and we gathered feedback from patients and hospital staff on the acceptability and feasibility of the workbook. Data from the survey were used to inform the case study examples, and the feedback from patients and hospital staff was descriptively summarised and the results consolidated.

Results

In total, 82 (51%) patients took part in the survey; 22 patients and 49 hospital staff provided feedback on the workbook. The survey results indicated that patients regularly experience problems while in the hospital. Patients reported problems relating to restrictions of freedom and boredom. The workshops produced two case studies for the workbooks, with mainly positive patient and staff feedback. More work is required to improve the visual representation of the characters in the case studies, the amount and content of the language and the mechanism of the intervention delivery.

Conclusion

The adaptation process proved acceptable and feasible to both patients and staff. The co‐production methodology for the workbook and feedback from patients and staff was an effective way of iteratively refining the materials to ensure that they were both meaningful and acceptable to staff and patients. Subsequent work is required to develop the workbook and evaluate the feasibility of the intervention delivery, recruitment rates, uptake and adherence to the PSS using a randomised controlled trial.

Patient or Public Contribution

At each stage of the project consultation with patients and/or hospital staff was involved.
Effects of graphene content in alkaline silicate electrolyte on AA1060 pure aluminum micro‐arc oxidation coating
Authors: Li Da‐long , Jing Xin , Chen Han , Sun Kun , Chen Wei , Huang Hua‐gui , Ren Wei‐jie
Published: February 2024

Ceramic coatings were obtained by micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) on the surface of AA1060 pure aluminum in alkaline silicate electrolyte with the addition of graphene. The effects of graphene contents in the range of 0–.30 g/L in the electrolyte on surface morphology, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of the ceramic coatings were investigated. The outer surface structure, outer surface element content, coating cross‐section structure, coating cross‐section element content, coating/substrate interface structure, and coating phase were characterized by scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate the corrosion behavior of MAO samples in a 3.5‐wt% NaCl solution. In addition, the resistance to sliding and abrasive wear of the oxide coating were studied experimentally. The results show that the alkaline silicate electrolyte with the addition of graphene has a significant effect on the characteristics of MAO coating. The performance of micro‐arc oxide coatings is best when the graphene content in the electrolyte is .15 g/L, the average thickness of the film is 7.24 μm, the average pore size is 6.07 μm, the impedance value is approximately 4.01 × 106 Ω, and its friction coefficient is .55.
Sexuality in penile cancer survivors: A rarely discussed problem in uro‐oncology
Authors: Mosquera Angulo Hilary , Nieva‐Posso Daniel Andrés , García‐Perdomo Herney Andrés
Published: February 2024

Sexuality in cancer patients is a complex area. It is estimated that 81% of patients with urological cancer develop problems in their sexual functionality, even from the moment of diagnosis and aggravated during treatment due to direct injury to the genitalia. Currently, there are few avenues of care within the field of urology that address sexual health and quality of sexual life in penile cancer survivors, which causes many of them to lose self‐esteem and have problems with their partners. To review the literature on what are the consequences on the sexual life of penile cancer survivors in terms of their performance, including risk factors associated with penile cancer and what are the alternatives they must recover their sexual life. Most penile cancer survivors develop alterations in sexual performance and functionality, such as loss of sexual interest, dysfunctional ejaculation, and loss of orgasm, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. Sex therapy is presented as an alternative to improve the quality of life of these patients, proposing sexuality as something more than genitalia and helping to lead a better life. Sex therapy is an alternative and should be contemplated in the therapeutic plan of patients with urological cancer, especially penile cancer, since sexuality is part of an individual's life, and its loss affects the quality of life.
Quality of life and influencing factors in older adults with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Wang Chen‐ke , Zhang Jin‐hua , Gao Yang , Meng Xin‐yu , Zhang Hong‐xia , Luo Huan‐huan
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the quality of life (QoL) and self‐efficacy in older adults with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as the factors affecting their QoL. Previous research has shown that self‐efficacy is one of the factors affecting the QoL of individuals. Diminished self‐efficacy can impair cognitive and behavioural function, while heightened self‐efficacy can drive changes in treatment acceptance behaviour and, subsequently, physical and mental health. Although past research has investigated QoL among patients with BPH, no known studies have investigated the impact of self‐efficacy on QoL, specifically among the Chinese aged population who may have a different disease status. The study followed a cross‐sectional design and included 372 older adults with BPH. The Chinese version of the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia QoL Scale (BPH‐QLS), the Chinese version of the Self‐rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale (SRAHP) and General Survey Questionnaire were used. One‐way ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were employed to identify factors influencing QoL and evaluate the relationship between self‐efficacy and QoL. The results indicated a positive correlation between QoL and self‐efficacy. Educational level, sexual intercourse, disease duration, marital status, monthly family income and self‐efficacy were identified as factors influencing QoL in older adults with BPH. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that self‐efficacy for health responsibility had the most significant impact on QoL scores. To enhance QoL in older adults with BPH, active measures are needed. Future studies should focus on intervention programmes that target self‐efficacy, which is a modifiable factor with significant potential for improvement.
Occuper un emploi sans être en plein emploi: comment mesurer la sous‐utilisation de la main‐d’œuvre? Le cas indien
Authors: MATHEW Shalina Susan
Published: February 2024

Des réactions ambiguës et paradoxales, procycliques mais aussi contracycliques, ont été observées sur le marché du travail dans différents pays après un ralentissement économique. En l'absence de dispositifs de protection sociale adaptés, comme une assurance‐chômage, un taux d'emploi contracyclique pourrait être le signe de difficultés plutôt que de possibilités d'emploi productif. Confrontant les données sur l'emploi et le chômage aux recommandations de la 19e Conférence internationale des statisticiens du travail sur la sous‐utilisation de la main‐d’œuvre, l'autrice critique les statistiques du sous‐emploi en Inde et appelle à actualiser les méthodes de collecte de données pour mieux éclairer l'action publique dans le domaine de l'emploi.
Ocupados insatisfechos. Subutilización de la fuerza de trabajo en la India
Authors: MATHEW Shalina Susan
Published: February 2024

Las respuestas del mercado de trabajo en anteriores recesiones económicas han sido contradictorias y paradójicas, con reacciones procíclicas y anticíclicas según los países. A falta de redes de protección social, como el seguro de desempleo, las tasas de ocupación anticíclicas pueden evidenciar dificultades económicas, más que oportunidades de ocupación productiva. Tras cotejar los datos de ocupación‐desocupación de los hogares de la India con las recomendaciones de la 19.a Conferencia Internacional de Estadísticos del Trabajo sobre la subutilización de la fuerza de trabajo, en este artículo se critican las deficiencias y se aboga por revisar los métodos de recopilación de datos para fundamentar mejor las políticas del mercado laboral.
Clinical practice guidelines: Their utility, dissemination and monitoring at Colonial War Memorial Hospital: A mixed methods study from Fiji
Authors: Krishna Ashnita A. , Kado Sinead , Dubey Alok , Grant Cameron , Kado Joseph
Published: February 2024

Background

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) improve patient care by standardising medical practice. However, little is known about their applicability in low‐resource settings. Since 2010, Fiji has introduced guidelines to increase the application of evidence‐based practice.

Aims

We describe the dissemination, utility and monitoring of guideline implementation in Fiji, a low‐resource setting in the Pacific.

Methods

A mixed‐methods design included a survey and focus groups. All 178 doctors in five departments at Fiji's largest tertiary hospital were invited to participate. Subsequently, two focus group interviews explored clinicians' perspectives in more detail. Analysis included data description, multi‐variable logistic, multinomial regression and manifest content analyses.

Results

The response rate was 74%. Most doctors agreed that CPGs were good for patient management (100%), doctors continuing medical education (CME) (96%), patient education (73%), supported by systematic reviews (91%) and consistent with existing norms/values (83%). Ninety‐five per cent stated that CPGs increased the quality of care, and 80% stated that CPGs increased physician satisfaction. Approximately two‐thirds stated that CPGs decreased medical‐legal problems (63%) and malpractice suits (68%). Sixty to 90% of doctors disagreed that CPGs were oversimplified/cookbook medicine (60%), too rigid to apply individually (65%), challenged physician autonomy (60%) or were ambiguous/unclear (86%) or not practical (89%). The preferred method of dissemination was CME, and quick reference guides were best for implementation. No formal CPG monitoring existed in any department.

Conclusion

Most physicians found CPGs to be valuable for improving the consistency of care. In low‐resource settings, dissemination of guidelines should be paired with CME to improve their uptake. Increased monitoring of guideline use appears necessary.
‘A ward full of emotional, aggressive people’: Social climate and interpersonal relationships in forensic settings caring for patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Rodwell Devon , Frith Hannah
Published: February 2024

Therapeutic relationships play a central role in maintaining a positive social climate in forensic settings. The interpersonal difficulties characteristic of Borderline Personality Disorder, alongside the secure environment of forensic wards, can make developing positive therapeutic relationships with this patient group challenging. Qualitative interviews aimed to explore how ward staff understand and experience the interaction of interpersonal relationships and social climate when caring for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder on forensic wards. Interviews with 11 staff members working across UK forensic inpatient settings were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and reported following COREQ guidelines. Six interrelated themes were generated; three describe relational cycles that occur between ward staff and patients with Borderline Personality Disorder and three describe systemic factors that influence the context in which ward staff operate. From these themes, an integrative model was developed to summarise how factors in the wider forensic system and the interpersonal relationships between staff and patients with Borderline Personality Disorder in forensic wards influence one another, affecting staff experiences of the social climate of forensic settings. The model illustrates how complex cycles within the therapeutic relationships with staff and patients with Borderline Personality Disorder can interact with systemic influences in the wider forensic context to influence staff experiences of forensic settings. Clinical implications of the model are discussed, offering recommendations for improving therapeutic relationships and the social climate on forensic wards caring for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder, to better support staff and patient wellbeing.
The complex stress of waterlogging and high temperature accelerated maize leaf senescence and decreased photosynthetic performance at different growth stages
Authors: Shao Jingyi , Wang Qinghao , Liu Peng , Zhao Bin , Han Wei , Zhang Jiwang , Ren Baizhao
Published: February 2024

The greenhouse effect caused by global warming was becoming more and more obvious, resulting in increased frequency of high temperature and high humidity, which significantly affected maize productivity. However, it was poorly understood how the interactions of high temperature and high humidity affected leaf senescence, photosynthetic performance and yield of summer maize. Three stress treatments including (a) high temperature stress (T), (b) waterlogging stress (W) and (c) complex stress (T‐W) were set at the third leaf stage (V3), the sixth leaf stage (V6) and the tasselling stage (VT) in 2019–2020 to explore the influence mechanism of complex stress. Each stress treatment period lasted 6 days. Non‐stressed plants served as control. Yield, antioxidant enzyme activity, photosynthetic characteristics, and dry matter accumulation were determined. Our study found that the activity of antioxidant enzymes was significantly decreased, while malonyldialdehyde (MDA) accumulation was increased under each stress treatment. As a result, the photosynthetic characteristics were impaired, manifested in a significant decrease in net photosynthetic rate (Pn), enzyme activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase) and ribulose diphosphate carboxylase (RUBPCase). The decrease in photosynthetic intensity affected by each stress treatment led to a significant decrease in total dry matter accumulation and grain yield. The most significant effects of waterlogging and combined stresses on yield occurred at the V3 stage, followed by the V6 and VT stages. However, the most significant effects of high temperature occurred at the VT stage, followed by the V6 and V3 stages. Moreover, the compound stress exacerbated damage to leaf senescence and photosynthetic properties of summer maize compared to the single stress of high temperature or waterlogging.