bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explorations on the use of lived experiences by psychiatrists: facilitators and barriers
Authors: Karbouniaris Simona , Boomsma-van Holten Marjolein , Oostindiër Antoinet , Raats Pascal , Prins-Aardema Cecil C. , Weerman Alie , Wilken Jean Pierre , Abma Tineke A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the perspectives of psychiatrists with lived experiences and what their considerations are upon integrating the personal into the professional realm.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of a qualitative participatory research approach, participant observations during two years in peer supervision sessions (15 sessions with 8 psychiatrists with lived experiences), additional interviews as part of member feedback and a focus group were thematically analysed.

Findings

Although the decision to become a psychiatrist was often related to personal experiences with mental distress and some feel the need to integrate the personal into the professional, the actual use of lived experiences appears still in its early stages of development. Findings reveal three main considerations related to the personal (3.1), professionality (3.2) and clinical relevance (3.3) comprising 11 facilitators and 9 barriers to harness lived experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted locally and there are no similar comparable studies known. It was small in its size due to its qualitative nature and with a homogeneous group and therefore may lack generalisability.

Practical implications

Future directions to further overcome shame and stigma and discover the potential of lived experiences are directed to practice, education and research.

Originality/value

Psychiatrists with lived experiences valued the integration of experiential knowledge into the professional realm, even though being still under development. The peer supervision setting in this study was experienced as a safe space to share personal experiences with vulnerability and suffering rather than a technical disclosure. It re-sensitised participants to their personal narratives, unleashing its demystifying, destigmatising and humanising potential.
Fostering employees' resilience and psychological well-being through an app-based resilience intervention
Authors: Avey James , Newman Alexander , Herbert Kendall
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to address calls for and test efficacy of an app based, short term resilience intervention for individual benefit.

Design/methodology/approach

Three independent samples of participants were assessed to determine the efficacy of an employee focused resilience intervention. Study 1 includes a cross sectional validation of the approach. Study 2 examines validity of the intervention using pre- and post-tests. Study 3 utilizes random assignment of groups (treatment and control) to determine invention results on resilience and individual psychological well-being.

Findings

Evidence suggests employees in the experimental group reported higher levels of resilience and psychological well-being as a result of the intervention. Further, the authors found no significant changes in resilience or psychological well-being amongst employees in the control group suggesting the intervention induced the effect.

Originality/value

Previous research attempting resilience interventions have been long, cumbersome and expensive for organizations. Basing the authors’ method on previous research regarded as micro interventions, this intervention is individualized, flexible and very cost effective for organizational application.
Drought has inconsistent effects on seed trait composition despite their strong association with ecosystem drought sensitivity
Authors: Luo Wentao , Griffin‐Nolan Robert J. , Felton Andrew J. , Yu Qiang , Wang Hongyi , Zhang Hongxiang , Wang Zhengwen , Han Xingguo , Collins Scott L. , Knapp Alan K.
Published: August 2022

Seeds provide the basis of genetic diversity in perennial grassland communities and their traits may influence ecosystem resistance to extreme drought. However, we know little about how drought effects the community functional composition of seed traits and the corresponding implications for ecosystem resistance to drought.

We experimentally removed 66% of growing season precipitation for 4 years across five arid and semi‐arid grasslands in northern China and assessed how this multi‐year drought impacted community‐weighted means (CWMs) of seed traits, seed trait functional diversity and above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP).

Experimental drought had limited effects on CWM traits and the few effects that did occur varied by site and year. For three separate sites, and in different years, drought reduced seed length and phosphorus content but increased both seed and seed‐coat thickness. Additionally, drought led to increased seed functional evenness, divergence, dispersion and richness, but only in some sites, and mostly in later years following cumulative effects of water limitation. However, we observed a strong negative relationship between drought‐induced reductions in ANPP and CWMs of seed‐coat thickness, indicating that a high abundance of dominant species with thick seeds may increase ecosystem resistance to drought. Seed trait functional diversity was not significantly predictive of ANPP, providing little evidence for a diversity effect.

Our results suggest that monitoring community composition with a focus on seed traits may provide a valuable indicator of ecosystem resistance to future droughts despite inconsistent responses of seed trait composition overall. This highlights the importance of developing a comprehensive seed and reproductive traits database for arid and semi‐arid grassland biomes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Roles of parental smoking and family structure for the explanation of socio‐economic inequalities in adolescent smoking
Authors: Legleye Stéphane , Bricard Damien , Khlat Myriam
Published: August 2022

Background and aims

Among European countries, France is particularly concerned by adolescent tobacco smoking, especially in disadvantaged socio‐economic backgrounds (SES). We measured the respective contributions of parental smoking and family living arrangement to social disparities in smoking during adolescence.

Design

Secondary analysis of survey data.

Setting

A cross‐sectional nation‐wide exhaustive 12‐day survey in March 2017 of French youth aged 17–18.5 years participating in the national mandatory civic information day.

Participants

A total of 13 314 adolescents answering a pen‐and‐paper questionnaire about their own tobacco consumption and the smoking of their parents.

Measurements

Risk ratios (RRs) were computed using modified Poisson regressions, and population‐attributable fraction (PAF) was used as a measure of the explanatory roles of the different factors as mediators of SES.

Findings

Adolescents living within very privileged and privileged SES were significantly less likely to report daily tobacco smoking (20.4 and 22.7%, respectively) than those within modest and disadvantaged ones (26.0 and 28.6%, respectively). Parental smoking and family living arrangement independently explained the smoking inequalities among adolescents. After adjusting for schooling factors, the risks associated with parental smoking ranged between RR = 1.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.50–1.79] when the father only smoked and RR = 2.17 (95% CI = 1.99–2.36) when both parents smoked, compared with non‐smoking parents; the risk associated with living in a non‐intact family was 1.35 (95% CI = 1.26–1.43) and that of living outside the parental home was 1.20 (95% CI = 1.10–1.30). Apprentices and adolescents out of school had higher risks than those at school (RR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.68–1.98) and RR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.92–2.29). The contribution of parental smoking to adolescent smoking (PAF = 32%) was greater than that of SES (PAF = 9%), family living arrangement (PAF = 17%) or schooling factors (14%). The share of SES decreased from 18 to 9% when considering these mediating factors.

Conclusion

In France, parental smoking appears to be the factor that most influences adolescent smoking, followed by family living arrangement; the role of family socio‐economic status is small in comparison.
Changes of medical staffs' subjective well‐being in China (2004–2020): A cross‐temporal meta‐analysis
Authors: Sheng Liang , Zhao Taige , Liu Jinxiao , Gao Junjie , Peng Haiyun , Xin Sufei
Published: August 2022

Subjective well‐being is a crucial index measuring the mental health of medical staffs, and it is necessary to examine the changes in subjective well‐being (SWB) level of Chinese medical staffs with time. A cross‐temporal meta‐analysis was performed using papers that measured the SWB level of Chinese medical staffs between 2004 and 2020. Moreover, a time‐lag analysis was conducted to define whether the macro‐social indicators can explain the changes in SWB. A total of 47 papers were included in the final sample. The results revealed that score of SWB was significantly negatively correlated with the year. Score of SWB was significantly associated with six social indicators of economic condition (the residents' consumption level, housing prices, and old‐age dependency ratio), social connectedness (the divorce rate and the urbanization level), and overall threat (the crime rate), which indicated that social change may account for the decline of Chinese medical staffs' SWB level. Our study revealed a decreasing trend of Chinese medical staffs' SWB level over time, which was associated with macro‐social changes in diverse areas. In addition, combined with the corresponding macro‐social indicators, a three‐dimensional theoretical framework is proposed to explain the SWB for medical staffs as a group.
Classification of Equity Instruments under IFRS 9: Determinants and Consequences
Authors: Pinto Inês , Morais Ana Isabel
Published: August 2022

One of the main differences between International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9 Financial Instruments and International Accounting Standard (IAS) 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement is the classification and measurement of equity instruments that are financial assets. Under IFRS 9, a firm must measure acquired equity instruments at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL) unless the firm irrevocably chooses at initial recognition to measure those assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI). In this case, a firm must recognise all changes in FVOCI without the possibility of reclassifying these amounts into profit or loss. In this context, this study has two main objectives. First, it examines the frequency of firms that elect to classify equity instruments as FVOCI in the first year of IFRS 9 adoption and identifies the determinants of the decision to classify equity instruments as available for sale (AFS) (under IAS 39) or as financial assets at FVOCI (under IFRS 9). Second, it considers whether this choice has any influence on the value relevance of financial information. The results of a sample based on firms in the FTSE 100 and EURO STOXX 50 show that risk is the main determinant of the reclassification from AFS to FVOCI in the first year of IFRS 9 adoption, while the level of variable compensation for CEOs (for AFS) and the level of fair value hierarchy (for AFS and FVOCI) are the main determinants for the classification of equity instruments. Regarding the consequences of this change, the findings indicate that the prohibition of recycling for the FVOCI option under IFRS 9 leads investors to pay more attention to the changes in fair value as recognised in OCI.
Drug metabolism and drug transport of the 100 most prescribed oral drugs
Authors: Iversen Ditte B. , Andersen Nanna Elman , Dalgård Dunvald Ann‐Cathrine , Pottegård Anton , Stage Tore B.
Published: August 2022

Safe and effective use of drugs requires an understanding of metabolism and transport. We identified the 100 most prescribed drugs in six countries and conducted a literature search on in vitro data to assess contribution of Phase I and II enzymes and drug transporters to metabolism and transport.

Eighty‐nine of the 100 drugs undergo drug metabolism or are known substrates for drug transporters. Phase I enzymes are involved in metabolism of 67 drugs, while Phase II enzymes mediate metabolism of 18 drugs. CYP3A4/5 is the most important Phase I enzyme involved in metabolism of 43 drugs followed by CYP2D6 (23 drugs), CYP2C9 (23 drugs), CYP2C19 (22 drugs), CYP1A2 (14 drugs) and CYP2C8 (11 drugs). More than half of the drugs (54 drugs) are known substrates for drug transporters. P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is known to be involved in transport of 30 drugs, while breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) facilitates transport of 11 drugs. A considerable proportion of drugs are subject to a combination of Phase I metabolism, Phase II metabolism and/or drug transport.

We conclude that the majority of the most frequently prescribed drugs depend on drug metabolism or drug transport. Thus, understanding variability of drug metabolism and transport remains a priority.
On the potential beneficial effects of indoor tanning
Authors: Lindqvist Pelle G. , Epstein Elisabeth , Landin-Olsson Mona
Published: August 2022

Linked Article:  Eden et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:105–14.
Dismantling barriers to digital inclusion: An online learning model for young people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Fitzpatrick Imelda , Trninic Maja
Published: August 2022

Background

There is a need for online learning programmes to be accessible for students with intellectual disabilities. Online learning has become an important means of continuing educational activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Students with intellectual disabilities need to have access to online learning programmes that are suitable for non‐readers and those with different literacy levels.

Methods

This study looked at The My Blossom Channel online learning assertiveness course and assessed the perceived increase in levels of confidence for 51 students with an intellectual disabilty. Pre and post programme self and support person reports were analysed for all the students along with direct observation data collected by the course facilitators.

Findings

The results indicate that increased levels of assertiveness were shown for participants who completed the course. Both the young person and their support person reported the experience was overall very positive and generalisation of some the skills to other settings were noted.

Conclusion

The model of online learning outlined in this paper demonstrates an example of an accessible online learning model for people with intellectual disabilities. A number of factors were shown to be important in the success of this model including, role‐play activities, modelling, scenarios, debate, immediate feedback, and peer interaction which emphasises praise and encouragement.
Executive‐parliamentary relations in Canada: Moving forward from the pandemic
Authors: Brock Kathy
Published: August 2022

The pandemic caused governments worldwide to respond quickly to a greater array of health, economic and social issues in a more concentrated time span than previously. The Canadian public sector had developed many of the tools needed to act with agility to support the government agenda response to these challenges. With the consent of political parties, Parliament modified its operations and passed empowering legislation to provide the executive branch with sweeping powers to act. In this turbulent time, government accountability was delayed but never forgotten as a series of conversations with senior public servants revealed. This article delves into those reflections on the first year of the pandemic to discern how government operations changed and how both Parliament and the public sector can adapt to ensure that government can act effectively and efficiently but be held accountable for its decisions as it addresses more complex policy challenges in future.
Effect of AZD9977 and spironolactone on serum potassium in heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction, and renal impairment: A randomized trial
Authors: Squire Iain B. , Gabrielsen Anders , Greasley Peter J. , Wernevik Linda , Hartleib‐Geschwindner Judith , Holden Julie , Johansson Susanne , Rudvik Anna , Sánchez José , Bamberg Krister , Melin Johanna , Whittaker Andrew
Published: August 2022

This phase Ib study compared the effects of AZD9977, a selective mineralocorticoid receptor modulator with predicted low hyperkalemia risk, with spironolactone on serum potassium (sK+) in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF; ≥40%), and renal impairment. Patients with HF with EF greater than or equal to 40% and estimated glomerular filtration rate of 40–70 ml/min/1.73 m2 were randomized to once‐daily AZD9977 100 mg or spironolactone 25 mg for 14 days, up‐titrated to AZD9977 200 mg or spironolactone 50 mg for another 14 days. The primary end point was relative change (%) in sK+ for AZD9977 versus spironolactone (baseline to day 28). Serum/urinary electrolytes, fractional excretion (FE) of Na+/K+, plasma aldosterone, cortisol, and renin, and safety were also assessed. Sixty‐eight patients were randomized (AZD9977, n = 33; spironolactone, n = 35). Mean (SD) age was 73.0 (8.5) years, 51.5% men. Mean sK+ change from baseline to day 28 was 5.7% (AZD9977) and 4.2% (spironolactone), and 1.5% and 4.2% at day 14. Relative change (95% confidence interval) in sK+ with AZD9977 versus spironolactone was −0.3% (−5.3% to 4.4%; day 28), and 3.4% (−0.8% to 7.5%; day 14). Median increase from baseline in plasma aldosterone at day 28 was 89.8 pmol/L for AZD9977 and 67.4 pmol/L for spironolactone. Median FE of K+ was 12.9% (AZD9977) and 10.1% (spironolactone). AZD9977 was well‐tolerated. No discontinuations due to hyperkalemia occurred with either treatment. Evidence of target engagement for AZD9977 with a favorable safety profile, supports further evaluation of AZD9977 in patients with HF and renal impairment.
Burrowing constrains patterns of skull shape evolution in wrasses
Authors: Evans Kory M. , Larouche Olivier , West JoJo L. , Gartner Samantha M. , Westneat Mark W.
Published: August 2022

The evolution of behavioral and ecological specialization can have marked effects on the tempo and mode of phenotypic evolution. Head‐first burrowing has been shown to exert powerful selective pressures on the head and body shapes of many vertebrate and invertebrate taxa. In wrasses, burrowing behaviors have evolved multiple times independently, and are commonly used in foraging and predator avoidance behaviors. While recent studies have examined the kinematics and body shape morphology associated with this behavior, no study to‐date has examined the macroevolutionary implications of burrowing on patterns of phenotypic diversification in this clade. Here, we use three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods to study the evolution of skull shape in fossorial wrasses and their relatives. We test for skull shape differences between burrowing and non burrowing wrasses and evaluate hypotheses of shape convergence among the burrowing wrasses. We also quantify rates of skull shape evolution between burrowing and non burrowing wrasses to test for whether burrowing constrains or accelerates rates of skull shape evolution in this clade. We find that while burrowing and non burrowing wrasses exhibit similar degrees of morphological disparity, for burrowing wrasses, it took nearly twice as long to amass this disparity. Furthermore, while the disparities between groups are evenly matched, we find that most burrowing species are confined to a particular region of shape space with most species exhibiting narrower heads than many non‐burrowing species. These results suggest head‐first burrowing constrains patterns of skull shape diversification in wrasses by potentially restricting the range of phenotypes that can perform this behavior.
In silico gene expression and pathway analysis of DEK in the human brain across the lifespan
Authors: Greene Allie N. , Nguyen Elizabeth T. , Paranjpe Aditi , Lane Adam , Privette Vinnedge Lisa M. , Solomon Matia B.
Published: August 2022

DEK, a chromatin‐remodelling phosphoprotein, is associated with various functions and biological pathways in the periphery, including inflammation, oncogenesis, DNA repair, and transcriptional regulation. We recently identified an association between DEK loss and central nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's. To understand DEK's potential role in disease, it is critical to characterize DEK in healthy human brain to distinguish between neural DEK expression and function in healthy versus diseased states like dementia. We utilized two public databases, BrainCloud and Human Brain Transcriptome, and analysed DEK mRNA expression across the lifespan in learning and memory relevant brain regions. Since DEK loss induces phenotypes associated with brain ageing (e.g., DNA damage and apoptosis), we hypothesized that neural DEK expression may be highest during foetal development and lower in elderly individuals. In agreement with this hypothesis, DEK was most prominently expressed during foetal development in all queried forebrain areas, relative to other ages. Consistent with its roles in the periphery, pathways related to DEK in the brain were associated with cellular proliferation, DNA replication and repair, apoptosis, and inflammation. We also found novel neural development‐relevant pathways (e.g., synaptic transmission, neurite outgrowth, and myelination) to be enriched from genes correlated with DEK expression. These findings suggest that DEK is important for human brain development. Overall, we highlight age‐related changes in neural DEK expression across the human lifespan and illuminate novel biological pathways associated with DEK that are distinct from normal brain ageing. These findings may further our understanding of how DEK impacts brain function and disease susceptibility.
Dry forest decline is driven by both declining recruitment and increasing mortality in response to warm, dry conditions
Authors: Shriver Robert K. , Yackulic Charles B. , Bell David M. , Bradford John B.
Published: August 2022

Aim

Anticipating when and where changes in species' demographic rates will lead to range shifts in response to changing climate remains a major challenge. Despite evidence of increasing mortality in dry forests across the globe in response to drought and warming temperatures, the overall impacts on the distribution of dry forests are largely unknown because we lack comparable large‐scale data on tree recruitment rates. Here, our aim was to develop range‐wide population models for dry forest tree species (pinyon pine and juniper), quantifying both mortality and recruitment, to better understand where and under what conditions species range contractions are occurring.

Location

Western United States.

Major taxa studied

Two pinyon pine (Pinus spp.) and three juniper (Juniperus spp.) species.

Methods

We developed range‐wide demographic models for five species using forest inventory data from across the western United States and estimated population trends and climate vulnerability.

Results

We find that four of the five species are declining in parts of their range, with Pinus edulis having the largest proportion of populations declining (24%). Population vulnerability increases with aridity and temperature, with up to ~50% of populations declining in the warmest and driest conditions. Mortality and recruitment were both essential to explaining where populations are declining.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that dry forest species are undergoing an active range shift driven by both changing recruitment and mortality, and that increasing temperatures and drought threaten the long‐term viability of many of these species in their current range. While four of the five species examined were experiencing some declines, P. edulis is currently most vulnerable. Management actions such as reducing tree density may be able to mitigate some of these impacts. The framework we present to estimate range‐wide demographic rates can be applied to other species to determine where range contractions are most likely.
Transporting attachment and biobehavioral catch‐up to Norwegian child welfare services: A feasibility study
Authors: Bergsund Hans Bugge , Kullerud Tonje Naas , Kråkenes Cathrine Abbasi , Drozd Filip , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Moe Vibeke , Jacobsen Heidi
Published: August 2022

Transportation of evidence‐based programs (EBPs) to a new cultural setting is often preferred over the comprehensive process of developing a new program. Intervention fidelity has been suggested as a predictor of successful transportation. The present study examined whether fidelity and parent behavior improved when implementing the U.S.‐developed Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐up (ABC) intervention in Norwegian child welfare services (CWS). 11 child welfare workers received training and supervision to become ABC parent coaches. Fidelity was assessed through video‐recordings of parent coaches' in vivo feedback at each home‐visit session. Parent sensitive behavior was assessed using video‐recordings of parent–child interactions, recorded before each ABC session. Mixed effects modeling showed that ABC fidelity increased over the course of training and supervision. Furthermore, parent behavior improved over the course of families' exposure to the intervention. These demonstrate that an EBP transported to a novel cultural setting can obtain promising levels of fidelity and intervention outcomes.
Political corruption and accounting choices
Authors: Zhang Huai , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2022

We examine how political corruption affects firms’ accounting choices. We hypothesize and find that firms headquartered in corrupt districts manipulate earnings downwards, relative to firms headquartered elsewhere. Our finding is robust to alternative corruption measures, alternative discretionary accrual measures, alternative model specifications, the instrumental variable approach and difference‐in‐differences analyses based on firm relocation and high profile cases. We find that firms headquartered in corrupt districts prefer income‐decreasing accounting choices and exhibit higher conservatism. Finally, we find that the effect of corruption on earnings management is more pronounced for geographically concentrated firms, for firms without political connections, for firms in politically sensitive industries, for firms with lower transient institutional investor ownership and for firms with less analyst coverage. In sum, our findings suggest that firms respond to corruption by lowering their accounting earnings.
Relative age in the school year and risk of mental health problems in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Broughton Thomas , Langley Kate , Tilling Kate , Collishaw Stephan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Relative age within the school year (‘relative age’) is associated with increased rates of symptoms and diagnoses of mental health disorders, including ADHD. We aimed to investigate how relative age influences mental health and behaviour before, during and after school (age range: 4–25 years).

Method

We used a regression discontinuity design to examine the effect of relative age on risk of mental health problems using data from a large UK population‐based cohort (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC); N = 14,643). We compared risk of mental health problems between ages 4 and 25 years using the parent‐rated Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and depression using self‐rated and parent‐rated Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) by relative age.

Results

The youngest children in the school year have greater parent‐rated risk of mental health problems, measured using parent‐rated SDQ total difficulties scores. We found no evidence of differences before school entry [estimated standardised mean difference (SMD) between those born on 31 August and 1 September: .02 (−.05, .08)].

We found that estimates of effect size for a 1‐year difference in relative age were greatest at 11 years [SMD: .22 (.15, .29)], but attenuated to the null at 25 years [SMD: −.02 (−.11, .07)]. We did not find consistent evidence of differences in self‐rated and parent‐rated depression by relative age.

Conclusions

Younger relative age is associated with poorer parent‐rated general mental health, but not symptoms of depression.
Insights on COVID‐19, School Reopening Procedures, and Mental Wellness: Pilot Interviews With School Employees
Authors: Hoke Alicia M. , Pattison Krista L. , Molinari Alissa , Allen Kathleen , Sekhar Deepa L.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused interruptions to the K‐12 US school landscape since spring 2020.

METHODS

In summer 2020, we completed a pilot study utilizing interviews (n = 13) with school staff (ie, nurses, educators) from across the United States. We aimed to understand the status of school operation and re‐entry plans after the primary period of school closure, along with resources needed for students and staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

RESULTS

All interviewees described their school's re‐entry plan as complete or in‐development. Ten plans included strategies to meet students' mental health needs. Only 3 clearly planned for staff mental health resources. Interviews suggest gaps in planning and execution of mental health resources for school staff, a group already vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and burnout.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH

Several school staff mental health resources were developed as a result of the pandemic, though ongoing impacts necessitate integration of these supports into school operation plans. This is particularly important as schools continue to navigate periods of altered operation in response to elevated community COVID‐19 infection rates.

CONCLUSIONS

As schools implement strategies to support students, similar consideration should be given to the adults in the school environment who teach and support school‐aged children.
Pharmacokinetic study comparing doxorubicin concentrations after chemoembolization or intravenous administration in dogs with naturally occurring nonresectable hepatic carcinoma
Authors: Samuel Nina , Weisse Chick , Berent Allyson C. , Rogatko Cléo P. , Wittenburg Luke , Lamb Kenneth
Published: August 2022

Background

Chemoembolization is a viable treatment option for patients with nonresectable hepatic carcinoma (HC) and may allow delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs with decreased systemic toxicity.

Hypothesis/Objective

Compare the serum concentrations of doxorubicin after chemoembolization or IV administration in the same patient. We hypothesized that locoregional delivery may result in increased tumor chemotherapeutic drug concentrations, reflected by decreased measurable serum drug concentrations. Adverse hematological events were hypothesized to be decreased after locoregional delivery.

Animals

Seventeen client‐owned dogs with incompletely resectable HC.

Methods

Prospective, single‐arm clinical trial. Drug‐eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization was performed to varying levels of blood flow stasis (NO STASIS, STASIS). Intravenous doxorubicin (IVC) subsequently was administered in selected patients. Systemic exposure was quantified by area under the serum doxorubicin concentration time curve (AUC), maximum serum doxorubicin concentration (Cmax), and time doxorubicin was last above the limit of quantitation (Tlast). Nadir test results after treatments were used to evaluate adverse hematological events.

Results

Thirteen NO STASIS treatments, 15 STASIS treatments, and 9 IVC treatments were performed. Maximum serum doxorubicin concentration, AUC, and Tlast were significantly lower when comparing NO STASIS or STASIS to IVC treatments. Of the patients with nadir results available, no adverse hematological events were observed after NO STASIS or STASIS treatments. Two patients developed adverse hematological events after IVC treatment.

Conclusions/Clinical Relevance

Drug‐eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization offers a viable treatment option for patients with incompletely resectable HC with the potential for increased local tumor doxorubicin concentrations, decreased systemic chemotherapeutic exposure, and fewer adverse hematological events.
Weaned off public money: The effect of discontinued reception of public cash on firm outcomes
Authors: Grajzl Peter , Cepec Jaka , Mörec Barbara
Published: August 2022

Given the large footprint of the public sector in modern capitalist economies, many businesses are recipients of public money. But how are recipient firms impacted when they are weaned off public money? Drawing on unique data from Slovenia, we assemble a firm‐level panel linking comprehensive records on public‐sector cash transactions to businesses with detailed annual information on more than 72,000 firms observed between 2015 and 2019. To address endogeneity, we combine matching with difference‐in‐differences estimation. Weaning‐off on average fundamentally disrupts a firm's production and organization, causing a marked decline in output, total assets, and input use, as well as a decrease in productivity and export proclivity. Several effects of weaning‐off are contingent on firm age. Younger firms undergo comparatively stronger effects on production operations, but, interestingly, only older firms experience negative effects on productivity and liquidity. Estimated aggregate value‐added losses incurred by treated firms fall short of the total amount of public money disbursed to those firms. Thus, from a normative standpoint, diminished transactional involvement of the public sector with firms could potentially generate net social gains. Our analysis offers a new perspective on the repercussions of public sector's involvement in the economy.
Uncovering the structure and function of specialist bacterial lineages in environments routinely exposed to explosives
Authors: Pal Y. , Mayilraj S. , Krishnamurthi S.
Published: August 2022

Environmental contamination by hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), the two most widely used compounds for military operations, is a long-standing problem at the manufacturing and decommissioning plants. Since explosives contamination has previously been shown to favour the growth of specific bacterial communities, the present study attempts to identify the specialist bacterial communities and their potential functional and metabolic roles by using amplicon targeted and whole-metagenome sequencing approaches in samples collected from two distinct explosives manufacturing sites. We hypothesize that the community structure and functional attributes of bacterial population are substantially altered by the concentration of explosives and physicochemical conditions. The results highlight the predominance of Planctomycetes in contrast to previous reports from similar habitats. The detailed phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of operational taxonomic units related to bacterial members known for their explosives degradation. Further, the functional and metabolic analyses highlighted the abundance of putative genes and unidentified taxa possibly associated with xenobiotic biodegradation. Our findings suggest that microbial species capable of utilizing explosives as a carbon, energy or electron source are favoured by certain selective pressures based on the prevailing physicochemical and geographical conditions.
Evolution of infant feeding practices in children from 9 to 24 months, considering complementary feeding indicators and food processing: Results from the Brazilian cohort of the MAL‐ED study
Authors: Andrade Eva Débora de Oliveira , Rebouças Amanda de Sousa , Filho José Q. , Ambikapathi Ramya , Caulfield Laura E. , Lima Aldo Ângelo Moreira , Maciel Bruna Leal Lima
Published: August 2022

Infant feeding practices impact children's nutritional and health status, influencing growth and development. This study aimed to analyse the evolution of infant feeding practices from 9 to 24 months of age, considering infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators and food processing. The infant feeding practices in children from the Brazilian site of the MAL‐ED study were evaluated at 9 (n = 193), 15 (n = 182) and 24 months (n = 164) using 24‐h dietary recalls. IYCF indicators were evaluated, and the extent of food processing was evaluated, using the NOVA classification. Breastfeeding declined significantly over time, from 77.6% at 9 months to 45.1% at 24 months. Although dietary diversity did not significantly change during the study period (80.5% at 24 months), the minimum acceptable diet significantly increased from 67.9% to 76.1% at 24 months (p < 0.0005). All the studied children consumed sweetened beverages from 9 months. Unhealthy food consumption and zero vegetable or fruit consumption significantly increased over time (p < 0.0005). Unprocessed food consumption decreased from 9 to 24 months of age (p < 0.0005), while ultra‐processed food consumption increased (p < 0.0005) during the study period. Logistic regressions showed that, at 9 months, breastfed children presented a lower risk for ultra‐processed food consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13–0.77); and children reaching the minimum acceptable diet presented more risk for ultra‐processed food consumption (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.01–5.27). In conclusion, data showed a reduction in the quality of infant feeding practices over the first 2 years of life, with a decrease in breastfeeding and an increase in the consumption of unhealthy and ultra‐processed foods.
On a coupled Kadomtsev–Petviashvili system associated with an elliptic curve
Authors: Fu Wei , Nijhoff Frank W.
Published: August 2022

The coupled Kadomtsev–Petviashvili system associated with an elliptic curve, proposed by Date, Jimbo, and Miwa [J. Phys. Soc. Jpn., 52:766–771, 1983], is reinvestigated within the direct linearization framework, which provides us with more insights into the integrability of this elliptic model from the perspective of a general linear integral equation. As a result, we successfully construct for the elliptic coupled Kadomtsev–Petviashvili system not only a Lax pair composed of differential operators in 2 × 2 matrix form but also multisoliton solutions with phases parametrized by points on the elliptic curve. Dimensional reductions based on the direct linearization, to the elliptic coupled Korteweg–de Vries and Boussinesq systems, are also discussed. In addition, a novel class of solutions is obtained for the ‐type Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation with nonzero constant background as a by‐product.
Daily‐level assessment of the contexts under which seeking social support relates to risk of suicidal thinking
Authors: Mournet Annabelle M. , Kellerman John K. , Yeager April L. , Rosen Rachel L. , Kim Joanne S. , Kleiman Evan M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Perceived social support is a well‐established protective factor against suicidal ideation, yet few studies have examined how actually seeking social support relates to suicidal ideation. We investigated the contexts under which social support seeking may be related to greater, or lesser, suicidal ideation.

Methods

Undergraduates completed ecological momentary assessments up to 6 times daily. Multi‐level moderated logistic regressions examined interactions between presence of daily‐level support seeking with burdensomeness and loneliness as indicators of same‐day and next‐day suicidal ideation.

Results

Seeking social support was positively associated with same‐day, but not next‐day reports of suicidal thinking. On days when participants felt burdensome and sought support, they had greater odds of reporting suicidal ideation (OR = 1.659, 95% CI = [1.420, 1.938]), compared with days they felt burdensome but did not seek support. There was no effect of burdensomeness on next‐day ideation. There was no significant interaction effect between support seeking and loneliness on same‐day or next‐day ideation.

Conclusions

Seeking support and feeling like a burden are associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation. The current results underscore the importance of equipping at‐risk individuals with a toolbelt of a variety of coping skills.
Is agriculture an occupation or a sector? Gender inequalities in a European context
Authors: Shortall Sally , Marangudakis Vangelis
Published: August 2022

This article focuses on inequalities in agriculture in the European Union. We examine the mismatch between European legislation on employment and any rigorous interrogation of women's employment position in agriculture. Our central argument is that this occurs because agriculture is seen as a sector rather than an occupation. DG AGRI is responsible for European agricultural and rural development policies. DG EMPLOYMENT does not have oversight for the agricultural workforce in the same way as other occupations as the existence of DG AGRI means farming is less obviously understood as an occupation. There are no similar measures to address the under‐representation of women in agriculture in the same way as for science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations. We demonstrate that when agricultural policies are seen as relating to an occupation rather than a sector, it becomes clearer how agricultural policy discriminates against women.
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes in women with endometriosis
Authors: Rafi Junaid , Pathiraja P. D. M. , Gelson Emily , Brown Richard , Alleemudder Djavid
Published: August 2022

Key content

Endometriosis in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia, postpartum haemorrhage, caesarean section, placenta praevia, fetal growth restriction, prematurity and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Women with mild disease are considered as having ‘low‐risk endometriosis’ (LRE) and can expect a normal pregnancy and labour.

The ‘high‐risk endometriosis’ (HRE) group may require additional antenatal and intrapartum specialist care.

Learning objectives

To understand the pathophysiologic basis of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with endometriosis.

To understand the obstetric outcomes in relation to the severity and staging of endometriosis.

To appreciate the risk of spontaneous haemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHiP) associated with endometriosis in pregnancy.
Outcomes associated with family presence at the bedside of critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Fakhory Nicole , Lee Laurie A. , Seabrook Jamie A. , Ryan Molly , Miller Lauren , Foster Jennifer R.
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The objective of this review is to identify the outcomes of family presence at the bedside of critically ill children in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) that have been reported in the literature.

Introduction:

PICU admission is traumatic for critically ill children and their family members, and family presence may alleviate negative outcomes. Family presence may change with family member, patient, health care provider, and institutional circumstances. Prior to designing studies to assess the outcomes of family presence at the bedside, or to conducting a systematic review of the literature, a scoping review is needed to systematically identify and map the outcomes for stakeholders.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include literature addressing outcomes of family presence at the bedside in the PICU on the patient, family members, and health care providers. Emotional, social, psychological, and physiological outcomes will be considered, including outcomes on the provision of PICU care.

Methods:

A systematic search will be undertaken across four databases and several sources of gray literature. The review will not be restricted by language, and will be limited to sources published after 1960. The search strategy was designed using text words from titles and abstracts of relevant studies. Title and abstract screening, followed by full text assessment of sources against inclusion criteria, will be completed in duplicate. Data will be extracted by two independent reviewers using a data extraction tool developed by the study team. Data will be presented in tabular format to address findings related to the review objectives.
Three-Dimensional Heterogeneous Modeling of a Flexible Lithium-Ion Battery Made From Semi-Solid Electrodes
Authors: Zakri Waleed , Fagehi Hassan , Alhadri Muapper , Abutaleb Ahmed , Farhad Siamak
Published: August 2022

Flexible lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have a strong oncoming consumer market demand for use in wearable electronic devices, flexible smart electronics, roll-up displays, electronic shelf labels, active radio-frequency identification tags, implantable medical devices, and so forth. This market demand necessitates research and development of new flexible LIBs to fulfill the electrical energy and power requirements of these next-generation devices. In this study, we investigate the performance of a new flexible LIB made from semi-solid electrodes. The semi-solid electrodes are made by adding a mixture of electrode active material and conductive material to the organic liquid electrode. This gives dense and viscous slurry so that all solid particles can move by acting pressure, shear, or bending forces to the battery. To study the performance of this battery we develop a 3D heterogeneous mathematical model that considers all necessary transport phenomena including the charge and mass transfer and electrochemical reactions at the continuum mechanics level on the reconstructed 3D structure of semi-solid electrodes. The finite element analysis (FEA) method was used to solve the governing equations using the comsol multiphysics software package. The model is validated using experimental data for the flexible LIB made in the lab. Based on the developed model, several studies are conducted to understand the effect of the battery discharge rate and the operating temperature on the battery capacity. These studies recommend an operational range for the temperature and discharge rate for this flexible LIB.
Exergo-Economic and CO2 Emission Analysis of Bi-Symmetrical Web Flow Photovoltaic-Thermal System Under Diurnal Conditions
Authors: Tirupati Rao V. , Raja Sekhar Y.
Published: August 2022

The undesired heat evolved in photovoltaic (PV) module during its regular operation must be removed to aspire to reliable power output. PV installations in tropical and sub-tropical regions experience abrupt PV module heating, especially during summer seasons that lead to a hot spot effect. Photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) system has proven to provide module cooling satisfactorily with various working fluids while delivering a higher annual energy yield. In the present study, experiments were carried out on novel web flow channel PVT module at Vellore (12.9165 ° N, 79.1325 ° E), India. The present research was carried out under outdoor conditions with various mass flowrates ranging 0.5– 2 L per minute under sunny and overcast conditions. Water was used as working fluid in the PVT system, and performance results were compared to 335 Wp reference polycrystalline PV module under similar operating conditions. PVT with bi-symmetrical web flow thermal absorber gave maximum overall efficiency of 63.09% obtained at 1.5 LPM mass flowrate of the water. Estimation of CO2 mitigations for PVT system earned 8.2% higher savings than the PV module alone under overcast conditions.