bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dermal thirdhand smoke exposure induced epidermal alterations in human keratinocyte cells through oxidative damage and MMP‐1 expression
Authors: Reis Rengin , Kolci Kubra , Yedikardes Eda Nil , Coskun Goknil Pelin , Uzuner Yasemin
Published: February 2024

Thirdhand smoke (THS) is the residual cigarette smoke that settles on indoor surface fabrics, dust and can accumulate in the environment. Therefore, it can be a risk factor for individuals who have frequent dermal contact with THS‐contaminated surfaces. In the present study, it was aimed to elucidate the toxicity of dermal THS exposure in HaCaT human keratinocytes. The THS was extracted from terrycloth exposed to 3R4F research cigarette smoke in a closed chamber and the adverse outcomes induced by THS were determined through assessment of cytotoxicity tests (MTT and NRU), intracellular GSH level, total SOD activity, matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) and IL‐6 levels. The wound healing capacity of THS‐exposed keratinocytes was evaluated via scratch assay. A potent antioxidant isothiocyanate compound, sulforaphane (SFN), was used as a negative control. THS was dose‐dependently cytotoxic (12.5%–100%, v/v) to the HaCaT cells through mitochondrial cell dysfunction (p < 0.01), which was ameliorated by SFN (0.62 μM) pre‐treatment. In parallel, THS exposure significantly decreased the intracellular GSH deposits and T‐SOD activity in keratinocytes. Collagen degradation through elevated MMP‐1 expression was observed in THS‐exposed cells in parallel with the delay of wound healing and increased pro‐inflammatory response in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05). The findings are expected to raise awareness about THS as an environmental pollutant for skin, particularly in the highest‐ranked countries in cigarette consumption. To conclude, these results might contribute to the studies on the importance of dermal exposure to THS in the pathogenesis of epidermal alterations and the other skin diseases.
Functional brain alterations in symptomatic dermographism patients—An exploratory magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Tupker Ron A. , Rustemeyer Thomas , Frölich Mira , Babri Shakiba , Soliman Marwa , de Haan Willem , Hillebrand Arjan
Published: February 2024

Symptomatic dermographism (SD) is a common form of urticaria, which is triggered by stroking the skin. Brain involvement in its aetiology was investigated by means of magnetoencephalography (MEG) after provocation with histamine and dermography. Wheals were induced by histamine skin prick test and dermography in twelve SD patients and fourteen controls. Itch severity was scored on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Relative power and functional connectivity (FC) were measured using a 306‐channel whole‐head MEG system at baseline and 10 min after histamine and dermography, and contrasted between groups and conditions. Furthermore, wheal diameter and itch scores after these procedures were correlated with the MEG values. SD patients had higher itch scores after histamine and dermography. No significant group‐differences were observed in relative power or FC for any condition. In both groups, power decreases were mostly observed in the beta band, and power increases in the alpha bands, after provocation, with more regions involved in patients compared to controls. Increased FC was seen after histamine in patients, and after dermography in controls. In patients only, dermography and histamine wheal size correlated with the alpha2 power in the regions of interest that showed significant condition effects after these procedures. Our findings may be cautiously interpreted as aberrant itch processing, and suggest involvement of the central nervous system in the aetiology of SD.
Black adolescents' disclosure and advice‐seeking: Making choices between parents and adult relatives
Authors: Billingsley Janelle T. , Rivens Ariana J. , Hurd Noelle M.
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study examined Black adolescents' decision‐making processes around disclosure and advice‐seeking with their primary caregivers and nonparental adult relatives.

Background

Few studies have examined youths' decision‐making in the support process or how multiple dyadic youth–adult familial relationships concurrently function to support youths' needs. Consideration of multiple dyadic relationships facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of how Black adolescents use familial resources to meet their support needs.

Method

Interview data from 24 youth, their primary caregivers, and one nonparental adult relative with whom youth reported having a strong relational bond (n = 72 individuals) were analyzed to investigate who youth were deciding to confide in and what information youth were choosing to share with these adults.

Results

Black adolescents often disclosed and sought advice from their primary caregivers either exclusively or in conjunction with nonparental adult relatives across most domains of disclosure and advice‐seeking. Family issues was one topic that youth would almost exclusively discuss with their nonparental adult relatives.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that youths' decision to confide may be topic dependent rather than based on a general disposition among youth for whom they share most of their concerns.

Implications

Understanding youths' disclosure and advice‐seeking across multiple close family relationships may inform interventions aimed to promote Black adolescents' support seeking.
Evolution of mechanical properties and microstructure in thermally treated granite subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: Fan L. F. , Wang Z. , Qiu B. , Wang M.
Published: February 2024

In high‐temperature geological engineering applications, cyclic loads induced by various factors (e.g., earthquakes, excavation, and blasting) can exacerbate the thermal damage of engineered rock formations. Therefore, this study investigates the mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of thermally treated granite subjected to cyclic loading. First, the mechanical property variations of thermally treated granite under cyclic loading were studied through cyclic loading experiments. Subsequently, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was employed to examine the microstructure evolution of thermally treated granite under cyclic loading. Lastly, the effects of cyclic loading on maximum strain, Young's modulus, pore size distribution, and porosity of thermally treated granite were discussed. Results indicate that at the same number of cycles, maximum strain increases with increasing temperature, while Young's modulus decreases. For granite subjected to the same thermal treatment, the maximum strain increases as the cyclic number increases, while Young's modulus decreases. Concurrently, porosity and fractal dimension initially decrease and then increase with a rising number of cycles.
Tolerance to drought and flooding events provides a competitive advantage for an invasive over a native plant species
Authors: Carrara Larissa , Moi Dieison A. , Figueiredo Bruno R. S. , van Kleunen Mark , Pastorini Lindamir H. , Romagnolo Mariza B. , Souza Luiz A.
Published: February 2024

Changes in precipitation patterns are one of the most pervasive components of climate change. It has been suggested that the increased frequency of extreme drought and flooding events could affect the outcome of competition between native and invasive plants. However, empirical evidence for this prediction remains scarce.

We combined controlled experiments and field observations in a freshwater floodplain to assess how drought and flooding events affect growth and biomass production of a native and an invasive plant species, grown in monoculture and mixed culture. We used the native Panicum dichotomiflorum and the invasive Urochloa mutica, which are two common grasses that frequently grow in natural floodplains of the Neotropics.

The experimental and observational data showed that biomass production, growth and relative dominance of the native species were higher under more stable water levels. By contrast, the invasive species had higher biomass production, growth and relative dominance under extreme drought and flooding conditions. Thus, extremes in precipitation can alter the relative dominance of the two species in favour of the invader.

Our study provides comprehensive evidence that water‐level oscillations may negatively impact the performance of the native species, whereas they did not alter the biomass production and growth of the invasive species. Under stable conditions, faster growth of the native species may hinder successful establishment of the invasive species. However, under extreme drought and flooding events, the invader could be favoured. Although our findings are based on the outcome of the interaction between only one native and one invasive plant species, our results suggest that biotic resistance might be higher under stable water conditions.
Biochar as a potential tool to mitigate nutrient exports from managed boreal forest: A laboratory and field experiment
Authors: Mosquera Virginia , Gundale Michael J. , Palviainen Marjo , Laurén Annamari , Laudon Hjalmar , Hasselquist Eliza Maher
Published: February 2024

Forest management in drained forested peatlands can negatively affect water quality due to the increase in exports of organic matter and nutrients. Therefore, new methods to alleviate this impact are needed. In laboratory conditions, biochar has been shown to be a strong sorbent of organic and inorganic nutrients due to its high surface area and ion‐exchange capacity. However, evidence of the adsorption capacity in field conditions is lacking. Here, we studied the water purification performance of two different biochar feedstocks (wood‐ and garden residue‐based) in a 10‐day laboratory experiment where we incubated biochar with runoff water collected from drainage ditches in clear‐cut peatland forests. We measured changes in pH and concentrations of inorganic phosphorus (PO4), total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The biochar with the best adsorbent capacity in the laboratory experiment was then tested in field conditions in a replicated catchment‐scale experiment, where both clear‐cutting and ditch cleaning were performed. We determined the nutrient concentration of water at the inlet and outlet of biochar filters placed in outflow ditches of four catchments. We found that under laboratory conditions wood‐based biochar efficiently adsorbed TDN and DOC, however, it released PO4. Furthermore, we found that the biochar filters reduced TDN and DOC concentration in field conditions. However, the percentage decrease in concentration was dependent on the initial concentrations of nutrients in the water and could be considered low. Moreover, we found that the biochar in the filters increased in TN content over the course of the experiment. This suggests that a wood‐based biochar filter has the potential to be a water protection tool for reducing the export of nutrients from catchments with high nutrient concentration. And that the biochar from the ditches could be applied back to the regenerating forest catchment as a potential soil amendment, closing the nutrient cycle.
Examining the effects of binaural beat music on sleep quality, heart rate variability, and depression in older people with poor sleep quality in a long‐term care institution: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Pin‐Hsuan , Fu Shih‐Hau , Lee Ya‐Chen , Yang Shang‐Yu , Li Yi‐Lin
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effects of binaural beat music (BBM) on sleep quality, heart rate variability, and depression in older people with poor sleep quality in a long‐term care institution.

Methods

A single‐blind randomized controlled trial design was employed, and 64 older participants with poor sleep quality were recruited from a long‐term care institution in Taiwan. Participants were randomized into the BBM group or control group and received 14 days of intervention. During the intervention period, participants in the experimental group listened to 20 min of Taiwanese Hokkien oldies embedded with BBM once in the morning and afternoon three times a week. Participants in the control group only listened to Taiwanese Hokkien oldies. Questionnaires and heart rate variability analysis were used to assess participants' sleep quality, heart rate variability, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in sleep quality, along with an increase in heart rate variability means of heart rate and normal sinus beats, and a decrease in low‐frequency normalized units and depression severity in the BBM group after the intervention. In the control group, effects on sleep quality were inconsistent, heart rate variability showed significant improvements in some autonomic nervous function regulation, and depression severity was significantly decreased. Furthermore, the BBM group showed a significant improvement in sleep quality and a significant reduction in sympathetic nervous activity compared with the control group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that 14 days of BBM intervention, a non‐invasive intervention, could improve sleep quality and depression in older people with poor sleep quality in long‐term care institutions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 297–304.
Deep‐Seated Fluids in Thermal Waters Before and After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes
Authors: Tsunomori Fumiaki , Morikawa Noritoshi , Takahashi Masaaki
Published: February 2024

Noble gases, oxygen‐hydrogen isotope ratios, and ion compositions were measured at three sampling points (KUM, OTN, and ASO) from December 2013 to July 2021. The 3He/4He values at the three sampling points remained stable in the range of 3–4 Ra throughout the observation period, suggesting that the supply of deep‐seated gases to the aquifer was stable. The 4He/20Ne values of KUM and OTN indicate that the supply of surface‐source fluids to the aquifer decreased relative to that of deep‐seated fluids at KUM and OTN. In contrast, in the ASO site, both the surface‐ and deep‐seated fluids supplied to the aquifer were stable. The δD–δ18O relationship indicated the supply of deep‐seated water to the KUM and OTN aquifers but not to the ASO aquifer. Nevertheless, the δD–δ18O relationship remained stable throughout the observation period, suggesting that the supply of deep‐seated water to the three stations was stable. The Li/Cl and 1/Cl relationships for the three sampling points were plotted within a narrow range throughout the observation period, suggesting that the groundwater recharge was stable. Neither spikes nor step changes owing to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake were observed in any of the data. These results indicate that the KUM and OTN aquifers are constantly supplied with deep fluids from the fluid‐rich zone beneath the Kumamoto region, and that only deep‐seated gas was supplied to the ASO aquifer. We also confirmed that these supply conditions were unaffected by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake or the subsequent aftershock activity.
Fabrication of Si3N4 ceramics substrates with high thermal conductivity by tape casting and gas pressure sintering
Authors: Zhao Jixue , Liu Yun , Zheng Yuanhang , Li Xiaolei , Sui Tianyi , Lin Bin
Published: February 2024

In this paper, high thermal conductivity Si3N4 ceramics were successfully fabricated through exploring and optimizing the tape casting process. The impact of various organic additives on the rheological characteristics of Si3N4 slurry was explored, and the pore size distribution and microstructure of the green tapes at different solid loadings were investigated, as well as the microstructure of Si3N4 ceramics. Green tapes with a narrow pore size distribution, a small average pore size, and a high density of 1.88 g cm−3 were prepared by the investigation and optimization of the Si3N4 slurry formulation. After gas pressure sintering, Si3N4 ceramics with a density of 3.23 g cm−3, dimensions of 78 mm × 78 mm, and a thickness of 0.55 mm were obtained. The microstructure of the Si3N4 ceramics showed a bimodal distribution and a low content of glassy phases. The thermal conductivity of the Si3N4 ceramics was 100.5 W m−1 K−1, the flexural strength was 735 ± 24 MPa, and the fracture toughness was 7.17 MPa m1/2.
Ethical tensions of migrants in the informal economy in the Global South
Authors: Del Giudice Oscar Naranjo , Kabadayi Sertan
Published: February 2024

Considering the ongoing, record‐setting migration in the Global South, this paper explores the values, principles and ethical tensions of Venezuelan migrants in the informal economy of Colombia. We found that migrants frequently prefer to stay within the informal economy as a way of preserving their identities, values and principles, rather than adopting those of their new country. This choice sets up ethical tensions for the migrants and their host countries. Our analysis challenges the current policy goals of transitioning migrants from informal to formal economies as a mark of success and inclusion. Instead, we attempt to recognize the migrant voice and their agency capacity through our research using focus groups and applied thematic analysis (ATA) of popular music and narratives. Our findings broaden the understanding of why migrants choose to stay in the informal economy and challenge policy goals that focus on inclusion and integration of migrants into formal economy.
Healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles and associated factors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jarva Erika , Oikarinen Anne , Andersson Janicke , Pramila‐Savukoski Sari , Hammarén Mira , Mikkonen Kristina
Published: February 2024

Aims

To identify healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles and explore associated factors to digital health competence in healthcare settings.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Data were collected from 817 healthcare professionals from nine organizations with an electronic questionnaire by using Digital Health Competence instrument (42 items) and Aspects Associated with Digital Health instrument (15 items) between 1st March and 31st July 2022. K‐means clustering was used to describe digital health competence profiles. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore associated factors.

Results

Analysis revealed three digital health competence profiles: A – high competence (n = 336), B – intermediate competence (n = 352) and C – low competence (n = 129). Between the profiles, digital health competence showed significant differences (p < .001). Recent graduation year, working in outpatient environments and leader or specialist position were associated with higher digital health competence. Organizational practices and the influence from colleagues improved competence in human‐centred remote counselling, digital solutions as part of work, competence in utilizing and evaluating digital solutions and ethical competence. Support from management improved digital solutions as part of work and ethical competence.

Conclusion

Nursing and allied health professionals working in other than outpatient environments should be specifically acknowledged when digital health competence development initiatives are designed and targeted. The positive influence from colleagues could be harnessed by enhancing their involvement in digital health competence development methods such as orientation, mentoring or coaching. Additionally, managers should take a stronger role in supporting different areas of digital health competence.

Impact

This was the first study that explored healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles and associated factors. The detection of healthcare professionals' digital health competence profiles guides the development of digital health education according to different needs in healthcare environments.

Reporting Method

The study has adhered to STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
The reputational costs of connections to controversial politicians: Evidence from political scandals
Authors: Preuss Susanne , Wielhouwer Jacco L.
Published: February 2024

We use the exogenous nature of political scandals to test whether political connections in the form of campaign contributions expose firms to reputational risk. We hand‐collect a sample of 218 scandals of members of the U.S. Congress that occurred between 2000 and 2019 and estimate the abnormal returns around the day a scandal first appeared in the news. We find that connected firms and to a lesser extent other politically active firms experience value losses around corruption scandals involving firms or lobbyists. These losses increase in managers’ propensity to engage in unethical behavior. Moreover, we find that following such corruption scandals, media sources release negative news about connected firms, shareholders of connected firms are more likely to submit proposals on the disclosure of political contributions, and connected firms reduce political spending. Overall, our results suggest that losses around scandals are driven by reputation spillover and investors updating their beliefs about the risks of political contributions.
Patients' testimonies, feelings, complaints and emotional experiences with dermatoses on open social media: The French infodemiologic patient's free speech study
Authors: Marty Tom , Khadar Mickaïl , Autelitano Lina , Baissac Catherine , Mebarki Adel , Texier Nathalie , Schück Stéphane , Boiteux Marie‐Claude , Richard Marie‐Aleth
Published: February 2024

Background

Dermatoses represent a significant burden. Patients and their caregivers can turn to social media and digital communities to exchange with each other. These public exchanges constitute real‐life data that can be analysed to better understand the patients' feelings and expectations, and the daily difficulties encountered.

Objective

An infodemiologic study of public testimonies of patients and caregivers related to five dermatoses: eczema, rosacea, vitiligo, acne and psoriasis, over a 3‐year time frame (September 2018 to September 2021) in France. To identify main topics of discussion, encountered difficulties and unmet medical needs.

Methods

Data extraction was performed based on a list of pertinent keywords. Web‐users' profiles were determined by a specifically trained machine learning algorithm. Encountered difficulties were identified by manual annotation based on a standardized search grid. Co‐occurrence analysis of difficulties allowed contextualization of challenges and unmet needs for each dermatosis.

Results

A total of 20,282 messages coming from 16,800 web users was extracted. The main topics of discussion were ‘Impact on self‐ image and self‐confidence’ (23.6%), ‘Generic discussion about therapeutics’ (23.3%) and ‘Burden of others' gaze’ (12.8%). The top three mentioned difficulties for the five targeted dermatoses were similar and focused on ‘Fear of/and management of symptoms’, ‘Impact on/and mood management’ and ‘Damaged self‐image’.

Conclusion

This infodemiologic study highlighted the real‐life management of five skin diseases by patients and their caregivers, who turned to social networks to openly express their suffering and seek solutions. The joined analysis of the five diseases enabled a common comprehension of what it is to live with a skin disease, from a patient‐centric point of view. The specific analysis of each patient group objectified specific challenges, and main unmet medical needs.
Behavior‐based pricing and signaling of product quality
Authors: Li Jianpei , Zhang Wanzhu
Published: February 2024

In a two‐period model with repeat purchase, we compare the profit and social welfare effects of behavior‐based pricing (BBP) and uniform pricing in a monopoly under quality uncertainty. We offer the novel insight that BBP increases the price elasticity of imitation demand and lowers the signaling cost relative to uniform pricing, and becomes a potentially profitable strategy even when the monopolist cannot commit to future prices. Moreover, the profitability of BBP does not arise at the expense of consumer surplus. Either upward or downward price distortion with the use of BBP signals high quality, depending on the seller's commitment power. With more accurate tracking technology, the monopolist may forsake signaling for better consumer information.
Effects of temperature on reproduction and development of Cyanopterus ninghais (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a larval parasitoid of Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Wang Shaobo , Han Mengjiao , Wei Ke , Wang Xiaoyi
Published: February 2024

Cyanopterus ninghais (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a newly discovered gregarious ectoparasitoid, is a promising biological control agent against the third‐fifth instar larvae of the Japanese pine sawyer, Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Effects of constant ambient temperatures (17, 20, 23, 26, 29 and 32°C) on the reproduction and development of the parasitoid were determined in the laboratory. Results showed that the pre‐oviposition periods of C. ninghais decreased gradually with increasing temperatures, ranging from 8.5 d (at 17°C) to 3.4 d (at 32°C). Both the parasitism rates and the number of offspring exhibited a parabolic trend in relation to increasing temperatures, with the highest parasitism rate being 80% (at 29°C) and the maximum number of offspring reaching 7.2 (at 26°C). Temperature did not significantly affect the emergence rate and sex ratio of progeny. The duration of each developmental stage was inversely correlated with temperature within the range of 20 to 32°C. The egg‐to‐adult development time was 32.3 d at 20°C and 12.5 d at 32°C. The developmental threshold temperatures for the egg, larva, pupa, and the entire generation were 8.6, 12.6, 12.8 and 12.1°C, respectively, and the effective accumulated temperatures were 34.3, 51.3, 148.9 and 240.0 Degree‐days, respectively. We concluded that temperatures in the range of 26 to 29°C are the most suitable for the development and reproduction of C. ninghais. These findings provide important information for improving the artificial rearing efficiency and field release of this parasitoid under different temperature conditions.
Severe floods predictive ability: A proxy based probabilistic assessment of the Italian early warning system
Authors: Silvestro Francesco , Molini Luca , Guzzetti Fausto , Schiavi Federico , Castelli Fabio , Ferraris Luca
Published: February 2024

In compliance with the national legal framework, the regional offices (CFDs) of the Italian Civil Protection Department have the daily duty to issue warnings to the local population on the account of the weather and hydrology‐related impacts, predicted by forecast models and refined through their expertise and experience: this composite of objective (model) and subjective (analyst) assessments are both contributing to the actual colour‐coded warning system. Given its hybrid nature, it is of paramount importance to evaluate the predictive ability of the warning decision‐making process as a whole. To this end, this study compares the return period T of the occurred flood (estimated through an hydrological model fed with observations) to the warning level that was issued. The novelty of this approach is that, by applying this methodology extensively in space and time, the probability curves of the variable T for each warning level are computed, allowing to evaluate the consistency between the warnings and the actual (estimated) severity of the event. As results suggest, the national early warning system is proven to be overall reliable for most cases, though very fine scale events (e.g., severe, localised, short‐lived thunderstorms) are still an open challenge.
Free energy profile of the substrate‐induced occlusion of the human serotonin transporter
Authors: Alves da Silva Leticia , Lazzarin Erika , Gradisch Ralph , Clarke Amy , Stockner Thomas
Published: February 2024

The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a member of the Solute Carrier 6 (SLC6) family and is responsible for maintaining the appropriate level of serotonin in the brain. Dysfunction of SERT has been linked to several neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety and obsessive‐compulsive disorder. Therefore, an in‐depth understanding of the mechanism on an atomistic level, coupled with a quantification of transporter dynamics and the associated free energies is required. Here, we constructed Markov state models (MSMs) from extensive unbiased molecular dynamics simulations to quantify the free energy profile of serotonin (5HT) triggered SERT occlusion and explored the driving forces of the mechanism of occlusion. Our results reveal that SERT occludes via multiple intermediate conformations and show that the motion of occlusion is energetically downhill for the 5HT‐bound transporter. Force distribution analyses show that the interactions of 5HT with the bundle domain are crucial. During occlusion, attractive forces steadily increase and pull on the bundle domain, which leads to SERT occlusion. Some interactions become repulsive upon full occlusion, suggesting that SERT creates pressure on 5HT to promote its movement towards the cytosol.

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Conducting family meetings on families with dementia: An integrative review
Authors: Zhang Huiyue , Wang Nan , Bai Nan , Yin Min
Published: February 2024

Aim

To explore the role of family meetings for individuals living with dementia and their family caregivers.

Design

Integrative review.

Methods

We conducted searches in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases (up to December 2022). Additionally, an ancestry search strategy was employed to supplement the retrieval of published literature related to family meetings or family conferences for people with dementia and their family caregivers.

Results

The review integrated 11 articles, comprising seven quantitative studies, two qualitative studies, and two case reports. The findings did not indicate a significant improvement in end‐of‐life quality for individuals with dementia in the family meetings group compared to those receiving usual care. Limited evidence suggested some improvement in mental health outcomes for family caregivers. Both intervention and control groups incurred high care costs. However, family meetings appeared to delay nursing home placements for individuals with dementia. Two qualitative studies provided insights into the experiences of families and healthcare professionals participating in family meetings, highlighting opportunities and challenges in implementing such meetings. Additionally, two case reports offered specific and illustrative accounts of typical family meetings.

Conclusion

Family meetings can delay nursing home placements for elderly individuals with dementia. Families dealing with dementia perceive family meetings as an opportunity to collaborate with professionals in providing comprehensive care. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of family meetings in decision‐making for families affected by dementia. Additionally, addressing timing and process coordination issues in family meetings is crucial for optimising their practices among families dealing with dementia.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

In order to make family meetings more accessible to families of individuals with dementia, we offer the following recommendations for future research and practice:

Rather than a blanket rejection, the decision regarding the participation of individuals with dementia in family meetings should be based on their specific condition and the needs of their family.

Coordination and harmonisation of opinions and perceptions among family members of individuals with dementia can sometimes be complex for healthcare professionals. The involvement of family coordinators may simplify this process.

To determine the optimal timing for holding family meetings that can better assist families dealing with dementia, we propose that the right to initiate a meeting be granted to the family. This allows them to convene with healthcare professionals and address their concerns at their convenience.
The Psychosocial Benefits of Biblioguidance Book Clubs
Authors: Banas Jennifer R. , Valley Julia A. , Chaudhri Amina , Gershon Sarah
Published: February 2024

Background

Pedagogical approaches that support young people's well‐being and maximize their potential are among the Journal of School Health research priorities. A unique form of observational learning called biblioguidance could be a pedagogical approach.

Methods

We, a team of researchers and teachers, implemented biblioguidance book clubs with 10th‐grade health education students. While the initial focus was health literacy skills, we also aimed to generate psychosocial benefits. Those benefits are the focus of the current descriptive phenomenological research. A final book club reflection captured the benefits students received and documented their transformation. We randomly selected 42 reflections from the sample pool (n = 168) and coded them via descriptive document analysis.

Results

The results indicate that the book clubs provided psychosocial benefits. Students identified with the stories and characters, gained insight into others' perspectives, lived experiences, and “ways of the world,” and were, in many ways, transformed. Some students even experienced catharsis, citing hope, validation, and feeling less alone.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

Biblioguidance book clubs could offer an innovative pedagogical approach to advance students' psychosocial well‐being and engage them as active participants in their own learning and health.
Long‐term language use by US‐based study‐abroad alumni: Activity types and program effects
Authors: Zhuang Jingyuan , Kinginger Celeste
Published: February 2024

This article presents selected results from a large‐scale, mixed‐methods, federally funded investigation of US‐based language study‐abroad alumni of all ages, which included a nationwide survey (N = 4,899) followed by professional life history interviews with 54 participants. Here, we focus on three questions heretofore unaddressed: (a) How do these alumni continue to use their additional languages? (b) How is long‐term language use associated with various study‐abroad program features? and (c) How is the role of program features reflected in life history narratives? We found that 79% of participants use their languages in at least one of the activities listed on the survey, though this use is generally confined to informal, interactive tasks. Our examination of program features using multiple regression revealed that while all features were statistically significant predictors for long‐term language use, those involving engagement with local communities (e.g., close personal relationships) showed more relative importance. Contextualized with a sample of our qualitative data, findings from this study offer a macrolevel confirmation that local engagement during study abroad retains its significance for language use over the long term and provide implications for designing study‐abroad programs that involve language learning.
A natural single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the CAMTA3 transcription factor regulates its function and transcription of its target genes
Authors: Prasad Kasavajhala V. S. K. , Abdel‐Hameed Amira A. E. , Reddy Anireddy S. N.
Published: February 2024

CAMTA3, a Ca2+/calmodulin‐binding transcription factor, is a key regulator of plant immunity in Arabidopsis. Here, we identified a novel naturally occurring single‐nucleotide polymorphism that results in a missense nonconservative mutation (CAMTA3H386D) in many Arabidopsis ecotypes. This region of CAMTA3 is not part of any previously characterized regulatory domains. To study the consequence of this change on the function of CAMTA3, we introduced the CAMTA3H386D into camta3, a loss‐of‐function mutant that exhibits a constitutive cell death phenotype, chlorotic lesions on leaves, and reduced plant size. Phenotypic and molecular analysis of these lines indicated that the expression of CAMTA3H386D in the camta3 mutant did not complement the mutant phenotypes. Also, the ecotypes containing the CAMTA3H386D exhibited camta3 phenotypes. Marker genes associated with salicylic acid biosynthesis and pathogen response were upregulated in the CAMTA3H386D lines and the Arabidopsis accessions 7127 (Est‐1) and 9941 (Fei‐0), as in camta3, indicating that H386D mutation alters CAMTA3 activity in regulating the expression of known target genes. In Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression assays, CAMTA3H386D failed to induce the expression of a luciferase reporter gene driven by the rapid stress‐responsive elements (RSRE) that contain the known binding sites of CAMTA3, suggesting that CAMTA3H386D mutation impairs its ability to activate its target genes. Transgenic lines and tested natural accessions expressing CAMTA3H386D showed enhanced levels of H2O2 and increased resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Collectively, our results indicate that the H386D mutation in a previously unknown regulatory region of CAMTA3 is essential for its function.
Exploring the barriers and facilitators of palliative care in the adult intensive care unit from nurses' perspectives in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Xie Peiying , Liu Zhili , Chen Huiyao , Wu Yanchun , Xie Peijie , Liu Hui , Ying Wenjuan
Published: February 2024

Background

Intensive care units (ICUs) in China primarily focus on active rescue efforts, and it is not common to provide palliative care services within the ICU. As nurses play a primary role as caregivers for end‐of‐life patients in the ICU, it is necessary to explore the factors that impede or facilitate palliative care from their perspective.

Aim

To explore the barriers and facilitators associated with implementing palliative care in Chinese adult ICUs from nurses' perspectives.

Study Design

This study utilized a descriptive phenomenological research approach and purposive sampling to conduct face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews with nurses working in adult ICUs from three comprehensive hospitals in China during the period between February and May 2023. A total of 17 nurses were interviewed, and the collected data were transcribed, coded, and synthesized thematically.

Results

Two themes of barriers and facilitators of palliative care in the Chinese adult ICU were extracted. The three sub‐themes of hindering factors are as follows: (1) The influence of Chinese traditional culture. (2) The specificity of the ICU context. (3) Lacking sufficient attention in the ICU. The three sub‐themes of the promoting factors are as follows: (1) Government and society value palliative care. (2) Patients and their families have palliative care needs. (3) Nurses view palliative care positively.

Conclusion

Currently, integrating palliative care into the ICU may face challenges such as cultural factors, the specificity of the ICU context, and insufficient attention. However, it is worth noting that as the government and society place more emphasis on palliative care, more and more people are gradually paying attention to the palliative care needs of critically ill patients and their families.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study serves as a reference for exploring an ICU palliative care service model that is suitable for China's national conditions, such as education and training, resource allocation, service processes, and the palliative care environment, among others.
Utility of irritable bowel syndrome subtypes and most troublesome symptom in predicting disease impact and burden
Authors: Khasawneh Mais , Shaikh Fahad Ali , Ng Cho Ee , Black Christopher J. , Goodoory Vivek C. , Ford Alexander C.
Published: February 2024

Background

Little is known about the characteristics of individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) according to stool subtype or the most troublesome symptom reported by the individual, or whether these are useful in predicting the impact of IBS.

Methods

We collected demographic, gastrointestinal, and psychological symptoms, healthcare usage and direct healthcare costs, impact on work and activities of daily living, and quality of life data from individuals with Rome IV‐defined IBS.

Key Results

We recruited 752 people with Rome IV IBS. Individuals with IBS‐D reported a poorer disease‐specific quality of life than those with IBS‐C or IBS‐M (mean (SD) IBS‐QOL 45.3 (23.0) for IBS‐D, vs. 52.3 (19.9) for IBS‐C, vs. 49.4 (22.0) for IBS‐M, p = 0.005). Mean (SD) IBS‐QOL scores were also lower amongst those who reported diarrhea (44.8 (22.3)) or urgency (44.6 (22.3)) as their most troublesome symptom, compared with those reporting abdominal pain (52.2 (22.9)), constipation (49.5 (21.8)), or abdominal bloating or distension (50.4 (21.3)). However, there were no differences in mean EQ‐5D scores, IBS severity, levels of anxiety, depression, somatoform symptom‐reporting, or gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety. Direct healthcare costs of IBS were similar across all subtypes and all most troublesome symptom groups, although some differences in work productivity and social leisure activities were detected.

Conclusions and Inferences

There appears to be limited variation in the characteristics of individuals with Rome IV IBS based on both stool subtypes and most troublesome symptom reported, suggesting that gastrointestinal symptoms alone have limited ability to predict disease impact and burden.
Root phosphatase activity is coordinated with the root conservation gradient across a phosphorus gradient in a lowland tropical forest
Authors: Guilbeault‐Mayers Xavier , Laliberté Etienne
Published: February 2024

Soil phosphorus (P) is a growth‐limiting nutrient in tropical ecosystems, driving diverse P‐acquisition strategies among plants. Particularly, mining for inorganic P through phosphomonoesterase (PME) activity is essential, given the substantial proportion of organic P in soils. Yet, the relationship between PME activity and other nutrient‐acquisition root traits remains unclear.

We measured root PME activity and commonly measured root traits, including root diameter, specific root length (SRL), root tissue density (RTD), and nitrogen concentration ([N]) in 18 co‐occurring species across soils with varying P availability to better understand trees response to P supply.

Root [N] and RTD were inversely related, and that axis was not clearly related to soil P supply. Both traits, however, correlated positively and negatively with PME activity, which responded strongly to P supply. Conversely, root diameter was inversely related to SRL, but this axis was not related to P supply.

This pattern suggests that limiting similarity influenced variation along the diameter–SRL axis, explaining local trait diversity. Meanwhile, variation along the root [N]–RTD axis might best reflect environmental filtering. Overall, P availability indicator traits such as PME activity and root hairs only tended to be associated with these axes, highlighting limitations of these axes in describing convergent adaptations at local sites.
Oral manifestations after vaccinations: A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Messina Sabrina , Natale Patrizia , Graziano Giusi , Galleggiante Sara , Strippoli Giovanni F. M. , Petruzzi Massimo
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and types of oral adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) in people who received at least one dose of any type of vaccine.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a bibliographic search about oral AEFIs in MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Ovid from database inception to November 07, 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the MURAD or the Quality In Prognosis Studies tools. Random‐effects proportional meta‐analysis was applied.

Results

A total of 119 studies involving 343 people were eligible. These reported AEFIs occurred following administration of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine, anti‐influenza vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, and anti‐smallpox vaccine. The most common to be affected in vaccinated people were buccal mucosa (63.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 33.4–88.2) and lips (55.7%; 95% CI, 41.1–69.8). The most prevalent oral AEFIs were ulceration (55.2%; 95% CI 24.4–84.0), swelling (65.2%; 95% CI 34.9–89.8), and burning sensation (18.3%; 95% CI 7.9–31.8).

Conclusions

The mechanisms underlying oral AEFIs should be further investigated to promptly recognize oral manifestations and provide optimal management for people undergoing vaccination.
Effect of age on in‐hospital outcomes of transvenous lead extraction for infected cardiac implantable electronic device
Authors: Tan Min Choon , Ang Qi Xuan , Yeo Yong Hao , Thong Jia Yean , Tolat Aneesh , Scott Luis R. , Lee Justin Z.
Published: February 2024

Background

The real‐world data on the safety profile of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) for infected cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) among elderly patients is not well‐established. This study aimed to evaluate the hospital outcomes between patients of different age groups who underwent TLE for infected CIED.

Method

Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, our study included patients aged ≥18 years who underwent TLE for infected CIED between 2017 and 2020. We divided the patients into four groups: Group A. Young (<50 years), Group B. Young intermediate (50–69 years old), Group C. Older intermediate (70–79 years old), and Group D. Octogenarian (≥80 years old). We then analyzed the in‐hospital outcome and 30‐day readmission between these age groups.

Results

A total of 10,928 patients who were admitted for TLE of infected CIED were included in this study: 982 (9.0%) patients in group A, 4,234 (38.7%) patients in group B, 3,204 (29.3%) patients in group C and 2,508 (23.0%) of patients in group D. Our study demonstrated that the risk of early mortality increased with older age (Group B vs. Group A: OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.19‐3.09, p < .01; Group C vs. Group A: OR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.51‐4.04, p < .01; Group D vs. Group A: OR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.69‐4.72, p < .01). The risk of non‐home discharge also increased in elderly groups (Group B vs. Group A: OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.52‐2.36; p < .01; Group C vs. Group A: OR: 2.82; 95% CI 2.24‐3.56; p < .01; Group D vs. Group A: OR: 4.16; 95% CI: 3.28‐5.28; p < .01). There was no significant difference in hospitalization length and 30‐day readmission between different age groups. Apart from a higher rate of open heart surgery in group A, the procedural complications were comparable between these age groups.

Conclusion

Elderly patients had worse in‐hospital outcomes in early mortality and non‐home discharge following the TLE for infected CIED. There was no significant difference between elderly and non‐elderly groups in prolonged hospital stay and 30‐day readmission. Elderly patients did not have a higher risk of procedural complications.
Unravelling the neglected role of ultraviolet radiation on stomata: A meta‐analysis with implications for modelling ecosystem–climate interactions
Authors: Ač Alexander , Jansen Marcel A. K. , Grace John , Urban Otmar
Published: February 2024

Stomata play a pivotal role in regulating gas exchange between plants and the atmosphere controlling water and carbon cycles. Accordingly, we investigated the impact of ultraviolet‐B radiation, a neglected environmental factor varying with ongoing global change, on stomatal morphology and function by a Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis. The overall UV effect at the leaf level is to decrease stomatal conductance, stomatal aperture and stomatal size, although stomatal density was increased. The significant decline in stomatal conductance is marked (6% in trees and >10% in grasses and herbs) in short‐term experiments, with more modest decreases noted in long‐term UV studies. Short‐term experiments in growth chambers are not representative of long‐term field UV effects on stomatal conductance. Important consequences of altered stomatal function are hypothesized. In the short term, UV‐mediated stomatal closure may reduce carbon uptake but also water loss through transpiration, thereby alleviating deleterious effects of drought. However, in the long term, complex changes in stomatal aperture, size, and density may reduce the carbon sequestration capacity of plants and increase vegetation and land surface temperatures, potentially exacerbating negative effects of drought and/or heatwaves. Therefore, the expected future strength of carbon sink capacity in high‐UV regions is likely overestimated.