bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No way out? The hurdles of exiting public rental housing in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Khair Nurhayati , Mohd Aini Ainoriza , Zyed Zafirah Al Sadat
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the significant exit barriers encountered by tenants in public rental housing and analyze the moderating effects of sociodemographic factors on tenants’ decisions to leave public rental housing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a quantitative methodology. Questionnaire survey was used as its main instrument for data collection. Responses were gathered from 328 tenants in the Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling partial least square (SEM-PLS).

Findings

The findings reveal that housing availability and the exit programs by DBKL are the most significant factors influencing exit barriers. Tenant income also impacts their decision to remain, as available housing often does not match their income levels. Policymakers and relevant agencies should collaborate to help tenants increase their income, facilitating their transition out of public rental housing.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the factors influencing the tenant from exiting PRH. Furthermore, the study specifically targeted those who rent public housing under DBKL administration may neglect the perspectives of other stakeholders, such as DBKL management, property owners and policymakers. Therefore, the findings are insufficient in representing tenants other than those under the DBKL’s administration. While the causes may be similar, the opinions and consequences would vary among other tenants depending on their socio-demographic profiles.

Practical implications

This research offers a more comprehensive understanding of the exit barriers tenants’ encounter in PRH. The results gained from this study will assist policymakers in developing a more comprehensive initiative that will assist tenants in exiting PRH. DBKL can effectively engage PRH tenants to provide a strategic departure mechanism for better solutions. Furthermore, DBKL can offer aid in locating cheap housing options for tenants who may have limited access to information on the availability of such homes.

Social implications

This discovery will also be advantageous for prospective tenants who have been on the waiting list for several years, eagerly awaiting the vacancy of units previously occupied by other tenants. Furthermore, residents who successfully vacate public rental housing (PRH) will need to be considered for incentives to promote the success of the housing pathway. This will lead to the attainment of the equitable allocation that has been identified as the primary concern of PRH.

Originality/value

This study seeks to clarify the exit barriers encountered by tenants in PRH and identifies the significant factors contributing to the low turnover rate of tenants. The study is relevant for DBKL and policymakers in promoting the success of housing pathways to ensure fairness and efficiency in the principles of public housing.
Digital distractions and work-leisure balance: excessive information through digital consumption and its impact on work ethic among Muslims
Authors: Zafar Muhammad Bilal , Abu-Hussin Mohd Fauzi , Sulaiman Ahmad Azam
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Excessive digital consumption can lead to a blurring of boundaries between work and leisure. This paper aims to investigate the influence of digital consumption on the work ethic among Muslims, integrating demographic variables like gender and marital status into the analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the 7th wave of the World Values Survey, this study focuses on a subset of 12,979 employed Muslims to assess the relationships between their engagement with digital media and their work-related values. Multiple linear regression models are used to analyze the effects of various digital platforms, including mobile phones, social media and internet usage, on the perceived importance of work and related ethic principles.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant negative impact of over digital consumption on work ethic, suggesting that increased digital engagement and tech-overload may undermine traditional work values. The relationship persists in all models on success inclusion of control variables, which confirms the robustness of the relationship. However, this relationship varies among demographic groups, with males and singles being more susceptible to the negative impacts compared to females and married individuals.

Originality/value

The study contributes to understanding how digital consumption influences traditional work values and offers recommendations for balancing digital consumption to maintain a robust work ethic in modern digital societies.
Sentiments in the cryptocurrency market: an in-depth analysis of influential factors applying ISM-MICMAC and AHP
Authors: Sharma Diya , Ghosh Renu , Shri Charu , Khatter Divya
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Cryptocurrency, an emerging asset class, is a virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for security and operates on decentralised networks based on blockchain technology. It offers both challenges and opportunities for investors, particularly in terms of diversification, risk management and potential returns. Considering this, the present study attempts to investigate the sentimental factors influencing cryptocurrency while unravelling the intricate interplay among these factors.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this, interpretive structure modelling (ISM) identifies the hierarchical model of critical sentimental factors, while Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) explores their dependency and driving power. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is adopted to rank the drivers.

Findings

Findings reveal that the pandemic, war, religiosity and economic uncertainty are top-level factors dominantly shaping cryptocurrency trends. Simultaneously, Google Search Trends and Herding emerge as the most dependent factors, influenced by sentiments that emerged from other factors.

Practical implications

The study unpacks implications, acknowledges limitations and proposes avenues for future research.

Originality/value

By exploring the interactive interrelationships among identified sentimental factors through ISM-MICMAC analysis and ranking via the AHP, this paper will have a great influence while contributing towards this evolving field.
User generated content versus mainstream media influence on hot spring tourism destination image formation
Authors: Zain Nur Adilah Md , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Asyraff Muhammad Aliff , Ismail Hazmal , Bafadhal Aniesa Samira
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to compare the influence of user-generated content and mainstream media on the formation of hot springs tourists’ cognitive and affective destination image and, secondly, how these image formations impact travellers’ satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 575 international tourists who visited hot spring destinations. The non-probability purposive sampling approach was used, and the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) assessment was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

This study found no significant differences in the roles of user-generated content and mainstream media in shaping tourists’ perceptions. User-generated content and mainstream media significantly influence cognitive and affective image formation. Tourists’ cognitive image significantly influences their satisfaction with hot springs visitation; however, affective image is an insignificant predictor of satisfaction. Ultimately, tourist satisfaction is crucial to tourists’ loyalty to hot springs destinations.

Originality/value

Leveraging uses and gratifications theory, this study introduces a novel framework that integrates user-generated content and mainstream media to dissect their combined impact on destination image formation. It highlights the theoretical understanding of media consumption and provides groundbreaking insights into optimising tourism strategies and fostering enduring destination loyalty.
Potential postmortem microbial biomarkers of infant and younger children death investigation
Authors: Mikles Bethany , Schmidt Carl J. , Benbow M. Eric , Jordan Heather R. , Pechal Jennifer L.
Published: December 2024

Microbial communities associated with the human body are highly dynamic and reflect the host environment and lifestyle over time. Studies show death is no exception, with data demonstrating similar antemortem and postmortem microbiomes up to 48 h following death. These predictable microbial biomarkers can inform death investigation by helping to estimate the postmortem interval and build models to identify cause and manner of death. However, no attempts have been made to model potential microbial biomarkers in pediatric (≤2 years) deaths. This study provided a cross‐sectional survey of the microbiota of 53 pediatric cases (black, white, both sexes) seen in Wayne County, Michigan. Autopsy cases represented accidents, homicides, or natural causes. Postmortem microbiome were collected by swabbing the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, umbilicus, brain, rectum, trabecular space, and cardiac blood. 16S rRNA sequence analyses indicated that sex, race, age, body site, and manner of death (MOD) had significant effects on microbiome composition, with significant interactions among MOD, race, and age. Amplicon sequence variants identified intra‐ and interhost dispersion of the postmortem microbiome depending on death circumstance. Among manners of death, non‐accidental deaths were significantly distinct from all other deaths, and among body sites the rectum was distinct in its microbial composition. There is a real need for robust postmortem microbiome before it can be standardized as a practical tool for use in forensic investigation or public health. These results inform postmortem microbial variability during pediatric death investigation that contributes to a larger effort to understand the postmortem microbiome.
The crucial role played by material trace analysis in resolving a murder vs. suicide dilemma
Authors: Baciu Dora Domnica , Tașbac Bogdan Alexandru , Trușcă Roxana , Mihăiescu Dan Eduard
Published: December 2024

In the case of a young woman's death by falling from the window of her boyfriend's sixth‐floor apartment, investigators needed to determine whether the fall was suicidal or if the victim was forcibly pushed. The incident occurred at night, with her boyfriend being the only witness to how the fall happened. Establishing the origin of the material traces found on the woman's stockings and shoes, along with other clues, played a crucial role in resolving this dilemma. The traces found on the stockings and samples collected from the building's external wall were analyzed using digital stereomicroscopy, High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and optical microscopy. Chlorophyll presence on both the victim's stockings and the surface of the building façade was confirmed using Raman spectroscopy. The inorganic traces found on the shoes and the external wall were examined using stereomicroscopy and HRSEM coupled with EDX and were found to be similar in texture and elemental composition. The correspondence between the biological structures and mineral fragments, along with the dynamic friction marks found on the woman's body and shoes, confirmed physical contact between the victim and the external wall. These findings led to the conclusion that the victim struggled for her life and the fall resulted from a criminal act.
Molecular characterization of Bombyx mori C‐type lectin 21 in innate immune responses
Authors: Park Min Ji , Kim Bo Yeon , Yoon Hyung Joo , Kim Kee Young , Kim Seong Wan , Kim Sun Young , Lee Kwang Sik , Jin Byung Rae
Published: December 2024

Insect C‐type lectins (CTLs) play a vital role in recognizing and binding pathogen‐associated molecules, such as carbohydrate moieties, to initiate immune responses. Although the characteristics of Bombyx mori C‐type lectin 21 (BmCTL21), named BmLBP, have been reported, its molecular mechanisms, including expression patterns during immune responses and recognition and binding behaviors, remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to explore the molecular characterization of BmCTL21 in innate immune responses. The findings reveal that BmCTL21 is upregulated in the fat body and subsequently transported to hemocytes, where it binds to the surface of Gram‐negative bacteria during microbial infection. Additionally, BmCTL21 RNAi treatment leads to a decline in BmCTL21 expression, which results in the suppression of phenoloxidase activity. Moreover, recombinant BmCTL21 was found to recognize carbohydrates, such as lipopolysaccharide, mannan and N‐acetyl‐
d‐glucosamine, in a Ca2+‐independent manner, and binds to the cell walls of Gram‐negative bacteria, Gram‐positive bacteria and fungi. In summary, this study offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms and functional behaviors of BmCTL21 in the innate immune response of silkworms.
Assessment of transglutaminase catalyzed cross‐linking on the potential allergenicity and conformation of heterologous protein polymers
Authors: Xing Guangliang , Liu Jia , Wang Ruohan , Wu Yitong
Published: December 2024

Transglutaminase (TGase)‐mediated cross‐linking has gained significant attention due to its potential to reduce the allergenicity of food proteins. This study investigates the effects of TGase cross‐linking on allergenicity and conformational modifications in a dual‐protein system comprising soy protein isolate (SPI) and β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG). The results showed that TGase cross‐linking effectively decreased the allergenic potential of both SPI and β‐LG, with a more pronounced reduction observed in the allergenicity of soy protein in the dual‐protein system. SDS‐PAGE analysis revealed that the 7S and 11S subunits of soy protein were more easily cross‐linked than β‐LG. Secondary structure analysis indicated that TGase treatment disrupted β‐sheet structures, increased the content of random coils, and enhanced protein flexibility. Ultraviolet absorption and intrinsic fluorescence analyses confirmed these structural alterations, with TGase treatment exposing additional aromatic amino acids. A reduction in free sulfhydryl groups and altered intermolecular forces further corroborated the occurrence of cross‐linking. These findings suggest that TGase‐mediated cross‐linking effectively reduced the allergenicity of SPI and β‐LG by modifying their conformations, offering potential strategies for the development of hypoallergenic dual‐protein food products.

Practical Application

This study has practical applications in the food industry to develop hypoallergenic food products, particularly those that combine soy and dairy proteins. By using TGase to cross‐link these proteins, the allergenicity can be reduced, resulting in products that are safer for consumers with food allergies.
Heterologous Gene Expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Chloroplast by Heterologous Promoters and Terminators, Intercistronic Expression Elements and Minichromosome
Authors: Guo Yunling , Xiong Hui , Fan Qiuling , Duanmu Deqiang
Published: December 2024

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a model green alga for expressing foreign proteins, faces challenges in multigene expression and enhancing protein expression level in the chloroplast. To address these challenges, we compared heterologous promoters, terminators and intercistronic expression elements (IEEs). We transformed Chlamydomonas chloroplast with a biolistic approach to introduce vectors containing the NanoLuc expression unit regulated by Chlamydomonas or tobacco promoters and terminators. We observed that tobacco promoters PrbcL and PpsbA could not effectively regulate protein expression, whereas tobacco terminators TrbcL and Trps16 did not affect the expression of Nluc protein. Further exploration of IEEs specific to Chlamydomonas revealed that Cr‐IEE2 had a minor effect on both upstream and downstream protein expression, whereas Cr‐IEE5 significantly influenced downstream protein expression. In contrast, tobacco IEE was found to be unsuitable for driving protein expression in Chlamydomonas. Additionally, VOR element and Rep protein derived from beet curly top geminivirus were able to form a minichromosome in Chlamydomonas chloroplast, and this system could enhance protein expression level compared to the traditional method of site‐specific integration in the plastome. This study highlights the potential of IEEs and minichromosome in facilitating heterologous protein expression in Chlamydomonas chloroplast.
Identifying Risk Factors Associated With False‐Negative Results in US‐Guided Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsy of Subpleural Pulmonary Lesions
Authors: Yi Jiawei , Shen Mengjun , He Junhui , Xia Runhe , Zhao Xinyu , Wang Yin
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing false‐negative results in ultrasound‐guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy results (US‐PTLB).

Materials and Methods

This ambispective cohort study included patients with subpleural pulmonary lesions who underwent US‐PTLB with benign pathological findings between April 2017 and June 2022 (retrospective cohort) and between July 2022 and October 2022 (prospective cohort). In the retrospective cohort, comparative and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for false‐negative biopsy results. Stratified analyses based on these risk factors were performed in the prospective cohort.

Results

The retrospective cohort included 1747 (true‐negative: false‐negative, 1321:426) patients with negative biopsy results, which were analyzed by comparative and logistic regression analyses, and the results demonstrated that advanced age (> 56 years) (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.07–1.09), small‐sized lesions (< 3 cm) (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.38–2.34), lesions with necrosis (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.29–3.92), contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) showing hyper‐enhancement (OR = 5.87, 95% CI: 4.09–8.42) or iso‐enhancement (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 2.05–3.83), and the presence of hemoptysis (OR = 11.82, 95% CI: 5.16–27.08) or pneumothorax (OR = 7.90, 95% CI: 2.89–21.58) during the puncture were independent predictors of false‐negative US‐PTLB results. The results of stratified analyses in the prospective cohort were consistent with the retrospective cohort.

Conclusion

Risk factors associated with false‐negative results included advanced age (> 56 years), small‐sized lesion (< 3 cm), presence of necrosis in the lesion, CEUS showing hyper‐enhancement or iso‐enhancement of the lesion, and hemoptysis or pneumothorax during puncture.

Trial Registration: Number: ChiCTR2000029749
Pathological Complete Response to a Single Dose of Pembrolizumab‐Based Chemoimmunotherapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: A Case Report
Authors: Matsumura Yugo , Ichihara Seiya , Nii Kaori , Nanjo Kazumasa , Kadota Naoki , Okano Yoshio , Machida Hisanori , Hatakeyama Nobuo , Hino Hiroyuki , Naruse Keishi , Shinohara Tsutomu , Sakiyama Shoji , Takeuchi Eiji
Published: December 2024

We herein describe a patient with non‐small‐cell lung cancer who achieved pCR with a single dose of pembrolizumab‐based chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery. A 61‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with wheezing and an abnormal chest shadow. Squamous cell carcinoma of the left lower lobe, cT2aN1M0 stage IIB, was diagnosed and pembrolizumab‐based chemoimmunotherapy was initiated at the patient's request. One month later, chest CT revealed new ground‐glass opacities of the lungs, which were judged to be a CTCAE grade 2 pneumonitis due to an immune‐related adverse event (irAE). Therefore, steroid therapy was initiated. Prednisolone was tapered and discontinued as symptoms improved. A sleeve resection of the left lower lobe was performed, and a pathological complete response (pCR) was confirmed in a resected specimen. There has been no recurrence for 1 year and 7 months without treatment. This is the first case report of pCR to a single dose of chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery for lung cancer. The present results suggest the potential of a single dose of chemoimmunotherapy to achieve pCR and cause irAEs in some patients.
Public Accountability in an Unpredictable World: Tales of the Unexpected
Authors: Ferry Laurence , Hyndman Noel , Liguori Mariannunziata , Midgley Henry
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to provide an overview of the different research themes and concepts that surround the investigation of crises and how these affect the delivery of important public services. It offers a critical reflection on what crisis means, how frequently we can identify one, and how this affects our notions of accountability (and possibly transparency) in the delivery of public services. Such considerations are based on a critical assessment of some of the main literature in the area, as well as the papers that form part of this special issue and which were initially presented at the ‘What is the Future of Public Accountability in the Aftermath of Crisis?’ workshop organized by the International Centre of Public Accountability, Durham University (UK) in November 2022. Thus, the particular contribution of the paper is a research agenda that focuses on issues relating to crisis and public‐service organizations as an encouragement to accounting and public‐management researchers to investigate accountability and governance issues in the face of crisis. This provides a stepping stone for more evidence‐based discussion of the impact of crises on these organizations. The paper also reflects on a stronger and much‐needed engagement between research and practice to make sure lessons are learnt, and mistakes not repeated, in the aftermath of crises.
Preliminary Survey of Native and Invasive Carnivores in a Community Forest in Southwestern Madagascar
Authors: Axel Anne C. , Whetzel Megan , Harshbarger Brynn M. , Randria Ekena
Published: December 2024

The fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox) is an endemic carnivore typically found in large protected areas of Madagascar. Here, we report the presence of juvenile fosa in Milomboka Community Forest in southwestern Madagascar, a region where very few occurrences of the species have been reported. We obtained camera trap videos of fosa and two exotic carnivores, the forest cat (Felis catus) and small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), during a 48‐trap night camera trapping study. These findings highlight the value of small community conservation areas for biodiversity, even when they serve as production landscapes.
Co‐creating an Indigenous‐led virtual health services model for Indigenous Australians living with chronic disease
Authors: Nasir Bushra Farah , MacAskill William , Leedie Floyd , Martin Priya , Alam Khorshed , Wallis Katharine , McGrail Matthew , Kondalsamy‐Chennakesavan Srinivas
Published: December 2024

Objective

To describe the co‐design process and understand consumer perspectives of a virtual health services (VHS) model of primary healthcare delivery, for Indigenous Australians with chronic disease and living in regional, rural, and remote Queensland.

Design

Using decolonising methodologies, the study used an Indigenous consensus method to undertake the co‐design process and generate findings. For analysis, a qualitative interpretive‐description framework was applied. Thematic analysis generated themes, describing consumer perspectives of virtual healthcare models.

Setting

The Goondir Health Services (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) operating clinics in rural and remote Queensland.

Participants

Fourteen Indigenous VHS consumers who resided in Modified Monash Model 3–7 communities across Queensland, met the eligibility criteria and provided informed consent.

Results

Two themes emerged: (1) personalised approaches to autonomous care using digital technologies, with two sub‐themes of the benefits and challenges of technology, and the integration of culturally inclusive healthcare elements; (2) person‐centred, culturally appropriate healthcare elements within a VHS model, with three sub‐themes on the vital role of health coaches, the importance of community connections, and enabling holistic personalised healthcare access.

Conclusion

This study provides important consumer perspectives on the potential of VHS models of health care to empower Indigenous healthcare service consumers. VHS holds promise on multiple fronts: improved access, timeliness, continuity of care, and culturally sensitive health care, enabling improved self‐management of chronic conditions, and provide crucial support from local Indigenous healthcare providers within the community. Future research on the sustainability and impact of personalised, consumer‐centric digital health services in Indigenous populations is essential.
Rural and metropolitan applicants' experiences of the admissions process for a provisional entry regional medical training pathway
Authors: Fox Jordan , Saluja Sonia , Batacan Romeo , Pullen Candice , Yong Faith , McGrail Matthew
Published: December 2024

Objective

To explore the experiences and perceptions of rural and metropolitan applicants preparing for and completing all admission components for a provisional entry regional medical pathway.

Setting

Provisional entry regional medical pathway.

Participants

Provisional entry (school‐leaver) applicants (N = 18) who completed a Multiple Mini‐Interview (MMI).

Design

Applicants were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview regarding their experiences of the admissions process relative to their background (rural/metropolitan origin). A constructivist approach with a social accountability lens was taken for these semi‐structured interviews.

Results

Themes were related to whether the applicants were classified as rural or metropolitan origin and the impact of the applicant's geographical location and connections to the local community, differences in local school and social support, and challenges in allocating medical school preferences.

Conclusion

Overall, applicant perceptions and experiences of the admissions process were influenced both positively and negatively by whether they were of rural or metropolitan origin. Strategies are required to ensure applicants with genuine rural interest, whether they are of rural or metropolitan origin, have access to sufficient support and resources while applying to regional medical pathways to ensure they are not disadvantaged, thus meeting admissions goals of the program.
Perceiving immunity, predicting somatic symptoms: Validation of the ‘Perceived Immunity’ scale and its association with daily health
Authors: Mizrachi Nofar , Kube Tobias , Rozenkrantz Liron
Published: December 2024

Objective

While ample research links health beliefs to physical health in both healthy and clinical populations, the specific health beliefs that drive this effect remain underexplored. Addressing this gap is critical for mechanistic examinations and targeted intervention development. Building on previous work, this study aimed to assess subjective beliefs about immune system efficacy and develop a novel Perceived Immunity scale.

Methods

Across three studies (total N = 378; Study 1: N = 206 healthy; Study 2: N = 132 healthy and N = 40 with immune‐related diseases; and Study 3: subset of N = 87 from Study 2), we examine Perceived Immunity scale's validity, reliability, and association with everyday physical health.

Results

Perceived immunity demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.9), strong construct validity (all items were loaded onto one factor) and structural validity, including convergence validity with scales assessing subjective health perceptions, and discriminant validity from scales measuring external health control. These findings were replicated across different cohorts. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed significant correlations with daily physical health measures, specifically somatic symptoms, across cohorts (all β > −0.347, all p < .001) and sick leave days (all β = −0.174, all p < .045). These associations were stronger in individuals with immune‐related conditions. Finally, Perceived Immunity exhibited good test–retest reliability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.74) and prospectively predicted somatic symptoms over time (β = −0.324, p = .002), with significant results observed up to 1 year.

Conclusions

The Perceived Immunity scale offers a valuable tool for researchers and health care providers, providing insights into the interplay between specific health beliefs and daily health. Furthermore, its validation lays the groundwork for targeted interventions that explore how health perceptions may directly influence actual physical experiences.
Autism Spectrum Social Stories in Schools Trial 2 (ASSSIST‐2): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of the Social Stories™ intervention to address the social and emotional health of autistic children in UK primary schools
Authors: Wright Barry , Blackwell Jane E. , Bell Kerry J. , Teige Catarina , Mandefield Laura , Wang Han‐I , Welch Charlie , Scantlebury Arabella , Watson Judith , McMillan Dean , Standley Emma , Attwell Leah , Carrick Hayley , Taylor Amelia , Taylor Olivia , Hodkinson Rachel , Edwards Hannah , Pearson Hannah , Parrott Steve , Marshall David , Varley Danielle , Hargate Rebecca , Mclaren Anne , Hewitt Catherine
Published: December 2024

Background

Autistic children can experience mental health, social and emotional difficulties. Carol Gray's Social Stories™ are a highly personalised intervention that provide social information in a short individually tailored story.

Methods

A multi‐site pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of Social Stories™ alongside care as usual in autistic children aged 4–11 years. The primary outcome was the Social Responsiveness Scale‐2 completed by teachers 6 months post‐randomisation, analysed on an intention‐to‐treat basis. Trial Registration: ISRCTN11634810.

Results

Eighty‐seven schools, including 249 children, were randomised (intervention 44 schools with 129 children, and usual care 43 schools with 120 children). After 6 months, a reduction of 1.61 points was found on the Social Responsiveness Scale‐2 in the intervention group (95% CI −4.18 to 0.96, p = .220) and for those who attended at least six sessions a reduction of 3.37 points (CACE 95% CI −6.65 to −0.10, p = .043). Children in the intervention group met their individual socio‐emotional goal more frequently than children receiving usual care alone and this was statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found in other secondary outcomes including anxiety, depression, general health or parental stress.

Conclusions

Social Stories™ represent a low‐cost, low‐burden intervention. Benefits are seen in individual socio‐emotional goals but without clinically evident impact on social responsiveness, anxiety, depression, parental stress or general health.
Review: Efficacy of preventative interventions for children and adolescents at clinical high risk of psychosis – a systematic review and meta‐analysis of intervention studies
Authors: Frearson Grace , de Otazu Olivares Javier , Catalan Ana , Aymerich Claudia , Salazar de Pablo Gonzalo
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite evidence suggesting that age moderates the response to preventative treatment for those at clinical high risk of psychosis (CHR‐P), no meta‐analysis has assessed the effectiveness of preventative interventions for CHR‐P children and adolescents. Our aim was to synthesise evidence assessing preventative interventions on a wide range of mental health outcomes for CHR‐P children and adolescents.

Method

A systematic search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, Pubmed, APA PsycInfo and Web of Science until June 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42023406696). Intervention studies that had a mean participant age of under 18 years old that reported on mental health outcomes for CHR‐P participants were selected. A meta‐analysis was conducted for independent studies reporting the effectiveness of interventions on different outcomes (transition to psychosis, attenuated positive, negative and total prodromal psychotic symptoms, depressive symptoms and global functioning) compared to control conditions of no intervention or placebo. Evidence from other studies was also reported narratively.

Results

Twenty‐four studies and 1319 CHR‐P children and adolescents were included. Compared to no intervention or placebo, preventative interventions were effective for positive symptoms (SMD = 0.379, p = .022, 95% CI 0.055, 0.703), negative symptoms (SMD = 0.583, p = .004, 95% CI 0.187, 0.980), total symptoms (SMD = 0.677, p = .002, 95% CI 0.249, 1.105) and functioning (SMD = 0.944, p = .038, 95% CI 0.052, 1.836) but not reducing transition to psychosis or depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

There are disparities in the effectiveness of preventative interventions for different outcomes, with transition to psychosis not being the only relevant outcome. Differences in the efficacy of preventative interventions emerged between CHR‐P children and adolescents versus adults.
Predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic healthy non‐diabetic postmenopausal women
Authors: Ismaili Jehona , Ibrahimi Pranvera , Berisha‐Muharremi Venera , Karahoda Rona , Berbatovci‐Ukimeraj Mimoza , Istrefi Nora , Gjikolli Bujar , Batalli Arlind , Poniku Afrim , Elezi Shpend , Henein Michael Y. , Bajraktari Gani
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

Cardiovascular disease progresses after menopause. Conventional risk factors, particularly diabetes, for atherosclerosis are well‐established predictors of phenotypic arterial disease. The aim of this study is to assess the predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic non‐diabetic postmenopausal women.

Methods

This prospective study included 117 consecutive postmenopausal women (mean age 59 ± 7 years) referred from the outpatient Rheumatology Clinic of the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, recruited between September 2021 and December 2022. Clinical, biochemical, carotid ultrasound and coronary CT angiography data were analysed. Subclinical atherosclerosis was diagnosed when plaque and/or carotid intima‐media thickness >1.00 mm were present.

Results

Women who had subclinical atherosclerosis had higher erythrocyte sedimentation (p = 0.022), higher total cholesterol (p = 0.013), higher CAC score (p = 0.017), and higher prevalence of CAC > 100 HU and CAC > 400 HU (p = 0.017 and p = 0.034, respectively) compared to those without subclinical atherosclerosis. Women who had mild coronary calcification (CAC score ≥10 HU) were older (p = 0.005), in longer menopause (p = 0.005), had thicker CIMT (p = 0.008) with higher prevalence (p = 0.03) compared to those with CAC score <10 HU. Women with moderate coronary calcification (CAC score ≥100 HU) had higher triglycerides, worse CIMT (p = 0.005) with higher prevalence (p = 0.039) compared to those with CAC score <100 HU. In multivariate analysis [odds ratio 95% confidence interval], age [1.101 (1.032–1.174), p = 0.037] and cholesterol [2.020 (1.225–3.331), p = 0.006] independently predicted the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Conclusions

In addition to the impact of age, hypercholesterolaemia is an important predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis in non‐diabetic postmenopausal women.
Self‐Regulation in Preschool: Are Executive Function and Effortful Control Overlapping Constructs?
Authors: Heinze Henning , Daseking Monika , Gawrilow Caterina , Karbach Julia , Kerner auch Koerner Julia
Published: December 2024

The concepts of executive function (EF) and effortful control (EC) are strikingly similar. EF originates from neurocognitive research and is described as an accumulation of cognitive processes that serve the goal‐oriented self‐regulation of an individual. EC originates from temperament research and is defined as the efficiency of executive attention, including the ability to inhibit a dominant response, activate a subdominant response, proceed in a planned manner, and recognize conflicts or errors. The aim of this article was to examine the association between the constructs of EF and EC at the preschool age. Eighty‐eight children (49 female; M‐age = 3.93 years, SD = 0.78) were tested with a computerized battery designed to assess EF at 3–6 years of age (EF Touch). Children's parents completed questionnaires assessing EF impairments (BRIEF‐P) and EC (children's behavior questionnaire [CBQ]). Associations between the constructs and their conceptual overlap were analyzed using correlations and confirmatory factor analyses. We found significant correlations between EF and EC measures. A two‐factor confirmatory model fitted the data better than a one‐factor model of self‐regulation. Therefore, our results show that measures of EC and EF have substantial overlap but are separable.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Budd‐Chiari Syndrome
Authors: Thapa Shrinjaya B. , Souza Gabriel Roman , Paravathaneni Mahati , Cohen Sean , Mohammed Turab , Laber Damian A.
Published: December 2024

Aims

Budd‐Chiari syndrome (BCS) is managed by interventions aimed at relieving hepatic venous obstruction and anticoagulation. Despite robust data supporting the tolerability and efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with other venous thromboembolism, its utility in BCS is not well documented. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of DOACs in Primary BCS from the available literature.

Methods

Published studies that reported data on patients with BCS treated with DOACs were included.

Results

Two retrospective studies and nine case reports met the criteria for inclusion. The combined data from these two retrospective studies include 58 patients administered DOAC and 101 patients treated with VKA/LMWH. The combined re‐stenosis or failure rates after percutaneous endovascular intervention, angioplasty, TIPS, or OLT were 17.2% for the DOAC group and 15.8% for the LMWH/VKA group. The incidence of major bleeding was 8.62% in the DOAC group and 5.94% in the LMWH/VKA group, while minor bleeding rates were 20.7% and 4.95%, respectively. Procedure‐related bleeding was 4.5% in DOAC group and 12.8% in VKA/LMWH group. Nine case reports using apixaban in 3, rivaroxaban in 5, and one with dabigatran‐ described patients tolerating the treatment well and experiencing no major adverse events.

Conclusions

DOACs appear to be at least equally effective to LMWH/VKA for the anticoagulation of patients with BCS. We believe DOACs to be preferred over LMWH/VKA for the anticoagulation of patients with BCS due to the known advantages in administration, but randomized trials might be needed to answer this question.
Genetic Signatures of Contrasted Outbreak Histories of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”, the Bacterium That Causes Citrus Huanglongbing, in Three Outermost Regions of the European Union
Authors: Pruvost Olivier , Boyer Karine , Labbé Frédéric , Weishaar Marine , Vynisale Anaïs , Melot Claire , Hoareau Cécile , Cellier Gilles , Ravigné Virginie
Published: December 2024

In an era of trade globalization and climate change, crop pathogens and pests are a genuine threat to food security. The detailed characterization of emerging pathogen populations is a prerequisite for managing invasive species pathways and designing sustainable disease control strategies. Huanglongbing is the disease that causes the most damage to citrus, a crop that ranks #1 worldwide in terms of fruit production. Huanglongbing can be caused by three species of the phloem‐limited alpha‐proteobacterium, “Candidatus Liberibacter,” which are transmitted by psyllids. Two of these bacteria are of highest concern, “Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus” and “Ca. Liberibacter africanus,” and have distinct thermal optima. These pathogens are unculturable, which complicates their high‐throughput genetic characterization. In the present study, we used several genotyping techniques and an extensive sample collection to characterize Ca. Liberibacter populations associated with the emergence of huanglongbing in three French outermost regions of the European Union (Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion). The outbreaks were primarily caused by “Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus,” as “Ca. Liberibacter africanus” was only found at a single location in Réunion. We emphasize the low diversity and high genetic relatedness between samples from Guadeloupe and Martinique, which suggests the putative movement of the pathogen between the two islands and/or the independent introduction of closely related strains. These samples were markedly different from the samples from Réunion, where the higher genetic diversity revealed by tandem‐repeat markers suggests that the disease was probably overlooked for years before being officially identified in 2015. We show that “Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus” occurs from sea level to an altitude of 950 m above sea level and lacks spatial structure. This suggests the pathogen's medium‐ to long‐distance movement. We also suggest that backyard trees acted as relays for disease spread. We discuss the implications of population biology data for surveillance and management of this threatful disease.
Gender Division of Unpaid Work and Relationship Satisfaction: COVID‐19 as an Engine of Family Reshuffling in Italy
Authors: Vignoli Daniele , Guetto Raffaele , Bellani Daniela
Published: December 2024

Objective

We examine variation and correlates of relationship satisfaction in the advanced stages of the pandemic in Italy, focusing on COVID‐19‐induced changes in the division of housework and childcare.

Background

The consequences of the pandemic were not limited solely to health and economics; couples' division of unpaid work and relationships were also affected. Evidence is scarce as to how families adapted to the “new normal” and the pandemic's long‐term effects on relationship satisfaction.

Method

We use novel population‐level data collected in September 2021 in Italy. Both descriptive and multivariable analyses are performed separately for men and women.

Results

In a context of prevalent stability, our findings suggest that the pandemic is associated with substantial variations in family life: 37% of men and women living in heterosexual couples reported changes in their relationship satisfaction. For men and women living in couples wherein the pandemic fostered gender inequalities, relationship satisfaction declined. For partners living in couples in which the pandemic offered the opportunity for a new equilibrium with a more balanced division of unpaid work, relationship satisfaction improved.

Conclusions

Couples have attempted to adapt to the new reality brought about by the pandemic, experiencing both gains and losses in relationship satisfaction. This work challenges the idea that all couples experienced negative adjustments in relationship satisfaction during the pandemic.

Implications

Men's adjustments in unpaid work during the pandemic represents an important factor that strengthens relationships, which may set the stage for rethinking couples' role‐sets in a post‐COVID‐19 world.
Association of personality and social support with subjective well‐being among Japanese older adults
Authors: Iwasa Hajime , Inagaki Hiroki , Masui Yukie , Gondo Yasuyuki
Published: December 2024

Aim

Although the association between personality and health has been well documented, the interaction between personality and health risk factors is understudied. This study examined (i) the relationship between the Big Five model of personality and subjective well‐being and (ii) the buffering effect of social support on the relationship between personality and subjective well‐being among Japanese older adults.

Methods

The participants were 1265 adults aged 65–84 (499 men, 766 women). The Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale was used as an index of subjective well‐being (the study outcome). As explanatory variables, the Japanese version of the NEO‐Five Factor Inventory measured the five domains of personality traits, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support measured social support. Data on age, sex, years of education, living arrangements (living alone or with family), psychiatric problems, chronic illness, and instrumental activities of daily living dependence, which were used as covariates, were obtained to test the independent association of personality and social support with subjective well‐being.

Results

The multivariable regression analysis showed that neuroticism (β = −0.543), extraversion (β = 0.167), agreeableness (β = −0.099), social support (β = 0.143), and the interaction between social support and neuroticism (β = 0.058) were significantly associated with subjective well‐being.

Conclusions

Our findings show that social support moderates the association between neuroticism and subjective well‐being among older adults. Accordingly, for older adults who are higher in neuroticism, interventions that provide increased social support may help reduce the risk of poorer well‐being. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 267–272.
Tourmaline Megacryst Reference Materials for High Precision In Situ Boron Isotope and Elemental Measurement by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Liao Xiuhong , Chen Tao , Luo Tao , Cai Yue , Zhang Wen , Yin Zuowei , Hu Zhaochu
Published: December 2024

Tourmaline serves as a vital recorder of geological processes. However, suitable tourmaline reference materials (RMs) for elemental and stable isotopic composition in situ measurements are still limited. In this study, three tourmaline megacrysts (MD‐B66, IM‐B232 and BR‐DG68) were characterised as potential RMs for B isotope measurements by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS and mass fraction determinations by LA‐ICP‐MS. Over 251 measurements with LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS on ten randomly selected fragments from MD‐B66 consistently yielded B isotope ratios of ‐7.74 ± 0.25‰ (2s), establishing MD‐B66 as a suitably homogeneous primary reference material for high‐precision, in situ microbeam B isotope measurements. Notably, the (long‐term) intermediate precision of 0.25‰ (2s) for in situ B isotope measurements obtained using this reference material is comparable to that reported from solution MC‐ICP‐MS methods in the literature. Two other tourmaline megacrysts, with intermediate precision ranging from ± 0.48‰ to ± 0.61‰ (2s) for δ11B measurement, can be employed as secondary RMs for quality control. The mean δ11B values determined by solution MC‐ICP‐MS for MD‐B66 (‐7.71 ± 0.32‰, n = 12), IM‐B232 (‐13.17 ± 0.62‰, n = 8) and BR‐DG68 (‐13.85 ± 0.32‰, n = 12), with expanded uncertainties at the 95% confidence level, are consistent with those determined by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS. Among these three new RMs, BR‐DG68 displays relatively homogeneous major and trace element mass fractions. Characterisation using both in situ and wet chemical techniques demonstrated the suitability of BR‐DG68 as the first tourmaline reference material for elemental measurement by LA‐ICP‐MS, which would permit matrix‐matched and therefore more accurate elemental measurement in tourmalines. Unlike electron probe microanalysis with B and Li contents calculated based on stoichiometric assumptions, direct and accurate measurements of the two low atomic number elements, along with other major and trace elements can be achieved by LA‐ICP‐MS with the aid of the newly developed tourmaline reference material BR‐DG68. Overall, current and future studies in geochemistry may benefit from these newly proposed tourmaline RMs, which should lead to significantly improved precision and accuracy for in situ B isotope and elemental measurement.