bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Ecological Degradation and the Practice of Purification in Urban Mongolia
Authors: Abrahms-Kavunenko Saskia
Published: February 2024

In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city, Buddhist rituals often involve purifying spiritual contamination and bad karma as well as the revitalization of stagnant energies. This chapter engages Buddhist practices of purification and revitalization in the context of a polluted postsocialist city. As the city’s air quality has degenerated, urban smog has taken on negative associations, such as sluggishness and uncertainty. As smog inundates the city, it has become a metaphor for obscuration, confusion, and stagnation. This chapter focuses on the ways that Mongolian lay Buddhists negotiate religious practice in a polluted urban environment. It will highlight the importance of situating lived Buddhism within the built environments that people reside in (including architecture and infrastructure), relationships with other living beings (including animals and plants), impersonal forces (such as the weather and climate change), and pollution.
Meeting the Buddha
Authors: Starkey Caroline
Published: February 2024

A growing number of transnational Buddhist groups in contemporary Britain engage with “spiritual tourism” through the provision of introductory retreats targeted at a non-Buddhist audience. These retreats, either over a weekend or longer, typically focus on teaching the basics of meditation and adjacent “beginner” Buddhist practices, while aiming to develop community, deepen and solidify Buddhist practice on British soil, and respond to demands for improved mental, physical, and spiritual well-being within wider society. This chapter, drawing on detailed examples from qualitative work conducted within Buddhist organizations in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, investigates the role that introductory retreats play, giving focus to the ways that these retreats intersect with spiritual tourism. Underpinning this investigation is a fundamental question: How does an examination of the introductory retreats provided by British Buddhist centers highlight the ways that Buddhism is expressed, represented, and experienced in the contemporary world?
Healing through Days of Mindfulness and Retreats in the Southern United States
Authors: Schedneck Brooke
Published: February 2024

Magnolia Grove, a branch monastery in the lineage of Thich Nhat Hanh, located in Batesville, Mississippi, aims to promote healing through an integrated set of practices related to mindfulness. Coming back to ourselves and the present moment is at the core of Magnolia Grove’s teachings on transforming negative emotions, healing relationships, and protecting the environment. Interviews with Magnolia Grove monastics demonstrate that their teachings are integrated with secular and scientific discourses as a way to express mindful teachings and promote healing. Narratives from lay practitioners reveal the ways that healing and transformation have occurred in their lives through the mindfulness teachings and practices learned through days of mindfulness and retreats at Magnolia Grove.
Positive Sanctions, Incentives, and Foreign Policy
Authors: Peterson Timothy M.
Published: February 2024

Although a large literature examines the causes and consequences of punitive economic sanctions, scholars pay less attention to positive sanctions—i.e., rewards or inducements to change behaviour. Given that positive sanctions appear, at least at first glance, to hold several advantages over punishments as a foreign policy tool, this chapter explores potential explanations for the relative dominance of research on negative sanctions. An analysis of the literature suggests that, while it is possible that negative sanctions are used more commonly, it is at least as likely that research patterns follow from the fact that punishments (and threats thereof) are easier to observe. Furthermore, the study of the causes and consequences of foreign aid, while open to a positive sanctions approach, commonly proceeds using other theoretical lenses.
The Role of International Organisations and Courts, as well as International NGOs
Authors: Ziegler Andreas R. , Bagi Raphaël
Published: February 2024

While there was a slight increase in the national level discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity after 1968, at least in some areas, it took until the mid-1990s for this discussion to also have an impact on work being done on a global scale, particularly at the United Nations (UN). In order to influence regional and international entities, coordinated activity by NGOs and activists had also grown at the global level at this time. The contribution of civil society to the functioning of international organizations is seen as being particularly crucial in the field of human rights. As we will find out, the United Nations has many opportunities for LGBTI advocacy such as the adoption of official texts at the United Nations Human Rights Council, the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and its other organs, along with other organizations. One of the biggest initiatives within the United Nations is certainly the adoption of the resolution appointing the ‘Independent Expert for protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity’ in 2016. International courts also play an essential role in the recognition of rights for LGBTI persons, along with the treaty bodies that play a role as significant considering that as of 2021, there are more than 1500 decisions that have been made by UN Treaty Bodies, 43 of them concerned LGBTI people. Finally, this chapter would not be complete if it failed to mention the Human Rights Council’s special procedures.
Cytogenetic Outcomes Following a Failed Cell-Free DNA Screen: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study of 35,146 Singleton Pregnancies
Authors: Bellai-Dussault Kara , Meng Lynn , Howley Heather , Reszel Jessica , Huang Tianhua , Lanes Andrea , Walker Mark C. , Okun Nan , Dougan Shelley D. , Armour Christine M.
Published: February 2024

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023;229:168.e1–e8)

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening is a form of prenatal genetic screening for aneuploidies. This method boasts lower false-positive rates than multiple-marker screening methods and is now commonly recommended.
Metabolic basis of cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients
Authors: Figueiredo Jane C. , Bhowmick Neil Adri , Karlstaedt Anja
Published: February 2024

Purpose of review

The relationship between metabolism and cardiovascular diseases is complex and bidirectional. Cardiac cells must adapt metabolic pathways to meet biosynthetic demands and energy requirements to maintain contractile function. During cancer, this homeostasis is challenged by the increased metabolic demands of proliferating cancer cells.

Recent findings

Tumors have a systemic metabolic impact that extends beyond the tumor microenvironment. Lipid metabolism is critical to cancer cell proliferation, metabolic adaptation, and increased cardiovascular risk. Metabolites serve as signals which provide insights for diagnosis and prognosis in cardio-oncology patients.

Metabolic processes demonstrate a complex relationship between cancer cell states and cardiovascular remodeling with potential for therapeutic interventions.
Noticeable effect of lower baseline amplitude on the predictive accuracy of intraoperative amplitude changes for postoperative vocal cord palsy: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kou Jiedong , Zhao Yishen , Han Yujia , Li Fang , Du Rui , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Frattini Francesco , Li Jingting , Liang Nan , Sun Hui
Published: February 2024

Background:

To explore the effect of lower baseline amplitude on its predictive accuracy of postoperative vocal cord paralysis (VCP) in monitored thyroid surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Clinical and electrophysiological data were collected during thyroid surgeries performed between November and December 2021 at XXX. Univariate/multivariate regression analysis were applied to these data to examine a possible correlation. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate predictive efficacy.

Results:

A total of 631 nerves-at-risk (NAR) were identified in 460 patients who were divided into two groups according to postoperative development of VCP. The VCP group included a higher percentage of NAR with V1<1000 (68.2% vs. 40.7%, respectively; P=0.014) and NAR with R1<1400 (77.3% vs. 47.0%, respectively; P=0.005) compared with the non-VCP group. Multivariate regression analysis further identified V1<1000 (odds ratio (OR)=2.688, P=0.038), R1<1400 (OR=3.484, P=0.018) as independent risk factors for postoperative temporary VCP. The ROC curve showed the AUC value of V signal decline for predicting VCP was 0.87. The diagnostic efficiency of R signal decline reached as high as 0.973. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors for V1<1000 and these included: higher body mass index (BMI) (OR=1.072, P=0.013), hypertension (OR=1.816, P=0.015), smoking (OR=1.814, P=0.031), and male gender (OR=2.016, P=0.027).

Conclusion:

In our cohort, lower baseline amplitude was an independent risk factor for developing transient postoperative VCP. It also affected the predictive efficacy of intraoperative amplitude changes on VCP. Higher BMI, hypertension, smoking, and male gender may also be closely associated with lower initial amplitude. Thus, maintaining a higher initial amplitude is critical for patient safety during thyroid surgery.
Association Between Genital Hiatus Size 8 Weeks Postpartum and Pelvic Organ Prolapse 1 Year After the First Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Rosett Heather A. , Allshouse Amanda A. , Nygaard Ingrid E. , Hill A. Jolyn , Swenson Carolyn W.
Published: February 2024

(Abstracted from Urogynecology 2023;29:865–871)

Pelvic organ prolapse is most common later in life but can affect women in the period following vaginal delivery. Although vaginal birth is a known risk factor for prolapse, there exists no predictor of timing of prolapse based on changes in the pelvic floor after childbirth.
Promising activity of etomidate against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: da Silva Cecília Rocha , Rebouças Júlia Délis de Oliveira , Cabral Vitória Pessoa de Farias , Rodrigues Daniel Sampaio , Barbosa Amanda Dias , Moreira Lara Elloyse Almeida , Barroso Fátima Daiana Dias , Coutinho Tatiana do Nascimento Paiva , de Lima Elaine Aires , de Andrade Claudia Roberta , de Andrade Neto João Batista , Lima Iri Sandro Pampolha , Nobre Júnior Hélio Vitoriano , Gurgel do Amaral Valente Sá Lívia
Published: February 2024

Introduction.
Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are recognized for their development of resistance and biofilm formation. New therapeutic alternatives are necessary in this context.

Hypothesis. Etomidate shows potential application in catheters against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

Aim. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of etomidate against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and MRSA.

Methodology. The action of etomidate against mature biofilms was verified through the evaluation of biomass and cell viability, and its ability to prevent biofilm formation in peripheral venous catheters was determined based on counts of colony forming units (c.f.u.) and confirmed by morphological analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results. Etomidate generated a reduction (P<0.05) in biomass and cell viability starting from a concentration of 250 µg ml−1. In addition, it showed significant ability to prevent the formation of mixed biofilms in a peripheral venous catheter, as shown by a reduction in c.f.u. SEM revealed that treatment with etomidate caused substantial damage to the fungal cells.

Conclusion. The results showed the potential of etomidate against polymicrobial biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and MRSA.
The effect of opinion leadership and spirituality on recycling intention: insights from attractive, expert and religious influencers
Authors: Setiawan Gunaro , Arli Denni
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The present study investigates the impact of opinion leadership and spirituality from three types of social media influencers (SMIs) on individuals’ intentions to conduct recycling. This research is driven by the opinion leadership theory demonstrated by influencer marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies a between-subject experiment to measure the impact of the proposed model. Each participant was exposed to a different influencer: an attractive influencer (Treatment 1, n = 101), an expert influencer (Treatment 2, n = 94), a religious influencer (Treatment 3, n = 99) and a control condition (Treatment 4, n = 102). An ANOVA post-hoc analysis was conducted to further assess the impact dynamics of each influencer based on different demographics such as age, income and level of education. More than 95% of the samples consist of Muslims.

Findings

Findings revealed the different dynamics of the effect of opinion leadership and spirituality on the intention to recycle from utilising different types of influencers. Samples derived from a high socio-economic background and exposed to the religious influencer (Treatment 3) have a relatively higher mean score. In general, younger participants with lower incomes and levels of education have less tendency to conduct recycling.

Originality/value

This research attempts to fill the gap in the impact of influencer marketing on green behaviour adoption with the inclusion of spirituality, which has been largely ignored in this context. It offers insights from the perspective of a developing economy that has one of the largest percentages of social media users in the world and from a country that regards a relationship with God as important.
Metamorphosing traditional pedagogy: examining the transcendent influence of Alexa in catalyzing educational paradigm shifts within rural Indian communities
Authors: Darda Pooja , Gupta Om Jee , Yadav Susheel
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Alexa’s integration in rural primary schools has improved the pedagogy and has created an engaging and objective learning environment. This study investigates the integration, with a specific focus on exploring its various aspects. The impact of Alexa’s on students' English vocabulary, comprehension and public speaking are examined. This study aims to provide insights the teachers and highlight the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in rural education.

Design/methodology/approach

This content analysis study explores the use of Alexa in primary education in rural areas of India. The study focuses on the types of the questions asked by the students and examines the pedagogical implications of these interactions. By analyzing the use of Alexa in rural educational settings, this study aims to contribute to our understanding of how voice assistants are utilized as educational tools in underprivileged areas.

Findings

Alexa significantly improved students' English vocabulary, comprehension and public speaking confidence. Alexa increased school enrollment and retention. Virtual voice assistants like Alexa may improve pedagogy and help India’s rural education. This study shows AI improves rural education.

Research limitations/implications

The study only covers rural India. Self-reported data and observations may bias the study. The small sample size may underrepresent rural educational institutions in India.

Originality/value

Alexa is used to study rural India’s primary education. Voice assistants in rural education are understudied. The study examines Alexa’s classroom use, student questions, and policy and teacher education implications. AI’s education transformation potential addresses UNESCO’s teacher shortage. This novel study examines how AI can improve rural education outcomes and access.
Whole‐exome sequencing identifies ADGB as a novel causative gene for male infertility in humans: from motility to fertilization
Authors: Gao Yang , Liu Liting , Tian Shixiong , Liu Chunyu , Lv Mingrong , Wu Huan , Tang Dongdong , Song Bing , Shen Qunshan , Xu Yuping , Zhou Ping , Wei Zhaolian , Zhang Feng , Cao Yunxia , He Xiaojin
Published: February 2024

Objectives

In male mice, adgb‐knockout has been reported to cause male infertility with spermatogenesis defects involving flagella and acrosome. However, this remains unclear for humans.

Materials and methods

Sequencing studies were conducted in a research hospital on samples from three unrelated infertile men with severe asthenoteratozoospermia from Han Chinese families. Data were collected through rigorous in silico analysis. Sanger sequencing were performed to identify pathogenic mutations. Sperm cells from patients were characterized using electron microscopy and used to verify the pathogenicity of the genetic factors through functional assays. Intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI) assays were performed in ADGB‐affected males.

Main results

Herein, in a cohort of 105 Han Chinese men with idiopathic asthenoteratozoospermia, we reported the identification of bi‐allelic deleterious variants of ADGB in three infertile men from unrelated families using whole‐exome sequencing. We found one homozygous frameshift ADGB variant (NM_024694.4: c.2801_2802del:p.K934Rfs*33), one homozygous missense ADGB variant (NM_024694.4: c.C3167T:p.T1056I), and one compound heterozygous ADGB variant (NM_024694.4: c.C3167T:p.T1056I; c.C3197T:p.A1066V). These variants were rare in general population and were predicted to be damaging by multiple bioinformatics tools. Further, the spermatozoa from patients harboring ADGB variants showed multiple acrosome and flagellum malformations under light and electron microscopy. Functional assays revealed the structural defects associated with dysregulation of ADGB and multiple spermatogenesis proteins. Notably, the fertilization success via ICSI treatment in all three patients, as well as the normal expression of PLCζ but CaM deficiency in the spermatozoa, suggesting that ICSI other than in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an optimal treatment for ADGB‐deficient patients.

Discussion and conclusion

Our findings provide new information for the molecular diagnosis of asthenoteratozoospermia and valuable reference for personalized genetic counselling and clinical treatment for these patients. The underlying risk of IVF failure behind sperm defects was highlighted.
Patterns in the genetic structure of 49 lowland rain forest tree species co‐distributed on opposite sides of the northern Andes
Authors: Bemmels Jordan B. , Pérez Álvaro , Valencia Renato , Dick Christopher W.
Published: February 2024

The Andes are a major dispersal barrier for lowland rain forest plants and animals, yet hundreds of lowland tree species are distributed on both sides of the northern Andes, raising questions about how the Andes influenced their biogeographic histories and population genetic structure. To explore these questions, we generated standardized datasets of thousands of SNPs from paired populations of 49 tree species co‐distributed in rain forest tree communities located in Panama and Amazonian Ecuador and calculated genetic diversity (π) and absolute genetic divergence (dXY) within and between populations, respectively. We predicted (1) higher genetic diversity in the ancestral source region (east or west of the Andes) for each taxon and (2) correlation of genetic statistics with species attributes, including elevational range and life‐history strategy. We found that genetic diversity was higher in putative ancestral source regions, possibly reflecting founder events during colonization. We found little support for a relationship between genetic divergence and species attributes except that species with higher elevational range limits exhibited higher dXY, implying older divergence times. One possible explanation for this pattern is that dispersal through mountain passes declined in importance relative to dispersal via alternative lowland routes as the Andes experienced uplift. We found no difference in mean genetic diversity between populations in Central America and the Amazon. Overall, our results suggest that dispersal across the Andes has left enduring signatures in the genetic structure of widespread rain forest trees. We outline additional hypotheses to be tested with species‐specific case studies.
Reference limits for osteocalcin in infancy and early childhood: A longitudinal birth cohort study
Authors: Berggren Sara S. , Dahlgren Jovanna , Andersson Ola , Bergman Stefan , Roswall Josefine
Published: February 2024

Objective

The longitudinal variations in serum levels of the hormone osteocalcin is largely unknown during infancy and early childhood. Our aim was to establish reference limits for total serum osteocalcin during specific time points from birth until 5 years of age and present those in the context of sex, breastfeeding practices and gestational age (GA).

Design

Blood samples from 551 Swedish children were analysed at birth, 4, 12, 36 and 60 months of age. Total serum osteocalcin was measured using the IDS‐iSYS N‐MID Osteocalcin assay technique. Information about the mother, birth, anthropometrics and a food diary were collected.

Results

Sex‐specific and age‐specific reference limits were established for the five time points. The median osteocalcin levels over time were 40.8, 90.0, 67.8, 62.2 and 80.9 μg/L for boys and 38.1, 95.5, 78.3, 73.9 and 92.6 μg/L for girls. Lower GA was associated to higher osteocalcin at birth, and ongoing breastfeeding was associated to higher osteocalcin levels.

Conclusion

Osteocalcin followed a wavelike pattern with low levels in the umbilical cord and a postnatal peak during the first year which then declined and rose again by the age of five. Knowledge of this wavelike pattern and association to factors as sex, breastfeeding and GA may help clinicians to interpret individual osteocalcin levels and guide in future research.
Novel variant in LRP6 associated with unusual and severe clinical presentation: Case report
Authors: Previdi Anaïk , Dubourg Christèle , Cormier Daire Valérie , Fradin Mélanie , Collet Corinne
Published: February 2024

Low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 (LRP6) is a co‐receptor of the Wnt signaling pathway, which plays an essential role in various biological activities during embryonic and postnatal development. LRP6 is exceptionally associated with rare diseases and always with autosomal dominant inheritance. Here we report a familial phenotype of high bone mass associated with skeletal anomalies and oligodontia but also persistent left superior vena cava, inguinal hernia, hepatic cysts, abnormal posterior fossa and genital malformations. Molecular analysis revealed a novel heterozygous variant, NM_002336.2: c.724T>C, p.(Trp242Arg), in affected individuals. This variant is located in the first β‐propellant motif of LRP6, to which sclerostin (SOST) and dickkopf1 (DKK1), two LRP6 co‐receptor inhibitors and various Wnt ligands bind. According to the literature and integrating data from structural analysis, this variant distorts the binding of SOST and DKK1, thus leading to overactivation of Wnt signaling pathways involved in osteoblast differentiation. This novel heterozygous variant in LRP6 underlies the role of LRP6 in skeletal and dental disorders as well as, probably, cardiac, cerebral and genital developments.
Satisfaction with continuous glucose monitoring is associated with quality of life in young people with type 1 diabetes regardless of metabolic control and treatment type
Authors: Franceschi Roberto , Pertile Riccardo , Marigliano Marco , Mozzillo Enza , Maffeis Claudio , Morotti Elisa , Di Candia Francesca , Fedi Ludovica , Iafusco Dario , Zanfardino Angela , Cauvin Vittoria , Maltoni Giulio , Zucchini Stefano , Cherubini Valentino , Tiberi Valentina , Minuto Nicola , Bassi Marta , Rabbone Ivana , Savastio Silvia , Tinti Davide , Tornese Gianluca , Schiaffini Riccardo , Passanisi Stefano , Lombardo Fortunato , Bonfanti Riccardo , Scaramuzza Andrea , Troncone Alda
Published: February 2024

Aims

While continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and associated technologies have positive effects on metabolic control in young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D), less is known about their impact on quality of life (QoL). Here, we quantified CGM satisfaction and QoL in young people with T1D and their parents/caregivers to establish (i) the relationship between QoL and CGM satisfaction and (ii) the impact of the treatment regimen on QoL.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of children and adolescents with T1D on different treatment regimens (multiple daily injections, sensor‐augmented pumps and automated insulin delivery). QoL was assessed with the KINDL instrument, and CGM satisfaction with the CGM‐SAT questionnaire was evaluated in both youths with T1D and their parents.

Results

Two hundred and ten consecutively enrolled youths with T1D completed the KINDL and CGM‐SAT questionnaires. The mean total KINDL score was greater than neutral in both subjects with T1D (3.99 ± 0.47) and parents (4.06 ± 0.40), and lower overall CGM‐SAT scores (i.e., higher satisfaction) were significantly associated with higher QoL in all six KINDL subscales (p < 0.05). There were no differences in KINDL scores according to delivery technology or when participants were grouped according to optimal and sub‐optimal glucose control.

Conclusions

Higher satisfaction with recent CGMs was associated with better QoL in all dimensions. QoL was independent of both the insulin delivery technology and glycaemic control. CGM must be further disseminated. Attention on perceived satisfaction with CGM should be incorporated with the clinical practice to improve the well‐being of children and adolescents with T1D and their families.
Global change progressively increases foliar nitrogen–phosphorus ratios in China's subtropical forests
Authors: Lai Yuan , Tang Songbo , Lambers Hans , Hietz Peter , Tang Wenguang , Gilliam Frank S. , Lu Xiankai , Luo Xianzhen , Lin Yutong , Wang Shu , Zeng Feiyan , Wang Qi , Kuang Yuanwen
Published: February 2024

Globally increased nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (P) ratios (N/P) affect the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, but few studies have addressed the variation of foliar N/P over time in subtropical forests. Foliar N/P indicates N versus P limitation in terrestrial ecosystems. Quantifying long‐term dynamics of foliar N/P and their potential drivers is crucial for predicting nutrient status and functioning in forest ecosystems under global change. We detected temporal trends of foliar N/P, quantitatively estimated their potential drivers and their interaction between plant types (evergreen vs. deciduous and trees vs. shrubs), using 1811 herbarium specimens of 12 widely distributed species collected during 1920–2010 across China's subtropical forests. We found significant decreases in foliar P concentrations (23.1%) and increases in foliar N/P (21.2%). Foliar N/P increased more in evergreen species (22.9%) than in deciduous species (16.9%). Changes in atmospheric CO2 concentrations (), atmospheric N deposition and mean annual temperature (MAT) dominantly contributed to the increased foliar N/P of evergreen species, while , MAT, and vapor pressure deficit, to that of deciduous species. Under future Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios, increasing MAT and would continuously increase more foliar N/P in deciduous species than in evergreen species, with more 12.9%, 17.7%, and 19.4% versus 6.1%, 7.9%, and 8.9% of magnitudes under the scenarios of SSP1‐2.6, SSP3‐7.0, and SSP5‐8.5, respectively. The results suggest that global change has intensified and will progressively aggravate N–P imbalance, further altering community composition and ecosystem functioning of subtropical forests.
Predictive value of serum albumin and calcium levels in burn patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: A comprehensive analysis of clinical outcomes
Authors: Haghighi Bardineh Seyed Ashkan , Balou Heydar Ali , Sedigh Ebrahim‐Saraie Hadi , Mobayen Mohammadreza , Esmailzadeh Mojdeh , Haghighi Samane , Haghighi Arezoo , Sadeghi Mahsa
Published: February 2024

In the ongoing challenge to reduce burn‐associated mortality rates, this study explores the predictive capacity of clinical factors in burn patients, focusing on vitamin D, calcium, and serum albumin levels during hospitalisation in cases with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Our research involves a comprehensive analysis of 100 burn patients, encompassing crucial clinical parameters such as the burn severity index, serum albumin, vitamin D, and calcium levels at admission. Data were meticulously entered into IBM Statistics SPSS software version 28 and subjected to statistical analysis. The study reveals an average patient age of 39.75 years and a notable 34% mortality rate. Additionally, the average lengths of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays are determined to be 11.33 and 7.79 days, respectively. Significantly, a correlation between calcium and albumin variables and treatment outcomes is established, showcasing their potential to predict variable changes in patient mortality rates. Furthermore, a noteworthy association is observed between serum calcium levels and the duration of ICU hospitalisation. In conclusion, albumin and calcium variables emerge as sensitive and specific indicators for predicting outcomes in burn patients. Importantly, the independence of these factors from the physician's experience and diagnosis reduces human error and thus increases the accuracy of mortality prediction in this patient population.
Association of nurse managers' paternalistic leadership and nurses' perceived workplace bullying: The mediating effect of organizational climate
Authors: Peng Xiao , Zeng Qingsong , Yang Dongliang , Cheng Yuanjuan , Zhao Shengxiu , Song Jinping , Qin Yuelan , Gao Zumei , Chen Yuan , Zhang Fengjian , Huang Lei , Mo Beirong , Liu Yilan
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims

To explore the association between nurse managers' paternalistic leadership and nurses' perceived workplace bullying (WPB), as well as to examine the mediating role of organizational climate in this association.

Background

There is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the relationship between nurse managers' paternalistic leadership, organizational climate and nurses' perceived WPB. Clarifying this relationship is crucial to understand how paternalistic leadership influences WPB and for nursing managers to seek organizational‐level solutions to prevent it.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was performed from 4 January to 10 February 2022, in six tertiary hospitals in mainland China. Demographic information, Paternalistic Leadership Scale, Organizational Climate Scale and Negative Acts Questionnaire‐Revised were used in the survey. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analyses and a structural equation model were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 5093 valid questionnaires were collected. Moral leadership and authoritarian leadership have both direct and indirect effects on WPB through the mediating effect of organizational climate. The former is negatively related to WPB and the latter is positively related to WPB. Benevolent leadership was only negatively associated with WPB via the mediating effect of organizational climate.

Conclusion

The three components of paternalistic leadership have different effects on WPB through the mediating effect of organizational climate. Nurse managers are recommended to strengthen moral leadership, balance benevolent leadership, reduce authoritarian leadership and strive to create a positive organizational climate in their efforts to mitigate WPB among nurses.

Impact

This study enhanced our comprehension of the relationship between different leadership styles and WPB. Greater emphasis should be placed on moral leadership in the promotion of nursing managers and nursing leadership training programs. Additionally, nursing managers should focus on establishing a positive organizational climate that helps to reduce WPB.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. This study did not involve patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public.
The association between parents' ethnic socialization and positive and negative interethnic contact among majority and minority groups in China and the moderating role of essentialism
Authors: Huang Fei , Shamloo Soraya E. , Li Linpeng , Cocco Veronica M. , Vezzali Loris
Published: February 2024

In a multiethnic country like China, ethnic membership is an important dimension of social construction, and interethnic contact is a necessary component of social interactions. Family is the context where ethnic socialization takes place and where parents play a relevant role. The present study focused on the Hui‐Han interethnic context. Measures of perceived parent's ethnic socialization, interethnic contact, and essentialism were administrated to Hui minority (N = 560) and Han majority (N = 954) secondary students. Results indicated that parents' positive ethnic socialization (cultural socialization/pluralism, promotion of harmony) was associated with greater positive and lower negative contact, while negative ethnic socialization (preparation for bias, promotion of mistrust) had opposite effects. Essentialist views of ethnicity moderated the associations of perceived parents' positive ethnic socialization with positive contact: the association between positive ethnic socialization and positive contact was stronger among individuals with lower (vs. higher) essentialist views. Results did not differ across the majority and the minority group. Implications for prompting positive interethnic interactions and preventing negative contact are discussed.
Milestone review: GABA, from chemistry, conformations, ionotropic receptors, modulators, epilepsy, flavonoids, and stress to neuro‐nutraceuticals
Authors: Johnston Graham A. R. , Beart Philip M.
Published: February 2024

Arising out of a PhD project more than 50 years ago to synthesise analogues of the neurotransmitter GABA, a series of new chemical entities were found to have selective actions on ionotropic GABA receptors. Several of these neurochemicals are now commercially available. A new subtype of these receptors was discovered that could be a target for the treatment of myopia, the facilitation of learning and memory, and the improvement of post‐stroke motor recovery. The development of these new chemical entities over many years demonstrates the importance of neurochemicals with which to investigate selective aspects of GABA receptors and illustrates the significance of collaboration between chemists and biologists in neurochemistry. Vital were the improvements in synthetic organic chemistry and the use of functional human receptors expressed in oocytes. Current interest in ionotropic GABA receptors includes the clinical development of subtype‐specific agents and the role of gain‐of‐function receptor variants in epilepsy. Dietary flavonoids were found to cross the blood–brain barrier to influence brain function. Natural and synthetic flavonoids had a range of effects on GABA receptors, ranging from positive, silent, and negative allosteric modulators, to even second‐order modulation of first‐order modulators. Flavonoids have been called “a new family of benzodiazepines.” Like benzodiazepines, flavonoids reduce stress. Stress produces changes in GABA receptors in the brain that may be because of changes in endogenous modulators, such as neurosteroids and corticosteroids. GABA also occurs naturally in the diet leading to studies of the effects of oral GABA on brain function. This finding has resulted in studies of GABA and related neurochemicals as neuro‐nutraceuticals. GABA systems in the gut microbiome are essential to such studies. The actions of oral GABA and of GABA‐enriched beverages and foodstuffs are now an area of considerable scientific and commercial interest. GABA is a deceptively simple chemical that can take up many shapes, which may underlie its complex functions. The need for new chemical entities with selective actions for further studies highlights the need for continuing collaboration between chemists and biologists.

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School Connectedness and Suicide Among High School Youth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Welty Cody W. , Bingham Lindsay , Morales Mario , Gerald Lynn B. , Ellingson Katherine D. , Haynes Patricia L.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a leading cause of death for adolescents, and school connectedness is a potential, modifiable protective factor for suicide. We sought to examine if school connectedness protected against suicide among high school students and if potential moderators affected the relationship between school connectedness and suicide.

METHODS

We searched online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) on December 12, 2021, for studies that examined the effects of school connectedness on suicide among high school students.

RESULTS

This systematic review identified 34 studies that examined the effects of school connectedness on adolescent suicidality. Results indicated mixed findings of school connectedness on suicidality. Among studies that assessed a suicide ideation outcome, 73.3% found that school connectedness protected against suicide. Among studies that assessed a suicide attempts outcome, 50% found that school connectedness protected against suicide. Most included studies did not control for notable variables in their final models, such as sleep, impulsivity, substance use, or depression. No studies examined moderators of school connectedness and suicide.

CONCLUSIONS

School connectedness is somewhat protective of suicidality, and more protective of suicidal ideation than suicide attempts. Researchers should examine the construct of school connectedness among modern youth to better understand school connectedness and suicide.
Oral Lactobacillus zeae exacerbates the pathological manifestation of periodontitis in a mouse model
Authors: Chen Yi‐Wen , Hou Yu‐Wen , Wang Chuang‐Wei , Cheng Shih‐Jung , Kuo Wei‐Ting , Lin Chun‐Pin , Hou Hsin‐Han
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The worldwide prevalence of periodontitis is considerably high, and its pathogenic mechanisms must be investigated and understood in order to improve clinical treatment outcomes and reduce the disease prevalence and burden. The exacerbation of the host immune system induced by oral microbial dysbiosis and the subsequent tissue destruction are the hallmarks of the periodontitis. However, the oral bacteria involved in periodontitis are not fully understood. We used the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing system to analyze metagenomic information in subgingival dental plaque from periodontitis and non‐periodontitis patients. The number of Lactobacillus zeae (L. zeae) in the periodontitis patients was 17.55‐fold higher than in the non‐periodontitis patients, suggesting that L. zeae is a novel periodontitis‐associated pathogen. Although several Lactobacillus species are used in vivo as probiotics to treat periodontitis and compete with Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), the roles of L. zeae in periodontitis progression, and the relationship between L. zeae and P. gingivalis needs to be investigated.

Methods

Both L. zeae and P. gingivalis were inoculated in the ligature‐implant site of periodontitis mice. We collected mouse gingival crevicular fluid to analyze inflammatory cytokine secretion using a multiplex assay. Intact or sliced mouse maxilla tissue was used for micro‐computed tomography analysis or hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining to evaluate alveolar bone loss, neutrophil infiltration, and osteoclast activation, respectively.

Results

We observed that L. zeae competed with P. gingivalis, and it increased inflammatory cytokine secretion at the ligature‐implant site. Similar to P. gingivalis, L. zeae promoted ligature‐induced neutrophile infiltration, osteoclast activation, and alveolar bone loss.

Discussion

We, therefore, concluded that L. zeae accelerated the progression of periodontitis in the ligature‐induced periodontitis mouse model.
Endoscopic Arthroplasty via Mini‐open Direct Anterior Approach Improves Postoperative Complications and Acetabular Components of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Obese Patients
Authors: Dai Hanhao , Deng Zhibo , Yang Linhai , Song Chao , Yu Guoyu , Luo Jun , Xu Jie
Published: February 2024

To overcome the high‐risk complications and poor alignment of acetabular components in obese patients associated with direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA), we innovated an endoscopic arthroplasty via mini‐open direct anterior approach technique (Endo‐DAA). The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes in obese patients subjected to THA between Endo‐DAA, Bikini DAA, and conventional DAA. In this retrospective controlled study, a total of 360 consecutive primary THA on obese patients (body mass index greater than 28 kg/m2) via Endo‐DAA, Bikini DAA, and conventional DAA performed from October 2017 to October 2022 by different surgeons and in a single center were included. Assessments including perioperative parameters, clinical outcomes, complications, and radiologic measurements were retrieved from patients before the surgery, perioperative period and the latest follow‐up. A total of 360 consecutive THA (Endo‐DAA = 108, Bikini DAA = 116, Conventional DAA = 136) with complete follow‐up data were analyzed. Compared to Bikini DAA or conventional DAA, Endo‐DAA significantly shortened the length of incision (5.46 ± 0.53), the duration of operation (64.47 ± 12.38), and postoperative hospital stay (2.15 ± 0.89). Endo‐DAA significantly reduces wound related complications compared with conventional DAA. Besides, Endo‐DAA achieved a significantly better alignment of acetabular components compared to Bikini DAA or conventional DAA. Furthermore, Endo‐DAA improved postoperative pain at the activity at 24 h postoperatively and early functional scores. The Endo‐DAA THA technique provides better short‐term clinical and radiographic results in obese patients with a low rate of postoperative complications compared to Bikini DAA or conventional DAA.
Whether Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Walking at a Fast Speed Show more Kinematic Asymmetries?
Authors: Lai Huahao , Chen Xiaoling , Huang Wenhan , Xie Zhenyan , Yan Yuan , Kang Ming , Zhang Yu , Huang Jiehua , Zeng Xiaolong
Published: February 2024

Objective

Knee kinematic asymmetries after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are correlated with poor clinical outcomes, such as the progression of knee cartilage degenerations or reinjuries. Fast walking in patients with knee conditions may exacerbate knee kinematic asymmetries, but its impact on ACLR patients is uncertain. The aim of this study is to investigate if fast walking induces more knee kinematic asymmetries in unilateral ACLR patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 55 patients with unilateral ACLR from January 2020 to July 2022. There were 48 males and seven females with an average age of 30.6 ± 6.4 years. Knee kinematic data were collected at three walking speeds: self‐selected, fast (150% normal), and slow (50% normal). A 3D knee kinematic analysis system measured the data, and self‐reported outcomes assessed comfort levels during walking. We used SPM1D for two‐way repeated ANOVA and posthoc paired t‐tests to analyze kinematic differences in groups.

Results

In fast walking, ACLR knees exhibited more transverse kinematic asymmetries than intact knees, including greater external rotation angle (1.8°, 38%–43%; gait cycle [GC], p < 0.05 & 1.8–2.7°, 50%–61% GC, p < 0.05) and increased proximal tibial translation (2.1–2.5 mm, 2%–6% GC, p < 0.05 & 2.5–3.2 mm, 92%–96% GC, p < 0.05). Additionally, ACLR knees showed greater posterior tibial translation than intact knees (3.6–3.7 mm, 7%–8% GC, p < 0.05) during fast walking. No posterior tibial translation asymmetries were observed in slow walking compared to normal walking levels. ACLR knees have the most comfortable feelings in slow walking speed, and the most uncomfortable feelings in fast walking speed levels (29%).

Conclusions

Fast walking induces additional external tibial rotation and proximal and posterior tibial translation asymmetries in ACLR patients. This raises concerns about long‐term safety and health during fast walking. Fast walking, not self‐selected speed, is beneficial for identifying postoperative gait asymmetries in ACLR patients.
Supply and Demand Balance Control Strategy for Microgrids Considering Uncertainty and Disturbance Based on Online H∞ Policy Iteration
Authors: Liu Yang , Jiang Zhanpeng , Xing Zuoxia , Liu Hengyu , Li Pengtao , Han Xingfan
Published: February 2024

With the rapid growth of renewable energy generation, its proportion in power generation is increasing. Accompanied by this, due to the uncertain characteristics of renewable energy generation, the issue of imbalanced power supply and demand in microgrids has posed, which brings great challenges to the reliability of microgrid. In recent years, how to use an energy storage system to solve this problem has become a hot research topic in microgrid. In this paper, an online H∞ policy iteration algorithm is proposed to control the output power of photovoltaic arrays and micro-gas turbines. At the same time, considering the uncertainty of the load demand in the microgrid system and the input disturbance of the micro-gas turbine governor, the power supply and demand relationship of the microgrid can be balanced by the proposed control strategy. Finally, the effectiveness and practicality of the control strategy were demonstrated through simulation analysis.
Children's use of spatial and visual cues for release from perceptual masking
Authors: Lalonde Kaylah , Peng Z. Ellen , Halverson Destinee M. , Dwyer Grace A.
Published: February 2024

This study examined the role of visual speech in providing release from perceptual masking in children by comparing visual speech benefit across conditions with and without a spatial separation cue. Auditory-only and audiovisual speech recognition thresholds in a two-talker speech masker were obtained from 21 children with typical hearing (7–9 years of age) using a color–number identification task. The target was presented from a loudspeaker at 0° azimuth. Masker source location varied across conditions. In the spatially collocated condition, the masker was also presented from the loudspeaker at 0° azimuth. In the spatially separated condition, the masker was presented from the loudspeaker at 0° azimuth and a loudspeaker at –90° azimuth, with the signal from the –90° loudspeaker leading the signal from the 0° loudspeaker by 4 ms. The visual stimulus (static image or video of the target talker) was presented at 0° azimuth. Children achieved better thresholds when the spatial cue was provided and when the visual cue was provided. Visual and spatial cue benefit did not differ significantly depending on the presence of the other cue. Additional studies are needed to characterize how children's preferential use of visual and spatial cues varies depending on the strength of each cue.