bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The welfare of Ghanaian women in trade: the role of English and French language literacy
Authors: Yegblemenawo Stella Afi Makafui , Ntsiful Enoch
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The study aims to assess the effect of English and French language literacy on the welfare of Ghanaian women in trade. Also, this study analyses the geographical variations of such effects from rural to urban areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the latest living standards survey data, the standard two-stage least squares instrumental variable approach was used to estimate the causal effects.

Findings

The results show that Ghanaian women in trade who are both English and French literate or only English literate are able to improve their welfare significantly relative to their fellows who are illiterate in both English and French or only English, whilst those who are solely French literate do not experience any significant improvement in welfare from trade compared with their counterparts. From the heterogeneous analysis, the findings indicate that the effect is significantly concentrated amongst rural traders but insignificant amongst urban traders.

Practical implications

The findings of this study inform government and policymakers to consider the effectiveness of the free senior high school (SHS) education policy in improving English and French language literacy and the welfare of women in Ghana. It also informs educational institutions on the importance of adult education in English and French, especially amongst women.

Originality/value

The study quantitatively estimates the effect of English and French language literacy on the welfare of Ghanaian women in trade by employing an instrumental variable approach to assess the causal effect. Uniquely, the study finds that language literacy is a significant tool in improving the welfare of rural women engaged in trade in Ghana.
Tourists' willingness to contribute to smart tourism: a construal level theory perspective
Authors: Sun Hao , Sano Kaede
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Smart tourism has become an inevitable trend in future tourism development. However, despite significant investment in its technological foundation, little is known about whether and when tourists are willing to be involved in smart tourism. This study explores tourists' willingness to contribute to smart tourism development by empirically examining their intention to share personal information and use smart technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on construal level theory (CLT), a 2 (far/near spatial distance) × 2 (gain/loss persuasive information frame) × 2 (altruistic/egoistic value orientation) laboratory experiment with different contextual features was designed to examine tourists' willingness to contribute to smart tourism.

Findings

Tourists are most willing to share personal information and use smart technologies when spatial distance aligns with information framing, spatial distance aligns with value orientation and information framing aligns with value orientation.

Practical implications

This study provides essential insights for destination management organizations (DMOs) about tourists' perceptions of smart tourism, enabling DMOs to develop more precise marketing strategies to encourage tourists to contribute to smart tourism development and enrich tourists' travel experiences.

Originality/value

This study enriches theoretical knowledge of DMOs' boundaries in encouraging tourists to contribute to smart tourism and provides critical insights into future smart tourism development for researchers and practitioners.
Allied health students' experiences of older adults in residential aged care placements: A scoping review
Authors: Bartrim Karly , Waite Cassandra , Williams Lauren T. , O'Shea Marie‐Claire
Published: December 2023

Aim

To explore the attitudes and experiences of allied health students working with older adults on residential aged care placements.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies of any design describing allied health student experience of residential aged care placements. Online databases searched to identify potentially relevant documents included Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost) and Health and Medicine (ProQuest). Studies were excluded if residential aged care facilities or allied health professional students could not be extracted from the data. No restrictions were applied to methodological design, language, geographical location or year of publication. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess methodological quality. Extracted studies were analysed to identify the study design, participant and placement characteristics, study methodology and student experience measures. Data from the included studies were analysed thematically using meta‐synthesis.

Results

Six studies (total number of participants, n = 308) met inclusion criteria, with four papers scoring a 5/5 on the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Studies included undergraduate and master's students from physiotherapy (n = 3), speech language pathology (n = 2), dietetics (n = 1) and audiology (n = 1). Placement length varied from two to 15 h, between one and six residential aged care visits. Three themes were identified; (1) Opportunity to improve skills and gain confidence, (2) Development of empathy and shift in attitudes towards older adults and (3) Recognised challenges associated with older adults and residential aged care settings.

Conclusion

While the size of the evidence‐base is limited, the studies were largely consistent in demonstrating an increase in positive attitudes towards older adults following residential aged care placements. Future research, innovations and planning around workforce size, preparation and motivation must be prioritised to ensure older adults receive the care they need and deserve.
Factors that predict development of chronic kidney disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving biologic DMARDs and mortality rates
Authors: Sandal Uzun Güllü , Taghiyeva Arzu , Çakır İbrahim Y. , Moral Kenan , Yardımcı Gözde Kübra , Bölek Ertuğrul Ç. , Farisoğulları Bayram , Duran Emine , Ayan Gizem , Özsoy Zehra , Ekici Mustafa , Unaldı Erdinç , Germe Şerife A. , Fırlatan Büşra , Kart‐Bayram Gözde S. , Bilgin Emre , Kılıç Levent , Karadağ Ömer , Akdoğan Ali , Bilgen Şule A. , Kiraz Sedat , Ertenli Ali Ihsan , Kalyoncu Umut
Published: December 2023

Objectives

We aimed to determine the choice of biologic/targeted synthetic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (b/ts‐DMARDs), factors associated with the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and mortality in RA patients with CKD receiving b/ts‐DMARDs.

Methods

Two thousand one hundred forty‐one RA (79.4% female) patients were included in the analysis from the HUR‐BIO prospective registry. Patients were divided into the CKD group and the non‐CKD group. Age and gender‐matched patients were selected from the non‐CKD group, and then three main groups were determined. CKD was staged according to the glomerular filtration rate criteria. The clinical characteristics of the patients, disease activities, treatment choices, drug retention rate, and mortality rates were compared between the groups.

Results

CKD was detected in 90/2141 (4.2%) RA patients on b/ts‐DMARDs. Forty patients (2.3%) developed CKD during follow‐up after the initiation of b/ts‐DMARDs. In the CKD group, anti‐TNF agents were chosen as the first‐line b/ts‐DMARDs therapy in 64.4% of patients, with etanercept leading in 31 (34.4%) patients. In multivariate analysis, age at the start of treatment, DAS‐28‐ESR at last visit, amyloidosis, hypertension, and history of smoking were the factors associated with the development of CKD in RA patients receiving b/ts‐DMARDs. The mortality rate in RA‐CKD patients until the onset of the pandemic was 15.41 per 1000 patient years, whereas it was 85.9 per 1000 patient years after the pandemic.

Conclusion

Comorbidities and control of disease activity are critical in the development of CKD in RA patients receiving b/ts‐DMARDs. While there was no significant difference in mortality rate between CKD and non‐CKD patients, the overall mortality rate increased after the COVID‐19 pandemic duration in both groups.
Disease trajectory of high neuroticism and the relevance to psychiatric disorders: A retro‐prospective cohort study
Authors: Xia Ding , Han Xin , Zeng Yu , Wang Jingru , Xu Kelin , Zhang Tiejun , Jiang Yanfeng , Chen Xingdong , Song Huan , Suo Chen
Published: December 2023

Background

Neuroticism is a psychological personality trait that has a significant impact on public health and is also a potential predisposing factor for adverse disease outcomes; however, comprehensive studies of the subsequently developed conditions are lacking. The starting point of disease trajectory in terms of genetic variation remains unclear.

Method

Our study included 344,609 adult participants from the UK Biobank cohort who were virtually followed up from January 1, 1997. Neuroticism levels were assessed using 12 items from the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. We performed a phenome‐wide association analysis of neuroticism and subsequent diseases. Binomial tests and logistic regression models were used to test the temporal directionality and association between disease pairs to construct disease trajectories. We also investigated the association between polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for five psychiatric traits and high neuroticism.

Results

The risk for 59 diseases was significantly associated with high neuroticism. Depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, spondylosis, and sleep disorders were the most likely to develop, with hazard ratios of 6.13, 3.66, 2.28, 1.74, 1.74, and 1.71, respectively. The disease trajectory network revealed two major disease clusters: cardiometabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases. Medium/high genetic risk groups stratified by the PRSs of four psychiatric traits were associated with an elevated risk of high neuroticism. We further identified eight complete phenotypic trajectory clusters of medium or high genetic risk for psychotic, anxiety‐, depression‐, and stress‐related disorders.

Conclusion

Neuroticism plays an important role in the development of somatic and mental disorders. The full picture of disease trajectories from the genetic risk of psychiatric traits and neuroticism in early life to a series of diseases later provides evidence for future research to explore the etiological mechanisms and precision management.
Nucleic acid‐based small molecules as targeted transcription therapeutics for immunoregulation
Authors: Bai Dan , Ziadlou Reihane , Vaijayanthi Thangavel , Karthikeyan Subramani , Chinnathambi Shanmugavel , Parthasarathy Anutthaman , Cai Li , Brüggen Marie‐Charlotte , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Pandian Ganesh N.
Published: December 2023

Transcription therapy is an emerging approach that centers on identifying the factors associated with the malfunctioning gene transcription machinery that causes diseases and controlling them with designer agents. Until now, the primary research focus in therapeutic gene modulation has been on small‐molecule drugs that target epigenetic enzymes and critical signaling pathways. However, nucleic acid‐based small molecules have gained popularity in recent years for their amenability to be pre‐designed and realize operative control over the dynamic transcription machinery that governs how the immune system responds to diseases. Pyrrole–imidazole polyamides (PIPs) are well‐established DNA‐based small‐molecule gene regulators that overcome the limitations of their conventional counterparts owing to their sequence‐targeted specificity, versatile regulatory efficiency, and biocompatibility. Here, we emphasize the rational design of PIPs, their functional mechanisms, and their potential as targeted transcription therapeutics for disease treatment by regulating the immune response. Furthermore, we also discuss the challenges and foresight of this approach in personalized immunotherapy in precision medicine.
Patchwork ethnography
Authors: Günel Gökçe , Watanabe Chika
Published: December 2023

Many ethnographers feel the pressure to suspend familial and professional ties to separate “the field” from “home” for prolonged periods. Since 2019, we have been developing the concept of “patchwork ethnography” to spotlight how ethnographers conduct fieldwork amid intersecting personal and professional responsibilities. We interrogate how researchers’ personal lives impact the process of knowledge production, showcase the innovations that have stemmed from efforts to balance multiple commitments, and advocate for writing with rather than against the disruptions that might characterize anthropological research projects. As a discipline that centers reflexivity, anthropology provides the tools to rethink not only our discipline's research practices but also those of other social sciences. Drawing on the discipline's strengths, patchwork ethnography unlocks anthropology's potential to further expand what theory means and who can be considered a theorist.
Comparing pain intensity rating scales in acute postoperative pain: boundary values and category disagreements
Authors: Moore R. A. , Clephas P. R. D. , Straube S. , Wertli M. M. , Ireson‐Paige J. , Heesen M.
Published: December 2023

Pain intensity assessment scales are important in evaluating postoperative pain and guiding management. Different scales can be used for patients to self‐report their pain, but research determining cut points between mild, moderate and severe pain has been limited to studies with < 1500 patients. We examined 13,017 simultaneous acute postoperative pain ratings from 913 patients taken at rest and on activity, between 4 h and 48 h following surgery using both a verbal rating scale (no, mild, moderate or severe pain) and 0–100 mm visual analogue scale. We determined the best cut points on the visual analogue scale between mild and moderate pain as 35 mm, and moderate and severe pain as 80 mm. These remained consistent for pain at rest and on activity, and over time. We also explored the presence of category disagreements, defined as patients verbally describing no or mild pain scored above the mild/moderate cut point on the visual analogue scale, and patients verbally describing moderate or severe pain scored below the mild/moderate cut point on the visual analogue scale. Using 30 and 60 mm cut points, 1533 observations (12%) showed a category disagreement and using 35 and 80 mm cut points, 1632 (13%) showed a category disagreement. Around 1 in 8 simultaneous pain scores implausibly disagreed, possibly resulting in incorrect pain reporting. The reasons are not known but low rates of literacy and numeracy may be contributing factors. Understanding these disagreements between pain scales is important for pain research and medical practice.
Naturalizing dying at home for older adults: A critical analysis of policy texts
Authors: Scott Erin , Funk Laura , Cherba Maria , Krawczyk Marian , Rounce Andrea , Stajduhar Kelli , Robin Cohen S.
Published: December 2023

Public policy initiatives, opinion surveys, and public rhetoric in Canada suggest people wish to die at home. Discourse analysis of statements, policies, reports, and websites of municipal, provincial, and federal governments show how public policy narratives reflect specific understandings of dying at home. Dying is positioned as best kept within the private “home” space. Though frequently framed as a choice, subtle rhetoric also prioritizes home as the ideal place for care at the end of life, and death. Home death preferences are naturalized as common‐sense. Along with more nuance in policy communications, transparency in how evidence informs policy is needed.
The mechanism of Semen Persicae‐Flos Carthami in treating hypertrophic scar: A study based on network pharmacological analysis and in vitro experiments
Authors: Li Xixi , Huang Zhipeng , Chao Hua , Lin Xunxun
Published: December 2023

Traditional medicine believes that hypertrophic scar (HS) falls into the category of “blood stasis”. Chinese herbs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, activating meridians, and relieving pain are usually selected to treat HS by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Both Semen Persicae (SP) and Flos Carthami (FC) are confirmed to be effective for HS. Clinically, SP and FC are often used in combination with each other. However, the pharmacodynamic mechanism and molecular target of SP‐FC in the treatment of HS are still unclear. Therefore, this study is intended to explore the mechanism and target of SP‐FC in the treatment of HS through network pharmacology combined with in vitro cell and molecular biology experiments. Target genes of SP‐FC were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and targets of HS‐related diseases were searched from databases such as Disgenet and GeneCards. Based on the targets searched and obtained, a Venn diagram was plotted to acquire common targets of SP‐FC‐HS. Next, STRING 11.0 was employed for protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of common targets; and cytoscape 3.9.0 for connection relationship analysis of PPI and plotting of a “drug‐component‐target” network diagram. Besides, a modified explant culture method was applied to separate primary hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs); MTT assay to detect cell viability of HSFs after treatment by SP‐FC for 24 h; Annexin V‐FITC/PI double staining combined with flow cytometry to test apoptosis; western blot to check the protein expression level of p53; and real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR to determine mRNA level of p53. In the analysis of network pharmacology, 269 pharmacological targets of SP, 449 pharmacological targets of FC, and 2569 targets of HS‐related diseases were screened from the databases. After plotting the Venn diagram, 116 common targets of SP‐FC‐HS were acquired. In vitro experiments showed that the expression of p53 in HSFs was decreased. SP‐FC significantly reduces the viability of HSFs, increases p53 levels in HSFs, and promotes apoptosis. SP‐FC can reduce scar formation by promoting p53 expression.
Preliminary evidence supporting the use of equine science podcasts to bridge the gap between scientists and horse enthusiasts to improve horse welfare
Authors: Acton Kate , McLean Nancy , MacKay Jill R. D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Podcasts have become a popular digital forum for discussing scientific information with peers, as well as with the non‐scientific community, often referred to as ‘edutainment’. It is unclear how science‐based podcasts can support the veterinary industry through, for example, supporting good husbandry practices.

Objectives

To understand the influence of ‘edutainment’ on equine owners' husbandry decisions.

Study design

The sample population were listeners of the Conversations in Equine Science (CES) podcast recruited to complete an online survey via a link promoted by the CES hosts. The survey contained Likert‐like questions assessing how listeners rated the importance of different forms of evidence when making husbandry decisions and questions relating to husbandry changes made.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was used to analyse the data. The Likert package for R was used to explore importance ratings. Free text questions were analysed via a content analysis with a constructionist epistemological position.

Results

The experience of veterinarians and scientific evidence were considered the most important forms of evidence that owners used when making decisions about their horse's management (93% agreed and 91% agreed they were important respectively). Additionally, 74% of respondents had made a change to the management or training principles prompted by an episode of CES, suggesting edutainment can be a prompt to management change. Of these, the majority (55%) had done so based on a joint discussion of the podcast and their own reading of the evidence.

Main limitations

This was an opportunistic sample of those already invested in the edutainment format and may not represent those owners with no interest in scientific evidence.

Conclusions

Podcasts are an easy‐access, low‐cost medium to convey research and current trends in the equine/equitation science genre. They may be a valuable tool for the veterinary industry to employ to support horse welfare.
Bridging the gap between scientific discoveries and clinical application at the Utrecht Science Park
Authors: Peperzak Victor , Coquet Jonathan M
Published: December 2023

Associate Professor Victor Peperzak from the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht in the Netherlands discusses the opportunities and challenges of building a research group in the Netherlands. Victor highlights the scientific strengths of UMC Utrecht in juxtaposition with other universities and centers around the Netherlands, and highlights the collaborative nature of the Dutch research scene.
Implementing the nurse practitioner role in Oman: Implications for policymaking
Authors: Al Ismaili Zeyana A. , Schober Madrean , Gary Faye , Dolansky Mary A. , Al‐Maqbali Majid , Al Touby Salem , Al Junaibi Suad M.
Published: December 2023

Background

In Oman, limited access to adequately prepared healthcare providers in primary healthcare threatens the provision of quality care to patients and families and access to healthcare services. Nurse practitioners (NP) are in an excellent position to address safety issues and ensure quality healthcare with their advanced nursing skills, knowledge, and acumen for acceptable cultural and religious practices.

Aims

To explain Oman's national strategic plans, processes, challenges, opportunities, and both regional and global implications for the facilitation of NP role implementation and policies.

Sources of evidence

The Nursing and Midwifery Human Resources framework guided the NP implementation project. Guided by the framework, the World Health Organization and the Omani Ministry of Health conducted multiple situational analyses (2004–2016). Later, the NP role was planned and implemented in Oman. During and after implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the NP role implementation were continuously conducted using multiple focus groups, individual interviews, and field visits.

Discussion

The NP role implementation revealed multiple challenges and opportunities that either hinder or support NP role implementation. Additionally, the NP implementation project revealed various lessons learned.

Implications for nursing and health policy

National and global nursing leaders and health policymakers should collaborate to discuss NP issues, especially NP role sustainability, legal approval and recognition, prescriptive authority, title protection, practice acts, and professional regulation.

Conclusion

This paper informs nursing leaders and policymakers in the Middle East and other countries in the global community about Oman's experience regarding NP role implementation.
How people, rainfall and vegetation shape tropical island fire regimes across Micronesia
Authors: Trauernicht Clay , Frazier Abby G. , Dendy Julian , Bubb Ilan , Camacho‐Fejeran Christine , Friday James B. , King Romina , Manglona James , Ruegorong Francis , Singeo Ann , Giardina Christian P. , Cordell Susan
Published: December 2023

Aim

To provide the first regional analysis of contemporary drivers of Pacific Island fire regimes.

Location

Islands of Palau, Yap, Guam, Rota, Tinian, Saipan, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae.

Time Period

1950‐present.

Methods

We used land cover, soil maps and contemporary fire histories to (1) describe the relationships among fire activity, vegetation, rainfall and island geography and population; (2) examine the spatial associations of forest and savanna vegetation with respect to fire and soil types; and (3) link fire and savanna distribution to intra‐annual and inter‐annual rainfall variability.

Results

Savanna extent was positively correlated with island age and the range of mean monthly rainfall. The percent of area burned annually reached upwards of 2%–10% of island land areas, correlated positively with rainfall seasonality, and occurred largely within savannas. Savannas were more frequent on acidic soils with higher aluminium than forests but distributed across all soil types. El Niño intensity correlated negatively with dry season rainfall over the entire study region and positively with annual area burned on Guam.

Main Conclusions

The contemporary extents of savannas in Micronesia reflect Pacific Islanders' long‐term use of fire to shape vegetation and are modulated by inter‐ and intra‐annual rainfall variability. These relationships provide baseline information for ongoing fire management and mitigation projects throughout Micronesia and critical insight for assessing and anticipating fire risk in other insular areas where fire data are limited.
Critical evaluation of established risk prediction models for acute respiratory distress syndrome in adult patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wei Tao , Peng Siyi , Li Xuying , Li Jinhua , Gu Mengdan , Li Xiaoling
Published: December 2023

Aim

To assess the performance of validated prediction models for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Eight databases (Medline, CINAHL, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, Sinomed, and VIP) were searched up to March 26, 2023. Studies developed and validated a prediction model for ARDS in adult patients were included. Items on study design, incidence, derivation methods, predictors, discrimination, and calibration were collected. The risk of bias was assessed by the Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Models with a reported area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) metric were analyzed.

Results

A total of 25 studies were retrieved, including 48 unique prediction models. Discrimination was reported in all studies, with AUC ranging from 0.701 to 0.95. Emerged AUC value of the logistic regression model was 0.837 (95% CI: 0.814 to 0.859). Besides, the value in the ICU group was 0.856 (95% CI: 0.812 to 0.899), the acute pancreatitis group was 0.863 (95% CI: 0.844 to 0.882), and the postoperation group was 0.835 (95% CI: 0.808 to 0.861). In total, 24 of the included studies had a high risk of bias, which was mostly due to the improper methods in predictor screening (13/24), model calibration assessment (9/24), and dichotomization of continuous predictors (6/24).

Conclusions

This study shows that most prediction models for ARDS are at high risk of bias, and the discrimination ability of the model is excellent. Adherence to standardized guidelines for model development is necessary to derive a prediction model of value to clinicians.
Confidence management in contests
Authors: Deng Shanglyu , Fang Hanming , Fu Qiang , Wu Zenan
Published: December 2023

An incumbent employee competes against a new hire for bonuses or promotions. The incumbent's perception of the new hire's ability distribution is biased. This bias can result in overconfidence or underconfidence. We show that debiasing may be counterproductive in incentivizing efforts. We then explore whether a firm that values employees’ efforts should disclose an informative signal about the new hire's type and we characterize the conditions under which transparency or opacity is optimal for the firm. We further consider four extensions to the model. Our results contribute to the extensive discussion of confidence management and organizational transparency in firms.
Magnetic resonance imaging shows spinal curvature in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) is associated with chronic inflammation of peri‐vertebral soft tissues
Authors: Lovett Bailey A. , Firth Elwyn C. , Perrott Matthew R. , Munday John S. , Pontre Beau P. , Lydon Anna‐Maria P. , Symonds Jane E. , Preece Mark A. , Herbert Neill A.
Published: December 2023

Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) farmed in New Zealand are known to develop abnormal spinal curvature late in seawater production. Its cause is presently unknown, but there is evidence to suggest a neuromuscular pathology. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we evaluated the relationship between soft tissue pathology and spinal curvature in farmed Chinook salmon. Regions of interest (ROIs) presenting as pathologic MRI signal hyper‐intensity were identified from scans of 24 harvest‐sized individuals: 13 with radiographically‐detectable spinal curvature and 11 without. ROIs were excised from individuals using anatomical landmarks as reference points and histologically analysed. Pathologic MRI signal was observed more frequently in individuals with radiographic curvature (92%, n = 12) than those without (18%, n = 2), was localized to the peri‐vertebral connective tissues and musculature, and presented as three forms: inflammation, fibrosis, or both. These pathologies are consistent with a chronic inflammatory process, such as that observed during recovery from a soft tissue injury, and suggest spinal curvature in farmed Chinook salmon may be associated with damage to and/or compromised integrity of the peri‐vertebral soft tissues. Future research to ascertain the contributing factors is required.
Cancer risk‐factor and symptom awareness among adults with intellectual disabilities, paid and unpaid carers, and healthcare practitioners: a scoping review
Authors: Gil N. , Cox A. , Whitaker K. L. , Kerrison R. S.
Published: December 2023

Background

The physical health of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) has been identified as an area of ongoing concern and priority. Research has increasingly focused on cancer, with studies indicating that people with ID are at an increased risk of cancer and of mortality, compared with the general population. This review aims to systematically identify and synthesise the published academic literature exploring cancer risk‐factor and symptom awareness among people with IDs, carers and healthcare professionals.

Methods

In line with Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework for scoping reviews, five incremental stages were followed: (1) identifying research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) extracting and charting of data, and (5) collating, summarising and reporting results. Findings were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐Scr).

Results

The search strategy identified 352 records, 16 records met all eligibility criteria and were included for review. The studies address a range of areas including knowledge and awareness of cancer risk‐factors and symptoms and interventions to promote awareness of cancer.

Conclusions

Cancer risk‐factor and symptom awareness is low among adults with ID, paid and unpaid carers and healthcare practitioners (HCPs). Theoretically underpinned, co‐designed tools and interventions to improve awareness are lacking. There is uncertainty surrounding how to best support people with ID in raising cancer awareness, even within the professional healthcare environment. There is a predominance of research on breast cancer awareness. Future studies focusing on other cancers are needed to build a complete picture of awareness among adults with IDs, paid and unpaid carers, and HCPs.
Dynamic, sex‐ and diet‐specific pleiotropism in the PAC1 receptor‐mediated regulation of arcuate proopiomelanocortin and Neuropeptide Y/Agouti related peptide neuronal excitability by anorexigenic ventromedial nucleus PACAP neurons
Authors: Mata‐Pacheco Veronica , Hernandez Jennifer , Varma Nandini , Xu Jenny , Sayers Sarah , Le Nikki , Wagner Edward J.
Published: December 2023

This study furthers the investigation of how pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and the PAC1 receptor (PAC1R) regulate the homeostatic energy balance circuitry. We hypothesized that apoptotic ablation of PACAP neurones in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMN) would affect both energy intake and energy expenditure. We also hypothesized that selective PAC1R knockdown would impair the PACAP‐induced excitation in anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones and inhibition of orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti‐related peptide (AgRP) neurones in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC). The results show CASPASE‐3‐induced ablation of VMN PACAP neurones leads to increased energy intake and meal frequency as well as decreased energy expenditure in lean animals. The effects were more robust in obese males, whereas we saw the opposite effects in obese females. We then utilized visualized whole‐cell patch clamp recordings in hypothalamic slices. PAC1R knockdown in POMC neurones diminishes the PACAP‐induced depolarization, increase in firing, decreases in energy intake and meal size, as well as increases in CO2 production and O2 consumption. Similarly, the lack of expression of the PAC1R in NPY/AgRP neurones greatly attenuates the PACAP‐induced hyperpolarization, suppression of firing, decreases in energy intake and meal frequency, as well as increases in energy expenditure. The PACAP response in NPY/AgRP neurones switched from predominantly inhibitory to excitatory in fasted animals. Finally, the anorexigenic effect of PACAP was potentiated when oestradiol was injected into the ARC in ovariectomized females. This study demonstrates the critical role of anorexigenic VMN PACAP neurones and the PAC1R in exciting POMC and inhibiting NPY/AgRP neurons to control homeostatic feeding.
Socially conscious moral intuitionism
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer‐Landau Russ
Published: December 2023

In “Trusting Moral Intuitions” we argued that moral intuitions are trustworthy due to their being the outputs of a cognitive practice, with social elements, in good working order. Backes, Eklund, and Michelson present several criticisms of our defense of a socially conscious moral intuitionism. We respond to these criticisms, defending our claim that social factors enhance the epistemic credentials of moral intuitions, answering worries pertaining to the reliability of the moral intuition practice, and addressing concerns about both the individuation of this practice and the good conditions for its implementation.
A resilient bunch: stem cell antiviral immunity in plants
Authors: Hoffmann Gesa , Incarbone Marco
Published: December 2023

Stem cells are vital for plant development and reproduction. The stem cells within shoot apical meristems are known to possess exceptionally effective antiviral defenses against pathogenic viruses which preclude their infection, yet how this is achieved remains poorly understood and scarcely investigated. In this Tansley Insight, we connect very recent experimental results with previous work to summarize the known molecular mechanisms determining stem cell antiviral immunity. More broadly, we attempt to define the viral features triggering immunity and the global consequences of virus infection in these essential cells. This brief article will highlight how these phenomena are fascinating, complex and often crucial for virus–host interactions, while emphasizing the potential for discovery in their investigation.
A pragmatic methodology to extract anesthetic and physiological data from the electronic health record
Authors: Harandi Arshia Aalami , McPherson Katherine , Lo Yungtai , Gutiérrez Rodrigo , Chao Jerry Y.
Published: December 2023

Background/Aims

Traditional manual methods of extracting anesthetic and physiological data from the electronic health record rely upon visual transcription by a human analyst that can be labor‐intensive and prone to error. Technical complexity, relative inexperience in computer coding, and decreased access to data warehouses can deter investigators from obtaining valuable electronic health record data for research studies, especially in under‐resourced settings. We therefore aimed to develop, pilot, and demonstrate the effectiveness and utility of a pragmatic data extraction methodology.

Methods

Expired sevoflurane concentration data from the electronic health record transcribed by eye was compared to an intermediate preprocessing method in which the entire anesthetic flowsheet narrative report was selected, copy‐pasted, and processed using only Microsoft Word and Excel software to generate a comma‐delimited (.csv) file. A step‐by‐step presentation of this method is presented. Concordance rates, Pearson correlation coefficients, and scatterplots with lines of best fit were used to compare the two methods of data extraction.

Results

A total of 1132 datapoints across eight subjects were analyzed, accounting for 18.9 h of anesthesia time. There was a high concordance rate of data extracted using the two methods (median concordance rate 100% range [96%, 100%]). The median time required to complete manual data extraction was significantly longer compared to the time required using the intermediate method (240 IQR [199, 482.5] seconds vs 92.5 IQR [69, 99] seconds, p = .01) and was linearly associated with the number of datapoints (rmanual = .97, p < .0001), whereas time required to complete data extraction using the intermediate approach was independent of the number of datapoints (rintermediate = −.02, p = .99).

Conclusions

We describe a pragmatic data extraction methodology that does not require additional software or coding skills intended to enhance the ease, speed, and accuracy of data collection that could assist in clinician investigator‐initiated research and quality/process improvement projects.
Insights from a joint pediatric dermatology‐gynecology vulvar clinic: A retrospective study
Authors: Menta Nikita , Nussbaum Dillon , Khilnani Aneka , Dowlut‐McElroy Tazim , Habeshian Kaiane A.
Published: December 2023

Background/Objectives

Pediatric vulvar disease has not been widely explored in the medical literature. Few studies focus on vulvar disease in skin of color. The vulvar disease can be distressing for young patients given the sensitive location, and providers may lack experience in diagnosing and managing vulvar dermatoses. We sought to characterize the conditions seen, diagnostic challenges encountered, and the racial and ethnic factors associated with vulvar diseases in our multidisciplinary pediatric dermatology‐gynecology vulvar clinic at Children's National.

Methods

Medical records of 220 patients who presented to our multidisciplinary pediatric dermatology‐gynecology clinic were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Lichen sclerosus (LS) (36%, n = 80), inflammatory vulvitis (11%, n = 23), and vitiligo (9%, n = 19) were the three most frequent conditions observed. These conditions were often misdiagnosed as one another. There was a mean delay in diagnosis after symptom onset in LS patients of 16.43 months.

Conclusions

LS, inflammatory vulvitis, and vitiligo are common vulvar diseases among pediatric patients. Accurate diagnosis is important because LS must be treated aggressively to prevent sequelae. Further studies are warranted to help differentiate LS and vitiligo with consideration of skin tone.
‘It's a gamble’: A phenomenological exploration of medical students' learning experiences as newcomers to clinical communities of practice
Authors: Taylor Alistair W. R. , Anderson Elizabeth S. , Gay Simon
Published: December 2023

Background

Medical students become members of the clinical team through participation in their activities, as described by Lave and Wenger's situated learning theory. While there is research into how medical students cognitively engage in clinical learning, there is limited work on clinical experiences using a social theoretical lens such as situated learning theory.

Method

This study explored third year medical students' lived experience as newcomers to clinical teams using a qualitative phenomenological approach. Medical students completed in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews in 2021. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) using Lave and Wenger's theory of situated learning was applied to understand students' experiences.

Results

Seven students discussed their variable placement experiences. Learning related to three elements: conditions for participation, modes of participation and products of participation. When certain conditions were met relating to student, clinician and activity, students learned. This drove identity and relationship formation. The findings related and led to a self‐perpetuating cycle with potential to advance student learning. When the conditions for participation were not met, the cycle stopped, leading to student disengagement.

Conclusion

Passivity in students is a result of modifiable factors in the workplace. To encourage proactivity, clinicians must enable students to move from observation to participation as their competence increases. Participation should be supervised, challenging and should contribute to patient care. Time pressures can make this difficult; one solution is to nominate a clinician to direct students and account for this in their workload or to employ a clinical fellow to assist with student training.
Optimal microneedle length for hair regrowth in hair cycle arrest (alopecia X) in six dogs
Authors: Kang Yeong‐Hun , Kim Min‐Sun , Kang Soh‐Yoon , Hyun Jae‐Eun , Hwang Cheol‐Yong
Published: December 2023

Background

Hair cycle arrest (HCA) is a chronic alopecic disorder in dogs. Clinical responses vary and are often insufficient. Microneedling (MN) has been used as a successful treatment for HCA in dogs; ideal protocols have not yet been established.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of three needle lengths for MN in dogs with HCA.

Animals

Six unrelated client‐owned dogs, including five Pomeranians and one mixed‐breed dog, diagnosed with HCA.

Materials and Methods

Individual alopecic sites were divided into three sections. For each section, different lengths of needles (1, 2 and 3 mm) were used. Efficacy and safety were evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months. Treated sections were monitored for 20 months.

Results

Three months after treatment with 3 mm needles, all sections showed hair regrowth. There was no hair regrowth in two of six sections treated with 2 mm needles, and four of six sections did not show a response to treatment with 1 mm needles. Two dogs developed transient pruritus. Five of six dogs had recurrent hair loss between 5 and 16 months of follow‐up.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Microneedling using longer needles stimulated better hair regrowth in dogs with HCA. Alopecia relapsed in most dogs and minor pruritus occurred in some dogs.
Clinical practice guidelines in prehospital pain management for paramedics: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Thomson Michelle , Simpson Paul , Pap Robin , Munn Zachary
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

The purpose of this review is to examine prehospital pain management clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to identify recommendations that can be adopted or adapted into paramedic clinical practice. An additional aim is to consider the methodological quality of these CPGs and the recommendations within them.

Introduction:

Quality, evidence-based CPGs support clinicians and optimize patient care. However, not all CPGs meet rigorous evidence-based standards, and some may be misleading. As pain is a common reason for patients to access ambulance services, the evaluation of pain management CPGs, their quality, and whether their recommendations can be adopted or adapted into practice is required to increase understanding in this area.

Inclusion criteria:

We will include CPGs for pain management intended for prehospital services in civilian communities. CPGs in English published from 2017, and containing clear recommendations addressing pain of any cause will be considered for inclusion.

Methods:

This review will combine methodologies, including the PICAR framework (population, intervention, comparison, attributes of eligible CPGs, recommendation characteristics) by Johnston et al., and the JBI umbrella and scoping review methodologies. The search strategy will cover 12 databases, including PubMed, Embase, and specific CPG databases (eg, GIN Library). Additionally, Google Scholar and Google will be searched, and prehospital organizations without regular publications will be contacted. The AGREE II and AGREE-REX tools will be used to assess the methodological rigor and clinical credibility of the CPGs. The characteristics of both CPGs and the recommendations will be extracted and discussed in the review.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42022352951
Stokes’ Second Flow Problem Revisited for Particle–Fluid Suspensions
Authors: Ru C. Q.
Published: December 2023

An alternative analytical model is proposed for hydrodynamics of incompressible Newtonian fluids with suspended solid particles. Unlike existing single-phase models that do not distinguish the velocity field of suspended particles from the velocity field of host fluid, the present model accounts for the relative shift between the two velocity fields and assumes that its effect can be largely captured by substituting the inertia term of Navier–Stokes equations with the acceleration field of the mass center of the representative unit cell. The proposed model enjoys a relatively concise mathematical formulation. The oscillating flow of a particle–fluid suspension between two flat plates is studied with the present model, and detailed results are presented for Stokes’ second flow problem on the oscillating flow of a suspension half-space induced by an oscillating plate with specific examples of dusty gases and nanofluids. Remarkably, leading-order asymptotic expressions derived by the present model, for the effect of suspended particles on the decay index and wavenumber of the velocity field, are shown to be identical to known results derived based on the widely adopted Saffman model for dusty gases. It is hoped that the present work could offer a relatively simplified and yet reasonably accurate model for hydrodynamic problems of particle–fluid suspensions.
A Theoretical Analysis for Arbitrary Residual Stress of Thin Film/Substrate System With Nonnegligible Film Thickness
Authors: Sun Kunjie , Sun Chen , Chen Jubing
Published: December 2023

Stoney formula is widely used in advanced devices to estimate the residual stress of thin film/substrate system by measuring surface curvature. Many hypotheses including that thin film thickness is ignored are required, thus bringing significant error in characterizing the inhomogeneous residual stress distribution. In this article, arbitrary residual stresses on thin film/substrate structures with nonnegligible film thickness are modeled and characterized. We introduce nonuniform misfit strain and establish the governing equations including mismatched strain, displacements, and interfacial stresses based on the basic elastic theory. The parameterization method and the method of constant variation are used in the process of equation decoupling. The expressions between displacements, surface curvatures, and misfit strain are determined through decoupling calculations. By substituting misfit strain, residual stresses are expressed by parametric equation related to surface curvature. It further indicates that there is a “non-local” part between the film stress and curvature at the same point. Compared to neglecting the film thickness, the proposed method eliminate relative errors up to 58.3%, which is of great significance for stress measurement of thin films and substrates.