bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The factor of resident safety culture in nursing homes in Indonesia
Authors: Indarwati Retno , Fauziningtyas Rista , Jalaludin Nur Sayyid , Fauziah Anis , Efendi Ferry
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Older adults living in nursing homes may become vulnerable because of errors or incidents; it is necessary to create a positive safety culture to minimise such occurrences. However, safety culture is still a prevailing issue in Indonesian nursing homes. This study aims to examine factors related to resident safety culture in nursing homes located in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional research design and involved 13 nursing homes in East Java province, Indonesia. Multistage cluster samplings were used to determine the respondents of this study. The respondents included 219 employees: managers, health care, supportive and administrative staff. The Indonesian version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire was used to measure safety culture.

Findings

Most of the respondents (68.5%) had a positive perspective on the nursing home’s safety culture. Staffs who had worked for six to ten years in the nursing home were 17.07 times more likely to have positive perspective on safety culture with a p-value of 0.0002. Respondents who gave direct care also had a positive perception of safety culture with a p-value of 0.008.

Research limitations/implications

Broader insight into safety culture needs to be provided to all staff in the nursing home. Safety topics should be included in the orientation session for new staff.

Originality/value

The staff’s work experience and direct care have a significant connection to safety culture.
JobKeeper: An Initial Assessment
Authors: Borland Jeff , Hunt Jennifer
Published: February 2023

We present details of the design and implementation of the 2020–2021 JobKeeper program and review the literature on its impacts. JobKeeper stimulated the macroeconomy and restrained job loss in the downturn. But because the program was not narrowly targeted, the cost per job saved was high and the impact most likely regressive. However, it would not have been possible to devise and implement a more targeted program in the available time, and as it was, JobKeeper was arguably implemented later than needed for maximum effectiveness. We therefore recommend that Australia consider establishing a short‐time work program for use in future recessions.
Constructing the detecting stage: Social processes and the diagnostic journey of early onset Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Valasaki Maria
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that mostly affects people over the age of 65; however, a significant number (10%) of the diagnosed cases are under the age of 50 (Young Onset Parkinson’s disease). It has multiple symptoms; it is difficult to diagnose and its progression cannot be intercepted. This article focuses on the experience of the diagnostic process as narrated by individuals who were under the age of 50 when diagnosed. Analysis of in‐depth interviews with 17 individuals with Parkinson’s disease inductively reveals a ‘detecting stage’, a period during which they visit different doctors, undertake many examinations and experience bodily symptoms with impacts on their mental health. The diagnostic process, which usually lasts over 2 years, often leads to misdiagnosis and or late diagnosis (a) on account of the individual’s young age and social meanings attached to it, usually by doctors, whose discourse appears to be rather psychologised and (b) is perceived as disruptive to individuals’ biographies. Due to the tendency to over‐attribute bodily symptoms to psychological problems, accurate diagnosis is experienced as redemption.
Impact of targeted therapies on the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and aggregate data meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cai Ruyi , Jin Yinji , Chen Beidi , Zhao Jinxia , Zhai Jiayu , Zeng Lin , Mu Rong
Published: February 2023

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effect of targeted therapies on cardiovascular risk in psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) via a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for RCTs reporting targeted therapies in patients with PsO/PsA published until 28 October 2021. The primary and secondary outcomes included the relationship between targeted therapies and all cardiovascular events (CVEs), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, and stroke in PsO/PsA. The outcome risk ratios (RRs) were calculated using the Mantel–Haenszel fixed‐effect method.

Results

A total of 81 articles involving 88 RCTs were included. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the occurrence of all CVEs for all targeted therapies (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.74‐1.43, P = .85) compared to placebo in PsO/PsA. No statistically significant difference existed between drugs and placebo in patients with PsA on all CVEs (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.48‐1.36, P = .43). Surprisingly, the incidence of all CVEs was higher in the low dosage group compared to the high dosage group of all targeted therapies (RR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.19‐3.27, P = .008) and prominently anti‐interleukin‐17 agent (RR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.05‐4.58, P = .04).

Conclusion

Current targeted therapies are not associated with the risk of CVEs. Based on the existing evidence, we reported here that a dosage reduction of targeted therapies was not recommended.
Clonidine for preventing emergence agitation in infants (PREVENT AGITATION II): Protocol and statistical analysis plan
Authors: Garioud Anne Louise de Barros , Nielsen Bettina Nygaard , Falcon Lars , Mondrup Frederik , Afshari Arash
Published: February 2023

Background

Emergence agitation is a common clinical condition in children. Symptoms pertaining to the spectrum of early postoperative negative behavior typically occur upon emergence from anesthesia. Clonidine is an effective adjunctive agent for the prevention of emergence agitation in children, but evidence in the smallest age groups is sparse We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of an intraoperative bolus of intravenous clonidine for preventing emergence agitation in children 3–12 months of age.

Methods

This is a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial. We will enroll 320 patients aged 3–12 months who have been scheduled for general anesthesia maintained with sevoflurane and opioid. The randomization is parallel and stratified by age group, sex, and site. The investigational medicinal product will be administered intravenously ~20 min before the anticipated end of the surgical procedure. The intervention is clonidine 3 μg/kg and placebo is isotonic saline in a corresponding volume.

Results

The primary outcome is the incidence of emergence agitation as assessed on the Watcha scale, that is, any Watcha score >2 during participants' stay in the postanesthetic care unit. Secondary outcomes are the proportion of participants with postoperative pain, with postoperative nausea and vomiting, and a composite safety outcome. Statistical analysis will be conducted according to the Statistical Analysis Plan with the intention‐to‐treat population for our primary analyses.

Conclusion

The PREVENT AGITATION II trial will contribute valuable knowledge on efficacy for the prevention of emergence agitation and safety in infants.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on student supervision and education in health care settings: A state‐wide survey of health care workers
Authors: Martin Priya , Hulme Adam , Fallon Tony , Kumar Saravana , McGrail Matthew , Argus Geoff , Gurney Tiana , Kondalsamy‐Chennakesavan Srinivas
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate student supervisor experiences of supervising students on clinical placements since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

Studies on the impact of COVID‐19 on student clinical placements have focused largely on student reports and have been specific to individual professions or topic areas. There is a need to investigate student supervisor experiences. This study was conducted in Queensland (Australia) in four regional and rural public health services and four corresponding primary health networks.

Methods

The anonymous, mixed methods online survey, consisting of 35 questions, was administered to student supervisors from allied health, medicine, nursing and midwifery between May and August 2021. Numerical data were analysed descriptively using chi‐square tests. Free‐text comments were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Complete datasets were available for 167 respondents. Overall trends indicated perceived significant disruptions to student learning and support, plus mental health and well‐being concerns for both students and supervisors. Extensive mask wearing was noted to be a barrier to building rapport, learning and teaching. Some positive impacts of the pandemic on student learning were also noted.

Conclusions

This study has highlighted the perceived impact of the pandemic on supervisors' mental health, and on the mental health, learning and work readiness of students. This study provides evidence of the pandemic impacts on student clinical placements from a supervisor point of view. Findings can assist in future‐proofing clinical education and ensuring that students continue to receive learning experiences of benefit to them, meeting curriculum requirements, in the event of another pandemic.
Medical student interest and participation in research at one rural clinical school: Insights from the last six years
Authors: Fox Jordan L. , Cribb Jacky , Cumming Kaye , Martin Priya
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Limited evidence is currently available relating to research acitivity of medical students training in regional or rural areas.

Objective

To describe medical student interest and participation in research at The University of Queensland Rural Clinical School (UQRCS).

Design

Annual student expression of interest surveys were collated with records of student research participation maintained at UQRCS from 2017‐2022. Additionally, a systematic search was conducted to identify student outputs not captured in internal records. Frequencies and proportions were calculated for all descriptive data along with proportions of students who engaged with a project, and projects that led to a peer‐reviewed publication.

Findings

At UQRCS commencement, 55% of research‐interested students reported having basic research skills. Thirty‐nine percent of research‐interested students engaged with a project, most commonly literature reviews (47%) or audits (29%). Thirty‐three percent of completed projects led to a peer‐reviewed manuscript.

Discussion

Students who engage with a project are unlikely to receive a project in their preferred clinical area and should be informed about the transferrability of research skills. Most students have basic research skills when commencing a project and therefore require ongoing support and mentorship from staff/supervisors.

Conclusion

Publication rates of medical students in regional/rural areas are comparable to those reported by metropolitan medical schools (~30%).
FDA Modernization Act 2.0 allows for alternatives to animal testing
Authors: Han Jason J.
Published: February 2023

On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the FDA Modernization Act 2.0. The bill essentially refutes the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act of 1938, which mandated animal testing for every new drug development protocol. While for the past century, the mandate was intended to ensure certain quality and safety standards for drugs and medical devices, recent advancements in science have begun to offer increasingly viable alternatives to animal testing. For certain areas such as organ replacement therapies, non‐animal testing may not prove to be an adequate alternative in the foreseeable future.
Role of sex hormones in neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Maekawa Kasumi , Yamanaka Koji
Published: February 2023

Neuroinflammation, which is mediated by microglia, astrocytes, and infiltrated immune cells and leads to the subsequent production of proinflammatory molecules, is associated with the pathomechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As the incidence of AD is higher in females than males, multiple studies have focused on the relationship between sex hormones and AD pathology. Androgen and estrogen receptors are expressed throughout the brain, including the hippocampus; thus, both sex hormones may regulate brain function, including cognitive function. Endogenous sex hormone levels are depleted by aging and cancer therapies, including prostate cancer and breast cancer therapies. Previous cohort studies have revealed that these conditions may also increase the risk of developing AD. Here we review previous findings from epidemiologic and preclinical studies on AD and provide an overview of the roles of sex hormones as risk factors of AD and regulators of AD pathology, including neuroinflammation. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of sex hormone supplementation as a preventive or therapeutic treatment for AD based on the results of randomized control trials.
The origin of life: RNA and protein co‐evolution on the ancient Earth
Authors: Tagami Shunsuke , Li Peiying
Published: February 2023

How life emerged from simple non‐life chemicals on the ancient Earth is one of the greatest mysteries in biology. The gene expression system of extant life is based on the interdependence between multiple molecular species (DNA, RNA, and proteins). While DNA is mainly used as genetic material and proteins as functional molecules in modern biology, RNA serves as both genetic material and enzymes (ribozymes). Thus, the evolution of life may have begun with the birth of a ribozyme that replicated itself (the RNA world hypothesis), and proteins and DNA joined later. However, the complete self‐replication of ribozymes from monomeric substrates has not yet been demonstrated experimentally, due to their limited activity and stability. In contrast, peptides are more chemically stable and are considered to have existed on the ancient Earth, leading to the hypothesis of RNA–peptide co‐evolution from the very beginning. Our group and collaborators recently demonstrated that (1) peptides with both hydrophobic and cationic moieties (e.g., KKVVVVVV) form β‐amyloid aggregates that adsorb RNA and enhance RNA synthesis by an artificial RNA polymerase ribozyme and (2) a simple peptide with only seven amino acid types (especially rich in valine and lysine) can fold into the ancient β‐barrel conserved in various enzymes, including the core of cellular RNA polymerases. These findings, together with recent reports from other groups, suggest that simple prebiotic peptides could have supported the ancient RNA‐based replication system, gradually folded into RNA‐binding proteins, and eventually evolved into complex proteins like RNA polymerase.
Routine and sleep EEG: Minimum recording standards of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology and the International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Peltola Maria E. , Leitinger Markus , Halford Jonathan J. , Vinayan Kollencheri Puthenveettil , Kobayashi Katsuhiro , Pressler Ronit M. , Mindruta Ioana , Mayor Luis Carlos , Lauronen Leena , Beniczky Sándor
Published: February 2023

This article provides recommendations on the minimum standards for recording routine (“standard”) and sleep electroencephalography (EEG). The joint working group of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) developed the standards according to the methodology suggested for epilepsy‐related clinical practice guidelines by the Epilepsy Guidelines Working Group. We reviewed the published evidence using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The quality of evidence for sleep induction methods was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) method. A tool for Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies (QUADAS‐2) was used to assess the risk of bias in technical and methodological studies. Where high‐quality published evidence was lacking, we used modified Delphi technique to reach expert consensus. The GRADE system was used to formulate the recommendations. The quality of evidence was low or moderate. We formulated 16 consensus‐based recommendations for minimum standards for recording routine and sleep EEG. The recommendations comprise the following aspects: indications, technical standards, recording duration, sleep induction, and provocative methods.
Concordance between focal brain temperature elevations and focal edema in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Sharma Ayushe A. , Nenert Rodolphe , Goodman Adam , Szaflarski Jerzy P.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Neuroinflammation (NI) is a pathophysiological factor in many neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Because NI causes microstructural tissue damage that worsens with increasing brain temperature, abnormally elevated brain temperatures may be a surrogate measure of the biochemical consequences of NI. This study investigated whether patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) have abnormal brain temperature elevations (TCRE) in seizure‐producing regions that show evidence of edema and/or microstructural damage.

Methods

Twenty adults with TLE and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were scanned at 3‐Tesla. TCRE in each voxel was calculated (TCRE = −102.61(ΔH20−CRE) + 206.1°C) by non‐invasive volumetric magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and thermometry (MRSI‐t). Multi‐shell diffusion images were processed by neurite orientation and density imaging (NODDI). Voxel wise two‐sample t tests computed group differences in imaging data. Multimodal data fusion (joint independent component analysis [ICA]) determined the spatial coupling of TCRE with NODDI.

Results

TCRE analyses showed that, compared to HCs, TLEs had higher TCRE (p < .001). NODDI analyses showed increased extracellular free water (pFWE < 0.05) in the medial temporal lobes, with the most pronounced increases ipsilateral to seizure onset. TLEs also had increased angular dispersion of neurites (p < .001) and decreased neurite density (pFWE <0.05) in the ictal‐onset medial temporal lobe, as well as more widespread, bilateral patterns of abnormalities. Focal increases in TCRE were spatially concordant with increased free water in the left inferior and middle temporal gyri and the associated cortex. In TLE, ICA loadings extracted from this region of overlap were associated with greater mood disturbance (r = .34, p = .02) and higher depression scores (r = .37, p = .009).

Significance

The spatial concordance between focal TCRE elevations and edema in TLE supports the notion that brain thermometry visualizes the correlates of focal NI. MRSI‐t‐based TCRE elevations may, therefore, be a useful biomarker for identifying seizure‐producing tissue in patients with focal epilepsy caused by brain damage.
A novel method of strong and tough Si3N4 ceramic from the particle‐stabilized foam
Authors: Li Yongjiao , Yang Minghao , Zhang Youfei , Xia Zun , Sang Guolong , Wang Xiuhui , Yang Jinlong
Published: February 2023

The brittleness of Si3N4 ceramics has always limited its wide application. In this paper, Si3N4 ceramics were prepared based on foam. Combining the unique honeycomb structure of the ceramic foams and the self‐toughening mechanism of Si3N4, the strengthening and toughening of Si3N4 ceramics can be further achieved by adjusting the microstructure of Si3N4 ceramic foams. The powder particles are self‐assembled by particle‐stabilized foaming to form a foam body with a honeycomb structure. It was pretreated at different temperatures (1450–1750°C). The microstructure evolution of foamed ceramics at different pretreatment temperatures and the conversion rate of α‐Si3N4 to β‐Si3N4 at different pretreatment temperatures were explored. Then the foamed ceramics with different microstructures are hot‐press sintered to prepare Si3N4 dense ceramics. The effects of different microstructures of foamed ceramics on the strength and toughness of Si3N4 ceramics were analyzed. The experimental results show that the relative density of Si3N4 ceramics prepared at a particle pretreatment temperature of 1500°C is 97.8%, and its flexural strength and fracture toughness are relatively the highest, which are 1089 ± 60 MPa and 12.9 ± 1.3 MPa m1/2, respectively. Compared with the traditional powder hot‐pressing sintering, the improvement is 21% and 33%, respectively. It is shown that this method of preparing Si3N4 ceramics based on foam has the potential to strengthen and toughen Si3N4 ceramics.
Importance of the relative epicardial connection locations and right‐sided pulmonary vein isolation line for successful pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Ishikura Masahiro , Kobori Atsushi , Sasaki Yasuhiro , Murai Ryosuke , Okada Taiji , Toyota Toshiaki , Taniguchi Tomohiko , Kim Kitae , Ehara Natsuhiko , Kinoshita Makoto , Furukawa Yutaka
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The presence of an epicardial connection (EC) decreases the success rate of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI); however, the effect of designing isolation lines has not been evaluated. We sought to clarify the effects of designing an anterior line for right‐sided PVI considering the presence and location of the EC.

Methods

Seventy‐four consecutive patients who underwent initial catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation were retrospectively included in this study. The presence of the EC was determined by the left atrial (LA) activation map during right atrial pacing, and patients were divided into EC‐positive (n = 23, 31%) and EC‐negative (n = 51, 69%) groups. EC‐positive patients were further subdivided based on the EC location: on‐the‐line group, (EC on the PVI line, n = 11); inside‐line group (EC on the pulmonary vein [PV] side, n = 10); and outside‐line group (EC on the LA side, n = 2). The PVI parameters were compared among the three groups.

Results

The success rates of the first‐pass isolation were comparable between the EC‐negative and EC‐positive groups (70.6% vs. 60.9%, ns), but the success rate was significantly higher in the on‐the‐line group than in the inside‐line group (91% vs. 20%, p = 0.002). First‐pass isolation was successful in both patients in the outside‐line group. Additional carina ablation was required only in the inside‐line group.

Conclusions

The association between the EC site and the right‐sided PV anterior isolation line affected the success rate of first‐pass isolation. For successful right‐sided PVI, it is important to consider the EC site when designing the PVI line.
Information sharing to support care transitions for patients with complex mental health and social needs
Authors: Bucy Taylor I. , Cross Dori A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with complex behavioral and mental health conditions require significant transitional care coordination. It is unclear how skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that serve these patients engage in care transfer with hospitals, specifically whether they experience discrepancies in the type of information shared by hospital partners and/or use different approaches to secure needed information.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of a national 2019–2020 SNF survey that collected information on transitional care practices with referring hospitals; respondents were directors of nursing services. We used chi‐squared tests and descriptive statistics to characterize hospital information sharing practices experienced by facilities that accept complex patients (e.g., serious mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or medication assisted treatment), and to compare them to facilities that treat a less complex population.

Results

A total of 215 SNFs had sufficiently complete responses for inclusion in the analysis. Of these respondents, 57% accepted two or more types of patients with complex conditions of interest; these SNFs were more likely to be urban, for‐profit, and serve more dual‐eligible patients. SNFs accepting complex patients experience information sharing on par with other facilities, and are more likely to receive information on behavioral, social, mental, and functional status (25.41% vs. 12.90%; p = 0.023). These facilities are also more likely to consistently use electronic methods (e.g., an online portal, shared electronic health record [EHR] access) to retrieve information from partner hospitals.

Conclusions

SNFs accepting complex patients demonstrate some evidence of enhanced information retrieval via electronically mediated pathways. Overall, information sharing remains underdeveloped in this care context. Policymakers should continue to prioritize widespread digital infrastructure that supports post‐acute care delivery.
Revolving versus Convenience Use of Credit Cards: Evidence from U.S. Credit Bureau Data
Authors: FULFORD SCOTT L. , SCHUH SCOTT
Published: February 2023

Credit card payments and revolving debt are important for consumer theory but a key data source—credit bureau records—does not distinguish between current charges and revolving debt. We develop a theory‐based econometric methodology using a hidden Markov model to estimate the likelihood a consumer is revolving debt each quarter. We validate our approach using a new survey linked to credit bureau data. We estimate that for likely revolvers: (i) 100% of an increase in credit becomes an increase in debt eventually; (ii) credit limit changes are half as salient as debt changes; and (iii) revolving status is persistent.
Interactions between β‐endorphin and kisspeptin neurons of the ewe arcuate nucleus are modulated by photoperiod
Authors: Hellier Vincent , Dardente Hugues , Lomet Didier , Cognié Juliette , Dufourny Laurence
Published: February 2023

Opioid peptides are well‐known modulators of the central control of reproduction. Among them, dynorphin coexpressed in kisspeptin (KP) neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) has been thoroughly studied for its autocrine effect on KP release through κ opioid receptors. Other studies have suggested a role for β‐endorphin (BEND), a peptide cleaved from the pro‐opiomelanocortin precursor, on food intake and central control of reproduction. Similar to KP, BEND content in the ARC of sheep is modulated by day length and BEND modulates food intake in a dose‐dependent manner. Because KP levels in the ARC vary with photoperiodic and metabolic status, a photoperiod‐driven influence of BEND neurons on neighboring KP neurons is plausible. The present study aimed to investigate a possible modulatory action of BEND on KP neurons located in the ovine ARC. Using confocal microscopy, numerous KP appositions on BEND neurons were found but there was no photoperiodic variation of the number of these interactions in ovariectomized, estradiol‐replaced ewes. By contrast, BEND terminals on KP neurons were twice as numerous under short days, in ewes having an activated gonadotropic axis, compared to anestrus ewes under long days. Injection of 5 μg BEND into the third ventricle of short‐day ewes induced a significant and specific increase of activated KP neurons (16% vs. 9% in controls), whereas the percentage of overall activated (c‐Fos positive) neurons, was similar between both groups. These data suggest a photoperiod‐dependent influence of BEND on KP neurons of the ARC, which may influence gonadotropin‐releasing hormone pulsatile secretion and inform KP neurons about metabolic status.
Clinical utility of immature reticulocyte fraction for identifying early red blood cell regeneration in anemic dogs
Authors: Jung Jae‐Ha , Yang Yeseul , Seo Dansong , Cho Soyeon , Choi Goeun , Kim Yongbaek
Published: February 2023

Background

Evaluating regeneration is essential for the classification and differential diagnosis of anemia in dogs. Early detection of regeneration is challenging in anemic dogs.

Objectives

This study assessed the value of immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) in differentiating preregenerative anemia (PRA) from nonregenerative anemia (NRA) in dogs.

Animals

Ninety‐four dogs: 49 controls and 45 with anemia.

Methods

Case‐control study. Fractions of low‐, medium‐ (MFR), and high‐fluorescence reticulocytes (HFR), were measured using the ADVIA 2120i hematology analyzer. The IRF was calculated as the sum of percentages of MFR and HFR. Data from dogs with regenerative anemia (RA, n = 19), PRA (n = 11), and NRA (n = 15) were retrospectively analyzed. The value of IRF was compared with reticulocyte production index (RPI) using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The median of IRF was significantly higher in dogs with RA (46.5%; range, 40.9‐53.6%; P < .001) and PRA (40.6%; range, 27.7‐47.1%; P = .01) than in controls (22.1%; range, 16.9‐29.3%). The IRF in dogs with PRA showed no difference compared to dogs with RA (P > .99) but was higher than dogs with NRA (18.7%; range, 8.8‐24%; P = .00). The area under the ROC curve of IRF was superior to that of RPI (0.897 vs 0.818, P = .00) in differentiating dogs with PRA from NRA.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The IRF is a reliable variable for detecting early regeneration in anemic dogs without reticulocytosis. The study suggests that the measurement of IRF could be useful in classifying anemic dogs.
Towards exhaustive community ecology via DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Taberlet Pierre
Published: February 2023

Exhaustive biodiversity data, covering all the taxa in an environment, would be fundamental to understand how global changes influence organisms living at different trophic levels, and to evaluate impacts on interspecific interactions. Molecular approaches such as DNA metabarcoding are boosting our ability to perform biodiversity inventories. Nevertheless, even though a few studies have recently attempted exhaustive reconstructions of communities, holistic assessments remain rare. The majority of metabarcoding studies published in the last years used just one or two markers and analysed a limited number of taxonomic groups. Here, we provide an overview of emerging approaches that can allow all‐taxa biological inventories. Exhaustive biodiversity assessments can be attempted by combining a large number of specific primers, by exploiting the power of universal primers, or by combining specific and universal primers to obtain good information on key taxa while limiting the overlooked biodiversity. Multiplexes of primers, shotgun sequencing and capture enrichment may provide a better coverage of biodiversity compared to standard metabarcoding, but still require major methodological advances. Here, we identify the strengths and limitations of different approaches, and suggest new development lines that might improve broad scale biodiversity analyses in the near future. More holistic reconstructions of ecological communities can greatly increase the value of metabarcoding studies, improving understanding of the consequences of ongoing environmental changes on the multiple components of biodiversity.
Student Researchers’ Reflections on the AAA Undergraduate Fellowship
Authors: Jackson Palmyra , Ginsberg Daniel , Storey Angela D.
Published: February 2023

When the American Anthropological Association offered its Undergraduate Research Fellows program in 2019–2020, the intent was not only to obtain ethnographic insights into the college‐workforce transition for anthropology majors, but also to provide a meaningful educational experience to the participating student‐researchers. Previously (Ginsberg and Jackson, this issue), we have situated the fellowship program with reference to ethnography of higher education and native ethnography; in this paper, by contrast, we contextualize it with scholarship on high‐impact practices in undergraduate education, including research opportunities, collaborative assignments, and community‐based learning. We then present reflections from the student‐researchers themselves regarding what they learned through participation in the fellows program. In their reflections, the fellows describe a process of becoming more central members of three overlapping communities of practice: the AAA research team, their respective home departments, and the discipline of anthropology overall. We conclude by discussing reasons why anthropology is particularly well suited to provide undergraduate research opportunities, and why doing so would strengthen the discipline as well.
Self‐Esteem: On the Form of Self‐Worth Worth Having
Authors: Isserow Jessica
Published: February 2023

Self‐esteem is traditionally regarded as an important human good. But it has suffered a number of injuries to its good name. Critics allege that endeavours to promote self‐esteem merely foster narcissism or entitlement, and urge that we redirect our efforts elsewhere. I argue that such criticisms are symptomatic of a normative decline in how we think and theorize about self‐esteem rather than a defect in the construct itself. After exposing the shortcomings of alternative proposals, I develop an account of self‐esteem that reflects what its supporters have in mind: a valuable form of self‐appraisal worth fostering in others and ourselves.
An exploratory steady‐state redox model of photosynthetic linear electron transport for use in complete modelling of photosynthesis for broad applications
Authors: Gu Lianhong , Grodzinski Bernard , Han Jimei , Marie Telesphore , Zhang Yong‐Jiang , Song Yang C. , Sun Ying
Published: February 2023

A photochemical model of photosynthetic electron transport (PET) is needed to integrate photophysics, photochemistry, and biochemistry to determine redox conditions of electron carriers and enzymes for plant stress assessment and mechanistically link sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence to carbon assimilation for remotely sensing photosynthesis. Towards this goal, we derived photochemical equations governing the states and redox reactions of complexes and electron carriers along the PET chain. These equations allow the redox conditions of the mobile plastoquinone pool and the cytochrome b6f complex (Cyt) to be inferred with typical fluorometry. The equations agreed well with fluorometry measurements from diverse C3/C4species across environments in the relationship between the PET rate and fraction of open photosystem II reaction centres. We found the oxidation of plastoquinol by Cyt is the bottleneck of PET, and genetically improving the oxidation of plastoquinol by Cyt may enhance the efficiency of PET and photosynthesis across species. Redox reactions and photochemical and biochemical interactions are highly redundant in their complex controls of PET. Although individual reaction rate constants cannot be resolved, they appear in parameter groups which can be collectively inferred with fluorometry measurements for broad applications. The new photochemical model developed enables advances in different fronts of photosynthesis research.
Integrated miRNA–mRNA analysis reveals candidate miRNA family regulating arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis of Poncirus trifoliata
Authors: Ji Chuanya , Song Fang , He Chuan , An Jianyong , Huang Shengyu , Yu Huimin , Lu Hang , Xiao Shunyuan , Bucher Marcel , Pan Zhiyong
Published: February 2023

Over 70% land plants live in mutualistic symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and maintenance of symbiosis requires transcriptional and post‐transcriptional regulation. The former has been widely studied, whereas the latter mediated by symbiotic microRNAs (miRNAs) remains obscure, especially in woody plants. Here, we performed high‐throughput sequencing of the perennial woody citrus plant Poncirus trifoliata and identified 3750 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 42 miRNAs (DEmiRs) upon AM fungal colonization. By analyzing cis‐regulatory elements in the promoters of the DEGs, we predicted 329 key AM transcription factors (TFs). A miRNA‐mRNA regulatory network was then constructed by integrating these data. Several candidate miRNA families of P. trifoliata were identified whose members target known symbiotic genes, such as miR167h‐AMT2;3 and miR156e‐EXO70I, or key TFs, such as miR164d‐NAC and miR477a‐GRAS, thus are involved in AM symbiotic processes of fungal colonization, arbuscule development, nutrient exchange and phytohormone signaling. Finally, analysis of selected miRNA family revealed that a miR159b conserved in mycorrhizal plant species and a Poncirus‐specific miR477a regulate AM symbiosis. The role of miR477a was likely to target GRAS family gene RAD1 in citrus plants. Our results not only revealed that miRNA‐mRNA network analysis, especially miRNA‐TF analysis, is effective in identifying miRNA family regulating AM symbiosis, but also shed light on miRNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation of AM symbiosis in woody citrus plants.
Nurses' perception of pediatric pain and pain assessment in the Japanese PICU
Authors: Tsuboi Kaoru , Tsuboi Norihiko , Yamashita Kana , Nakagawa Satoshi , Yotani Nobuyuki
Published: February 2023

Background: Nurses play an essential role in pain management in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). However, their perceptions regarding pediatric pain and current practice of pain assessment in Japanese PICUs remain unknown.

Methods: In January 2021, we conducted a multicenter, cross‐sectional survey across 35 PICUs in Japan. A structured questionnaire which focused on nurses' perceptions of pediatric pain and pain assessment was developed, pilot‐tested, and revised. Twenty copies of the questionnaire were sent to each institution and were distributed to the nursing staff.

Results: A total of 356 nurses from 22 institutions responded. Median age of the respondents was 33 years and 84.6% were female. Median length of nursing experience and PICU experience were 10 and 4 years, respectively. Use of pain scales for assessing pain in children who can self‐report pain, preverbal children, and children unable to self‐report pain due to cognitive impairment were 90.7%, 55.9%, and 50.0%, respectively. Nurses' satisfaction regarding pain management in their PICU was 31.9% and their confidence in pain assessment and management were 32.6% and 44.9%, respectively. Lack of knowledge (95.8%), difficulty assessing pain in children (95.2%), and delay in physician's action (91.8%) were the most perceived barriers to optimal pain management.

Conclusions: The use of pain scales is insufficient and nurses' satisfaction proved to be extremely low in the Japanese PICUs. Substantial effort is required to enhance the level of current pain management and improve outcomes.
Automatic detection of thin oil films on water surfaces in ultraviolet imagery
Authors: Xie Ming , Zhang Xiurui , Li Ying , Han Bing
Published: February 2023

Among the various remote sensing technologies that have been applied to monitor oil spills on the sea surface, passive ultraviolet (UV) imaging is a controversial one that has raised some disputes in the community of oil spill remote sensing. As a result, the research and applications of oil spill detection using passive UV imaging have not been as developed as other methods. In order to clarify some existing questions on oil spill detection using passive UV remote sensing technology, this paper discusses the needs of thin oil film detection, examines the feasibility of thin oil film detection using passive UV imaging through field experiments under controlled conditions and validates it with the UV imagery derived from the airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) observation of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Two types of fully automatic models are designed to extract the thin oil films on the water surface: (1) a binary classification model based on an adaptive threshold; (2) an unsupervised image segmentation model based on image clustering and greyscale histogram analysis. The two models are tested on the UV imagery obtained through both field experiments and AVIRIS observations. The results indicate that the binary classification model can extract the thin oil films with reasonable accuracy under stable imaging conditions, while the unsupervised image clustering model can robustly detect the thin oil films at the cost of higher computational complexity. These results infer that passive UV imaging is an effective way to detect thin oil films and could be applied to provide early warning at the beginning stage of oil spills and reduce further damage. It may also be applied as a supplementary method for oil spill detection to achieve comprehensive oil spill monitoring.
Does violent conflict affect the distribution of social welfare? Evidence from India's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
Authors: Koyuncu Murat , Yörük Erdem , Gürel Burak
Published: February 2023

What are the contentious political dynamics of the largest workfare program in the world, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of India? Combining quantitative analysis with a close reading of government documents and a survey of the existing literature, we suggest that the Indian government's counter‐insurgency strategy against the Maoist unrest is a significant dynamic shaping the distribution of MGNREGA benefits. In our empirical analysis, we examine the effect of Maoist incidents on household income due to MGNREGA by merging a nationally representative household survey (Indian Human Development Survey‐II) and a Maoist incidents dataset. Controlling for relevant household and district characteristics, we show that higher intensity of violent conflicts is associated with higher MGNREGA benefits. This result is robust to using a variety of alternative specifications and estimation methodologies.
The Effect of Openings in Pressure Vessels
Authors: Taylor J. Hall , Waters Everett O.
Published: February 2023

Openings in pressure vessels, either reinforced or unreinforced, have presented to the engineering profession a difficult problem, and outside of a few isolated tests there appears to be little information available to the designing engineer. The authors set out in June, 1930, to establish by tests the stress relations existing about unreinforced holes, and in addition to determine the reinforcing effect of nozzles and other outlets of the type generally used for attachments to pressure vessels, and to make this information available to the engineering profession. Three commercial-sized pressure vessels were constructed, and readings were obtained on ten unreinforced openings and on fourteen openings with nozzles attached. There are many local conditions that have a great effect on results. The tests as a whole indicate (1) the necessity of reinforcing all holes above a minimum diameter, because the stress concentration becomes much higher than that due to a hole in a stretched flat plate as the diameter increases; (2) the desirability of attaching the reinforcement as near the edge of the hole as practicable, on account of the local character of the stress concentration; (3) the danger of excessive stiffening when heavy, large-diameter reinforcing pads or saddles are used. A few numerical examples are given to illustrate the principles outlined.
Determination of Initial Stresses by Measuring the Deformations Around Drilled Holes
Authors: Mathar Josef
Published: February 2023

Methods have been proposed for determining the inherent stresses in structural components by disturbing their stress equilibrium through some mechanical device and measuring the resulting deformations. This principle is the basis of the stress methods of E. Heyn and O. Bauer, the casting of stress grids for determining the tendency of various cast irons to develop stresses, and the drilling methods of G. Sachs. These methods have the disadvantages, however, that they can be successfully used only with specially shaped pieces (e.g., those with round or rectangular cross-sections), that every form of test piece requires another kind of injury and hence of calculation, and that the tested parts are rendered useless. In part, moreover, only mean stresses can be determined, which may differ greatly from the maximum stresses. The new test method, which seeks to eliminate these disadvantages, is likewise based on a disturbance of the equilibrium of forces, and is done by drilling a hole, which, however, is so small that the part can be used again. This method serves, among other things, for determining the inherent stresses in castings, welded parts, rolled structural shapes, and finished structures.
Burning Characteristics of Pulverized Coals and the Radiation From Their Flames
Authors: Sherman Ralph A.
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with a laboratory investigation of Hocking, Pocahontas, Illinois No. 6, and Pittsburgh No. 8 coals to determine the relation of the rate of burning of pulverized fuels and of the radiation from their flames, to the type of coal and the fineness of pulverization. The principal conclusions drawn from the results of this investigation are: That fineness of grinding becomes increasingly important as the combustion space is restricted; that the type of coal influences the rate of combustion; that increased furnace temperature increases the rate of combustion; and that, although the temperature and total radiation of the flame are affected by fineness of grinding, excess air, and rate of firing, the emissivity of the flame at any position is affected to a marked degree only by the type of coal.
Stress Concentration Produced by Holes and Notches
Authors: Wahl A. M. , Beeuwkes R.
Published: February 2023

The problem of stress-concentration effects, produced by holes and notches in bars under tension is, of interest to machine designers. The present paper describes photoelastic tests and strain measurements to determine these effects more accurately than has been done heretofore, a more accurate extrapolation method being employed in connection with fringe photographs. Stress-concentration factors thus determined were, in general, higher than those obtained by previous investigators. In cases where mathematical calculations were available, the tests checked these. Empirical equations for use in calculation are also given.
New Method of Calculating Longitudinal Shear in Checked Wooden Beams
Authors: Newlin J. A. , Heck G. E. , March H. W.
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present a rational method of design of wooden structural beams containing checks or fissures in the vertical faces. A safe design assumes that such checks are present. The method proposed will lead to a considerable saving of the material required by over-conservative methods of design now in common use. It is well known that the usual method of calculating the longitudinal shearing stress in the neutral plane of such beams is in error, as it predicts in certain cases stresses two or three times the ultimate shearing stress of the material in beams which are carrying their loads without failure. In the present study, made at the United States Forest Products Laboratory Madison, Wis., the elastic behavior of a loaded checked beam is examined in order to explain the discrepancy existing between the facts of experience and the predictions of the usual methods of calculating shear. The essential features of this explanation were established by an approximate mathematical analysis of the problem and a series of about 200 tests. It is found that the upper and lower halves of such a beam act to some extent as independent beams, thereby relieving the shearing stress in the neutral plane. This independent or “two-beam” action increases rapidly as the point of application of a concentrated load approaches a support. As a consequence, the point of application of the minimum concentrated load to produce failure by shear in a checked beam is not just inside a support, as is commonly assumed as a result of the usual simple beam theory, but is at some distance from a support. Accordingly, recommendations for calculating the strength of a timber in shear are made that allow a considerable saving of material.