bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and management of primary giant retinal tears
Authors: Govers Birgit M. , van Huet Ramon A. C. , El Kandoussi Mustapha , den Hollander Anneke I. , Keijser Sander , Klevering B. Jeroen
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To describe clinical characteristics and management in a large cohort of patients with retinal detachment due to a giant retinal tear (GRT).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study with 222 eyes of 206 patients with a primary and non‐traumatic GRTs between 2005 and 2022. We analysed the relevant clinical and surgical data from these patients.

Results

Eighty‐six per cent (n = 177) of patients were male. We observed no relation between refractive error and GRT size (Spearman's rho: r = −0.018, p = 0.83). We achieved a primary and final treatment success in 77%, respectively 92%, of eyes. The final visual outcome was 20/40 or better in 65% and 36% of eyes in fovea‐on and fovea‐off GRTs respectively. Thirty‐five per cent (n = 73) of patients developed a retinal detachment in the fellow eye. The median time until a retinal detachment in the fellow eye occurred after GRT was 20 months, and 10% developed within 1 month. A prediction model for the development of retinal detachment in the fellow eye resulted in a receiver operating characteristics curve with an area under the curve of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.57–0.78, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

We observed a highly significant gender imbalance in patients with a non‐traumatic GRT. One third of patients developed a retinal detachment bilaterally. Ten per cent of fellow eye's retinal detachment that develop after GRT, occur within 1 month. Clinical parameters showed limited predictive value for a retinal detachment in the fellow eye. These findings suggest an underlying genetic factor.
Laser fetoscopy ablation for twin–twin transfusion syndrome may reduce the risk of ROP
Authors: García‐Serrano José Luis , Fernández‐Marín Elisabeth , Domech‐Serrano Teresa , Stevens Benjamin Robert , Uberos Fernández José
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition wherein monochorionic twins share a common placenta with placental anastomoses between the two foetal circulations. Most infants who survive TTTS are born prematurely. This study aimed to determine whether fetoscopic laser ablation (FLA) can reduce the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and whether TTTS was a risk factor for ROP.

Methods

This single‐centre, retrospective, comparative study included 32 monochorionic twins with TTTS matched for gestational age, birthweight and sex to premature twins and singletons without TTTS (n = 68; twins, n = 34; and singletons, n = 34) born between 2003 and 2022. A single ophthalmologist recorded the fundus findings. FLA was performed using Solomon's technique to separate the vascular systems of the twins with TTTS.

Results

The gestational age and weight of premature infants with TTTS treated with FLA were significantly higher than those of untreated infants (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively); however, the hyaline membrane grade was lower (p = 0.004). A significant increase in weight (g/day) (p = 0.002) and lesser avascular area in the peripheral temporal retina (p = 0.045) was observed at postnatal week 4. The risk of ROP in the FLA group was 2.6 times (13.3% vs. 35.3%) lower than that in the non‐FLA group; however, this difference was not significant. The incidence of any stage of ROP (25% vs. 18%) and treatment for ROP type 1 (6.25% vs. 5.9%) did not differ significantly between monochorionic twins with TTTS and premature infants without TTTS.

Conclusion

The gestational age of premature infants with TTTS treated with FLA was higher than that of untreated infants. Moreover, a reduction in complications of prematurity was also observed. Laser fetoscopy in twin–twin transfusion syndrome may reduce the risk of ROP, but the difference was not statistically significant in this small study.
Retinal neural tissue and vascular calibres in migraine: the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Eye Study
Authors: Ristioja Salla , Leiviskä Ilmari L. , Saarela Ville O. , Liinamaa M. Johanna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the possible effects of migraine on retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GC‐IPL), macular thickness and retinal arteriolar and venular diameters (CRAE, CRVE) in a population‐based birth cohort.

Methods

375 migraineurs and 1489 healthy controls were included in this cross‐sectional cohort study. RNFL, GC‐IPL and macular thickness parameters were measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and vascular parameters were measured from fundus photographs. Migraine was determined by a questionnaire and specific features were selected as covariates (gender, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, refraction and diabetes).

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between healthy controls and migraineurs in average RNFL (p = 0.123), macular (p = 0.488) or GC‐IPL (p = 0.437) thickness. Migraine did not have a significant effect on any of the macular or GC‐IPL subfields. For RNFL subfields, only temporal inferior was borderline significantly increased in migraineurs (p = 0.039) in adjusted results. No statistically significant differences were found between study groups on retinal vascular calibres CRAE (p = 0.879), CRVE (p = 0.145) or AVR (p = 0.259). GC‐IPL thickness was found to be positively correlated with CRAE and CRVE in both study groups as GC‐IPL thickness increased together with the increase in CRAE and CRVE (p‐trend < 0.001 in both), and a similar trend was detected with central macular subfield thickness and systolic (p‐trend < 0.001) and diastolic (p‐trend = 0.010) blood pressure, but only in the control group.

Conclusion

There were no remarkable differences between migraineurs and healthy controls in retinal vascular or structural parameters in our study.
From fieldwork to frames: Insights from an auto‐ethnographic comic on the French‐Italian border of Ventimiglia
Authors: Aru Silvia
Published: December 2023

This paper examines The diary from the border: Ventimiglia, an auto‐ethnographic comic based on intensive fieldwork in the Italian border city of Ventimiglia from September to December 2018. The primary objective of my empirical research was to explore the socio‐spatial effects of France's reintroduction of border controls in the area since 2015, mainly targeting irregular mobilities within the European Union (EU). This study presents the auto‐ethnographic comic by delving into two crucial aspects. Firstly, it illuminates the rationale behind utilising an auto‐ethnographic comic as a research output, shedding light on the creative process involved in its conception. Secondly, it explores its composite narrative plot, encompassing three key elements: ‘me’ (the researcher's personal experiences extending beyond the fieldwork), ‘me in Ventimiglia’ (the researcher's encounters during the fieldwork), and ‘Ventimiglia itself’ (the French‐Italian border regime). By fostering a trans‐disciplinary dialogue encompassing migration issues, comics and life course theory, this paper enriches the geographical debate in three significant ways. It recognises the profound impact of the researcher's life events in shaping both research experiences and outcomes within and beyond the fieldwork. Additionally, it underscores the importance of auto‐ethnographic comics in challenging dominant narratives and visually portraying the multifaceted experiences of migration. Lastly, it contributes to the ongoing discussion on visual methods within geography and advocates for using comics as a compelling tool to disseminate research findings, fostering empathy and a comprehensive understanding of migration experiences.
Prosecutors’ considerations when initiating plea bargaining
Authors: Tisdale Casey N. , Votruba Ashley M.
Published: December 2023

Prosecutors are the key decision‐makers when it comes to plea bargaining, which is responsible for the resolution of about 90% of criminal cases. We distributed a mixed‐method survey to a national sample of 180 prosecutors to ask about their key considerations when initiating and prosecuting a criminal case. Additionally, the survey asked prosecutors to provide any information they wanted to share regarding plea bargaining. We then conducted a qualitative content analysis to comprehensively identify the factors the prosecutors discussed. We found several factors that prosecutors take into consideration when starting to evaluate a criminal case: attributes of the criminal defendant (e.g., criminal history), victim input (e.g., victim wishes), and factors specific to the case (e.g., evidence strength). Further, when asked if they would like to share anything regarding plea bargaining, some prosecutors stressed the necessity of the plea system, some shared their punishment orientations, and others discussed how they determine punishment on a case‐by‐case basis. Overall, prosecutors tended to stress criminal history as largely influential in their plea decision‐making. This study provides insight into prosecutorial plea bargain decision‐making while providing opportunity for future research.
Lower creatinine to cystatin C ratio is associated with an increased risk of MASLD: A cross‐sectional and prospective study of 368,634 UK Biobank participants
Authors: Wang Jiaren , Zeng Lin , Hong Chang , Cui Hao , Wang Weizhen , Zhu Hongbo , Li Qimei , Li Yan , Li Ruining , He Jingzhe , Zhu Hong , Liu Li , Xiao Lushan
Published: December 2023

Objective

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects many populations, and screening out the high‐risk populations at an early stage is a challenge. As a sarcopenia index, the relationship between creatinine to cystatin C ratio (CCR) and MASLD remains unclear. This cross‐sectional, prospective study aimed to explore the relationship between CCR and MASLD. Design Firstly, explored the correlation between CCR and MASLD in cross‐sectional analyses. Then excluded the population with baseeline diagnosis of MASLD and analyzed the association with baseline CCR levels and the onset of MASLD in the population with available follow‐up data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) to evaluate the association between CCR levels and MASLD.

Patients and Measurements

This study included 368,634 participants from the UK Biobank for cross‐sectional and prospective analyses. The demographic characteristics and laboratory measurements of all participants were obtained from the UK Biobank. MASLD was diagnosed according to the multi‐society consensus nomenclature. Hepatic steatosis was defined as FLI  ≥60.

Results

We grouped the study participants according to CCR tertiles. In cross‐sectional analyses, participants in CCR tertile 1 had the highest MASLD risk (OR: 1.070, 95% CI: 1.053−1.088, p < .001). And the similar association was observed in the prospective analyses (CCR tertile 1 OR: 1.340, 95% CI: 1.077−1.660, p = .009; CCR tertile 2 OR: 1.217, 95% CI: 1.021−1.450, p = .029, respectively). After stratification by gender, the significant association between CCR and the onset of MASLD was only observed in males (CCR tertile 1 OR: 1.639, 95% CI: 1.160−2.317, p = .005; CCR tertile 2 OR: 1.322, 95% CI: 1.073−1.628, p = .005, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that lower CCR was significantly associated with higher risk of MASLD, based on which predictive models can be developed to screen populations at high risk of developing MASLD.
Questioning modernity and heritage: The case of the River Club development in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Jenkins Tauriq , Vawda Shahid
Published: December 2023

The proposed construction of the controversial Amazon African headquarters at the River Club site in Cape Town encompasses several issues related to modern heritage, colonial practices, sustainable development, the nature‐culture divide, and the Anthropocene. Although approved by the City of Cape Town and the provincial government of the Western Cape, with plans for residential and business units, activists, researchers, environmental organizations, workers' unions, and social justice coalitions associated with indigenous Khoe and San groups oppose the development on the grounds of the symbolic and historical importance of the site earmarked for development. The paper aims to explore the significance of the site, analyze the ensuing confrontations and contestations and examine how the site represents spaces of public history, urban spatial construction, and memory. The focus of the paper will be the complex interplay between social, cultural, ethical, and political forces, and their intersection with legal and institutional policy processes at different levels of the state and the local. Ultimately, the paper challenges the claim of the City of Cape Town, the provincial government, and the developers that their version of historical progress is equitable and fair, and raises a broader question about Eurocentric ideas of emancipation, aesthetics and notions of history, heritage and development.
Postpartum romantic attachment and constructiveness: The protective effects of a conflict communication intervention for parents’ relationship functioning over one year
Authors: Murray‐Perdue Samantha A. , Nowak Amanda L. , O'Neill Molly J. , Wang Lijuan , Cummings E. Mark , Braungart‐Rieker Julia M.
Published: December 2023

Parent relationship functioning has a well‐documented influence on children's early socioemotional development as early as infancy. Postpartum parenting is also a critically vulnerable period for relationships and often results in relationship decline. We investigated the effects of a rigorous, psycho‐educational conflict communication intervention for supporting parents’ relationship functioning in terms of self‐reported romantic attachment and observed conflict constructiveness. Using latent growth curve models, we evaluated the change in romantic attachment and constructiveness among 202 mother‐father couples from 6 to 18 months postpartum. We further tested a comparison of the effects of the Conflict Intervention (CI) versus the control group and the Conflict Intervention paired with an additional parent sensitivity intervention (anyCI) versus the control group. Results indicated romantic attachment and observed constructiveness decreased over the 1‐year period; this decline was partially mitigated for fathers participating in the intervention(s), wherein fathers who received the Conflict Intervention showed less decline in observed conflict constructiveness over time. Moreover, compared with those in the control condition, mothers who received the Conflict Intervention reported lower attachment security at 18 months postpartum. These results underscore the importance of including perspectives from both mothers and fathers when investigating intervention effects and considering the impact of combining interventions for parents.

Research Highlights

A randomized control trial of a conflict intervention including mothers and fathers demonstrates protective effects for fathers’ constructiveness between 6 and 18 months postpartum but was not protective for mothers.

Parenting experience, whether parents were transitioning to parenthood or had older children, did not significantly predict romantic attachment or behavioral constructiveness trajectories.

Interparental romantic attachment and constructiveness declined only slightly postpartum.

Effects of the intervention were reduced when the intervention was combined with a second intervention.
Contrasting effects of beekeeping and land use on plant–pollinator networks and pathogen prevalence in Mediterranean semiarid ecosystems
Authors: Martínez‐López Vicente , Ruiz Carlos , Pires Mathias M. , De la Rúa Pilar
Published: December 2023

Pollinators are fundamental for plant reproduction in natural and agricultural ecosystems. However, their populations are declining worldwide, threatening the functioning of the ecosystem service they provide. The factors driving this change are manifold, but land use changes and interspecific transmission of pathogens between managed and wild bees are prominent. In this context, most research efforts have focused on specific taxa and rarely at the community level, limiting our ability to fully understand the effects of global change on the functioning of plant–pollinator interactions in ecosystems.

Here, we investigate the impact of human activities (beekeeping and land use intensity) on the spread of an emergent pathogen Vairimorpha ceranae in Mediterranean wild bee communities inhabiting landscapes with varying levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Plant–pollinator interactions were sampled in nine one‐hectare plots along a gradient of land use (urban structures, croplands and natural vegetation) and beekeeping intensity. We analysed the impact of human disturbances on pollination networks and pathogen prevalence, and applied a network approach to examine whether total effects of species in networks (i.e. direct plus indirect interactions) explain pathogen spread through bee communities.

We found that V. ceranae prevalence in honey bees is not a good predictor of the pathogen spread through bee communities. There seems to be a temporal mismatch between pathogen dynamics in managed and wild bees. Networks with more diversity of interactions and more plants showed less pathogen prevalence, but total effect analyses (i.e. combining direct and indirect interactions) failed to explain pathogen transmission across pollination networks. Croplands increased wild bee density, and interactions and species diversity in networks, while shrublands had the opposite effect. Our results highlight the importance of studying pathogen dynamics at the community level and analysing species interaction patterns to improve our understanding of pathogen spread through communities.
The last free traders? Interwar trade policy in the Netherlands and Netherlands East Indies
Authors: de Zwart Pim , Lampe Markus , O'Rourke Kevin Hjortshøj
Published: December 2023

There has still been too little detailed work on the protectionism that emerged in the wake of the Great Depression. In this paper we explore the experiences of two countries that have been largely neglected in the literature, the Netherlands and Netherlands East Indies (NEI). How did these traditionally free‐trading economies respond to the Depression? We construct a detailed product‐level database of tariff and non‐tariff barriers to trade on the basis of primary sources. While ad valorem tariff increases in the Netherlands were largely due to deflation, the country protected agriculture and textiles in a number of ways. Once quotas are taken into account, trade restrictiveness indices suggest that protection in the Netherlands and NEI was comparable to protection in the UK and India, respectively. The NEI quota system was largely geared to protecting Dutch exporters, and succeeded in doing so, but the reverse was not true.
Community‐basededucation programmes in the context of dental education: A scoping review
Authors: Elsheli Jamila , Patrick Alison , Stokes Christopher
Published: December 2023

Background

Community education programmes are vital tools for teaching skills, such as understanding the larger cultural, economic and social determinants of health and how these factors impact people's health. It is currently unclear whether community education programmes in the field of dentistry deliver adequate value. This review aims to scope, collate and analyse globally published evidence concerning community education programmes in dentistry from inception, to gain an understanding of the intentions for these programmes and establish whether outcomes have shifted over time from the original intentions.

Methods

Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews was employed to guide the reviewers. A systematic search of electronic databases and the reference lists in key papers was conducted.

Results

A systematic search concerning community education in dentistry identified a total of 140 papers for full‐text evaluations. After further exclusions, 115 articles were selected for data charting. There was a lack of clarity in the literature concerning programmes' definitions and strategies for achieving intentions. Origins, intentions and motivations of the programmes were identified. The literature largely focused on assessing students' clinical treatment skills, contradicting the programme's original idea and intentions. Only a few studies incorporated patient and community perspectives, and the majority of assessments were self‐reported, primarily by students.

Conclusions

There is broad interest in integrating community education into dental curricula to teach complex concepts, dental public health principles and to ensure professional skills development. We identified issues in the literature around programme definitions, strategies, measurement approaches and programme success requiring additional research.
Reducing teachers' resistance to reciprocal peer observation
Authors: Ribosa Jesús , Corcelles‐Seuba Mariona , Morodo Andy , Duran David
Published: December 2023

Despite the evidence supporting reciprocal peer observation (RPO) for teacher professional development, extant literature has reported that teacher resistance is a barrier to its implementation. Few studies have analysed the variables that moderate resistance to RPO. Based on data from 394 in‐service teachers who participated in an RPO intervention, three aims are addressed: (1) to examine pretest‐posttest differences in resistance to RPO, (2) to analyse the effect of demographic variables and perception of school support in initial resistance to RPO, and (3) to analyse the effect of demographic variables and perception of school support and role performance in final resistance to RPO, after controlling for initial resistance. The Teachers' Resistance to Reciprocal Peer Observation Scale was validated and used as pretest‐posttest. Student's paired sample t‐test was carried out to compare the two scores, and linear regression was used for the second and third aim. Firstly, results show a significant decrease in resistance to RPO. Secondly, initial resistance to the observer and observee role is moderated by teaching experience and feeling properly trained, with additional variables moderating resistance towards being observed (i.e., gender, being part of the school management team, prior experience, school time arrangement). Thirdly, final resistance to both roles is moderated by initial resistance, teaching experience, and variables referring to judging oneself and the partner as capable of successfully participating in the intervention. Limitations and implications for research and practice are discussed. The changes in the quality of teaching that RPO may generate are contingent on reducing teacher resistance.
Mineralization and temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter pools of contrasting lability
Authors: Khan Ahmad , Wichern Florian , Uporova Maria , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: December 2023

Understanding the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition is crucial to predict CO2 emissions and carbon (C) stocks under global warming. This study describes the decomposition and Q10 of four soil C pools: (1) very labile (glucose addition (GLU), representing root exudates), (2) labile (microbial turnover, MT), (3) potentially labile (primed C pool, PE), and (4) resistant (inherent soil C, RES). The soil (loamy Luvisol) was incubated for 4 and 144 days at five temperatures (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40°C) with or without 14C‐labeled glucose. The dynamics of CO2 fluxes were measured during short (0–4 days) and long (5–144 days) term incubations. Glucose was mineralized following a two‐pool exponential function. The half‐life of the decomposition of the GLU pool decreased by 3 times as temperature increased from 10 to 40 °C. The flux of unlabeled CO2 over 4 days reflects a strong contribution to the apparent priming especially at high temperature, which was due to the accelerated microbial biomass turnover. Accordingly, the CO2 flux increased during short‐term incubation and was dominated by the decomposition of labile SOM and microbial biomass turnover, whereas during the long‐term incubation, the CO2 was mainly released from the temperature‐stimulated decomposition of RES pool. The short‐term Q10 of the soil C pools decreased in the order: GLU (2.1) > MT (1.8) > PE (1.3) ≈ RES (1.6) over a few days (0–4 days), but the Q10 measured over the long‐term period (144 days) was in the range of 1.2 (PE) to 1.8 (RES) and decreased in the order RES > MT > PE > GLU. In conclusion, CO2 emissions linearly increased with temperature in all pools over short‐ and long‐term incubation, except for the GLU pool during long‐term incubation. The Q10 strongly depends on the availability of C pools for microorganisms and decreases over time with the exhaustion of available substances in soil. This needs to be considered when estimating temperature effects on CO2 emissions and C turnover in soil.
Conceptual review of symbolic cultural practices in children's racial/ethnic identity: Making room for mixed methods inquiry
Authors: Sansbury Amber B. , Stutesman Megan G. , Varier Divya
Published: December 2023

Objective

Children are shaped by familial, cultural, societal, and environmental factors that impact development across multiple domains, contexts, and ecological systems. This conceptual review examines studies that address how symbolic cultural practices shape racial/ethnic identity development in early childhood (ages 3–6).

Method

Twelve key extant studies across qualitative (n = 4), quantitative (n = 5), and mixed (n = 3) methodological approaches that concern the use of symbolic cultural practices for early childhood racial/ethnic identity development were reviewed. Our review adopted an interdisciplinary approach, bringing perspectives from developmental psychology, family science, research methods, and education policy. We oriented our review to address the contributions of symbolic cultural practices to children's hope and happiness undergirded by their racial/ethnic identity development.

Results

Studies across all methodological disciplines were useful in moving the field forward however, we argue that mixed methods studies are particularly consequential due to their ability to account for the highly contextualized experiences of healthy early childhood racial/ethnic socialization via symbolic cultural practices.

Conclusion

We also suggest that mixed methods lend more holistic explanations of connections between early childhood racial/ethnic socialization and symbolic cultural practices and promote mixed methods approaches as the most promising way to investigate the role of symbols in positive racial/ethnic socialization and identity development of young children in future research.

Implications

Henceforth, we suggest that practitioners' understanding of the racial and ethnic identities of young children will be more holistic when approached from a mixed methods lens, and therefore, practitioner–child interactions will be more constructive.
Parent‐child contact problems: Family violence and parental alienating behaviors either/or, neither/nor, both/and, one in the same?
Authors: Sullivan Matthew J. , Pruett Marsha Kline , Johnston Janet R.
Published: December 2023

This article argues that in order to intervene effectively and ethically with children who are manifesting Parent–child contact problems (PCCPs) after parental separation, we begin by being mindful of what is normal about divorce transitions and use developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive analysis to rule out children's common transitory reactions. It is then important to concurrently assess for both family violence (FV) and severe parental alienating behavior (PAB) on the part of both parents, which can co‐occur in some cases. The article asserts that it is also important to consider common problematic parenting responses that may potentiate the PCCP but not necessarily rise to the level of abuse. FV is defined as a child's direct experience of physical, sexual, or psychological maltreatment and indirect exposure to sibling abuse and/or to intimate partner violence (IPV). PAB is defined as an ongoing pattern of unwarranted negative messages on the part of one parent that conveys that the child's other parent is disinterested, irrelevant, dangerous, and not to be trusted. Any one or all of these factors may contribute to a child's strident negativity and sustained rejection of one parent, these being defining features of a PCCP. This article proposes ethical principles and priorities for decision‐making in these cases, considering the growing social science controversy about assessment and intervention for PCCPs. It concludes with an analysis of recent, contrasting policy approaches to PCCPs (e.g., Kayden's Law and the Joint Statement of the AFCC and NCJFCJ) and their potential impact on family justice system professionals and the families they serve.
Remolding the court: The need for forward‐thinking evidentiary and sentencing practices in domestic violence cases with battered women
Authors: Caccioppoli Dorothy
Published: December 2023

Domestic violence is a danger faced by women across the United States. When a woman suffering from battered woman syndrome (BWS) harms their abuser, they are often left with no defense to criminal liability. At trial, they may rely on expert testimony about BWS, but outdated judicial standards could prevent its admission to the jury. To protect these victims from facing life sentences as punishment for saving themselves, New York enacted the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act, which has been proven effective and should be adopted nationwide along with new evidentiary practices.
Citizens apart? Representing post‐Brexit youth politics in the UK media
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Beech Suzanne , McDowell Sara , Holton Mark
Published: December 2023

In 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU). This outcome was not only unexpected but also had clear geographical and age‐bound divisions. While people over the age of 65 tended to vote to leave, younger voters were more likely to vote to remain a part of the EU. Reflecting on 7 years of journalism, this paper explores the ways in which young people have been represented by the news media with regards to the issue of Brexit. It analyses a database of 700 news media articles published from 2016 to 2022 across the UK, equating to 100 articles per calendar year and ranging from regional sources to those with an international reach. The paper showcases how young people occupy liminal spaces within the news media through an analysis of the language used to describe their political participation, and a focus on their role within political activism. As it is this media that dominates hegemonic narratives within traditional political spheres, the retelling and representation of young people's engagement serves, we argue, to reinforce their liminality as citizens apart.
Uncovering communication strategies used in language‐discordant consultations with people who are migrants: Qualitative interviews with healthcare providers
Authors: Chan Brittany M. C. , Suurmond Jeanine , van Weert Julia C. M. , Schouten Barbara C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Global migration has led to a sharp increase in the number of language‐discordant consultations (LDCs) in healthcare. Evidence on how healthcare providers (HCPs) meet migrant patients' needs while mitigating language barriers is lacking.

Design

Using purposive and snowball sampling, we recruited twenty‐seven Dutch HCPs (Mage = 45.07, SD = 11.46) and conducted semi‐structured interviews to collect qualitative, open‐ended data for identifying the communication strategies used with migrant patients in LDCs. We analysed the transcripts using deductive and inductive approaches (e.g., constant comparative method from Grounded Theory). Final pattern codes (i.e., key themes) were discussed among the research team until mutual agreement had been achieved.

Results

Five key themes emerged from the analyses: HCPs often ‘got‐by’ with (1) instrumental and (2) affective communication strategies used in language‐concordant consultations to start medical consultations. When some instrumental communication strategies were deemed ineffective (e.g., lingua franca, gesturing, etc.) to bridge language barriers, HCPs turned to (3) incorporating digital tools (e.g., Google Translate). When HCPs were unable to communicate with migrant patients at all, (4) informal, ad‐hoc and professional interpreters were involved. Finally, HCPs often (5) involved additional support to engage migrant patients to engage in treatment‐related behaviours.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of raising awareness among HCPs about using various combinations of different strategies. The development of a guideline indicating the optimal combination of communication strategies for different medical consultation goals may be useful in reshaping the current communication behaviour of HCPs in LDCs.

Patient or Public Contribution

HCPs were the study population involved in this qualitative study. Refugee health advisors, general practitioners and linguistic specialists (i.e., members of the Right2Health consortium) with experience with the Dutch healthcare system were involved throughout the development of this research. This includes a review of the research question, participant information sheet and interview topic guide as well as providing interpretations of the data and feedback to this manuscript.
Role of corticosteroids in skin physiology and therapeutic potential of an 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor: A review
Authors: Hall Larissa , Hart Robert
Published: December 2023

Skin is a major site of cortisol bioconversion by 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1) enzymes which catalyze intracellular inactive cortisone into physiologically active cortisol. 11β‐HSD1 is highly expressed in skin, especially in dermal fibroblasts, epidermal keratinocytes, melanocytes, and hair follicles, and plays important roles in regulating keratinocytes, fibroblast proliferation, and has roles in skin aging. Inhibition of 11β‐HSD1 may reverse decreased collagen levels observed in extrinsically and intrinsically aged skin. Inhibitors of 11β‐HSD1 may also have the potential to reverse decreased collagen observed in skin atrophy induced by glucocorticoid treatment. This systematic review aimed to summarize the current knowledge of roles for 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor in skin physiology and potential for future use in medications. Studies have demonstrated that immediately following experimental insult in an animal model, there is increased expression of 11β‐HSD1, and that topical application of an 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor increases the rate of healing, increases skin collagen content, increases dermal fibroblasts, and increases dermal thickness. Furthermore, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors reduce wound diameter after injury. Further development of 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors appears to be a promising area for treating aging skin, aiding wound healing, and mitigating effects of systemic glucocorticoid use. Both topically and orally administered 11β‐HSD1 inhibitors appear to be viable avenues for future research.
Population trajectories and age‐dependent associations of obesity risk factors with body mass index from childhood to adolescence across European regions: A two‐cohort study
Authors: Schreuder Anton , Börnhorst Claudia , Wolters Maike , Veidebaum Toomas , Tornaritis Michael , Sina Elida , Russo Paola , Moreno Luis A. , Molnar Denes , Lissner Lauren , De Henauw Stefaan , Ahrens Wolfgang , Vrijkotte Tanja ,   GrowH! Consortium
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate population trajectories of behavioural risk factors of obesity from childhood to adolescence and their associations with body mass index (BMI) in children across European regions.

Methods

Data were harmonised between the European multi‐centre IDEFICS/I.Family and the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development Cohort. Participants were aged 2.0–9.9 and 5.0–7.5 years at baseline, respectively, and were followed until age 18 years. Behavioural risk factors of interest included diet, physical activity, media use and sleep. Mixed effects models were used for statistical analyses to account for repeated measurements taken from the same child.

Results

The study included a total of 14 328 individuals: 4114, 4582, 3220 and 2412 participants from Northern, Southern, Eastern Europe and Amsterdam, respectively. Risk factor means and prevalences changed with age, but the trajectories were mostly similar across regions. Almost no associations between behavioural factors and BMI were found at the age of 6 years. At 11 years, daily sugar‐sweetened foods consumption, use of active transport, sports club membership and longer nocturnal sleep duration were negatively associated with BMI in most regions; positive associations were found with media use. Most associations at 11 years of age persisted to 15 years.

Conclusions

Whilst population trajectories of media use and nocturnal sleep duration are similar across European regions, those of other behavioural risk factors like active transport and daily vegetable consumption differ. Also, associations between behavioural risk factors and BMI become stronger with age and show similar patterns across regions.
Surgical and functional outcomes of repeat robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy compared with repeat open partial nephrectomy
Authors: Yoshida Kazuhiko , Oida Nao , Kondo Tsunenori , Kobari Yuki , Ishihara Hiroki , Fukuda Hironori , Iizuka Junpei , Kobayashi Hirohito , Ishida Hideki , Takagi Toshio
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To examine the surgical and functional outcomes of patients who have undergone repeat open partial nephrectomy (reOPN) or robot‐assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (reRAPN).

Methods

Until May 2022, 3310 patients with renal tumors underwent nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) at affiliated institutions. Of these, 22 and 17 patients who underwent reOPN and reRAPN, respectively, were included in this study.

Results

No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of sex, age, comorbidities, recurrent tumor size at repeat NSS, interval from recurrence to initial NSS, and nephrometry score. ReRAPN had a shorter operative time (median: 138.0 vs. 214.0 min; p = 0.0023) and less estimated blood loss (median: 50.0 vs. 255.0 mL; p = 0.0261) than reOPN. The incidence of complications with Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ 2 was higher in the reOPN group than in the reRAPN group (31.8 vs. 5.9%; p = 0.0467). The mean decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate at 3 months postoperatively was not significantly different between the groups. The trifecta achievement rates in the reRAPN (64.7%) and reOPN (27.3%) groups were significantly different (p = 0.0194). On multivariate analysis, age and surgical method were significant predictors of trifecta achievement after partial nephrectomy.

Conclusions

There were no differences in postoperative renal functional outcomes between reOPN and reRAPN. ReRAPN is superior to reOPN in terms of surgical burden. Therefore, ReRAPN is an important minimally invasive surgery for recurrent renal cell carcinoma.
In their own words: Mental health nurses' experiences of trauma‐informed care in acute mental health settings or hospitals
Authors: Wilson Allyson , Hurley John , Hutchinson Marie , Lakeman Richard
Published: December 2023

Trauma‐informed care has emerged as a prominent strategy to eliminate coercive practices and improve experiences of care in mental health settings, with advocacy from international bodies for mental health reform. Despite this, there remains a significant gap in research understanding the integration of trauma‐informed care in mental health nursing practice, particularly when applied to the acute mental health or hospital‐based setting. The study aimed to explore the experiences of mental health nurses employed in acute hospital‐based settings from a trauma‐informed care perspective. The study design was qualitative, using a phenomenological approach to research. A total of 29 nurses employed in acute mental health or hospital‐based environments participated. Three over‐arching themes were uncovered: ‘Embodied Awareness’: highlighting mental health nursing emotional capabilities are deeply rooted in bodily awareness. ‘Navigating Safety’: signifying spatial elements of fear and how some mental health nurses' resort to coercive or restrictive practices for self‐preservation. ‘Caring Amidst Uncertainty’: revealing the relational influences of security guards in mental health nursing. The study reveals a significant gap in trauma‐informed care implementation when applied to the context of mental health nursing practice in this setting. Limited evidence on trauma‐informed care for mental health nurses, coupled with inadequate workforce preparation and challenging work environments, hinder the effective integration of it. To genuinely embed TIC in acute mental health settings, the study emphasises the need for a thorough exploration of what this entails for mental health nurses.
Development and validation of a test for measuring primary school students' effective use of ICT: The ECC‐ICT test
Authors: Ackermans Kevin , Bakker Marjoke , Gorissen Pierre , van Loon Anne‐Marieke , Kral Marijke , Camp Gino
Published: December 2023

Background

A practical test that measures the information and communication technology (ICT) skills students need for effectively using ICT in primary education has yet to be developed (Oh et al., 2021). This paper reports on the development, validation, and reliability of a test measuring primary school students' ICT skills required for effectively using ICT (the ECC‐ICT test).

Objectives

Based on existing literature, three ICT use domains were identified for effectively using ICT: Effective, collaborative, and creative use of ICT. For these three domains, 24 corresponding teaching objectives were identified from a widely used digital literacy framework. Thirty‐four test items cover these teaching objectives in an online test.

Methods

A mixed‐method approach was used for the ECC‐ICT test. Four pilot rounds (n=25) implemented qualitative interviews for cognitive validity and refining the test items, followed by a qualitative usability study(n=6). Confirmatory factor analysis and ANOVA provided quantitative insight into the large‐scale test administration(n=575).

Results and Conclusions

Composite reliability of our conceptual 3‐factor confirmatory model showed that the test reliably measured primary school effective use of ICT (ω = 0.82), collaborative use of ICT (ω = 0.80) and creative use of ICT (ω = 0.64). Convergent validity (ranging from 0.41 to 0.46) was acceptable. Internal consistency (ranging from 0.84 to 0.91) and discriminant validity (HTMT values below 0.90) are good. ANOVA results show that mean test scores are higher for students in higher grade levels (p < 0.001). The post hoc Bonferroni results show that most grade‐by‐grade comparisons are significant (p < 0.001).
METTL14 promotes IL‐6‐induced viability, glycolysis and inflammation in HaCaT cells via the m6A modification of TRIM27
Authors: Chen Yiran , Xiang Yanwei , Miao Xiao , Kuai Le , Ding Xiaojie , Ma Tian , Li Bin , Fan Bin
Published: December 2023

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a cytokine generated by healthy constituents of the skin, but is also up‐regulated by a wide range of skin lesions and inflammatory conditions to trigger cytopathy of skin cells. TRIM27 was identified to contribute to the functional effects of IL‐6 on skin cells. However, the underlying mechanism was not clear. Lentivirus infection was used for gene overexpression or silencing. RT‐PCR and Western blot were used to respectively assess mRNA and protein levels. Cell viability was assessed by CCK‐8 assay. Extracellular flux analysis was used to assess the levels of oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. Mouse back skin was treated with imiquimod to produce psoriasis‐like inflammation in vivo. Histological assessment and immunohistochemistry staining were respectively applied to analyse lesioned mouse and human skin samples. IL‐6‐induced increased viability, glycolysis and inflammation in keratinocytes was inhibited both by a chemical methylation inhibitor and by METTL14 knockdown. Further investigation found that METTL14 induces m6A methylation of TRIM27, which is recognized by a m6A reader, IGF2BP2. Elevation of TRIM27 level and activation of IL‐6/STAT3 signalling pathway were found in an in vivo psoriasis‐like inflammation model, whereas inhibition m6A methylation strongly alleviated the inflammation. Finally, METTL14, TRIM27, STAT3, p‐STAT3 and IL‐6 expressions were all found to be increased in clinical skin samples of psoriatic patients. Our results unravelled METTL14/TRIM27/IGF2BP2 signalling axis in keratinocyte cytopathy, which plays a critical role in facilitating the activation of IL‐6/STAT3 signalling pathway. Our findings should provide inspirations for the design of new therapeutics for skin inflammatory diseases including psoriasis.
A pan‐cancer analysis of prognostic significance and immunological role of lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 3
Authors: Feng Xuefei , Gao Lvye , Shen Xinyuan , Li Mingtai , Wang Xiaohui , Hao Yanlong , Chen Jinyan , Zhai Yuanfang , Zou Binbin , Yao Shangman , Guo Yanlin , Zhang Ling
Published: December 2023

Lysosomal dysfunction can drive carcinogenesis. Lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3), is a member of the Lysosome Associated Membrane Proteins and is involved in the malignant phenotype such as tumour metastasis and drug resistance, while the mechanisms that regulate the malignant progression of tumour remain vague. Our study aims to provide a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of the role of LAMP3 in the progression of various cancers by various databases.We explored the role of LAMP3 in pan‐cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype‐Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Multiple online web platforms and software were used for data analysis, including HPA, TIMER, TISIDB, GEPIA, UALCAN, Kaplan–Meier plotter, DAVID and TIGER. The immunohistochemistry was used to quantify the LAMP3 and PD‐L1 expression levels in cancer.High LAMP3 expression was found in most cancers and differentially expressed across molecular and immune subtypes. The expression of LAMP3 was involved in the immune‐associated processes of Antigen processing and presentation, Th17 cell differentiation, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, and the immune‐associated pathways of T cell receptor and B cell receptor signalling pathways in most cancers. It also correlated with genetic markers of immunomodulators in various cancers. LAMP3 and PD‐L1 expression in BRCA and HNSC tissues was higher than that in corresponding adjacent normal tissues by immunohistochemistry. There is a significant correlation between the expression of LAMP3 and PD‐L1.Our study elucidates that LAMP3 has different expression patterns and genetic alteration patterns in different tumours. It is a potential biomarker for immune‐related cancer diagnosis, prognosis and efficacy prediction.