bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Factors Associated with High Opioid Consumption after Common Surgical Procedures Following State-Mandated Opioid Prescription Regulations
Authors: Sacklow Autumn , Malhotra Ajai K , Jones Ethan , Callas Peter , Fujii Mayo , Colovos Christos
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND:

State regulations have decreased prescribed opioids with more than 25% of patients abstaining from opioids. Despite this, 2 distinct populations of patients exist who consume “high” or “low” amounts of opioids. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with postoperative opioid use after common surgical procedures and develop an opioid risk score.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients undergoing 35 surgical procedures from 7 surgical specialties were identified at a 620-bed tertiary care academic center and surveyed 1 week after discharge regarding opioid use and adequacy of analgesia. Electronic medical record data were used to characterize postdischarge opioids, complications, demographics, medical history, and social factors. High opioid use was defined as >75th percentile morphine milligram equivalents for each procedure. An opioid risk score was calculated from factors associated with opioid use identified by backward multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 1,185 patients were enrolled between September 2017 and February 2019. Bivariate analyses revealed patient factors associated with opioid use including earlier substance use (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.003), anxiety (p < 0.001), asthma (p = 0.006), obesity (p = 0.03), migraine (p = 0.004), opioid use in the 7 days before surgery (p < 0.001), and 31 Clinical Classifications Software Refined classifications (p < 0.05). Significant multivariates included: insurance (p = 0.005), employment status (p = 0.005), earlier opioid use (odds ratio [OR] 2.38 [95% CI 1.21 to 4.68], p = 0.01), coronary artery disease (OR 0.38 [95% CI 0.16 to 0.86], p = 0.02), acute pulmonary embolism (OR 9.81 [95% CI 3.01 to 32.04], p < 0.001), benign breast conditions (OR 3.42 [95% CI 1.76 to 6.64], p < 0.001), opioid-related disorders (OR 6.67 [95% CI 1.87 to 23.75], p = 0.003), mental and substance use disorders (OR 3.80 [95% CI 1.47 to 9.83], p = 0.006), headache (OR 1.82 [95% CI 1.24 to 2.67], p = 0.002), and previous cesarean section (OR 5.10 [95% CI 1.33 to 19.56], p = 0.02). An opioid risk score base was developed with an area under the curve of 0.696 for the prediction of high opioid use.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preoperative patient characteristics associated with high opioid use postoperatively were identified and an opioid risk score was derived. Identification of patients with a higher need for opioids presents an opportunity for improved preoperative interventions, the use of nonopioid analgesic therapies, and alternative therapies.
Sir Vaughan Jones. 31 December 1952—6 September 2020
Authors: Evans David E.
Published: June 2022

Vaughan Jones made fundamental contributions to mathematics and mathematical physics, bringing together disparate areas of operator algebras, knots, links and low-dimensional topology in mathematics, and statistical mechanics, quantum field theory and quantum information in physics, while opening up the new field of quantum topology. The key that unlocked all this was his seminal work on subfactor theory in von Neumann algebras of operators, which led to a new invariant of links: the Jones polynomial. For this he was awarded the Fields Medal in 1990.
The importance of the generation interval in investigating dynamics and control of new SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Park Sang Woo , Bolker Benjamin M. , Funk Sebastian , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Weitz Joshua S. , Grenfell Bryan T. , Dushoff Jonathan
Published: June 2022

Inferring the relative strength (i.e. the ratio of reproduction numbers) and relative speed (i.e. the difference between growth rates) of new SARS-CoV-2 variants is critical to predicting and controlling the course of the current pandemic. Analyses of new variants have primarily focused on characterizing changes in the proportion of new variants, implicitly or explicitly assuming that the relative speed remains fixed over the course of an invasion. We use a generation-interval-based framework to challenge this assumption and illustrate how relative strength and speed change over time under two idealized interventions: a constant-strength intervention like idealized vaccination or social distancing, which reduces transmission rates by a constant proportion, and a constant-speed intervention like idealized contact tracing, which isolates infected individuals at a constant rate. In general, constant-strength interventions change the relative speed of a new variant, while constant-speed interventions change its relative strength. Differences in the generation-interval distributions between variants can exaggerate these changes and modify the effectiveness of interventions. Finally, neglecting differences in generation-interval distributions can bias estimates of relative strength.
Wet shells and dry tales: the evolutionary ‘Just-So’ stories behind the structure–function of biominerals
Authors: Lemanis Robert , Tadayon Kian , Reich Elke , Joshi Gargi , Johannes Best Richard , Stevens Kevin , Zlotnikov Igor
Published: June 2022

The ability of evolution to shape organic form involves the interactions of multiple systems of constraints, including fabrication, phylogeny and function. The tendency to place function above everything else has characterized some of the historical biological literature as a series of ‘Just-So’ stories that provided untested explanations for individual features of an organism. A similar tendency occurs in biomaterials research, where features for which a mechanical function can be postulated are treated as an adaptation. Moreover, functional adaptation of an entire structure is often discussed based on the local characterization of specimens kept in conditions that are far from those in which they evolved. In this work, environmental- and frequency-dependent mechanical characterization of the shells of two cephalopods,
Nautilus pompilius
and
Argonauta argo
, is used to demonstrate the importance of multi-scale environmentally controlled characterization of biogenic materials. We uncover two mechanistically independent strategies to achieve deformable, stiff, strong and tough highly mineralized structures. These results are then used to critique interpretations of adaptation in the literature. By integrating the hierarchical nature of biological structures and the environment in which they exist, biomaterials testing can be a powerful tool for generating functional hypotheses that should be informed by how these structures are fabricated and their evolutionary history.
Advection-dominated transport past isolated disordered sinks: stepping beyond homogenization
Authors: Price George F. , Chernyavsky Igor L. , Jensen Oliver E.
Published: June 2022

We investigate the transport of a solute past isolated sinks in a bounded domain when advection is dominant over diffusion, evaluating the effectiveness of homogenization approximations when sinks are distributed uniformly randomly in space. Corrections to such approximations can be non-local, non-smooth and non-Gaussian, depending on the physical parameters (a Péclet number Pe, assumed large, and a Damköhler number Da) and the compactness of the sinks. In one spatial dimension, solute distributions develop a staircase structure for large

Pe

, with corrections being better described with credible intervals than with traditional moments. In two and three dimensions, solute distributions are near-singular at each sink (and regularized by sink size), but their moments can be smooth as a result of ensemble averaging over variable sink locations. We approximate corrections to a homogenization approximation using a moment-expansion method, replacing the Green’s function by its free-space form, and test predictions against simulation. We show how, in two or three dimensions, the leading-order impact of disorder can be captured in a homogenization approximation for the ensemble mean concentration through a modification to

Da

that grows with diminishing sink size.
Moth wings as sound absorber metasurface
Authors: Neil Thomas R. , Shen Zhiyuan , Robert Daniel , Drinkwater Bruce W. , Holderied Marc W.
Published: June 2022

In noise control applications, a perfect metasurface absorber would have the desirable traits of not only mitigating unwanted sound, but also being much thinner than the wavelengths of interest. Such deep-subwavelength performance is difficult to achieve technologically, yet moth wings, as natural metamaterials, offer functionality as efficient sound absorbers through the action of the numerous resonant scales that decorate their wing membrane. Here, we quantify the potential for moth wings to act as a sound-absorbing metasurface coating for acoustically reflective substrates. Moth wings were found to be efficient sound absorbers, reducing reflection from an acoustically hard surface by up to 87% at the lowest frequency tested (20 kHz), despite a thickness to wavelength ratio of up to 1/50. Remarkably, after the removal of the scales from the dorsal surface the wing's orientation on the surface changed its absorptive performance: absorption remains high when the bald wing membrane faces the sound but breaks down almost completely in the reverse orientation. Numerical simulations confirm the strong influence of the air gap below the wing membrane but only when it is adorned with scales. The finding that moth wings act as deep-subwavelength sound-absorbing metasurfaces opens the door to bioinspired, high-performance sound mitigation solutions.
The importance of population heterogeneities in detecting social learning as the foundation of animal cultural transmission
Authors: Nöbel Sabine , Wang Xiaobo , Talvard Laurine , Tariel Juliette , Lille Maëva , Cucherousset Julien , Roussigné Myriam , Danchin Etienne
Published: June 2022

High levels of within-population behavioural variation can have drastic demographic consequences, thus changing the evolutionary fate of populations. A major source of within-population heterogeneity is personality. Nonetheless, it is still relatively rarely accounted for in social learning studies that constitute the most basic process of cultural transmission. Here, we performed in female mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) a social learning experiment in the context of mate choice, a situation called mate copying (MC), and for which there is strong evidence that it can lead to the emergence of persistent traditions of preferring a given male phenotype. When accounting for the global tendency of females to prefer larger males but ignoring differences in personality, we detected no evidence for MC. However, when accounting for the bold–shy dichotomy, we found that bold females did not show any evidence for MC, while shy females showed significant amounts of MC. This illustrates how the presence of variation in personality can hamper our capacity to detect MC. We conclude that MC may be more widespread than we thought because many studies ignored the presence of within-population heterogeneities.
Adaptive specialization of a unique sponge body from the Cambrian Qingjiang biota
Authors: Yun Hao , Luo Cui , Chang Chao , Li Luoyang , Reitner Joachim , Zhang Xingliang
Published: June 2022

Sponge fossils from the Cambrian black shales have attracted attention from both palaeontologists and geochemists for many years in terms of their high diversity, beautiful preservation and perplexing adaptation to inhospitable living environments. However, the body shape of these sponges, which contributes to deciphering adaptive evolution, has not been scrutinized. New complete specimens of the hexactinellid sponge
Sanshapentella tentoriformis
sp. nov. from the Qingjiang biota (black shale of the Cambrian Stage 3 Shuijingtuo Formation,
ca
518 Ma) allow recognition of a unique dendriform body characterized by a columnar trunk with multiple conical high peaks and distinctive quadripod-shaped dermal spicules that frame each high peak. The body shape of this new sponge along with other early Cambrian hexactinellids, is classified into three morpho-groups that reflect different levels of adaptivity to the environment. The cylindrical and ovoid bodies generally adapted to a large spectrum of environments; however, the dendriform body of
S. tentoriformis
was restricted to the relatively deep-water, oxygen-deficient environment. From a hindsight view, the unique body shape represents a consequence of adaptation that helps maintain an effective use of oxygen and a low energy cost in hypoxic conditions.
Lower Social Support is Associated with Accelerated Epigenetic Aging: Results from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Rentscher Kelly E. , Klopack Eric T. , Crimmins Eileen M. , Seeman Teresa E. , Cole Steve W. , Carroll Judith E.
Published: June 2022

Growing evidence suggests that social relationship quality can influence age-related health outcomes, although how the quality of one’s relationships directly relates to the underlying aging process is less clear. We hypothesized that lower social support and higher relationship strain would be associated with an accelerated epigenetic aging profile among older adults in the Health and Retirement Study. Adults (N = 3,647) aged 50-96 years completed ratings of support and strain in relationships with their spouse, children, other family, and friends. They also provided a blood sample and DNA methylation profiling derived epigenetic aging measures: Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge, and Dunedin Pace of Aging methylation (PoAm). Generalized linear models adjusting for age, sex, and race/ethnicity revealed that lower support from one’s spouse, children, other family, and friends and higher strain with one’s spouse, children, and friends was associated with an accelerated epigenetic aging profile. In secondary analyses that further adjusted for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and following false discovery rate correction, support from other family members and friends was associated with epigenetic aging. Findings suggest that lower support within close relationships relates to epigenetic aging acceleration, offering one mechanism through which relationship quality might influence risk for age-related disease.
Downregulation of Yap1 During Limb Regeneration Results in Defective Bone Formation in Axolotl
Authors: Bay Sadık , Öztürk Gürkan , Emekli Nesrin , Demircan Turan
Published: June 2022

The Hippo pathway plays an imperative role in cellular processes such as differentiation, regeneration, cell migration, organ growth, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Transcription coregulator component of Hippo pathway, YAP1, promotes transcription of genes involved in cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and suppressing apoptosis. However, its role in epimorphic regeneration has not been fully explored. The axolotl is a well-established model organism for developmental biology and regeneration studies. By exploiting its remarkable regenerative capacity, we investigated the role of Yap1 in the early blastema stage of limb regeneration. Depleting Yap1 using gene-specific morpholinos attenuated the competence of axolotl limb regeneration evident in bone formation defects. To explore the affected downstream pathways from Yap1 down-regulation, the gene expression profile was examined by employing LC-MS/MS technology. Based on the generated data, we provided a new layer of evidence on the putative roles of increased protease inhibition and immune system activities and altered ECM composition in diminished bone formation capacity during axolotl limb regeneration upon Yap1 deficiency. We believe that new insights into the roles of the Hippo pathway in complex structure regeneration were granted in this study.
An expanded deep-branching thermophilic bacterial clade sheds light on the early evolution of bacteria
Authors: Leng Hao , Wang Yinzhao , Zhao Weishu , Sievert Stefan M. , Xiao Xiang
Published: June 2022

The origin of thermophilic bacteria is essential to our understanding of the early evolution of life. However, due to the lack of deep-branching culturable lineages, many controversies remain. Here, we report a novel deep-branching, sulfur-reducing, thermophilic bacterium that was isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent using a newly developed cultivation strategy (“Subtraction-Suboptimal”, StS). This bacterial lineage clusters together with other major thermophilic bacterial groups on phylogenomic trees and forms a robust superphylum-level clade that represents a major, early-diverging bacterial lineage. Ancestral analyses and metabolic modeling reveal the ancestor of this lineage might be a thermophilic and mixotrophic bacteria with a preference for amino acids utilization. These findings provide evolutionary insights into the early divergence of thermophilic bacteria and their adaptive strategies on early Earth.
Nr4a1 regulates inhibitory circuit structure and function in the mouse brain
Authors: Huang Min , Pieraut Simon , Cao Jasmine , de Souza Polli Filip , Roncace Vincenzo , Shen Gloria , Maximov Anton
Published: June 2022

Central neurons express unique repertoires of secreted and transmembrane proteins that define their synaptic connectivity. However, how these molecular programs are regulated remains poorly understood. Our study shows that, in inhibitory GABAergic interneurons in the mouse forebrain, transcription of synaptic organizer molecules is controlled by Nr4a1, a nuclear receptor whose expression is transiently induced by sensory experience and required for normal learning. Nr4a1 exserts opposite effects on local axonal wiring of Parvalbumin- and Somatostatin-positive interneurons that innervate different subcellular domains of their postsynaptic partners. Loss of Nr4a1 activity in these interneurons leads to cell-type-specific transcriptional switches in multiple gene families, including those involved in surface adhesion and repulsion. Our findings reveal a mechanism by which inducible transcription factors dynamically alter the combinatorial synaptic organizing codes for structural plasticity.
Nuclear receptor interaction protein (NRIP) as a novel actin-binding protein involved in invadosome formation for myoblast fusion
Authors: Chen Hsin-Hsiung , Han Ya-Ju , Wu Tung-Chien , Yen Won-Shin , Lai Tzu-Yun , Wei Po-Han , Tsai Li-Kai , Lai Hsing-Jung , Tsao Yeou-Ping , Chen Show-Li
Published: June 2022

To investigate the role of nuclear receptor interaction protein (NRIP) in myoblast fusion, both the primary myoblasts from muscle-specific NRIP-knockout mice and NRIP-null C2C12 cells (KO19 cells) exhibited a significant deficit in the fusion index during myogenesis; on the other hand, overexpressed NRIP in KO19 cells could rescue myotube formation. Furthermore, NRIP was found to interact with actin directly and reciprocally that is an invadosome component for myoblast fusion. Endogenous NRIP colocalized with components of invadosome such as F-actin, Tks5, and cortactin at the tips of cells during C2C12 differentiation, and exogenous NRIP was enriched with actin at the tip of attacking cells during myogenic fusion, implying that NRIP is a novel invadosome component. Using time-lapse microscopy and cell–cell fusion assays further confirmed NRIP directly participates in cell fusion through actin. Moreover, to map the domain of NRIP–actin binding, NRIP interacted with actin either through WD40 domains directly for binding or indirectly through the IQ domain for α-actinin 2 binding with actin. NRIP with actin binding was strongly correlated with invadosome formation and myotube fusion. Collectively, NRIP acts as a novel actin-binding protein through its WD40 or the IQ to form invadosomes that trigger myoblast fusion.
A new control strategy of stopped-rotor aircraft based on manipulation model
Authors: Gao Honggang
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the control strategy of transition mode of the stopped-rotor (SR) aircraft under the condition of redundant control and complex aerodynamic characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first proposes a transition strategy for the conversion between helicopter mode and fixed-wing mode. Then, aiming at the redundancy of the two control systems in the transition process, a control model is proposed, which greatly simplifies the control in conversion mode. Then, to facilitate the design of the control system, the Takagi-Sugeno model of the SR aircraft in transition mode is established. Finally, an explicit model tracking and tuning parameter stability augmentation control system is designed, so that the SR aircraft has a good stability during the transition process. Then, the outer loop control system of transition flight is designed.

Findings

The simulation results show that the control strategy proposed in this paper can realize the mode conversion well. It lays a solid foundation for the subsequent engineering flight test for the SR aircraft.

Originality/value

The work done in this paper provides ideas and methods for the flight control system design of SR aircraft in transition mode. The method of designing control model to solve the coordination of redundant control system is also applicable for other multimode aircraft, which provides a simple and convenient method for the multimode aircraft control.
An exploration of identity change in post-detoxification alcohol dependent individuals
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Houghton Ben , Maskrey Vivienne , Holland Richard , Lingford-Hughes Anne , Punukollu Bhaskar , Duka Theodora , Kouimtsidis Christos
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Dependent alcohol use is a severe addictive disorder with significant enduring consequences for health and social functioning. This study aims to inductively explore the process of identity change for alcohol dependent people progressing through a “pre-habilitation” intervention, alcohol detoxification and post-detoxification recovery support.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative study as a part of a process evaluation situated within a UK feasibility trial of a group-based intervention in preparation for structured alcohol detoxification. Semi-structured qualitative interviews (face-to-face or telephone) collected self-reported data on experiences of treatment provision as part of the feasibility trial. Thematic analysis of transcripts and iterative categorisation of identity-related themes and concepts was conducted with verification of analysis undertaken by a second coder.

Findings

Identity change was revealed in participant narratives around the meta themes of external (social-identity) and internal (self-identity) concepts. External influences impacting social identity were key, having influenced initiation into alcohol use, influencing acceptance of the stigmatised “alcoholic” label and then being central to the treatment journey. Internal influences on self-identity also impacted on the process of identity change. In recovery, there was hope in discovering a new “normal” identity or rediscovering normality.

Originality/value

Analysis demonstrates that moving from regular alcohol use to problematic use is a journey of identity change that is influenced at the macro (cultural), meso (group) and micro (relational) social levels. Throughout the treatment journey, social influences in gaining a new non-drinker identity are key. Findings suggest a need for long-term support through treatment and community-based groups specifically to foster positive identity change that may not have been addressed previously.
Decoding revenge buying in retail: role of psychological reactance and perceived stress
Authors: Gupta Astha Sanjeev , Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: June 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic-related Government restrictions on the movement of people resulted in consumers moving away from retail outlets. However, sporadic instances of an unexpected surge in retail buying happened across the world immediately after the lifting of such restrictions. This uncommon phenomenon, termed revenge buying, offered an opportunity to revive retail businesses. This paper applies Reactance Theory (RCT) and Self-determination Theory (SDT) to model consumers' revenge buying intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 384 respondents in India using validated scales. The study used structural equation modelling for model testing.

Findings

COVID-19 restrictions resulted in autonomy need frustration in consumers, which induced psychological reactance and perceived stress. Psychological reactance positively impacted, while perceived stress negatively impacted revenge buying intentions. Thus, revenge buying was observed only when the psychological reactance was more than perceived stress.

Research limitations/implications

This study, conducted in only one country with a limited convenience sample, limits the generalizability of findings.

Originality/value

This research model the psychological consequences of need frustration to explain the sporadic incidences of revenge buying in retail outlets. Further, it proposes sales recovery strategies for retailers in the immediate post-pandemic market scenarios. Retailers' strategies should focus on alleviating stress and anxiety because of health concerns, highlighting the retail buying experience to stimulate the need to visit the outlet and positioning retail buying as a potential reactance response by consumers.
Public perceptions of the effectiveness of income provision on reducing psychological distress
Authors: Bridger Emma , Nettle Daniel
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand public perceptions of the role of income for improving mental health, since public perceptions shape political decision-making. Socioeconomic determinants such as poverty cause a great deal of mental ill-health, yet it is not clear whether the general public believes this to be true. Lay understandings of health often overemphasize the roles of individual habits and medical treatments and underappreciate the importance of socioeconomic determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

UK adults (n = 622) rated effectiveness of three interventions for reducing psychological distress: medication, psychotherapy, and providing sufficient income to cover necessities via a basic income. We manipulated whether participants rated effectiveness for an identified individual vs. the population in general. Participants also indicated their support for the introduction of the basic income scheme.

Findings

Increasing income was rated highly effective for reducing psychological distress. Effectiveness ratings for income provision were as high as those for psychotherapy, and higher than those for medication. There was also an interaction with framing: in the population framing, income provision was rated more effective than either of the other two interventions. There were high levels of support for introducing a universal basic income scheme in this population.

Originality/value

UK adults anticipate that income provision would be highly effective at reducing psychological distress, as or more effective than increasing access to psychotherapy or medication. Policymakers can assume that the public will be receptive to arguments for mental health interventions that tackle broader socioeconomic determinants, especially when these are framed in population terms.
Creating alchemy within an Irish mental health service
Authors: O’ Shanahan Kevin , O’ Flynn James , McCarthy Declan , MacGabhann Liam
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a novel community development and how the synergies arising from the interaction of diverse perspectives (including arts and health, person centredness, co-production and shared leadership) have led to a transformative initiative for individuals and a local community in the Republic of Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive case study. It includes the personal narrative of an expert by experience who is one of the co-authors. Links to short digital films are also included along with references to internal evaluation documents and published literature. Reflections from the nurses who contributed to the initiative and a university academic are also incorporated.

Findings

A space in the community built around the principles of relational practice has evolved into an alchemical space, enabling creativity, recovery and well-being. The benefits arising out of this network of social relationships have contributed to personal recovery, integration with the local community and generated social capital. This has enhanced mental health and well-being locally.

Practical implications

Statutory Irish health policy is reflective of developments in health care internationally, with an emphasis on greater delivery of care in the community. This views citizens as active partners in the maintenance of their health and well-being. This case study illustrates how this has unfolded in practice in a rural mental health community context.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the evidence base that demonstrates the potential benefits of participation in the arts to individual recovery journeys. In addition, it shows that when arts and health perspectives coalesce with the wider domain of relational practice, the synergies arising contribute positively to the health and well-being of local communities.
Marginal cost of carbon sequestration through forest afforestation of agricultural land in the southeastern United States
Authors: Obembe Oladipo S. , Hendricks Nathan P.
Published: June 2022

One tool to mitigate climate change is to sequester carbon through changes in land use. The purpose of this study is to analyze the cost‐effectiveness of carbon sequestration through afforestation of cropland via the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in the United States. We use the correlated random effects (CRE) probit model to estimate the impact of an increase in the CRP rental payments on land use transitions between cropland and forest. Our estimates are used to simulate land use change and carbon sequestration supply curves over different time horizons. Increasing the CRP rent to reflect the social cost of carbon of $154/tonne of carbon increases annual carbon sequestered by 7.42 million tonnes, 23.58 million tonnes, and 34.96 million tonnes over 1, 5, and 10‐year horizons.
Strength of cross‐sector collaborations in co‐designing an extended rural and remote nursing placement innovation: Focusing on student learning in preference to student churning
Authors: Jones Debra , Randall Sue , Williams Anna , Waters Donna , White Danielle , Haddadan Giti , Erlandsen Anita , Hanniver Jackie , Smith Rebecca , Parr Stephen
Published: June 2022

Aim

To describe the strength of a cross‐sector and multi‐university collaboration in co‐designing an extended nursing placement innovation in rural and remote Australia.

Context

Registered nurses are Australia's largest health workforce. Short‐duration placements can limit nursing student exposure to rural and remote practice, impacting student capacity to tailor and contextualise their practice, navigate complex inequities, establish a sense of belonging and consider rural practice post‐registration. Extended nursing placements have been recommended to address these challenges, but there are no guidelines governing their development and limited resources to support implementation.

Approach

Methods adopted in program development included the following: (1) collaboration establishment; (2) co‐defining challenges confronting nurse education in these contexts; (3) co‐developing guiding principles; (4) co‐designing a new approach to nurse education, the Extended Nursing Placement Program (ENPP); and (5) the co‐contribution of stakeholders to program design, implementation and evaluation. Regional stakeholders include a NSW and Victorian Local Health District/Service, three Aboriginal health services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. University participants include two metropolitan universities, a University Department of Rural Health and final‐year Bachelor of Nursing students. Program implementation in Semester 1 of 2022 with seven final‐year nursing students.

Conclusion

The authors propose that the adoption of collaborative approaches can contribute to re‐framing student nurse education and the development of a rural‐ready nursing workforce. These approaches can provide regions and universities with the opportunity to avoid student churn whilst promoting the attainment of skills required to work, live and thrive in these locations.
Mindset of obligation: Conceptualization and empirical validation of a new measure of initiation and perseverance
Authors: Milam Alex C. , Rubino Cristina , Perry Sara , Alcazar Rocio , Johnson Lars U.
Published: June 2022

We theoretically develop and empirically validate a measure of mindset of obligation, building on the concept of the form of commitment that receives the least attention from scholars—normative commitment. We define a mindset of obligation as the pervasive tendency to initiate new endeavors and persevere through existing roles and responsibilities out of a sense of obligation. We suggest that this mindset acts as a binding agent that affects strain and withdrawal in and outside the workplace. We find that Initiation is more maladaptive, and Perseverance is more adaptive for favorable work and nonwork outcomes. Individuals with high levels of Initiation tend to commit to tasks out of a sense of obligation, with the potential to overcommit and not deliver on these commitments. Those with high levels of Perseverance may experience a sense of accomplishment from fulfilling their commitments and may be seen as responsible or reliable by others. We describe theoretical and practical implications of the mindset of obligation construct and measure, which sheds valuable insight on normative commitment, on personality traits, and other mindset constructs. These insights add understanding about the implications of the motives one has for committing to roles and responsibilities across various domains of life.
Thrombopoietin receptor agonists increase splenic regulatory T‐cell numbers in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Pizzi Marco , Vianello Fabrizio , Binotto Gianni , Vianelli Nicola , Carli Giuseppe , Auteri Giuseppe , Nichele Ilaria , Sbaraglia Marta , Zoletto Simone , Scarmozzino Federico , Bresciani Rita , d'Amore Fabio , Friziero Alberto , Guzzardo Vincenza , Bertozzi Irene , Famengo Barbara , d'Amore Emanuele S. G. , Sabattini Elena , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo
Published: June 2022

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO‐RA) are a valid therapy for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), due to megakaryocyte stimulation and (poorly characterised) immune‐modulatory effects. The spleen is pivotal in the pathogenesis of ITP, yet little is known on its immune microenvironment and on effects of TPO‐RA on this organ. To address these topics, we analysed 35 spleens removed for primary refractory ITP. Pre‐splenectomy TPO‐RA administration correlated with increased splenic regulatory T cells (Tregs), type 2 T‐helper cells and histiocyte density and with reduced red pulp sinusoids. Surgical outcome was not associated with TPO‐RA administration, other pre‐splenectomy therapies and/or Treg density. In conclusion, TPO‐RA affect the splenic microenvironment, but this has no impact on splenectomy outcome.
The growth effect of trade openness on African countries: Evidence from using an instrumental variable panel smooth transition model
Authors: Kinfack Emilie , Bonga‐Bonga Lumengo
Published: June 2022

This paper assesses the relationship between trade openness and economic growth in Africa by accounting for the heterogeneity of African countries. In addition, the paper contributes to the literature on trade openness and economic growth nexus by applying the instrumental variable panel smooth transition regression, a methodology that accounts for nonlinearity and endogeneity in the relationship between the two variables. The results of the empirical analysis reveal that the investment ratio is a channel through which trade openness affects economic growth in the African continent. In addition, the relationship between trade openness and economic growth varies according to the degree of a country's development in Africa. The study finds a negative relationship between openness and growth in low‐income countries. Conversely, for upper‐income countries, the coefficients of trade indicators are positive and statistically significant. The results indicate that African countries are not homogeneous, especially concerning trade openness and economic growth nexus.
A predictive structural model of new ways of working on innovative work behaviour: Higher education perspective in the Gulf Cooperation Council
Authors: Almahamid Soud M. , Ayoub Alaa Eldin A.
Published: June 2022

This study examined the relationship between compulsory new ways of working (flexible work design, workplace design at home, advanced information and communication technology [ICT]‐based communications and culture of innovation) and faculty members' innovative work behaviour. The mediating role of work–life balance and employees' satisfaction with new ways of working in the relationship between new ways of working and innovative work behaviour was also examined. Building on established measurement scales, a questionnaire‐based deductive approach was used to collect data. In total, 457 faculty members were randomly selected from universities in countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council. New ways of work and innovative work behaviour were confirmed as multidimensional concepts. The study participants were clustered in three profiles according to their level of perception of the research variables. New ways of working practices apart from advanced ITC‐based communications were significantly positively related to innovative work behaviour, and work–life balance was significantly positively related to satisfaction. Satisfaction with new ways of working and work–life balance is a vital mechanism of innovative work behaviour, and satisfaction mediates work–life balance and innovative work behaviour. Our research theoretically extends understanding of the compulsory new ways of working and innovative work behaviour in higher education institutions. It provides insights into how new ways of working affect innovative behaviour via two mediating mechanisms: work–life balance and satisfaction. This contingent perspective has not yet been explored in prior studies. Educational policy and decision makers can benefit from the results of this study by reorganizing their work activities according to faculty members' need to foster innovative educational solutions.
The intra‐arterial selective cooling infusion system: A mathematical temperature analysis and in vitro experiments for acute ischemic stroke therapy
Authors: Jiang Miaowen , Li Ming , Gao Yuan , Wu Longfei , Zhao Wenbo , Li Chuanhui , Hou Chengbei , Qi Zhengfei , Wang Kun , Zheng Shiqiang , Yin Zhichen , Wu Chuanjie , Ji Xunming
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The neuroprotection of acute ischemic stroke patients can be achieved by intra‐arterial selective cooling infusion using cold saline, which can decrease brain temperature without influencing the body core temperature. This approach can lead to high burdens on the heart and decreased hematocrit in the scenario of loading a high amount of liquid for longtime usage. Therefore, autologous blood is utilized as perfusate to circumvent those side effects.

Methods

In this study, a prototype instrument with an autologous blood cooling system was developed and further evaluated by a mathematical model for brain temperature estimation.

Results

Hypothermia could be achieved due to the adequate cooling capacity of the prototype system, which could provide the lowest cooling temperature into the blood vessel of 10.5°C at 25 rpm (209.7 ± 0.8 ml/min). And, the core body temperature did not alter significantly (−0.7 ~ −0.2°C) after 1‐h perfusion. The cooling rate and temperature distributions of the brain were analyzed, which showed a 2°C decrease within the initial 5 min infusion by 44 ml/min and 13.7°C perfusate.

Conclusion

This prototype instrument system could safely cool simulated blood in vitro and reperfuse it to the target cerebral blood vessel. This technique could promote the clinical application of an autologous blood perfusion system for stroke therapy.
Diazepam diminishes temozolomide efficacy in the treatment of U87 glioblastoma cell line
Authors: Drljača Jovana , Popović Aleksandra , Bulajić Dragica , Stilinović Nebojša , Vidičević Novaković Sašenka , Sekulić Slobodan , Milenković Ivan , Ninković Srđan , Ljubković Marko , Čapo Ivan
Published: June 2022

Aims

Many patients with glioblastoma (GBM) suffer from comorbid neurological/psychiatric disorders and, therefore, are treated with psychopharmacological agents. Diazepam (DIA) is widely adopted to treat status epilepticus, alleviate anxiety, and inhibit chemotherapy‐associated delayed emesis in GBM patients. Even though temozolomide (TMZ) and DIA could be found as possible combination therapy in clinical practice, there are no reports of their combined effects in GBM. Hence, it may be of interest to investigate whether DIA enhances the antitumor efficacy of TMZ in GBM cells.

Methods

U87 human GBM was used to examine the effects of combined TMZ and DIA on cell viability, and the oxygen consumption within the cells, in order to evaluate mitochondrial bioenergetic response upon the treatment.

Results

The cooperative index showed the presence of antagonism between TMZ and DIA, which was confirmed on long‐term observation. Moreover, the level of apoptosis after the TMZ treatment was significantly decreased when administered with DIA (p < 0.001). Concomitant use of TMZ and DIA increased the basal cell respiration rate, the oxidative phosphorylation rate, and maximal capacity of mitochondrial electron transport chain, as well as the activities of complexes I and II, vs. TMZ alone (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Comparing our results with data reported that DIA elicits cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and favors senescence reveals that DIA diminishes TMZ efficacy in concomitant use in the treatment of GBM. However, due to its great potency to hinder GBM proliferation and metabolism, it could be considered using DIA as maintenance therapy after TMZ cycles.
Morning blood pressure surge in renal transplant recipients: Its relation to graft function and arterial stiffness
Authors: Demirci Bahar Gurlek , Afşar Barış , Tutal Emre , Colak Turan , Sezer Siren
Published: June 2022

Background

When the blood pressure rises before awakening in the morning, it is called as morning blood pressure pulse (MBPS). MBPS is considered to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between MBPS, graft function, arterial stiffness and echocardiographic indices in renal transplant recipients.

Methods

Among 600 renal transplant recipients, 122 patients who had a history of hypertension and were taking at least one antihypertensive medication were enrolled in the study. Arterial stiffness was measured by carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWv), and echocardiographic indices were assessed. 24 h ambulatory blood pressure was monitored for all patients. MBPS was calculated by subtracting morning systolic blood pressure from minimal asleep systolic blood pressure.

Results

Mean morning, day time and asleep systolic blood pressure values were 171.2 ± 23.9, 137.9 ± 18.1, and 131.7 ± 18.9, respectively. Nondipper hypertension status was observed in 93 patients. Mean MBPS was 35.6 ± 19.5 mm Hg, means PWv was 6.5 ± 2.0 m/s. Patients with MBPS ≥ 35 mm Hg, had significantly lower eGFR and higher proteinuria, PWv. higher left atrium volume and LVMI. In regression analysis, day time systolic blood pressure, asleep systolic blood pressure, morning blood pressure surge, nondipper status and left ventricular mass index were detected as the predictors of graft function.

Conclusions

Increased morning blood pressure surge is associated with graft dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness and LVMI that contribute to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in renal transplant recipients.
Prevalence and correlates of childhood‐onset bipolar disorder among adolescents
Authors: Barton Jessica , Mio Megan , Timmins Vanessa , Mitchell Rachel H. B. , Goldstein Benjamin I.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Early‐onset bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with a more severe illness as well as a number of clinical factors among adults. Early‐onset can be categorized as childhood‐ (age < 13) or adolescent‐ (age ≥ 13) onset, with the two displaying different clinical profiles. We set out to examine differences in clinical, and familial characteristics among adolescents with childhood‐ versus adolescent‐onset BD.

Methods

The study included 195 adolescents with BD, ages 14–18 years. Age of onset was determined retrospectively by self‐report. Participants completed the semi‐structured K‐SADS‐PL diagnostic interviews along with self‐reported dimensional scales. Analyses examined between‐group differences for clinical and familial variables. Variables associated with age of onset at p < 0.1 in univariate analyses were evaluated in a logistic regression model.

Results

Approximately one‐fifth of participants had childhood‐onset BD (n = 35; 17.9%). A number of clinical and familial factors were significantly associated with childhood‐onset BD. However, there were no significant differences in depressive and manic symptom severity. In multivariate analyses, the variables most strongly associated with childhood‐onset were police contact, and family history of suicidal ideation. Smoking and psychiatric hospitalization were associated with adolescent‐onset.

Conclusions

In this large clinical sample of adolescents with BD, one‐fifth reported childhood‐onset BD. Correlates of childhood‐onset generally aligned with those observed in the literature. Future research is warranted to better understand the genetic and environmental implications of high familial loading of psychopathology associated with childhood‐onset, and to integrate age‐related treatment and prevention strategies.
The representation of shape and texture in category‐selective regions of ventral‐temporal cortex
Authors: Coggan David D. , Watson David M. , Wang Ao , Brownbridge Robert , Ellis Christopher , Jones Kathryn , Kilroy Charlotte , Andrews Timothy J.
Published: June 2022

Neuroimaging studies using univariate and multivariate approaches have shown that the fusiform face area (FFA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA) respond selectively to images of faces and places. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which this selectivity to faces or places is based on the shape or texture properties of the images. Faces and houses were filtered to manipulate their texture properties, while preserving the shape properties (spatial envelope) of the images. In Experiment 1, multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) showed that patterns of fMRI response to faces and houses in FFA and PPA were predicted by the shape properties, but not by the texture properties of the image. In Experiment 2, a univariate analysis (fMR‐adaptation) showed that responses in the FFA and PPA were sensitive to changes in both the shape and texture properties of the image. These findings can be explained by the spatial scale of the representation of images in the FFA and PPA. At a coarser scale (revealed by MVPA), the neural selectivity to faces and houses is sensitive to variation in the shape properties of the image. However, at a finer scale (revealed by fMR‐adaptation), the neural selectivity is sensitive to the texture properties of the image. By combining these neuroimaging paradigms, our results provide insights into the spatial scale of the neural representation of faces and places in the ventral‐temporal cortex.