bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances on 3D‐bioprinted gelatin methacrylate hydrogels for tissue engineering in wound healing: A review of current applications and future prospects
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Wan Jiaming , Zhang Zhiqiang , Hou Ruixing
Published: December 2023

Advancements in 3D bioprinting, particularly the use of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels, are ushering in a transformative era in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This review highlights the pivotal role of GelMA hydrogels in wound healing and skin regeneration. Its biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties and support for cellular proliferation make it a promising candidate for bioactive dressings and scaffolds. Challenges remain in optimizing GelMA hydrogels for clinical use, including scalability of 3D bioprinting techniques, durability under physiological conditions and the development of advanced bioinks. The review covers GelMA's applications from enhancing wound dressings, promoting angiogenesis and facilitating tissue regeneration to addressing microbial infections and diabetic wound healing. Preclinical studies underscore GelMA's potential in tissue healing and the need for further research for real‐world applications. The future of GelMA hydrogels lies in overcoming these challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration, advancing manufacturing techniques and embracing personalized medicine paradigms.
Efficacy of the combination of Chinese herbal medicine and negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of patients with diabetic foot ulcer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Jin , Wang Hong‐Yu , Yang Yu‐Feng , Wang An‐Na , Shi Yan , Cui Ting‐Bao
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine combined with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Computerised searches of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase databases were conducted for randomised controlled trials on the use of Chinese herbal medicines combined with NPWT for the treatment of DFU. The search period ranged from the time of establishment of each database to July 2023. Literature screening and data extraction were performed independently by two investigators, and the quality of the included studies was assessed. The meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. A total of 25 studies were analysed, including 1777 DFUs, with 890 and 887 patients in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The results showed that the treatment of DFUs with a Chinese herbal medicine in combination with NPWT increased the overall effectiveness (odds ratio [OR] = 4.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.96–6.30, p < 0.001), wound healing rate (mean difference [MD] = 18.35, 95% CI: 13.07–23.64, p < 0.001) and ankle brachial index (MD = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.06–0.14, p < 0.001); reduced the wound healing time (MD = −11.01, 95% CI: −13.25 to −8.78, p < 0.001) and post‐treatment wound area (MD = −1.73, 95% CI: −2.46 to −1.01, p < 0.001); decreased the C‐reactive protein level (MD = −3.57, 95% CI: −5.13 to −2.00, p < 0.001); and increased vascular endothelial growth factor level (MD = 19.20, 95% CI: 8.36–30.05, p < 0.001). Thus, Chinese herbal medicines combined with NPWT can effectively promote wound healing, reduce inflammation and shorten the disease course in patients with DFU, while demonstrating precise clinical efficacy.
RETRACTED: Effect of rapid rehabilitation care on surgical site wound infection and pain in patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Jun‐Hong , Li Ping , Li Yao
Published: December 2023

This study examines the effects of rapid rehabilitation on surgical site wound infections and pain in patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures. A computerised search was conducted for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on rapid rehabilitation care in patients undergoing surgery for intertrochanteric femoral fractures published in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Database, VIP, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The search was conducted from the time of the database construction to August 2023. Two investigators independently performed literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis was performed via RevMan 5.4 software. Encompassing 21 studies involving 2004 patients, with 1007 patients receiving rapid rehabilitation care and 997 receiving routine care, our analysis revealed that rapid rehabilitation care significantly reduced postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17–0.33, p < 0.001), wound infections (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14–0.65, p = 0.002) and hospital stay (mean difference [MD] = −5.23, 95% CI: −6.03 to −4.43, p < 0.001). Moreover, compared with routine care, it notably improved wound pain (MD = −1.51, 95% CI: −1.98 to −1.05, p < 0.001) in patients undergoing surgery for intertrochanteric femoral fractures. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of rapid rehabilitation care in reducing wound pain, postoperative complications and wound infections among patients with intertrochanteric femoral fractures.
Comprehensive analysis of risk factors and pathogenetic characteristics associated with surgical site infections following craniotomy procedures
Authors: Gu Zhiwei , Tu Chuanjian , Song Dagang , Yang Zhihao , Xia Jiajie
Published: December 2023

Craniotomies are intricate neurosurgical procedures susceptible to post‐operative complications, among which surgical site infections (SSIs) are particularly concerning. This study sought to elucidate the potential risk factors and pathogenetic characteristics associated with SSIs following craniotomy procedures in a clinical setting. A retrospective study was conducted from May 2020 to May 2023, examining patients subjected to elective or emergency craniotomies. The cohort underwent post‐operative surveillance for SSIs, facilitating patient classification into SSI and Non‐SSI groups based on infection occurrence. Data collection encapsulated demographic and clinical parameters, including American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classifications, and operative factors. SSIs were diagnosed via an integrated approach combining clinical symptoms, microbiological culture findings and pertinent laboratory tests. A rigorous statistical methodology employing IBM's SPSS version 27.0 was utilised for data analysis. In a univariate analysis, significant risk factors for post‐craniotomy SSIs were identified, with patients aged over 60 displaying a pronounced susceptibility. Moreover, surgeries exceeding a duration of 4 h heightened infection risks. Elevated ASA grades denoted an increased prevalence of SSIs, as did emergency procedures and higher National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance scores. Multivariate analysis pinpointed epidural/subdural drainage as a protective measure against SSIs, whereas emergency surgeries, operative times beyond 4 h and subsequent surgeries within the hospital stay amplified infection risks. Notably, coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus dominated the identified pathogens at 28.09%, followed by Escherichia coli (17.98%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.11%) and Staphylococcus aureus (11.24%), underscoring the need for diverse prophylactic measures. SSIs following craniotomies present a multifaceted challenge influenced by a confluence of patient‐related, operative and post‐operative determinants. Understanding these risk factors is paramount in refining surgical protocols and post‐operative care strategies to mitigate SSI incidence.
Dynamic high‐temperature crystallization and processing properties of industrial soda–lime–silica glasses
Authors: Kilinc Erhan , Bell Anthony M. T. , Bingham Paul A.
Published: December 2023

In situ dynamic crystallization properties of industrial soda–lime–silica glasses at realistic processing temperatures have not yet been explored. Hence, we collected in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction patterns for 10 different industrially manufactured soda–lime–silica glasses as a function of temperature between 900 and 1200°C to investigate the phase relations in their devitrified melts. The high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction study was complemented by measuring the liquidus temperature of those glasses by the temperature gradient technique. A multiple variable regression analysis was applied to the experimental and modeled data to produce a predictive model for the rate of solidification and liquidus temperature based on glass composition. We have demonstrated that forms of quartz (SiO2) and Na2CaSiO4, which are not traditionally identified by room temperature X‐ray diffraction studies of commercial soda–lime–silica glasses, are the dominant crystalline phases at 800 and 900°C. Upon further heating, different forms of cristobalite become the primary phase field prior to the formation of X‐ray amorphous melts, irrespective of the glass composition. Sporadic unidentified as well as high‐temperature stable SiO2 polymorphs that are not recoverable to room temperature were also observed. In contrast to the literature, wollastonite (CaSiO3) and devitrite (Na2Ca3Si6O16), which are the main predictor variables in previously developed liquidus temperature models, were not observed prior to the formation of X‐ray amorphous glass melts, and hence their influence on liquidus temperature may be questionable. It was also found that the difference between glass processing and liquidus temperatures can be excessively high, and such large temperature differences can potentially be exploited and reduced to enable decreases in melting or processing temperatures of industrial soda–lime–silica glass melts.
Global outsourcing and voluntary disclosure
Authors: Dai Lili , Dai Rui , Ng Lilian , Peng Zihang
Published: December 2023

Reliance on global outsourcing has become an economic imperative for many major corporations worldwide, but at the same time, it has brought substantial risks and complexities to these firms. This study employs novel international supply chain data to examine whether global outsourcing of goods or services shapes US corporate disclosure policies. Our main results suggest a negative impact of global outsourcing exposure on voluntary disclosure, and several identification tests further support this baseline evidence. We find that the adverse effect on disclosure is more pronounced when institutional differences are more significant between the United States and foreign suppliers' countries and when US firms face higher litigation risks. However, the effect weakens when investors and stakeholders demand more information. Collectively, our study provides new insights into the economic implications of outsourcing globally from an information disclosure perspective.
Bibliometric mapping of theme and trends of augmented reality in the field of education
Authors: Harnal Shilpi , Sharma Gaurav , Anupriya  , Mishra Anand Muni , Bagga Deepak , Saini Nikhil , Goley Pankaj Kumar , Anupam Kumar
Published: December 2023

Background

An innovative and interactive real‐world environment can be presented with augmented reality (AR) that comprises digital visual elements, audio, or other sensory information delivered via technology to enhance one's experience. AR has numerous potential applications in various everyday fields. The education sector is one such arena where AR has been implemented prominently globally. AR in education can impact active students' learning to memorize effectively and can persuade them to engage in a meaningful process of learning.

Objectives

This article presents a bibliometric analysis of some recent applications of AR, emphasizing the potential effects, challenges, and trends of AR in the education sector for the past 15 years.

Methods

A total of 3909 documents published during 2006–2020 were retrieved from the Scopus database for analysis. The bibliometric analysis included document types, subject categorization, document growth, as well as top contributing sources, countries, authors, and funding sponsors. It also analyses keywords, abstracts, titles, and characteristics of the most cited documents. Additionally, it provides a brief account of the challenges for AR adaptation in education.

Results and conclusions

The findings uncover an increased use of AR to promote enhanced learning in the education field. This work will provide the survey, limitations, and drawbacks, as well as open usability and technical issues that may represent new challenges for future research in this field.
Outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy in congenital heart disease: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Tokavanich Nithi , Mongkonsritragoon Wimwipa , Sattawatthamrong Sireenada , Techasatian Witina , Siranart Noppachai , Prasitlumkum Narut , Navaravong Leenhapong , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a standard treatment for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. However, there is still a gap of evidence in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients regarding resynchronization therapy.

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis and systematic review of CHD patients who received CRT implantation. We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane database from inception to June 2023. Studies that reported response rate to CRT, total mortality rate, change in QRS duration, change in left ventricular ejection fraction, and change in New York Heart Association functional class were included.

Results

A total of 14 studies were included in the study. There were 10 studies that reported response rates after implantation. The overall response rate to CRT in CHD patients was 68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 61%–75%, I2 32%). The response rates in patients with systemic right ventricle (RV), systemic left ventricle (LV), and single ventricle were 58% (95% CI 46%–70%, I2 0%), 80% (95% CI 74%–86% I2 14%), and 67% (95% CI 49%–80% I2 0%). Response to CRT in systemic RV was inferior to systemic LV with an odds ratio of 0.38 (95% CI 0.15–0.95, I2 38%). The total mortality rate from seven studies was 12% (95% CI 8%–18%, I2 55%). The parameters which represented ventricular dyssynchrony improved after CRT implantation.

Conclusion

The overall response rate to CRT in CHD was 68%. Patients with systemic RV had a lower response rate to CRT when compared to patients with systemic LV. The total mortality rate after CRT implantation was 12%.
Inhibition of ferroptosis by POLE2 in gastric cancer cells involves the activation of NRF2/GPX4 pathway
Authors: Jian Hui , Chen Zhi‐Qiang , Du Heng , Liao Ting , Sun Yi‐Chen , Ke Dong , Yu Yang
Published: December 2023

Gastric cancer results in great cancer mortality worldwide, and inducing ferroptosis dramatically improves the malignant phenotypes of gastric cancer. DNA polymerase epsilon subunit 2 (POLE2) plays indispensable roles in tumorigenesis; however, its involvement and molecular basis in ferroptosis and gastric cancer are not clear. Human gastric cancer cells were infected with lentiviral vectors to knock down or overexpress POLE2, and cell ferroptosis was detected. To further validate the involvement of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), lentiviral vectors were used. POLE2 expression was elevated in human gastric cancer cells and tissues and closely correlated with clinicopathological features in gastric cancer patients. POLE2 knockdown was induced, while POLE2 overexpression inhibited ferroptosis of human gastric cancer cells, thereby modulating the malignant phenotypes of gastric cancer. Mechanistic studies revealed that POLE2 overexpression elevated NRF2 expression and activity and subsequently activated GPX4, which then prevented lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in human gastric cancer cells. In contrast, either NRF2 or GPX4 silence significantly prevented POLE2 overexpression‐mediated inductions of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibition of ferroptosis. POLE2 overexpression inhibits ferroptosis in human gastric cancer cells through activating NRF2/GPX4 pathway, and inhibiting POLE2 may be a crucial strategy to treat gastric cancer.
The Mediating Role of Physical Activity Self‐Efficacy in Predicting Moderate‐Intensity Physical Activity in Pregnant People at High Risk for Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Yang Xiao , Han Rongrong , Song Yingli , Zhang Ji , Huang Hui , Zhang Jing , Wang Yan , Gao Lingling
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication in pregnancy. Moderate‐intensity physical activity during pregnancy can lower the risk of GDM. However, the relationship between moderate‐intensity physical activity and correlated factors among pregnant people at high risk for GDM remains unknown.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in China. Two hundred fifty‐two participants completed the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire, Pregnancy Physical Activity Self‐Efficacy Scale, Physical Activity Knowledge Questionnaire, Physical Activity Social Support Scale, 7‐item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and a sociodemographic data sheet. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the direct and indirect associations between the study variables.

Results

A total of 51.6% of the participants did not meet the current physical activity guidelines. Only physical activity self‐efficacy was significantly correlated with moderate‐intensity physical activity. Physical activity self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between moderate‐intensity physical activity and knowledge of physical activity, social support for physical activity, and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, knowledge of physical activity was also associated with improved moderate‐intensity physical activity mediated by reduced anxiety symptoms and increased physical activity self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Our study revealed a high prevalence of not meeting current physical activity guidelines among pregnant people at high risk for GDM. Physical activity self‐efficacy played an important mediating role in predicting moderate‐intensity physical activity. Future studies should focus on enhancing self‐efficacy to improve moderate‐intensity physical activity for pregnant people at high risk for GDM.
Family and consensual non‐monogamy: Parents' perceptions of benefits and challenges
Authors: Alarie Milaine
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study explores the perspectives of parents in open or polyamorous relationships with regards to challenges and benefits of practicing consensual non‐monogamy (CNM).

Background

Studies show that about one in five people, both in Canada and the United States, have been involved in a CNM relationship in their lifetime, a proportion that is even higher among today's young adults. While we know that many of those people have children, little research has focused on the experiences of parents practicing CNM.

Method

This article begins to fill this gap, drawing on 34 individual semi‐structured interviews with Canadian parents involved in CNM relationships and their partners. The author explores the benefits and challenges associated with raising children in the context of CNM, as experienced by the participants.

Results

The vast majority of participants argued that the benefits of being polyamorous or in an open relationship considerably outweighed the difficulties they encountered. Six overarching themes emerged from the participants' discourses, namely: (1) social acceptance and legal protection, (2) coming out to children, (3) time management, (4) reconciling family obligations and personal needs, (5) it takes a village to raise children, and (6) teaching important values to children.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this study shows that parents practicing CNM perceive their relationship model as mostly beneficial for themselves, as parents, and for their family.
Mechanical behavior of endodontically treated teeth: A three‐dimensional finite element analysis using displacement vector
Authors: Tanaka Ryousuke , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Takahashi Yusuke , Imazato Satoshi , Hayashi Mikako
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the effects of core materials, remaining tooth structures, and interfacial bonding on stress distribution in endodontically treated teeth using finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and Methods

Three‐dimensional FEA was conducted using a reverse engineering technique based on maxillary premolars scanned by micro‐computed tomography. Six models were generated with or without ferrules and with one of the following three abutment systems: metal core, resin core, or resin core with fiber posts. In each model, bonding and debonding were assumed in the dentin and surrounding structures: bonded and debonded models. The maximum principal stress values were recorded, and stress distribution of the entire restored teeth and dentin was generated. Furthermore, the distribution of the displacement vector of the debonded models was generated.

Results

In comparing the bonded and debonded models, the debonded models showed larger values for tensile stresses than those in bonded models for all abutment models. The models without ferrules rotated around the center of the abutment, whereas those with ferrules did not show remarkable displacement in the analysis.

Conclusion

FEA assuming fracture of adhesive interface proved to be an effective method to clarify the significance of ferrules. It prevents stress concentration in dentin by reducing the rotation of the abutment, even when the adhesive fails.
Profiles of identity and discrimination and the psychological, health, and academic outcomes of Korean ethnic minority youth in China
Authors: Zhao Zhenqiang , Shen Yishan , Wang Jun
Published: December 2023

Korean Chinese is one of the 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities in China. The protective effects of strong bicultural (ethnic and national) identities and the detrimental effects of ethnic discrimination on adjustment outcomes are well documented for ethnic minority youth in W.E.I.R.D. societies. Yet, ethnic minority youth in non‐W.E.I.R.D. societies, such as Korean Chinese, may experience a unique form of discrimination—national discrimination. It is not known how multiple social identities and experiences of dual discrimination may intersect to predict youth adjustment. Thus, this study explored profiles of ethnic and national identities and ethnic and national discrimination among Korean Chinese youth and examined their psychological, health, and academic adjustment. The analytic sample included 267 Korean Chinese youth aged from 12 to 18 (M = 15.21, SD = 1.65) residing in Northeast China. Three latent profiles were identified. The dominant profile of Korean Chinese youth was characterized by high bicultural identity and low ethnic and national discrimination (BILD; n = 171). The second profile was characterized by high bicultural identity and high national discrimination (BIND, n = 50). The third profile was characterized by moderate ethnic and national identities and moderate ethnic and national discrimination (MIMD, n = 46). Regression analyses found that the BILD profile showed fewer depressive symptoms compared to the BIND profile and showed better perceived physical health compared to the MIMD profile. The findings highlight strong bicultural identities as a cultural asset and discrimination—particularly national discrimination—as a contextual risk to Korean Chinese adolescents' well‐being.
Description of six new cyanobacterial species from soil biocrusts on San Nicolas Island, California, in three genera previously restricted to Brazil
Authors: Jusko Brian M. , Johansen Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2023

As the taxonomic knowledge of cyanobacteria from terrestrial environments increases, it remains important to analyze biodiversity in areas that have been understudied to fully understand global and endemic diversity. This study was completed as part of a larger algal biodiversity study of the soil biocrusts of San Nicholas Island, California, USA. Among the taxa isolated were several new species in three genera (Atlanticothrix, Pycnacronema, and Konicacronema) which were described from, and previously restricted to, Brazil. New taxa are described herein using a polyphasic approach to cyanobacterial taxonomy that considers morphological, molecular, ecological, and biogeographical factors. Morphological data corroborated by molecular analysis including sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, and the associated 16S–23S ITS rRNA region was used to delineate three new species of Atlanticothrix, two species of Pycnacronema, and one species of Konicacronema. The overlap of genera from San Nicolas Island and Brazil suggests that cyanobacterial genera may be widely distributed across global hemispheres, whereas the presence of distinct lineages may indicate that this is not true at the species level. Our data suggest that based upon global wind patterns, cyanobacteria in both Northern and Southern hemispheres of the Americas may have a more recent common ancestor in Northern Africa, but this common ancestry is distant enough that speciation has occurred since transatlantic dispersal.
Temporal dynamics of awakenings from slow‐wave sleep in non‐rapid eye movement parasomnia
Authors: Huijben Iris A. M. , van Sloun Ruud J. G. , Hoondert Bertram , Dujardin Sylvie , Pijpers Angelique , Overeem Sebastiaan , van Gilst Merel M.
Published: December 2023

Non‐rapid eye movement parasomnia disorders, also called disorders of arousal, are characterized by abnormal nocturnal behaviours, such as confusional arousals or sleep walking. Their pathophysiology is not yet fully understood, and objective diagnostic criteria are lacking. It is known, however, that behavioural episodes occur mostly in the beginning of the night, after an increase in slow‐wave activity during slow‐wave sleep. A better understanding of the prospect of such episodes may lead to new insights in the underlying mechanisms and eventually facilitate objective diagnosis. We investigated temporal dynamics of transitions from slow‐wave sleep of 52 patients and 79 controls. Within the patient group, behavioural and non‐behavioural N3 awakenings were distinguished. Patients showed a higher probability to wake up after an N3 bout ended than controls, and this probability increased with N3 bout duration. Bouts longer than 15 min resulted in an awakening in 73% and 34% of the time in patients and controls, respectively. Behavioural episodes reduced over sleep cycles due to a reduction in N3 sleep and a reducing ratio between behavioural and non‐behavioural awakenings. In the first two cycles, N3 bouts prior to non‐behavioural awakenings were significantly shorter than N3 bouts advancing behavioural awakenings in patients, and N3 awakenings in controls. Our findings provide insights in the timing and prospect of both behavioural and non‐behavioural awakenings from N3, which may result in prediction and potentially prevention of behavioural episodes. This work, moreover, leads to a more complete characterization of a prototypical hypnogram of parasomnias, which could facilitate diagnosis.
The relationships between multidimensional sleep health and work productivity in individuals with neurological conditions
Authors: Turner Mitchell , Laws Manja , Griffiths Madeline , Turner Kate , Dempsey Leah , Laws Simon M. , Cruickshank Travis
Published: December 2023

Numerous studies have reported the negative impacts of poor sleep on work productivity in the general population. However, despite the known sleep issues that individuals living with neurological conditions experience, no study has explored its impact on their work productivity. Sleep health is a concept that includes multiple domains of sleep, measured with a combination of objective and subjective measures. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain the associations between sleep health and its domains and work productivity in individuals with neurological conditions. Sleep health domains were determined through actigraphy data collected over 1 week and sleep questionnaires. Work productivity was assessed via the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire. A comparison of sleep health scores between demographic variables was performed using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Associations between the sleep health domains and work productivity were performed using linear regression models. There were no significant differences in sleep health scores between sex, smoking status, education level, employment status or any work productivity domain. Individuals with non‐optimal sleep timing had greater absenteeism (22.99%) than the optimal group. Individuals with non‐optimal sleep quality had an increase in presenteeism (30.85%), work productivity loss (26.44%) and activity impairment (25.81%) compared to those in the optimal group. The findings from this study highlight that self‐reported sleep quality has the largest impact on work productivity. Improving individuals’ sleep quality through triage for potential sleep disorders or improving their sleep hygiene (sleep behaviour and environment) may positively impact work productivity.
Does telling a story in reverse elicit cues to deceit? A replication and extension of Vrij, Leal, Mann and Fisher (2012)
Authors: Brimbal Laure , Jones Angela M. , Quinby Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The reverse order recall technique has been suggested as tool to improve deception detection accuracy. We conducted a registered replication and extension of Vrij et al., 2012's two experiments, testing whether the reverse order technique increases cues to deception in liars and accuracy in lie detection.

Methods

Following Vrij et al., 2012, in Experiment 1, participants were interviewed twice—once lying and once telling the truth—about a mission they completed. In both interviews, participants recounted their experience in chronological and reverse order. We coded interviews for cues to deception according to a cognitive approach: those included in Vrij et al., 2012 (replication) and others included in research on the cognitive load approach (extension). In Experiment 2, participants read two transcripts (replication) or viewed two videos (extension) from Experiment 1 and decided whether senders were lying or telling the truth in continuous (replication) and dichotomous judgements (extension).

Results

In Experiment 1, truth tellers were more detailed and plausible than liars. However, we failed to find the interaction between veracity and route recall reported by the original research on the replication or extensions cues. In Experiment 2, we only found an interaction between veracity and route recall for senders telling the truth on dichotomous lie detection judgement. However, this was not supported when examining overall accuracy.

Conclusions

These findings do not provide support for the reverse order technique as a tool to improve deception detection. We suggest further theoretical development before this technique is trained to practitioners.
Solving the Forecast Combination Puzzle Using Double Shrinkages*
Authors: Liu Li , Hao Xianfeng , Wang Yudong
Published: December 2023

This study develops a new approach that shrinks the forecast combination weights towards equal weights by using weighted least squares and towards zero weight by using regularization constraints. We reveal the significant predictability of excess returns to the S&P500 index that can be achieved by using this double shrinkage combination (DSC). Furthermore, our DSC approach significantly outperforms the naïve equal‐weighted combination, solving the combination puzzle. The equal‐weight shrinkage has greater effect in economic recessions, whereas the zero‐weight shrinkage dominates in economic expansions. The DSC's superior performance over that of the naïve combination is observed in the application of forecasting macroeconomic indicators.
Intrauterine developmental origin, programming mechanism, and prevention strategy of fetal‐originated hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Liu Kexin , Chen Ze , Hu Wen , He Bo , Xu Dan , Guo Yu , Wang Hui
Published: December 2023

There is increasing evidence that hypercholesterolemia has an intrauterine developmental origin. However, the pathogenesis of fetal‐originated is still lacking in a theoretical system, which makes its clinical early prevention and treatment difficult. It has been found that an adverse environment during pregnancy (e.g., xenobiotic exposure) may lead to changes in fetal blood cholesterol levels through changing maternal cholesterol metabolic function and/or placental cholesterol transport function and may also directly affect the liver cholesterol metabolic function of the offspring in utero and continue after birth. Adverse environmental conditions during pregnancy may also raise maternal glucocorticoid levels and promote the placental glucocorticoid barrier opening, leading to fetal overexposure to maternal glucocorticoids. Intrauterine high‐glucocorticoid exposure can alter the liver cholesterol metabolism of offspring, resulting in an increased susceptibility to hypercholesterolemia after birth. Abnormal epigenetic modifications are involved in the intrauterine programming mechanism of fetal‐originated hypercholesterolemia. Some interventions targeted at pregnant mothers or offspring in early life have been proposed to effectively prevent and treat the development of fetal‐originated hypercholesterolemia. In this paper, the recent research progress on fetal‐originated hypercholesterolemia was reviewed, with emphasis on intrauterine maternal glucocorticoid programming mechanisms, in order to provide a theoretical basis for its early clinical warning, prevention, and treatment.
Development and initial validation of the staff perception of residential care environments (SPORE) instrument
Authors: Nordin Susanna , Elf Marie , McKee Kevin
Published: December 2023

Background

The impact of the physical environment on healthcare staff well‐being and work performance is well recognised, yet there is a lack of instruments assessing environmental features from the perspective of staff working in residential care facilities (RCFs) for older people.

Objectives

To develop and provide initial validation of the instrument Staff Perceptions Of Residential care facility Environments (SPORE).

Design

An instrument development and psychometric evaluation study.

Methods

Based on material from a British project, items were translated and adapted for Swedish residential care facilities as SPORE. Care staff (N = 200), recruited from 20 Swedish RCFs, completed a questionnaire‐based survey containing the SPORE instrument and two other instruments selected as suitable for use in the validation. In addition, an environmental assessment instrument was used for further validation. Analyses were performed at individual (staff) level and home (RCF) level.

Results

The SPORE subscales demonstrated good internal consistency reliability and were moderately to strongly correlated at the individual level with the subscales of measures of person‐centred care, and strongly correlated with the same measures at the home level. The SPORE subscales were also highly correlated with the total score of the instrument used to assess the quality of the physical environment.

Conclusion

The initial validation indicates that the SPORE instrument is promising for measuring care staff perceptions of environmental features in care facilities for older people. SPORE can be a valuable instrument for use in research and in practice to evaluate the environment as part of working towards high‐quality care.

Implications for Practice

The design of the physical environment within RCFs can affect the staff's health and work performance. The instrument is useful for evaluating the environment and informing decisions about design solutions that support staff in their important work.
Evaluation of the protection of sunscreen products against long wavelength ultraviolet A1 and visible light‐induced biological effects
Authors: Ezekwe Nneamaka , Pourang Aunna , Lyons Alexis B. , Narla Shanthi , Atyam Amruth , Zia Shereen , Friedman Ben J. , Hamzavi Iltefat H. , Lim Henry W. , Kohli Indermeet
Published: December 2023

Background

Long wavelength ultraviolet‐A1 in combination with visible light induces hyperpigmentation, particularly in dark‐skin phototypes. This study evaluated the efficacy of four sunscreen formulations in protecting against VL + UVA1 (370–700 nm).

Methods

The test products (A–D) were applied to the back of 12 volunteers, then irradiated with 320 J/cm2 VL + UVA1 (3.5% UVA1 [370–400 nm]). Immediately after irradiation, and at Days 1, 7, and 14, erythema and pigmentation were assessed by investigator global assessment (IGA), colorimetry (Δa* and ΔITA) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS)‐measured relative dyschromia (area under the curve AUC). Control areas were irradiated without sunscreen.

Results

Product D, containing titanium dioxide 11%, iron oxides 1%, and antioxidants, provided the highest and most consistent protection. Compared with unprotected irradiated control, it had statistically significantly less erythema on IGA, DRS (Δoxyhemoglobin), and colorimetry (Δa*) at Day 0; less pigmentation on IGA at all time points, on DRS (relative dyschromia) at Days 7 and 14, and on colorimetry (ΔITA) at Day 0. Product B, containing zinc oxide 12% plus organic UV filters, iron oxides 4%, and antioxidants, also showed some efficacy.

Conclusion

Of the sunscreens tested, the tinted products provided better protection against VL + UVA1 than the non‐tinted products. Since the product with 1% iron oxides was superior to the product with 4% iron oxides, further studies are needed to evaluate whether iron oxide content correlates with better protection.
Inquiry beyond knowledge
Authors: Beddor Bob
Published: December 2023

Why engage in inquiry? According to many philosophers, the goal of inquiring into some question is to come to know its answer. While this view holds considerable appeal, this paper argues that it stands in tension with another highly attractive thesis: knowledge does not require absolute certainty. Forced to choose between these two theses, I argue that we should reject the idea that inquiry aims at knowledge. I go on to develop an alternative view, according to which inquiry aims at maximizing the epistemic value of our credences. This alternative view makes room for knowledge that falls shy of certainty, and it coheres nicely with a rich body of work in epistemic decision theory. I proceed to highlight the implications of this replacement for some important topics in epistemology, including the dogmatism paradox, the nature of interrogative attitudes, and the norm of practical reasoning.
Sensitivity analysis for a participatory approach to enhance the climate resilience of Venice, Italy
Authors: Sambo Beatrice , Sano Marcello , Sperotto Anna , Zanetti Marco , Torresan Silvia , Lambert James H. , Linkov Igor , Critto Andrea
Published: December 2023

Increases in the magnitudes and frequencies of climate‐related extreme events are redistributing risk across coastal systems, including their environmental, economic, and social components. Consequently, stakeholders (SHs) are faced with long‐term challenges and complex information when managing assets, services, and uses of the coast. In this context, SH engagement is a key step for risk management and in the preparation of resilience plans to respond and adapt to climate change. This paper develops a participatory method to identify and prioritize a set of risk measures, combining multi‐criteria analysis with sensitivity analysis. The process involved local and regional authorities of the Veneto region testing the method, including national, regional, and local government, catchment officers, research organizations, natural parks managers and Non‐Governmental Organizations (NGOs). SHs identified and ranked a range of adaptation measures to increase climate resilience, with a focus on coastal risk in the Venice lagoon. Results demonstrate that the sensitivity analysis provides useful information on how different sectors of expertise can influence the ranking of the identified risk management measures, highlighting the value of investigating the preferences or priorities of different SH groups within the definition of adaptation plans.
Risk perception and interpersonal discussion on risk: A systematic literature review
Authors: Perlstein Sara
Published: December 2023

Risk perception research has long been attentive to the fact that risk is a social construction. Nevertheless, this fact has not been integrated into empirical research in any systematic manner. Empirical studies that do focus on the social construction of risk often do so from very different positions and with different objectives in mind. Interpersonal discussion, while considered an important medium of social construction, is rarely given consideration. This systematic literature review aims to provide a coherent foundation for empirical studies of interpersonal discussion on risk. Specifically, it summarizes existing research into the reciprocal relationship between interpersonal discussion on risk and individual‐level risk perception. The systematic literature review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 843 unique articles were identified, of which 60 are included in the review. A majority of the articles in the corpus found a positive association between interpersonal discussion on risk and risk perception. This association, however, lacks robustness, especially in terms of the direction of causality. Three theoretical interpretations of the relationship are found in the corpus: (1) interpersonal discussion as a conduit for risk information, (2) risk perception as shared social schemata, and (3) interpersonal discussion on risk as a facilitator of similarity between network members. Implications for future research are discussed. This literature review concludes with six guiding principles for future research into the interpersonal discussion–risk perception relationship.
The Rubik's cube of doing and being: Factors influencing professional identity transition to the medical registrar
Authors: Kerins Joanne , Phillips Emma C. , Smith Samantha E. , Tallentire Victoria R.
Published: December 2023

Background

Professional identity transitions, such as the transition to medical registrar, are challenging. How minoritised identities influence transitions during medical training requires further study. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the transition to the medical registrar in Scotland to guide support during training.

Methods

Interviews exploring this transition with internal medicine trainees were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and double‐coded using template analysis. We applied an initial coding template informed by multiple and multidimensional transition theory of individual, interpersonal, systemic and macro‐level factors. Using a critical theory lens, a further template analysis specifically sought to understand how trainees' social identities interacted with the various levels.

Findings

Nineteen IM trainees were interviewed between January 2021 and February 2022. Influential factors reflected a parallel process of competence (doing) and identity (being) development. The interaction of social identities, such as gender (being a woman) and country of origin (being an international medical graduate), occurred across levels. This can be conceptualised as a Rubik's cube with the interplay between doing and being from an individual to a macro level with trainees' social identities interacting at all levels.

Conclusion

The transition to the medical registrar is multifaceted; with a challenging balance between support and independence in providing opportunities to perform (doing) whilst identity develops (being). Identity transitions involve multiple Rubik's‐cube‐like rotations between the facets of ‘doing’ and ‘being,’ until these align. Taking heed of influential factors and the interaction of minoritised social identities could guide a trainee‐centred and smoother transition.
Quilts and crossings: A call to wholistic, multi‐modal, and multi‐layered andragogic practices in theological education
Authors: Jaeger‐Sanders Charissa
Published: December 2023

When you think back to your own experiences as a student, what was meaningful? Memorable? Had a lasting effect? Who are the teachers that stand out? And why? Throughout our lives, we have instructors both in and beyond the classroom, and upon intentional reflection, we can pick up on some qualities that make certain teachers more effective than others. Passionate, kind, humorous, and grace‐filled teachers, who used wholistic, multi‐modal, and multi‐layered pedagogical practices, enabled us to learn in “thick” and lasting ways. This article examines wholistic, multi‐modal, and multi‐layered andragogic practices in theological education that lead to “thick,” collaborative, and lasting learning. I argue that these practices should be embodied in theological education so that students can become not only story receivers but also fellow storytellers in their own journey of lifelong learning.
Fertility desires and sexual behaviours among women recovering from genital fistula repair in Eldoret, Kenya
Authors: Wilson Susan F. , Alway Jessica , Hotchkiss Emily , Aluku Carolyne , Matityahu Debra , Mabeya Hillary , El Ayadi Alison M.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The reproductive desire of women following genital fistula repair surgery is complex, varied and often not addressed, although it carries significant consequences. The aim of this study was to better understand the fertility desires and sexual behaviours of women who recently underwent surgical repair of a genital fistula.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study designed to assess the effectiveness of Beyond Fistula, a reintegration programme for women recovering from genital fistula surgery in Eldoret, Kenya. One hundred women who participated in the Beyond Fistula programme between 2013 and 2019 were interviewed in person regarding future fertility desire, current sexual behaviour and contraceptive use.

Results

Among the 79 reproductive‐aged women included in this study, 63.3% reported no future desire for pregnancy. Those that desired another pregnancy were significantly younger (48.3% were 18–29 years old vs. 66.0% were 35 years old or more, p = 0.004), had fewer living children (70% had 0–2 children vs. 56% had 3 or more children, p < 0.001), and a lower level of food insecurity (27.6% reported no to marginal insecurity vs. 14%, p = 0.014). Current sexual activity was marginally different between women who did and did not desire future pregnancy (82.8% vs. 66.0%, p = 0.053). Of the 50 women in our study who did not desire pregnancy, 62.0% were sexually active and of these, only 38.7% were preventing pregnancy. Lack of knowledge and access to methods were most commonly cited as barriers to use.

Conclusions

Many women recovering from genital fistula surgery do not desire pregnancy and are sexually active but are not using a method to prevent pregnancy. The potential for post‐surgical reintegration programmes to address education and access to contraception is a vital and unmet need to promote reproductive empowerment in this population of women as they reestablish their lives.