bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From local government to local governance: A systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Yi Chengzhi , Qiu Xinyi
Published: May 2024

The shift from local government to local governance has become a pervasive trend globally. Yet, little attention has been devoted to systematisation of existing knowledge on local governance. To enhance the understanding of local governance in public administration, this article provides a systematic literature review of 141 articles published in leading public administration journals between 1990 and 2022. Six lines of study are identified, including community, power, partnership, participation, reform, and performance, and 10 propositions about these themes are summarised. Existing literature has transcended excessive optimism and simplistic views to respond to the complexity of local governance practice, whereas the findings show some complexity and variety, and there are still gaps to be filled. Future studies are expected to consider different contexts, refine the research methods, and shed light on the roles of non‐governmental organisations, the balance between public values and local autonomy, the impact of technological reform, and the interactions among multiple factors in local governance.

Points for practitioners

To ensure effective local governance, it is necessary to balance public sector modernisation with wider civic participation, and complement representative democracy with deliberative and participatory democracy, involving citizens in further processes of governance beyond voting.

Local governance performance can be evaluated with indicators drawn from both processes and outcomes, including both development‐oriented and value‐based ones.

Widely embraced strategies of local governance such as community governance, decentralisation, partnership, and public participation are not panacea and do not necessarily produce desired outcomes. The influencing factors in aspects of values, mechanisms, and instruments, the interactions among multiple factors, and the specific contexts deserve careful attention.
Validity of self‐reported hysterectomy and oophorectomy in a population‐based cohort: The HUNT study
Authors: Rosland Tina E. , Johansen Nora , Åsvold Bjørn O. , Pripp Are H. , Liavaag Astrid H. , Michelsen Trond M.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To validate self‐reported hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy.

Design

Validation study.

Setting

Large population‐based cohort study in Norway: The Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT).

Population

The Trøndelag Health Study 2 and 3 (HUNT2 and HUNT3) included questions on gynaecological history. Women who answered questions regarding hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy were included. In total, 30 263 women were included from HUNT2 (1995–1997) and 23 138 from HUNT3 (2006–2008), of which 16 261 attended both HUNT2 and HUNT3.

Methods

We compared self‐reported hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy with electronic hospital procedure codes.

Main outcome measures

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of self‐reported hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy, by comparing with hospital procedure codes.

Results

Self‐reported hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy in HUNT2 and/or HUNT3 both had specificity and negative predictive value above 99%. Self‐reported hysterectomy had a sensitivity of 95.9%, and for bilateral oophorectomy sensitivity was 91.2%. Positive predictive value of self‐reported hysterectomy was 85.8%, but for self‐reported bilateral oophorectomy it was 65.4%.

Conclusions

Self‐reported hysterectomy corresponded quite well with hospital data and can be used in epidemiological studies. Self‐reported bilateral oophorectomy, on the other hand, had low positive predictive value, and results based on such data should be interpreted with caution. Women who report no previous hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy can safely be classified as unexposed to these surgeries.
Virtuous party linkages: Developing a data‐based analytical model to explain voters’ attitudes towards political parties
Authors: KÖLLN ANN‐KRISTIN , PEDERSEN HELENE HELBOE
Published: May 2024

Voters show ambivalent attitudes towards political parties: They agree that parties are necessary, but they neither like nor trust them. Existing theories fall short of explaining this paradox because they pay little attention to public opinion research. In this paper, we develop a different argument using qualitative methods. We first integrate the literature on political parties and public opinion to sketch the contours of our theory before refining it using rich empirical insights from open‐ended survey answers and focus group data. Our resulting model holds that voters evaluate political parties based on the functional and virtuous linkages. They consider parties necessary because they see them as fulfilling democratic functions, but they dislike them because they are seen as behaving in non‐virtuous ways when fulfilling their functions. Besides proposing a new analytical model, we also contribute to the literature by methodologically illustrating how to develop data‐based theories.
Screening for lung cancer using thin‐slice low‐dose computed tomography in southwestern China: a population‐based real‐world study
Authors: Wu Jiaxuan , Li Ruicen , Zhang Huohuo , Zheng Qian , Tao Wenjuan , Yang Ming , Zhu Yuan , Ji Guiyi , Li Weimin
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors threatening human life and health. At present, low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for the high‐risk population to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer has become the first choice recommended by many authoritative international medical organizations. To further optimize the lung cancer screening method, we conducted a real‐world study of LDCT lung cancer screening in a large sample of a healthy physical examination population, comparing differences in lung nodules and lung cancer detection between thin and thick‐slice LDCT scanning.

Methods

A total of 29 296 subjects who underwent low‐dose thick‐slice CT scanning (5 mm thickness) from January 2015 to December 2015 and 28 058 subjects who underwent low‐dose thin‐slice CT scanning (1 mm thickness) from January 2018 to December 2018 in West China Hospital were included. The positive detection rate, detection rate of lung cancer, pathological stage of lung cancer, and mortality rate of lung cancer were analyzed and compared between the two groups.

Results

The positive rate of LDCT screening in the thin‐slice scanning group was significantly higher than that in the thick‐slice scanning group (20.1% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.001). In addition, the lung cancer detection rate in the thin‐slice LDCT screening positive group was significantly higher than that in the thick‐slice scanning group (78.0% vs. 52.9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The screening positive rate of low‐dose thin‐slice CT scanning is higher and more early‐stage lung cancer (IA1 stage) can be detected in the screen‐positive group.
Poland: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: JASIEWICZ KRZYSZTOF , JASIEWICZ‐BETKIEWICZ AGNIESZKA
Published: May 2024

After a lengthy and intense electoral campaign, which culminated in two opposition‐led mass protest marches in Warsaw in June and October, Polish citizens cast their votes in a parliamentary election on 15 October. The ruling Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, PiS) party faced in the election a broad alliance of the so‐called democratic opposition parties. The latter contested the election in three blocs, the liberal Civic Coalition (Koalicja Obywatelska), the moderately conservative Third Way, composed of the Polish Peasant Party (Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe) and Poland 2050, and the New Left coalition. The parties of this alliance won together a majority of seats in both chambers of the legislature and formed a coalition government. This seemingly ended the process of democratic backsliding that had been progressing over the eight‐year‐long period of the PiS rule. However, the controversies regarding control over the public broadcasting media that erupted in December exposed the difficulties in reversing past departures from the rule of law.
A standard operating procedure for prehospital anaesthesia and its effect on mortality—An observational study
Authors: Ljungqvist Harry , Pirneskoski Jussi , Saviluoto Anssi , Iirola Timo , Kirves Hetti , Nurmi Jouni
Published: May 2024

Background

Prehospital anaesthesia is a complex intervention performed for critically ill patients. To minimise complications, a standard operating procedure (SOP) outlining the process is considered valuable. We investigated the implementation of an SOP for prehospital anaesthesia in helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study of patients receiving prehospital anaesthesia by Finnish HEMS from January 2012 to August 2019. The intervention studied was the implementation of an SOP at two of the five bases during 2015–2016. Patients were stratified according to whether they were anaesthetised before, during or after implementation and the primary outcomes were 1‐ and 30‐day mortality. Secondary outcomes included anaesthesia quality indicators. Confounding factors was assessed via logistic regression.

Results

A total of 3902 tracheal intubations were performed without an SOP, 430 during implementation and 1525 after implementation. The SOP had a significant effect on 1‐day mortality during implementation with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.56, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.37–0.81 and a further trend towards benefit after implementation (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.68–1.04), but no difference in 30‐day mortality (OR after implementation 1.10, 95% CI 0.92–1.30). Implementation of an SOP improved first‐pass success rate from 87.3% to 96.5%, p < 0.001.

Conclusion

Implementation of an SOP for prehospital anaesthesia was associated with a trend towards lower 1‐day mortality and an improved first‐pass success but did not affect 30‐day mortality. Despite this, we advocate prehospital systems to consider implementation of a prehospital anaesthesia SOP as immediate performance markers improved significantly.
Does a place of last drink initiative affect the likelihood of alcohol sales to obviously intoxicated patrons?
Authors: Toomey Traci L. , Mark Gabrielle , Scholz Natalie , Schriemer Daniel , Delehanty Eileen , Lenk Kathleen , MacLehose Richard , Nelson Toben F.
Published: May 2024

Background

Although the sale of alcohol to obviously intoxicated patrons (i.e., overservice) is illegal in 48 U.S. states, the likelihood of overservice at bars and restaurants has exceeded 80% across multiple studies, states, and decades. Place of last drink (POLD) enforcement is one proposed strategy to address alcohol overservice. When law enforcement agents respond to an alcohol‐related incident, they ask the individuals involved where they had their last alcoholic beverage. POLD information is recorded and ideally systematically reviewed to identify locations that are frequently places of last drink. Law enforcement or other agencies may follow up with or penalize the alcohol license holder at these locations. We compared the likelihood of overservice in communities conducting POLD with communities that did not conduct POLD in Minnesota.

Methods

Pseudo‐intoxicated patrons acted out signs of obvious intoxication while attempting to purchase alcohol at 396 bars and restaurants in 26 communities conducting POLD and 26 comparison communities. We calculated rates of alcohol sales to the pseudo‐intoxicated patrons overall and in POLD communities versus comparison communities.

Results

The overall sales rate to the pseudo‐intoxicated buyers was 98%. Rates of sales were 99% at establishments in POLD jurisdictions and 97% in comparison jurisdictions. There were no common characteristics, such as perceived gender/age of the server/bartender or crowdedness of the establishment, among the seven establishments that refused alcohol service.

Conclusions

Our study shows that, as currently implemented in Minnesota, POLD does not reduce the overservice of alcohol at a jurisdiction level. More research is needed to identify interventions that yield sustained reductions in the overservice of alcohol.
A country‐wide examination of effects of urbanization on common birds
Authors: Brouwer L. , de Vries E.H.J. , Sierdsema H. , van der Jeugd H.P.
Published: May 2024

Urbanization forms one of the most drastic alterations of the environment and poses a major threat to wildlife. The human–induced modifications of the landscape may affect individual's fitness resulting in population declines. Research on how urbanization affects fitness traits has shown mixed results. However, studies typically contrasted data from a single species from few urban and non‐urban sites collected over short timeframes. Examining multiple species across a broad urbanization gradient enables a more robust comparison and understanding of how different species are impacted by urbanization‐knowledge crucial for generating population predictions, which are essential for conservation management. Here, we use data from a nation‐wide citizen science project to examine variation in survival and relative body mass and size (wing length) of common passerine birds, collected along an urbanization gradient in the Netherlands over an 8‐year period. Urbanization was measured as the distance from the city's border and the proportion of impervious surface area. Although the overall association between urbanization and survival was slightly negative, there was support for lower survival closer to the city in three species (chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, European robin Erithacus rubecula, European greenfinch Chloris chloris) and higher survival closer to the city in two (great tit Parus major and house sparrow Passer domesticus) of the 11 species examined. The contrasting survival successes among species suggest that ongoing urbanization may lead to shifts in community structure and loss of biodiversity. Impacts of urbanization on relative mass and size also exhibited varying effects, albeit less pronounced, and these effects were not correlated with the effects on survival. This implies that body mass and size cannot be used as indicators for urban‐associated patterns of survival. Our results further imply that effective conservation management targeting bird communities should involve a range of diverse actions, as focusing on single measures is unlikely to simultaneously impact multiple species due to the variation in responses to urbanization.
Floods and fire ants, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): the Australian experience
Authors: Wylie Ross , McKinney Matt , McLennan Austin , McNaught Melinda K.
Published: May 2024

The rafting behaviour of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, in response to flooding events is well documented, although studies generally have focussed on the mechanisms of raft assembly and the behaviour of the raft's occupants. Flooding as a means of dispersal of S. invicta is frequently mentioned in the literature, although there are few data on the distances travelled or how effective it is compared to natural flight. In Australia, S. invicta is a priority invasive species with a national eradication program operating for 23 years, focussed on the population in southeast Queensland, which currently encompasses more than 700 000 ha. Flooding presents a risk to the success of the program through extending the infestation area or recolonising successfully treated areas. We used the program's extensive spatiotemporal dataset of known fire ant colony locations to assess the effects of two significant flood events on the dispersal or displacement of S. invicta in Queensland. Results indicated that flooding did not spread S. invicta beyond the known boundaries of infestation but contributed to localised spread, particularly for sites with known polygyne infestations. This situation could change if the ant spreads to new river catchments. A novel method developed to assess the risk of S. invicta dispersal through flooding is presented, alongside program actions that can be applied to mitigate this risk.
The dynamic relationships between well‐being, behavioral restrictions, and health behaviors during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A large‐scale intensive longitudinal network study
Authors: Ebling Sara , Johnson Sverre Urnes , Hoffart Asle , Pallesen Ståle , Ebrahimi Omid V.
Published: May 2024

The behavioral restrictions disrupting daily life during the COVID‐19 pandemic have profoundly impacted well‐being, and health behaviors have been advocated to prevent decline. To understand how processes related to fluctuation in well‐being unfold within individuals, analyses on the within‐person level are required. In this preregistered intensive longitudinal study, 1,709 individuals from the Norwegian adult population provided data daily over 40 consecutive days during the pandemic. The responses were modeled in a multilevel vector autoregressive model to estimate within‐person networks, across and within‐day, and a between‐person network. All three networks revealed productivity, relatedness, and optimism as positively associated. Social distancing was contemporaneously negatively associated with productivity and relatedness. Among behavioral factors, being physically active predicted lower relatedness across days but displayed positive associations with relatedness, productivity, and optimism contemporaneously. Alcohol consumption predicted lower productivity across and within‐day, although revealing a positive association with optimism within‐day. Being social online and feeling related to others displayed a temporal negative bidirectional relationship. In contrast, being social online was positively associated with optimism, productivity, and relatedness contemporaneously. Our study emphasizes the dynamic nature of well‐being and its complex associations with behavioral factors during the pandemic. The study shed light on opposing associations of behavioral factors at the within‐ and between‐person level.
Beta‐cell activity and development of Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Thea Rikke , Buschard Karsten
Published: May 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease, resulting in diminished islet integrity and destruction of the insulin‐secreting beta cells. In this review, we investigate the intrinsic relationship between the development of T1D and the activity of the beta cells. The idea was initially hypothesized in 1982 that an increased beta‐cell activity would enhance the surface antigen expression and thereby attract the immune system. Later, other findings support this idea, including increased risk of T1D development during third trimester of pregnancy, and the difference in T1D incidence in Russian and Finnish Karelia due to different lifestyles. Other implications of high beta‐cell activity, such as reduced sulfatide levels, formation of non‐correct insulin molecules and an increase in IFN‐alpha upon virus attack, can contribute to the development of T1D. A possible way to prevent the development of T1D is to diminish beta‐cell activity, which has shown promising results in animal models.
Proposed framework and knowledge synthesis of services delivered by specialized professionals in childcare settings: A scoping review
Authors: Pratte Gabrielle , Trottier Nathalie , Couture Mélanie , Beaudoin Audrée Jeanne , Camden Chantal
Published: May 2024

Background

Services from specialized professionals in childcare settings contribute to support early childhood development. Little is known, however, about how services are delivered in this context. The aims of this scoping review were to propose a framework to describe services delivered by specialized professionals in childcare contexts and synthesize knowledge about those services.

Methods

Documents published between 2000 and 2022 in APA PsychINFO, ERIC, CINAHL and MEDLINE were included. These documents described services delivered by a range of specialized professionals (e.g., speech‐language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and early childhood special education teachers) in childcare contexts and whose aim was to support motor, cognitive, affective, language or social development of children. Deductive and inductive qualitative analyses and descriptive statistics were carried out.

Results

The review included 47 documents. The Description of Services delivered by specialized Professionals in Early Childhood (D‐SPEC) Framework emerged from qualitative analyses. The D‐SPEC Framework included 11 dimensions: three actors and their context, specialized professionals involved, children served, purpose of service, type of service, service duration and intensity, mode of service delivery, mode of access to services and funding. Most services delivered by specialized professionals in childcare were provided by a single professional and targeted language. Two documents described multitiered service delivery models with a continuum of services ranging from general support for all children to individualized interventions for children with specific needs. In‐context services were preferred to pull‐out services in most documents reviewed.

Conclusions

The D‐SPEC Framework may be a useful tool to assist researchers in documenting and comparing services delivered by specialized professionals. More importantly, this framework will facilitate the development of intersectoral and interdisciplinary services essential for supporting early childhood development. Multitiered service delivery models appeared to be a promising way to develop those services addressing the various needs encountered in childcare.
Nonoperative management protocol for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Kennedy Erin D. , Schmocker Selina , Brown Carl , Liberman Sender , Baxter Nancy N. , Drolet Sebastien , Neumann Katerina , Simunovic Marko , Richard Carole , Brezden‐Masley Christine , Jhaveri Kartik , Kopek Neil , Kirsch Richard
Published: May 2024

Aim

The standard treatment for low rectal cancer is preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery with low anterior resection with diverting ileostomy or abdominoperineal resection, both of which have significant long‐term effects on bowel and sexual function. Due to the high morbidity of surgery, there has been increasing interest in nonoperative management for low rectal cancer. The aim of this work is to conduct a pan‐Canadian Phase II trial assessing the safety of nonoperative management for low rectal cancer.

Method

Patients with Stage II or III low rectal cancer completing chemoradiotherapy according to standard of care at participating centres will be assessed for complete clinical response 8–14 weeks following completion of chemoradiotherapy. Subjects achieving a clinical complete response will undergo active surveillance including endoscopy, imaging and bloodwork at regular intervals for 24 months. The primary outcome will be the rate of local regrowth 2 years after chemoradiotherapy. Nonoperative management will be considered safe (i.e. as effective as surgery to achieve local control) if the rate of local regrowth is ≤30% and surgical salvage is possible for all local regrowths. Secondary outcomes will include disease‐free and overall survival.

Conclusion

The results will be highly clinically relevant, as it is expected that nonoperative management will be safe and lead to widespread adoption of nonoperative management in Canada. This change in practice has the potential to decrease the number of patients requiring surgery and the costs associated with surgery and long‐term surgical morbidity.
A cutaneous spindle cell neoplasm characterized by a COL3A1::PDGFRA fusion
Authors: Watkins James , Jackson Edward , Tarpey Patrick , Tadross John A. , Trotman Jamie , O'Dea Emily
Published: May 2024

Cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms can be challenging to diagnose using routine histopathological techniques alone, and the growing repertoire of molecular studies can assist in diagnosis. We describe a cutaneous spindle cell neoplasm characterized by a COL3A1::PDGFRA rearrangement predicted to lead to constitutive activation of the PDGFRA kinase domain. The lesion shows some similarities to dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and also benign and epithelioid fibrous histiocytomas but is distinct from these entities histopathologically and molecularly. This tumor is considered to represent an entity in the spectrum of PDGFR‐driven cutaneous mesenchymal neoplasms.
Biological mitigation of soil nitrous oxide emissions by plant metabolites
Authors: Lu Yufang , Wang Fangjia , Min Ju , Kronzucker Herbert J. , Hua Yao , Yu Haoming , Zhou Feng , Shi Weiming
Published: May 2024

Plant metabolites significantly affect soil nitrogen (N) cycling, but their influence on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions has not been quantitatively analyzed on a global scale. We conduct a comprehensive meta‐analysis of 173 observations from 42 articles to evaluate global patterns of and principal factors controlling N2O emissions in the presence of root exudates and extracts. Overall, plant metabolites promoted soil N2O emissions by about 10%. However, the effects of plant metabolites on N2O emissions from soils varied with experimental conditions and properties of both metabolites and soils. Primary metabolites, such as sugars, amino acids, and organic acids, strongly stimulated soil N2O emissions, by an average of 79%, while secondary metabolites, such as phenolics, terpenoids, and flavonoids, often characterized as both biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs) and biological denitrification inhibitors (BDIs), reduced soil N2O emissions by an average of 41%. The emission mitigation effects of BNIs/BDIs were closely associated with soil texture and pH, increasing with increasing soil clay content and soil pH on acidic and neutral soils, and with decreasing soil pH on alkaline soils. We furthermore present soil incubation experiments that show that three secondary metabolite types act as BNIs to reduce N2O emissions by 32%–45%, while three primary metabolite classes possess a stimulatory effect of 56%–63%, confirming the results of the meta‐analysis. Our results highlight the potential role and application range of specific secondary metabolites in biomitigation of global N2O emissions and provide new biological parameters for N2O emission models that should help improve the accuracy of model predictions.
Bombyx moriRPL13 participates in UV‐induced DNA damage repair of B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus through interaction with Bm65
Authors: Tang Qi , Tang Jingjing , Chen Ceru , Zhu Feifei , Yu Qian , Chen Huiqing , Chen Liang , Ma Shangshang , Chen Keping , Li Guohui
Published: May 2024

Ribosomal protein L13 (RPL13) is highly conserved in evolution. At present, the properties and functions of RPL13 have not been characterised in insects. In this study, Bombyx mori RPL13 (BmRPL13) was first found to be specifically recruited to the sites of ultraviolet (UV)‐induced DNA damage and contributed to UV damage repair. Escherichia coli expressing BmRPL13 showed better resistance to UV radiation. After knocking down the expression of BmRPL13 in BmN cells, the repair speed of UV‐damaged DNA slowed down. The further results showed that BmRPL13 interacted with B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) ORF65 (Bm65) protein to locate at the UV‐induced DNA damage sites of BmNPV and helped repair UV‐damaged viral DNA.
T cell‐intrinsic PKD3 fine‐tunes differentiation into CD8+ central memory T cells and CD8 single positive thymocyte development
Authors: Koutník Jiří , Peer Sebastian , Humer Dominik , Sumara Grzegorz , Leitges Michael , Baier Gottfried , Siegmund Kerstin
Published: May 2024

Members of the Protein kinases D (PKD) family are described as regulators of T cell responses. From the two T cell‐expressed isoforms PKD2 and PKD3, so far mainly the former was thoroughly investigated and is well understood. Recently, we have investigated also PKD3 using conventional as well as conditional T cell‐specific knockout models. These studies suggested PKD3 to be a T cell‐extrinsic regulator of the cells' fate. However, these former model systems did not take into account possible redundancies with the highly homologous PKD2. To overcome this issue and thus properly unravel PKD3's T cell‐intrinsic functions, here we additionally used a mouse model overexpressing a constitutively active isoform of PKD3 specifically in the T cell compartment. These transgenic mice showed a slightly higher proportion of central memory T cells in secondary lymphoid organs and blood. This effect could not be explained via differences upon polyclonal stimulation in vitro, however, may be connected to the observed developmental aberrances in the CD8 single positive compartment during thymic development. Lastly, the observed alterations in the CD8+ T cell compartment did not impact proper immune response upon immunization with ovalbumin or in a subcutaneous tumour model suggesting only a small to absent biological relevance. Taking together the knowledge of all our published studies on PKD3 in the T cell compartment, we now conclude that T cell‐intrinsic PKD3 is a fine‐tuner of central memory T cell as well as CD8 single positive thymocyte development.
Developing the self‐determination of children and young people with intellectual disabilities in schools: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Willow Sierra Angelina , Strnadová Iva , Danker Joanne
Published: May 2024

Background

Self‐determination is associated with lifelong positive outcomes. Students with intellectual disabilities typically have lower self‐determination than their peers. Universal basic education access offers schools the opportunity to rectify this disparity. This is the first systematic review investigating the school‐based practices that target self‐determination development for students with intellectual disabilities.

Method

The review follows the PRISMA guidelines, spanning five databases (ProQuest databases, EMBASE, Scopus, Sage Journals, Taylor and Francis Online) from 2006 to 2021.

Results

Across the 18 studies, the most used practice is the SDLMI. Research focuses on United States‐based transition‐aged students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Social validity tends to be assessed in summative and informal ways. Students are not generally involved in decision‐making about practices and individualisation of support.

Conclusions

Self‐determination development for this population can begin before puberty. Future research should critically investigate social validity and holistic integration of student self‐determination learning opportunities throughout the pedagogical cycle.
Lithium prevents glucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by regulating autophagy
Authors: Wang Qiuru , Yang Zhouyuan , Li Qianhao , Zhang Wanli , Kang Pengde
Published: May 2024

Autophagy may play an important role in the occurrence and development of glucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (GC‐ONFH). Lithium is a classical autophagy regulator, and lithium can also activate osteogenic pathways, making it a highly promising therapeutic agent for GC‐ONFH. We aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of lithium on GC‐ONFH. For in vitro experiments, primary osteoblasts of rats were used for investigating the underlying mechanism of lithium's protective effect on GC‐induced autophagy levels and osteogenic activity dysfunction. For in vivo experiments, a rat model of GC‐ONFH was used for evaluating the therapeutic effect of oral lithium on GC‐ONFH and underlying mechanism. Findings demonstrated that GC over‐activated the autophagy of osteoblasts and reduced their osteogenic activity. Lithium reduced the over‐activated autophagy of GC‐treated osteoblasts through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway and increased their osteogenic activity. Oral lithium reduced the osteonecrosis rates in a rat model of GC‐ONFH, and restrained the increased expression of autophagy related proteins in bone tissues through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. In conclusion, lithium can restrain over‐activated autophagy by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway and up‐regulate the expression of genes for bone formation both in GC induced osteoblasts and in a rat model of GC‐ONFH. Lithium may be a promising therapeutic agent for GC‐ONFH. However, the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of GC‐ONFH remains controversial. Studies are still needed to further explore the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of GC‐ONFH, and the efficacy of lithium in the treatment of GC‐ONFH and its underlying mechanisms.
Molecular mechanisms of poor osseointegration in irradiated bone: In vivo study in a rat tibia model
Authors: Omar Omar , Rydén Louise , Wamied Abdel Rahman , Al‐Otain Ibrahim , Alhawaj Hussain , Abuohashish Hatem , Al‐Qarni Faisal , Emanuelsson Lena , Johansson Anna , Palmquist Anders , Thomsen Peter
Published: May 2024

Aim

Radiotherapy is associated with cell depletion and loss of blood supply, which are linked to compromised bone healing. However, the molecular events underlying these effects at the tissue–implant interface have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine the major molecular mediators associated with compromised osseointegration due to previous exposure to radiation.

Materials and Methods

Titanium implants were placed in rat tibiae with or without pre‐exposure to 20 Gy irradiation. Histomorphometric, biomechanical, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analyses were performed at 1 and 4 weeks after implantation.

Results

The detrimental effects of irradiation were characterized by reduced bone–implant contact and removal torque. Furthermore, pre‐exposure to radiation induced different molecular dysfunctions such as (i) increased expression of pro‐inflammatory (Tnf) and osteoclastic (Ctsk) genes and decreased expression of the bone formation (Alpl) gene in implant‐adherent cells; (ii) increased expression of bone formation (Alpl and Bglap) genes in peri‐implant bone; and (iii) increased expression of pro‐inflammatory (Tnf) and pro‐fibrotic (Tgfb1) genes in peri‐implant soft tissue. The serum levels of pro‐inflammatory, bone formation and bone resorption proteins were greater in the irradiated rats.

Conclusions

Irradiation causes the dysregulation of multiple biological activities, among which perturbed inflammation seems to play a common role in hindering osseointegration.
The contributions of grandparents to preadolescent grandchildren's social skills in rural Malaysia
Authors: Tan Jo‐Pei , Gan Su‐Wan , Cheah Charissa S. L. , Tan Soon‐Aun , Nainee Sarvarubini , Yap Chin Choo , Hon Kai Yee
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to generate localized knowledge by investigating the perceptions and experiences of preadolescent grandchildren and grandparents regarding grandparenting and intergenerational interactions and how these processes were related to the social skills of preadolescents from three ethnic groups in Malaysia. Using a concurrent quantitative–qualitative mixed method research design, Chinese, Malay, and Indian preadolescents (N = 465; ages 9–12 years old; M = 10.27 years; SD = 1.03) from rural areas in Malaysia completed a self‐administered quantitative survey; furthermore, 25 grandparents participated in one‐on‐one interviews. Survey findings showed that preadolescent grandchildren who reported higher grandparental warmth and support had greater social skills, mediated by positive grandparent–grandchildren (GP–GC) relationships. The GP–GC relationship and preadolescent social skills association was stronger for skipped generation compared to three‐generation households. Interview findings revealed that grandparents expressed unconditional love and autonomy support in their grandparenting roles by guiding and encouraging their preadolescent grandchildren to make decisions. The GP–GC interactions served as a dynamic force in promoting preadolescents' social skills. By employing a decolonized approach and drawing on the lived experiences of grandparents from three ethnic backgrounds in rural Malaysia, the study provided an understanding of grandparenting practices and their general implications across the three ethnic groups. The interview responses highlighted both commonalities and specificities in grandparenting practices and relationship dynamics shaped by religious, class, and sociocultural dimensions in rural Malaysia.
Kierkegaard, Lippmann, and the Phantom Public in a Digital Age
Authors: Haman John P.
Published: May 2024

Søren Kierkegaard and Walter Lippmann wrote in very different times and places but both characterized the public as a “phantom.” Importantly, each did so within the context of a broader analysis that linked the press with specific notions about the public and democracy. This paper highlights the specific characteristics of the press that each thinker believed were responsible for the construction of the phantom public and its effects. While taking seriously the differences between Kierkegaard and Lippmann, in both their respective sociopolitical contexts and their formulations of the public and the press, this paper applies their critiques to a vastly different media terrain than either thinker could have envisioned.
Perceptions and experiences of UK‐based mothers of autistic daughters in relation to the potential affordances and constraints of an autism diagnosis
Authors: Evans Mairi , Papadopoulos Chris , Burnham John
Published: May 2024

Whilst there is a growing body of research about autistic girls, much less is known about the experience of mothering an autistic girl, and the potential impact of the diagnosis. This study qualitatively explored the diagnostic journey of 12 mothers in the UK to identify the meanings attributed to their daughter's diagnosis. A thematic analysis was applied with themes examined through the lens of the CMM LUUUUTT model to further explore the stories lived and told by the mothers. Eighteen themes linked to perceived affordances, perceived constraints/constraints of perception, experienced affordances and experienced constraints. Participants highlighted the impact of autism myths and stereotypes which influenced identification, referral, diagnosis and ongoing support for the girls. Myths and stereotypes told about autism also played a significant role in the mothers lived experience of the diagnosis. An affordance of diagnosis was a new understanding about their daughters' needs, which led to new parenting styles, letting go of blame and resisting perceived societal ‘oughtisms’ about how parenting should be. Whilst the diagnosis was seen as relationally transformative, challenges were described in accessing emotional or educational support for their daughter's post‐assessment.
Media discourses of migration: A focus on Europe
Authors: Fuller Janet M.
Published: May 2024

With a focus on the post‐2015 period in the western and northern regions of Europe, the research examined here shows prominent media discourses of othering, threat and deservedness of migrants. This spatial and temporal frame lends itself to the study of how discourses reflect the impact of the so‐called ‘refugee crisis’ in these regions of Europe. Since there was also continued immigration related to increased opportunities for work, education, quality of life and family togetherness which have long brought migrants to these European countries, examining the research in this period allows us to discover how these discourses might distinguish between different migrant experiences. There is some evidence for the differentiation of certain types of people of migration background in the media discourses, despite a strong tendency to stereotype and essentialise regardless of the actual background of migrants or their descendants. Another key aspect in the research to date is how professional versus participatory media can be compared in the discourses of migration they reproduce, and how these different types of media play a role in society. The article ends with a call for a more intersectional perspective on migration which incorporates critical perspectives on racialisation, and further examination of the voices of migrants in the media.
Exacum indicum sp. nov. (Gentianaceae), a new saprophytic species from India
Authors: Pathak M. K. , Bhaumik Manas
Published: May 2024

A new species, Exacum indicum M.K. Pathak and Bhaumik, (Gentianaceae) is described and illustrated based on collections made from the core zone of the Dihang Dibang Biosphere Reserve in Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The new species is close to Exacum nanum Klack.
A new Senecio (Asteraceae) from the Anjaneri Hills of Nashik, India
Authors: Jeswani Akanksha S. , Yadav Shrirang Ramchandra , Lekhak Manoj M.
Published: May 2024

A new species of Senecio (Asteraceae, Senecioneae), Senecio anjanericus is described and illustrated from the Anjaneri Hills of Nashik district, Maharashtra, India, based on morphological and cytogenetical studies. The species resembles Senecio bombayensis, but differs from it in small size of the ligules, presence of conspicuous foliose supplementary bracts and dense indumentum on stem. The somatic chromosome number was observed to be 2n = 2x = 20, with all the chromosomes exhibiting median region centromeres. A detailed morphological description, illustration and karyotypic features of the new species are provided.
Symptoms from the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index and clinical factors associated with delayed gastric emptying in patients with suspected gastroparesis
Authors: Sabat Claire , Lebtahi Rachida , Duboc Henri , Dior Marie , Coffin Benoit , Soliman Heithem
Published: May 2024

Background

The association between upper gastrointestinal symptoms and delayed gastric emptying (GE) shows conflicting results. This study aimed to assess whether the symptoms of the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) and/or the scores were associated with the result of GE tests and whether they could predict delayed GE.

Methods

Patients referred for suspected gastroparesis (GP) were included in a prospective database. Demographical data, medical history, and symptoms of the GCSI score were collected for each patient. A GE scintigraphy was then performed with a 4‐hour recording. Delayed GE was defined as a retention rate ≥ 10% at 4 h.

Results

Among 243 patients included in this study, 110 patients (45%) had delayed GE. The mean age (49.9 vs. 41.3 years; p < 0.001) and weight loss (9.4 kg vs. 5.6 kg; p = 0.025) were significantly higher in patients with delayed GE. Patients with diabetes or a history of surgery had a higher prevalence of delayed GE (60% and 78%, respectively) than patients without comorbidity (17%; p < 0.001). The GCSI score was higher in patients with delayed GE (3.06 vs. 2.80; p = 0.045), but no threshold was clinically relevant to discriminate between patients with normal and delayed GE. Only vomiting severity was significantly higher in patients with delayed GE (2.19 vs. 1.57; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

GE testing should be considered when there are symptoms such as a higher weight loss, comorbidities (diabetes, and history of surgery associated with GP), and the presence of vomiting. Other symptoms and the GCSI score are not useful in predicting delayed GE.
Computerized Versus Traditional Approaches for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Quantitative Analysis of Knee Society Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index
Authors: Namireddy Srikar R , Gill Saran S , Yaqub Yousuf , Ramkumar Pratik
Published: May 2024

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgery for osteoarthritis, with increasing prevalence expected in the near future. This systematic review and meta‐analysis compared the effectiveness of computerized TKA versus traditional TKA, focusing on postoperative outcomes measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and the Knee Society score (KSS). A search on PubMed and Cochrane databases on November 14, 2023 for retrospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) yielded data on WOMAC and KSS. The search strategy was predefined, and methodological quality of studies was critically appraised. Two researchers extracted data. Unpaired t‐testing assessed the mean monthly changes in KSS and WOMAC for computer‐aided versus traditional TKA. Review Manager 5.3 was used for data synthesis and analysis. Out of 729 records, five RCTs enrolling 339 patients were eligible and analyzed using a random effects meta‐analysis. The mean monthly ΔKSS score differed significantly between the traditional and computerized groups (11.47 ± 8.76 vs. 9.26 ± 6.05, respectively; p < 0.01). However, the pooled mean difference estimate showed no significant differences (D = 0.20, 95% CI = −0.53 to 0.93, p = 0.59), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 85%, p < 0.001). The mean monthly ΔWOMAC score also differed significantly (−14.18 ± 21.54 vs. −18.43 ± 20.65, respectively; p < 0.05), but again, no significant differences were found in the pooled estimate (D = 0.17, 95% CI = −0.46 to 0.79, p = 0.60), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 28%, p = 0.24).There is no significant difference in KSS or WOMAC outcomes between traditional and computerized TKA. The study suggests the need for further research with longer follow‐up periods, more timepoints, and a broader range of patient outcome measures to fully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
INJEX50 could improve the success rate of local anesthesia for arterial cannulation in the pediatric intensive care unit: A randomized, double‐blind, single‐center study
Authors: Sakai Wataru , Chaki Tomohiro , Tachibana Shunsuke , Ichisaka Yuki , Nawa Yuko , Nawa Tomohiro , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: May 2024

Background

Quick arterial cannulation is required in pediatric emergency situation, which require effective local anesthesia to avoid withdrawal movement. However, pediatric local anesthesia could be difficult because of withdrawal movement. Jet injectors, which are needleless and provide local anesthesia quickly, could be helpful for pediatric local anesthesia during arterial cannulation.

Aims

This study aimed to examine whether new jet injector “INJEX50” could improve the success rate of local anesthesia for arterial cannulation in pediatric intensive care unit compared with the current standard of care, infiltration using a 26‐gauge needle.

Methods

This study was a randomized, double‐blind, single‐center study. Participants were infants and young children in the pediatric intensive care unit, who required an arterial line. Local anesthesia was performed with either a 26‐gauge needle (group C) or INJEX50 (group I) before arterial cannulation. The primary outcome (success of local anesthesia) was the presence of withdrawal movement at the time of skin puncture for arterial cannulation. The secondary outcomes included rescue sedation during arterial cannulation. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test, with values of p < .05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Seventy patients were randomly assigned to groups C and I. The local anesthesia success rate in group I (30/35 [86%]) was significantly higher than that in group C (15/35 [43%], odds ratio, 8.00; 95% confidence interval, 2.51–25.5; p = .0005). In conclusion, INJEX50 could improve success rate of local anesthesia for arterial cannulation in pediatric intensive care unit compared with 26‐gauge needle.