bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural evidence of telocytes in the embryonic chick heart
Authors: Junatas Khan Lamanero , Couck Liesbeth , Tay Hanna , Sinowatz Fred , Van Den Broeck Wim
Published: September 2023

The cardiac telocyte (TC) is a novel interstitial cell type with a unique ultrastructure and great potential in therapy. The present study examined its presence in the heart of chicken embryos ageing 7–15 days old (Hamburger‐Hamilton [HH] stages 31–41) using transmission electron microscopy. TCs were identified across all stages in the atrial and ventricular myocardium, close to maturing cardiomyocytes, blood vessels and lymphatics. Early‐stage TCs have immature features resembling mesenchymal cells. Late‐stage TCs were distinct, possessing the cytoplasmic prolongations termed telopodes (Tps), which are very long and thin, usually 1–3 in number, and display a moniliform appearance and have an average thickness below 0.2 μm. TCs residing in the epicardium and endocardium were also detected. In the subepicardium near developing coronary vessels, they were localized in the cardiac stem cell niches, coexisting with cardiac stem cells and cardiomyocyte progenitors. Electron‐dense structures and the release of extracellular vesicles were observed between embryonic TCs and surrounding structures, suggesting roles in intercellular communication, cardiomyocyte differentiation and maturation, angiogenesis, and stem cell nursing and guidance.
An adaptationist model of selfhood: Examining the cross‐cultural measurement invariance of the scales of dual independence and interdependence
Authors: Suzuki Shinobu
Published: September 2023

This study revisits the concepts and measurement scales of Hashimoto and Yamagishi's (Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 2016, 19, 286) adaptationist model of self‐construals, which provides a promising framework for intercultural and cross‐cultural research. Responding to a call for the establishment of measurement invariance of the scales across cultures, this study revised the scales and conducted a series of tests including tests of their dimensionality and measurement invariance across cultures. Additionally, this study examined construct and predictive validity of the revised scales across cultures. A total of 649 undergraduates from Japan and the United States were invited to respond to a survey designed for the purposes of the study. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the four‐factor model, which consists of dual interdependence (harmony seeking and rejection avoidance) and dual independence (distinctiveness of the self and self‐expression), fit the data better than alternative models across cultures. The invariance tests provided evidence to support partial configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the revised scales across cultures. The validity tests provided evidence to support construct and predictive validity of the revised scales across cultures. The results were discussed and the implications were offered.
Impact of social support on life satisfaction in older adults: Considering socioeconomic status as moderator
Authors: Park Soowon
Published: September 2023

This study examined the associations between changes in different types of social support and change in life satisfaction in retired older adults, and the moderating role of socioeconomic status (education and income). Data were extracted from a nationally representative sample of 2837 older adults taken from the survey of the 7th (2018) and 8th (2020) waves of the Korean Retirement and Income Study. The study employed regression analysis to explore the relationships between changes in three types of social support (emotional, informational, instrumental) and changes in life satisfaction. The results of the study indicate that the associations between changes in social support and life satisfaction differed by type of social support and participants' changes in income. Specifically, an increase in emotional social support positively related to an increase in life satisfaction, with a stronger association observed among older adults with decreased income compared to those with increased income. Meanwhile, changes in informational social support were positively related to changes in life satisfaction regardless of education or income level. Finally, changes in instrumental social support were not found to be significantly associated with changes in life satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of considering the types of social support that older adults have and need, as well as changes in their economic status, when seeking to understand their life satisfaction.
Dispositional authenticity, facilitativeness, femininity ideology, and dyadic relationship functioning in opposite‐gender couples: Actor‐partner interdependence analysis
Authors: Chen Shun , Murphy David , Joseph Stephen
Published: September 2023

This prospective study examined (a) the mediating roles of Carl Rogers' facilitative interpersonal conditions (i.e., genuineness, empathic understanding, and unconditional positive regard) and (b) the moderating roles of femininity ideology in the association between dispositional authenticity and dyadic relationship functioning using a dyadic approach. Participants, 239 opposite‐gender couples, completed the Authenticity Scale, Barrett‐Lennard Relationship Inventory:mini, Femininity Ideology Scale, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale in two separate phases. Longitudinal data were analyzed using the actor‐partner interdependence (mediation/moderation) model within a structural equation modelling framework. Perceived facilitativeness served as a mediator, channelling the positive associations from dispositional authenticity to dyadic relationship functioning, at both interpersonal and intrapersonal levels. Additionally, femininity ideology emerged as a moderator, influencing the relationships between dispositional authenticity and dyadic relationship functioning in both contexts. These findings underscore the significance of embracing authenticity and transcending traditional femininity ideologies for opposite‐gender partners to thrive cohesively as a dyad. The implications of these findings and avenues for future research are further discussed.
Variations in predictors for urinary continence recovery at different time periods following robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Nitta Masahiro , Tazawa Moeko , Takahashi Kumpei , Naruse Jun , Oda Kazuya , Kano Tatsuo , Uchida Takato , Umemoto Tatsuya , Ogawa Takahiro , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Hasegawa Masanori , Shoji Sunao , Miyajima Akira
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Urinary dysfunctions are common sequelae following prostatectomy. This study aimed to discover factors that can predict urinary continence recovery at various time periods after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of data of 419 consecutive patients. Only patients followed up for ≥1 year were enrolled. An answer of “zero pad per day” in the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary assessment (question 5) denoted continence. Possible predictors of urinary continence recovery were evaluated at 3, 3–6, and 6–12 months after the operation.

Results

Continence rates at 3, 6, and 12 months after RARP were 12.9%, 21.2%, and 40.2%, respectively. The proportions of patients using 0–1 pad were 54.2%, 75.7%, and 83.1% at 3, 6, and 12 months after RARP, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that a membranous urethral length (MUL) ≥11 mm was significantly associated with urinary continence recovery both within 3 months (odds ratio: 0.367, P = .003) and 3–6 months (odds ratio: 0.354, P = .001) after RARP. The analysis also revealed that, in patients with urinary continence at 6 months, a large prostate volume (odds ratio: 1.973, P = .044) and a high body mass index (odds ratio: 2.874, P = .027) were negative predictors of urinary continence recovery within 6–12 months.

Conclusion

A longer MUL was linked to urinary continence recovery within 6 months following RARP, whereas a large prostate volume and a high body mass index were adverse predictors of urinary continence recovery beyond 6 months.
Identification of a human blood biomarker of pharmacological 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 inhibition
Authors: Gómez Cristina , Alimajstorovic Zerin , Othonos Nantia , Winter Denise V. , White Sarah , Lavery Gareth G. , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Sinclair Alexandra J. , Odermatt Alex
Published: September 2023

Background and Purpose

11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐1 (11β‐HSD1) catalyses the oxoreduction of cortisone to cortisol, amplifying levels of active glucocorticoids. It is a pharmaceutical target in metabolic disease and cognitive impairments. 11β‐HSD1 also converts some 7oxo‐steroids to their 7β‐hydroxy forms. A recent study in mice described the ratio of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)/tauro‐7oxolithocholic acid (T7oxoLCA) as a biomarker for decreased 11β‐HSD1 activity. The present study evaluates the equivalent bile acid ratio of glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA)/glyco‐7oxolithocholic acid (G7oxoLCA) as a biomarker for pharmacological 11β‐HSD1 inhibition in humans and compares it with the currently applied urinary (5α‐tetrahydrocortisol + tetrahydrocortisol)/tetrahydrocortisone ((5αTHF + THF)/THE) ratio.

Experimental Approach

Bile acid profiles were analysed by ultra‐HPLC tandem‐MS in blood samples from two independent, double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical studies of the orally administered selective 11β‐HSD1 inhibitor AZD4017. The blood GUDCA/G7oxoLCA ratio was compared with the urinary tetrahydro‐glucocorticoid ratio for ability to detect 11β‐HSD1 inhibition.

Key Results

No significant alterations were observed in bile acid profiles following 11β‐HSD1 inhibition by AZD4017, except for an increase of the secondary bile acid G7oxoLCA. The enzyme product/substrate ratio GUDCA/G7oxoLCA was found to be more reliable to detect 11β‐HSD1 inhibition than the absolute G7oxoLCA concentration in both cohorts. Comparison of the blood GUDCA/G7oxoLCA ratio with the urinary (5αTHF + THF)/THE ratio revealed that both successfully detect 11β‐HSD1 inhibition.

Conclusions and Implications

11β‐HSD1 inhibition does not cause major alterations in bile acid homeostasis. The GUDCA/G7oxoLCA ratio represents the first blood biomarker of pharmacological 11β‐HSD1 inhibition and may replace or complement the urinary (5αTHF + THF)/THE ratio biomarker.
Mechanisms of sunitinib resistance in renal cell carcinoma and associated opportunities for therapeutics
Authors: Wang Yunxia , Liu Xiaolin , Gong Luyao , Ding Weihong , Hao Wenjing , Peng Yeheng , Zhang Jun , Cai Weimin , Gao Yuan
Published: September 2023

Sunitinib is the first‐line drug for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment. However, patients who received sunitinib treatment will ultimately develop drug resistance after 6–15 months, creating a huge obstacle to the current treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Therefore, it is urgent to clarify the mechanisms of sunitinib resistance and develop new strategies to overcome it. In this review, the mechanisms of sunitinib resistance in renal cell carcinoma have been summarized based on five topics: activation of bypass or alternative pathway, inadequate drug accumulation, tumour microenvironment, metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, present and potential biomarkers, as well as potential treatment strategies for overcoming sunitinib resistance in renal cell carcinoma, are also covered.
Rapid and efficient generation of a transplantable population of functional retinal ganglion cells from fibroblasts
Authors: Xu Zihui , Guo Yanan , Xiang Kangjian , Xiao Dongchang , Xiang Mengqing
Published: September 2023

Glaucoma and other optic neuropathies lead to progressive and irreversible vision loss by damaging retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Cell replacement therapy is a potential promising treatment. However, current methods to obtain RGCs have inherent limitations, including time‐consuming procedures, inefficient yields and complex protocols, which hinder their practical application. Here, we have developed a straightforward, rapid and efficient approach for directly inducing RGCs from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) using a combination of triple transcription factors (TFs): ASCL1, BRN3B and PAX6 (ABP). We showed that on the 6th day following ABP induction, neurons with molecular characteristics of RGCs were observed, and more than 60% of induced neurons became iRGCs (induced retinal ganglion cells) in the end. Transplanted iRGCs had the ability to survive and appropriately integrate into the RGC layer of mouse retinal explants and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA)‐damaged retinas. Moreover, they exhibited electrophysiological properties typical of RGCs, and were able to regrow dendrites and axons and form synaptic connections with host retinal cells. Together, we have established a rapid and efficient approach to acquire functional RGCs for potential cell replacement therapy to treat glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.
The role of boundary objects in collaborative design
Authors: Krakowski Ari , Bishop Lee , Greenwald Eric , Yun Salina
Published: September 2023

Museums and science centers are embracing collaborative design practices to invite diverse expertises into the design process. Co‐construction of museum exhibits and experiences can help museums better engage and affirm local communities as well as facilitate disciplinary and educational research connected to museum experiences. To support more collaborative design processes, many museums are creating new frameworks capable of supporting authentic co‐construction across wells of expertise, both within a museum infrastructure and with external partners. In this perspective, we share insights that have emerged through the development of such a framework at the Lawrence Hall of Science. We position this design framework as a collection of boundary objects (Star & Griesemer, 1989, 387) that can facilitate collaboration, and discuss the affordances of boundary objects for nurturing inclusive participation, knowledge‐sharing, and shared ownership.
Cytopathology of glioneuronal and neuronal tumours with histological correlations
Authors: Lacruz César R. , Álvarez Federico
Published: September 2023

Glioneuronal and neuronal tumours constitute a diverse group of tumours that feature neuronal differentiation. In mixed glioneuronal tumours, a glial component is present in addition to the neuronal component. With a few exceptions (eg diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumour) they are well‐circumscribed and slow‐growing tumours, which is why their prognosis is intrinsically favourable after gross total resection. Rendering an intraoperative diagnosis of glioneuronal/neuronal tumour is therefore important—neurosurgeons should remove them to prevent the persistence of clinical symptoms and/or recurrence. In this context, cytopathological examination can be especially useful for assessing cellular details when frozen section artefacts render poor‐quality preparations, as is the case for this group of tumours, which are frequently mistaken for infiltrating gliomas (eg diffuse astrocytoma infiltrating grey matter, oligodendroglioma) on frozen section slides. The aim of this article is to review the cytomorphological features of glioneuronal and neuronal tumours according to the 2021 World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumours, 5th edition. Additionally, since interpretation in intraoperative cytology relies on intuiting tissue patterns from cytology preparations, representative histological figures of all discussed entities have been included. Clues for specific diagnoses and the primary diagnostic problems encountered during intraoperative procedures are also discussed.
F‐Wörter und Interventionsinhalte in der Frühförderung nicht gehfähiger Kinder mit Cerebralparese: eine umfangreiche Literaturübersicht
Authors: De Campos Ana Carolina , Hidalgo‐Robles Álvaro , Longo Egmar , Shrader Claire , Paleg Ginny
Published: September 2023

Ziel

Untersuchung der Inhalte von Frühfördermaßnahmen für Kleinkinder mit Cerebralparese (CP) mit Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level IV und V und die Identifikation von „F‐Wörtern“, die von den Maßnahmen adressiert werden.

Methode

Recherche in vier elektronischen Datenbanken. Einschlusskriterien: experimentelle Originalstudien, die die folgenden PCC‐Komponenten erfüllten: Population: Kleinkinder (im Alter von 0–5 Jahre, mindestens 30% der Stichprobe) mit CP und erheblicher motorischer Beeinträchtigung (GMFCS‐Levels IV oder V, mindestens 30% der Stichprobe); Konzept: nicht‐chirurgische und nicht‐pharmakologische Leistungen der Frühförderung, die Ergebnisse aus einem der Bereiche der Internationalen Klassifikation der Funktionsfähigkeit, Behinderung und Gesundheit (ICF) messen; und Kontext: Studien, die zwischen 2001 und 2021 veröffentlicht wurden, in allen Konstellationen und nicht auf einen bestimmten geografischen Ort beschränkt.

Ergebnisse

87 Studien wurden in dieser Literaturübersicht berücksichtigt, mit qualitativen (n = 3), Mixed Methods (n = 4), quantitativ deskriptiven (n = 22), quantitativ nicht‐randomisierten (n = 39) und quantitativ randomisierten (n = 19) Designs. Die meisten experimentellen Studien befassten sich mit Fitness (n = 59), Familie (n = 46) und Funktion (n = 33), während es nur wenige Studien zu den Bereichen Spaß (n = 6), Freunde (n = 5) und Zukunft (n = 14) gab. Verschiedene Umweltfaktoren (n = 55) waren ebenfalls bedeutsam, z. B. das Angebot an Dienstleistungen, Berufsausbildung, Therapiedosis und Umweltanpassungen.

Interpretation

Viele Studien unterstützen Elternschulungen und den Einsatz assistiver Technologien zur Förderung verschiedener F‐Wörter. Ein „Menü“ von Inhalten der Frühförderung wurden ermittelt, mit Vorschlägen für weitere Forschung, um diese in der klinischen Praxis mit Familien umzusetzen.

Was dieser Artikel beiträgt

Familienzentrierte Angebote (einschließlich Beratung von und Intervention durch die Bezugspersonen) und strukturiertes Elterntraining sind wirksame Strategien für Kinder in den GMFCS‐Levels IV und V.

Hilfsmittel (Elektromobilität, unterstütztes Sitzen, Stehen und Gehen) können verschiedene „F‐Wörter“ fördern (Funktion, Fitness, Familie, Spaß, Freunde und Zukunft).

Die geringste Menge an Evidenz wurde für Spaß, Freunde und Zukunft gefunden.

Andere Faktoren (Angebot an Dienstleistungen, Berufsausbildung, Therapiedosis, Umweltanpassungen) sind relevant für Kleinkinder der GMFCS‐Levels IV und V.
Goodbye, Mr. Portugal: Fiscal crisis, constitutional revolution, and the independence of Brazil (1808–22)
Authors: Cariello Rafael , Pereira Thales Zamberlan
Published: September 2023

This article provides a new interpretation of Brazil's independence that relates the process of political emancipation to the Portuguese empire's fiscal crisis at the beginning of the nineteenth century. We discuss the origins and impact of the fiscal crisis that followed the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal in 1807 and the transfer of the government to Rio de Janeiro. Quantitative evidence shows that expenditures with the palace and the army in Brazil were higher than those discussed in the previous literature. Moreover, the government was only able to finance itself by increasing loans via paper money issuances from the Bank of Brazil. Real wages show that the inflationary policy in the 1810s led to a rapid decline in living standards, fuelling dissatisfaction with the government. Our findings are consistent with views expressed in contemporary official correspondence and parliamentary debates.
Emotion socialization profiles in military parents: Associations with post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Giff Sarah T. , Renshaw Keith D. , Denham Susanne A. , Martin Laura N. , Gewirtz Abigail H.
Published: September 2023

Military families face many difficulties, including a parent deploying to a warzone and the subsequent risk of returning with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD are associated with parenting difficulties; however, little is known about how PTSD symptoms may be associated with emotion socialization (ES), a set of processes crucial to children's emotional well‐being. This project investigated observed ES behaviors in deployed and non‐deployed parents in a sample of 224 predominantly White, non‐Hispanic National Guard/Reserve (NG/R) families with deployed fathers, non‐deployed mothers, and a child between the ages of 4 and 13. Parents completed self‐report questionnaires and families engaged in videotaped parent–child discussions, which were coded for three types of ES behaviors. Latent profile analyses of the coded behaviors identified five profiles of parental ES: Balanced/Supportive, Balanced/Limited Expression, Unsupportive/Distressed, Unsupportive/Positive, and Involved/Emotive/Angry. Multinomial logistic regressions of each parent's profile membership on fathers' PTSD symptoms revealed no significant associations, while additional analyses including additional family factors revealed that greater father PTSD symptoms were associated with a greater likelihood of mothers being in the Balanced/Supportive profile compared to the Balanced/Limited Expression profile, particularly when children displayed average to low levels of emotion during discussion tasks. No other significant associations with PTSD symptoms were detected. Overall, in contrast to the hypotheses, the majority of these findings indicated that PTSD symptoms did not play a significant role in parental ES behaviors.
30 Years of development of English teaching materials: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wang Qingru , Ping Wang
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the influence of the development of English teaching materials has attracted the wide attention of international scholars, and a large number of related topic literature has grown exponentially. However, more comprehensive science mapping is needed in this field. This article reviews the development of English teaching materials over 30 years using bibliometric analysis. We extracted the raw data from the Web of Science Core Collection. Specifically, the study examined the following bibliometric indexes: annual scientific production, sources, average citations, authors and affiliations and countries, keywords, research trends, and conceptual structure. Overall, it was found that the research productivity and citations in the field have been increasing during the inclusive years. China, the United States, and the United Kingdom are the top three corresponding authors’ countries. As for the affiliations, the most productive university is Islamic Azad University in Iran. It was also discovered that the most frequent words are English and language, and the trending topics are L2 and English as a foreign language textbooks. Conceptual structure and future directions are also discussed here.
Enfortumab vedotin versus platinum rechallenge in post‐platinum, post‐pembrolizumab advanced urothelial carcinoma: A multicenter propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Taguchi Satoru , Kawai Taketo , Ambe Yoshiki , Kishitani Kenjiro , Sugimoto Kazuma , Miyakawa Jimpei , Nakamura Yu , Noda Michio , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Kamei Jun , Obinata Daisuke , Yamaguchi Kenya , Kakutani Shigenori , Furuya Yoshitsune , Sato Yujiro , Uemura Yukari , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Yamada Yuta , Sato Yusuke , Yamada Daisuke , Enomoto Yutaka , Nishimatsu Hiroaki , Fujimura Tetsuya , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Nakagawa Tohru , Takahashi Satoru , Kume Haruki
Published: September 2023

Objective

Enfortumab vedotin (EV) was approved for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) in 2021 after the EV‐301 trial showed its superiority to non‐platinum‐based chemotherapy as later‐line treatment after platinum‐based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors including pembrolizumab. However, no study has compared EV with rechallenging platinum‐based chemotherapy (i.e., “platinum rechallenge”) in that setting.

Methods

In total, 283 patients received pembrolizumab for advanced UC after platinum‐based chemotherapy between 2018 and 2023. Of them, 41 and 25 patients received EV and platinum rechallenge, respectively, as later‐line treatment after pembrolizumab. After excluding two patients with EV without imaging evaluation, we compared oncological outcomes, including progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), between the EV (n = 39) and platinum rechallenge groups (n = 25) using propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

Analyses on crude data (n = 64) showed no significant differences between the two groups regarding patients' baseline characteristics. PFS (5 months) and OS (11 months) in the EV group were comparable to those (8 and 12 months, respectively) in the platinum rechallenge group. After PSM (n = 36), the baseline characteristics between the two groups became more balanced, and PFS (not reached) and OS (not reached) in the EV group were comparable to those (8 and 11 months, respectively) in the platinum rechallenge group.

Conclusions

EV and platinum rechallenge showed equivalent oncological outcomes, even after PSM, and both treatments should therefore be effective treatment options for post‐platinum, post‐pembrolizumab advanced UC.
The silk gland proteome of Stenopsyche angustata provides insights into the underwater silk secretion
Authors: Wang Yu‐Jun , Liu Qing‐Song , Liu Li‐Ping , Zhang Yi‐Chuan , Qiu Shuang , Zhang Wen‐Guang , Lin Jin‐Hang , Qin Yu‐Ting , Wang Xin , Wu Yue‐Ying , Zhao Ping , Xia Qing‐You , Ding Ling , Rong Dong‐Ying , Wang Hong , Dong Zhao‐Ming
Published: September 2023

Caddisworms (Trichoptera) spin adhesive silks to construct a variety of underwater composite structures. Many studies have focused on the fibroin heavy chain of caddisworm silk and found that it contains heavy phosphorylation to maintain a stable secondary structure. Besides fibroins, recent studies have also identified some new silk proteins within caddisworm silk. To better understand the silk composition and its secretion process, this study reports the silk gland proteome of a retreat‐building caddisworm, Stenopsyche angustata Martynov (Trichoptera, Stenopsychidae). Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), 2389 proteins were identified in the silk gland of S. angustata, among which 192 were predicted as secreted silk proteins. Twenty‐nine proteins were found to be enriched in the front silk gland, whereas 109 proteins were enriched in the caudal silk gland. The fibroin heavy chain and nine uncharacterized silk proteins were identified as phosphorylated proteins. By analysing the sequence of the fibroin heavy chain, we found that it contains 13 Gly/Thr/Pro‐rich regions, 12 Val/Ser/Arg‐rich regions and a Gly/Arg/Thr‐rich region. Three uncharacterized proteins were identified as sericin‐like proteins due to their larger molecular weights, signal peptides and repetitive motifs rich in serine. This study provides valuable information for further clarifying the secretion and adhesion of underwater caddisworm silk.
How do benefits and challenges influence students’ satisfaction with online education? The mediation effect of awareness
Authors: Chawla Udit , Sondhi Sundeep Singh , Jabbar Meerja Akhil , Mishra Varsha , Singh Harsh Vikram
Published: September 2023

Traditional education is shifting towards online instruction, and the temporary closure of educational institutions due to COVID‐19 has prompted its dramatic increase in the last couple of years. With additional benefits, such as flexible schedule, low cost and anywhere learning, online education will determine the near future of education. Due to the increase in Internet reach in India, face‐to‐face instructional methods to which students are habituated to can be substituted. This study aims to analyse students’ satisfaction with the parameters of awareness, challenges and benefits of using new technologies to learn online. With the help of a structured questionnaire and interactions with local inhabitants, the researchers obtained 430 samples from the outskirts of five different cities (Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru) in India. A conceptual model was built around the constructs of awareness, challenges, benefits and student satisfaction, and their relationship was established and empirically tested. It is found that factors like challenges, benefits and awareness have a significant influence on student satisfaction with online learning. We also find that awareness helps in decreasing the challenges faced and increasing the value of benefits of online education for students.
Revisiting metformin therapy for the mitigation of diabetic foot ulcer in patients with diabetic kidney disease from real‐world evidence
Authors: Kwon Soie , Ha Jeong Hyun , Kim Dong Ki , Kim Yon Su , Lim Chun Soo , Chang Hak , Lee Jung Pyo , Park Ji‐Ung
Published: September 2023

Diabetic foot ulcer and diabetic kidney disease are diabetes‐related chronic vascular complications that strongly correlate with high morbidity and mortality. Although metformin potentially confers a wound‐healing advantage, no well‐established clinical evidence supports the benefit of metformin for diabetic foot ulcer. Thus, this study investigated the effect of metformin on diabetic foot ulcer from a large diabetic kidney disease cohort for the first time. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 10 832 patients who visited the nephrology department more than twice at two South Korean tertiary‐referral centers between 2001 and 2016. The primary outcome was diabetic foot ulcer events; secondary outcomes included hospitalization, amputation, a composite of amputation or vascular intervention, and Wagner Grade ≥ 3. Multivariate Cox analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to balance baseline intergroup differences between metformin users and non‐users. In total, 4748 patients were metformin users, and 6084 patients were metformin non‐users. Over a follow‐up period of 117.5 ± 66.9 months, the diabetic foot ulcer incidence was 5.2%. After PSM, metformin users showed a lower incidence of diabetic foot ulcer events than metformin non‐users (adjusted hazard ratio 0.41; p < 0.001). In a sensitivity analysis of 563 patients with diabetic foot ulcer, metformin usage was associated with lower severity in all four secondary outcomes: hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 0.33; p < 0.001); amputation (adjusted hazard ratio 0.44; p = 0.001); composite of amputation or vascular intervention (adjusted hazard ratio 0.47; p < 0.001); and Wagner Grade ≥ 3 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.39; p < 0.001). In conclusion, metformin therapy in patients with diabetic kidney disease can lower diabetic foot ulcer incidence and progression.
Effects of negative pressure wound therapy on surgical site wound infections after cardiac surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Tao Yixi , Zhang Yusui , Liu Yang , Tang Songjiang
Published: September 2023

We conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) versus traditional dressings in preventing surgical site infections in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. We thoroughly examined several databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) and Wanfang, from inception until July 2023. Two independent researchers were responsible for the literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment; analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Thirteen studies comprising 8495 patients were deemed relevant. A total of 2685 patients were treated with NPWT, whereas 5810 received conventional dressings. The findings revealed that NPWT was more effective in reducing surgical site infections after cardiac surgery than conventional dressings (4.88% vs. 5.87%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.50, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.40–0.63, p < 0.001). Additionally, NPWT was more effective in reducing deep wound infections (1.48% vs. 4.15%, OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.23–0.56, p < 0.001) and resulted in shorter hospital stays (SMD: ‐0.33, 95% CIs: −0.54 to −0.13, p = 0.001). However, the rate of superficial wound infections was not significantly affected by the method of wound care (3.72% vs. 5.51%, OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.32–1.23, p = 0.180). In conclusion, NPWT was shown to be advantageous in preventing postoperative infections and reducing hospital stay durations in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Nonetheless, given the limitations in the number and quality of the included studies, further research is recommended to validate these findings.
Inclusions and exclusions in treeline definitions
Authors: Malanson George P.
Published: September 2023

Körner and Hoch's (2023) definition of “treeline” to include only forest edges that are arctic or alpine, globally distributed and thermally limited is reconsidered for the alpine, with attention to the alpine treeline ecotone. They characterize the alpine treeline and the ecotone as a single phenomenon at a single fundamental niche limit, with all other montane forest edges at realized niche limits. The framework restricts treeline and the treeline ecotone to narrow but interesting ecophysiological questions but leaves other fundamentally limited edges, those in disequilibrium with a changed temperature regime, and the extensive zone of krummholz and tree‐species seedlings now often referred to as the treeline ecotone, without terminology. Recognizing other fundamental niche limited edges as treelines, if not alpine, and defining “alpine treeline” as a zone or line within the broader “alpine treeline ecotone”, are proposed to promote synergies in research in these related systems.
Adaptive behaviour deficits in individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome
Authors: Pollak R. M. , Burrell T. L. , Cubells J. F. , Klaiman C. , Murphy M. M. , Saulnier C. A. , Walker E. F. , White S. P. , Mulle J. G.
Published: September 2023

Background

3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29del) is associated with a significantly increased risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID) is common in this population, and previous work by our team identified substantial deficits in adaptive behaviour. However, the full profile of adaptive function in 3q29del has not been described nor has it been compared with other genomic syndromes associated with elevated risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric phenotypes.

Methods

Individuals with 3q29del (n = 32, 62.5% male) were evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Third Edition, Comprehensive Parent/Caregiver Form (Vineland‐3). We explored the relationship between adaptive behaviour and cognitive function, executive function, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in our 3q29del study sample, and we compared subjects with 3q29del with published data on fragile X syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes.

Results

Individuals with 3q29del had global deficits in adaptive behaviour that were not driven by specific weaknesses in any given domain. Individual neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diagnoses had a small effect on adaptive behaviour, and the cumulative number of comorbid diagnoses was significantly negatively associated with Vineland‐3 performance. Both cognitive ability and executive function were significantly associated with adaptive behaviour, and executive function was a better predictor of Vineland‐3 performance than cognitive ability. Finally, the severity of adaptive behaviour deficits in 3q29del was distinct from previously published data on comparable genomic disorders.

Conclusions

Individuals with 3q29del have significant deficits in adaptive behaviour, affecting all domains assessed by the Vineland‐3. Executive function is a better predictor of adaptive behaviour than cognitive ability in this population and suggests that interventions targeting executive function may be an effective therapeutic strategy.
Transposition, not translation: Recuperating attentionality on Pantelleria, Sicily
Authors: La Mattina Nicco A.
Published: September 2023

This article examines how elderly rural Sicilians recall the meanings of words rendered obsolete by infrastructural, technological, and economic changes that occurred in their lifetime. I examine conversations from my 2016 and 2019 fieldwork on Pantelleria, Sicily, characterized by what I term recuperated attentionality, speaking from erstwhile attentional circumstances. To unpack the meanings of words, elderly islanders employ transposition, contextualizing their attentional guidance from a moment of reference anchored in the remembered past, orienting to an obsolete way of being in the world. Socio‐biographical discontinuity means that acquaintance and familiarity with the denotata of these words is asymmetrical, once accessed by participating in island life, issuing and responding to directives, attending to tasks, and so on, but now accessed principally by memory. I examine conversational discourse in which transposition is used to unpack word meanings, which clashes with elicitation norms that request translational equivalents for words.
Adolescents' experiences with ambiguity in postdivorce stepfamilies
Authors: Fang Christian , Zartler Ulrike
Published: September 2023

Objective

Investigating what contributes to perceptions of ambiguity in stepfamily relationships among adolescents, and which strategies adolescents use to deal with ambiguity.

Background

Relational losses or acquisitions marked by ambiguity (i.e., ambiguous losses and gains) are taxing as they often evade resolution. The frequent assumption that family relationships in postdivorce stepfamilies are per se ambiguous has only received limited empirical foundation. Little is known about how adolescents experience ambiguity, how and why ambiguity emerges, and what strategies adolescents develop to deal with ambiguity.

Method

Semi‐structured interviews with 30 Dutch adolescents (aged 16–20) living in diverse postdivorce stepfamilies were conducted. The data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding.

Results

Relationships with stepparents, stepsiblings, and biological parents were especially likely to be experienced as ambiguous. Two key categories of reasons emerged that helped to explain the emergence of ambiguity: information (i.e., incomplete or contradictory knowledge about family relationships), and relationality (i.e., the ways in which family relationships were assessed and compared to each other). Results point towards potential chains of ambiguity in stepfamilies, and show that respondents compared their relations with constructed archetypes of stepparents. Respondents used three strategies to deal with ambiguity: (a) improving relationships, (b) accepting ambiguity, and (c) creating distance.

Conclusion

Ambiguity was common in postdivorce stepfamilies, yet mostly confined to relationships between adolescents and stepparents, stepsiblings, and biological parents. This suggests that, in stepfamilies, ambiguous gain might occur more frequently than ambiguous loss. The negative feelings associated with ambiguity might explain why many adolescents perceive living in stepfamilies as burdensome.
The current state of spinal cord functional magnetic resonance imaging and its application in clinical research
Authors: Haynes Grace , Muhammad Fauziyya , Khan Ali F. , Mohammadi Esmaeil , Smith Zachary A. , Ding Lei
Published: September 2023

Since its development, spinal cord functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has utilized various methodologies and stimulation protocols to develop a deeper understanding of a healthy human spinal cord that lays a foundation for its use in clinical research and practice. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive literature search on spinal cord fMRI studies and summarized the recent advancements and resulting scientific achievements of spinal cord fMRI in the following three aspects: the current state of spinal cord fMRI methodologies and stimulation protocols, knowledge about the healthy spinal cord's functions obtained via spinal cord fMRI, and fMRI's exemplary usage in spinal cord diseases and injuries. We conclude with a discussion that, while technical challenges exist, novel fMRI technologies for and new knowledge about the healthy human spinal cord have been established. Empowered by these developments, investigations of pathological and injury states within the spinal cord have become the next important direction of spinal cord fMRI. Recent clinical investigations into spinal cord pathologies, for example, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and cervical spondylotic myelopathy, have already provided deep insights into spinal cord impairments and the time course of impairment‐caused changes. We expect that future spinal cord fMRI advancement and research development will further enhance our understanding of various spinal cord diseases and provide the foundation for evaluating existing and developing new treatment plans.
Exploring the safe environment provided by nurses in inpatient psychiatric wards: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Maddineshat Maryam , Khodaveisi Masoud , Kamyari Naser , Razavi Mohammadreza , Pourmoradi Farnaz , Sadeghian Efat
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Previous research has indicated that community‐based mental health services in Iran are restricted, leading to overcrowding in psychiatric wards. This overcrowding has been linked to a range of problems, such as violence, suicide and medical errors. Despite the abundance of research on patient safety, there is still a lack of understanding regarding how mental health nurses (MHNs) create a secure environment within these wards.

Aim

This study focused on exploring a safe environment provided by MHNs in inpatient psychiatric wards at Farshchian (Sina) Hospital, Hamadan, Iran.

Method

An explanatory mixed‐methods study was conducted. Initially, the Safe Environment Scale was distributed to all MHNs (n = 48) working in three wards at Farshchian (Sina) Hospital to evaluate the current status. The scale measured two dimensions, and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the collected data. Subsequently, 20 MHNs were selected for semi‐structured interviews using purposeful sampling at the same hospital to interpret and fill gaps in the quantitative findings. The data collected from the interviews were analysed using conventional content analysis.

Results

The perception and engagement of MHNs in creating a safe environment in the inpatient psychiatric wards were found to be at a medium level, according to the Safe Environment Scale (mean ± SD, 14.67 ± 4.18 and 85.27 ± 17.57, respectively). The qualitative study identified several categories in the results, including ‘Hyper‐vigilance to safety and security environment’, ‘Therapeutic communication gap’, ‘Nurse burnout’, ‘Staff safety and security need’ and ‘Environmental safety hazards’.

Discussion

MHNs employ a hyper‐vigilant strategy to guarantee a secure atmosphere within psychiatric wards. However, this approach may inadvertently impede the establishment of a safe environment and even diminish MHNs' perception and involvement in its maintenance.

Implications for mental health nursing

According to our research, it appears that MHNs need to improve their education and training in order to successfully implement the vigilance strategy for establishing a secure environment. Additionally, it is essential for them to prioritize therapeutic communication with patients, as this plays a vital role in promoting a safe environment within inpatient psychiatric wards.
Evaluation of the relationship between ionized and total calcium concentrations in blood during the first week of lactation in dairy cows
Authors: Cohrs Imke , Wächter Sophia , Golbeck Lennart , Grünberg Walter
Published: September 2023

Background

Diagnosis of subclinical hypocalcemia in cattle is based on concentration of total Ca ([TCa]) in serum or plasma below the reference range, with [TCa] serving as proxy for the concentration of ionized Ca ([iCa]).

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate the relation between [iCa] and [TCa] in periparturient cows over time, and its association with various metabolites.

Animals

Thirty periparturient dairy cows.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Blood from periparturient cows was obtained between 4 days before and 7 days after calving. Samples underwent blood gas analysis and blood biochemical analysis. The ratio of [iCa] : [TCa] was computed. Repeated measures linear regression analyses, spearman correlation‐, Deming regression‐ and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were conducted.

Results

Correlations between [iCa] and [TCa] ranged from r = 0.55 to r = 0.84. The diagnostic value of [TCa] to identify cows with [iCa] below the arbitrary cut‐off of 1.1 mmol/L was weak in particular during the first 24 hours of lactation, but continuously improved toward the end of the study with areas under the ROC curve increasing from 0.64 at d 0 to 0.93 at d +4 after calving. Strongest association with [iCa] : [TCa] were found for albumin (r2 = 0.58, P < .0001), pCO2 (r2 = 0.45, P = .0003), the standard [HCO3] (r2 = 0.22, P = .01), lactate (r2 = 0.16, P = .04) and [NEFA] (r2 = 0.15, P = .05).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The [TCa] is of limited value to identify cows with subnormal [iCa] in the first hours and days of lactation, a finding apparently attributable to the increased variation of a number of metabolic variables that affect the ratio of [iCa] : [TCa].
Safety, tolerability and biological responses of Oreochromis niloticus juveniles upon oral oxolinic acid administration
Authors: Abraham Thangapalam Jawahar , Patel Jaykumar Bhagubhai , Bardhan Avishek , Rajisha Ravindran , Panda Satyen Kumar , Patil Prasanna Kumar
Published: September 2023

In aquaculture, oxolinic acid (OA) is used as a second‐line treatment at 12 mg/kg biomass/day for seven consecutive days. The present study evaluated the biosafety of 21 days of dietary administration of OA at 0, 12, 36, 60 and 120 mg by assessing the growth, biochemical, erythrocytic morphological and histopathological alterations and residue levels in Oreochromis niloticus. A significant dose‐dependent reduction in feed intake and biomass and an increase in mortalities and erythrocytic cellular and nuclear changes were recorded. Significant elevations in plasma glucose, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase and a decline in calcium and chloride levels were documented. The kidney, liver and intestine histoarchitecture showed mild to marked alterations. The edible tissue OA residues peaked on day 21 and decreased upon cessation of administration in all the dosing groups. The residue levels in the muscle of the recommended dose group were well within the maximum residue limit set by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency. Although the current study hinted at the safety and tolerability of OA even during long‐term usage in O. niloticus in Indian conditions, care must be exercised for its aquacultural application because of its listing as a critically important medicine for humans.