bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Northern quolls in the Pilbara persist in high‐quality habitat, despite a decline trajectory consistent with range eclipse by feral cats
Authors: Hernandez‐Santin Lorna , Goldizen Anne W. , Fisher Diana O.
Published: June 2022

Theory suggests that the distributions of threatened species do not generally contract to the species' core habitat. Rather, surviving populations that decline to range edges often persist in suboptimal habitat because it is least affected by their important threats. The northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) is an endangered carnivorous marsupial that occurs in patchy populations across northern Australia, now almost entirely in rugged habitats. The overall goal of this study was to assess differences in quality across available habitat types to determine if rugged habitats do constitute higher quality habitat for northern quolls, as no field data are yet available to test this hypothesis. Through fieldwork in the Pilbara (Western Australia), we assessed habitats based on vegetation, shelter availability, and prey availability. While we did not find significant differences in prey availability across habitats, we found differences in the availability of potential dens and temporary shelters suggesting that shelters are of higher abundance in rocky‐riparian and rocky habitats. Habitat associations of prey suggest that northern quolls in rocky‐riparian habitats may feed or subsidize their diets with prey from adjacent habitats including grasslands, which carry risk of predation by feral cats in our study area. Our results agree with GIS‐based studies from the Pilbara, namely rugged habitats currently represent the highest quality habitat for northern quolls there. There are two nonexclusive hypotheses explaining the contraction of quolls to rocky habitats; we found stronger support for the den hypothesis than the prey availability hypothesis, suggesting that shelter availability is an important current determinant of habitat quality for northern quolls in the Pilbara. Our study helps to highlight the role of den availability and temporary cover as a crucial component of habitat quality for northern quoll presence and abundance across the landscape under current conditions.
Access to supportive mobility devices for children with cerebral palsy: A multitude of challenges and barriers
Authors: Agnew Brenda
Published: June 2022

This commentary is on the original article by Feldner et al. on pages 1392–1401 of this issue.
Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with reduced efficacy of an insulin adjustment education program for people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Innes Callum W. D. , Henshall David E. , Wilson Blair , Poon Michael T. C. , Morley Steven D. , Ritchie Stuart A.
Published: June 2022

Background

The Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) course teaches insulin dose adjustment to match dietary carbohydrates and improve glycaemic control in participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We investigated the association between socioeconomic deprivation and reduction in HbA1c as a marker of sustained glycaemic control, after attending DAFNE education.

Methods

This retrospective observational study identified adults with T1DM who attended DAFNE training in NHS Lothian, South East Scotland. We extracted age, sex, postcode‐based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintiles and annual HbA1c measurements available four years before and after course attendance. We calculated mean HbA1c before (baseline) and after attendance at DAFNE, across four annual measurements. Change in mean HbA1c (mmol/mol) was categorised into three groups: decrease (≥ − 2.5), no change (<±2.5), increase (≥ + 2.5). We used multivariable ordinal logistic regression, with baseline mean HbA1c as a covariate, to investigate the association of SIMD quintile with reduction in mean HbA1c.

Results

335 participants were included. Age and sex distribution were similar across SIMD quintiles (Mean age = 45, range 21–91, 59% women). Lower SIMD quintiles (greater deprivation) had higher baseline mean HbA1c (SIMD 1: 76.0, SIMD 5: 69.0). Higher SIMD quintiles (lower deprivation) were associated with lower odds of no change/increase in mean HbA1c (SIMD 5, odds ratio = 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.10, 0.58, p = 0.001, multivariable analysis).

Conclusion

Socioeconomic deprivation was associated with higher baseline mean HbA1c and lower reduction in HbA1c following DAFNE education. Future research could explore causes and how best to support participants from deprived areas.

Previous submissions

This work has not been previously submitted to a journal.

This work was presented as a poster at The ABCD Conference 2021 and the abstract (of no more than 300 words) from the meeting has been published:

Innes CWD, Henshall DE, Wilson B, Poon M, Morley SD, Ritchie SA. Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with reduced efficacy of an insulin adjustment education programme for people with type 1 diabetes. Br J Diabetes. 2021; 21: 293–296.
Workweek reduction and women's job turnover: Evidence from labor legislation in South Korea
Authors: Ahn Taehyun
Published: June 2022

This study examines whether a workweek reduction impacts job turnover behavior of workers, with a particular focus on female worker's turnover. To assess the causal relationship, I exploit the introduction of South Korea's workweek reduction policy as a natural experiment. Using individual longitudinal data, I estimate a job turnover model that distinguishes job‐to‐job transition from job‐to‐nonemployment transition. The estimates reveal that, for women, mandating a 40‐h workweek significantly decreases the probability of making a job‐to‐nonemployment transition and thus raises the probability of staying in the job. The impacts of a work‐hour reduction are salient among married women.
The School of Hard Talks: A telehealth parent training group for caregivers of adolescents and young adults
Authors: Kline Emily R. , Thibeau Heather , Sanders A. Simone , Davis Beshaun J. , Fenley Alicia , McIntyre Theresa , English Kelly , Keshavan Matcheri S.
Published: June 2022

Aim: A large body of evidence demonstrates the importance of the family environment in the developmental trajectory of mental illness in young people. Caregiver communication skills training represents a potential model for influencing the outcomes of adolescents and young adults struggling with emerging mental health and behavioural difficulties. The aim of the current study is to describe the development of a telehealth group training intervention for caregivers of adolescents and young adults, and to report the results of a pilot feasibility‐effectiveness study that took place in 2020–2021.

Methods: The “School of Hard Talks” intervention consisted of 8 h of training in communication skills consistent with motivational interviewing techniques. All pilot study participants were assigned to receive the intervention. Outcomes of interest were family conflict, caregiver stress, caregiver self‐efficacy and expressed emotion (EE). Participants were assessed three times: prior to the intervention, after the intervention and 12 weeks later.

Results: A total of 62 participants enrolled in the study, of whom 49 completed the intervention. Large, significant improvements were observed over time in all four domains of interest. Qualitative feedback from parents was very positive and added context to quantitative observations.

Conclusions: The School of Hard Talks was a feasible and effective intervention targeting both caregiver wellbeing as well as important mechanisms of risk for youth psychopathology, namely family conflict and EE. Further research involving a larger sample and a control condition are needed to confirm these findings.
A naturalistic study on the effectiveness of long‐acting antipsychotics in an early intervention program for patients with recent‐onset psychosis
Authors: Martín‐Muñoz Joaquín‐Carlos , Acuña María‐José , Carrión‐Mellado Natividad , Blanco‐Venzalá Matilde , Mantrana‐Ridruejo Laura , Rico‐Villademoros Fernando , Rosado‐Tejero Luisa , Utrera‐Caballero Eva
Published: June 2022

Aim

To evaluate the impact of long‐acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) on the risk of hospitalization and the length of hospitalization in the setting of an early intervention program for patients with recent‐onset psychosis.

Methods

Observational, retrospective study conducted under routine clinical practice conditions. We included all patients admitted from July 2015 to April 2020 to the Early Intervention Program in Psychosis. We analysed the incidence of hospitalization and hospitalization days before and after treatment with LAIs and calculated the incidence rate ratio (IRR). We also compared the outcomes of patients treated with LAIs with those of the patients maintained on oral antipsychotics using a binomial negative regression analysis.

Results

A total of 170 patients were included in the program. Of them, 34 (20%) received LAIs (aripiprazole [n = 22], and paliperidone/risperidone [n = 12]). There was an 89% reduction in the incidence of hospitalizations after treatment with LAIs (IRR 0.11, 95%CI 0.05–0.21; p < .0001). The IRR for LAIs vs. oral antipsychotics was 0.87 (95%CI, 0.24–3.18; p = .829). The presence of a substance use disorder significantly increased the rate of hospitalizations by 123% (IRR 2.23, 95%CI 1.31–3.78). Analyses of hospitalization days showed similar results.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that LAIs are useful for the management of patients with recent‐onset psychosis who fail treatment with oral antipsychotics. Whether LAIs are superior to oral antipsychotics as first‐line treatment of patients with early psychosis and/or could play a special role in managing patients with early psychosis and comorbid substance use disorders should be further evaluated.
GNA11‐mutated Sturge–Weber syndrome has distinct neurological and dermatological features
Authors: Dompmartin Anne , van der Vleuten Carine J. M. , Dekeuleneer Valérie , Duprez Thierry , Revencu Nicole , Désir Julie , te Loo D. Maroeska W. M. , Flucke Uta , Eijkelenboom Astrid , Schultze Kool Leo , Vikkula Miikka , Boon Laurence
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder characterized by clinical manifestations involving the brain, eye and skin. SWS is commonly caused by somatic mutations in G protein subunit Alpha Q (GNAQ). Five cases of subunit Alpha 11 (GNA11) mutations have been reported. We studied phenotypic features of GNA11‐SWS and compared them with those of classic SWS.

Methods

Within two European multidisciplinary centers we looked for patients with clinical characteristics of SWS and a GNA11 mutation. Clinical and radiological data were collected retrospectively and prospectively.

Results

We identified three patients with SWS associated with a somatic GNA11 mutation. All had disseminated capillary malformation (CM) and hyper‐ or hypotrophy of an extremity. At birth, the CMs of the face, trunk and limbs were pink and patchy, and slowly darkened with age, evolving to a purple color. Two of the patients had glaucoma. All had neurological symptoms and moderate brain atrophy with a lower degree of severity than that classically associated with SWS. Susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) and contrast‐enhanced fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the best sensitivity to reveal the pial angiomas.

Conclusions

We have differentiated two distinct clinical/radiological phenotypes of SWS; GNAQ‐ and GNA11‐SWS. The classic GNAQ‐SWS is characterized by a homogeneous dark‐red CM, commonly associated with underlying soft tissue hypertrophy. The CM in GNA11‐SWS is more reticulate and darkens with time, and the neurological picture is milder. SWI and post‐contrast FLAIR sequences appear to be necessary to demonstrate leptomeningeal angiomatosis. Anti‐epileptic medication or future targeted therapies may be useful, as in classic SWS.
Cortical neuronal hypertrophy and mTOR pathway activation in CAN regions in SUDEP
Authors: Patodia Smriti , Lim Yau Mun , Chung Freda , Stylianou Irene , El Hachami Hanaa , Thom Maria
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Dysfunctional connectivity and preexisting structural abnormalities of central autonomic network (CAN) regions have been shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and may be mechanistically relevant. In a previous postmortem study we reported increased microglia in CAN regions, including the superior temporal gyrus (STG) in SUDEP. In this current study we investigated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation and neuronal c‐Fos activation in CAN regions in SUDEP compared to control groups.

Methods

In a series of 59 postmortem cases (SUDEP, n = 26; epilepsy controls [EPCs], n = 14; and nonepilepsy controls [NECs], n = 19), we quantified pS6‐240/4, pS6‐235/6 (markers of mTOR activation) and c‐Fos neuronal densities and labeling index in the STG, anterior cingulate, insula, frontobasal, and pulvinar regions using immunohistochemistry with whole‐slide automated image analysis.

Results

Significantly more pS6‐positive neurons were present in the STG in cases with a history of recent seizures prior to death and also in SUDEP compared to other cause of death groups. No differences were noted for c‐Fos neuronal labeling in any region between cause of death groups. Cortical neuronal hypertrophy in the STG was observed in some SUDEP cases and associated with pS6‐240/4 expression. pS6‐235/6 highlighted neuronal intranuclear inclusions, mainly in SUDEP cases and in the STG region.

Significance

Neuronal labeling for pS6 in the STG correlated with both seizure activity in the period prior to death and SUDEP. Further investigations are required to explore the significance of this region in terms of autonomic network dysfunction that may increase the vulnerability for SUDEP.
Management and intelligent control of in‐flight fuel distribution in a commercial aircraft
Authors: Plaza Elías , Santos Matilde
Published: June 2022

Fuel management is an important issue in aviation for safety and efficiency reasons. This work develops an alternative solution based on an artificial intelligent technique to the fuel distribution management problem in commercial aircrafts. The fuel flow control amongst tanks during the flight is addressed. A fuzzy management system is implemented that decides the best fuel distribution based on safety criteria (keeping engines fed) and dynamic stability (placing the centre of gravity at the appropriate position), amongst other specifications. Expert knowledge is used to define the rules of the fuel fuzzy control, taking into account that the dynamics of the system changes, whilst fuel is being consumed. It has been simulated on a real long‐range‐type commercial aircraft with satisfactory results regarding stability, even in the case of internal malfunction (in pipes, pumps, or valves), and with external disturbances (engine failure). The knowledge‐based fuzzy control is able to maintain the centre of gravity position within the stability and manoeuvrability margins along the flight. Besides, the intelligent control strategy minimizes the action of the actuators, providing some advantages to the control solution.
Dynamic relationship network and international management of enterprise supply chain by particle swarm optimization algorithm under deep learning
Authors: Chen Min , Du Wenhu
Published: June 2022

The traditional enterprise decision evaluation model based on neural network has the problems of mismatch with the optimal solution and slow convergence speed. In order to enable companies to make decisions that are in line with changes in the market, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to optimize deep learning neural networks. Firstly, the model parameter setting is improved, and the inertia weight strategy of normal distribution attenuation is combined. On this basis, a normal distribution decay inertial weight particle swarm optimization (NDPSO) is proposed. The inertia weight of the optimized algorithm maintains a large value in the initial stage, which makes the PSO algorithm maintain a large step size in the optimization process and a small value in the later stage. Through experimental analysis, the trend parameter of the best normal distribution of the algorithm is obtained as 0.4433 and then using the detection function, the NDPSO algorithm is tested by two types of test functions. The NDPSO algorithm is compared with the optimization results of other algorithms which are optimized on the Sphere function. The minimum value of 554.29, the average value of 2032.11, and the standard deviation of 918.47, all of them are at the leading level. Taking into account other experimental results, it is proved that the normal distribution decay inertia weight can balance the global search and local development capabilities from the perspective of parameter improvement. It can speed up the convergence with ensuring the convergence accuracy. The improved PSO algorithm has certain optimization capabilities for neural network models. The use of optimized neural network models can enable companies to make decisions in line with changes in the market and optimize the dynamic relationship network of the company's supply chain, which is of great significance to the implementation of the company's international management.
Strategic importance of the Bergen‐Shetland Corridor to marine biology and oceanography of the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Lennox Robert J. , Junge Claudia , Reubens Jan , Omar Abdirahman , Skjelvan Ingunn , Vollset Knut Wiik
Published: June 2022

The North Sea is one of the busiest and most exploited marine areas on Earth and is home to many highly migratory and economically important species. At the northern boundary, a 300‐km corridor between Norway and Shetland forms a major egress point from the North Sea to the Norwegian Sea and broader Atlantic Ocean, which is known to be used by many focal species including Atlantic salmon, European eel, European sturgeon, Atlantic bluefin tuna, basking shark, Atlantic mackerel, spiny dogfish, among others. We argue that this relatively shallow 300‐km corridor is a critical area for ecological and oceanographic research in the North Sea to understand species distribution, migratory patterns, responses to climate, fisheries, and more. Instrumentation of the Bergen‐Shetland Corridor with a line of oceanographic and biological tracking infrastructure would help capture the spatiotemporal dynamics of the ocean and its major fauna between the North Sea and Norwegian Sea, a boundary between management areas from ICES and OSPAR.
Older adults' preferences for and actual situations of artificial hydration and nutrition in end‐of‐life care: An 11‐year follow‐up study in a care home
Authors: Wada Taizo , Ishimoto Yasuko , Hirayama Kiichi , Kato Emiko , Tatsuno Mai , Fujisawa Michiko , Kimura Yumi , Kasahara Yoriko , Fukutomi Eriko , Imai Hissei , Nakatsuka Masahiro , Nose Mitsuhiro , Iwasaki Masanori , Kakuta Satoko , Hirosaki Mayumi , Okumiya Kiyohito , Matsubayashi Kozo , Sakamoto Ryota
Published: June 2022

Aim

To clarify older adults' preferences for and actual situations of artificial hydration and nutrition (AHN) in end‐of‐life care in a care home.

Methods

Participants were residents of a care home who had completed advance directives regarding preferred methods of AHN from 2009 to 2018. Advance directives alone were available from April 2009 to June 2016 (Wave 1), and advance care planning for AHN including advance directives was introduced in July 2016 (Wave 2). AHN preferences included (i) intensive methods (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, nasogastric tube feeding and total parenteral nutrition), (ii) drip infusion, and (iii) oral intake only. Participants were followed until the end of 2020, and we checked whether decisions about AHN were based on older adults' preferences.

Results

In total, 272 participants had completed advance directives. Most participants preferred “oral intake only” (59.5%), followed by drip infusion (32.0%) and intensive methods (8.5%) in advance directives. Ninety of the 272 participants completed advance directives twice; 83.3% did not change their AHN preferences from Wave 1 to Wave 2. By the end of 2020, 93 of the 272 participants died in the care home. AHN was provided according to older adults' preferences in 48.9% (oral intake only), in 51.4% (drip infusion) and in 55.6% (intensive methods) of cases respectively.

Conclusions

Most participants preferred oral intake only, and their preferences were reflected in decisions about actual situations of AHN in end‐of‐life care. To prepare for advanced dementia and senility, early advance care planning for AHN should be promoted. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 581–587.
Depth‐Profiling Determinations of Rare Earth Element Abundances and U‐Pb Ages from Zircon Crystals Using Sensitivity‐Enhanced Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Time of Flight‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Nakazato Masaki , Asanuma Hisashi , Niki Sota , Iwano Hideki , Hirata Takafumi
Published: June 2022

Depth‐profiling measurements of both the abundances of rare earth elements (REEs) and U‐Pb ages from zircons were conducted using a time‐of‐flight based inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer (ICP‐ToF‐MS) coupled with laser ablation sampling. To improve ion transmission, a dry plasma cone from Nu Instruments was applied to the ICP‐ToF‐MS system employed. The signal‐to‐noise ratios for the analytes were further improved using a multiple spot‐laser ablation (msLA) protocol. Moreover, constructing a ‘moat’ around an analysis area obviated the risk of mixing of particles released from different layers. With the technique developed here, reproducible analyses of REE abundances and U‐Pb ages for three reference material zircons (91500, Plešovice and OD‐3) were performed for sampling depths in the range 0.59–0.66 μm. The present technique was also applied to zircon samples collected from the Himalayan orogen. The combination of REE abundances and U‐Pb isotopic ratios suggested that the discordant trend in U‐Pb isotopic ratios observed in this study was mainly due to mixing among three components in grains (thin outer layer, inner rim and core). The geochemical data obtained demonstrate that the combination of the msLA technique and ICP‐ToF‐MS system is a powerful tool to decode the multiple thermal events contributing to sample formation.
The significance of trying: How organizational members meet the ambiguities of diversity
Authors: Risberg Annette , Corvellec Hervé
Published: June 2022

We address the uncertain outcomes of diversity work in organizations by showing that diversity management does not let itself be reduced to a matter of success and failure. Drawing upon theories of ambiguities in organizations and 2.5 years of longitudinal fieldwork in a Swedish municipality, we show that ambiguities characterize diversity work, including what diversity encompasses, the goals of diversity management, and its outcomes. To account for these ambiguities, we suggest approaching diversity management in terms of trying rather than outcomes. First, focusing on trying emphasizes that working with diversity entails a shifting, relative, and tension‐filled notion. Second, it brings forth the tentative performativity of diversity management. Third, it opens up ways of looking at diversity in the workplace beyond a reductionist dichotomy between success and failure. Diversity work has no clear end, but this lack of an endpoint does not call into question its raison d'être. On the contrary, it makes it a reason to insist on trying to strive for enhancing diversity.
Communicating decisions about care with patients and companions in emergency department consultations
Authors: Cooper Silvie , Stevenson Fiona
Published: June 2022

Introduction

This paper explores doctor–patient and companion communication about care decisions in a UK emergency department (ED). Doctors interface between patients and healthcare systems and facilitate access to care across a range of encounters, drawing on information and authority to make and communicate clinical care decisions.

Materials and Methods

We explored characteristics of communication through ethnographic observation of 16 video‐recorded case studies of ED consultations (average length: 1 h) collected over 6 months. Companions were present in 10 cases. We conducted a framework analysis to understand the roles of doctors, consultants, patients and companions in relaying ED care decisions.

Findings

We present two cases to reflect companion roles and their effect on the consultation. The urgency for care and scarcity of resources means clinicians justify decisions and strategize to move patients along ED pathways.

Discussion

Everyday care interactions between patients and doctors are goal‐oriented and companions participate by providing case information, querying decisions and advocating for care. Our findings reflect how doctors justify decisions made in communicating the next steps in ways that characterize the clinical encounter.

Conclusion

By exploring everyday interactions our study contributes to a growing understanding of patient–clinician and companion communication in the ED.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and caregivers voluntarily participated in data collection and consented to video recordings being conducted of ED consultations between them and junior doctors. There was extensive consultation with all grades of staff about the acceptability of the work and the best way to conduct it to minimize the impact on patients and staff. Through this manuscript, we have demonstrated the presence and important role of companions. On reflection it would have been valuable to have included patients and companions in discussions about the work; however, this project was conducted with very limited funding and no resources were committed to patient and public involvement. Given the setting and scope of the study, it was not feasible to involve patients or members of the public in other stages of the research or preparation of the manuscript. We recognize this as a potential limitation of the work.
Factors influencing oral health behaviours, access and delivery of dental care for autistic children and adolescents: A mixed‐methods systematic review
Authors: Erwin Jo , Paisi Martha , Neill Sarah , Burns Lorna , Vassallo Isaac , Nelder Abigail , Facenfield Jemma , Devalia Urshla , Vassallo Tara , Witton Robert
Published: June 2022

Background

Autistic children and young people (CYP) experience oral health (OH) inequalities. They are at high risk of dental disease and show significant levels of unmet need in relation to OH and access to dental care.

Aim

This study aimed to gather evidence on the factors that influence OH behaviours, access to and delivery of dental care for autistic CYP.

Design

This was a mixed‐methods narrative systematic review.

Data Sources

Embase, Web of Science, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, MEDLINE, Psychinfo, Scopus, CINAHL, SocINDEX and grey literature were the data sources for this study.

Review Methods

A systematic search was conducted for qualitative, quantitative and mixed‐methods research studies from countries with a High Development Index that related to OH behaviours, access to and delivery of dental care for autistic CYP. Results were analysed using narrative synthesis.

Results

From 59 eligible studies, 9 themes were generated: (1) affordability and accessibility; (2) autism‐related factors and cognitive or motor skill differences; (3) the dental environment; (4) managing CYP's behaviour; (5) responding and adapting to the needs of the autistic CYP and their parent/carer; (6) attitude of dental health professionals (DHPs) towards autistic CYP and their parents/carers; (7) knowledge of how to care for and support CYP's OH; (8) empowerment of parents/carers and collaboration with DHPs; and (9) communication and building rapport.

Conclusion

The adoption of healthy OH behaviours and access to dental care by autistic CYP is impacted by a range of factors including those intrinsically related to a diagnosis of autism, for example, communication and those often associated with autism, for example, sensory sensitivities. Access to better OH and dental care can be facilitated by responding to the individual needs of autistic CYP through accommodation, education and adaptation. This necessitates greater awareness and knowledge of autism amongst DHPs and the provision of appropriate services. More methodologically robust intervention studies are needed to identify effective ways to support autistic CYP in achieving good OH and access to dental care.

Patient and Public Contribution

The review protocol was developed with members of the project patient and public involvement group who provided the autistic voice, contributing to the interpretation of the review findings and writing of the manuscript.
Using cocreated visually informed community mental health education in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A case study of youth substance misuse in Assam, India
Authors: Duara Raginie , Chowdhury Diptarup , Dey Ratul , Goswami Sangeeta , Madill Anna
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Our aim is to evaluate the visually informed community mental health education materials cocreated in our research on youth substance misuse in Assam, India, and to reflect on what we might learn for similar initiatives in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

Materials consist of: (i) images participants brought to the interview; (ii) 30 posters cocreated by participants to convey key messages from their interview; (iii) six short films on the implications of addiction, and (iv) an animation of our Pathways to Recovery model. We also created a community education package that incorporated these materials. We analyse feedback from three groups of events and a social media campaign, which drew variably across our materials and engaged a range of audiences.

Results

Outcomes indicate the cocreation process and focus on the visual was successful in promoting young people's voice, increasing awareness and has potential for stigma reduction. Our educational package was deemed useful in increasing awareness and has potential for prevention and treatment.

Conclusions

Our case study offers insights into community mental health education in low‐ and middle‐income countries, confirming the importance of cocreation, the usefulness of visual materials and the potential of social media campaigns while acknowledging the importance of local context in health messaging, particularly for stigmatized topics.

Patient or Public Contribution

Service users were involved in the cocreation of the materials evaluated in this study and contributed as presenters in one of the events reported. Members of the public took part in events in which the materials were shared and provided us with the feedback analysed in this article.
Electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of porous silicon carbide ceramics with a boron carbide additive
Authors: Kultayeva Shynar , Kim Young‐Wook
Published: June 2022

The effects of the boron carbide (B4C) content and sintering atmosphere on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of porous silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics were investigated in the porosity range of 58.3%–70.3%. The electrical resistivities of the nitrogen‐sintered porous SiC ceramics (∼10–1 Ω·cm) were two orders of magnitude lower than those of argon‐sintered porous SiC ceramics (∼101 Ω·cm). Both the thermal conductivities (3.3–19.8 W·m–1·K–1) and flexural strengths (8.1–32.9 MPa) of the argon‐ and nitrogen‐sintered porous SiC ceramics increased as the B4C content increased, owing to the decreased porosity and increased necking area between SiC grains. The electrical resistivity of the porous SiC ceramics was primarily controlled by the sintering atmosphere owing to the N‐doping from the nitrogen atmosphere, and secondarily by the B4C content, owing to the B‐doping from the B4C. In contrast, the thermal conductivity and flexural strength were dependent on both the porosity and necking area, as influenced by both the sintering atmosphere and B4C content. These results suggest that it is possible to decouple the electrical resistivity from the thermal conductivity by judicious selection of the B4C content and sintering atmosphere.
Mechanical properties of ion‐exchanged alkali aluminosilicate glass
Authors: Nunes Bruno , Pinho Inês , Cruz Fernandes Jorge , Almeida Rui M. , Santos Luis F.
Published: June 2022

Aluminosilicate glasses present good optical and mechanical properties, but their mechanical behavior can be further improved by thermal or chemical treatments, making them suitable for applications requiring high hardness and fracture strength, for example, laptop monitors or mobile phone screens. A lithium aluminosilicate composition was prepared, and ion exchanged in a KNO3 bath at different temperatures for various times. Density and UV–vis transmission were measured before and after ion exchange of the glass, together with the mechanical properties, namely, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, shear modulus, Vickers hardness, indentation fracture toughness, and equi‐biaxial bending strength, whose results were treated by Weibull statistics. The initial glass composition presented a Vickers hardness of 620 ± 10 HV, a Young's modulus of 87 ± 1 GPa, and a fracture toughness of 1.7 ± .1 MPa.m1/2. After ion exchange, the Vickers hardness of the glass increased to average values of 716 HV for 12 h at 450°C and 728 HV for 30 h at 420°C, while the fracture toughness increased to 2.2 ± .1 MPa.m1/2, confirming the improvement of the mechanical properties. These results have been compared with two commercial glasses: a monitor glass from a laptop computer and a glass normally used in mobile phone screens.
Do situational characteristics affect the validity of personality situational judgment items?
Authors: Golubovich Juliya , Lake Christopher J. , Seybert Jacob , Anguiano‐Carrasco Cristina
Published: June 2022

There is an ongoing debate about the value of the situational portion (“stems”) of situational judgment (SJT) test items. This study addresses whether a set of situational cues intentionally written into the stems of personality SJT items can influence how the response options are interpreted and consequently, enhance these options’ construct validity with external measures. The response options’ trait expression as scaled by raters was the main determinant of the options’ validity, but situational cues in the stems also explained meaningful amounts of incremental variability in validity coefficients.
Genomic architecture and sexually dimorphic expression underlying immunity in the red mason bee, Osmia bicornis
Authors: Möllmann Jannik S. , Colgan Thomas J.
Published: June 2022

Insect pollinators provide crucial ecosystem services yet face increasing environmental pressures. The challenges posed by novel and reemerging pathogens on bee health means we need to improve our understanding of the immune system, an important barrier to infections and disease. Despite the importance of solitary bees, which are ecologically relevant, our understanding of the genomic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying their immune potential, and how intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence it is limited. To improve our understanding of the genomic architecture underlying immunity of a key solitary bee pollinator, we characterized putative immune genes of the red mason bee, Osmia bicornis. In addition, we used publicly available RNA‐seq datasets to determine how sexes differ in immune gene expression and splicing but also how pesticide exposure may affect immune gene expression in females. Through comparative genomics, we reveal an evolutionarily conserved set of more than 500 putative immune‐related genes. We found genome‐wide patterns of sex‐biased gene expression, with greater enrichment of immune‐related processes among genes with higher constitutive expression in males than females. Our results also suggest an up‐regulation of immune‐related genes in response to exposure to two common neonicotinoids, thiacloprid and imidacloprid. Collectively, our study provides important insights into the gene repertoire, regulation and expression differences in the sexes of O. bicornis, as well as providing additional support for how neonicotinoids can affect immune gene expression, which may affect the capacity of solitary bees to respond to pathogenic threats.
Universal Health Coverage and Social Health Protection: Policy relevance to health system financing reforms
Authors: Bayarsaikhan Dorjsuren , Tessier Lou , Ron Aviva
Published: June 2022

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Social Health Protection (SHP) are key policy foci that cut across all dimensions of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda. Understanding of these two concepts, their fundamentals and relations would improve health policy development and implementation to attain UHC and effectively protect the health of people and save lives and livelihoods. The COVID‐19 pandemic has provided useful lessons to improve multi‐sector activities to strengthen and finance health and social protection systems. The aim of this article is to provide conceptual clarity on the contribution of the global frameworks on SHP to the policy goal of UHC. In doing so, the article contributes to health financing and social security related policy discussions and advocates for much needed integrated policy actions at global as well as country levels. It discusses the origins of the two concepts and the relevance of SHP to health systems financing for UHC. Although country situations differ, the main findings, especially for low‐ and middle‐income countries, are highlighted and summarized.
Comparing running vs interrupted sutures for skin closure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Wenhao , Tao Yinjie , Wang Yawen , Ouyang Zhaolian , Huang Jiuzuo , Long Xiao
Published: June 2022

Continuous sutures and interrupted sutures have been widely applied to skin closure after non‐obstetric surgery or traumatic wounds. Usually, continuous sutures were divided into transdermal or subcuticular sutures according to whether the stitches were placed through or below the epidermal layer. Interrupted sutures, on the other hand, involved penetration of the loose connective tissue beneath the skin layers, with stitches placed through the external skin layer. Complications including infection, dehiscence, and poor cosmetic appearance were not rare after suturing. Whether a suture method is a suitable option for rapid wound healing and long‐term cosmetic appearance remains controversial. To examine the potential benefits and harms of continuous skin sutures vs interrupted skin sutures in non‐obstetric surgery or traumatic wounds. Searching websites such as PubMed, the Cochrane Central Library, Web of Science and Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched up to 5 January 2022 and were assessed and guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis rules as well as guidelines. All relevant randomised controlled studies comparing continuous sutures with interrupted sutures of skin closure were analysed. The suture techniques and material used in each trial were recorded. The transdermal and subcuticular continuous sutures were separately compared with interrupted sutures in the subgroup analysis of dehiscence and cosmetic appearance because the visual appearance of these two continuous suturing techniques was significantly different. Ten studies including 1181 participants were analysed. Subcuticular continuous sutures had comparatively higher visual analogue scale (VAS) scores among patients and doctors than interrupted sutures (OR = 0.27, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] = 0. 07‐0.47, P < .01). Similarly, priority was found regarding transdermal continuous sutures and interrupted sutures (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21‐0.60, P < .01). Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated relevant data about dehiscence events. The incidence of continuous suture was significantly lesser than that of interrupted suture (OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.07‐0.37, P < .01). There was no significant difference between the infection events rates of two suture methods (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.40‐1.21, P = .62, I2 = 0%). This systematic review indicated the superiority of both transdermal and subcutaneous continuous sutures over interrupted sutures in skin closure in terms of wound healing and cosmetic appearance.
Rapid pressureless sintering of barium titanate–based piezoceramics and their electromechanical harvesting performance
Authors: Bijalwan Vijay , Prajzler Vladimír , Erhart Jiří , Velazquez Jose J. , Galusek Dušan , Maca Karel
Published: June 2022

The innovative method of processing of Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 (BCZT), Ba0.95Ca0.05Ti0.91Sn0.09O3 (BCST), and BCZT doped with 0.07‐wt.% CeO2 (Ce‐BCZT) lead‐free piezoceramics is presented. The rapid pressureless sintering (RPLS) technique can reduce high‐temperature processing time more than eight times compared to the conventional sintering. RPLS was performed at a heating and cooling rate of 100°C/min up to 1550°C with 15‐, 30‐, 45‐, and 60‐min dwell times, producing defect and crack‐free nearly dense ceramics. The optimal microstructure exhibiting the highest piezoelectric constant was reached after 30 min in BCZT (grain size 25–30 μm, d33 = 428 pC/N), 45 min in Ce‐BCZT (grain size 30–35 μm, d33 = 515 pC/N), and 45 min of dwell time in BCST (grain size 58–68 μm, d33 = 443 pC/N). The highly competitive energy‐harvesting properties were discovered for BCZT, resp. Ce‐BCZT (ƞ = 94.5, resp. 93.4%, FOMoff = 6.1, resp. 7.8 × 10−10 m2/N) ceramics.
P‐doped MoS2/Ni2P/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Ma Wansen , Liu Dong , Gao Feiyu , Lv Zepeng , Lv Xuewei , Li Yong , You Yang , Dang Jie
Published: June 2022

By combining the advantages of doping to change the electronic structure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), transition metal phosphides, and MXene, we proposed the idea of designing and preparing a new type of composite material, P‐doped MoS2/Ni2P/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures (denoted as P@MNTC), to serve as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst of electrochemical water splitting. The as‐prepared P@MNTC heterostructures show a significant HER activity with an overpotential of 120 mV at 10 mA cm–2 in alkaline electrolyte, with decreasing 105 and 125 mV compared with those of MoS2 and MXene, respectively. The density functional theory indicates that the P doping and synergy effect of Ti3C2Tx can enhance the activation of MoS2 and thus promote dissociation and absorption of H2O during HER process. This strategy provides a promising way to develop high‐efficiency MoS2‐ and Ti3C2Tx‐based composite catalysts for alkaline HER.
From Janusz Korczak’s Democratic Pedagogy to Sharon Lockhart’s Artistic Project: Pedagogical Inspiration in Contemporary Art
Authors: Kwiatkowska‐Tybulewicz Barbara
Published: June 2022

The aim of this article is to present pedagogical inspirations in contemporary art. In pedagogical research and analyses, we more frequently pose questions about the artistic inspirations for educational theory and practice. In the face of the educational turn in contemporary art and culture, it is worth considering inspiration in the opposite direction. The article discusses the project Little Review by the American artist Sharon Lockhart, which was shown during the 57th Venice Biennale of Art (2017). This artistic project was inspired by the democratic and alternative pedagogy of a Polish pedagogue of Jewish origin, Janusz Korczak, who was active before World War II. The characteristic element of such projects, which sit on the border of art and education, is their reference to radical pedagogy and alternative teaching and learning. Today, artists using educational methods look not to official conventional education for inspiration but to non‐formal and alternative models. The Little Review is a good example of this type of inspiration in artistic activity. The article briefly presents the democratic pedagogy of Korczak and indicates its influence on the artistic project realised by Sharon Lockhart. It demonstrates the significant opportunities offered by this type of artistic and educational interweaving for both art and education.
Effect of thermotherapy, Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli titres, sugarcane genotype and diagnostic techniques on ratoon stunt control in Brazil
Authors: Andreato Caroline , Gazaffi Rodrigo , Oliveira Maysa Mariano Aguiar , Camargo Luis Eduardo Aranha , Urashima Alfredo Seiiti
Published: June 2022

Aims

To examine the interaction of diagnostic techniques, initial titres of Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx), sugarcane genotype and thermotherapy on ratoon stunt (RSD) control.

Methods and Results

Single buds of RB867515, RB92579 and RB966928 were submitted to 50°C/2 h or 52°C/30 min under factorial block design and five replications; results were checked 9 months later by serological (DBI) and molecular (PCR) techniques. A 10,000 bootstrapping simulations were performed to infer the best plot size based on the experimental coefficient of variation. Analysis of variance showed significance only on initial Lxx titres and RSD control. Despite the absence of significance in the overall analysis, minor differences in control success with different methods and cultivars are predicted to have a major epidemiological impact on RSD, considering successive harvests and vegetative increase. According to an epidemiological interpretation, the 50°C/2 h treatment was more effective, cultivar RB966928 was the most susceptible and the PCR-based method was the most sensitive for pathogen detection. The minimum required plants per plot was 15, indicating high precision of our experiment

Conclusions

Data interpretation considered both the statistical analysis and the epidemiology aspect of RSD in order to improve RSD management. The Brazilian sugarcane industry will benefit from this approach since it is not using it.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This is the first study that examined multiple factors that affect RSD control. Our work pinpointed the importance of the thermotherapy, its best combination as well as the diagnostic test. Also, the effect of the cultivar to respond to management strategies. Because the epidemiological aspect of RSD was taken into consideration, results of our work can have an impact on RSD control in the field.
Role of plasma phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Zecca Chiara , Dell’Abate Maria Teresa , Pasculli Giuseppe , Capozzo Rosa , Barone Roberta , Arima Serena , Pollice Alessio , Brescia Vincenzo , Tortelli Rosanna , Logroscino Giancarlo
Published: June 2022

The phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) is a promising biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We examined plasma pNfH concentrations in order to corroborate its role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in ALS. Incident ALS cases enrolled in a population‐based registry were retrospectively selected and matched by sex and age with a cohort of healthy volunteers. Plasma pNfH levels were measured by an ELISA kit and correlated with clinical parameters. Discrimination ability of pNfH was tested using receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used for survival analysis. Plasma pNfH was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. An optimal cut‐off of 39.74 pg/ml discriminated cases from controls with an elevated sensitivity and specificity. Bulbar‐onset cases had higher plasma pNfH compared to spinal onset (p = 0.0033). Furthermore, plasma pNfH positively correlated with disease progression rate (r = 0.19, p = 0.031). Baseline plasma pNfH did not influence survival in our cohort. Our findings confirmed the potential utility of plasma pNfH as a diagnostic biomarker in ALS. However, further studies with longitudinal data are needed to corroborate its prognostic value.