bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of social support on attitudes towards inclusive education and self‐efficacy among pre‐service special education teachers in Egypt
Authors: Elwakil Fayrouz Ramadan
Published: March 2024

The primary socializing agents have been found to play a key role in shaping teachers' attitudes. In the realm of inclusive education (IE), one of the most extensively researched themes is teachers' attitudes regarding inclusion. Contrary to a plethora of attitudinal studies that are solely concentrating on describing teacher attitudes, the present study sought to investigate the perceived social support (PSS) perceptions of pre‐service special education teachers in terms of their attitudes towards inclusive education and their self‐efficacy beliefs (TSE). The population of this correlational research design study consists of 525 pre‐service special education teachers from six different colleges of education in Egypt's northern, central and southern big cities. Using a correlation technique and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, the research data were analysed. The findings revealed that the PSS scales' sub‐dimensions indicate having a significant and positive relationship with TSE as well as attitudes towards IE. In addition, research revealed that pre‐service special education teachers' PSS significantly predicted their TSE beliefs and attitudes towards IE. The study's findings reflect crucial implications for teacher education policymakers in addressing pre‐service teachers' needs of professional learning programmes that should include a career development stage targeted at generating socially supportive role models.
Unfulfilled and method‐specific contraceptive preferences among reproductive‐aged contraceptive users in Arizona, Iowa, New Jersey, and Wisconsin
Authors: Kavanaugh Megan L. , Hussain Rubina , Little Ashley C.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To identify characteristics associated with unfulfilled contraceptive preferences, document reasons for these unfulfilled preferences, and examine how these unfulfilled preferences vary across specific method users.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We draw on secondary baseline data from 4660 reproductive‐aged contraceptive users in the Arizona, Iowa, New Jersey, and Wisconsin Surveys of Women (SoWs), state‐representative surveys fielded between October 2018 and August 2020 across the four states.

Study Design

This is an observational cross‐sectional study, which examined associations between individuals' reproductive health‐related experiences and contraceptive preferences, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Our primary outcome of interest is having an unfulfilled contraceptive preference, and a key independent variable is experience of high‐quality contraceptive care. We also examine specific contraceptive method preferences according to current method used, as well as reasons for not using a preferred method.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Survey respondents who indicated use of any contraceptive method within the last 3 months prior to the survey were eligible for inclusion in this analysis.

Principal Findings

Overall, 23% reported preferring to use a method other than their current method, ranging from 17% in Iowa to 26% in New Jersey. Young age (18–24), using methods not requiring provider involvement, and not receiving quality contraceptive care were key attributes associated with unfulfilled contraceptive preferences. Those using emergency contraception and fertility awareness‐based methods had some of the highest levels of unfulfilled contraceptive preferences, while pills, condoms, partner vasectomy, and IUDs were identified as the most preferred methods. Reasons for not using preferred contraceptive methods fell largely into one of two buckets: system‐level or interpersonal/individual reasons.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that avenues for decreasing the gap between contraceptive methods used and those preferred to be used may lie with healthcare providers and funding streams that support the delivery of contraceptive care.
Exploring the link between economic growth, energy consumption, and environmental pollution in G20
Authors: Alakbarov Naib , Gündüz Murat , Şaşmaz Mahmut Ünsal
Published: March 2024

This study examined the interplay between economic growth and environmental pollution in G20 countries, employing panel data analysis techniques. The primary aim was to assess the validity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis using contemporary econometric methods, while considering the pertinent literature. Preliminary findings of the study affirm the EKC hypothesis, which posits that environmental pollution initially escalates with economic growth but diminishes after surpassing a specific income threshold. Nevertheless, upon integrating per capita energy consumption into the analysis, the descending trajectory postulated in the inverted U‐shaped hypothesis emerged as statistically non‐significant. This undermines the EKC hypothesis's assertion that industrialized nations with elevated per capita incomes predominantly contribute to reduced environmental pollution. Consequently, in the context of developed nations, this research bolsters the prevailing consensus in scholarly discourse that economic growth augments resource consumption, thereby adversely impacting environmental quality.
Laparoscopy versus laparotomy in the management of abdominal trauma
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Mostafa Maghraby , Kabbash Mansour Mohammed , Al‐Bokhary Abdullah Abd El‐Rasoul Al‐Noby , Rayan Yasser Mohammed Seddeik
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare, evaluate and manage abdominal trauma using two distinct surgical techniques: laparoscopy and laparotomy. The aim was to assess the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic procedures compared with laparotomy for treating penetrating or blunt abdominal trauma.

Methodology

In this prospective comparative study, we recruited 60 patients clinically diagnosed with abdominal trauma. The research was conducted at the Emergency Unit of the Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Aswan University Hospital. All participants provided signed informed consent before their inclusion in the study.

Results

There was a significant statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the operation duration, length of stay in the intensive care unit post‐operatively, occurrence of gas passage and duration of hospitalisation.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgical procedures present a viable and practical alternative to laparotomy in appropriate cases for patients. The decision to choose laparoscopy as a surgical approach should depend on the surgeon's proficiency and the availability of required resources.
Variation by race/ethnicity‐gender in the relationship between arrest history and alcohol use
Authors: Jurinsky Jordan , Christie‐Mizell C. André
Published: March 2024

Background

Alcohol use contributes to the national burden of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Arrest, as a unique form of criminal justice system involvement, may be related to alcohol use from adolescence to adulthood. This study investigates the relationship between arrest and alcohol use across race/ethnicity‐gender (R/E‐G) status (e.g., Black, Latinx, and White men and women) as youth age.

Methods

Data from 17 waves (1997–2015) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 cohort (N = 8901) were used to explore how variation in R/E‐G moderates the relationship between arrest history and alcohol use trajectories from 13 to 30 years old. Multilevel zero‐inflated Poisson and Poisson regression were used to assess R/E‐G variation in the relationship between arrest history and days of alcohol consumption, drinks per drinking occasion, and days of binge drinking after accounting for covariates, including incarceration.

Results

The findings indicate that an arrest history is associated with alcohol use, and these results varied by R/E‐G status, age, and alcohol use outcome. Those with an arrest history reported more days of drinking than their counterparts without an arrest; yet, the magnitude and direction of average drinks per occasion and binge drinking days varied by R/E‐G status and age. Paradoxically, Black men, Black women, and Latinx men with an arrest history reported fewer days of binge drinking as they aged than their counterparts without an arrest.

Conclusions

A history of arrest is important for alcohol use from adolescence to adulthood and varies by R/E‐G status, age, and alcohol use outcome. This work confirms previous scholarship showing that arrest and alcohol use are socially patterned and R/E‐G status is an essential consideration in understanding the relationship. Future work should include additional identities and health behaviors and the consequences related to alcohol use outcomes.
The impact of stapled compared to handsewn repair on anastomotic outcomes in trauma patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Le Khang Duy Ricky , Martin Katherine , Read David
Published: March 2024

Background

Approach to enteric anastomotic technique has been a subject of debate, with no clear consensus as to whether handsewn or stapled techniques are superior in trauma settings, which are influenced by unique perturbances to important processes such as immune function, coagulation, wound healing and response to infection. This systematic review and meta‐analysis compares the risk of anastomotic complications in trauma patients with gastrointestinal injury requiring restoration of continuity with handsewn versus staples approaches.

Methods

A comprehensive computer assisted search of electronic databases Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central was performed. Comparative studies evaluating stapled versus handsewn gastrointestinal anastomoses in trauma patients were included in this review. All anastomoses involving small intestine to small intestine, small to large intestine, and large intestine to large intestine were eligible. Anastomosis to the rectum was excluded. Outcomes evaluated were (1) anastomotic leak (AL) (2) a composite anastomotic complication (CAC) end point consisting of AL, enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) and deep abdominal abscess.

Results

Eight studies involving 931 patients were included and of these patients, data from 790 patients were available for analysis. There was no significant difference identified for anastomotic leak between the two groups (OR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.24–2.45; P = 0.66). There was no significant improvement in composite anastomotic complication; defined as a composite of anastomotic leak, deep intra‐abdominal abscess and intra‐abdominal fistula, in the stapled anastomosis group (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 0.53–2.09; P = 0.90). Overall, there was limited evidence to suggest superiority with handsewn or stapled anastomosis for improving AL or CAC, however this was based on studies of moderate to high risk of bias with poor control for confounders.

Discussion

This meta‐analysis demonstrates no superiority improvement in anastomotic outcomes with handsewn or stapled repair. These findings may represent no effect in anastomotic outcome by technique for all situations. However, considering the paucity of information on potential confounders, perhaps there is a difference in outcome with overall technique or for specific subgroups that have not been described due to limited sample size and data on confounders. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend an anastomotic technique in trauma.
Enhancing interprofessional collaboration in paediatric training: Insights from profession‐specific experiences and implications for future education
Authors: Schwarz Hannah , Zahler Katharina , Schmid Martin , Beichler Helmut , Berger Angelika , Wagner‐Menghin Michaela , Wagner Michael
Published: March 2024

Aim

There is limited evidence on trainees' and instructors' needs and perspectives concerning interprofessional simulation‐based trainings. We aimed to study task distribution among team members, profession‐specific learning effects and enhancing collaboration and competencies within medical teams.

Methods

This prospective study examined expectations and experiences of medical and nursing students during paediatric emergency training in a tertiary care centre with questionnaires before and after a training. Further, expert interviews were conducted to identify the needs for interprofessional training. Results were used to design a standardised checklist for structured preparation of interprofessional paediatric emergency management training.

Results

Of the nursing students, 82% initially intended to assume the role of the team leader, but only 5.8% did so during training. Both professions emphasised the significance of effective communication and transparent task distribution for successful collaboration. Experts highlighted the importance of proficiency in basic technical skills and identified non‐technical skills such as closed‐loop communication and the 10‐4‐10 principle as crucial for both professions.

Conclusion

The study revealed profession‐specific variations in the intention of acquiring the team leader or member role. Interprofessional training emerges as a potential strategy to dismantle these structures and promote shared responsibilities. The checklist aims to facilitate structured preparation of a training.
Four millennia of garnet trade in Northeast Africa—chemical analysis of ancient and Late Antiquity beads from Lower Nubian sites
Authors: Gilg H. Albert , Then‐Obłuska Joanna , Dussubieux Laure
Published: March 2024

Raman spectroscopy and laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry were used to characterize the chemical composition of 34 red garnet beads from Lower Nubian sites, dated between about 3200 BCE and 600 CE. All beads from the A‐Group to the Meroitic period feature a similar calcium‐poor almandine composition (69%–78% almandine, 15%–22% pyrope, 2%–6% grossular, 3%–9% spessartine), which differs from other calcium‐poor almandine garnet types, sourced mostly from Indian deposits in Antiquity. The Nubian beads constitute a new garnet type, named “cluster I”, featuring high yttrium (180 to 1205 ppm), moderately low chromium (13–70 ppm), and high scandium (119–213 ppm) concentrations. Their compositions match with previous and two new analyses from two alluvial garnet deposits, Wadi El‐Haraz and Wadi Abu Dom, near the Fourth Cataract of the Nile in Upper Nubia, about 670 km as the crow flies from the Lower Nubian graves. Garnet trade between the Bayuda desert and Lower Nubia sites, and possibly even Egypt, flourished for almost four millennia. Northeastern Africa is the cradle for the oldest use of a gemstone that is harder than quartz—the red almandine garnet.

A Post‐Meroitic bead, the youngest in the assembly, displays an unusual faceting, a diamond tipped drill hole, excellent polish, distinct short‐ and long‐prismatic colorless mineral inclusions, and a calcium‐ and manganese‐poor pyrope composition. This suggests that it was not of a local, Nubian, production, but imported, most probably from a South Asian site.
The direct and indirect effects of social rejection during school years on social dominance orientation
Authors: Maor Rotem
Published: March 2024

Social dominance orientation (SDO) refers to the degree to which people support the superiority of an ingroup over outgroups and oppose equality. It has been consistently found to be a strong predictor of negative attitudes toward disadvantaged groups. Therefore, understanding the factors that predict SDO might be the first step in reducing negative attitudes toward these groups and promoting equality. The purpose of this study is to examine whether childhood experiences of being a victim of social rejection can predict SDO in adulthood. An additional goal is to examine whether empathic concern and resilience can mediate this association. Using a quantitative method, a questionnaire that tested social rejection during school years, SDO, empathic concern, and resilience was administered to 589 Israeli adults. In accordance with the hypotheses, social rejection was found to be a predictor of SDO after adjusting for gender and religion, mediated by empathic concern and resilience. The findings of the current study contribute to social dominance theory since they demonstrate for the first time that social rejection at school has direct and indirect effects on SDO through empathic concern and resilience.
Barriers to adopting intracorporeal anastomosis in colorectal procedures amongst Australian general surgeons
Authors: Patel Meet , Naseem Zainab
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Minimally invasive colonic anastomosis can be performed intracorporeally or extracorporeally with laparoscopic or robotic assistance. In colorectal surgery, choosing the optimal approach is still controversial. Mainly, the debate involves balancing the potential benefits of intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) with increased technical difficultly with the more straightforward and widely accepted extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA). Both techniques require different skill sets, and this study aims to identify barriers that prevent adoption of ICA.

Methods

A 31‐point questionnaire survey was distributed through the General Surgeons Australia (GSA) platform of active general surgeon in Australia. It was open for 2 months between July and August 2023. Statistical analysis was completed using descriptive analysis and logistic regression.

Results

Forty‐three general surgeons completed the survey. ECA was the most performed and preferred surgical technique. It was identified that increased operative time is the biggest barrier to completing ICA followed by lack of training and no perceived benefit with ICA. Patient comorbidities did not result in choosing ICA over ECA; however, surgeons with less experience and volume in colorectal surgery were more likely complete ECA in operations with increased technical difficulty.

Conclusion

Although ECA is the go‐to technique for many Australian general surgeons, it is evident that they may be overlooking the benefits offered by ICA. Further training is required to improve operative times and confidence in the technique. Ongoing research, audits of existing techniques, and updated training will assist surgeons becoming acquainted with the latest evidence and to offer the best care to their patients.
Neuropathological stage‐dependent proteome mapping of the olfactory tract in Alzheimer's disease: From early olfactory‐related omics signatures to computational repurposing of drug candidates
Authors: Cartas‐Cejudo Paz , Cortés Adriana , Lachén‐Montes Mercedes , Anaya‐Cubero Elena , Puerta Elena , Solas Maite , Fernández‐Irigoyen Joaquín , Santamaría Enrique
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by an early olfactory dysfunction, progressive memory loss, and behavioral deterioration. Albeit substantial progress has been made in characterizing AD‐associated molecular and cellular events, there is an unmet clinical need for new therapies. In this study, olfactory tract proteotyping performed in controls and AD subjects (n = 17/group) showed a Braak stage‐dependent proteostatic impairment accompanied by the progressive modulation of amyloid precursor protein and tau functional interactomes. To implement a computational repurposing of drug candidates with the capacity to reverse early AD‐related olfactory omics signatures (OMSs), we generated a consensual OMSs database compiling differential omics datasets obtained by mass‐spectrometry or RNA‐sequencing derived from initial AD across the olfactory axis. Using the Connectivity Map‐based drug repurposing approach, PKC, EGFR, Aurora kinase, Glycogen synthase kinase, and CDK inhibitors were the top pharmacologic classes capable to restore multiple OMSs, whereas compounds with targeted activity to inhibit PI3K, Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), microtubules, and Polo‐like kinase (PLK) represented a family of drugs with detrimental potential to induce olfactory AD‐associated gene expression changes. To validate the potential therapeutic effects of the proposed drugs, in vitro assays were performed. These validation experiments revealed that pretreatment of human neuron‐like SH‐SY5Y cells with the EGFR inhibitor AG‐1478 showed a neuroprotective effect against hydrogen peroxide‐induced damage while the pretreatment with the Aurora kinase inhibitor Reversine reduced amyloid‐beta (Aβ)‐induced neurotoxicity. Taken together, our data pointed out that OMSs may be useful as substrates for drug repurposing to propose novel neuroprotective treatments against AD.
Parents' and classmates' influences on adolescents' ethnic prejudice: A longitudinal multi‐informant study
Authors: Bobba Beatrice , Branje Susan , Crocetti Elisabetta
Published: March 2024

The family and classroom are important contexts that can contribute to the socialization of ethnic prejudice. However, less is known about their unique, relative, and synergic contributions in influencing youth's affective and cognitive prejudice. The current longitudinal study examined these processes and possible moderators among 688 Italian youth (49.13% girls; Mage = 15.61 years), their parents (nmothers = 603, nfathers = 471; Mage = 49.51 years), and classmates between January/February 2022 and January/February 2023. Cross‐lagged panel models highlighted that parents and classmates exert unique and relative influences on different dimensions of adolescents' prejudice. Additionally, different interaction effects also emerged for affective (i.e., adverse compensatory effect) and cognitive (i.e., amplifying effect) prejudice. Thus, adolescents draw from the multiple contexts of development to orient themselves in the social world.
Internet Impacts on Parent–Child Communication in Vietnamese Urban Families
Authors: Nguyen Lan Thi Thai , Le Thi Kim Dung , Tran Van Cong , Nguyen Duc Nam , Nguyen Hong Kien , Le Duy Dung
Published: March 2024

With 72% of Vietnamese households using the Internet after Vietnam first had access in November 1997, the traditional culture of parent–child communication within families in particular has been significantly influenced by the arrival of this technology. This paper presents a mixed‐method study that surveyed 464 parent–child dyads, conducted 30 in‐depth interviews and 6 group discussions held in three major cities across Vietnam. The results demonstrate how the parents and their children use the Internet and recognize the influence of this technology on their communication. It is apparent that despite the old ways of a top‐down or hierarchical relationship in traditional homes, parent–child communication is moving in the direction of a more equal and open manner despite some disparities in the understanding and respecting of each other's emotions and perspectives due to conflicts created by generational gaps and cultural understandings. The positive and negative impacts of the Internet on parent and child communication are acknowledged, but this study advocates for a change from informal communication rules related to Internet usage and suggests developing a professional system that supports parents and children to manage the parent–child communication issues and challenges more effectively.
Gender differences in agricultural productivity in Côte d'Ivoire: Distribution, drivers, and changes over time
Authors: Donald Aletheia , Lawin Gabriel , Rouanet Léa
Published: March 2024

This paper analyzes changes in agricultural productivity gender gaps in Côte d'Ivoire between 2008 and 2016 using decomposition methods. The analysis finds that the gender gap went from 40% in food crops and 17% in exports crops in 2008, to 19% in food crops and a statistical zero in export crops in 2016. The overall gender gap decreased by 15 percentage points over this period, and is statistically insignificant in 2016 once accounting for whether households farm export crops. Moreover, our results show that while some drivers of the gender gap remain stable across the decade (including total land cultivated, and pesticide and fertilizer use), others change their contribution (number of plots, crop choice and household labor). Despite substantial improvements, female‐headed households in the bottom half of the distribution remain disadvantaged. Our results indicate that strengthening women's access to agricultural labor and adoption of export crops are policy priorities to reach gender parity.
Generation of human vascularized and chambered cardiac organoids for cardiac disease modelling and drug evaluation
Authors: Yang Jingsi , Lei Wei , Xiao Yang , Tan Shuai , Yang Jiani , Lin Yingjiong , Yang Zhuangzhuang , Zhao Dandan , Zhang Chunxiang , Shen Zhenya , Hu Shijun
Published: March 2024

Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)‐derived cardiac organoids (COs) have shown great potential in modelling human heart development and cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of global death. However, several limitations such as low reproducibility, limited vascularization and difficulty in formation of cardiac chamber were yet to be overcome. We established a new method for robust generation of COs, via combination of methodologies of hiPSC‐derived vascular spheres and directly differentiated cardiomyocytes from hiPSCs, and investigated the potential application of human COs in cardiac injury modelling and drug evaluation. The human COs we built displayed a vascularized and chamber‐like structure, and hence were named vaschamcardioids (vcCOs). These vcCOs exhibited approximately 90% spontaneous beating ratio. Single‐cell transcriptomics identified a total of six cell types in the vcCOs, including cardiomyocytes, cardiac precursor cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, etc. We successfully recaptured the processes of cardiac injury and fibrosis in vivo on vcCOs, and showed that the FDA‐approved medication captopril significantly attenuated cardiac injury‐induced fibrosis and functional disorders. In addition, the human vcCOs exhibited an obvious drug toxicity reaction to doxorubicin in a dose‐dependent manner. We developed a three‐step method for robust generation of chamber‐like and vascularized complex vcCOs, and our data suggested that vcCOs might become a useful model for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases, developing intervention strategies and screening drugs.
Intraspecific variability of leaf form and function across habitat types
Authors: Puglielli Giacomo , Bricca Alessandro , Chelli Stefano , Petruzzellis Francesco , Acosta Alicia T. R. , Bacaro Giovanni , Beccari Eleonora , Bernardo Liliana , Bonari Gianmaria , Bolpagni Rossano , Boscutti Francesco , Calvia Giacomo , Campetella Giandiego , Cancellieri Laura , Canullo Roberto , Carbognani Michele , Carboni Marta , Carranza Maria Laura , Castellani Maria Beatrice , Ciccarelli Daniela , Coppi Andrea , Cutini Maurizio , Dalla Vecchia Alice , Dalle Fratte Michele , de Francesco Maria Carla , De Frenne Pieter , De Sanctis Michele , de Simone Leopoldo , Di Cecco Valter , Fanelli Giuliano , Farris Emmanuele , Ferrara Arianna , Fenu Giuseppe , Filibeck Goffredo , Gasperini Cristina , Gargano Domenico , Kindermann Elisabeth , La Bella Greta , Lastrucci Lorenzo , Lazzaro Lorenzo , Maccherini Simona , Marignani Michela , Mugnai Michele , Naselli‐Flores Luigi , Passalacqua Nicodemo Giuseppe , Pavanetto Nicola , Petraglia Alessandro , Rota Francesco , Santoianni Lucia Antonietta , Schettino Aldo , Selvi Federico , Stanisci Angela , Trotta Giacomo , Vangansbeke Pieter , Varricchione Marco , Vuerich Marco , Wellstein Camilla , Tordoni Enrico
Published: March 2024

Trait‐based ecology has already revealed main independent axes of trait variation defining trait spaces that summarize plant adaptive strategies, but often ignoring intraspecific trait variability (ITV). By using empirical ITV‐level data for two independent dimensions of leaf form and function and 167 species across five habitat types (coastal dunes, forests, grasslands, heathlands, wetlands) in the Italian peninsula, we found that ITV: (i) rotated the axes of trait variation that define the trait space; (ii) increased the variance explained by these axes and (iii) affected the functional structure of the target trait space. However, the magnitude of these effects was rather small and depended on the trait and habitat type. Our results reinforce the idea that ITV is context‐dependent, calling for careful extrapolations of ITV patterns across traits and spatial scales. Importantly, our study provides a framework that can be used to start integrating ITV into trait space analyses.
“We should be treated like we are somebody”: Building supportive relationships with LGBTQ foster youth
Authors: Paul June C. , Cruys Caro
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study uses in‐depth interviews and ecomapping techniques to explore LGBTQ youths' relationships with child welfare professionals and other affiliated, nonparental adults (CWP/ANPAs) who play a primary role in providing them with care and services.

Background

Supportive relationships with caring adults are essential in reducing minority stress impacts and improving outcomes for LGBTQ foster youth, who often face victimization affecting their access to support. However, limited knowledge exists regarding LGBTQ foster youths' relationships with CWP/ANPAs and the role of relational support in their identity disclosure and access to appropriate care and services.

Method

Twenty‐one LGBTQ foster youth, aged 17 to 21, participated in interviews and constructed visual diagrams of their relationships with CWP/ANPAs. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results

Findings highlight the need for CWP/ANPAs to improve relationships with LGBTQ foster youth. These improvements can be achieved through engagement in attitudes and practices that facilitate relationship development (e.g., empathy, respect, affirmation, knowledge, responsiveness), and reduce existing barriers (e.g., neglect, discrimination, mistreatment, lack of knowledge, fear of rejection).

Conclusions

To provide better support LGBTQ foster youth, CWP/ANPAs and child welfare agencies should increase their knowledge and skills, be more responsive to LGBTQ youths' specific needs, and implement inclusive policies and practice standards.

Implications

CWP/ANPAs and agencies working with LGBTQ foster youth must develop an awareness and understanding of the strengths, needs, and challenges of LGBTQ foster youth to reduce stigma, bias, and discrimination in the foster care system and engage in affirming actions and practices that create a more inclusive environment for this population.
The birth of femtech lays fertile grounds for pregnancy discrimination in the workplace
Authors: Siddiqui Filza
Published: March 2024

Femtech refers to electronic devices, software, or other technology relating to women's health. Employers are contributing to the rapid growth of femtech by adopting femtech products for workplace wellness programs. Due to a lack of federal laws or regulations, employers can access the personal, intimate information their employees record in these femtech products which can subject employees to pregnancy discrimination. Congress must enact a comprehensive consumer rights law and give the Federal Trade Commission more plenary power to prevent femtech companies from selling consumers' private health information to employers.
Population‐specific responses to developmental temperature in the arboviral vector Aedes albopictus: Implications for climate change
Authors: Carlassara Martina , Khorramnejad Ayda , Oker Helen , Bahrami Romina , Lozada‐Chávez Alejandro Nabor , Mancini Maria Vittoria , Quaranta Stefano , Body Mélanie J. A. , Lahondère Chloé , Bonizzoni Mariangela
Published: March 2024

The increase of environmental temperature due to current global warming is not only favouring the expansion of the distribution range of many insect species, but it is also changing their phenology. Insect phenology is tightly linked to developmental timing, which is regulated by environmental temperatures. However, the degree to which the effects of developmental temperatures extend across developmental stages and their inter‐stage relationships have not been thoroughly quantified in mosquitoes. Here, we used the mosquito Aedes albopictus, which is an aggressive invasive species and an arboviral vector, to study how developmental temperature influences fitness across developmental stages, thermal traits, energy reserves, transcriptome and Wolbachia prevalence in laboratory‐reared populations originally collected from either temperate or tropical regions. We show that hatchability, larval and pupal viability and developmental speed are strongly influenced by temperature, and these effects extend to wing length, body mass, longevity and content of water, protein and lipids in adults in a population‐specific manner. On the contrary, neither adult thermal preference nor heat resistance significantly change with temperature. Wolbachia density was generally lower in adult mosquitoes reared at 18°C than at other tested temperatures, and transcriptome analysis showed enrichment for functions linked to stress responses (i.e. cuticle proteins and chitin, cytochrome p450 and heat shock proteins) in mosquitoes reared at both 18 and 32°C. Our data showed an overall reduced vector fitness performance when mosquitoes were reared at 32°C, and the absence of isomorphy in the relationship between developmental stages and temperature in the laboratory population deriving from larvae collected in northern Italy. Altogether, these results have important implications for reliable model projections of the invasion potentials of Ae. albopictus and its epidemiological impact.
Analysing Inequity in Accessibility to Services with Neighbourhood Location and Socio‐Economic Characteristics in Delhi
Authors: Marwal Aviral , Silva Elisabete A.
Published: March 2024

The lack of comprehensive spatial data for neighbourhoods in cities in the global South has posed a significant challenge for examining socio‐economic inequities in accessibility to services. By combining the primary (survey data) and secondary data sources with new spatial data sources (Earth observation data, Google Maps), we create a spatial database of 4,145 residential locations in Delhi, aggregating them into 1 km grid‐shaped neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood's economic status is evaluated using a composite index of the built environment, land price, and household income. Social characteristics are examined through the percentage of the scheduled caste (SC) population, considering their historical marginalization in Indian society. Using the E‐2SFCA method, we calculate accessibility to four key services and employ the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model to explore inequities in accessibility based on neighbourhood location and socio‐economic characteristics. Findings reveal inequity in accessibility to services at the neighbourhood level is primarily driven by spatial location rather than income or percentage of SC population. Moreover, the influence of socio‐economic characteristics on accessibility varies across locations. The spatial data mapping approach employed in this article can be applied to numerous rapidly urbanizing cities in the global South lacking block or neighbourhood‐level spatial data.
Left–right Myosin‐Is, Myosin1C, and Myosin1D exhibit distinct single molecule behaviors on the plasma membrane of Drosophila macrophages
Authors: Utsunomiya Sosuke , Takebayashi Kazutoshi , Yamaguchi Asuka , Sasamura Takeshi , Inaki Mikiko , Ueda Masahiro , Matsuno Kenji
Published: March 2024

Left–right (LR) asymmetry is crucial for animal development, particularly in Drosophila where LR‐asymmetric morphogenesis of organs hinges on cellular‐level chirality, termed cell chirality. In this species, two class I myosins, Myosin1D (Myo1D), and Myosin1C (Myo1C), respectively determine dextral (wild type) and sinistral (mirror image) cell chirality. Previous studies demonstrated Myo1D's ability to propel F‐actin in leftward circles during in vitro gliding assays, suggesting its mechanochemical role in defining dextral chirality. Conversely, Myo1C propels F‐actin without exhibiting LR‐directional preference in this assay, suggesting at other properties governing sinistral chirality. Given the interaction of Myo1D and Myo1C with the membrane, we hypothesized that differences in their membrane behaviors might be critical in dictating their dextral or sinistral activities. In this study, employing single‐molecule imaging analyses, we investigated the dynamic behaviors of Myo1D and Myo1C on the plasma membrane. Our findings revealed that Myo1C exhibits a significantly greater proportion of slow‐diffusing population compared to Myo1D. Importantly, this characteristic was contingent upon both head and tail domains of Myo1C. The distinct diffusion patterns of Myo1D and Myo1C did not exert mutual influence on each other. This divergence in membrane diffusion between Myo1D and Myo1C may be crucial for dictating cell and organ chirality.
Staphylococcal superantigen‐like protein 3 triggers murine mast cell adhesion by binding to CD43 and augments mast cell activation
Authors: Kawano Sae , Noda Chisaki , Itoh Saotomo , Urabe Ayaka , Fujii Chifumi , Ogawa Isamu , Suzuki Ryo , Hida Shigeaki
Published: March 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a noteworthy pathogen in allergic diseases, as four staphylococcal exotoxins activate mast cells, a significant contributor to inflammation, in an IgE‐independent manner. Although the adhesion of mast cells is an essential process for their immune responses, only a small number of exotoxins have been reported to affect the process. Here, we demonstrated that staphylococcal superantigen‐like (SSL) 3, previously identified as a toll‐like receptor 2 agonist, induced the adhesion of murine bone marrow‐derived mast cells to culture substratum. SSL3‐induced adhesion was mediated by fibronectin in an Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) sequence‐dependent manner, suggesting the integrins were involved in the process. Additionally, SSL3 was found to bind to an anti‐adhesive surface protein CD43. SSL3 induced the adhesion of HEK293 cells expressing exogenous CD43, suggesting that CD43 is the target molecule for adhesion induced by SSL3. Evaluation of SSL3‐derived mutants showed that the C‐terminal region (253–326), specifically T285 and H307, are necessary to induce adhesion. SSL3 augmented the IL‐13 production of mast cells in response to immunocomplex and SSL12. These findings reveal a novel function of SSL3, triggering cell adhesion and enhancing mast cell activation. This study would clarify the correlation between S. aureus and allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
Food insecurity is a risk factor for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease in Latinx children
Authors: Maxwell Sarah L. , Price Jennifer C. , Perito Emily R. , Rosenthal Philip , Wojcicki Janet M.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease among US children. Studies have associated food insecurity with MASLD in adults, but there are few studies of pediatric MASLD, particularly in high‐risk populations. We assessed the impact of household food insecurity at 4 years of age on MASLD in Latinx children.

Methods

Using a prospective cohort design, Latina mothers were recruited during pregnancy and followed with their children until early to mid‐childhood. Our primary exposure was household food insecurity at 4 years of age measured using the validated US Household Food Security Food Module. Our primary outcome, MASLD, was defined as alanine transaminase (ALT) ≥95th% for age/gender plus body mass index (BMI) ≥85% at time of ALT measurement (assessed between ages 5–12). We used multivariable logistic regression models to test for independent associations between household food insecurity and pediatric MASLD.

Results

Among 136 children, 28.7% reported household food insecurity at 4 years of age and 27.2% had MASLD in early to middle childhood. Approximately 49% of children with MASLD and 21% of children without MASLD were food insecure (p < 0.01). Exposure to household food insecurity at age 4 was independently associated with a 3.7‐fold higher odds of MASLD later in childhood (95% CI: 1.5–9.0, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Exposure to household food insecurity at 4 years of age was associated with increased risk for MASLD later in childhood. Further studies are needed to explore mechanism(s) and impact of reducing food insecurity on risk for MASLD.
Pharmacological interventions for the management of children and adolescents living with obesity—An update of a Cochrane systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Torbahn Gabriel , Jones Andrew , Griffiths Alex , Matu Jamie , Metzendorf Maria‐Inti , Ells Louisa J. , Gartlehner Gerald , Kelly Aaron S. , Weghuber Daniel , Brown Tamara
Published: March 2024

Importance

The effectiveness of anti‐obesity medications for children and adolescents is unclear.

Objective

To update the evidence on the benefits and harms of anti‐obesity medication.

Data Sources

Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP (1/1/16–17/3/23).

Study Selection

Randomized controlled trials ≥6 months in people <19 years living with obesity.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Screening, data extraction and quality assessment conducted in duplicate, independently.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Body mass index (BMI): 95th percentile BMI, adverse events and quality of life.

Results

Thirty‐five trials (N = 4331), follow‐up: 6–24 months; age: 8.8–16.3 years; BMI: 26.2–41.7 kg/m2. Moderate certainty evidence demonstrated a −1.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −2.27 to −1.14)‐unit BMI reduction, ranging from −0.8 to −5.9 units between individual drugs with semaglutide producing the largest reduction of −5.88 kg/m2 (95% CI: −6.99 to −4.77, N = 201). Drug type explained ~44% of heterogeneity. Low certainty evidence demonstrated reduction in 95th percentile BMI: −11.88 percentage points (95% CI: −18.43 to −5.30, N = 668). Serious adverse events and study discontinuation due to adverse events did not differ between medications and comparators, but medication dose adjustments were higher compared to comparator (10.6% vs 1.7%; RR = 3.74 [95% CI: 1.51 to 9.26], I2 = 15%), regardless of approval status. There was a trend towards improved quality of life. Evidence gaps exist for children, psychosocial outcomes, comorbidities and weight loss maintenance.

Conclusions and Relevance

Anti‐obesity medications in addition to behaviour change improve BMI but may require dose adjustment, with 1 in 100 adolescents experiencing a serious adverse event.
Shame in patients undergoing ureterostomy: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Li Qin , Zhuo Lin , Zhang Ting
Published: March 2024

Shame has an important impact on the mental health and quality of life of patients. The shame in patients with ureterostomy after cystectomy remains unclear. This survey aimed to evaluate the status quo and influencing factors of shame in patients with ureterostomy after cystectomy, to provide support for the clinical care. Patients with ureterostomy after cystectomy treated in the wound stomy clinic of a third‐class hospital from 1 June 2022 to 31 July 2023 were included. General data questionnaire and social impact scale (SIS) were used for data collection. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to evaluate the influencing factors of shame in patients with ureterostomy after cystectomy. One hundred and sixty four patients with ureterostomy after cystectomy were included. The total score of shame in patients with ureterostomy was (60.75 ± 6.31), which was in the high level. Age (r = 0.442), home place (r = 0.427), per capita monthly household income (r = 0.605), self‐care ability (r = 0.597) and complications of stoma (r = 0.542) were correlated with the SIS score in patients with ureterostomy after cystectomy (all p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that age, home place, per capita monthly household income, self‐care ability and complications of stoma were the influencing factors of SIS score in patients with ureterostomy after cystectomy (all p < 0.05). The five variables explained 64.5% of the patients' sense of shame variation. Patients with ureterostomy after cystectomy have a serious sense of shame in the early stage after operation and there are many influencing factors. Health care providers should take early nursing interventions targeted on those influencing factors to reduce the patients' sense of shame.
What matters most: Finding balance after falling
Authors: Lee Patricia , Tun Sandy , Gleason Lauren
Published: March 2024

See related editorial by Powers and Sehgal in this issue.
Pragmatic trial evaluating the impact of simulation training on high‐risk prescribing to older adults by junior physicians
Authors: Lauffenburger Julie C. , DiFrancesco Matthew F. , Bhatkhande Gauri , Crum Katherine L. , Kim Erin , Robertson Ted , Oran Rebecca , Hanken Kaitlin E. , Haff Nancy , Coll Maxwell D. , Avorn Jerry , Choudhry Niteesh K.
Published: March 2024

Background

High‐risk medications like benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics, and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for hospitalized older adults, despite guidelines recommending avoidance. Prior interventions have not fully addressed how physicians make such prescribing decisions, particularly when experiencing stress or cognitive overload. Simulation training may help improve prescribing decision‐making but has not been evaluated for overprescribing.

Methods

In this two‐arm pragmatic trial, we randomized 40 first‐year medical resident physicians (i.e., interns) on inpatient general medicine services at an academic medical center to either intervention (a 40‐minute immersive simulation training) or control (online educational training) groups. The primary outcome was the number of new benzodiazepine, sedative hypnotic, or antipsychotic orders for treatment‐naïve older adults during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the same outcome by all providers, being discharged on one of the medications, and orders for related or control medications. Outcomes were measured using electronic health record data over each intern's service period (~2 weeks). Outcomes were evaluated using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for clustering.

Results

In total, 522 treatment‐naïve older adult patients were included in analyses. Over follow‐up, interns prescribed ≥1 high‐risk medication for 13 (4.9%) intervention patients and 13 (5.0%) control patients. The intervention led to no difference in the number of new prescriptions (Rate Ratio [RR]: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.31–2.35) versus control and no difference in secondary outcomes. In secondary analyses, intervention interns wrote significantly fewer “as‐needed” (“PRN”) order types for the high‐risk medications (RR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.08–0.99), and instead tended to write more “one‐time” orders than control interns, though this difference was not statistically significant (RR: 2.20, 95%CI: 0.60–7.99).

Conclusions

Although this simulation intervention did not impact total high‐risk prescribing for hospitalized older adults, it did influence how the interns prescribed, resulting in fewer PRN orders, suggesting possibly greater ownership of care. Future interventions should consider this insight and implementation lessons raised.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov(NCT04668248).