bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Telephone Answering Services in Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention Agencies*
Authors: McGee Richard K. , Richard Wayne C. , Bercun Corey
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: The telephone service established by directors of suicide prevention and crisis intervention services is generally given little careful consideration. Many agencies take their telephone systems for granted, assuming that almost any system will function adequately if an operator is available and a crisis worker is on call. There are a number of important issues at stake that should be carefully considered before a program is established that uses any system other than full‐time coverage by the trained crisis worker at a permanent location. In order to investigate just what really happens under the various systems in use, a series of 76 calls was placed to 19 different emergency crisis services in the southeastern United States. Times were recorded to show how much time elapsed, through what various systems, to get an actual crisis worker on the line. There were marked differences across the eight different systems identified. The results clearly indicate that crisis services are in danger of unknowingly providing inferior and dangerously low quality service unless they maintain maximum control over their own telephone answering system 24 hours a day.
A Two‐Year Follow‐up of Suicide Prevention Center Patients*
Authors: Wold Carl I.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: A random sample of Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Center patients was selected for follow‐up about two years after their prior contact with the Center. Of 417 patients sought, 184 were located and interviewed at follow‐up. Sixteen had died and nine had committed suicide. The deaths were studied in depth by interviewing survivors (by means of a psychological autopsy). Results of the psychological autopsies uncovered two apparent suicides who had been certified as natural deaths (included in the total of nine). Interviews with the 184 follow‐ups yielded longitudinal information about the onset, duration, and recurrence of suicidal states.
Self‐Destructive Consequences of Sex‐Role Socialization
Authors: Clifton A. Kay , Lee Dorothy E.
Published: November 2023

Suicide proneness and self‐destruction scales, together with measures of self‐favorability and self‐confidence, were administered to two samples (n = 106 and n = 213). The affective responses of the second sample (134 women and 79 men) were measured by asking respondents to circle adjectives classified for activity‐passivity, positive‐negativeness, and extroversion‐introversion that expressed their feelings toward eight situations. Women scored lower than men on suicide proneness, higher on self‐destruction, and lower on self‐favorability and self‐confidence. Women reacted more passively to the situations than men and more negatively to the public challenge situation. Women tend to extrovert (turn outward on others) their positive feelings in pleasant situations and to introvert (turn blame on themselves) their negative reactions to unpleasant situations. Men do the reverse. It is suggested that women are self‐destructive in passive ways, reflecting their lack of self‐favorability and confidence and manifested by failure to react to everyday situations in ego‐building ways.
Self‐Attitudes and Suicidal Behavior
Authors: Kaplan Howard B. , Pokorny Alex D.
Published: November 2023

Findings are reported concerning the hypothesized relationship between adoption of suicidal responses (ideation, threats, attempts) and antecedent negative self‐attitudes. Data were provided by junior high school student (N = 3,148) responses to questionnaires administered three times at annual intervals. Antecedent negative self‐attitudes were measured by a seven‐item self‐derogation scale at the first testing. Adoption of suicidal responses was indicated by earlier denial and subsequent affirmation of the response (self‐reports). Findings indicate that suicidal behaviors are responses (whether or not subsequently continued) to experiences of negative self‐attitudes in the more recent past. However, whether or not suicidal behaviors are related to self‐derogating feelings in the more remote past can be seen as a function of a sex‐social‐class‐mode of suicidal response interaction.
Suicide: The Psychosocial Dimension
Authors: Hendin Herbert
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: This paper explores the relationships among culture, character, and suicide. It draws on the author's research in Scandinavia and his studies of suicide among United States urban blacks and college students. The differences in motivation and significance of suicide in Sweden and Denmark are illustrated. The United States is an amalgam of subcultures which must be studied separately to identify the psychosocial determinants of behavior. The varying rates and motivations for suicide in different cultures and subcultures, the differences between men and women, between young and old, differences in ways of coping with love and loss, life and death make clear that suicide is part of a culture's possibilities. The varying psychodynamic ways in which the suicidal individual in differing cultures and subcultures conceives of, uses, and absorbs death also has much to tell us about how we live.
Suicide in Pregnancy: The Hedda Gabler Syndrome
Authors: Goodwin Jean , Harris Derryl
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: A review of forty‐seven suicides in women of child‐bearing age revealed that two women were pregnant, two were within the first year post‐partum and two falsely believed themselves pregnant. The search revealed two additional pregnancy‐associated suicides which had not been reported as suicide. Previous studies asserting that pregnancy protects against suicide would seem to be challenged by these data. Pregnancy‐related suicides are similar to each other and to the literary suicide of Hedda Gabler and fit into a continuum of pregnancy‐related depressive disorders.
Avoiding affect in intergroup relations: The roles of dispositional and intergroup empathy in the relationship between alexithymia and prejudice
Authors: Birtel Michèle D. , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Hobson Hannah , Collins‐Quirk Ashleigh , Vezzali Loris
Published: November 2023

Alexithymia, that is, difficulties in recognizing, communicating, and processing one's own emotions, is associated with poorer interpersonal relations. Emotional processes are key drivers and mechanisms of prejudice and its reduction, and alexithymia is thought to influence individuals' empathic responses. This research examined the relationship between alexithymia and prejudice, and the role of empathy in this relationship. Three studies were conducted in three intergroup contexts to test whether alexithymia is also associated with poorer intergroup relations with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender+ individuals (Study 1, N = 126 heterosexual late adolescents) and Asian British people (Study 3, N = 300 White adults) in the United Kingdom, and immigrants in Italy (Study 2, N = 381 Italian adults). Participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20), measures on dispositional and intergroup empathic concern (EC) and perspective taking (PT) as well as measures of prejudice (anti‐outgroup hostility, anti‐outgroup attitudes, and anti‐outgroup behavioral intentions). Lower dispositional EC (Studies 1, marginal effect in Study 2) and intergroup EC and PT (Study 3) mediated the relationship between the Externally Oriented Thinking subscale of the TAS‐20 (i.e., avoiding emotions and affective thinking) and greater prejudice. The findings are important for understanding the challenges of late adolescents and adults with alexithymia in intergroup relations, highlighting the role of dispositional and intergroup empathy for individual differences such as alexithymia in endorsing prejudice.
Downregulation of SLC3A2 mediates immune evasion and accelerates metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jiang En , Li You , Hou Jun
Published: November 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy originating from oral mucosal tissue. OSCC cells employ immune evasion strategies to avoid immune attacks, but research on inhibiting immune evasion and delaying OSCC progression is limited. This study aimed to investigate how SLC3A2 downregulation mediates immune evasion and promotes metastasis in OSCC through bioinformatics analysis and cell experiments. Gene enrichment analysis was performed using human double sulphur death‐related genes from the GSEA database. Differentially expressed genes were selected from the GEO database. Diagnostic models were constructed and validated using gene expression datasets. Immune infiltration and function were analysed through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. Cell experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of SLC3A2 on immune response in OSCC. Ten double sulphur death‐related genes were identified, with SLC3A2 and SLC7A11 being enriched in tongue squamous cell carcinoma‐related diseases. Differential expression analysis revealed five genes (SLC3A2, SLC7A11, RPN1, GYS1 and NDUFS1) of diagnostic significance. GO analysis showed enrichment in amino acid import and transmembrane transport, while KEGG pathway analysis highlighted enrichment in ferroptosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and Starch and sucrose metabolism. Experimental verification confirmed higher SLC3A2 expression in OSCC cells. Overexpression of SLC3A2 inhibited cell proliferation and reduced PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 expression. Reduced SLC3A2 expression in OSCC promotes immune evasion and tumour progression by impairing T lymphocyte function. This study provides insights into targeted regulation of SLC3A2 expression for immune response‐based therapies in OSCC.
Movement and habitat shift responses of juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) to annually permanent stream flooding
Authors: McCarthy James H , Linnansaari Tommi , Curry R. Allen
Published: November 2023

Reservoir formation in a river system changes a lotic environment to more lacustrine conditions, with impacts throughout the ecosystem. In this study, a river reach containing typical salmonid riffle/run habitat was flooded to create a large, deep pool from June to September in each of 3 years. We test the hypothesis that juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) with their preference for run/riffle habitats will respond to the transformation to a lentic environment by moving into adjacent lotic environments. Movements of juvenile Atlantic salmon were monitored using a combination of biotelemetry (radio‐ and passive integrated transponder‐tagging) and electrofishing. Results showed that no tracked fish moved away from the created pool habitat. Mass‐specific growth rates showed the created pool habitat resulted in net growth of juveniles. The results confirm that fish may not immediately (i.e., at least for an approximate 2 months) respond to rapid, large‐scale habitat alterations by moving to find similar habitat conditions outside the altered habitat. This is most probably related to plasticity of behavior and habitat use, and no change in biological conditions to a point that would negatively impact fish growth and survival, for example food availability, competition, or predation. The results also support the hypothesis that the relative importance of physical habitat variables is not universal among streams and populations, therefore limiting the value of applying standard habitat suitability criteria and use.
Epidemiology of healthcare‐associated infections and outcomes among open and robotic pancreatoduodenectomy: A retrospective study from 2013 to 2022
Authors: Yu Zheng‐Hao , Du Ming‐Mei , Lin Li , Liu Bo‐Wei , Bai Yan‐Ling , Liu Meng‐Lin , Li Jia‐Xi , Lu Qing‐Bin , Liu Yun‐Xi , Yao Hong‐Wu
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim

Healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are one of the common postoperative complications. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology of postoperative HAIs in patients with open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study described the trend of HAIs in patients undergoing PD from January 2013 to December 2022 at a tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into OPD and RPD, and the HAIs and outcomes were compared.

Results

Among 2632 patients who underwent PD, 230 (8.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.7–9.9%) were diagnosed with HAIs, with a decreasing trend from 2013 to 2022 (P < 0.001 for trend). The incidence of postoperative HAIs was significantly higher in patients with OPD than RPD (9.6% vs 5.8%; P = 0.003). The incidence of HAIs for patients with OPD showed a decreasing trend (P = 0.001 for trend), and the trend for RPD was not significant (P = 0.554 for trend). Logistic regression showed that RPD was significantly associated with postoperative HAIs after adjusting for covariates (adjusted odds ratio = 0.654; 95% CI 0.443–0.965; P = 0.032), especially in the subgroup of patients without preoperative biliary drainage (adjusted odds ratio = 0.486; 95% CI 0.292–0.809; P = 0.006). Regarding clinical outcomes, RPD has a shorter length of stay and a more expensive charge than OPD (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Postoperative HAIs in patients with PD showed a decreasing trend in recent years, especially in OPD. RPD was significantly associated with reduced postoperative HAIs and length of stay, although the charge is more expensive. Attention should be paid to postoperative HAIs in OPD, and it is imperative to continue reducing the costs of RPD.
Enhancing maize's nitrogen‐fixing potential through ZmSBT3, a gene suppressing mucilage secretion
Authors: Gao Jingyang , Feng Peijiang , Zhang Jingli , Dong Chaopei , Wang Zhao , Chen Mingxiang , Yu Zhongliang , Zhao Bowen , Hou Xin , Wang Huijuan , Wu Zhaokun , Jemim Razia Sultana , Yu Haidong , Sun Doudou , Jing Pei , Chen Jiafa , Song Weibin , Zhang Xuecai , Zhou Zijian , Wu Jianyu
Published: November 2023

Maize (Zea mays) requires substantial amounts of nitrogen, posing a challenge for its cultivation. Recent work discovered that some ancient Mexican maize landraces harbored diazotrophic bacteria in mucilage secreted by their aerial roots. To see if this trait is retained in modern maize, we conducted a field study of aerial root mucilage (ARM) in 258 inbred lines. We observed that ARM secretion is common in modern maize, but the amount significantly varies, and only a few lines have retained the nitrogen‐fixing traits found in ancient landraces. The mucilage of the high‐ARM inbred line HN5‐724 had high nitrogen‐fixing enzyme activity and abundant diazotrophic bacteria. Our genome‐wide association study identified 17 candidate genes associated with ARM across three environments. Knockouts of one candidate gene, the subtilase family gene ZmSBT3, confirmed that it negatively regulates ARM secretion. Notably, the ZmSBT3 knockout lines had increased biomass and total nitrogen accumulation under nitrogen‐free culture conditions. High ARM was associated with three ZmSBT3 haplotypes that were gradually lost during maize domestication, being retained in only a few modern inbred lines such as HN5‐724. In summary, our results identify ZmSBT3 as a potential tool for enhancing ARM, and thus nitrogen fixation, in maize.
The dentate gyrus differentially metabolizes glucose and alternative fuels during rest and stimulation
Authors: York Elisa M. , Miller Anne , Stopka Sylwia A. , Martínez‐François Juan Ramón , Hossain Md Amin , Baquer Gerard , Regan Michael S. , Agar Nathalie Y. R. , Yellen Gary
Published: November 2023

The metabolic demands of neuronal activity are both temporally and spatially dynamic, and neurons are particularly sensitive to disruptions in fuel and oxygen supply. Glucose is considered an obligate fuel for supporting brain metabolism. Although alternative fuels are often available, the extent of their contribution to central carbon metabolism remains debated. Differential fuel metabolism likely depends on cell type, location, and activity state, complicating its study. While biosensors provide excellent spatial and temporal information, they are limited to observations of only a few metabolites. On the other hand, mass spectrometry is rich in chemical information, but traditionally relies on cell culture or homogenized tissue samples. Here, we use mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) to focus on the fuel metabolism of the dentate granule cell (DGC) layer in murine hippocampal slices. Using stable isotopes, we explore labeling dynamics at baseline, as well as in response to brief stimulation or fuel competition. We find that at rest, glucose is the predominant fuel metabolized through glycolysis, with little to no measurable contribution from glycerol or fructose. However, lactate/pyruvate, β‐hydroxybutyrate (βHB), octanoate, and glutamine can contribute to TCA metabolism to varying degrees. In response to brief depolarization with 50 mM KCl, glucose metabolism was preferentially increased relative to the metabolism of alternative fuels. With an increased supply of alternative fuels, both lactate/pyruvate and βHB can outcompete glucose for TCA cycle entry. While lactate/pyruvate modestly reduced glucose contribution to glycolysis, βHB caused little change in glycolysis. This approach achieves broad metabolite coverage from a spatially defined region of physiological tissue, in which metabolic states are rapidly preserved following experimental manipulation. Using this powerful methodology, we investigated metabolism within the dentate gyrus not only at rest, but also in response to the energetic demand of activation, and in states of fuel competition.

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Psychometric properties of parental stress scales used in paediatric health care settings: A systematic review1
Authors: Montoro‐Pérez Néstor , Oliver‐Roig Antonio , Montejano‐Lozoya Raimunda , Richart‐Martínez Miguel
Published: November 2023

Aim

To identify scales that assess parental stress in the paediatric clinical population and to analyse their psychometric properties.

Methods

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus) and metasearch engines (Google Scholar and Open Grey) were searched with no time period limitations. Methodological quality was assessed using the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) and quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach modified by COSMIN. Finally, recommendations were made for the instruments with the highest quality of evidence.

Results

A total of 38 studies reporting on 11 different instruments for assessing parental stress in the paediatric clinical setting were included. Six instruments were ‘A’ rated (recommended) in the final phase in line with COSMIN guidelines. The Paediatric Inventory for Parents was the instrument that evaluated the highest number of psychometric properties and obtained the highest methodological quality, global assessment, and quality of evidence for the different psychometric properties.

Conclusions

This systematic review provides an overview of the measurement properties of the parental stress instruments used in the paediatric clinical setting. The Paediatric Inventory for Parents stands out as being one of the most robust instruments for measuring stress in parents with a hospitalised or sick child. Evidence needs to be generated for all the parental stress scales used in the clinical setting.

Impact

Given that the psychometric properties of the existing parental stress scales used in paediatric health care settings have not been systematically assessed, the present review utilised comprehensive methods according to COSMIN.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Reporting method

PRISMA statement and COSMIN reporting guidelines for studies on measurement properties of patient‐reported outcome measures.
Patient‐reported outcomes and framework fit accuracy of removable partial dentures fabricated using digital techniques: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Almufleh Balqees , Arellanob Alexia , Tamimi Faleh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This review aimed to summarize the evidence on patient‐reported outcomes and clinical performance of digitally fabricated removable partial dentures (RPDs) compared to traditionally fabricated dentures.

Methods

Three databases were systematically searched (PubMed, CENTRAL, and Wiley online library) for clinical studies comparing digitally and conventionally fabricated RPDs regardless of data acquisition methods used for fabrication. The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias assessment tool 2 and the Oxford Center for Evidence‐based Medicine tool were used to assess risk of bias, and level of evidence, respectively. Descriptive narrative analysis was used to summarize data on patient‐reported outcomes, as there were inadequate studies to pool data in a meta‐analysis. A random‐effects model was used to analyze the data of framework fit accuracy.

Results

Ten randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review, and 4 were included in the meta‐analysis. Two studies showed that digitally fabricated RPDs are associated with higher patient satisfaction than conventionally fabricated RPDs (with a mean difference of 12.5 mm on a 100‐satisfaction scale, p = .008). The pooled standardized mean difference for framework fit accuracy was 0.49 (p = 0.02) in favor of conventionally fabricated RPDs, which showed that conventionally fabricated RPDs have a quantitatively better fit compared to digitally fabricated RPDs. However, clinical evaluation studies showed that both frameworks have clinically acceptable fit.

Conclusions

Current evidence shows that digitally fabricated RPDs are associated with higher patient satisfaction compared to conventionally fabricated RPDs. However, the scarcity of literature here warrants the generalization of this conclusion. Both digitally and conventionally fabricated metal RPD frameworks showed acceptable fit clinically.
Persuading sincere and strategic voters
Authors: Kerman Toygar T. , Herings P. Jean‐Jacques , Karos Dominik
Published: November 2023

A sender wants to persuade multiple homogeneous receivers to vote in favor of a proposal. Before the vote sender commits to a signal which sends private, potentially correlated, messages to receivers that are contingent on the true state of the world. The best equilibrium for sender in the resulting incomplete information game is unappealing: all receivers vote in favor of sender's preferred outcome, irrespective of their message. We therefore focus on the equilibrium where receivers vote sincerely, that is they vote in favor of the outcome that is optimal given their posterior. We characterize the optimal public and the optimal private signal, both for the case where receivers are behavioral and vote sincerely as well as the case where such behavior is a Bayes–Nash equilibrium (BNE). For the optimal public signal, sincere voting is a BNE, but the optimal private signal is subject to the swing voter's curse. Imposing the constraint that sincere voting be a BNE leads to an optimal signal where receivers are never pivotal.
Evaluation of growth, nutrient absorption, body composition and blood indices under dietary exposure of iron oxide nanoparticles in Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Hussain Syed Makhdoom , Naeem Eman , Ali Shafaqat , Adrees Muhammad , Riaz Danish , Paray Bilal Ahamad , Naeem Adan
Published: November 2023

The bioavailability, small size and direct absorption in the blood, make nanoparticles (NPs) a remarkable feed additive in the aquaculture industry. Therefore, dietary iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3‐NPs) were used to examine their effects on growth, nutrient absorption, body composition and blood indices in Cyprinus carpio (Common carp) fingerlings. Healthy C. carpio fingerlings (n = 270) were fed with six canola meal based experimental diets (D1‐control, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6) supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg Fe2O3‐NPs respectively. A total of 15 fingerlings (average initial weight 5.51 ± 0.04 g/fish) were kept in triplicates for 70 days. The results indicated that maximum growth performance, apparent digestibility coefficient, body composition and haematological parameters were observed in 40 mg/kg Fe2O3‐NPs supplementation. All the experimental diets were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in all the above parameters than control diet. In the present research, the recommended dosage of Fe2O3‐NPs as dietary supplement is 40 mg/kg for improving the growth, nutrient absorption, body composition and haematological indices in C. carpio fingerlings. Hence, this study demonstrates the potential of NPs to improve the health of fish.
Evaluation of distiller's dried grains with solubles in diets for Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, reared under pond conditions
Authors: Novriadi Romi , Herawati Vivi Endar , Prayitno Slamet Budi , Windarto Seto , Tan Ronnie
Published: November 2023

Most studies evaluating the use of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to partially replace the use of soybean meal (SBM) in diets of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei have been carried out under laboratory conditions, which has significant differences in terms of environmental and culture conditions with the out‐door commercial pond. This study aims to extrapolate the laboratory trials into the out‐door pond condition in order to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating DDGS at various levels (D0 (0%), D5 (5%), D10 (10%), and D 15 (15%)) to replace the use of SBM for 90‐day culture period on the growth, body composition, total hemocyte count, lysozyme activity, and organoleptic characteristics of the shrimp. Seven hundred twenty shrimp (mean initial weight 1.06 ± 0.01 g) were randomly distributed into each of 40 net pens (3 × 2 × 1 per net pen) with 10 replicates per dietary treatment. The results showed an enhancement in biomass, mean weight, and thermal growth coefficient of shrimp fed with 5 and 10% inclusion levels of DDGS. Significant reduction of FCR was also observed with the use of 5 and 10% DDGS to partially replace SBM. There were no severe changes in the total hemocyte count (THC), lysozyme activity, color, aroma, and flavor of the shrimp. However, the texture of shrimp was significantly better with the use of 10 and 15% DDGS in the diet. In summary, regarding all the factors, DDGS is a promising alternative ingredient to replace the use of SBM with 5 and 10% inclusion levels and could modulate better growth, quality, and maintain the health condition of shrimp cultured in out‐door pond conditions.
More than one way to eat a mouse: Skull shape variation within a monophyletic group of mammals (Marsupialia; Dasyurinae)
Authors: Warburton N. M. , Withers P. C. , Martin M.
Published: November 2023

Functional requirements for different diets have a strong selective pressure leading to convergent adaptations across different groups of mammals. As body size has an influence on many biomechanical and physiological characteristics, it is logical that dietary adaptations often have a strong link to body size resulting in observed ‘size guilds’ in many diverse phylogenetic lineages. However, non‐allometric variation in skull shape may provide an alternative pathway for species to adapt to diets or prey handling by breaking the mould away from the line of least evolutionary resistance, increased body size. We investigated the relationships between cranial shape and body size in the evolutionary context of the shift from insectivory to hypercarnivory in a monophyletic group of 16 dasyurine marsupial species. Analysis of 35 Procrustes‐corrected 3D skull landmarks revealed that overall, there was a correlation between mean skull shape and size that correlated with diet. However, the dominant shape variation (almost 80% irrespective of phylogeny, and more than 90% when constrained by phylogeny) was not size‐related. This non‐allometric pattern of skull shape reveals adaptation for different feeding strategies that is independent of absolute size. This highlights the potential for specific ‘thresholds’ in size and shape to exist that have the potential to mark shifts from one dietary niche to the next, that might be applied to the evolution of carnivorous taxa from other lineages.
“I feel broken”: Chronicling burnout, mental health, and the limits of individual resilience in nursing
Authors: Akoo Chaman , McMillan Kimberly , Price Sheri , Ingraham Kenchera , Ayoub Abby , Rolle Sands Shamel , Shankland Mylène , Bourgeault Ivy
Published: November 2023

Healthcare systems and health professionals are facing a litany of stressors that have been compounded by the pandemic, and consequently, this has further perpetuated suboptimal mental health and burnout in nursing. The purpose of this paper is to report select findings from a larger, national study exploring gendered experiences of mental health, leave of absence (LOA), and return to work from the perspectives of nurses and key stakeholders. Given the breadth of the data, this paper will focus exclusively on the qualitative results from 53 frontline Canadian nurses who were purposively recruited for their workplace insight. This paper focuses on the substantive theme of “Breaking Point,” in which nurses articulated a multiplicity of stress points at the individual, organizational, and societal levels that amplified burnout and accelerated mental health LOA from the workplace. These findings exemplify the complexities that underlie nurses' mental health and burnout and highlight the urgent need for multipronged individual, organizational, and structural interventions. Robust and timely interventions are needed to restore the health of the nursing profession and sustain its future.
The effects of dexmedetomidine on intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring modalities during corrective scoliosis surgery in pediatric patients: A systematic review
Authors: Abdelaal Ahmed Mahmoud Metwally Alkhatip Ahmed , Mills Kerry Elizabeth , Hogue Olivia , Sallam Amr , Hamza Mohamed Khaled , Farag Ehab , Yassin Hany Mahmoud , Wagih Mohamed , Ahmed Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim , Helmy Mohamed Hussein , Elayashy Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Background

During scoliosis surgery, motor evoked potentials (MEP), and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) have been reported to be affected by the use of higher doses of anesthetic agents. Dexmedetomidine, a sympatholytic agent, an alpha‐2 receptor agonist, has been used as an adjunctive agent to lower anesthetic dose. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of dexmedetomidine on the intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of MEP and SSEP during surgery, particularly among pediatric patients.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to determine whether, during spinal fusion surgery in pediatric patients with scoliosis, dexmedetomidine alters MEP amplitude or SSEP latency and amplitude and, if so, whether different doses of dexmedetomidine display different effects (PROSPERO registration number CRD42022300562).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library on January 1, 2022 and included randomized controlled trials, observational cohort and case–control studies and case series investigating dexmedetomidine in the population of interest and comparing against a standardized anesthesia regimen without dexmedetomidine or comparing multiple doses of dexmedetomidine. Animal and in vitro studies and conference abstracts were excluded.

Results

We found substantial heterogeneity in the risk of bias (per Cochrane‐preferred tools) of the included articles (n = 5); results are summarized without meta‐analysis. Articles with the lowest risk of bias indicated that dexmedetomidine was associated with MEP loss and that higher doses of dexmedetomidine increased risk. In contrast, articles reporting no association between dexmedetomidine and MEP loss suffered from higher risk of bias, including suspected or confirmed problems with confounding, outcome measurement, participant selection, results reporting, and lack of statistical transparency and power.

Conclusion

Given the limitations of the studies available in the literature, it would be advisable to conduct rigorous randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes to assess the effects of dexmedetomidine use of in scoliosis surgery in pediatric patients.
Policy design receptivity and target populations: A social construction framework approach to climate change policy
Authors: Koski Chris , Manson Paul
Published: November 2023

The public‐elite policy feedback mechanism of the Social Construction Framework (SCF) postulates that the public rewards policymakers for the appropriate distribution of benefits and burdens to target populations. In this article we test a key part of this dynamic by examining public receptivity to policy design features as a function of target population choice. We conduct a national survey experiment of approximately 3350 Americans. Our instrument asks respondents to indicate support or opposition to a range of policy tools in a suite of six climate change policies, but varies who would be responsible for options based upon Schneider and Ingram's idealized types. Our research design tests the independent effects of deservingness and power foundational to the construction of target populations in the SCF. We find, in general, deservingness to be a stronger predictor of support for policy tools than notions of power. We also identify situations where deservingness acts independently of power in ways not anticipated by the SCF—notably public favor for burdens on powerful groups. Our findings offer implications for theoretical and empirical development of the SCF regarding the influence of policymakers' perceptions of public acceptance of policy design in crafting public policies.
U‐type soft tissue lifting: A new composited technique for reversing lower eyelid and midfacial aging
Authors: Li Meijia , Xu Haiqian , Tian Yuan , Li Ruixi , Hao Lijun
Published: November 2023

Background

Facial rejuvenation is becoming more and more popular, particularly among middle‐aged persons. There are currently many techniques for improving the aforementioned situations, but each has its drawbacks. Our study aimed to discuss the treatment effect of a composited technique for reversing both lower eyelid and midface aging.

Methods

The patient's face was designed and measured before surgery. During surgery, a traditional lower blepharoplasty incision was made. The layer between the orbital septum and the orbicularis oculi muscle was separated to approximately 4‐5 mm below the infraorbital, then the orbital septum and orbicularis retaining ligament were found to be released. A self‐made suspension curving needle subconsciously passed through the brim of the superficial cheek fat pad via the “U‐type” path and raised them to the proper location. Then sutured them to the infraorbital rim periosteum, as well as the suborbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) and the orbital septum fat. Secured the outside canthus to keep the lower lid position stable.

Results

From February 2020 to November 2022, 106 patients underwent the new surgical procedure and were successfully followed up for 20 ± 6.5 months postoperatively. The mean GAIS score was 2.42 ± 0.78, patient satisfaction rate was 95%. All of the Barton grades were decreased. The nasal base level suspension points were elevated to a level of 5 ± 2 mm. 3D measurement data revealed significant improvements.

Conclusions

The composited technique is a safe and effective way to reverse the aging of the lower eyelid and midface.
Comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of a clay mask in oily and acne skin
Authors: Zhang Xianghua , Zhang Zhongxing , Tao Han , He Xiaofeng , Hsu Kungchi , Wang Wenna , Fang Xiaofeng , Steel Andrew
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Oily skin, characterized by excessive sebum production, can lead to acne and have psychosocial impacts due to changes in appearance. Recent research has shown interest in treatments for oil control, with kaolin and bentonite emerging as promising options. Despite their potential, comprehensive studies on these ingredients are still in the nascent stages.

AIM

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a clay mask (La Roche‐Posay Effaclar Sebo‐Controlling Mask) in reducing skin oiliness and acne, and its safety for use.

METHODS

In this study, 75 adults with oily or combination skin were enrolled and provided with a clay mask for twice‐weekly use over 4 weeks. Clinical assessments, using instruments like Sebumeter, Vapometer, and Corneometer, were conducted at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks, evaluating acne lesions, skin irritation, sebum content, and skin hydration. Participant self‐assessment questionnaires were also utilized for subjective evaluation. Statistical analyses were performed accordingly.

RESULTS

The study revealed significant improvements in acne‐related outcomes, sebum content, skin evenness, stratum corneum water content, and transepidermal water loss following the application of the clay mask. Pore area and porphyrin area showed no significant changes. Tolerance assessment showed reduced dryness and irritation, with self‐assessment indicating high product acceptability and perceived oil control effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the clay mask's efficacy in managing acne and oily skin, improving hydration and texture. Significant improvements in skin parameters and high product safety were observed, supporting its suitability.
Implicit and explicit instruction in the second language classroom: A study of learner preferences in higher education
Authors: Stratton James M.
Published: November 2023

In a recent study, English‐speaking L2 learners of German who received explicit instruction made significantly greater improvements in pronunciation and vocabulary than learners who received implicit instruction. Against the backdrop of this work, the present study reports learner preferences and perceptions about implicit and explicit language instruction. Results highlight a general preference for explicit instruction among university students, with implicit instruction reported as a source of stress and learner anxiety. While implicit and explicit instruction both have a place in the L2 classroom, learners reported that explicit instruction helped circumvent crosslinguistic transfer and ease anxiety. Many learners reported the expectation of declarative knowledge as a function of higher education instruction, suggesting that the exclusive goal of communicative competence may be an insufficient target for university language students. This study highlights the importance of explicit instruction in the L2 classroom.
Sequence elements within the PEXEL motif and its downstream region modulate PTEX‐dependent protein export in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Gabriela Mikha , Barnes Claudia B. G. , Leong Dickson , Sleebs Brad E. , Schneider Molly Parkyn , Littler Dene R. , Crabb Brendan S. , de Koning‐Ward Tania F. , Gilson Paul R.
Published: November 2023

The parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of malaria and to invade and replicate in red blood cells (RBCs), it exports hundreds of proteins across the encasing parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) into this host cell. The exported proteins help modify the RBC to support rapid parasite growth and avoidance of the human immune system. Most exported proteins possess a conserved Plasmodium export element (PEXEL) motif with the consensus RxLxE/D/Q amino acid sequence, which acts as a proteolytic cleavage recognition site within the parasite's endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Cleavage occurs after the P1 L residue and is thought to help release the protein from the ER so it can be putatively escorted by the HSP101 chaperone to the parasitophorous vacuole space surrounding the intraerythrocytic parasite. HSP101 and its cargo are then thought to assemble with the rest of a Plasmodium translocon for exported proteins (PTEX) complex, that then recognises the xE/D/Q capped N‐terminus of the exported protein and translocates it across the vacuole membrane into the RBC compartment. Here, we present evidence that supports a dual role for the PEXEL's conserved P2′ position E/Q/D residue, first, for plasmepsin V cleavage in the ER, and second, for efficient PTEX mediated export across the PVM into the RBC. We also present evidence that the downstream ‘spacer’ region separating the PEXEL motif from the folded functional region of the exported protein controls cargo interaction with PTEX as well. The spacer must be of a sufficient length and permissive amino acid composition to engage the HSP101 unfoldase component of PTEX to be efficiently translocated into the RBC compartment.
How bilateral foreign direct investment influences environmental convergence
Authors: Ahouangbe Vignawou Lucien , Turcu Camelia
Published: November 2023

This paper analyzes environmental convergence and its determinants. We construct our analysis in a bilateral setting and hypothesize that, through foreign direct investment (FDI), one or more investor countries could impact the environmental performance of their hosts, leading thus to a possible environmental convergence between home and host economies. To do this, we construct an original database on bilateral FDI encompassing 128 countries for the period 2000–2012. Our results suggest that, in general, FDI does not directly impact environmental convergence, except for the case of FDI originating from major investor countries. Under specific conditions, FDI can be expected to influence environmental convergence along with other variables such as GDP per capita, industrial development, geographical proximity, or cultural and historical ties. Overall, these effects may vary depending on the type of partnership considered (North–North, North–South, South–North, and South–South).
Pastern dermatitis outbreak associated with toxigenic and non‐toxigenicCorynebacterium diphtheriaeand non‐toxigenicCorynebacterium ulceransat a horse stable in Finland, 2021
Authors: Grönthal Thomas Sven Christer , Lehto Anna Karoliina , Aarnio Sanna Sofia , Eskola Eva Katarina , Aimo‐Koivisto Elina Marjaana , Karlsson Teemu , Koskinen Heli Irmeli , Barkoff Alex‐Mikael , He Qiushui , Lienemann Taru , Rimhanen‐Finne Ruska , Mykkänen Anna
Published: November 2023

Aims

Corynebacterium diphtheriaeandCorynebacterium ulcerans, when producing toxin, are the cause of diphtheria, a potentially life‐threatening illness in humans. Horses (Equus ferus caballus) are known to be susceptible to infection that may manifest clinically on rare occasions. In late 2021 and early 2022, specimens from five horses suffering from pastern dermatitis were cultured at the Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.C. diphtheriaeand/orC. ulceranswere recovered from all of these. This study aimed to (1) analyse the bacterial isolates and (2) describe the outbreak and identify possible sources of the infection and infection routes in the stable.

Methods and Results

Susceptibility testing, PCR for thetoxgene, and Elek test for toxin production in PCR‐positive isolates were performed. Whole genome sequencing was also conducted to achieve high‐resolution strain typing. An epidemiological survey was done by means of a semi‐structured interview of horses' caretaker, and contact tracing was done among people at the stable. Twotoxgene‐positive, toxin‐producingC. diphtheriaebelonged to sequence type (ST) 822. OtherC. diphtheriae(n = 2, ST828) andC. ulcerans(n = 2, ST325 and ST838) isolates did not carry thetoxgene. The epidemiological investigation explored numerous possible routes of transmission, but the definite source of infection was not identified. All established human contacts tested negative for diphtheriae. All horses recovered after antimicrobial treatment.

Conclusions

Our study shows thatC. diphtheriaeandC. ulceransmay readily spread among horses at the same stable and complicate pastern dermatitis infections. These potentially zoonotic bacteria can cause outbreaks even in a country with a very low prevalence. Caretakers should be encouraged to wear gloves and practice good hand hygiene when treating infected skin lesions in horses.
Introduction. International Data Aggregation for Archaeological Research and Heritage Management: the ARIADNE experience
Authors:   University of York, Richards Julian D. , Aspöck Edeltraud ,   Austrian Centre for Digital Humanities and Cultural Heritage, Niccolucci Franco ,   Università di Firenze
Published: November 2023

The volume originates from a conference session co-organised by Edeltraud Aspöck, Guntram Geser and Julian Richards, at the international conference ‘Cultural Heritage and New Technologies’ (CHNT) held in Vienna in November 2022. The papers presented there have been extensively revised, and some additional ones have been commissioned. They represent a wide range of activities, and illustrate some of the impacts of ARIADNE across heritage management and research.
Semantic Modelling of Archaeological Excavation Data. A review of the current state of the art and a roadmap of activities
Authors:   University of Patras, Katsianis Markos , Bruseker George , Nenova Denitsa ,   Takin.solutions Ltd, Marlet Olivier ,   University of Tours, Hivert Florian , Hiebel Gerald ,   Universität Innsbruck, Ore Christian-Emil ,   University of Oslo, Derudas Paola ,   Lund University, Opitz Rachel ,   Open Geospatial Consortium, Uleberg Espen ,   University of Oslo
Published: November 2023

Archaeological data repositories usually manage excavation data collections as project-level entities with restricted capacities to facilitate search or aggregation of excavation data at the sub-collection level (trenches, finds, season reports or excavation diaries etc.). More granular access to excavation data collections would enable layered querying across their informational content. In the past decade, several attempts to adapt CIDOC CRM in order to provide more explicit descriptions of the excavation universe have resulted in the use of domain-specific model extensions (e.g. CRMarchaeo, CRMsci, CRMba). Each focuses on corresponding aspects of the excavation research process, while their combined usage has potential to support expressive data mappings at the sub-collection level. As part of the ARIADNEplus project, several CIDOC CRM developers and domain experts have collaborated to undertake conceptual mapping exercises, to address the practicalities of bringing excavation data descriptions together and to link these to our overall aspirations in terms of excavation data discoverability and reusability. In this contribution, we discuss the current state and future directions of the field of semantic representation of archaeological excavation data and consider several issues that constrain the applicability of existing solutions. We identify five key enabling technologies or research areas (Conceptual models and semantic data structures, Conceptual modelling patterns, Data mapping workflows and tools, Learning technologies and Semantic queries) and assign readiness levels to assess their level of technological maturity. Our research demonstrates that while the existing models and domain-specific extensions are deemed adequate, there is a need for more user-friendly methods and tools to structure data in meaningful and interoperable ways. The next steps involve consolidating relevant semantic structures, improving modelling implementation guidance, adhering to consistent workflows, developing engaging curricula, and documenting real-case examples to demonstrate the benefits and results of semantic data integration.