bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of combined effects of propyl paraben and methyl paraben on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in male rats
Authors: İnkaya Eda Nur , Barlas Nurhayat
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the endocrine-disrupting effects of methyl paraben (MeP) and propyl paraben (PrP) mixture on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). In this study, six experimental groups were designated. These groups included three control groups (control, corn oil control, and positive control (50 mg/kg/day BPA)) and three dose groups (10, 100, and 500 mg/kg/day MeP+PrP). MeP with PrP were mixed in a 1:1 ratio and administered to the 42-day-old male rats by oral gavage for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone and aldosterone hormones were analyzed in serum. Effects of MeP+PrP on the adrenal glands were investigated by immunohistochemical staining of 11ß hydroxylase (CYP11B1) and aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) enzymes involved in the synthesis steps of corticosterone and aldosterone. Also, pituitary and adrenal glands were examined histopathologically. In the histopathological findings, cortical nodule, congestion, and edema were found in the tissues. In the pituitary gland, cytokeratin rings were detected in all MeP+PrP dose groups, supporting the increase of corticosterone and ACTH. Serum corticosterone, aldosterone, and ACTH hormone levels were increased in the 100 mg/kg/day MeP+PrP and BPA groups. Results obtained from immunohistochemical staining showed that increased staining parallelled increased corticosterone and aldosterone hormone levels. In summary, the results showed that exposure to the MeP+PrP mixture caused a significant increase in ACTH and corticosterone. Also, the MeP+PrP mixture caused a significant increase of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2. MeP+PrP exposure disrupts the normal HPA axis.
Imaging of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: An Update on Recent Advances
Authors: Barat Maxime , Marchese Ugo , Pellat Anna , Dohan Anthony , Coriat Romain , Hoeffel Christine , Fishman Elliot K. , Cassinotto Christophe , Chu Linda , Soyer Philippe
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Computed tomography (CT) remains the primary imaging modality for diagnosis of PDAC. However, CT has limitations for early pancreatic tumor detection and tumor characterization so that it is currently challenged by magnetic resonance imaging. More recently, a particular attention has been given to radiomics for the characterization of pancreatic lesions using extraction and analysis of quantitative imaging features. In addition, radiomics has currently many applications that are developed in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI) with the aim of better characterizing pancreatic lesions and providing a more precise assessment of tumor burden. This review article sums up recent advances in imaging of PDAC in the field of image/data acquisition, tumor detection, tumor characterization, treatment response evaluation, and preoperative planning. In addition, current applications of radiomics and AI in the field of PDAC are discussed.
Myths Concerning Sexual Violence Toward Women in Poland, Hungary, and Norway in the Context of System Justification Theory: The Role of Beliefs in the Biological Origins of Gender Differences and Ambivalent Sexism
Authors: Łyś Agnieszka E. , Studzińska Anna , Bargiel-Matusiewicz Kamilla , Nyúl Boglárka , Folkierska-Żukowska Monika
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare attitudes toward rape in Poland, Hungary, and Norway. Based on system justification theory, we examined whether country of origin predicts levels of rape myth acceptance, beliefs in the biological origins of gender differences, and ambivalent sexism. There is also some evidence that beliefs in the biological origins of gender differences predict rape myth among Polish students and that this relationship is mediated by hostile sexism. The current study aimed to test whether this model can be applied to other countries. Participants ( N = 266) were from Poland, Hungary, and Norway. The study was conducted online. The dependent and independent variables were measured with questionnaires. Polish participants had significantly higher levels of rape myth acceptance, beliefs in the biological origins of gender differences, and ambivalent sexism than Norwegian and Hungarian participants. Our proposed model was confirmed: belief in the biological origins of gender differences was associated with rape myth acceptance, with hostile sexism as a mediator. Benevolent sexism also turned out to be a mediator between beliefs in the biological origins of gender differences and rape myth acceptance. The mediational model of the relationship between beliefs in the biological origins of gender differences and rape myth acceptance can be applied to all three countries. This result suggests that anti-rape educational interventions should take into account the role of culture and society in the construction of gender differences.
Campus Information Sharing and Responses to Sexual Misconduct Violations: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Shields Ryan T. , Tabachnick Joan , Becker Laurie T.
Published: September 2022

Recent years have seen growing public interest in how college and university administrators respond to sexual misconduct. Despite policy changes in this area, minimal research exists on how institutions of higher education (IHEs) are sharing and processing information about students found responsible for sexual misconduct. Aiming to establish some of the key questions and parameters in this line of research, this practitioner–researcher collaboration offers a first look at how IHEs share information about students who have been found responsible both within their campus and between campuses, as well as how IHEs respond when that information is shared (e.g., admitting a student applicant who has been previously sanctioned for a sexual misconduct violation). Practitioners designed and disseminated a questionnaire to campus administrators, including Title IX coordinators and student conduct administrators, via higher education association listservs. Exploratory results from 176 participants showed that 80% reported having some form of policy regarding sharing information within their institution, while approximately half have policies regarding sharing information to other IHEs regarding students found responsible of sexual misconduct. Nearly one-third of participants reported that their IHEs are engaging in campus information sharing through the use of transcript notation. In terms of IHEs receiving information about student applicants having been previously sanctioned for a sexual misconduct violation, approximately one-fourth of participants indicated their IHE has chosen not to accept a student for this reason within the past 5 years, and a quarter of IHEs have accepted such students. For those IHEs that have accepted a student previously found responsible, the majority of IHEs are not following the outcomes of these students, indicating an unknown in terms of whether information sharing policies were effective. As a result, preliminary findings suggest that more evaluation research is needed before any further policies are mandated.
A Multilevel Examination of Whether Child Welfare Worker Characteristics Predict the Substantiation Decision in Canada
Authors: Lwin Kristen , Fallon Barbara , Filippelli Joanne , Trocmé Nico
Published: September 2022

The decision to substantiate a report of child maltreatment represents a key decision point in the child welfare service decision-making continuum. This decision has various potential implications for children and their families, which may include more intensive child welfare involvement or the cessation of services. The substantiation decision is determined by whether there is enough evidence to suggest that maltreatment or the risk of maltreatment has occurred. To date, there has been minimal exploration of whether child welfare worker characteristics might influence this critical decision point. The Decision-Making Ecology would suggest that indeed, worker characteristics play a role in how they carry out their role. Given the importance of this decision point, this study uses secondary data to examine whether worker characteristics, such as education level and type, ethnoracial identity, caseload, and experience, predict substantiation in the Canadian child welfare context. Furthermore, this study utilizes multilevel modeling, a theoretically important and unique method of analyzing organizational data that considers differences in decisions among child welfare workers. The final model included 4,327 children and 567 workers from across Canada. Several case level factors (e.g., child age and functioning, caregiver risk factors) predicted the substantiation decision. Furthermore, and most importantly for this study, worker characteristics significantly predicted their substantiation decision. Workers with fewer years of experience, those in an Ongoing Services role, and with a lower caseload substantiated significantly more often than those with more work experience, in another role, and with higher caseloads. Lastly, caseload and years of experience, and training and caseload both interacted to predict the substantiation decision. Implications for policy and practice and future research areas are discussed.
Intersecting Early-Life Selection Mechanisms: Socio-Historical Changes in Racially Stratified Effects of Education on Functional Limitations in the United States
Authors: Bhatta Tirth R.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Scant research has focused on the role of sociohistorical changes in shaping intersecting early-life selection mechanisms and their impacts on racially stratified effects of education on health across cohorts.

Method

Drawing from the Health and Retirement Survey, this study fitted negative binomial regression models to assess the impacts of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) on the relationship between education and functional limitations for Black and White adults across birth cohorts ( n = 16,269, born 1931–1959).

Results

The disparities between Black adults and White adults in impacts of childhood SES on both education and functional limitations were more pronounced in recent cohorts. The racial stratification in the impacts of education on functional limitations was documented across cohorts. However, after adjusting for childhood SES, this stratification narrowed considerably in recent cohorts.

Discussion

This study underscores the role of a sociohistorical context in shaping the effects of education on health at the intersection of race and cohort.
Compound stochastic dynamic response investigation of train-multi-span simply supported beam bridge coupling system based on design of experiment modeling
Authors: Zhu Yan , Li Xiaozhen , Jin Zhibin
Published: September 2022

Discreteness of structural parameters and randomness of rail irregularities cause uncertainty in a train-bridge coupling system. We propose an efficient approach to carefully study the effect of these uncertainties on the dynamic responses of a bridge and vehicles. First, a compound stochastic vibration model of a train-bridge coupling system was established, employing the Monte Carlo method in the sample simulations. Second, the discreteness of the system parameters, the randomness of three types of rail irregularities, and the vehicle velocity were screened using the Taguchi method; influencing factors on the system dynamic responses were obtained. Third, the individual and joint effects of these factors were carefully studied using the response surface method function charts from a statistical point of view. Finally, we determined the optimal conditions of the dynamic responses.
Effects of crosswinds and tip configurations on the initial phase of wingtip vortex evolution
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Li Dong , Xu Ziming , Cai Jinyan , Cui Jiaolin
Published: September 2022

Wingtip vortex is the initial phase of aircraft wake flow that jeopardizes flight safety. Previous studies have focused on the effect of incidence angle on tip vortex flow; thus, investigations on tip vortex in the roll-up stage under crosswind conditions are limited. In the present study, two NACA0012 wings with different tip shapes (round and square) were numerically analyzed to explore the effects of wingtip configurations on tip vortex. In addition, the effects of crosswinds on wingtip vortex evolution were also investigated. It was found that sharp edges of the square wingtip generated a multi-vortex system, resulting in a larger turbulent wake vortex core radius. The lift and vortex strength of the square wingtip were 23% higher and only 12% stronger than those of the round wingtip, respectively. Furthermore, crosswinds changed both the pressure distribution and the vortex structure. Crosswinds made the flow field unstable; hence, upwind lower edge vortices of the square wingtip burst earlier and merged faster. Consequently, the tightness of the upwind vortex of the square wingtip increased, and the corresponding vortex strength was enhanced. The downwind vortex of the square wingtip was weakened by 2.7% under a crosswind velocity of 4 m/s, whereas the downwind tip vortex of the round wingtip was strengthened under the same conditions.
Inhibition mechanism of static pressure circumferential double-peak distribution using a recirculation device for a centrifugal compressor
Authors: Su Botai , Yang Ce , Zhang Hanzhi
Published: September 2022

The asymmetric volute structure in the turbocharger centrifugal compressor causes a static pressure circumferential double-peak distribution (PD-DP) at small flow rates and affects the circumferential stall position near the impeller inlet. In this study, a recirculation device was added to a prototype compressor, and the effect of the recirculation flow on the PD-DP was studied to reveal the difference in the PD-DP formation mechanism with and without the device. In addition, the influence of the PD-DP difference on the compressor flow stability was investigated. The results show that the PD-DP generated various pressure gradients between the front and rear slots of the recirculation device at different circumferential positions, resulting in a double-peak distribution in the recirculation flow rate. When the recirculation airflow flowed back into the impeller inlet, the two recirculation flow rate peaks were near the circumferential positions occupied by the two static pressure peaks in the prototype compressor. Therefore, the pressure distortion degree near the impeller inlet could be inhibited, weakening the difference in the deflection degree of the tip leakage flow (TLF) in each compressor passage. It should be noted that the circumferential positions with more prominent variation in the TLF corresponded to the passages with more serious flow deterioration in the prototype compressor, and the blockage of these passages near the inlet was reduced to a greater extent, which could better improve the flow stability of the compressor.
The use of fondaparinux and rituximab for recurrent thrombotic events in antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Sayar Zara , Burke Shoshana , Mittal Prabal , Cohen Hannah
Published: September 2022

Limited evidence exists to guide the management of recurrent thrombosis occurring despite therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In this case series, fondaparinux, with or without an antiplatelet agent, provided an effective and safe option in three patients with thrombotic APS, all two triple and one single positive for antiphospholipid antibodies, who had recurrent venous and/or arterial thromboembolism. Rituximab was also used in all patients. Recurrent events occurred despite therapeutic anticoagulation, including at high-intensity, with warfarin and subsequent low-molecular-weight heparin. There were no major bleeding events. Adjunctive therapies used for thrombosis included catheter-directed thrombolysis and rituximab.
METTL3-Mediated m6A Modification of lncRNA MALAT1 Facilitates Prostate Cancer Growth by Activation of PI3K/AKT Signaling
Authors: Mao Yuanshen , Li Wenfeng , Weng YiMing , Hua Bao , Gu Xin , Lu Chao , Xu Bin , Xu Huan , Wang Zhong
Published: September 2022

Accumulating data show that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase METTL3 and long noncoding RNA MALAT1 act pivotal roles in multiple malignancies including prostate cancer (PCa). However, the role and molecular mechanism underlying METTL3-mediated m6A modification of MALAT1 in PCa remain undocumented. The association of METTL3 and MALAT1 expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with PCa was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and public The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The in vitro and in vivo experiments were executed to investigate the role of METTL3 in PCa. m6A dot blot, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), RIP, and qRT-PCR assays were employed to observe METTL3-mediated m6A modification of MALAT1. The effects of METTL3 on MALAT1-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway were assessed by Western blot analysis. As a result, we found that METTL3 was significantly upregulated in PCa tissues and high expression of METTL3 was associated with Gleason score and tumor recurrence in patients with PCa. Knockdown of METTL3 markedly repressed growth and invasion of PCa cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas ectopic expression of METTL3 showed the opposite effects. Moreover, knockdown of METTL3 decreased the total m6A levels of PCa cells as well as the MALAT1 m6A levels, leading to reduced MALAT1 expression. Overexpression of MALAT1 reversed METTL3 knockdown-induced antitumor effects and PI3K/AKT signaling inactivation. MALAT1 harbored a positive correlation with METTL3 expression and tumor recurrence in PCa. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that METTL3-mediated m6A modification of lncRNA MALAT1 promotes growth and invasion of PCa cells by activating PI3K/AKT signaling.
Do Job Autonomy Influence Employee Engagement? Examining the Mediating Role of Employee Voice in the Indian Service Sector
Authors: Sheoran Neha , Goyal Richa , Sharma Himani
Published: September 2022

Employee engagement is crucial to an organization’s growth. The current study investigates the link between job autonomy, employee voice, and employee engagement among employees working in the Indian service sector industry using the job demands–resources model. It also considers the significance of employee voice as a mediating construct between job autonomy and employee engagement relationship. A structured equation modelling technique was applied to check the model on 180 employees working in the Indian service sector. Results indicate that employee voice partially mediates the relationship between job autonomy and employee engagement. Indeed, this study contributes to the field of theory, by researching and establishing the relationship between job autonomy and employee engagement, along with the mediating effects of employee voice between them. Furthermore, this article will give practitioners a comprehensive understanding of the significance of job autonomy and employee voice in increasing the engagement level of employees. Present study findings also show HR practitioners and managers, how offering autonomy and establishing opportunities for people to speak their opinions in the company can improve an organization’s effectiveness.
Expertise in Motherhood: A Grounded Theory Study on Motherhood During Middle Childhood
Authors: Topal Özgen Gülşen , Ekşi Halil
Published: September 2022

The transition to motherhood is a developmental stage in which a woman's identity reveals its transformation into her maternal identity. Motherhood goes through certain stages based on the child's age. Motherhood during middle childhood differs from other periods in terms of experiences, meanings, practices, and the child's needs (Barnard & Solchany, 2002). The current study focuses on exploring mothers’ personal experiences of motherhood through a grounded theory framework in order to conceptualize motherhood in middle childhood. The sample was consisting of 22 mothers of children. As a result, the concept of expertise in motherhood (EIM) was obtained, which explains the maternal experiences of mothers with children in middle childhood. EIM is explained through six themes: EIM, pre-motherhood, motherhood enhancers, expertise in child-rearing, child-centered communication, and the transformative power of motherhood. The research results are discussed in light of the relevant literature on motherhood, maternal self-concept, and maternal role development.
The Predictive Relationship Between Marital Adjustment, Psychological Birth Order, and Psychological Resilience of Married Individuals
Authors: İlmen Zübeyde , Sürücü Abdullah
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to examine the predictive relationships between marital adjustment, psychological birth order, and psychological resilience of married individuals. The study was on the relational survey model; 461 married individuals from Ankara, Istanbul, and Konya/Turkey participated in the research. The sample was randomly selected. In the study, “Marital Adjustment Scale,” “White-Campbell Psychological Birth Order Inventory,” and “Brief Resilience Scale” were used. In the analysis data, Pearson Correlation test and Amos software were used for structural equation modeling analysis. As a result of the analysis, we found that psychological resilience predicted marital adjustment and psychological birth order, and psychological birth order predicted marital adjustment. Psychological resilience negatively affected the subdimensions of oldest, middle, and only child, while it positively affected the subdimension of youngest child. The subdimension of only child negatively affected the marital adjustment and partially mediates the effect of psychological resilience on marital adjustment.
Active vibration suppression at bearing pedestals in an elastically supported shafting system via non-contact electromagnetic actuators
Authors: Yang Dequan , Zhu Yueyue , Xie Xiling , Zhang Zhiyi
Published: September 2022

The bearings are important paths for the shaft vibration transmitting to the hull structure. A new scenario based on non-contact electromagnetic actuators mounted at bearing pedestals is proposed to suppress the vibration transmission from the shaft to the elastic foundation. The dynamic model of a shafting system with the non-contact electromagnetic actuators is established on the Hamilton’s principle. With this model, the influence of the displacement stiffnesses of the electromagnetic actuators on the vibration transmission is discussed, and the feasibility of active control is investigated. A multi-harmonic vibration suppression method is adopted and the performance is evaluated. Numerical results show that the vertical control by the electromagnetic actuators is able to attenuate the vibration transmission from the shaft to the foundation. With the addition of horizontal control, the foundation vibration is further decreased due to the reduction of power flow generated by the moments between the bearing pedestals and foundation. The results of a proof-of-principle experiment have also verified the effectiveness of the vertical control by the non-contact electromagnetic actuators in vibration transmission suppression and the foundation acceleration responses are remarkably reduced.
Lenalidomide induced pneumonitis
Authors: Finch Kelsey , Sharma Deepankar , Wagner Stephanie
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Iatrogenic lung injury is a very rare, albeit serious complication with antineoplastic therapy, including immunomodulatory drugs. Pneumonitis typically presents clinically with symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, fever, and hypoxemia. Radiographic evaluation often demonstrates diffuse, patchy infiltrates and ground-glass opacities.

Case report

We present a case in which therapy from an immunomodulatory drug, lenalidomide, elicited a pneumonitis in the form of a 9 cm lung mass. An exhaustive workup was completed to rule out viral, bacterial, and fungal infections as well as malignant causes. Lenalidomide-induced lung injury was suspected.

Management and outcome

Lenalidomide was discontinued and corticosteroid therapy was initiated. This resulted in a complete clinical and radiographic resolution of symptoms.

Discussion

Several case reports of pneumonitis have been associated with immunomodulatory drug therapy, and while most of these exhibit diffuse ground-glass opacities radiographically, our patient presented with a 9 cm lung mass. Our findings stress the importance of a thorough medication review while ruling out other potential causes of lung injury.
Growth spin in plant cell wall growth and remodelling
Authors: Huang Ruoyu
Published: September 2022

A growth spin model is proposed for the modelling of the expansive growth and fibre remodelling of cell wall. The introduction of the growth spin allows to relax the perfectly bonding assumption in the kinematical growth, which provides a more sophisticated and flexible kinematical description for modelling the selective control and flexible regulation of anisotropic growth. Extended hardening laws are proposed for the growth and remodelling, respectively, aiming at further clarification of the dynamic balance between hardening and softening in a growing cell wall. The proposed model may shed a new light into the micro-structural interpretation of the “fictitious” intermediate (growth) configuration in the kinematical growth modelling of soft matter. A case study of the cell wall as a growing cylindrical wall is presented to demonstrate the proposed model. Spencer’s deviatoric stress tensor and its rate format are shown to play a key role in the modelling of the cell wall as a fibre-reinforced soft tissue.
Screw dislocations in a holed wedge
Authors: Whiteside Gregory T , Siddique Abu Bakar , Khraishi Tariq A
Published: September 2022

A numerical code has been designed and implemented to find the stress at any material point in a holed wedge material due to any number of crystal or real screw dislocations in the wedge. The code implements the image dislocation method together with the collocation-point method to find stresses at any material point. We demonstrate that the combined analytical–numerical method (analytical with the image dislocations and numerical with the collocation-point method) is valid in that it produces stress fields giving rise to zero traction on free surfaces as well at an arbitrary number of collocation points on void surfaces. In addition, the method makes it possible to find the Peach–Koehler force (PKF) acting on a real screw dislocation at any point in the wedge, as well as to determine points of equilibrium, where the PKF is zero. Numerous and easy to interpret contour plots reveal the utility of this method which was carried out using the mathematical software MATLAB.
Modified perfluorocarbon liquid/internal limiting membrane interface staining in myopic macular hole retinal detachment
Authors: La Mantia Alberto , Mateo Carlos
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To demonstrate a modified technique of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL)/internal limiting membrane (ILM) interface staining in patients affected by macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) in the setting of high myopia.

Methods

Two-surgeon retrospective case series and review of surgical videos with step-by-step technique analysis.

Results

Our modified technique was proficiently employed to treat 9 highly myopic patients affected by MHRD. Successful staining and peeling of the ILM with the creation of an inverted flap was achieved in all cases. A limited number of dye injections required to stain the ILM was noted. No subretinal dye migration or other intra- and postoperative complications were recorded.

Conclusion

Modified PFCL/ILM interface staining is a surgically efficient technique potentially reducing the risk of iatrogenic damage, including the toxicity of vital dyes to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in myopic MHRD.
Patient perspectives on dry eye disease and chronic ocular surface pain: Insights from a virtual community-moderated dialogue
Authors: Caffery Barbara , Petris Rebecca , Hammitt Katherine M , Montecchi-Palmer Michela , Haque Sameena , Malkowski Jean-Pierre , Barabino Stefano
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To understand patients’ perspectives on living with dry eye disease (DED), and on the unmet needs in DED and chronic ocular surface pain (COSP) management.

Methods

A moderated, structured discussion with patients with ocular surface diseases and healthcare professionals (HCPs) was conducted using a virtual platform to capture patients’ journey with DED, their opinion on unmet needs, and design and conduct of clinical trials in DED and COSP.

Results

Nine participants, including four patient representatives from patient organisations, one ophthalmologist and one optometrist participated in the discussion. Patients had DED of varying severity and aetiology; three patients had Sjögren's. Over 4 weeks, 785 posts were entered on the platform. Prior to diagnosis, patients rarely associated their symptoms with DED. Convenience and symptomatic relief scored higher than treating the disease. Patients expressed the need for plain language information and dialogue with knowledgeable and sensitive HCPs. Online forums and social media were suggested as key recruitment resources, whereas convenience and safety concerns were highlighted as main barriers to enrolment. The need for the inclusion of outcome measures that have a real impact on patients’ experience of their condition was highlighted. Both target product profiles were received positively by participants, highlighting the twice-daily dosing regimen and convenience of the products. Participants acknowledged the value of digital tools and suggested the need to feel valued post-trial.

Conclusions

This moderated dialogue provided actionable insights on the unmet needs in DED and useful inputs for consideration when designing future clinical trials for DED and COSP.
Thinking about young refugees’ mental health following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022
Authors: Hodes Matthew
Published: September 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 has prompted this article to summarise some of the salient mental health issues experienced by young asylum seekers and refugees focussing on resettlement countries, drawing on the substantial literature, for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Practitioners. Firstly, the various UNHCR categories of persons affected by war and persecution and statistics are described. By July 2022, over 100 million people globally were of concern to UNHCR, a number increased by the many millions of refugees fleeing Ukraine to neighbouring countries. Selected findings on the psychiatric epidemiology of young refugees are summarised, and some principles of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service delivery and treatments are outlined. The research on Ukrainian refugees’ mental health is limited and this is an area that requires further investigation alongside active attempts to meet their mental health needs.
Torsional strengthening using carbon fiber reinforced polymer of reinforced concrete beams subject to combined bending, shear and torsion
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Zhuolin , Li Xiangmin , Leng Yubing , Harries Kent A , Xu Qingfeng
Published: September 2022

The results of an experimental investigation of six large scale rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) beams subject to different ratios of combined bending, shear, and torsion strengthened with externally-bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) U-wraps are presented. All beams exhibited torsion-dominated behaviour. The presence of discrete CFRP U-wrap strips controlled the cracks well and the resulting torsional cracks were observed to be oriented at about 50°. Regardless of loading ratio, strengthened beams exhibited a 70% increase in torsional capacity. Before cracking, torsion to flexure ratio had a small effect on the flexural and torsional stiffness indicating that twist and deflection have a small counteracting effect on each other. Existing beam capacities were assessed using ACI 318-19 and GB 50010-2010 while CFRP strengthening was assessed based on fib Bulletin 14. Main findings are as follows: the ACI 318-19-predicted torsional capacity was conservative while GB 50010-2010 appeared to result in better capacity-prediction of unstrengthened RC beams. Even though load capacities derived from GB 50010-2010 are consistent with torsion-dominated behaviour, neither standard-based approach addresses the complete interaction of internal forces which is necessary to determine existing in situ strength for FRP strengthening applications. The fib Bulletin 14 approach to FRP strengthening for torsion was extrapolated to U-wraps and shown to overestimate the strengthening effect of the CFRP system applied. Critically, the assumed angle of inclination of torsional cracking was increased by the presence of the U-wraps, reducing the efficacy of the CFRP application.
Exposure to parental smoking and cardiac structure and function in adulthood: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study
Authors: Pihlman Jukka , Nuotio Joel , Rovio Suvi , Pahkala Katja , Ruohonen Saku , Jokinen Eero , Laitinen Tomi P. , Burgner David P. , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Tossavainen Päivi , Taittonen Leena , Kähönen Mika , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Raitakari Olli T. , Magnussen Costan G. , Juonala Markus
Published: September 2022

Background and aims:

The relationship between childhood tobacco smoke exposure and cardiac structure and function in midlife is unclear. We investigated the association between parental smoking with cardiac structure and function in adulthood.

Methods:

1250 participants (56.5% female) from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study who had data on parental smoking and/or serum cotinine, a biomarker of exposure to tobacco smoke, at baseline 1980 (age 3–18 years) and echocardiography performed in 2011. Parental smoking hygiene (i.e., smoking in the vicinity of children) was categorized by parental smoking and serum cotinine levels in offspring. Dimensions of the left ventricle, diastolic and systolic function, and cardiac remodeling were used as outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for sex, age, and covariates (blood pressure (BP), serum lipids, body mass index, socioeconomic status, smoking (only in adulthood)) in childhood and adulthood.

Results:

Parental smoking was not associated with systolic or diastolic function in adulthood. Participants exposed to parental smoking (odds ratio (OR) 1.90, 95%CI 1.23–2.92), hygienic parental smoking (OR 1.74, 95%CI 1.12–2.71), and non-hygienic parental smoking (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.02–3.45) had higher odds of concentric remodeling (relative wall thickness >85th sex-specific percentile without left ventricular hypertrophy). These associations were attenuated after adjustment for child and adult covariates in the non-hygienic parental smoking group.

Conclusions:

Exposure to parental smoking in childhood was associated with a higher likelihood of concentric remodeling and thicker left ventricular and interventricular septal walls in midlife, which was not improved by parents who smoked hygienically. Parental smoking was not related to systolic or diastolic function in this relatively young population.
“It’s a matter of age”: Four dimensions of youths’ news consumption
Authors: Klopfenstein Frei Nadine , Wyss Valery , Gnach Aleksandra , Weber Wibke
Published: September 2022

News media in Switzerland are confronted with the challenge of not reaching young people, as youth-specific news platforms and formats are not used by the target group. Our study aims to determine how and where young people can be reached with news. It uses a mixed methods approach to analyze the expectations of young people towards news content and formats and to determine their news consumption patterns. The results show that young people’s news consumption is characterized by four dimensions: 1. duration and times of consumption, 2. news consumption habits and behavior, 3. restrictions, 4. media literacy. The significance of these dimensions varies between three age groups determined through the study. The news consumption of the 12-to-14 year-olds is strongly restricted by parents and school. This group consumes news mainly through media available at home. In the group of 15- to-17 year-olds, parental influence and restrictions decrease, while peer influence increases. This age group spends a lot of time on social media platforms where young people stumble upon news rather accidentally. Between 18 and 20 years of age, news consumption stabilizes, and individual patterns emerge. This age group accesses news via selected apps and social media channels. Young people in Switzerland prefer visual formats like pictures, videos, and memes. When scrolling through social media platforms, they come across news content which arouses their interest in certain information and leads them to search for it on media websites. Swiss Youth wants to be informed about relevant news or topics that are “in vogue”.
Unpicking social work practice skills: Warmth and respect in practice
Authors: Mullins Eve , Kirkwood Steve
Published: September 2022

Warmth and respect are considered essential skills for relationship building in social work. However, these skills are often treated as common sense, and how to be respectful and warm, particularly in challenging situations, remains unclear. Practice guidance is commonly given as a list of generic behaviours or vague directions. Furthermore, it is not clear how being respectful or warm leads to effective relationships. In this article, we applied conversation analysis to examine transcripts of video recordings of 12 sessions of ‘Moving Forward: Making Changes’, the national groupwork programme addressing sexual offending in Scotland, to outline and specify the interactional practices that constitute instances of respect and warmth in social work practice. We found practitioners demonstrated warmth and respect by recognising and acknowledging clients’ accounts and identities in the interaction through subtle discursive practices. These practices include using hedging words and phrases (e.g. sort of, maybe), framing challenges as questions or suggestions rather than declarations, and using therapeutic phrasing (i.e. ‘I’m curious about’, I’m wondering’). As such, we propose the actions of demonstrating respect and warmth are achieved in interaction through the ways practitioners delicately manage issues of epistemic authority, that is, a person’s primary rights to knowledge about themselves, and face, that is, self-presentation. Drawing on the concepts of epistemic authority and face furthers our theoretical and practical understanding of the practice skills of respect and warmth, and their role in building effective working relationships.
Association between viral hepatitis and metabolic syndrome in lung function impairment: A Taiwan community-based study
Authors: Wang Chung-Yu , Lin Ming-Shyan , Chang Jung-Jung , Chang Ming-Ling , Tsai Ming-Horng , Chang Shih-Tai , Hsieh Yung-Yu , Chen Mei-Yen
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with a higher risk of impaired pulmonary function (iPF). This study aimed to investigate the relationships among MetS, iPF, and viral hepatitis.

Methods

This community-based study enrolled participants undergoing annual health check-ups in southern Taiwan between March and December 2019. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographics and characteristics to identify the factors associated with iPF.

Results

A total of 2337 participants completed examinations, of whom 928 (39.7%) had iPF. The participants with iPF were elderly (68.8  ±  12.8 years old) and predominately female (63%). MetS increased the risk of iPF (odds ratio (OR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–1.81, p < 0.001). Beyond age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) and smoking (OR 1.309, 95% CI 1.004–1.705), female sex (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59–0.93) and high education level (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98, p < 0.001) protected against iPF. HCV was not significantly associated with iPF (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.90–1.52, p  =  0.235) in multivariable analysis. MetS was associated with a higher risk of iPF in the non-HBV/HCV group (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.54–2.26) and HBV alone group (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.89–6.28), but not in the HCV alone group (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.64–1.62).

Discussion

MetS was an independent predictor of iPF, especially the restrictive type, and had different effects in the HBV/non-viral hepatitis and HCV groups. Female sex and education were inversely associated with iPF.
Is better selective attention while standing possible without cost on postural sway?
Authors: Abou Khalil G , Doré-Mazars K , Legrand A
Published: September 2022

While it is known that posture and cognition interact, the mechanism of this interaction is still uncertain. This interaction falls under the concept of sharing resources, implying that resources for processing are limited. Many studies were conducted to understand this interaction; however, none have investigated the attention network task (ANT) in two common static postures in young adults. The purpose of this study was to test whether a given posture benefits the components of attention without dual-task (DT) cost, when cognitive and postural tasks are not overly demanding. This study presents the results of 37 healthy young adults performing the ANT in two postural conditions. Our results showed ANT performance with faster reaction times while standing than sitting without cost on postural parameters. This study raises the question of the contribution of posture variations in daily life. Knowledge gained from this research may lead to a better understanding of the interaction between posture and attention. Using “simple” postures, we aim to show that posture might facilitate the achievement of the cognitive activity.
A prediction model for acute respiratory distress syndrome among patients with severe acute pancreatitis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Lin Fengyu , Lu Rongli , Han Duoduo , Fan Yifei , Zhang Yan , Pan Pinhua
Published: September 2022

Background:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe complication among patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which may be associated with increased mortality in hospitalized patients. Thus, an effective model to predict ARDS in patients with SAP is urgently required.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the data from the patients with SAP who recruited in Xiangya Hospital between April 2017 and May 2021. Patients meeting the Berlin definition of ARDS were categorized into the ARDS group. Logistic regression models and a nomogram were utilized in the study. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression models, and a nomogram were used in the current study.

Results:

Comorbidity of ARDS occurred in 109 (46.58%) of 234 patients with SAP. The SAP patients with ARDS group had a higher 60-day mortality rate, an increased demand for invasive mechanical ventilation, and a longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay than those without ARDS ( p < .001 for all). Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) < 200, platelets <125 × 109/L, lactate dehydrogenase >250 U/L, creatinine >111 mg/dL, and procalcitonin >0.5 ng/mL were independent risk variables for development of ARDS in SAP patients. The area under the curve for the model was 0.814, and the model fit was acceptable [ p = .355 (Hosmer–Lemeshow)]. Incorporating these 5 factors, a nomogram was established with sufficient discriminatory power (C-index 0.814). Calibration curve indicated the proper discrimination and good calibration in the predicting nomogram model.

Conclusion:

The prediction nomogram for ARDS in patients with SAP can be applied using clinical common variables after the diagnosis of SAP. Future studies would be warranted to verify the potential clinical benefits of this model.
A Philippine Strongman's Legislative and Constitutional Reforms Legacy
Authors: Yusingco Michael Henry Ll. , Mendoza Ronald U. , Mendoza Gabrielle Ann S. , Yap Jurel
Published: September 2022

This article examines five years of legislation and constitutional reform under former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. An overview of post-1986 republic acts shows administrations being more successful in legislating social and economic laws than political laws. President Duterte is no exception to this, yet his presidency stands out in both legislative productivity and the passage of long-overdue laws. This success is due in part to high presidential approval, a supermajority coalition in Congress, and a unified Cabinet. These strengthen his influence over Congress, raising expectations that charter change can be fulfiled. His administration's failed attempt at federalism then raises questions on his commitment to the policy in the first place. Despite a populist campaign and institutional means at his disposal, Duterte does not appear any different from his predecessors who prioritised economic laws favoured by the business class over deep political reform with broader implications on governance and development.
Record-keeping in intravenous sedation: Are we meeting the standards?
Authors: Ball Rebecca , Arya Richa , Patel Jashme
Published: September 2022

As primary care dental services continue to offer conscious sedation in practice, this article presents the findings from a record-keeping audit carried out at a dental teaching hospital in the UK. National guidance was used to set out the gold standards for record-keeping. Various shortcomings in terms of documentation were identified. This article enables dental practitioners involved in dental sedation to review their own sedation record-keeping to meet current national standards and ultimately improve clinical practice and the quality of patient care.
An audit of dental nurses’ confidence with intravenous sedation within an oral surgery department at a UK dental hospital
Authors: Miles Elizabeth , Shah Aneesha
Published: September 2022

The Oral Surgery department at King’s College Hospital, London provides a large volume of treatment under intravenous sedation (IVS) with midazolam. The Oral Surgery team includes over 20 dental nurses, each with varying levels of training and knowledge around IVS. The dedicated team approach needed to manage complex or difficult patients requires a keen understanding of the treatment modality and drugs involved, through regular continuing professional development (CPD) activities to refresh and update knowledge. An audit was designed to assess the levels of confidence among a cohort of dental nurses in the Oral Surgery department. Completion of the audit cycle resulted in improved levels of confidence through identification of teaching needs and targeted teaching. This article outlines the validity of regular team-based education in targeted areas to maximise learning outcomes and improve patient care and experience.