bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speaking of reform: Experimental insights into influencing police executives' perspectives on civilian oversight
Authors: Mourtgos Scott M. , Adams Ian T. , McCrain Joshua , Schiff Kaylyn Jackson , Schiff Daniel S.
Published: June 2024

Research summary

This study investigates how information about public opinion and peer practices influences police executives' views on civilian review boards. We applied structural topic modeling in an experimental paradigm, a novel approach diverging from traditional experimental survey methods, to the open‐ended responses of 1331 police executives collected in an original survey experiment. This technique enables the capture of subtle shifts in belief directly from the executives' own words. The experiment systematically varied the information provided to police executives, including state‐level public opinion data from a representative sample of 16,840 U.S. residents, and peer practices in major city police agencies. Our findings reveal that police executives, although generally aligned in their views, demonstrate a readiness to update their beliefs when presented with cohesive local public opinion and information about peer practices in policing.

Policy implications

In a democratic society, the core policy beliefs of police executives critically shape the existence and efficacy of civilian oversight mechanisms. Our findings demonstrate the adaptability of police executives in updating their policy positions, reflecting their commitment to informed decision making in response to the dynamic nature of police governance. We find that police executives are willing to update their beliefs related to the public's ability to oversee policing in an unbiased and qualified manner when presented with information about reforms adopted by peer agencies. In contrast, information about public demand for more aggressive forms of oversight can lead to a backlash, increasing the likelihood of police executives to favor existing oversight mechanisms and to doubt the public's qualification. For executives, reformers, and scholars, these findings highlight the limitations of public opinion and benefits of peer influence as mechanisms for policy learning in policing.
Chondroitin sulfate–functionalized selenium nanoparticle–induced S‐phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa Cells
Authors: Chen Jianping , Chen Xuehua , Tang Anqi , Wang Zhuo , Cheong Kit‐Leong , Liu Xiaofei , Zhong Saiyi
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the anti‐cervical cancer activity of chondroitin sulfate–functionalized selenium nanoparticles (SeCS) and to elucidate their action mechanism. Cytotoxic effect of SeCS on HeLa cells was assessed by MTT assay. Further molecular mechanism of SeCS was analyzed by flow cytometric assay and western blotting. The results showed that treatment with SeCS resulted in a dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibition in the proliferation of HeLa cells. The data obtained from flow cytometry demonstrated that SeCS inhibited HeLa cell growth via the induction of S‐phase arrest and cell apoptosis. Further mechanism analysis found that SeCS down‐regulated expression levels of cyclin A and CDK2 and up‐regulated p21 expression, which contributed to S arrest. Moreover, SeCS increased the level of Bax and decreased the expression of Bcl‐2, resulting in the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria and activating caspase‐3/8/9 for caspase‐dependent apoptosis. Meanwhile, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were elevated after SeCS treatment, suggesting that ROS might be upstream of SeCS‐induced S‐phase arrest and cell apoptosis. These data show that SeCS has anti‐tumor effects and possesses the potential to become a new therapeutic agent or adjuvant therapy for cancer patients.

Practical Application

In our previous study, we used chondroitin sulfate to stabilize nano‐selenium to obtain SeCS to improve the bioactivity and stability of nano‐selenium. We found that it possessed an inhibitory effect on HeLa cells. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study elucidated the mechanism of SeCS damage to HeLa cells. SeCS has the potential to become a new therapeutic agent or adjuvant therapy for cancer patients.
Binary wax oleogels: Improving physical properties and oxidation stability through substitution of carnauba wax with beeswax
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Chandrapala Jayani , Truong Tuyen , Farahnaky Asgar
Published: June 2024

High concentrations of carnauba waxes (CRWs) that can compromise organoleptic properties are required to create self‐sustained and functional oleogels. The weak physical properties and stability of 4% w/w CRW–rice bran oil (RBO) oleogel were addressed by substituting CRW with beeswax (BW) in different weight ratios. The texture profile analyzer revealed that substituting only 10% (weight ratio) of CRW with BW improved the hardness compared to the mono‐CRW oleogel. The hardness of binary oleogels increased gradually as the proportion of BW increased. At a BW ratio of 70% or more, the hardness was three times higher than that of mono‐BW oleogel. Rheology analysis showed the same trend as the large deformation test; however, the hardest binary oleogels had lower critical strain and yield point compared to the mono‐wax oleogels, implying that they are more prone to lose their structure upon applied stress. Nevertheless, nearly all binary mixtures (except for 10%BW90%CRW) showed oil‐binding capacities above 99%, suggesting improved nucleation and crystallization process. Polarized light microscopy showed the coexistence of BW and CRW crystals and changes in the size and arrangement of wax crystals upon proportional changes of the two waxes. X‐ray diffraction confirmed no differences in the peaks’ location, and all oleogels had β′ polymorphism. Differential scanning calorimetry showed eutectic melting behavior in some binary blends. Oxidation stability in the binary wax oleogels improved as compared to the mono‐wax oleogel and bulk RBO. BW and CRW mixtures have promising oil‐structuring abilities and have various properties at different ratios that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes.

Practical Application

As a trending green oil‐structuring technology, oleogelation has shown great potential to reduce saturated fats in food systems. The current research provides valuable fundamental information on the strong synergistic interactions between beeswax and carnauba wax that have the potential to be used as solid fat substitutes created with a much lower total concentration of the required wax. This will help create wax oleogels with better organoleptic properties and less negative waxy mouthfeel. Such knowledge could prove beneficial for the development of healthy products that have potential applications in meat, bakery, dairy, pharmaceutical, as well as cosmetic industries.
What is the appropriate measure of radiology workload: Study or image numbers?
Authors: Troupis Christopher John , Knight Richard Alexander Hyde , Lau Kenneth Kwok‐Pan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Previous studies assessing the volume of radiological studies rarely considered the corresponding number of images. We aimed to quantify the increases in study and image numbers per radiologist in a tertiary healthcare network to better understand the demands on imaging services.

Methods

Using the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), the number of images per study was obtained for all diagnostic studies reported by in‐house radiologists at a tertiary healthcare network in Melbourne, Australia, between January 2009 and December 2022. Payroll data was used to obtain the numbers of full‐time equivalent radiologists.

Results

Across all modalities, there were 4,462,702 diagnostic studies and 1,116,311,209 images. The number of monthly studies increased from 17,235 to 35,152 (104%) over the study period. The number of monthly images increased from 1,120,832 to 13,353,056 (1091%), with computed tomography (CT) showing the greatest absolute increase of 9,395,653 images per month (1476%). There was no increase in the monthly studies per full‐time equivalent radiologist; however, the number of monthly image slices per radiologist increased 399%, from 48,781 to 243,518 (Kendall Tau correlation coefficient 0.830, P‐value < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The number of monthly images per radiologist increased substantially from 2009 to 2022, despite a relatively constant number of monthly studies per radiologist. Our study suggests that using the number of studies as an isolated fundamental data set underestimates the true radiologist's workload. We propose that the increased volume of images examined by individual radiologists may more appropriately reflect true work demand and may add more weight to future workforce planning.
Bilateral insular cortical lesions reduce sensitivity to the adverse consequences of acute ethanol intoxication in Pavlovian conditioning procedures
Authors: Mukherjee Ashmita , Gilles‐Thomas Elizabeth A. , Kwok Hay Young , Shorter Cerissa E. , Sontate Kajol V. , McSain Shannon L. , Honeycutt Sarah C. , Loney Gregory C.
Published: June 2024

Background

Sensitivity to the adverse post‐ingestive effects of ethanol likely serves as a deterrent to initiate alcohol consumption early in drinking and later may contribute to efforts to remain abstinent. Administering ethanol to naïve rats prior to Pavlovian conditioning procedures elicits robust ethanol‐conditioned taste and place avoidance (CTA; CPA) mediated by its subjective interoceptive properties. The insular cortex (IC) has been implicated as a region involved in mediating sensitivity to the interoceptive properties of ethanol. Here, we examined whether bilateral lesions of the IC affect the acquisition and expression of taste and place avoidance in ethanol‐induced CTA and CPA paradigms.

Methods

Adult male and female Wistar rats received bilateral excitotoxic lesions (ibotenic acid; 20 mg/mL; 0.3 μL) of the IC prior to conditioning procedures. Subsequently, rats were conditioned to associate a novel taste stimulus (0.1% saccharin) and context with the effects of ethanol (1.0 g/kg) in a combined CTA/CPP procedure. Conditioning occurred over 8 alternating CS+/CS− days, followed by tests for expression of taste and place preferences. Data from IC‐lesioned rats were compared with neurologically intact rats.

Results

Our findings revealed that neurologically intact rats showed a significantly stronger ethanol‐induced CTA than IC‐lesioned rats. There were no significant differences in total fluid intake when rats consumed water (CS−). As with CTA effects, intact rats showed a strong CPA, marked by a greater reduction in time spent on the drug‐paired context, while IC‐lesioned rats failed to display CPA to ethanol.

Conclusion

These results indicate that proper IC functioning is necessary for responding to the adverse interoceptive properties of ethanol regardless of which Pavlovian paradigm is used to assess interoceptive responsivity to ethanol. Blunted IC functioning from chronic ethanol use may reduce interoceptive signaling specifically of ethanol's adverse effects thus contributing to increased alcohol use.
An Examination of the Policy Content of Scott Morrison's and Anthony Albanese's 2022 Federal Election Campaign Materials
Authors: Botterill Linda Courtenay , Walsh Michael James
Published: June 2024

This Research Note reports on an analysis of the speeches, media releases, opinion pieces, and transcripts of the utterances of both major party leaders, Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese, during the 2022 federal election campaign. We undertake a reflexive thematic analysis of these documents to identify the key messages of the two campaigns.
Integrating multi‐omics approaches in deciphering atopic dermatitis pathogenesis and future therapeutic directions
Authors: Nakajima Saeko , Nakamizo Satoshi , Nomura Takashi , Ishida Yoshihiro , Sawada Yu , Kabashima Kenji
Published: June 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a complex and heterogeneous chronic inflammatory skin disorder, manifests in a spectrum of clinical subtypes. The application of genomics has elucidated the role of genetic variations in predisposing individuals to AD. Transcriptomics, analyzing gene expression alterations, sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of AD. Proteomics explores the involvement of proteins in AD pathophysiology, while epigenomics examines the impact of environmental factors on gene expression. Lipidomics, which investigates lipid profiles, enhances our understanding of skin barrier functionalities and their perturbations in AD. This review synthesizes insights from these omics approaches, highlighting their collective importance in unraveling the intricate pathogenesis of AD. The review culminates by projecting future trajectories in AD research, particularly the promise of multi‐omics in forging personalized medicine and novel therapeutic interventions. Such an integrated multi‐omics strategy is poised to transform AD comprehension and management, steering towards more precise and efficacious treatment modalities.
Same therapy, same calcium mobilization? Exploring calcium exchange across body compartments using a patient‐specific predictive model
Authors: Balsamello Carlo , Mas Mar Martinez , Rombolà Giuseppe , Floreani Riccardo , Costantino Maria Laura , Casagrande Giustina
Published: June 2024

Background

Comprehensive, patient‐specific models are essential to study calcium deposition and mobilization during dialysis. We aim to develop tools to support clinical prescriptions with a more accurate approach for the prediction of calcium mobilization while also considering major electrolytes and catabolites.

Methods

We modified a multi‐solute model predicting patient‐specific dialysis response by incorporating a calcium buffer to represent bone exchanges. Data from four centers, involving 127 patients with six sessions each, were utilized. For each patient, three sessions were allocated for model training (ID123), while the remaining sessions were for validation (PRED456). The normalized root mean square error (nRMSE%) was used to evaluate both descriptive and predictive accuracy. Correlations between initial data and calcium exchanges were also assessed.

Results

The overall nRMSE% for ID123 was 3.92%. For PRED456, it was 3.46% (ranging from a minimum of 1.17% for [Na+] to a maximum of 6.62% for [urea]). The median nRMSE% for plasma calcium varied between 1.13 and 8.32 for SHD sessions, depending on whether Ca_dialysis fluid (Cad) was ≥ or <1.50 mmol/L, respectively. For HDF sessions, the range was between 2.90 and 5.89. A significant and moderate correlation was found between overall calcium removal and the buffer balance. The most robust correlation observed was between the amount of calcium administered via post‐dilution fluid and the overall calcium removal in the dialysis filter.

Conclusions

Identical therapy settings do not uniformly affect calcium mobilization, and our approach offers insight into calcium distribution across body compartments. This understanding will enhance clinical prescription practices.
A new technique for the treatment of ureteric stricture after kidney transplantation
Authors: Gao Xiaoshuai , Wang Wei , Li Fei , Peng Liao , Di Xingpeng , Chen Jixiang , Wei Xin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic treatments with Allium® metal ureteric stent (AMUS) for ureteric strictures after kidney transplantation (KT).

Patients and Methods

In a prospective manner, we gathered clinical data from 68 patients who underwent endoscopic treatments with AMUS for ureteric strictures after KT between January 2019 and March 2022. The definition of surgical success was the unobstructed drainage of the AMUS, or in cases where there was AMUS migration, occlusion or encrustation and subsequently removed, there is no worsening of renal hydronephrosis in the patient during the follow‐up period.

Results

Based on the specific circumstances of the ureteric strictures, three distinct types of surgery were selected for treatment. The overall success rate of endoscopic treatments for ureteric strictures following KT was 90% (61/68) during a follow‐up period of 1 year. Surgical complications included haematuria (18%), pain (10%), urinary tract infections (7.4%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (7.4%). The incidences of stent migration, occlusion, and encrustation were 10%, 2.9%, and 1.5%, respectively. Postoperatively, significant improvements were observed in various parameters. At 1 month after surgery, there was a notable decrease in blood creatinine levels (105.5 vs 90.4 mol/L), urea nitrogen levels (6.6 vs 5.4 mmol/L), and hydronephrosis volume (64.4 vs 43.9 mL). Additionally, the serum estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from 49.5 to 64.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. The follow‐up results of patients at 1 year after surgery were similar to those observed at 1 month after surgery.

Conclusions

Systemic endoscopic treatments with AMUS were found to be safe and effective for ureteric strictures after KT with short‐term follow‐ups. This technique offers a novel option for the treatment of post‐KT strictures.
Mechanical performance of patient‐specific prefabricated temporary shell versus laboratory‐fabricated CAD/CAM provisional implant‐supported single‐tooth restorations: A laboratory study
Authors: Donker Vincent J. J. , Janss Paulien E. A. , Pol Christiaan W. P. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny J. A.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the mechanical performance of patient‐specific prefabricated temporary shell versus laboratory‐fabricated CAD/CAM provisional restorations on titanium temporary abutments, with and without thermo‐mechanical ageing.

Materials and Methods

Implants with a conical connection were divided into four groups (n = 24) and restored with temporary shell or laboratory‐fabricated central or lateral incisor PMMA restorations that were relined or bonded on titanium temporary abutments. The diameter of the central and lateral incisor groups' implants was regular (ϕ 4.3 mm) or narrow (ϕ 3.5 mm), respectively. Half of each group's specimens were subjected to ageing, simultaneous thermocycling (5–55°C) and chewing simulation (120,000 cycles, 50 N, 1.7 Hz) resulting in eight groups in total (n = 12). The aged specimens were evaluated with optical microscopy, and survival and complication rates were determined according to modified USPHS criteria. The non‐aged specimens and those that had survived ageing were loaded until failure, whereupon bending moments were calculated.

Results

Survival rates after ageing were 100% for all groups. Apart from wear facets (ϕ 2–3 mm) on the palatal restoration surface, no complications were observed. The mean fracture load and bending moments ranged between 597.6–847.1 N and 433.3–550.6 Ncm, respectively, with no significant differences between the eight groups (p = .25; p = .20).

Conclusions

As patient‐specific temporary shell central and lateral incisor provisional implant‐supported restorations are mechanically stable enough to withstand clinical bite forces, even after thermo‐mechanical ageing, they may serve as an alternative to laboratory‐fabricated provisional restorations.
Enhancing guided bone regeneration with cross‐linked collagen‐conjugated xenogeneic bone blocks and membrane fixation: A preclinical in vivo study
Authors: An Yin‐Zhe , Song Young Woo , Thoma Daniel S. , Strauss Franz J. , Lee Jung‐Seok
Published: June 2024

Objective

To determine whether combining cross‐linked (CL) collagen‐integrated xenogeneic bone blocks stabilized with the fixation of resorbable collagen membranes (CM) can enhance guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the overaugmented calvarial defect model.

Materials and Methods

Four circular defects with a diameter of 8 mm were prepared in the calvarium of 13 rabbits. Defects were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: (i) non‐cross‐linked (NCL) porcine‐derived collagen‐embedded bone block covered by a CM without fixation (NCL + unfix group); (ii) NCL bone block covered by CM with fixation using bone‐tack (NCL + fix group); (iii) cross‐linked (CL) porcine‐derived collagen‐embedded bone block covered by CM without fixation (CL + unfix group); and (iv) CL bone block covered by CM with fixation using bone‐tack fixation (CL + fix group). The efficacy of GBR was assessed through histological and molecular analyses after 2 and 8 weeks.

Results

At 2 weeks, there were no significant differences in histologically measured areas of newly formed bone among the groups. At 8 weeks, however, the CL + fix group exhibited a larger area of new bone (5.08 ± 1.09 mm2, mean ± standard deviation) compared to the NCL + unfix (1.62 ± 0.42 mm2; p < .0083), NCL + fix (3.97 ± 1.39 mm2) and CL + unfix (2.55 ± 1.04 mm2) groups. Additionally, the expression levels of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, fibroblast growth factor‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor, osteocalcin and calcitonin receptor were significantly higher in the CL + fix group compared to the other three groups (p < .0083).

Conclusion

Cross‐linked bone blocks stabilized with collagen membrane fixation can significantly enhance GBR.
Solar photovoltaic energy development and biodiversity conservation: Current knowledge and research gaps
Authors: Gómez‐Catasús Julia , Morales Manuel B. , Giralt David , del Portillo David González , Manzano‐Rubio Robert , Solé‐Bujalance Laura , Sardà‐Palomera Francesc , Traba Juan , Bota Gerard
Published: June 2024

Solar photovoltaic (PV) has become the second renewable energy source, giving rise to potential conflicts with biodiversity conservation. However, the information available about the impacts and mitigation measures of solar PV energy is scarce and scattered, and a rigorous and comprehensive review on the topic is lacking. Here, we review the state of knowledge on its impacts and mitigation measures and identify main knowledge gaps. For that, we reviewed more than 2000 articles, out of which only 180 assessed the impacts of solar PV (N = 138) and/or propose mitigation measures (65). Even though Asia and Europe head the list of regions with the highest PV installed capacity (59% and 22%, respectively), a large portion of the existing knowledge is drawn from North American environmental contexts (48% of the studies), specifically from deserts (41%). Impacts were addressed on plants (26%), arthropods (14%), birds (10%), microorganisms (10%), reptiles (7%), mammals (4%), and bats (1%), but also on abiotic factors (e.g., humidity and temperature; 20%) and ecosystem services (3%). Most studies addressed the impact of PV on habitat alteration at landscape (33%) and microhabitat scale (20%), and on microclimate at microhabitat scale (17%), but other topics have been scarcely addressed (e.g., impact on microclimate at landscape scale or the potential of agrivoltaic systems). Lastly, 53% of the studies employed a single PV facility, and preconstruction situations were rarely reported (8%). There is a strong environmental context bias in the current understanding of PV impacts, which might not be extrapolable to other environmental situations like farmlands, where most of the solar PV capacity is being installed. Moreover, standardized and robust sampling designs are lacking to address cumulative, long‐term, and long‐scale impacts and produce comparable findings across contexts. Given the lack of empirical evidence and the irrepressible development of PV energy, it is advisable to apply an iterative monitoring and adaptive process to guarantee a safe energy transition. This review may provide useful guidance on prioritizing research efforts for a smooth shift to renewable energy.
Extrafacial lentigo maligna: A progression model and enhanced diagnostic techniques using dermatoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Griffiths Acha Joseph , Gamo Villegas Reyes , Floristán Murúzabal Uxua , Pampín Franco Ana , Sarró Fuente Claudia , Pinedo Moraleda Fernando , López Estebaranz Jose Luis
Published: June 2024

Lentigo maligna (LM) is a subtype of lentiginous melanoma confined to the epidermis, which is associated with chronic sun exposure. Its clinical, dermatoscopic, and histopathological diagnosis can be challenging, particularly in the early and advanced stages, requiring appropriate clinicopathological correlation. This article reviews the clinical presentation, diagnosis through noninvasive methods (dermoscopy and confocal microscopy), and provides insights for diagnosis of extrafacial LM through the presentation of four representative clinical cases from different phases of a theoretical–practical progression model. Recognizing these lesions is crucial, as once they invade the dermis, they can behave like any other type of melanoma.
Delayed diagnosis of Loeys‐Dietz syndrome revealed through atrial septal defect with pulmonary artery dilation
Authors: Zamora Karina Del Valle , Fernandez‐Sandoval Maria Fernanda , Quiroz‐Martinez‐Martinez Victor Alejandro , Vera‐Chavez Jacobo Sebastian , Martinez‐Dominguez Pavel , Espinola‐Zavaleta Nilda
Published: June 2024

Loeys‐Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an autosomal‐dominant connective tissue disorder associated with mutations in the transforming growth factor β receptor. It is characterized by distinctive craniofacial changes, skeletal features, and cardiovascular complications. We present a case of a 24‐year‐old male with development delay and a one‐year history of progressively worsening dyspnea on moderate exertion and orthopnea. Echocardiography revealed right atrial and right ventricle dilation, right ventricle hypertrophy, atrial septal defect, and aneurysmal dilation of the pulmonary artery trunk. This case underscores the importance of early detection and comprehensive imaging in patients suspected of having LDS, particularly considering the potential for atypical vascular manifestations.
Left atrial function in middle‐aged men and women with and without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Data from the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 1950 study
Authors: Solberg Magnar G. , Enger Steve , Berge Trygve , Rønningen Peter S. , Aagaard Erika N. , Pervez Mohammad Osman , Orstad Eivind B. , Kvisvik Brede , Lyngbakken Magnus N. , Røsjø Helge , Steine Kjetil , Tveit Arnljot
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To assess left atrial (LA) function in individuals with known paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) compared with healthy and nonhealthy individuals without atrial fibrillation.

Methods

The Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study included 3,706 individuals all born in 1950. LA strain assessment of reservoir (LASr), conduit (LAScd) and contractile (LASct) functions were performed in all participants by investigators blinded to clinical data. Participants with cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, pulmonary or renal disease were defined as nonhealthy, and those without as healthy. Patients with paroxysmal AF were identified through medical history and ECG documentation.

Results

LA strain assessment was feasible in 3,229 (87%) of the participants (50% women). The healthy group (n = 758) had significantly higher LASr and LAScd than the nonhealthy (n = 2,376), but LASct was similar between the groups. Participants with paroxysmal AF had significantly lower values of all strain parameters than the other groups. Multivariable logistic regression showed a significantly reduced probability of having AF per standard deviation increase in LASr and LASct. A nonlinear restricted cubic spline model fitted better with the association of LASr with paroxysmal AF than the linear model, and LA strain values below the population mean associated with an increased probability of having AF, but for values above the population mean no such association was present.

Conclusion

Compared to participants without AF, those with known paroxysmal AF had significantly lower values of all LA strain parameters during sinus rhythm. Lower values of LA strain were associated with a significantly increased probability of having AF.
Suicidal ideation in adolescents with adiponectin receptor 2 rs12342 polymorphism affected by Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Cai Jia Jing , Zheng Ping , Su Mi , Shen Yi Lin , Li Xue Cheng , Guo Qi Wei , Chen Xu , Su Guo Ming , Lin Jia , Gong Ren Rong , Fang Ding Zhi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The present study was to investigate prevalence of suicidal ideation and its associations with biological and environmental factors in adolescents with different genotypes of rs12342 at adiponectin receptor 2 gene (ADIPOR2).

Methods

Suicidal ideation, biological and environmental factors were evaluated by questionnaires in 669 high school students after Wenchuan earthquake in China. ADIPOR2 rs12342 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and verified by DNA sequencing.

Results

Female adolescents had higher prevalence of suicidal ideation than male students in AG heterozygote and GG homozygote, but not AA homozygote. Prevalence of suicidal ideation was different in male, but not female, subjects with different genotypes. Genotype and allele frequencies were significantly different between male students with and without suicidal ideation, but not the female counterparts. Family history of mental disorders, extent of damage to property, carbohydrate intake and protein intake were associated with suicidal ideation in female subjects, while ADIPOR2 rs12342, father's educational level and previous trauma experience were associated with suicidal ideation in male subjects.

Conclusion

ADIPOR2 rs12342 is associated with and has potential to interact with environmental factors on suicidal ideation in a gender‐dependent manner in youth. These findings pave a novel way and perspective for precision inferences of suicidal ideation in subjects with different genetic backgrounds. ADIPOR2 rs12342 needs to be considered when intervening suicidal ideation, especially in adolescents.
Listen to the parents: Homeschooling and positive psychology
Authors: Guterman Oz , Rodriguez Lindsey M.
Published: June 2024

The scope of homeschooling has increased significantly in recent years in several western countries. Studies of the subject have shed light on the perspective of parents who choose to homeschool–reasons for the choice, educational goals and actual results– from their point of view. The research literature also teaches us about the perspectives of kids and adolescents who were raised in homeschooling regarding the same questions. Understanding these points of view indicates certain aspects that those who are educated at home perceive as most central. Some of the subjects included in these aspects are also central to the research on positive psychology, a field that has developed over the same period. The present article presents the findings regarding these aspects in the study of homeschooling and suggests possible links between them and the development of research on positive psychology. The article indicates several similarities and examines the possible theoretical and methodological contributions of a broader perspective of the two fields, as well as the potential benefit to the study of homeschooling in identifying the reasons for homeschooling, examining the results of homeschooling, and understanding the practice of families that homeschool.
Comparative effectiveness and tolerability of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies and onabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine: A multicenter, real‐world study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yen‐Feng , Yang Fu‐Chi , Chen Lu‐An , Chang Ting‐Yu , Su Hui‐Chen , Yang Chun‐Pai , Tu Yi‐Hsien , Tzeng Yi‐Shiang , Chen Shih‐Pin , Fuh Jong‐Ling , Lai Kuan‐Lin , Ling Yu‐Hsiang , Chen Wei‐Ta , Wang Shuu‐Jiun
Published: June 2024

Objective

To compare the real‐world effectiveness and tolerability of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and onabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine (CM) patients.

Methods

This multicenter study involved retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of CM patients treated with CGRP mAbs or onabotulinumtoxinA, including difficult‐to‐treat (DTT) patients (i.e., ≥3 preventive failures). Treatment outcomes were determined at 6 months based on prospective headache diaries and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS).

Results

The study included 316 (55 M/261F, mean age 44.4 ± 13.5 years) and 333 (61 M/272F, mean age 47.9 ± 13.4 years) CM patients treated with CGRP mAbs or onabotulinbumtoxinA, respectively. At 6 months, CGRP mAb treatment was associated with a greater decrease in monthly migraine days (MMDs) (−13.0 vs. −8.7 days/month, p < 0.001) and a higher ≥50% responder rate (RR) (74.7% vs. 50.7%, p < 0.001) compared with onabotulinumtoxinA injections. The findings were consistent in DTT patients (−13.0 vs. −9.1 MMDs, p < 0.001; ≥50% RR: 73.9% vs. 50.3%, p < 0.001) or those with medication‐overuse headache (MOH) (−13.3 vs. −9.0 MMDs, p < 0.001; ≥50% RR: 79.0% vs. 51.6%, p < 0.001). Besides, patients receiving CGRP mAbs had greater improvement (−42.2 vs. −11.8, p < 0.001) and a higher ≥50% RR (62.0% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.001) in MIDAS scores and a lower rate of adverse events (AEs) (6.0% vs. 21.0%, p < 0.001). However, none of the patients discontinued treatment due to AEs.

Conclusions

In this multicenter, real‐world study, CGRP mAbs were more effective than onabotulinumtoxinA in CM patients, even in DTT or MOH patients. All of these injectables were well tolerated. Further prospective studies are needed to verify these findings.
Is everyone traumatized? Perspectives from an Indonesian convent
Authors: Donnelly Meghan Rose
Published: June 2024

What if we took trauma to be a fundamental aspect of human existence? Prominent in some strands of popular psychology, this is also the stance taken by an eastern Indonesian order of Catholic nuns who “dig up” their hearts as part of a continual process of self‐formation. Set against a backdrop of Christian theologies of discernment, state concerns for human development, and local resonances of ritual sacrifice, nuns learn to interpret their childhoods as harmed by emotional trauma sustained in the company of kin. Once excavated, this trauma must be addressed in the convent through conscious efforts of mutual care, making trauma a moral category that creates new forms of subjectivity. Through acts of acknowledgment and support, the idiom of trauma makes the company surrounding a nun directly responsible for her self‐formation. This article is about the ways Indonesian Catholic nuns conceptualize trauma as something that all humans sustain, how it grounds self‐becoming, and how its causes—and cures—are rooted in the company of other people. I suggest that their experiences highlight the sociality of trauma more broadly and argue that trauma is one articulation of how people become themselves in the company of others.
Enhancing depression detection: A multimodal approach with text extension and content fusion
Authors: Chen Jinyan , Liu Shuxian , Xu Meijia , Wang Peicheng
Published: June 2024

Background

With ubiquitous social media platforms, people express their thoughts and emotions, making social media data valuable for studying and detecting depression symptoms.

Objective

First, we detect depression by leveraging textual, visual, and auxiliary features from the Weibo social media platform. Second, we aim to comprehend the reasons behind the model's results, particularly in medicine, where trust is crucial.

Methods

To address challenges such as varying text lengths and abundant social media data, we employ a text extension technique to standardize text length, enhancing model robustness and semantic feature learning accuracy. We utilize tree‐long short‐term memory and bidirectional gate recurrent unit models to capture long‐term and short‐term dependencies in text data, respectively. To extract emotional features from images, the integration of optical character recognition (OCR) technology with an emotion lexicon is employed, addressing the limitations of OCR technology in accuracy when dealing with complex or blurred text. In addition, auxiliary features based on social behaviour are introduced. These modalities’ output features are fed into an attention fusion network for effective depression indicators.

Results

Extensive experiments validate our methodology, showing a precision of 0.987 and recall rate of 0.97 in depression detection tasks.

Conclusions

By leveraging text, images, and auxiliary features from Weibo, we develop text picture sentiment auxiliary (TPSA), a novel depression detection model. we ascertained that the emotional features extracted from images and text play a pivotal role in depression detection, providing valuable insights for the detection and assessment of the psychological disorder.
Sources of attitudes towards parent–child co‐sleeping and their effects: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Kruse Sarah P. , D'Souza Levita , Tuncer Hannah G. G. , Stewart Sandra E.
Published: June 2024

Parent–child co‐sleeping is a common practice in many cultures, although in Western countries, families who engage in parent–child co‐sleeping can encounter attitudes about co‐sleeping that feel critical from the people around them, as it is not commonly accepted and often stigmatized. This systematic scoping review examined and synthesized the available literature on the attitudes about parent–child co‐sleeping that people encounter, their origins, and their effect on parents' own attitudes and behaviors. A total of 9796 abstracts were screened, and 33 studies were included. While the scope of the literature on this topic was narrow, this review demonstrated that parents/caregivers mostly encounter encouraging attitudes about co‐sleeping from their extended family members and within their culture and discouraging attitudes from healthcare professionals. Findings suggest that encouraging attitudes enhance the likelihood of parents engaging and continuing with co‐sleeping behavior, while discouraging attitudes can lead to the avoidance of parents discussing sleep with their healthcare professionals and can cause conflicts with other family members, including partners. Based on these findings, we conclude that further research is needed in several areas related to co‐sleeping in Western culture, most specifically in how external attitudes influence the decision to co‐sleep, as well as other behaviors and cognitions such as engagement with healthcare professionals, family satisfaction, parental self‐efficacy, and overall mental health.
Quantitative study on the influence of strain amplitude on deformation mechanisms and cracking modes during cyclic torsion of AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Li Tianjiao , Jing Weichao , Zheng Jiang , He Liuyong , Xia Lihong , Gupta Manoj , Jiang Bin
Published: June 2024

The influence of strain amplitude on deformation mechanisms and cracking modes during cyclic torsion of the AZ31 magnesium (Mg) alloy was quantitatively investigated via EBSD‐SEM characterization. At 0.42% strain amplitude, basal slip was the dominated deformation mechanism throughout the entire fatigue life. At 1.732% strain amplitude, the activation of deformation mechanisms was featured by the periodic transition: tension twinning + basal slip (during counterclockwise torsion) then detwinning + tension twinning + basal slip (during reverse torsion). Moreover, cracking along slip traces (ST) and tension twins (TTW) were the primary cracking modes at 0.42% and 1.732% strain amplitude, respectively. ST cracking and TTW cracking preferentially appeared in soft‐oriented grains for basal slip and tension twinning, respectively. The underlying mechanisms governing the activation of various deformation mechanisms, cracking modes, and cyclic stress–strain responses were systematically discussed.
Predictive modelling reveals Australian continental risk hotspots for marine debris interactions with key threatened species
Authors: Smith Caitlin E. , Gilby Ben L. , van de Merwe Jason , Jones Jodi , Tait Heidi , Townsend Kathy A.
Published: June 2024

Anthropogenic debris is a global threat that impacts threatened species through various lethal and sub‐lethal consequences, as well as overall ecosystem health. This study used a database of over 24,000 beach surveys of marine debris collated by the Australian Marine Debris Initiative from 2012 to 2021, with two key objectives: (1) identify variables that most influence the occurrence of debris hotspots on a continental scale and (2) use these findings to identify likely hotspots of interaction between threatened species and marine debris. The number of particles found in each beach survey was modelled alongside fifteen biological, social, and physical spatial variables including land use, physical oceanography, population, rainfall, distance to waste facilities, ports, and mangroves to identify the significant drivers of debris deposition. The model of best fit for predicting debris particle abundance was calculated using a generalized additive model. Overall, debris was more abundant at sites near catchments with high annual rainfall (mm), intensive land use (km2), and that were nearer to ports (km) and mangroves (km). These results support previous studies which state that mangroves are a significant sink for marine debris, and that large ports and urbanized catchments are significant sources for marine debris. We illustrate the applicability of these models by quantifying significant overlap between debris hotspots and the distributions for four internationally listed threatened species that exhibit debris interactions; green turtle (26,868 km2), dugong (16,164 km2), Australian sea lion (2903 km2) and Flesh‐footed Shearwater (2413 km2). This equates to less than 1% (Flesh‐footed Shearwater, Australian sea lion), over 2% (green sea turtle) and over 5% (dugong) of their habitat being identified as areas of high risk for marine debris interactions. The results of this study hold practical value, informing decision‐making processes, managing debris pollution at continental scales, as well as identifying gaps in species monitoring.
Acclimation to warmer temperatures can protect host populations from both further heat stress and the potential invasion of pathogens
Authors: Hector Tobias E. , Shocket Marta S. , Sgrò Carla M. , Hall Matthew D.
Published: June 2024

Thermal acclimation can provide an essential buffer against heat stress for host populations, while acting simultaneously on various life‐history traits that determine population growth. In turn, the ability of a pathogen to invade a host population is intimately linked to these changes via the supply of new susceptible hosts, as well as the impact of warming on its immediate infection dynamics. Acclimation therefore has consequences for hosts and pathogens that extend beyond simply coping with heat stress—governing both population growth trajectories and, as a result, an inherent propensity for a disease outbreak to occur. The impact of thermal acclimation on heat tolerances, however, is rarely considered simultaneously with metrics of both host and pathogen population growth, and ultimately fitness. Using the host Daphnia magna and its bacterial pathogen, we investigated how thermal acclimation impacts host and pathogen performance at both the individual and population scales. We first tested the effect of maternal and direct thermal acclimation on the life‐history traits of infected and uninfected individuals, such as heat tolerance, fecundity, and lifespan, as well as pathogen infection success and spore production. We then predicted the effects of each acclimation treatment on rates of host and pathogen population increase by deriving a host's intrinsic growth rate (rm) and a pathogen's basic reproductive number (R0). We found that direct acclimation to warming enhanced a host's heat tolerance and rate of population growth, despite a decline in life‐history traits such as lifetime fecundity and lifespan. In contrast, pathogen performance was consistently worse under warming, with within‐host pathogen success, and ultimately the potential for disease spread, severely hampered at higher temperatures. Our results suggest that hosts could benefit more from warming than their pathogens, but only by linking multiple individual traits to population processes can the full impact of higher temperatures on host and pathogen population dynamics be realised.
Central Africa's mesic savannas should be conserved, not afforested
Authors: Loft Ty , Cardoso Anabelle , Bond William J. , Gonçalves Francisco M. P. , Machado Manoela , Oliveras Menor Imma , Staver Carla , Stevens Nicola
Published: June 2024

Recent work has suggested fire suppression can be used to “restore” Central African savannas, increasing their biodiversity and capacity to sequester carbon. Here, we rebut this proposal, by showing that Central Africa's savannas are ancient, biodiverse, and fire‐dependent ecosystems. Suppressing fire within them would permanently harm these savanna's biodiversity and degrade their functionality, likely without storing much carbon long term.
Functional clinical motor performance tests to assess potential fall risks in patients with haemophilia: A case‐control study
Authors: Tomschi Fabian , Brühl Marius , Schmidt Alexander , Ransmann Pia , Strauss Andreas C. , Hilberg Thomas
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Patients with haemophilia (PwH) are at increased risk of falls due to haemophilic arthropathy. Yet, studies on clinical tests associated with the risk of falling are scarce in PwH.

Aims

(1) To evaluate the feasibility of different clinical motor performance tests associated with the risk of falling in PwH; (2) to evaluate PwH's performance of these tests compared to a control group; (3) to identify possible influencing factors that affect performance.

Methods

Twenty‐nine severe and moderate PwH (57.0 years, IQR: 48.0–61.5) and 29 healthy age‐ and BMI‐matched control participants (CG) performed 13 different clinical tests (SPPB, timed up and go, push and release, functional reach, single‐leg stance, knee and grip strength). Haemophilia joint health score (HJHS), kinesiophobia (TSK‐11), subjective physical performance (HEP‐Test‐Q), falls efficiency (FES‐I) and falls were assessed.

Results

No adverse events occurred. PwH showed impaired performance in all clinical tests, a lower falls efficiency and a higher HJHS than CG. PwH with higher HJHS, lower HEP‐Test‐Q and higher TSK‐11 scores showed higher deficits. Largest discrepancies were observed in the single‐leg stance with eyes open and knee extensor strength, where orthopaedically majorly affected PwH showed worse performance compared to minorly affected PwH and the CG, respectively. The prevalence of ≥1 fall in the last year was 27.6% (PwH) and 10.3% (CG).

Conclusion

These clinical tests are feasible in PwH. Impaired joint status, a high kinesiophobia and low physical performance impair performance. These tests can be used by clinicians for gaining specific information on functional motor abilities of patients.