bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The well-being of Australian primary school principals: a study of the key concerns
Authors: Gorrell Amber , De Nobile John 
Published: September 2023

PurposeAs part of a broader qualitative study on well-being and social support, the study reported here explored the issue of principal well-being to provide further insight into the concerns of principals. Its aim was to identify aspects of the principal role that impact on well-being.Design/methodology/approachA phenomenological approach was used to study the experiences of the principals. Eight primary school principals in New South Wales, Australia participated in semi-structured interviews that examined this area and identified aspects of their leadership role that influence their well-being. Purposive sampling was used to ensure representation in terms of gender and school size.FindingsFive themes emerged as the key concerns of the principals: the responsibility of the role; managing people; feelings of isolation; the stress caused by the role; and prioritising the well-being of staff. Comments from the principals highlight how each of these areas is experienced.Originality/valueIdentifying and exploring these concerns added to the extant research on principal well-being by providing detail on the specific experiences of principals. The study also offers a basis to consider how the current situation may be improved by addressing the well-being concerns that are common, as well as highlighting areas that warrant further research attention.
Developing a brief assessment of social risks for the Veterans Health Administration Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients
Authors: Hausmann Leslie R. M. , Cohen Alicia J. , Eliacin Johanne , Gurewich Deborah A. , Lee Richard E. , McCoy Jennifer L. , Meterko Mark , Michaels Zachary , Moy Ernest M. , Procario Gregory T. , Russell Lauren E. , Schaefer James H. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether a 6‐ or 12‐month look‐back period affected rates of reported social risks in a social risk survey for use in the Veterans Health Administration and to assess associations of social risks with overall health and mental health.Study DesignCross‐sectional survey of respondents randomized to 6‐ or 12‐month look‐back period.Data Sources and Study SettingOnline survey with a convenience sample of Veterans in June and July 2021.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsVeteran volunteers were recruited by email to complete a survey assessing social risks, including financial strain, adult caregiving, childcare, food insecurity, housing, transportation, internet access, loneliness/isolation, stress, discrimination, and legal issues. Outcomes included self‐reported overall health and mental health. Chi‐squared tests compared the prevalence of reported social risks between 6‐ and 12‐month look‐back periods. Spearman correlations assessed associations among social risks. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models estimated associations between social risks and fair/poor overall and mental health.Principal FindingsOf 3418 Veterans contacted, 1063 (31.10%) responded (87.11% male; 85.61% non‐Hispanic White; median age = 70, interquartile range [IQR] = 61–74). Prevalence of most reported social risks did not significantly differ by look‐back period. Most social risks were weakly intercorrelated (median |r| = 0.24, IQR = 0.16‐0.31). Except for legal issues, all social risks were associated with higher odds of fair/poor overall health and mental health in bivariate models. In models containing all significant social risks from bivariate models, adult caregiving and stress remained significant predictors of overall health; food insecurity, housing, loneliness/isolation, and stress remained significant for mental health.ConclusionsSix‐ and 12‐month look‐back periods yielded similar rates of reported social risks. Although most individual social risks are associated with fair/poor overall and mental health, when examined together, only adult caregiving, stress, loneliness/isolation, food, and housing remain significant.
Australian dietitians' confidence in their knowledge and skills working with older adults in aged care: A national survey
Authors: Bartrim Karly , Moyle Wendy , Wright Olivia R. L. , Ball Lauren 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimThis study aimed to describe dietitians' confidence in their knowledge and skills working with older adults in residential aged care facilities or home care services.MethodsA novel, quantitative online survey was distributed to aged care dietitians. Activities, knowledge, and skills areas outlined by the Dietitians Australia ‘Older Persons and Aged Care Dietitian Role Statement’ were included in the 23‐item survey. Likert scales captured participant responses. Median responses (n, %) are presented. Associations between participants' confidence in their knowledge and skills and years of experience working in aged care were explored using Pearson's chi‐squared tests.ResultsDietitians completed the survey (N = 125; age: 40 ± 13 years [mean ± SD]; 97.6% female). Dietitians reported they “always” worked collaboratively (n = 65%, 52%) and ‘often’ prescribed supplements (n = 52%, 41.6%) and utilised a food‐first approach (n = 36%, 28.8%). Dietitians ‘sometimes’ conducted malnutrition screening (n = 28%, 22.4%), audits (n = 36%, 28.8%), nutrition education (n = 53%, 42.4%) and quality improvement activities (n = 28%, 22.4%). Dietitians ‘rarely’ utilised food service/standards (n = 38%, 30.4%) and nutrition/hydration procedures (n = 35%, 28.0%). Dietitians with ≥6 years of experience were more confident than dietitians with 0–5 years in providing support programs (p = 0.003), utilising healthcare policies (p = 0.013), interpreting quality assessment (p = 0.014) and communication skills (p = 0.047). Dietitians felt ‘completely’ or ‘fairly’ confident in all knowledge and skill areas, except for government and community support programs (n = 38%, 30.4%) rated ‘somewhat’ confident.ConclusionAged care dietitians are confident in most aspects of their role but have opportunities to be better supported. Developing the confidence of higher‐level systems and communication in early career dietitians is warranted.
Ionic strength–mediated protein and flavor studies on thermally processed hairtail pieces
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Cai Xinya , Tang Zhixin , Hu Zhiheng , Li Yuan , Hu Yaqin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the impact of different ionic strengths on the texture, protein, and flavor of thermally processed hairtail pieces. Incorporating salt ions into the heat treatment process had a positive impact on the quality of the cooked hairtail pieces. The pieces treated with 2 M NaCl showed superior texture and sensory scores. The ionic strength had a significant positive correlation with the chewiness and cohesion of cooked hairtail (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the myofibrillar protein content and total sulfhydryl content increased significantly. Circular dichroism spectra analysis revealed a transition in the protein structure from a β‐sheet structure to an α‐helical structure as the ionic strength decreased. The ionic strength had a significant impact on the interaction between protein and flavor compounds. Specifically, it impacted the expression of certain volatile components (p < 0.05). Our study suggests that selecting the appropriate cooking method is crucial for both healthiness and sensory quality of processed hairtail products, and ionic strength mediation is superior in both aspects.
Artificial intelligence‐powered spatial analysis of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes as a biomarker in locally advanced unresectable thymic epithelial neoplasm: A single‐center, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Lim Yoojoo , Kim Sukjun , Ock Chan‐Young , Youk Jeonghwan , Kim Miso , Kim Tae Min , Kim Dong‐Wan , Kim Hak Jae , Koh Jiwon , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Na Kwon Joong , Kang Chang Hyun , Keam Bhumsuk 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThymic epithelial tumors (TET) are rare malignancies and lack well‐defined biomarkers for neoadjuvant therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of artificial intelligence (AI)‐powered tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) analysis in TET.MethodsPatients initially diagnosed with unresectable thymoma or thymic carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant therapy between January 2004 and December 2021 formed our study population. Hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections from the initial biopsy and surgery were analyzed using an AI‐powered spatial TIL analyzer. Intratumoral TIL (iTIL) and stromal TIL (sTIL) were quantified and their immune phenotype (IP) was identified.ResultsThirty‐five patients were included in this study. The proportion of patients with partial response to neoadjuvant therapy was higher in the group with nondesert IP in preneoadjuvant biopsy (63.6% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.038). A significant increase in both iTIL (median 22.18/mm2 vs. 340.69/mm2, p < 0.001) and sTIL (median 175.19/mm2 vs. 531.02/mm2, p = 0.004) was observed after neoadjuvant therapy. Patients with higher iTIL (>147/mm2) exhibited longer disease‐free survival (median, 29 months vs. 12 months, p = 0.009) and overall survival (OS) (median, 62 months vs. 45 months, p = 0.002). Patients with higher sTIL (>232.1/mm2) exhibited longer OS (median 62 months vs. 30 months, p = 0.021).ConclusionsNondesert IP in initial biopsy was associated with a better response to neoadjuvant therapy. Increased infiltration of both iTIL and sTIL in surgical specimens were associated with longer OS in patients with TET who underwent resection followed by neoadjuvant therapy.
CircPKM2 aggravates the progression of non‐small cell lung cancer by regulating MTDH via miR‐1298‐5p
Authors: Gao Shuhua , Gao Tingting , Feng Li , Li Haixia , Dong Guogang , Yang Shan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer with high morbidity and mortality. The role of dysregulated circular RNAs (circRNAs) in human diseases are receiving more and more attention. In this study, we focused on the role and mechanism of circPKM2 in the progression of NSCLC.MethodsThe expression levels of circPKM2, microRNA‐1298‐5p (miR‐1298‐5p) and metadherin (MTDH) in NSCLC were measured by real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) or Western blot. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, flow cytometry, transwell and tube formation assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of circPKM2 on malignant phenotypes of NSCLC. Western blot was used to measure related marker protein levels.ResultsCircPKM2 and MTDH were highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells, while miR‐1298‐5p was downregulated. CircPKM2 knockdown effectively suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation whereas induced apoptosis in vitro. CircPKM2 had a potential targeting site with miR‐1298‐5p and negatively regulated the expression of miR‐1298‐5p. MiR‐1298‐5p inhibitor reversed the effect of circPKM2 knockdown on the progression of NSCLC. CircPKM2 induced MTDH expression via sponging miR‐1298‐5p to promote the progression of NSCLC. MiR‐1298‐5p directly targeted MTDH, and the addition of MTDH partially attenuated the inhibition of miR‐1298‐5p on the progression of NSCLC. In addition, the downregulation of circPKM2 significantly slowed down the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo.ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that circPKM2 mediated NSCLC progression via regulating miR‐1298‐5p/MTDH axis, providing a novel therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Iron overload induces cerebral endothelial senescence in aged mice and in primary culture in a sex‐dependent manner
Authors: Noh Brian , Blasco‐Conesa Maria Pilar , Rahman Syed Mushfiqur , Monga Sheelu , Ritzel Rodney , Guzman Gary , Lai Yun‐Ju , Ganesh Bhanu Priya , Urayama Akihiko , McCullough Louise D. , Moruno‐Manchon Jose Felix 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIron imbalance in the brain negatively affects brain function. With aging, iron levels increase in the brain and contribute to brain damage and neurological disorders. Changes in the cerebral vasculature with aging may enhance iron entry into the brain parenchyma, leading to iron overload and its deleterious consequences. Endothelial senescence has emerged as an important contributor to age‐related changes in the cerebral vasculature. Evidence indicates that iron overload may induce senescence in cultured cell lines. Importantly, cells derived from female human and mice generally show enhanced senescence‐associated phenotype, compared with males. Thus, we hypothesize that cerebral endothelial cells (CEC) derived from aged female mice are more susceptible to iron‐induced senescence, compared with CEC from aged males. We found that aged female mice, but not males, showed cognitive deficits when chronically treated with ferric citrate (FC), and their brains and the brain vasculature showed senescence‐associated phenotype. We also found that primary culture of CEC derived from aged female mice, but not male‐derived CEC, exhibited senescence‐associated phenotype when treated with FC. We identified that the transmembrane receptor Robo4 was downregulated in the brain vasculature and in cultured primary CEC derived from aged female mice, compared with those from male mice. We discovered that Robo4 downregulation contributed to enhanced vulnerability to FC‐induced senescence. Thus, our study identifies Robo4 downregulation as a driver of senescence induced by iron overload in primary culture of CEC and a potential risk factor of brain vasculature impairment and brain dysfunction.
Investigating the abundance and diversity of sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta) within commercial Sitka spruce plantation forests in mid‐Wales
Authors: Enston A. , Williams D. T. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Sitka spruce is a widely planted and economically important tree species in the United Kingdom; hence, identifying any future biotic or abiotic threats to its productivity is important. Defoliating insects are widely considered to be major forest disturbance agents, and these can include the sawflies (Symphyta), which are well known to reach high population densities that can cause significant outbreak events, leading to tree mortality or impacts on growth.
The aim of the current study was to investigate the abundance and diversity of sawflies within stands of Sitka spruce over an elevation range and to evaluate whether there were any potentially important species present. Experimental plots were established in two commercial forest plantations in mid‐Wales, and the adult sawfly community was assessed over a 3‐year period using yellow pan traps.
Sixty species of sawfly were caught over the 3‐year period, which accounted for >11% of all known British sawfly species. Results indicated that there were generally greater abundance and diversity of sawflies at lower elevational plots, where temperatures were higher. The most abundant sawfly species captured in the study was the notable defoliator species, the mountain spruce sawfly (Epicenematus montanus), which was found in particularly high numbers in the low‐elevation plot in Hafren forest. A further seven spruce‐associated sawfly species were also caught across the experimental plots.
The study highlighted the presence of a number of notable spruce‐associated sawfly species (E. montanus and Pristiphora spp.), some of which have caused significant defoliation of spruce (Picea) species in Europe. The generally higher abundance of these sawflies at lower elevations indicated that Sitka spruce may potentially become more vulnerable to defoliation events caused by sawfly outbreaks in the future, especially when considering current projected climate change predictions.
The bridge
Authors: Kunreuther Laura 
Published: September 2023

SummaryThis piece of flash ethnography is based on the experience of making a film with interpreters, who are also refugees, based in Kakuma Refugee Camp. The film, The Bridge, was inspired by a collaborative research project I undertook with several of the interpreters, who then became filmmakers, about the labor of interpreters done for humanitarian agencies in the Camp. In life and film, interpreters become the living infrastructure for the humanitarian project within which they exist.
Prehabilitation for general surgery: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kovoor Joshua G. , Nann Silas D. , Barot Dwarkesh D. , Garg Devanshu , Hains Lewis , Stretton Brandon , Ovenden Christopher D. , Bacchi Stephen , Chan Erick , Gupta Aashray K. , Hugh Thomas J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrehabilitation seeks to optimize patient health before surgery to improve outcomes. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted on prehabilitation, however an updated synthesis of this evidence is required across General Surgery to inform potential Supplementary discipline‐level protocols. Accordingly, this systematic review of RCTs aimed to evaluate the use of prehabilitation interventions across the discipline of General Surgery.MethodsThis study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023403289), and adhered to PRISMA 2020 and SWiM guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid Embase were searched to 4 March 2023 for RCTs evaluating prehabilitation interventions within the discipline of General Surgery. After data extraction, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Quantitative and qualitative data were synthesized and analysed. However, meta‐analysis was precluded due to heterogeneity across included studies.ResultsFrom 929 records, 36 RCTs of mostly low risk of bias were included. 17 (47.2%) were from Europe, and 14 (38.9%) North America. 30 (83.3%) investigated cancer populations. 31 (86.1%) investigated physical interventions, finding no significant difference in 16 (51.6%) and significant improvement in 14 (45.2%). Nine (25%) investigated psychological interventions: six (66.7%) found significant improvement, three (33.3%) found no significant difference. Five (13.9%) investigated nutritional interventions, finding no significant difference in three (60%), and significant improvement in two (40%).ConclusionsPrehabilitation interventions showed mixed levels of effectiveness, and there is insufficient RCT evidence to suggest system‐level delivery across General Surgery within standardized protocols. However, given potential benefits and non‐inferiority to standard care, they should be considered on a case‐by‐case basis.
Choice of topical substances in the conservative management of Exomphalos – A systematic review
Authors: Goneidy Ayman , Saxena Amulya K. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimExomphalos is a congenital anomaly found in 1/4500 newborns. Choice of non‐operative management of exomphalos major unamenable to primary repair is controversial. This study aims at reviewing conservative management modalities and compare outcomes and complications.MethodsA systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines of all English publications in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Search words were exomphalos OR omphalocoele AND conservative OR non‐operative AND management. Studies were scrutinised for patient demographics, co‐morbidities, mode of treatment, time to full feeds, time to full epithelialisation, length of stay, complications and mortality. Studies not specifically describing mode of management and/or describing primary or staged surgical repairs were excluded.ResultsInitial search resulted in 1243 studies. Forty‐two studies were deemed suitable offering 822 patients for analysis after excluding duplicates and non‐eligible studies. Management methods varied including painting with Alcohol, Mercurochrome, silver products, Povidone Iodine, honey and other materials. Mortality was mostly due to associated anomalies. There was mixed reporting of alcohol, silver, Povidone Iodine and mercury toxicity as well as infection during the course of treatment.ConclusionThis report has recognised the variations in topical substances employed for conservative management with no clear consensus. Reports on safety of different methods remain unclear.
Comparison of oral esomeprazole and oral omeprazole in the treatment of equine squamous gastric disease
Authors: Sundra Tania , Gough Sarah , Rossi Gabriele , Kelty Erin , Rendle David 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundOral omeprazole is the accepted treatment for equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD); however, it is not universally effective. Esomeprazole results in more consistent and pronounced acid suppression in men and is more effective than omeprazole in the treatment of oesophageal and gastric disease. Pharmacodynamic and pilot clinical studies have indicated esomeprazole might also be more effective than omeprazole in horses.ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy and safety of oral esomeprazole and omeprazole pastes in the treatment of ESGD and, where present, concurrent equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD).Study designRandomised, single‐blinded controlled trial.MethodsHorses presenting with grade ≥2 ESGD lesions were randomly allocated to receive 4 mg/kg of either a buffered esomeprazole or omeprazole paste orally once daily for 28 days before gastroscopy being repeated within a further 3 days. Videos and images were anonymised and subsequently graded blind by one researcher. The severity of ESGD (and EGGD) lesions before and after treatment, and thereby treatment responses, were compared using univariable logistic regression.ResultsA higher proportion of horses had ESGD healing in response to esomeprazole treatment (63/74, 85%) than with omeprazole treatment (43/73, 59%) (odds ratio [OR]: 4.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81, 8.82, p = 0.001). In a subset of horses that had concurrent EGGD, a greater proportion of the horses treated with esomeprazole had lesions ≤grade 1 (esomeprazole 28/51, 55%; omeprazole 6/24, 25%; OR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.25, 10.71, p = 0.02) Using grade 0 as the benchmark for EGGD healing, the difference remained significant (OR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.33, 14.85, p = 0.02).Main limitationsIt may not be possible to extrapolate these results to other populations with different signalment or management.ConclusionsOral‐buffered esomeprazole was a more effective treatment for ESGD (and concurrent EGGD) than oral‐buffered omeprazole.