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Compass—Canada’s first child psychiatry access program: Implementation and lessons learned

Background There is a lack of mental health and substance use providers for youth in BC, particularly in rural and remote areas. To address these gaps, Canada’s first child psychiatry access program, BC Children’s Hospital Compass Program, was developed in 2018 to support providers across the province in providing evidence-based mental health and substance use care to youth under 25. This article describes the program’s first five years and provides an overview of its creation, utilization, and clinical uses. Methods Quantitative data collected by the Compass Program from September 2018 through September 2023 were analyzed. Participation and utilization of the service by providers in the province were analyzed and descriptive statistics, including means with standard deviations for quantitative variables have been used to describe demographic and other medical factors related to participants. Findings A total of 2336 new providers have been enrolled since Compass’ inception. Number of clinical calls into Compass remained steady over the five-year period with an average of 1085 individual providers served per year. Service use is highest in Vancouver Coastal Region (27.3%), followed by Northern Health (21.4%), Interior (15.7%), Vancouver Island (14.5%), and Fraser (13.4%), and Yukon (0.3%). General practitioners make up over a third of all encounters (34.6%), followed closely by pediatrician encounters making up 27.5% of total encounters from 2018–2023. These two provider types comprise over 60% of all encounters over the 5-year timespan. Encounters with other provider types were less common, with the third most common encounter being Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) clinicians, totalling 8.6% of total encounters. 37.6% of encounters were for male patients and 42.9% for female patients with 6.8% reporting “Other” genders and 12.7% declining to answer. Medication concerns are the most common reason for accessing Compass, regardless of gender. Therapy questions, resource coordination issues, and diagnostic clarification followed in frequency, comprising a similar amount of consults. Compass consultations have the potential to benefit three groups of people: the specific patient being consulted on, the provider requesting the consultation, as well as the provider’s colleagues who might benefit from peer consultation. Conclusions Capacity building is important given Compass receives calls from rural and remote areas where there are no psychiatrists or child psychiatrists where general practitioners and clinicians regularly work with patients along the entire spectrum of mental health and substance use disorders.

Network analysis of depression symptoms and physical activity levels before and after menopause

Background Previous research has established connections between pre- and postmenopause, physical activity, and depression. This study aims to delve deeper into the network structure of depressive symptoms and specific manifestations of these symptoms at different levels of physical activity during pre- and postmenopause, utilizing network analysis as a tool. Methods Our research utilized data samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2009 to 2018. We assessed depression symptoms through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, while categorizing physical activity based on the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) values recommended by NHANES and the U.S. physical activity guidelines. We conducted an analysis of the depression symptoms network across varying levels of physical activity, both pre and post-menopause, to identify core symptoms within the network using ‘strength’ statistics. Furthermore, we evaluated the stability of the network structure via network stability and edge weight difference tests. Results Within the network model of depressive symptoms, both pre- and post-menopause, ‘Sad Mood’ emerged as the most central symptom, positioning itself as the core of the network. Furthermore, there was a noticeable decrease in the correlation between depressive symptoms and a reduced stability in the network structure during periods of high physical activity compared to those of low physical activity (88.9% → 66.7%, 80.5% → 72.2%). Notably, no significant structural differences were observed between the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal network models, regardless of physical activity levels (PS > 0.05, PM > 0.05). Conclusion The symptom of ‘Sad Mood’ is pivotal in the network of depressive symptoms observed in both pre- and post-menopausal women. Engaging in high levels of physical activity may diminish the centrality of this symptom within the network, thereby weakening its association with other symptoms. Prioritizing attention to ‘Sad Mood’ symptoms during the pre- and post-menopausal phases could be instrumental in mitigating and forestalling the exacerbation of depressive distress.

Strain variation in feeding response of house flies, Musca domestica, to denatonium benzoate, a bittering agent used in commercial fly baits

Granular fly baits remain one of the most popular and effective forms of chemical control of house flies (Musca domestica). While these baits contain a sucrose phagostimulant, some also contain the bittering agent denatonium benzoate at 20 or 100 ppm, as a feeding deterrent for humans. The response of adult house flies to 10, 100 and, 1000 ppm denatonium benzoate in sucrose solution was compared to response to sucrose only solution using proboscis extension response and no-choice consumption assays. Three house fly strains, DBQB, WD, and UF, each from a different Florida dairy farm, were tested within two generations of collection. Strain DBQB, but not strains WD or UF, had a known history of exposure to toxic baits containing denatonium benzoate, although recent insecticide history was unknown. For males, all strains avoided proboscis extension response and consumption with 1000 ppm, but not with 10 ppm. Males of WD and UF strains, but not DBQB strain showed significantly lower frequency of proboscis extension response at 100 ppm. Males of WD strain, but not DBQB or UF strains, also avoided consuming 100 ppm. For females, the pattern of significance for proboscis extension response was the same for all strains: avoidance for 1000 ppm but not for 10 or 100 ppm. Female consumption was significantly reduced at 1000 ppm for the DBQB and WD strains, but not for the UF strain, but no strain avoided 10 or 100 ppm for consumption. Thus, our results suggest that in some populations of house flies, 100 ppm of denatonium benzoate may reduce consumption by males, although not consumption by females.

Buddha image meditation is a potent predictor for mental health outcomes: A cross-sectional study among Thai high-school students

Purpose Meditation has been demonstrated to benefit adolescent mental health. This research examined various meditation styles practiced in northern Thailand to determine which were associated with positive and negative mental health outcomes in adolescents. Population and methods High school students who were 15–18 years old and who were enrolled in grades 10–12 in either secular or Buddhist Thai boarding schools were recruited following their school’s willingness to participate. They provided information about meditation styles and their practice frequency during the last month (i.e., breathing, kasina (color), Buddha image visualization, Manomayiddhi, mindfulness, recollections, and vipassanā). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Resilience Inventory (RI-9), Outcome Inventory-21 (OI-21), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were completed. Multiple linear regression model analysis was used to identify the effects of meditation styles on mental health outcomes. Results Among 443 participants, 390 were females (87.9%). The mean age was 16.35 ± 0.96 years. The three most common meditation styles practiced were breathing, Buddha image visualization, and mindfulness (46.5%, 26.2%, and 22.8%, respectively). Buddha image visualization was a significant predictor of RSES (B = 1.69, 95%CI = 0.77, 2.61), RI-9 (B = 2.95, 95%CI = 0.68, 2.95), OI-Anxiety (B = −2.38, 95%CI = −3.34, −1.41), OI-Depression (B = −1.94, 95%CI = −2.64, −1.24), and PSS-10 (B = −2.47, 95%CI = −3.65, −1.28), whereas Manomayiddhi was a predictor of RI-9 (B = 2.47, 95%CI = 0.74, 2.47), OI-Anxiety (B = −2.32, 95%CI = −3.41, −1.23), OI-Depression (B = −1.53, 95%CI = −2.32, −0.74), and PSS-10 (B = −2.14, 95%CI = −3.46, −0.81). Breathing meditation predicted OI-Depression (B = −0.87, 95%CI = −1.45, −0.29). Daily meditation frequency was associated with the best mental health scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion Buddha image visualization, Manomayiddhi, and breathing meditation were predictive of adolescents’ mental health. A higher practice frequency is associated with positive mental health outcomes.

Protocol for developing a model to promote the mental health of nurses caring for mental healthcare users at mental health institutions in Limpopo province, South Africa

The nurses as front liners caring for mental health care users (MHCUs) at mental health institutions are susceptible to adverse physical and psychological effects as a result of hostile behaviors of mentally ill patients. Most nurses suffer from stress that is caused by management’s lack of support, working overtime, lack of recognition by supervisors, and lack of skills and knowledge on how to handle aggressive mental health care users. The present study aims to develop a model to promote the mental health of nursing staff providing care to individuals with mental disorders at mental health institutions. Phase 1, the empirical face, will employ a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design focusing on nurses’ experiences caring for MHCUs and their views on improving their mental health. Information will be gathered using unstructured individual interviews with nurses purposefully sampled at selected mental health institutions. The study will apply procedures to safeguard trustworthiness and moral principles during the study. Phase 2 will focus on developing a model, and in phase 3, the developed model will be validated. The findings of the study will determine recommendations.

The Dominant factors and optimization plan of soccer substitutions in Chinese Football Association Super League under the Five-substitution rule

Substitution strategy is a fundamental component of tactical adjustments in soccer matches. Since the official introduction of the five-substitution rule in 2020, substitute players have faced increased performance demands. This study examines 2,125 substitution events (excluding goalkeepers) from the 2023 Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) season, utilizing non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney) to compare soccer player performance differences under different substitution effectiveness conditions. A random forest model is also developed to assess the influence of contextual and player performance variables on substitution effectiveness, aiming to identify optimal decision-making pathways. Results show that, regardless of effectiveness, substitute players display significantly greater high-intensity running distances and passing accuracy than those they replaced. Effective substitutes also demonstrate superior ball recovery. Ineffective substitutions tend to occur earlier in the match, whereas effective and neutral substitutions are more concentrated in later phases. Effective substitutes perform better in medium-to-high-intensity running, passing accuracy, and shooting. Contextual variables contribute more to predicting substitution effectiveness, and the decision pathways suggest prioritizing players with high passing accuracy when leading, while targeted adjustments are needed when trailing.

On the approximation of sum of lognormal for correlated variates and implementation

In probabilistic modeling across engineering, finance, and telecommunications, sums of lognormal random variables frequently occur, yet no closed-form expression exists for their distribution. This study systematically evaluates three approximation methods—Wilkinson (W), Schwartz & Yeh (SY), and Inverse (I)—for correlated lognormal variates across varying sample sizes and correlation structures. Using Monte Carlo simulations with 5, 15, 25, and 30 samples and correlation coefficients of 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9, we compared Type I error rates through Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit tests. Our findings demonstrate that the Wilkinson approximation consistently outperforms the other methods for correlated variates, exhibiting the lowest Type I error rates across all tested scenarios. This contradicts some previous findings in telecommunications literature where SY was preferred. We validated these results using real-world datasets from engineering (fatigue life of ball bearings) and finance (stock price correlations), confirming the Wilkinson approximation’s superior performance through probability density function comparisons. This research provides practical guidance for selecting appropriate approximation methods when modeling correlated lognormal sums in diverse applications.

A Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) forecasting model to predict the epidemic trends of scrub typhus in China

Scrub typhus is a deadly infectious disease that is frequently underdiagnosed. Forecasting the emergence of infectious diseases using epidemiological models has emerged as a crucial instrument for comprehending the dynamics of their occurrence. This research aimed to investigate epidemic traits and create a predictive model for scrub typhus in mainland China, employing the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) time series method. Monthly records of scrub typhus cases were gathered from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, covering the timeframe from 2006 to 2019. From 2006 to 2018, a total of 142849 scrub typhus cases were reported in China, the females’ morbidity was higher than the males’ one (P < 0.001). The ideal model was SARIMA (1, 0, 2) (1, 1, 1) 12 with its residual being white noise (P > 0.05). This method forecasted scrub typhus cases between January and December 2019, with the predicted values for 2019 falling within the 95% confidence range. The research indicates that the SARIMA model accurately simulated the epidemiological patterns of scrub typhus across mainland China. Utilizing the SARIMA model is a practical approach for tracking scrub typhus cases in mainland China.

Incidence of non-cardia gastric cancer among commercially-insured individuals aged 18–64 with chronic atrophic gastritis

Background Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a precancerous condition of the gastric mucosa which predisposes to non-cardia gastric cancer (NCGC). The risk for NCGC following diagnosis with CAG has not been described robustly in the United States. Methods We used a commercial claims database (Marketscan, Merative LP) covering over 150 million privately-insured Americans aged 18–64 to create a cohort of individuals diagnosed with CAG. We then followed these individuals for the development of NCGC or to the time of their last clinical encounter. Demographic and clinical characteristics were captured through administrative coding schema, and linked to metropolitan statistical area measures of socioeconomic status. Individual race and ethnicity were not available for this analysis. Findings We analyzed data on 107,835 individuals and recorded 355,591 person-years (p-y) of follow-up. The crude overall incidence of NCGC was 98 per 100,000 p-y. In the fully-adjusted multivariable proportional hazards model, age ≥ 50 (HR 2.20, 95% CI 1.44–3.36), anemia (HR 5.09, 95% CI 3.46–7.50), former or current smoking (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.11–1.81) and family history (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.05–1.99) were individual-level factors associated with increased risk. Conclusions We present one of the first estimates of NCGC risk following CAG diagnosis in an American population, and highlight risk factors for cancer progression. These data may help to guide future risk prevention strategies, such as endoscopic surveillance, in the United States.

Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging in non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: Characteristics and potential implementation

Background Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are pulmonary pathogens with increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide, with people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) traditionally considered at high risk of disease development. The imaging assessment of NTM-pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) relies heavily on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). However, due to lengthy treatment regimens and the need for long-term follow-up, serial HRCT’s result in progressive exposure to ionizing radiation; a particular concern in younger people. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who had undergone serial thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (tMRI) scans to monitor NTM-PD as a novel tool to image the lung with a view to creating an algorithm for the utility of tMRI in the management of NTM-PD. Results Thirty-six patients, of which twenty-four had a diagnosis of CF, with suspected or confirmed NTM-PD underwent serial tMRI between 1st January 2013 and 30th June 2018. A total of 117 serial tMRI’s were performed (mean number per patient 3.25; range 2–6). The associated clinical impact that each serial MRI had on management, deemed as the utility of tMRI, found that all tMRI’s were classified as aiding management with 60 (51.3%) altering management. tMRI’s were more likely to alter management in the non-CF cohort than the CF cohort (69.4% vs. 43.2%). No imaging-related adverse events were reported across the 117 tMRI’s. Conclusion This study highlights that tMRI may hold promise as a monitoring tool in NTM-PD and should be prospectively evaluated in the monitoring of individuals with NTM-PD.

Simulation and prediction of rural population changes using agent-based modeling

Rural population change is a critical element of the strategy for rural revitalization in China. Many studies emphasize large-scale macro-population trends, but a noticeable gap exists in micro-level simulations and predictions regarding rural population size and structure. This study employs an agent-based model(ABM), defining a population agent and its behavioral rules. By modeling individual-level birth, death, and migration behaviors, it generates agent-based outputs that aggregate to capture population dynamics and forecast rural demographic trends over the next 11 years. Using two representative villages as study areas, the results were validated by comparing them with actual population data and predictions made by the Leslie model. The findings demonstrate the following: 1) the agent-based modeling effectively captures the dynamics of births, deaths, and migrations at the micro level, elucidating the underlying determinants of rural population retention. 2) In economically disadvantaged villages, the total population, labor force, and proportion of adolescents have significantly declined. Notably, emigration is pronounced in villages without industrial advantages, regardless of substantial per capita arable land; the youth labor force constitutes less than 30%, while the aging population is as high as 45%. 3) Migration and birth rates are key factors influencing rural population trends. To mitigate future rural population aging, enhancing birth rates and fostering rural industrial development is essential to curb migration. These findings support evidence-based policies to stimulate birth rates, attract and retain younger populations, and enhance economic opportunities in rural areas. The micro-level analysis enables the design of more effective and context-specific rural revitalization programs, bridging the gap between micro-level behaviors and macro-level demographic patterns.

Does postoperative plasma IL-6 improve early prediction of infection after pulmonary cancer surgery? A two-centre prospective study

Introduction Postoperative hyperinflammation increases infection risk. We hypothesized that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an early predictor of infection after pulmonary cancer surgery. Methods A two-centre prospective cohort study, including consecutive elective pulmonary cancer surgery patients. The primary outcome was any postoperative infection within 30 days. Multivariable logistic regression was used to create a core model (age, sex, surgery duration and Charlson comorbidity index) to which maximum IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) concentrations and white blood cell count (WBC) between start of anaesthesia and 24 hours were added. The predictive performance of the models was assessed. Results 170 patients were analysed, of whom 38 (22%) developed a postoperative infection. IL-6 concentrations peaked 6 hours postoperatively, whereas CRP had not yet reached peak levels at 24 hours (time of prediction). Maximum IL-6 concentrations were associated with postoperative infection (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.04 per 10 pg/ml, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.09, p = 0.047) as was CRP (aOR 1.01 per mg/L, 1.00–1.03, p = 0.032). WBC and PCT were not associated with postoperative infection. The c-statistic of the prediction models that included IL-6 or CRP concentrations were 0.67 (95%CI: 0.56–0.77) and 0.68 (0.57–0.77), respectively, compared to 0.67 (0.56–0.76) for the core model. IL-6 and CRP slightly improved calibration by broadening the range of predicted probabilities. Reclassification did not improve. Conclusion Plasma IL-6 and CRP levels observed within 24 hours from the start of surgery are associated with postoperative infection risk, yet the added value of these biomarkers to a simple clinical prediction model seems limited.

Examining the effectiveness of Prostatic hyperplasia education on the level of participant’s knowledge and awareness

Prostatic Hyperplasia (PH) is a common condition among older men, contributing significantly to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). Despite available medical treatments, there is a lack of public awareness about PH, resulting in late diagnoses. This study offers a novel approach by using a community-based educational intervention to increase knowledge of PH, leveraging the International Prostatic Symptom Score (I-PSS) as a tool for educating elderly men in Bogor, Indonesia. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based education on prostatic hyperplasia (PH) in enhancing knowledge and awareness among elderly male participants, addressing the gap in public awareness and the need for early detection, unlike prior studies conducted in clinical settings. By utilizing the International Prostatic Symptom Score (I-PSS), this study provides a structured approach to community health education and symptom self-assessment. A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design involved 32 participants aged ≥ 60 years in Bogor, Indonesia. Quantitative data assessed changes in knowledge before and after the intervention, while qualitative insights were gathered through post-education discussions. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests and effect size (Cohen’s d), were conducted to measure the intervention’s impact. This study is unique in its application of I-PSS for community education and its combination of quantitative and qualitative data to measure knowledge improvement and explore participant perceptions. Significant knowledge improvement was found post-intervention (mean increase: 8.9, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.82). The integration of qualitative feedback highlighted the relevance and clarity of the intervention while also identifying remaining knowledge gaps, revealing its holistic impact on the participants. The novelty of this study lies in its community-based approach using I-PSS, which is an underexplored method in educating about PH. The results provide strong evidence for using structured community education to promote early detection and improve PH awareness. Future studies could benefit from including control groups and testing this approach in other regions for broader applicability. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a community-based educational intervention using the International Prostatic Symptom Score (I-PSS) in improving knowledge and awareness about Prostatic Hyperplasia (PH) among elderly men. The findings suggest that integrating tools like the I-PSS in community health programs can empower individuals to self-assess their symptoms, promote early detection, and reduce the burden of delayed diagnoses. These results underscore the potential of scalable, low-cost interventions to address health education gaps in similar low-resource settings globally.

Longitudinal trajectories of sexual behavior and incident hepatitis C reinfection among men who have sex with men with HIV

Certain key populations have a high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection, which includes men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV who continue to engage in behaviors associated with HCV acquisition following clearance. Among MSM with HIV, we aimed to identify longitudinal sexual behavior patterns and estimate reinfection risk within identified patterns. MSM with HIV from the longitudinal, prospective Dutch MOSAIC study (2009–2018) at risk for HCV reinfection were included. Follow-up started following HCV clearance. Risk behavior was assessed using the HCV-MOSAIC score (range = 0.0–7.0), where ≥2 indicates high risk of reinfection. Classes were inferred from the mean HCV-MOSAIC score over time using a latent process mixed-effects model with the covariates age, group sex and casual partnership. The association between classes and HCV reinfection risk was assessed using a joint survival model. In total, 123 MSM were included with a median follow-up of 2.7 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 1.2–4.7]. Two classes were identified: one with mostly lower (C1, n = 67) and one with mostly higher risk behavior (C2, n = 56). During follow-up, both classes had considerable variation in HCV-MOSAIC scores (C1, median = 1.1, IQR = 0.0–2.1 and C2, median = 3.0, IQR = 2.0–3.5). HCV reinfection probability was similar between both classes at year 3 of follow-up [C1, 17%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 11%−35% and C2, 18%, 95%CI = 15%−47%], but became higher in C2 than C1 at year 5 (C1, 22%, 95%CI = 13%−39% and C2, 37%, 95%CI = 28%−69%). The variation in risk over time suggests that behavioral assessment is continually needed for early testing, treatment and offering behavioral inventions.

Correction: Exploring the impact of total quality management initiatives on construction industry projects in Pakistan

Clinical characteristics, treatment, and wound management of pyoderma gangrenosum: A case series

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic processes, therapeutic approaches, and wound management strategies for patients diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), a rare inflammatory skin condition often resulting in misdiagnosis and treatment delays. Methods A case series was conducted involving patients diagnosed with PG at the author’s Hospital, from January 1, 2020 to April 3, 2023. Data on patient demographics, wound characteristics, treatment methodologies, and wound care experiences were collected and analyzed. Results The study included nine male patients with a mean age of 48.6 years (median 50 years). All patients were initially misdiagnosed, predominantly as skin infections or cellulitis. Lesions were mainly located on the lower extremities, with ulcerative PG being the most common subtype. Seven patients had skin injuries preceding PG onset. Treatment included systemic glucocorticoids and comprehensive wound care approaches. Three patients required additional interventions, like negative pressure wound therapy. Ultimately, six patients healed, while three died due to severe comorbidities or septic shock. Conclusion PG is frequently misdiagnosed and often presents as ulcerative lesions triggered by skin injuries. Effective management, including systemic glucocorticoids and focused wound care, can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Does noise pollution influence modal choices? A random forest application

This work investigates the relationship between noise pollution and modal choices exploring and comparing two different urban contexts: Greater London and Brisbane. To achieve this, data on commuting flows by mode of transport and estimated noise pollution have been obtained and combined with measures to characterise the built environment which demonstrated to have an influence on modal choices. Random forest models have shown very good performances in solving classification problems to predict transport modes and allow the exploration of non-linear relationships between the predicted classes and explanatory variables. Two random forest models have been tuned, trained and tested to investigate the association between modal choices and contextual variables, including noise pollution, in Greater London and Brisbane. Results have shown that noise levels play a role in predicting modal choices in Greater London, while the characteristics of the built environment are more relevant when predicting modal choices in Brisbane. Furthermore, we find that walking and cycling, despite being both active travel modes, are influenced by very different factors, with cycling displaying patterns more similar to those characterising driving. Evidence showing the varying relationships between walking and cycling with contextual variables, e.g. noise levels, building and street density, presence of amenities can inform more targeted policies to encourage active travel.

Development of emotional labor ability scale for kindergarten teachers

Kindergarten teachers’ lack of emotional labor ability can lead to emotional exhaustion, burnout, identity alienation, and low job satisfaction. Systematic training is now an academic consensus. However, a suitable assessment instrument is lacking. This study aims to develop an emotional labor ability scale for kindergarten teachers and test its reliability and validity in China. First, based on the emotional labor working mechanism model, the dimensions of teachers’ emotional labor ability were analyzed. Second, Behavioral Event Interview were conducted with 21 teachers to construct primary and secondary competency elements. Two rounds of expert consultation involving 5 experts revised these elements, resulting in an initial questionnaire. Finally, based on survey data from 818 teachers, various analyses (item, exploratory factor, confirmatory factor, reliability, convergence validity, and discriminant validity) were conducted. The scale has 33 items across 5 dimensions: emotional intelligence, internalizing emotional labor rules, coordination in emotional labor, reflection after emotional labor, and applying emotional labor strategies. These dimensions explain 71.757% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis shows good model fit (χ2/df = 2.774, RMR = 0.016, GFI = 0.918, IFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.965, CFI = 0.969, RMSEA = 0.047). Internal consistency reliability coefficients range from 0.902 to 0.953. The scale is psychometrically sound and can effectively evaluate kindergarten teachers’ emotional labor ability.

The relationship between latent inhibition, divergent thinking, and eyewitness memory: A study on attention to irrelevant stimuli

Latent inhibition is a retardation in learning about a stimulus due to its prior exposure without explicit consequences. It has been suggested that individuals who tend to show less latent inhibition possess a “leaky” attentional style, finding it difficult to inhibit the processing of irrelevant information, which would manifest as an ability to generate uncommon and creative ideas. In the present study, we tested this hypothesis within a new framework—the field of eyewitness memory—by investigating whether the degree of attenuated latent inhibition is associated with the inclusion of more peripheral (seemingly irrelevant) information in testimonies about a witnessed event. In an experiment involving 116 university students, the LI Group was pre-exposed without masking to a target auditory stimulus without consequences, while the CTRL Group did not receive this pre-exposure. Subsequently, both groups engaged in a learning phase where they had to learn the association between the target stimulus and a novel outcome. A latent inhibition effect was observed, with participants in the LI Group showing retardation in learning this association compared to the CTRL Group. Additionally, all participants completed the Alternative Uses Task to assess divergent thinking and provided eyewitness testimonies based on the viewing of a video of a criminal event. We confirmed the known relationship between attenuated latent inhibition and creativity, finding that the lesser the latent inhibition exhibited, the higher the performance on the Alternative Uses Task. Moreover, we found that a lower degree of latent inhibition was associated with a higher number of peripheral details included in the testimonies. These results are discussed in terms of the leaky attention hypothesis, and an alternative explanation based on cognitive flexibility. According to this, individuals exhibiting attenuated latent inhibition may have an intact capacity to ignore irrelevant stimuli but would be highly efficient at rapidly redirecting their attention when changes occur.

Improving the robustness and efficiency of cell sheet protocol for breast cancer induction in animal model: A Geltrex plus Gelatin approach

Background Breast cancer remains a global health challenge, necessitating improved preclinical models that better mimic the complexity of the disease. The cell sheet technique holds promise in creating three-dimensional tissue constructs resembling breast cancer tissue. However, maintaining cell sheet integrity during transplantation poses challenges, particularly with low junction cells. This study aims to establish a modified protocol utilizing Geltrex™ and Gelatin to fabricate cell sheets from MDA-MB-231 cells and evaluate their tumorigenic potential in vivo. Method We developed a novel protocol for fabricating cell sheets from MDA-MB-231 cells using Geltrex™ and Gelatin. This construct was then used to induce breast cancer in vivo. The novel protocol was compared to the conventional cell injection method by monitoring tumor progression in vivo. Results The novel protocol enhanced cell sheet transplant efficiency by providing scaffold support and temporary adhesion. It successfully induced breast cancer in vivo and facilitated metastasis, closely mimicking the progression of human breast cancer. Conclusion This study highlights the potential of Geltrex™ and Gelatin as carriers for poor junction cell sheets. This original research study introduces a methodological advance in cell sheet fabrication, combining preclinical validation with technical innovation to address challenges in modeling triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). By offering a more accurate in vivo representation of tumor development, this protocol enhances our understanding of breast cancer biology. The practical implications are promising, as this research can lead to more effective methods for generating in vivo models and tissue-engineered constructs for cancer research and regenerative medicine.