Unpacking the effects of socialization programs on newcomer retention: A meta-analytic review of field experiments.

Decades of research conducted using field experiments and quasi-experiments have enabled us to accumulate causal evidence on the effectiveness of onboarding and socialization programs (SPs) across various contexts including employment, higher education, and military services. However, the literature is devoid of an integrated conceptual framework and a quantitative review evaluating the effect of such SPs on reducing newcomer turnover and its boundary conditions. In this study, we draw from a configurational approach to categorize strategic components of SPs, propose bundles of these components based on extant theories in the socialization literature, and examine the moderating effects of these bundles on the retention benefits of SPs. Combining 168 effect sizes from 83 field experiments, our meta-analysis reveals a significant overall effect size of OR = 1.46, suggesting that, on average, the odds of retention are 1.46 times higher for newcomers participating in a SP compared to newcomers in the control group. Our results also indicate that SPs' beneficial effects on newcomer retention are greater when they include the components of identifying effective task behaviors, encouraging proactivity, and facilitating social integration, a bundle aimed at satisfying key psychological needs identified by self-determination theory. We further demonstrate that the retention benefits associated with SP participation increase when the SPs are delivered in-person and in a staggered mode but remain intact across different sample types and study design features. We conclude by discussing how our study expands and develops theoretical understanding within the socialization literature and offers practical implications for managing newcomer retention that go beyond our current knowledge. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Metal-Mediated Catalytic Polarization Transfer from para Hydrogen to 3,5-Dihalogenated Pyridines.

The neutral catalysts [IrCl(H)2(NHC)(substrate)2] or [IrCl(H)2(NHC)(substrate)(sulfoxide)] are used to transfer polarization from para hydrogen (pH2) to 3,5-dichloropyridine and 3,5-dibromopyridine substrates. This is achieved in a rapid, reversible, and low-cost process that relies on ligand exchange within the active catalyst. Notably, the sulfoxide-containing catalyst systems produced NMR signal enhancements between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude larger than its unmodified counterpart. Consequently, this signal amplification by reversible exchange hyperpolarization method can boost the 1H, 13C, and 15N nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal intensities by factors up to 4350, 1550, and 46,600, respectively (14.0, 1.3, and 15.4% polarization). In this paper, NMR and X-ray crystallography are used to map the evolution of catalytically important species and provide mechanistic rational for catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, applications in spontaneous radiofrequency amplification by stimulated emission and NMR reaction monitoring are also shown.

A comparison of joint line height after revision total knee replacement using a rotating hinge versus a condylar revision knee system.

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to assess the effects of two differing revision total knee implants designs (condylar and rotating hinge) on joint line height. Method: The use of distal augmentation and pre and post revision radiographic joint line heights were compared in 19 condylar type knee replacements (Zimmer NexGen Legacy Constrained Condylar Knee - LCCK) and 40 LINK-Endo-rotating hinge knee replacements. Joint line and patellar heights were determined for each implant using four validated methods. For comparison within a group a two tailed paired Student's t-test was used, for comparison between the groups an unpaired, two tailed Student's t-test was used. A p value of less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. Results: In 15 of 19 NexGen revision knee replacements distal augments were used. No distal augments were used in the LINK-Endo RHK group. In both systems there was no tendency to elevate the joint line relative to the tibia. The joint line was distalised relative to the femur in the NexGen group and proximalised in the rotating hinge knee group. Measurements using antero-posterior radiographs were found to be the most reliable method of assessing joint line height when compared to lateral radiographs. Conclusion: Both revision knee implant systems adequately restored joint line height. In condylar type knee revision implants elevation of the joint line height may be avoided through the use of distal augmentation. We found AP radiographs to be the most reliable method of accurately assessing joint line height.

Comparing the Results of Total Ankle Arthroplasty Vs Tibiotalar Fusion (Ankle Arthrodesis) in Patients with Ankle Osteoarthritis since 2006 to 2020- A Systematic Review.

Background: This study compares the outcomes of patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and tibiotalar fusion (ankle arthrodesis) in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. The primary outcome assessed was Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS); secondary outcomes included the incidence of revision, re-operation, and complications. Methods: A systematic review of studies examining the outcomes of patients undergoing TAA and/or tibiotalar fusion from 2006 to 2020 was conducted. Individual cohort studies and randomized control trials were included. Outcomes were assessed at two and five years. Results: 21 studies were included: 16 arthroplasty (2,016 patients) and 5 arthrodesis (256 patients) studies. No significant difference in PROMS was evident two years post-surgery - American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were 78.8 (95% CI-confidence interval: 76.6-80.8; n=1548) and 80.8 (95% CI: 80.1-81.5; n=206 patients) for the arthroplasty and arthrodesis groups respectively. Two years post-surgery the revision rates for the arthroplasty and arthrodesis groups were similar - 3.5% (n=9) and 3.7% (n=61) respectively (OR-odds ratio: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.51-2.13); however, the re-operation rate was 2.5 times higher for the arthroplasty group (12.2%) in comparison to the arthrodesis group (5.1%) (OR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.43-4.62). Documented complications in the arthroplasty group were half those documented in the arthrodesis group two years post-surgery (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.37-0.77). No arthrodesis studies were found which contained mean 5-year follow-up data within the study period. Conclusion: Despite recent developments in TAA design, we found no clear evidence as to their superiority over ankle arthrodesis when considering patient outcomes two years postoperatively. However, this conclusion could be debatable in some types of patients such as diabetic patients, posttraumatic patients and patients with stiff hindfoot and midfoot.

Rare case of a low energy traumatic anterior dislocation of the native hip.

Anterior dislocations of the native hip are rare injuries, and normally a result of high energy trauma such as road traffic accidents. Delays in reduction of over 12 hours have been shown to increase the risk of avascular necrosis to the head of the femur significantly. We report the case of an elderly man who sustained an anterior dislocation of his native hip following a fall. The case highlights that prompt appropriate management can lead to excellent clinical outcomes.

Effectiveness and Relationship between Biased and Unbiased Measures of Dopamine Release and Clearance.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an effective tool for measuring dopamine release and clearance throughout the brain, especially the striatum where dopamine terminals are abundant and signals are heavily regulated by release machinery and the dopamine transporter (DAT). Peak height measurement is perhaps the most common method for measuring dopamine release, but it is influenced by changes in clearance. Michaelis-Menten-based modeling has been a standard in measuring dopamine clearance, but it is problematic in that it requires experimenter fitted modeling subject to experimenter bias. This study presents the use of the first derivative (velocity) of evoked dopamine signals as an alternative approach for measuring and distinguishing dopamine release from clearance. Maximal upward velocity predicts reductions in dopamine peak height due to D2 and GABAB receptor stimulation and by alterations in calcium concentrations. The Michaelis-Menten maximal velocity (Vmax) measure, an approximation for DAT levels, predicts maximal downward velocity in slices and in vivo. Dopamine peak height and upward velocity were similar between wild-type and DAT knock-out (DATKO) mice. In contrast, downward velocity was lower and exponential decay (tau) was higher in DATKO mice, supporting the use of both measures for extreme changes in DAT activity. In slices, the competitive DAT inhibitors cocaine, PTT, and WF23 increased peak height and upward velocity differentially across increasing concentrations, with PTT and cocaine reducing these measures at high concentrations. Downward velocity and tau values decreased and increased respectively across concentrations, with greater potency and efficacy observed with WF23 and PTT. In vivo recordings demonstrated similar effects of WF23, PTT, and cocaine on measures of release and clearance. Tau was a more sensitive measure at low concentrations, supporting its use as a surrogate for the Michaelis-Menten measure of apparent affinity (Km). Together, these results inform on the use of these various measures for dopamine release and clearance.

General Versus Regional Anaesthesia for Lower Limb Arthroplasty and Associated Patient Satisfaction Levels: A Prospective Service Evaluation in the Oxford University Hospitals.

Introduction Lower limb arthroplasty is performed under general anaesthesia (GA) or regional anaesthesia (RA). There is increasing evidence of the surgical and anaesthetic benefits of RA. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines advise using either but highlight a lack of data comparing outcomes of RA and GA for these procedures. We conducted a service evaluation, prospectively analysing elective orthopaedic cases performed at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, UK from 19/11/2018 to 03/04/2019. We aimed to compare data on anaesthetic assessment, intra-operative parameters and patient satisfaction for RA and GA cases. Methods We selected elective patients, aged above 18, undergoing total hip, total knee or unilateral knee arthroplasties. Prospective quantitative and qualitative data were collected using two forms. Firstly, anaesthetists completed a case report recording demographic data, intra-operative details and reason for anaesthetic choice. Secondly a questionnaire gathered patient satisfaction data. This was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables. Results Data for 132 patients were collected over the service evaluation period. After exclusion, 99 patients were included for final analysis; 59 underwent GA and 40 had RA. GA was used predominantly due to patient preference (74.6%). RA was used primarily due to anaesthetic preference (75%); most commonly due to speed of list and duration of operation. Overall patients had low pain scores (0.3/10) and high pre-operative anxiety levels (4.6/10) regardless of anaesthetic. Conclusion Our results show high patient satisfaction with GA and RA for lower limb arthroplasty; however, pre-operative anxiety was common for both. Patient preference and comfort influenced choice of anaesthesia, highlighting the importance of pre-operative counselling and education to facilitate shared decision making, leading to favourable post-operative outcomes.

Diabetes: a major risk factor in trauma and orthopaedic surgery.

Diabetes mellitus is a growing epidemic and places a great burden on healthcare services in the UK. Trauma and orthopaedic surgeons find themselves dealing with patients with diabetes on an increasingly regular basis. Any level of surgical trauma can lead to a physiological stress response involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The resultant hormone releases can have negative effects on glucose homeostasis. General risks of operating on patients with diabetes include endothelial dysfunction, postoperative sepsis, impaired wound healing and cerebral ischaemia. Polytrauma patients with diabetes have a significantly greater risk of mortality than patients who do not have diabetes. Non-union of fractures is more common in patients with diabetes, as are deep-seated postoperative infections. National guidelines from the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care advise how to manage patients with diabetes in the perioperative period. Trauma and orthopaedic surgeons must be aware of these increased risks of operating and ensure that patients are involved in surgical decision making.

Limited diagnostic value of serum inflammatory biomarkers in the diagnosis of fracture-related infections.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of preoperative serum CRP, white blood cell count (WBC), percentage of neutrophils (%N), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) when using the fracture-related infection (FRI) consensus definition. METHODS: A cohort of 106 patients having surgery for suspected septic nonunion after failed fracture fixation were studied. Blood samples were collected preoperatively, and the concentration of serum CRP, WBC, and differential cell count were analyzed. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of diagnostic tests were compared using the z-test. Regression trees were constructed and internally cross-validated to derive a simple diagnostic decision tree. RESULTS: Using the FRI consensus definition, 46 patients (43%) were identified as infected. Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of CRP were 67% (95% confidence interval (CI) 52% to 80%), 61% (95% CI 47% to 74%), and 0.64 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.74); of WBC count were 17% (95% CI 9% to 31%), 95% (95% CI 86% to 99%), and 0.57 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.62); of %N 13% (95% CI 6% to 26%), 87% (95% CI 76% to 93%), and 0.50 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.56); and of NLR 28% (95% CI 17% to 43%), 80% (95% CI 68% to 88%), and 0.54 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.63), respectively. A better performance of serum CRP was shown in comparison to the leucocyte count (p = 0.006), %N (p < 0.001), and NLR (p = 0.001). A statistically lower serum CRP level was shown in patients with an infection caused by a low virulence microorganism in comparison to high virulence bacteria (p = 0.008). We found that a simple decision tree approach using only low serum neutrophils (< 3.615 × 109/l) and low CRP (< 2.45 mg/l) may allow better identification of aseptic cases. CONCLUSION: The evaluated serum inflammatory markers showed limited diagnostic value in the preoperative diagnosis of FRI when using the uniform FRI Consensus Definition. Therefore, they should remain as suggestive criteria in diagnosing FRI. Although CRP showed a higher performance in comparison to the other serum markers, it is insufficiently accurate to diagnose a septic nonunion, especially when caused by low virulence microorganisms. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):904-911.

Complex regional pain syndrome: a review of diagnostics, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and treatment implications for certified registered nurse anesthetists.

The pathophysiologic mechanisms for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are complex and elusive. The proposed etiologic mechanisms for CRPS include inflammatory responses, peripheral or central sensitization, and sympathetic dysfunction. Anesthesia care of patients with CRPS is challenging. Treatments including physiotherapy, peripheral vasodilators, sympathetic blockade, analgesics, and other systemic medications can help optimize mobility, perfusion, and pain relief for affected patients.

Kinetic comparison of microbial assemblages for the anaerobic treatment of wastewater with high sulfate and heavy metal contents.

Mixed-microbial assemblages enriched from a septic tank, coastal sediment samples, the digester sludge of a brewery wastewater treatment plant and acidic sulfate soil samples were compared on the basis of growth rate, waste and sulfate reduction rate under sulfate reducing conditions at 30 degrees C. The specific growth rate of various cultures was in the range 0.0013-0.0022 hr(-1). Estimates of waste and sulfate reduction rate were obtained by fitting substrate depletion and sulfate reduction data with the Michaelis-Menten equation. The waste reduction rates were in the range 4x10(-8)-1x10(-7) I mg(-1) hr(-1) and generally increased in the presence of copper, likely by copper sulfide precipitation that reduced sulfide and copper toxicity and thus protected the anaerobic microbes. Anaerobic microorganisms from a brewery digester sludge were found to be the most appropriate culture for the treatment of wastewater with high sulfate and heavy metal content due to their growth rate, and waste and sulfate reduction rate.

Effect of sulfate on the methanogenic activity of a bacterial culture from a brewery wastewater during glucose degradation.

The maximum specific methanogenic activity (SMA) of a sludge originating from a brewery wastewater treatment plant on the degradation of glucose was investigated at various levels of sulfate on a specific loading basis. Batch experiments were conducted in serum bottles at pH 7 and 35 degrees C. A comparison of the values indicates that the SMA of this mixed culture was increased and reached its highest level of 0.128 g CH4 gas COD/(g VSS x d) when biomass was in contact with sulfate at a ratio of 1:0.114 by weight.

Upregulation of cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral prostaglandin E2 in a rat postoperative pain model.

Analgesic management of postoperative pain associated with thoracic surgery remains a difficult clinical challenge. In the present study we used a thoracic muscle incision model to characterize pain-related behavior and changes in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in both thoracic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and incision site tissues. A deep muscle incision was made in the left thoracic region of rats anesthetized with isoflurane, propofol, or spinal bupivacaine. Thoracic CSF and incision site tissue concentrations of PGE2 were monitored for 6 h using microdialysis loop catheters. Postoperative pain-related behavior was assessed by recording exploratory locomotive activity. Thoracic muscle surgery decreased rearing and ambulation. Oral ketorolac or rofecoxib 3 mg/kg restored normal rearing and ambulation. Postoperative CSF PGE2 concentration increased most (threefold) with spinal anesthesia, and not at all with propofol. With surgery under isoflurane or spinal bupivacaine, presurgical oral administration of ketorolac or rofecoxib 3 mg/kg reduced postsurgical CSF PGE2 levels and tissue PGE2 levels. Intrathecal ketorolac (4 microg) reduced CSF PGE2 after surgery without affecting tissue PGE2 levels, whereas intrathecal L-745,337 (80 microg) did not reduce CSF PGE2. Thoracic surgical wounds increase pain-related behavior and CSF and tissue PGE2 levels, all of which can be attenuated by oral cyclooxygenase inhibitors.

Response to comments by Vladimir Murashov.

Dr. Murashov has emphasized the major objective of our paper, which shows that exposure of growing plant roots to nanoparticles of alumina may result in growth inhibition and that this effect appears to be related to surface characteristics of the particles. The paper indicates that the mechanism(s) by which the particles may induce growth inhibition needs further attention. We agree that it is premature to draw definitive conclusions about toxicity mechanisms.

Particle surface characteristics may play an important role in phytotoxicity of alumina nanoparticles.

The phytotoxicity of alumina nanoparticles loaded with and without phenanthrene (Phen) was investigated by means of root elongation (RE) experiments in this study. Five plant species, Zea mays (corn), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Glycine max (soybean), Brassica oleracea (cabbage), and Daucus carota (carrot) were used in our study of phytotoxicity by root elongation experiments. The surface characteristics of Phen-loaded and Phen-nonloaded nanoparticles were investigated using the Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique. It was found that when loaded with 10.0%, 100.0%, or 432.4% monomolecular layer (MML) of Phen, the degree of the root elongation inhibition caused by the particles was reduced. The loading of Phen leads to the appearance of a vibrational mode in the region of 850-1050 cm(-1), which was assigned to the surface characteristics of the particles and arises from the disappearance of free hydroxyl groups according to an earlier study. When mixed with a known free hydroxyl radical scavenger, DMSO (0.5% and 1.0%), the non-loaded particles also showed decreased inhibition of root elongations. We supposed that the surface characteristics of the particles play an important role in the phytotoxicity of alumina nanoparticles.

Clonidine prolongation of lidocaine analgesia after sciatic nerve block in rats Is mediated via the hyperpolarization-activated cation current, not by alpha-adrenoreceptors.

BACKGROUND: Although clonidine is commonly combined with local anesthetics to extend duration of peripheral nerve block, the mechanism by which clonidine potentiates local anesthetic action in vivo is unclear. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats received percutaneous injections of 1% lidocaine with/without clonidine or epinephrine into the sciatic notch and duration of sensory blockade was quantified by inhibition of pinprick foot withdrawal. The antagonists prazosin or yohimbine were injected before lidocaine with clonidine or epinephrine to determine the role of alpha-adrenergic receptors. The role of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) was evaluated by injecting the current blocker ZD 7288 as well as the current enhancers forskolin and 8-Br-cAMP before lidocaine alone or with 15 micrograms/ml clonidine. RESULTS: Mean duration of sensory block for lidocaine alone was 69 +/- 2 min. Sensory block duration increased monotonically with increasing doses of added clonidine or epinephrine. Preinjection of prazosin but not yohimbine prevented the increase in block duration seen with epinephrine. Neither alpha-adrenergic antagonist attenuated the extended duration of block with clonidine. ZD 7288 extended sensory blockade equivalent to the prolongation observed with clonidine. There was no additive effect when ZD 7288 and clonidine were combined, and a decreased duration of nerve block when either forskolin or 8-Br-cAMP preceded injection of lidocaine with clonidine. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that prolongation of duration of in vivo lidocaine nerve blockade by clonidine is not mediated by an alpha-adrenergic mechanism but likely involves the Ih current.