Brain region-specific roles of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in social stress-induced depressive-like behavior

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a key factor in stress adaptation and avoidance of a social stress behavioral response.Recent studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in stressed mice is brain region–specific,particularly involving the corticolimbic system,including the ventral tegmental area,nucleus accumbens,prefrontal cortex,amygdala,and hippocampus.Determining how brain-derived neurotrophic factor participates in stress processing in different brain regions will deepen our understanding of social stress psychopathology.In this review,we discuss the expression and regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in stress-sensitive brain regions closely related to the pathophysiology of depression.We focused on associated molecular pathways and neural circuits,with special attention to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor–tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway and the ventral tegmental area–nucleus accumbens dopamine circuit.We determined that stress-induced alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are likely related to the nature,severity,and duration of stress,especially in the above-mentioned brain regions of the corticolimbic system.Therefore,BDNF might be a biological indicator regulating stress-related processes in various brain regions.

Correlation between anxiety, depression, and social stress in young patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures

BACKGROUND Traumatic injuries,such as falling,car accidents,and crushing mostly cause spinal fractures in young and middle-aged people,and>50%of them are thoracolumbar fractures.This kind of fracture is easily combined with serious injuries to peripheral nerves and soft tissues,which causes paralysis of the lower limbs if there is no timely rehabilitation treatment.Young patients with thoracolumbar fractures find it difficult to recover after the operation,and they are prone to depression,low self-esteem,and other negative emotions.AIM To investigate the association between anxiety,depression,and social stress in young patients with thoracolumbar spine fractures and the effect on rehabilitation outcomes.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed 100 patients admitted to the orthopedic department of Honghui Hospital,Xi’an Jiaotong University who underwent thoracolumbar spine fracture surgery from January 2022 to June 2023.The general data of the patients were assessed with the Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),Hamilton depression scale(HAMD),life events scale,and social support rating scale(SSRS)to identify the correlation between anxiety,depression scores,and social stress and social support.The Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)was utilized to evaluate the rehabilitation outcomes of the patients and to analyze the effects of anxiety and depression scores on rehabilitation.RESULTS According to the scores of HAMD and HAMA in all patients,the prevalence of depression in patients was 39%(39/100),and the prevalence of anxiety was 49%(49/100).Patients were categorized into non-depression(n=61)and depression(n=39),non-anxiety(n=51),and anxiety(n=49)groups.Statistically significant differences in gender,occupation,Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,and monthly family income were observed between the non-depression and depression groups(P<0.05).A significant difference in occupation and PSQI score was found between the non-anxiety and anxiety groups.Both depression(r=0.207,P=0.038)and anxiety scores(r=0.473,P<0.001)were significantly and positively correlated with negative life events.The difference in negative life event scores as well as SSRS total and item scores was statist-ically significant between patients in the non-depression and depression groups(P<0.05).The difference between the non-anxiety and anxiety groups was statistically significant(P<0.05)in the negative life event scores as well as the total SSRS scores.Additionally,JOA scores were significantly lower in both anxious and depressed patients.CONCLUSION Young patients with thoracolumbar fractures are prone to anxiety and depression.Patients’anxiety and depression are closely associated with social pressure,which reduces the life pressure of young patients with thoracolumbar fractures,enhances social support,and improves the psychology of anxiety and depression.,which affects patients’recovery.

Mediating role of health literacy in the relationship between social isolation and psychological distress among pre-frail older adults

BACKGROUND Frailty has become a significant public health issue.The recent increase in the number of frail older adults has led to increased attention being paid to psycho-logical care services in communities.The social isolation of pre-frail older adults can impact their psychological distress.AIM To explore the mediating effect of health literacy between social isolation and psychological distress among communitydwelling older adults with pre-frailty.METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 254 pre-frail older individuals aged 60 years and over.Social isolation,health literacy,and psycholo-gical distress were comprehensively measured using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6,12-item Short-Form Health Literacy Questionnaire,and the Kessler Psy-chological Distress Scale-10.Data were evaluated using the SPSS 27.0 package program and the PROCESS macro tool.Descriptive statistical analyses,correlation analyses,and bootstrap mediation tests were used to assess associations between the variables.RESULTS The results showed that social isolation had an effect on health literacy among pre-frail older adults(β=0.240,P<0.001),social isolation impact on psycho-logical distress pre-frail older adults(β=-0.415,P<0.001);health literacy was identified effect on psychological distress among pre-frail older persons(β=-0.307,P<0.001).Health literacy partially mediated the relationship between social isolation and psychological distress among community-dwelling older adults with pre-frailty,with a mediation effect of-0.074,accounting for 17.83%of the total effect.

Social function scores and influencing factors in patients with residual depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND At present,the influencing factors of social function in patients with residual depressive symptoms are still unclear.Residual depressive symptoms are highly harmful,leading to low mood in patients,affecting work and interpersonal communication,increasing the risk of recurrence,and adding to the burden on families.Studying the influencing factors of their social function is of great significance.AIM To explore the social function score and its influencing factors in patients with residual depressive symptoms.METHODS This observational study surveyed patients with residual depressive symptoms(case group)and healthy patients undergoing physical examinations(control group).Participants were admitted between January 2022 and December 2023.Social functioning was assessed using the Sheehan Disability Scale(SDS),and scores were compared between groups.Factors influencing SDS scores in patients with residual depressive symptoms were analyzed by applying multiple linear regression while using the receiver operating characteristic curve,and these RESULTS The SDS scores of the 158 patients with depressive symptoms were 11.48±3.26.Compared with the control group,the SDS scores and all items in the case group were higher.SDS scores were higher in patients with relapse,discon-tinuous medication,drug therapy alone,severe somatic symptoms,obvious residual symptoms,and anxiety scores≥8.Disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,and residual symptoms correlated positively with SDS scores(r=0.354,0.414,0.602,and 0.456,respectively).Independent influencing factors included disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,somatic symptoms,residual symptoms,and anxiety scores(P<0.05).The areas under the curve for predicting social functional impairment using these factors were 0.713,0.559,0.684,0.729,0.668,and 0.628,respectively,with sensitivities of 79.2%,61.8%,76.8%,81.7%,63.6%,and 65.5%and specificities of 83.3%,87.5%,82.6%,83.3%,86.7%,and 92.1%,respectively.CONCLUSION The social function scores of patients with residual symptoms of depression are high.They are affected by disease history,medication compliance,therapy method,degree of somatic symptoms,residual symptoms,and anxiety.

Current needs, the future of adolescents and young adults having sustained a moderate or severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the potential of their social participation

The general objective of this study is to identify the specific needs of youths who have suffered a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their levels of life habit accomplishments. The secondary objective aims to identify how they view themselves in the future with regard to their life habits. Eighteen young persons with moderate or severe TBIs aged 14 to 20 completed questionnaires based on the Life-Habits questionnaire and elaborated on their current level of satisfaction and their visions of the future. Teenagers reported that maintaining good interpersonal relationships, being autonomous, fulfilling their responsibilities, warding off lone-liness, as well as being supported in their efforts to reach a satisfying response to their needs and concerns were their highest priorities. In order to increase their satisfaction related to life habits they suggest improving external factors, such as information concerning TBIs to their entourage. They see themselves as complete social participants in the future. Youths with moderate or severe TBIs identified their needs and envisioned their future to be like that of any other teenager and young adult. They hope to start a family and find a good job. They also identified strategies to improve their life habits.

Factors Associated with Social Support Needs of Spouses of Patients with Cancer: Online Survey

Background: A means of assessing the social support needs of spouses of patients with cancer is not available in Japan, yet such individuals are at increased risk of developing psychological difficulties. Objectives: The present study aimed (1) to describe the social support needs of spouses of patients with cancer, and (2) to explore factors associated with social support needs of spouses of patients with cancer. Design: Spouses (n = 559) of patients with cancer were recruited by registered agents of an online survey company and completed a self-reporting, online questionnaire. Measurements: The questionnaires included demographic information and a tool to assess social support needs. Results: Factor analysis of social support needs of the spouses of patients with cancer indicated that (1) “social support needs regarding disease and treatment of patient” (54 items) comprised 3 factors (“medical condition and cure”, “daily life and social support”, “intimacy and employment”), and (2) “social support needs of spouse (19 items)” comprised 2 factors (“family psychological issues and social support” and “intimacy, employment and society”). The ANOVA and T tests showed that “younger age”, “under treatment”, and “cancer not cured: treatment stopped”, “PS1” and “PS 2-4”, the presence of “lung cancer”, and “recurrence/metastasis” were significant factors (all

Characteristics and Social Support Needs Predicting Anticipatory Grief in the Spouses of Patients with Cancer at the End of Life

Background: Medical staff provide care to spouses of terminal cancer patients through trial and error by meeting their various support needs and spousal factors regarding their anticipatory grief. Studies on the association between spousal characteristics and anticipatory grief have been inconclusive;additionally, there has been insufficient research on support needs for anticipatory grief of spouses. This study aimed to explore the spousal characteristics and social support needs predicting anticipatory grief in spouses of patients with cancer at the end of life. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Eligible spouses (n = 102) completed a self-report questionnaire in two hospitals with palliative care units in Japan. The questionnaire included demographic information, a tool assessing social support needs of spouses, and the Anticipatory Grief Scale for Family Caregivers. Results: Simple regression analyses indicated that patient age, chemotherapy, no treatment, ECOG PS3, children aged under 20 years, total score of “social support needs regarding the disease and treatment of the patients” and subscale scores (“medical condition and cure,” “daily life and social support,” and “intimacy and employment”), and total score of “social support needs of the spouses” and subscale scores (“family psychological issues and social support” and “intimacy, employment, and society”) were significant variables (all p p Conclusions: Patients having no experience of “chemotherapy” and higher “social support needs of the spouses” in Model 1, and greater spousal needs of “family psychological issues and social support” in Model 2 were significant predictors of severe anticipatory grief. Medical staff should pay attention to these risk factors that predict anticipatory grief among spouses.

Mapping and measuring urban-rural inequalities in accessibility to social infrastructures

Equal access to social infrastructures is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development,but has long been a great challenge worldwide.Previous studies have primarily focused on the accessibility to social infras-tructures in urban areas across various scales,with less attention to rural areas,where inequality can be more severe.Particularly,few have investigated the disparities of accessibility to social infrastructures between urban and rural areas.Here,using the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan urban agglomeration,China,as an example,we investigated the inequality of accessibility in both urban and rural areas,and further compared the urban-rural difference.Accessibility was measured by travel time of residents to infrastructures.We selected four types of social infrastructures including supermarkets,bus stops,primary schools,and health care,which were funda-mentally important to both urban and rural residents.We found large disparities in accessibility between urban and rural areas,ranging from 20 min to 2 h.Rural residents had to spend one to two more hours to bus stops than urban residents,and 20 min more to the other three types of infrastructures.Furthermore,accessibility to multiple infrastructures showed greater urban-rural differences.Rural residents in more than half of the towns had no access to any infrastructure within 15 min,while more than 60%of the urban residents could access to all infrastructures within 15 min.Our results revealed quantitative accessibility gap between urban and rural areas and underscored the necessity of social infrastructures planning to address such disparities.

Integrated ribosome and proteome analyses reveal insights into sevoflurane-induced long-term social behavior and cognitive dysfunctions through ADNP inhibition in neonatal mice

A growing number of studies have demonstrated that repeated exposure to sevoflurane during development results in persistent social abnormalities and cognitive impairment.Davunetide,an active fragment of the activity-dependent neuroprotective protein(ADNP),has been implicated in social and cognitive protection.However,the potential of davunetide to attenuate social deficits following sevoflurane exposure and the underlying developmental mechanisms remain poorly understood.In this study,ribosome and proteome profiles were analyzed to investigate the molecular basis of sevoflurane-induced social deficits in neonatal mice.The neuropathological basis was also explored using Golgi staining,morphological analysis,western blotting,electrophysiological analysis,and behavioral analysis.Results indicated that ADNP was significantly down-regulated following developmental exposure to sevoflurane.In adulthood,anterior cingulate cortex(ACC)neurons exposed to sevoflurane exhibited a decrease in dendrite number,total dendrite length,and spine density.Furthermore,the expression levels of Homer,PSD95,synaptophysin,and vglut2 were significantly reduced in the sevoflurane group.Patch-clamp recordings indicated reductions in both the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents(mEPSCs).Notably,davunetide significantly ameliorated the synaptic defects,social behavior deficits,and cognitive impairments induced by sevoflurane.Mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of ADNP led to dysregulation of Ca^(2+)activity via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling,resulting in decreased expression of synaptic proteins.Suppression of Wnt signaling was restored in the davunetide-treated group.Thus,ADNP was identified as a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of neurodevelopmental toxicity caused by general anesthetics.This study provides important insights into the mechanisms underlying social and cognitive disturbances caused by sevoflurane exposure in neonatal mice and elucidates the regulatory pathways involved.

Dysfunctional attitudes,social support,negative life events,and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents:A moderated mediation model

BACKGROUND Depression is a prevalent psychological issue in adolescents that is significantly related to negative life events(NLEs)and dysfunctional attitudes.High levels of social support can significantly buffer NLEs’effect on depression.Currently,there is limited research on how social support moderates the relationship between NLEs,dysfunctional attitudes,and depression in adolescents in China.It is imperative to investigate this moderating effect to mitigate dysfunctional attitudes in adolescent undergoing depressive mood,ultimately enhancing their overall mental health.AIM To investigate the relationship and underlying mechanisms between specific dysfunctional attitudes,social support,and depression among Chinese adolescents.METHODS This is a cross-sectional study which selected five middle schools in Shandong Province for investigation in March 2022.Participants included 795 adolescents(49.87%male,mage=15.15,SD=1.84,age range=11-18 years old).All participants completed the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale,Adolescent Life Event Scale,Beck Depression Inventory,and Social Support Rating Scale.A moderated mediation model was conducted to examine the relationship between specific dysfunctional attitudes,social support,and depression.RESULTS Results indicated that NLEs affected depression through the mediating role of specific dysfunctional attitudes(autonomy attitudesβ=0.21;perfectionismβ=0.25).Moreover,social support was found to moderate the mediating effect between NLEs,specific dysfunctional attitudes,and depressive symptoms(autonomy attitudes b2=-0.08;perfectionism b2=-0.09).CONCLUSION Dysfunctional attitudes mediated and social support moderated the relationship between NLEs and depression.Social support can buffer depression symptoms among adolescents with autonomy attitudes and perfectionism.

Adolescent suicide risk factors and the integration of socialemotional skills in school-based prevention programs

Adolescents are considered one of the most vulnerable groups affected by suicide.Rapid changes in adolescents’physical and mental states,as well as in their lives,significantly and undeniably increase the risk of suicide.Psychological,social,family,individual,and environmental factors are important risk factors for suicidal behavior among teenagers and may contribute to suicide risk through various direct,indirect,or combined pathways.Social-emotional learning is considered a powerful intervention measure for addressing the crisis of adolescent suicide.When deliberately cultivated,fostered,and enhanced,selfawareness,self-management,social awareness,interpersonal skills,and responsible decision-making,as the five core competencies of social-emotional learning,can be used to effectively target various risk factors for adolescent suicide and provide necessary mental and interpersonal support.Among numerous suicide intervention methods,school-based interventions based on social-emotional competence have shown great potential in preventing and addressing suicide risk factors in adolescents.The characteristics of school-based interventions based on social-emotional competence,including their appropriateness,necessity,cost-effectiveness,comprehensiveness,and effectiveness,make these interventions an important means of addressing the crisis of adolescent suicide.To further determine the potential of school-based interventions based on social-emotional competence and better address the issue of adolescent suicide,additional financial support should be provided,the combination of socialemotional learning and other suicide prevention programs within schools should be fully leveraged,and cooperation between schools and families,society,and other environments should be maximized.These efforts should be considered future research directions.

Comparative analyses of mitogenomes in the social bees with insights into evolution of long inverted repeats in the Meliponini

The insect mitogenome is typically a compact circular molecule with highly conserved gene contents.Nonetheless,mitogenome structural variations have been reported in specific taxa,and gene rearrangements,usually the tRNAs,occur in different lineages.Because synapomorphies of mitogenome organizations can provide information for phylogenetic inferences,comparative analyses of mitogenomes have been given increasing attention.However,most studies use a very few species to represent the whole genus,tribe,family,or even order,overlooking potential variations at lower taxonomic levels,which might lead to some incorrect inferences.To provide new insights into mitogenome organizations and their implications for phylogenetic inference,this study conducted comparative analyses for mitogenomes of three social bee tribes(Meliponini,Bombini,and Apini)based on the phylogenetic framework with denser taxonomic sampling at the species and population levels.Comparative analyses revealed that mitogenomes of Apini and Bombini are the typical type,while those of Meliponini show diverse variations in mitogenome sizes and organizations.Large inverted repeats(IRs)cause significant gene rearrangements of protein coding genes(PCGs)and rRNAs in Indo-Malay/Australian stingless bee species.Molecular evolution analyses showed that the lineage with IRs have lower dN/dS ratios for PCGs than lineages without IRs,indicating potential effects of IRs on the evolution of mitochondrial genes.The finding of IRs and different patterns of gene rearrangements suggested that Meliponini is a hotspot in mitogenome evolution.Unlike conserved PCGs and rRNAs whose rearrangements were found only in the mentioned lineages within Meliponini,tRNA rearrangements are common across all three tribes of social bees,and are significant even at the species level,indicating that comprehensive sampling is needed to fully understand the patterns of tRNA rearrangements,and their implications for phylogenetic inference.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

Designing a Need Based Social Protection Intervention Package for Children and Adolescents Living with HIV and AIDS in Ghana—An Eclectic Perspective on Desired Social Protection Intervention Package/Framework

Background: Designing a need-based social protection intervention for children comes as comprehensive tool for addressing the overall quality of life of HIV positive children. Not much has been examined on what constitute the desired social protection framework for HIV positive children. Methods: This study was informed by a qualitative descriptive exploratory design approach. The study drew insights from the shared perspectives of 27 participants sampled from positive HIV status disclosed children—10 - 17 years, healthcare workers, Social and Development worker, HIV positive caregivers and parents from 7 ART clinics in rural and urban Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions of Ghana. Data was collected through interviews and two focus group discussions with study participants. Drawing on the emerged themes from the transcripts, thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data using comparative thematic framework approach. Findings: The eclectic perspectives on the type of social protection policy/intervention preferred demonstrated the need for an interrelated and integrated social protection policy. This should not be designed in isolation towards addressing the child vulnerability. The study found that social protection policies aimed at addressing vulnerability levels of children should consider the dual vulnerability situation within which HIV positive children and adolescents are located. A set of unique specific tailored approach and package reflecting minimum combination social protection package to HIV positive children was considered essential for inclusion. The themes that emerged covered social policy/intervention package inclusive of a disease ending/eradication intervention package, cash transfer for children and their caregivers, free comprehensive health insurance integrating all consultancy and laboratory services charges, direct food supplements supply and nutritional support, research, target specified with evidenced-based monitoring. Counseling support and preferential treatment for children visiting ART for treatment were to be included. Conclusion: Combination social protection intervention packages remain the pathway to yielding maximum dividends on any social intervention that seeks to address the vulnerability levels of HIV positive children in Ghana. This should be designed taking into consideration the preference of the main target beneficiaries (HIV positive children) while accounting for the inclusion of the technical expertise of implementing stakeholders in the policy design from conceptualization to evaluation.

Visualizing Need: Using Data Visualization as a Decision Support Tool in the Formulation of Social Policy

International social work is facing an exponentially growing number of critical challenges in developing nations in meeting essential social needs as well as the distribution of material goods, social and economic resources and the provision, and effective services delivery to populations of need. There is a need to respond rapidly to populations in need and adapt to quickly changing socio-economic conditions. However, the resources needed to evaluate data and make effective decisions to provide support are often limited by the availability of trained data analysts who can interpret statistical findings and make relevant service delivery decisions for such communities of need. Modern computing technology shows promise of providing a graphical evaluation approach to enriching understanding of the available information. Thereby, the need to make critical decisions is augmented for those decision-makers that are working most closely with marginalized groups. A recent research effort undertaken by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) sought to provide administrators and policy-makers with information regarding the associations between social capital, economic development, and food security in the mountain region of Perú. Survey data collection and descriptive statistical analysis were used to provide information on the relationship between socio-economic development services and the emergence of social capital needed to develop effective human self-support systems. This paper demonstrates how to provide a graphical interface between areas of economic need and development initiatives. A visual exploration of data patterns would serve to inform human service decision-makers as they develop policies and programs. Visualization of data helps to enrich meaning and understanding of core areas of population need. This enhanced information format can identify needs for social policy development and improve the delivery of critical services and resources. This paper will provide a conceptual argument for considering data visualization methods in the evaluation of significant needs for, at risk, international populations. The paper will also present a number of examples for improving data evaluation and the understanding of need through data visualization methods through widely available computing technology. Procedures for graphically representing data will be demonstrated using the Perú survey, and applications for social policy formulation will be discussed.

Making the case for the evolving role of social media in health professions education and a literature review on the application of some in ophthalmology

Background and Objective:Social media(SoMe)has emerged as a tool in health professions education(HPE),particularly amidst the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Despite the academia’s initial skepticism SoMe has been gaining traction in supporting learning communities,and offering opportunities for innovation in HPE.Our study aims to explore the integration of SoMe in HPE.Four key components were outlined as necessary for a successful integration,and include designing learning experiences,defining educator roles,selecting appropriate platforms,and establishing educational objectives.Methods:This article stemmed from the online Teaching Skills Series module on SoMe in education from the Ophthalmology Foundation,and drew upon evidence supporting learning theories relevant to SoMe integration and models of education.Additionally,we conducted a literature review considering Englishlanguage articles on the application of SoMe in ophthalmology from PubMed over the past decade.Key Content and Findings:Early adopters of SoMe platforms in HPE have leveraged these tools to enhance learning experiences through interaction,dialogue,content sharing,and active learning strategies.By integrating SoMe into educational programs,both online and in-person,educators can overcome time and geographical constraints,fostering more diverse and inclusive learning communities.Careful consideration is,however,necessary to address potential limitations within HPE.Conclusions:This article lays groundwork for expanding SoMe integration in HPE design,emphasizing the supportive scaffold of various learning theories,and the need of furthering robust research on examining its advantages over traditional educational formats.Our literature review underscores an ongoing multifaceted,random application of SoMe platforms in ophthalmology education.We advocate for an effective incorporation of SoMe in HPE education,with the need to comply with good educational practice.

Development of a GIS Based Public Transport Composite Social Need Index in Jeddah

Provision of public transport is critical for all social groups with high need. The provision of effective public transport system in Jeddah is at the top priorities of the national, regional and local plans. This paper attempts to develop a public transport composite social need index in Jeddah using GIS. Population density, car ownership, family size and income level indicators were considered for identifying the social need in Jeddah. Results indicate that Jeddah is in high social need for public transport and the provision of an efficient public transport is crucial for the city. The composite social need index has shown both dispersed and clustered patterns of high need for public transport in Jeddah. The results of this study facilitate the identification of the high social need for public transport in Jeddah. Further studies are highly recommended to include other social need indictors in Jeddah city.

Social- and Health-Care Professionals＇ Meetings with Multiple-Birth Families--Challenges and the Need for More Training and Education

Background： A systematic literature review shows there is a need to study how professionals work with multiple-birth families in different kinds of nursing contexts. Objective： The aim is to describe public-health nurses＇ （n = 8） experiences of supporting multiple-birth families and to contribute to the understanding of working with such families. Methodology： The qualitative research study is guided by the phenomenological hermeneutic and van Manen＇s methods have been used. The phenomenon was described through the concept of lifeworld： time, body, relations, and space. The data include participants＇ interviews and written documents, as well as the researcher＇s notes. Results： The phenomena of supporting multiple-birth families, as described by public-health nurses, can be expressed by ＂Recognizing the strain＂, ＂Lightening the load of daily life＂ and ＂Targeting special needs＂. Conclusions： The social-and health-care professionals met challenges in supporting multiple-birth families, and disclosed their need for training and education. There is a need for more understanding of the unique relevant needs and life situations of such families. Wellbeing and caring involves giving guidance and providing the parents with the special knowledge they need. Further research could concentrate on how evidence-based research guides the work of professionals in multi-professional teams.

A Study of“Foreign Language+”Innovative Talents TrainingModel Driven by Social Needs

Recently,great changes have taken place in the field of foreign language talents training in universities.Training of foreign language talents should take both national strategy and local development into consideration.Traditional skill-centered foreign language talents training model has been gradually taken place by“foreign language+”model which can better adapt to new social needs and sustainable development of the foreign language major.In a word,foreign language talents training requires not only the language skills,but also professional knowledge and other abilities so that they can develop in full scale and meet the needs of the social development effectively.

Policy Needs for Social Security in the Process of Citizenization of the Peri-urban Farmers:A Case Study of Hefei City

We conduct a survey of transformational towns and villages in High-tech Development District, Yaohai District and Shushan District, Hefei City. Using data, we analyze the "sideline effect" and inherent contradiction of transformational cities, research the policy needs for social security and its trend in the citizenization process of the peri-urban farmers. On this basis, we construct the social security policy system that can adapt to the accelerated process of urbanization. Finally, we put forth the following recommendations for the social security policy in the citizenization process of the peri-urban farmers: distinguishing different groups' policy needs for social security; attaching importance to people's dynamic policy needs for social security in urbanization; focusing on the adaptability of social security policy transformation in urbanization; attaching importance to the social psychosocial environment of social security policy transformation in urbanization; achieving the trinity of non-farm conversion, urbanization and citizenization in the process of urbanization; strengthening the government's dominant position in the building of social security policy system.