Causes and consequences of psychological stress in the working life and emergency services of veterinary professionals in the Federal Republic of Germany: A protocol for a nationwide cross-sectional study

Background: Veterinarians are exposed to high workloads. International studies show they have an above-average risk of suicide and burnout. Hardly any studies dealing with causes and consequences of workload and emergency services are available in Germany. Methods: The aim of the observational cross-sectional study presented here is to assess their workloads and working conditions (Slesina questionnaire), health situation and well-being (KÖPS questionnaire - physical, psychological and social symptoms; Maslach Burnout Inventory MBI-GS; WHO-5 well-being index), as well as occupational psychological aspects (irritation scales; overcommitment; questionnaire on work-related behavior and experience patterns AVEM) which will be recorded and analyzed according to general sociodemographic and occupational data (sector-, gender, assignment- and country-specific). In addition, the heart rate variability of some members of the veterinary profession will be analyzed using 24 hour electrocardiogram recordings, which together with the subjective insights into the stress situation from the questionnaires, will allow objective psychophysiological stress analyses. Conclusions: The results of the study will provide further empirical insights into the workloads and stresses faced by the veterinary profession in Germany, based on which important insights into this professional group’s mental health can be identified. In this way, it should be possible to identify (mis)stress-triggering factors in the target groups, derive target group-specific recommendations for health-promoting work design, and identify approaches to veterinary studies and career selection.

When semantics and phonology collide: Gender assignment in mixed Tsova-Tush–Georgian nominal constructions

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions: This paper investigates the gender assignment strategies employed when genderless Georgian nouns are inserted into gendered Tsova-Tush utterances. We explore the linguistic and extra-linguistic factors motivating the strategies, and compare how these code-switches behave in relation to loans. Design/methodology/approach: Taking a broadly usage-based approach, we collected three types of data: (a) naturalistic corpus data; (b) semi-naturalistic production data from a forced-switch director–matcher (DM) task; and (c) a three-response forced-choice acceptability judgement task (AJT). Data and analysis: The responses from the DM task ( n = 12) and AJT acceptability ( n = 12) were analysed using descriptive (Chi-square) and inferential (log-linear) statistics. The corpus data are described qualitatively. Findings/conclusions: Both the gender of the Tsova-Tush translation equivalent (TE) and the Georgian phonology of the code-switched noun were significantly related to the response, with the TE being the stronger determinant of the two. Only marginal evidence for a default strategy was found. Production responses were found to be more consistent than comprehension responses, with more frequent lexemes displaying higher inter-participant consistency in production. Originality: Tsova-Tush, an endangered Nakh–Daghestanian language with five genders marked by prefixes, offers much-needed diversification within the code-switching literature concerning grammatical gender. This complexity also raises new questions regarding the notion of default in mixed nominal constructions. Significance/implications: Our findings support the prediction that first language speakers of a gendered language prefer a TE strategy, but contradict a relationship between default strategy and language dominance. Phonological criteria display a stronger role in gender assignment than previously found. Frequency and entrenchment of gender–noun pairings partially explain inter-speaker and inter-stimulus variation and consistency, providing a plausible pathway from code-switches to borrowings. Limitations: An unavoidable limitation is the sample size, reflecting the small speaker population. We strongly advocate for similar research in other language pairs in the Caucasus where gender systems feature prominently.

Complexity in Instructed Heritage Language Acquisition

In this article, I reflect on the role of linguistic complexity in instructed heritage language (HL) acquisition by specifically examining morphosyntactic linguistic complexity as it relates to factors such as transparency, saliency, and communicative value. First, I critically evaluate previous proposals on linking formal HL studies to pedagogy by arguing that learning in instructed contexts is a complex task that requires research on a number of variables including linguistic complexity. Second, I summarize the lessons learned in the field of instructed second language acquisition with regard to complexity in additional language learning. Third, by reviewing an empirical study on the development of Spanish gender assignment and agreement in writing, I provide a few arguments for investigating the interplay between linguistic complexity and the prior language experience that HL learners bring into the learning environment. Informed by findings from instructed second language studies, I propose that instructed HL studies also examine how linguistic complexity is potentially interwoven with type of instruction and individual differences.

Rare case of two siblings with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) also called testicular feminizing syndrome is a rare X linked disorder of sexual differentiation caused by mutation in the androgen receptor (AR) gene, which is located on the X chromosome (Xq11-q12). In the reported cases, individuals with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) presented with a female appearance and normal breast development, absence of uterus and ovaries, bilateral undescended testis, and elevated testosterone levels. The syndrome is usually detected on evaluation of a phenotypic female with primary amenorrhea who presents for treatment of infertility. Here, we report 2 cases of CAIS in siblings 21 and 19 years of age who presented to us with primary amenorrhea. The elder sibling presented to us with primary amenorrhea, thelarche +, absent adrenarche, blind pouch of vagina, b/l inguinal masses suggestive of undescended testes, raised serum testosterone and absent uterus on USG. While the younger sibling also presented with similar findings but had history of b/l orchidectomy at the age of 14 years. Both the sisters were admitted in our unit and the elder sister underwent b/l orchidectomy and McIndoe’s vaginoplasty. While the younger sister underwent McIndoe’s vaginoplasty on the same day. Post-operative recovery was uneventful and they were given hormone replacement therapy (HRT). AIS is a rare X linked disease caused by mutation in the AR gene. which when diagnosed early can be treated appropriately. Precise diagnosis requires clinical, hormonal and molecular investigation and is of great importance for appropriate gender assignment and management in general. With timely gonadectomy, vaginoplasty or vaginal pouch deepening, hormone replacement and appropriate psychological support help the person live a healthy and almost normal life.

neutering neuter – grammatical gender and the dehumanisation of women in German

Grammatical gender in German has traditionally been described as a rather arbitrary system (Helbig and Buscha 1988). This is not the case in regard to terms of person reference, where natural gender assignment is the norm: Masculine and feminine grammatical gender largely correlate with the extralinguistic assignment of male and female gender. Neuter gender predominantly denotes inanimate entities (Köpcke and Zubin 1996, 2009). The use of neutral gender in reference to women nevertheless has a long history in German, usually with pejorative connotations (Köpcke and Zubin 1996, 2009). Historically, this can be illustrated in relation to nouns, pronouns and articles: 1 By neuter nouns denoting ‘socially incomplete’ women, e.g. das Weib ‘woman (archaic), hag, n.’, das Luder ‘hussy, n.’ and in the increased use of neuter eliciting diminutives in reference to female individuals, e.g. das Mädchen ‘girl, n.’, das Fräulein ‘miss, n.’ (Nübling 2017). 2 Through the use of neuter pronouns and neuter articles in combination with female names in a number of German dialects, e.g. das Emma, es ‘the (n.) Emma, it’ (Busley and Fritzinger 2018). In contemporary standard German, the use of neuter articles and pronouns instead of feminine ones seems to be used as a discursive tool to denigrate and dehumanise women whose gender performance does not conform with hegemonic concepts of femininity. This paper focuses on the intentional manipulation of grammatical gender in reference to women as a tool of degradation and dehumanisation and outlines the historical development of neuter forms of reference in contexts where feminine would be expected.

Gender assignment: Monolingual constraints contribute to a bilingual outcome

Aims and objectives: This study explores the well-researched topic of gender assignment to English nouns in Spanish discourse through a usage-based framework. The goal is to elucidate the relative impact of both previously studied and novel constraints on the variable application of feminine determiners. Methodology: A variationist analysis of English nouns surrounded by Spanish discourse in the spontaneous speech of bilinguals. Data and analysis: Data come from the New Mexico Spanish–English Bilingual Corpus. Tokens ( N = 707) were coded for independent variables and submitted to a logistic regression. The goodness of fit was determined via the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve method. Findings: All independent variables were selected as significant by the logistic regression model. Based on factor weight ranges, the hierarchy of constraints is the following, from the most to the least impactful: Analogical Gender, Phonological Shape, Syntactic Role, and Determiner Definiteness. These results suggest that bilinguals utilize a variety of constraints in gender assignment, as opposed to a single default strategy. Originality: While previous studies have tested and found similar results for constraints such as analogical gender and phonological shape, none have offered a unified analysis explaining findings from a usage-based approach. The originality and utility of this approach is most apparent in the discussions of prototypicality and schematicity. Significance/implications: A corpus-based approach and usage-based theory is shown to bring new insight to a topic of interest in many other linguistic sub-fields. The discussion reinterprets previous conclusions about gender assignment using a framework not proposed in previous research, despite similar overall results.

Ethical aspects of gender assignment in ambiguous genitalia - congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a case report

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder commonly caused by mutation of the CYP21A2 gene, resulting in deficiency of an enzyme required for cortisol synthesis in the adrenal cortex. In 90-95% of cases, the deficient enzyme is 21-hydroxylase (21-OH), with an incidence ranging from 1 in 5,000 to 15,000 live births across various ethnic and racial backgrounds. In classical 21-OH deficiency (21-OHD) CAH, excessive androgen exposure in the fetus results in virilization at birth.1 The management of ambiguous genitalia in children with CAH presents a unique and ethically challenging decision-making dilemma for the medical team. Insensitive and poorly informed statements made in the delivery room may cause long-term psychological problems for the families. It is important to refrain from assigning gender until sufficient diagnostic information can be gathered. Parents, as guardians, and the supporting medical team must make decisions on behalf of the child, with the goal of enabling the child to grow into a healthy and happy adult with his or her assigned gender.2,3 We report a case of a child with CAH, focusing on the ethical challenges in management of ambiguous genitalia.

Sentimental Educations

This chapter establishes H.D.’s difficulty at Bryn Mawr, her brief engagement to Ezra Pound and her wilting affection for him, beside her stronger attraction to impoverished Frances Josepha Gregg, who lived with her mother, once an active lesbian. H.D. and Frances thought themselves “witches,” reading each other’s minds. They traveled with Gregg’s mother on a European tour. At this same time, Bryher was isolated, with only her father’s library as refuge. She met Elizabethan cross-dressers like Bellario through her imagination. After her parents had a “Scotch marriage” in 1909, just when her mother gave birth to a male heir, John Jr., she learned they had been unmarried when she was born. Bryher rejected her gender assignment. From World War I on, she kept rat poison by her side, fearful of being locked up for her nonconformity. Bryher was sent to Queenswood as a day student.

One hundred twelve cases of 46, XY DSD patients after initial gender assignment: a short-term survey of gender role and gender dysphoria

Background 46, XY disorders of sex development (46, XY DSD) are congenital disorders with 46, XY chromosomal karyotype but inconsistent gonadal/phenotypic sex. One of the biggest concerns for parents and clinicians is the gender assignment. However, there is no standard uniform of care nor consensus at present. We sought to evaluate the current treatment's rationality and provide a reference basis for the gender reassignment in 46, XY DSD patients with a specific diagnosis. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of gender role with the Pre-school Activities Inventory (PSAI), the Children's Sex Role Inventory (CSRI) in 46, XY DSD patients and set up control groups comparison. Psychiatrist assessed gender dysphoria in patients ≥ 8-year-old with the criteria of diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Results A total of 112 responders of 136 patients participated in this study (82.4%, aged 2–17.8 years, median age: 4-year-old). The follow-up period was from 6 months to 10 years (median: 2 years). Twenty-five females were reassigned to the male gender after a specific diagnosis (16/25 (64%) in 5 alfa-reductase-2 deficiency (5α-RD2), 5/25 (20%) in partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS), 4/25 (16%) in NR5A1gene mutation). Male gender assignment increased from 55.3 (n = 62) to 77.7% (n = 87). The median PSAI score was similar to the control males in 5α-RD2, PAIS, and NR5A1 gene mutation groups (p > 0.05); while identical to the control females in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and CYP17A1 gene mutation groups (p > 0.05). PSAI score of children raised as male was higher than those of CAIS and CYP17A1 groups raised as female (p < 0.05). CSRI scale showed no statistical differences in the consistency of gender roles and reassigned gender between 46, XY DSD patients and control groups (p > 0.05). None of the patients over 8-year-old (n = 44) had gender dysphoria. Conclusion The reassigned gender in 46, XY DSD patients is consistent with their gender role during early childhood. None of them had gender dysphoria. The molecular diagnosis, gonadal function, and the gender reassignment are congruent within our Chinese cohort. Long-term follow-up and more evaluation are still required.