bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Factors Influencing Growth of MSMEs in Factor-Driven and Efficiency-Driven Economies
Authors: Mohammed Jamil Mohammad Izzuddin
Published: February 2023

The growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) is important as MSMEs constitute the main drivers of economic growth, particularly in the emerging economies of factor-driven and efficiency-driven economies. MSMEs represent an estimate of 90% of business organisations and more than half of job creation worldwide, and the growing global workforce means that growth of MSMEs are often a high priority for governments. However, despite attempts to support nurture and vitalise the growth of MSMEs, MSMEs located in emerging economies are often subjected to more hostile environments compared to their counterparts in developed economies, such as the lack of access to micro-finance and underdeveloped educational institutions. The lack of micro-finance is especially detrimental as MSMEs without creditworthy history could not apply for finance. This research synthesizes growth factors from literature in order to identify and examine the factors influencing growth of MSMEs in the emerging economies of factor-driven and efficiency-driven economies.
Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge-Based Prediction and Prevention Measures for Climate-Related Malaria Among Mopani District Communities, Limpopo Province, RSA
Authors: Rumutsa Brenda Nyeverwai , Nethengwe Nthaduleni Samuel , Nyahunda Louis
Published: February 2023

This chapter investigates indigenous knowledge-based malaria season onset forecasting indicators and prevention measures employed across four municipalities in Mopani district. The study took a mixed approach (sequential multiphase design). Data were collected from 347 randomly selected participants; 25 interviewees were obtained through snowballing, and for the focus group discussion, nine participants were purposively selected. Findings established that people in the Mopani district predict the malaria season onset by forecasting rainfall using various indigenous knowledge-based indicators such as celestial bodies as well as plant and animal species. It was also noted that the burgeoning of modernization has created a fault line between the rural and urban communities in terms of indigenous knowledge practice and adoption in malaria mitigation. This chapter recommends that it is highly possible and progressive for disaster risk reduction policies to integrate indigenous and modern scientific knowledge for them to be effective.
Rural Dwellers as Stakeholders in Infrastructure Provision
Authors: Popoola Ayobami Abayomi
Published: February 2023

Despite the increasing investments in physical infrastructure, developing countries have been identified to be below par in meeting the basic infrastructure needs of their populace. However, rural areas when compared to urban remain neglected in infrastructure investments. Owing to this, selected rural dwellers through community collaborative responses driven by the personal, government, or international donors resulted in communal infrastructure provision in their communities. This form of response to infrastructure dearth by the rural dwellers can be seen as an adaptive response to the shock of poor service delivery. Using mixed method, this study examines the roles played by village dwellers in infrastructure provision. The study finding shows that capital or resource remittance places a key role in communal infrastructure projects. The study concluded that an improved rural actor and community collaborative involvement is needed in sustaining rural infrastructure needs.
How E-Working Is Effective in Education
Authors: Sinha Mudita , Yadav Radha , Kishore Minakshi
Published: February 2023

The study focuses on the critical observable determinants reflecting the benefits of e-working for academicians. It highlights the four core constructs—work-life balance, job effectiveness or performance, flexibility, employee relationship—and trust with the organization, which is of prime importance for a fruitful remote working in the current scenario. Empirical testing of the proposed research model was done by collecting data through online questionnaires from 230 academicians involved in online teaching. The study showed that in an e-working scenario, there is indeed a healthier work-life balance, and increased e-working results in improved efficiency or work productivity. The e-working model is quite new for the education sector, and the current study will help colleges and universities to understand and support the well-being of academicians working remotely and will also help the stakeholders of the education sector to frame the strategies keeping in mind the requirement of academicians.
Moving Toward Self-Sovereign Identity
Authors: Rao Rama K. , Narang Prem K.
Published: February 2023

Self-sovereign identity (SSID) is a digital solution intended to ameliorate the drawbacks associated with existing digital identification management approaches. This chapter begins with an overview of identity management systems. It explores the essential elements of SSID, including verifiable credentials, distributed ledger technology (DLT), and privacy engineering protocols, and highlights research initiatives, governmental projects, and regulatory frameworks that leverage evolving technologies to improve data integrity, efficiency, and security. The authors survey key challenges and advantages associated with SSID, establishing a taxonomy of the SSID model and a summary of privacy engineering techniques that work in concert with SSID, including zero knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and bring your own identity (BYOI) systems. The authors highlight several innovators in the SSID ecosystem that are contributing to the growth and maturity of this model.
Expression Characteristics and Sequence Variation Analysis of Rice Starch Regulator 1 Gene in Japonica Rice With Transgressive Variation
Authors: Liu Haiying , Lai Yongcai , Xu Zhenhua , Yang Zhonliang , Yu Yanmin , Yan Ping
Published: February 2023

The parents and transgressive variation lines of hybrids with significant difference in amylose content were selected to compare and analyze the accumulation characteristics of amylose and the change of OsRSR1 expression in grains in the process of grain filling, and the PCR technology was used to clone the OsRSR1 gene base sequence of four varieties. The results showed that the amylose content in grains increased gradually with grain filling process, the amylose content of offspring and parents with high amylose content were higher than the offspring and parents with low amylose content, hybrids could obtain the transgressive variation lines through the continuous directional selection of amylose content in grain, and the accumulation of amylose content in grain was closely related to genotypes. The expression quantity of OsRSR1 gene in grain was increasing during the grain filling process, the amylose content of grain was closely related to the activity of OsRSR1 gene, and the expression of grain OsRSR1 gene could also produce transgressive variation.
Water Supply Chain Resource Management in Cities Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Agarwal Reshu , Dixit Adarsh
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a comparative research study between a number of data mining techniques, knowledge discovery tools, data analysis and software packages to be used in a Decision Support System (DSS) for Smart water supply chain resources management. The case study deals with the evaluation and comparative research of water quality of city water supply within New Delhi city area. In the case of New-Delhi water supply alternative actions for improving of water supply and quality are defined for efficient supply in distributed area. The real time water quality monitor uses given standards by Water Quality Index (WQI) and Statistical analysis done on it suggests the shortest path between supply station and local area distribution Centre by used WEKA mining tool (decision tree) and OLAP. The results show that the city water isn't supplied efficiently in the city and not within the standard quality criteria of (WHO) standards and Indian standards. Leanings and research challenges observed during this comparative study have also been enumerated.
Echo State Network-Based Content Prediction for Mobile Edge Caching Networks
Authors: Cai Zengyu , Chen Xi , Zhang Jianwei , Zhu Liang , Hu Xinhua
Published: February 2023

With the rapid development of internet communication and the wide application of intelligent terminal, moving the cache to the edge of the network is an effective solution to shorten the delay of users accessing content. However, the existing cache work lacks the comprehensive consideration of users and content, resulting in low cache hit ratio and low accuracy of the whole system. In this paper, the authors propose a collaborative caching model that considers both user request content and content prediction, so as to improve the caching performance of the whole network. Firstly, the model uses the clustering algorithm based on Akike information criterion to cluster users. Then, combined with the clustering results, echo state network is used as the machine learning framework to predict the content. Finally, the cache contents are selected according to the prediction results and cached in the cache unit of the small base station. Simulation results show that compared with the existing cache algorithms, the proposed method has obvious improvement in cache hit ratio, accuracy, and recall rate.
The Effects of Atmospherics and Influencers on Purchase Intention in Social Commerce
Authors: Sindhu Pranay , Bharti Kumkum
Published: February 2023

This study uses the approach-avoidance theory to investigate the impact of the atmospherics of a social commerce page, which comprises page aesthetics and page interaction. The study looks at how a digital influencer's perceived influence affects a customer's purchase intention. The research also examines whether perceived risk influences customers' purchase intent. Four hundred twenty-eight customers who had recently engaged with a social commerce page were empirically surveyed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The research shows that page atmospherics and digital influencers do influence a customer's purchase intention through emotions and cognition in social commerce. Emotions and purchase intentions, as well as cognition and purchase intentions, are moderated by perceived risk. The findings have implications for marketers who want to develop customer engagement strategies based on social commerce platforms.
The Association between Time Poverty and Income Poverty: The Case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Vithanage H. G. , Dunusinghe P. M.
Published: February 2023

Considering the significance of both time and income in determining the wellbeing of people, this study aims to examine the association between time poverty and income poverty in Sri Lanka by employing the first ever Time Use Survey (TUS) of Sri Lanka, along with the Labour Force Survey (LFS). A descriptive analysis and a binary logistic regression analysis are conducted. The study reveals time poverty in Sri Lanka to be an issue mainly concerning income non-poor people than income poor people, out of which, income non-poor females are found to be more time poor than income non-poor males. Further, that the highest proportion of people in Sri Lanka fall into the scenario of being time poor and income non-poor, followed by those who are both time non-poor and income non-poor (better-off), and those who are both time poor and income poor (worse-off). Finally, a logistic regression of time poverty reveals a significantly negative association between time poverty and income poverty in Sri Lanka, thus reflecting a trade-off between the two. Consistent with existing literature, this finding provides insights on how most people in Sri Lanka escape income poverty only at the cost of incurring time poverty by sacrificing their self-care and leisure time, which is a major issue of concern.
First-in-Human Study in Healthy Subjects with the Noncytotoxic Monoclonal Antibody OSE-127, a Strict Antagonist of IL-7Rα
Authors: Poirier Nicolas , Baccelli Irène , Belarif Lyssia , Abès Riad , Teppaz Géraldine , Mary Caroline , Poli Sonia , Fromond Claudia , Girault Isabelle , Pengam Sabrina , Soma Emilienne , De Sa Fanny , Conduzorgues Jean-Pascal , Braudeau Cécile , Josien Regis , Volckaert Bram , Costantini Dominique , Corallo Frédérique
Published: February 2023

OSE-127 is a humanized mAb targeting the IL-7Rα-chain (CD127), under development for inflammatory and autoimmune disease treatment. It is a strict antagonist of the IL-7R pathway, is not internalized by target cells, and is noncytotoxic. In this work, a first-in-human, phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center study was carried out to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity of OSE-127 administration. Sixty-three healthy subjects were randomly assigned to nine groups: six single ascending dose groups with i.v. administration (0.002–10 mg/kg), a single s.c. treatment group (1 mg/kg), and two double i.v. injection groups (6 or 10 mg/kg). Subjects were followed during <146 d. OSE-127’s pharmacokinetic half-life after a single dose increased from 4.6 (1 mg/kg) to 11.7 d (10 mg/kg) and, after a second dose, from 12.5 (6 mg/kg) to 16.25 d (10 mg/kg). Receptor occupancy was ≥95% at doses ≥0.02 mg/kg, and this saturation level was maintained >100 d after two i.v. infusions at 10 mg/kg. IL-7 consumption was inhibited by OSE-127 administration, as demonstrated by a decreased IL-7 pathway gene signature in peripheral blood cells and by ex vivo T lymphocyte restimulation experiments. OSE-127 was well tolerated, with no evidence of cytokine-release syndrome and no significant alteration of blood lymphocyte counts or subset populations. Altogether, the observed lack of significant lymphopenia or serious adverse events, concomitant with the dose-dependent inhibition of IL-7 consumption by target cells, highlights that OSE-127 may show clinical activity in IL-7R pathway–involved diseases.
Relationship of vitamin D level with insulin dosage required based on insulin therapy protocol
Authors: Niakan Lahiji Mohammad , Moghaddam Omid Moradi , Ameri Forough , Pournajafian Alireza , Mirhosseini Farnaz
Published: February 2023

An Expression of Concern has been published | View
Update to April 27th, 2023: The Publisher is glad to inform the readers that the issue discussed in the Expression of Concern has been favorably resolved and we have no longer cause of concern regarding this paper.
 
The deficiency of vitamin D (VD) amongst Iranian people is high and also is related on hyperglycemia. This study aims to evaluate the association of VD levels with the required dose of insulin prescribed based on an insulin therapy protocol in critical condition patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), in an investigation based in Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on patients who required insulin due to hyperglycemia. The relationship between serum VD level and the required dose of insulin prescribed based on insulin therapy protocol in this group of patients was investigated. A total of 172 patients with a mean age of 46.93 ± 31.9 years were included in this study. Across the included participants, 78.8% of patients had VD deficiency, 11.9% had insufficient VD and 9.3% had normal VD levels. There was a significant difference in mean blood sugar between the VD deficiency group and the normal group. VD levels were also significantly higher in men than women. Furthermore, the HbA1C hemoglobin level in patients with VD deficiency was significantly higher compared to the group with normal levels of VD. Our findings suggest that decreased VD is associated with increased blood sugar and insulin requirements in patients admitted to ICU. Women are at a higher risk for VD deficiency. We hope that these findings may help inform relevant treatment strategies.
Psychotherapists’ experiences of telepsychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina: impact on therapy setting, therapeutic relationship and burden
Authors: König Vera Luisa , Fontao María Isabel , Casari Leandro Martín , Taborda Alejandra Ruth
Published: February 2023

In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Argentina, quarantine and distancing measures were adopted. This has led to a large increase in the use of online psychotherapy. Several international studies have already examined the transition from face-to-face therapy to telepsychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic from a therapist perspective, but within these studies, the Latin American context is not represented. To fill this research gap, this qualitative study explored the Argentinean psychotherapists' experiences with online psychotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic by means of in-depth interviews and content analysis. Based on the international literature, an interview guideline was created which covered three main topics: setting, therapeutic relationship, and burden among therapists. For the analysis of the therapists’ answers, a detailed codebook was developed. Effects were identified in all three areas investigated. The nine interviewed psychotherapists described unfavorable therapy conditions which affected the therapeutic setting, the psychotherapeutic methods and contents. Positive effects in the therapeutic relationship included patients being more open, but also negative effects such as discontinuation of therapies were reported. Therapists experienced telepsychotherapy as more exhausting than in-person psychotherapy, but they considered it a valuable tool during the pandemic, and the transition an enriching experience. These results, which are partially consistent with international findings, have practical implications for the practice of telepsychotherapy in Argentina. Technical conditions should be improved and patients’ privacy during the session should be ensured. Treatment techniques and diagnostics need to be adapted for their use in telepsychotherapy.
Association of Body Mass Index and Fracture Risk Varied by Affected Bones in Patients with Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Se-Won , Han Kyungdo , Kwon Hyuk-Sang
Published: February 2023

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for the type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and T2DM accompanies various complications, such as fractures. We investigated the effects of BMI and T2DM on fracture risk and analyzed whether the association varied with fracture locations.Methods: This study is a nationwide population-based cohort study that included all people with T2DM (n=2,746,078) who received the National Screening Program during 2009–2012. According to the anatomical location of the fracture, the incidence rate and hazard ratio (HR) were analyzed by dividing it into four categories: vertebra, hip, limbs, and total fracture.Results: The total fracture had higher HR in the underweight group (HR, 1.268; 95% CI, 1.228 to 1.309) and lower HR in the obese group (HR, 0.891; 95% CI, 0.882 to 0.901) and the morbidly obese group (HR, 0.873; 95% CI, 0.857 to 0.89), compared to reference (normal BMI group). Similar trends were observed for HR of vertebra fracture. The risk of hip fracture was most prominent, the risk of hip fracture increased in the underweight group (HR, 1.896; 95% CI, 1.178 to 2.021) and decreased in the obesity (HR, 0.643; 95% CI, 0.624 to 0.663) and morbidly obesity group (HR, 0.627; 95% CI, 0.591 to 0.665). Lastly, fracture risk was least affected by BMI for limbs.Conclusion: In T2DM patients, underweight tends to increase fracture risk, and overweight tends to lower fracture risk, but association between BMI and fracture risk varied depending on the affected bone lesions.
Multiple Roles of Sirtuin 6 in Adipose Tissue Inflammation
Authors: Bae Eun Ju , Park Byung-Hyun
Published: February 2023

Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation is strongly associated with obesity-induced insulin resistance. When subjected to metabolic stress, adipocytes become inflamed and secrete a plethora of cytokines and chemokines, which recruit circulating immune cells to AT. Although sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) is known to control genomic stabilization, aging, and cellular metabolism, it is now understood to also play a pivotal role in the regulation of AT inflammation. Sirt6 protein levels are reduced in the AT of obese humans and animals and increased by weight loss. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanism of AT inflammation caused by impaired action of Sirt6 from the immune cells’ point of view. We first describe the properties and functions of immune cells in obese AT, with an emphasis on discrete macrophage subpopulations which are central to AT inflammation. We then highlight data that links Sirt6 to functional phenotypes of AT inflammation. Importantly, we discuss in detail the effects of Sirt6 deficiency in adipocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils on insulin resistance or AT browning. In our closing perspectives, we discuss emerging issues in this field that require further investigation.
The Link between Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Sarcopenia: An Update Focusing on the Role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 4
Authors: Kim Min-Ji , Sinam Ibotombi Singh , Siddique Zerwa , Jeon Jae-Han , Lee In-Kyu
Published: February 2023

Sarcopenia, defined as a progressive loss of muscle mass and function, is typified by mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of mitochondrial resilience. Sarcopenia is associated not only with aging, but also with various metabolic diseases characterized by mitochondrial dyshomeostasis. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDKs) are mitochondrial enzymes that inhibit the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which controls pyruvate entry into the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the subsequent adenosine triphosphate production required for normal cellular activities. PDK4 is upregulated in mitochondrial dysfunction-related metabolic diseases, especially pathologic muscle conditions associated with enhanced muscle proteolysis and aberrant myogenesis. Increases in PDK4 are associated with perturbation of mitochondria-associated membranes and mitochondrial quality control, which are emerging as a central mechanism in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease-associated muscle atrophy. Here, we review how mitochondrial dysfunction affects sarcopenia, focusing on the role of PDK4 in mitochondrial homeostasis. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PDK4 on mitochondrial dysfunction in sarcopenia and show that targeting mitochondria could be a therapeutic target for treating sarcopenia.
Intensified Multifactorial Intervention in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sasako Takayoshi , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Ueki Kohjiro
Published: February 2023

In the management of diabetes mellitus, one of the most important goals is to prevent its micro- and macrovascular complications, and to that end, multifactorial intervention is widely recommended. Intensified multifactorial intervention with pharmacotherapy for associated risk factors, alongside lifestyle modification, was first shown to be efficacious in patients with microalbuminuria (Steno-2 study), then in those with less advanced microvascular complications (the Anglo-Danish-Dutch Study of Intensive Treatment In People with Screen Detected Diabetes in Primary Care [ADDITION]-Europe and the Japan Diabetes Optimal Treatment study for 3 major risk factors of cardiovascular diseases [J-DOIT3]), and in those with advanced microvascular complications (the Nephropathy In Diabetes-Type 2 [NID-2] study and Diabetic Nephropathy Remission and Regression Team Trial in Japan [DNETT-Japan]). Thus far, multifactorial intervention led to a reduction in cardiovascular and renal events, albeit not necessarily significant. It should be noted that not only baseline characteristics but also the control status of the risk factors and event rates during intervention among the patients widely varied from one trial to the next. Further evidence is needed for the efficacy of multifactorial intervention in a longer duration and in younger or elderly patients. Moreover, now that new classes of antidiabetic drugs are available, it should be addressed whether strict and safe glycemic control, alongside control of other risk factors, could lead to further risk reductions in micro- and macrovascular complications, thereby decreasing all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Machine Learning Approach to Drug Treatment Strategy for Diabetes Care
Authors: Fujihara Kazuya , Sone Hirohito
Published: February 2023

Globally, the number of people with diabetes mellitus has quadrupled in the past three decades, and approximately one in 11 adults worldwide have diabetes mellitus. Since both microvascular and macrovascular diseases in patients with diabetes predispose them to a lower quality of life as well as higher rates of mortality, managing blood glucose levels is of clinical relevance in diabetes care. Many classes of antihyperglycemic drugs are currently approved to treat hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with several new drugs having been developed during the last decade. Diabetes-related complications have been reduced substantially worldwide. Prioritization of therapeutic agents varies according to national guidelines. However, since the characteristics of participants in clinical trials differ from patients in actual clinical practice, it is difficult to apply the results of such trials to clinical practice. Machine learning approaches became highly topical issues in medicine along with rapid technological innovations in the fields of information and communication in the 1990s. However, adopting these technologies to support decision-making regarding drug treatment strategies for diabetes care has been slow. This review summarizes data from recent studies on the choice of drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus focusing on machine learning approaches.
A Rasch analysis of the High Potential Trait Indicator: A South African sample
Authors: Semmelink David S. , Maree David J.F.
Published: February 2023

The reliability and validity of the six traits comprising the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTi) were evaluated using Rasch analysis. Focus was designated to the unidimensionality and local independence of each subscale; fit to the Rasch model; person reliability and separation; and differential item functioning (DIF). Secondary data, obtained from intellectual property rights holder Thomas International, were used for analysis with a sample of 1257 South African respondents. One of the six traits, Curiosity (0.73), was found to be reliable. Traits Adjustment (0.69) and Competitiveness (0.69) border on the accepted cut-off of 0.70. Risk Approach (0.64) obtained the lowest reliability, closely followed by Conscientiousness (0.65) and Ambiguity Acceptance (0.65). Six of the 78 HPTi items did not fit the Rasch model, all of which underfit the model. Trait Curiosity was found not to be unidimensional, while the Ambiguity Acceptance scale approached the value at which a scale is considered multidimensional. One item was identified to be threatening the unidimensionality of the Curiosity scale based on both the factor loadings of the principal components analysis of the residuals and underfitting the Rasch model. The differential item functioning (DIF) analysis found no item bias between genders, female and male. Eleven items displayed DIF across ethnicities and home language groups. The most severe instance of DIF occurred in trait Competitiveness, yet it had only one item experiencing DIF. Trait Conscientiousness, however, contained four items experiencing various severities of DIF.Contribution: This study highlighted the shortcomings of the current HPTi in the South African context through Rasch analysis. The findings illustrate the difficult nature of creating ideal personality instruments in the South African context, thus contributing to the body of knowledge of personality assessments in South Africa.
Effect of receiving mobile text messages on cortisol concentrations in students at the University of the Free State
Authors: Vorster-De Wet Roné , Gerber Anthonie M. , Raubenheimer Jacques E.
Published: February 2023

Background: Texting has become central to social life, with adverse effects on physiological functioning. Research into the impact of texting on cortisol secretion is limited.Aim: Thus study aimed to determine how receiving mobile text messages affected salivary cortisol concentrations and investigate the moderating effects of stress, anxiety and depression on cortisol secretion.Setting: Undergraduate physiology students attending physiology lectures at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, 2016.Methods: An experimental, crossover, quantitative design was used. Participants were involved over two consecutive days, receiving mobile text messages (intervention) on one day and acting as their own control on the other. Self-reported data on stress, anxiety, depression and subjective experience of the study, and saliva samples were collected. Text frequency and wording (neutral, positive, negative) were varied among participants.Results: Forty-eight students participated in the study. Salivary cortisol concentrations did not differ significantly between the intervention and control days. High anxiety levels were associated with increased cortisol concentrations. No associations with cortisol concentrations were documented in low to moderate anxiety, stress, depression or how participants experienced the intervention. There were no significant differences between text frequency, text emotion and change in cortisol concentrations on the intervention day.Conclusion: Receiving mobile text messages did not elicit a significant cortisol response in participants.Contribution: Findings added to the body of knowledge about the effect of texting on student learning by measuring salivary cortisol concentrations in a lecture setting, with investigation into the moderating effects of stress, anxiety, depression and participants’ subjective experience.
Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in private healthcare settings in Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Dlungele Andile P. , Mathibe Lehlohonolo J.
Published: February 2023

Background: An Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme (ASP) is one of the strategic objectives of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance. There have been numerous publications on the implementation of ASPs in both private and public sectors globally. However, there are no reviews and interpretive scholarly research publications on successful implementation of ASPs in private healthcare settings in Africa.Aim: The aim of this study was to systematically gather relevant information from published findings and to interpret those findings into a coherent body of lessons learnt from successful ASP implemented in private healthcare settings in Africa.Method: Google Scholar and PubMed, which are online databases, were extensively searched, and studies, which met the inclusion criteria for this review, were retrieved. A data-charting list was developed to extract relevant data.Results: Only six South African studies reported on successful implementation of ASPs in private healthcare settings in Africa. The main focus areas include locally driven prescription audits as well as pharmacist-led interventions.Conclusion: Although private healthcare settings in Africa utilise antibiotic therapy for various infectious diseases, reports on implementation of ASPs in these settings are limited. To win the battle against antimicrobial resistance, private healthcare settings in Africa need to implement evidence-based guidelines and report on the rational use of antibiotics.Contribution: The private healthcare sector in Africa needs to play a more meaningful role in the implementation of ASPs.
Indigenous practitioners’ views on causes of female infertility
Authors: Baakeleng Banabotlhe G. , Pienaar Abel J. , Sithole Puledi M. , Mashego Simangaliso L.
Published: February 2023

Background: The use of indigenous practices has increased remarkably throughout the world. Subsequently, society uses this practice for the treatment of various health problems, including infertility. This research focussed on the role of indigenous practitioners (IPs) using a holistic approach to explore the causes of infertility in women.Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe the views of IPs on the causes of female infertility in Ngaka Modiri Molema health district.Setting: The study was conducted in Ngaka Modiri Molema, North West Province, one of the most rural provinces in South Africa.Methods: The study followed a qualitative explorative design. A purposive sampling technique identified five IPs who were experts in managing infertility. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data analysis used Creswell’s method of qualitative data analysis.Results: Findings revealed that IPs offered a wide range of services in the treatment and management of infertility among rural women. Hence, the following themes emerged, namely, history taking regarding infertility, treatment of infertility and holistic care on infertility.Conclusion: The IPs are important providers of healthcare in the management of infertility in indigenous communities. The findings revealed that there are various causes of female infertility according to the indigenous healthcare system.Contribution: In contribution, the study described the unique practices found in the community as executed by the IPs. This care focusses on holistic care, including treatment and continuous care for the healthcare user and the family. Noteworthy to mention, this holistic care extends to subsequent pregnancies. However, there is a need for further research to valorise the indigenous knowledge unearthed in this study.
Martin Luther and Aesop: Fables as tales of morality for today?
Authors: Potgieter Raymond
Published: February 2023

Ancient Aesopian fables continued to capture the imagination, reaching even into Lutheran Wittenberg. Luther, concerned to address morality within the church and community, sanctioned the use of fables with some caution. Ever cautious not to obscure the gospel, he referred to fables as a tool in his preaching and his table-talks. This is a neglected tool, the rediscovery of which may prove useful to pastoral ministry for its ability to stimulate visualising and excite verbal communication in illustrating something of the complexity of Christian and daily living. While fables never gained much popularity in Reformed circles, it is worth revisiting for insights in how Martin Luther put it to use.Contribution: As in Reformation Wittenberg, a fable today has the latent promise to be a useful instrument in promoting gospel morality not only among children, but also among adults. To successfully reach that end, the church needs to be creative, even to the extent of fashioning contemporary fables to address daily tensions within its community and beyond.
Prevalence of peste des petits ruminants virus antibodies in sheep and goats sera from Central-Western Sudan
Authors: Ali Safa E.M. , Ahmed Yassin A.M. , Osman Alwia A. , Gamal Eldin Omiema A. , Osman Nussieba A.
Published: February 2023

Clinical signs suggestive of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) involved herds of small ruminants, which were described elsewhere in Sudan. Peste des petits ruminants was confirmed using an Immunocapture ELISA (IC-ELISA) assay in samples of infected and dead animals in areas of outbreaks. Therefore, to update information regarding the current situation and for assessment of the serological prevalence of PPR in small ruminants mingled at Central and Western Sudan during 2018–2019, 368 sera were collected from sheep (325 sera) and goats (43 sera) with different ages and breeds. These sera included 186 sera (173 sheep and 13 goats) from White Nile State and 182 sera (152 sheep and 30 goats) from Kordofan States. Competitive ELISA demonstrated higher prevalence of PPRV antibodies of 88.9%, 90.7% and 88.6% in both sheep and goats, goats, and sheep sera, respectively. Moreover, 100%, 94.7% and 78.5% seroprevalence values were demonstrated in South Kordofan, North Kordofan and White Nile States. The higher seroprevalence values detected in sera of unvaccinated sheep and goats indicated the wide exposure of these animals to PPRV and presence of protection following PPR viral infection. The findings of the study indicated that PPR is endemic in the surveyed areas of Sudan.Contribution: The study will contribute effectively to the global eradication programme of PPR organised by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). To completely eliminate PPR from Sudan by 2030, local efforts should be directed towards effectively and wholly vaccinating small ruminants using PPRV vaccine especially in routes of seasonal animal’s movement and shared grazing areas.
Evaluation of the Effect of Carvedilol in Preventing Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Anthracycline
Authors: Karvandi Mersede , Ghadyani Mojtaba , Mohebbi Nahid , Tabarraee Mehdi , Salari Sina
Published: February 2023

Background:

Today, it has been shown that it is possible for right ventricular (RV) wall motion abnormalities or RV functional disorders to occur during cancer treatment. Now, considering the effect of carvedilol on beta 1, 2, and alpha receptors and its antioxidant properties, it seems that it can prevent RV abnormalities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of carvedilol in preventing RV dysfunction in patients with breast cancer treated with anthracyclines.

Materials and Methods:

The present single-blind clinical trial study was performed on 23 patients with breast cancer that 12 of them received only the anthracycline antineoplastic doxorubicin (Adriamycin®) chemotherapy (control group) and 11 patients received carvedilol in addition to anthracycline. To evaluate the effect of carvedilol, patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography before intervention and 2 weeks after the end of treatment with anthracyclines.

Results:

The two parameters of RV ejection fraction and RV fractional area change in the carvedilol group with a mean of 66.41% ± 8.10% and 51.85% ± 6.89% were slightly higher than the control group with a mean of 64.58% ± 6.83% and 50.48 ± 5.79%, respectively, which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In contrast, RV S wave tissue Doppler imaging (S-TDI) in the control group with a mean of 0.13 ± 0.02 m/s was significantly lower than the carvedilol group with a mean of 0.14 ± 0.02 m/s (P = 0.022).

Conclusion:

According to the results of the present study, the effect of using carvedilol as a preservative on improving RV function was seen compared to the control group, although this difference was not statistically significant.
A Process Evaluation of the Isfahan Antibiotic Awareness Campaign: Developing Engagement on Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Rostami Soodabeh , Kassaian Nazila , Nokhodian Zary , Ataei Behrooz , Zamanimoghadam Ali , Nasri Parto , Ahangarzadeh Shahrzad , Tahvilian Zohreh , Shoaei Parisa , Shahzamani Kiana , Hashemi Fatemeh Khoshdel
Published: February 2023

Background:

One of the most prominent global health threats is antibiotic resistance, leading to infection treatment failure. The first Iranian antibiotic awareness week campaign was initiated to improve the prudent use and wise prescription of antibiotics.

Materials and Methods:

The Isfahan antibiotic awareness campaign was held from November 30 to December 6, 2019, among two targeted populations; the general population and health-care workers by Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In this campaign held in the main squares, streets, and a city's referral hospital, various educational methods were used to aware and sensitize the general population and medical staff about antibiotics and microbial resistance. These methods include face-to-face training, brochures, advertisement posters and billboards around the city, educational videos, social media messages, retraining for medical doctors and medical specialists, and interviewing in the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcast.

Results:

Two hundred and twenty general practitioners, medical specialists, and residents participated in two retraining educational conferences in Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. The mean score satisfaction of the two conferences was three from four. Nearly 2000 of the general population were under face-to-face educational programs whom after that, 83.6% had the correct answer to the questions around antimicrobial awareness.

Conclusions:

This campaign was an excellent experience as a pilot study with appealing issues. Further, activities are required to improve engagement with the target population and determine the impact of this campaign on antibiotic consumption and prescription behavior among the public and health-care professionals.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Viral Infections Disease, Specially COVID-19
Authors: Chamkouri Narges , Absalan Forouzan , Koolivand Zahra , Yousefi Mahsa
Published: February 2023

During the current SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, some reports were presented based on those nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids may exacerbate symptoms in COVID-19 patients. According to this, we aimed to collate information available in published articles to identify any evidence behind these statements with the aim of helping clinicians on how best to treat patients. We could not find published conclusive evidence for or against the use of NSAIDs in COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, there appeared to be some evidence that corticosteroids may be beneficial if utilized in the early acute phase of infection, however, conflicting WHO (World Health Organization) evidence surrounding corticosteroid use in certain viral infections means this evidence is not conclusive. Given the current availability of literature, caution should be exercised until further evidence emerges surrounding the use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients. However, the availability of reliable information for clinicians and patients is paramount.
Thalidomide for the Treatment of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Amra Babak , Ashrafi Farzaneh , Torki Mehdi , Hashemi Marzieh , Shirzadi Mohamad , Soltaninejad Forogh , Sadeghi Somayeh , Salmasi Mehrzad , Sami Ramin , Darakhshandeh Ali , Nasirian Maryam , Pourajam Samaneh
Published: February 2023

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 has become a public health concern with a high number of fatalities. Thalidomide can target inflammatory mediators and decrease inflammation in SARS-CoV-2.

Materials and Methods:

An open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted on patients with compatible lung high-resolution computed tomography scan for COVID-19 pneumonia and moderate involvement. Childbearing-age women were excluded. A total of 20 patients in the control group receiving usual treatment were compared with 26 patients in the case group who in addition to the same regimen also received thalidomide. The primary outcome was time for clinical recovery (TTCR) and intensive-care unit (ICU) admission.

Results:

From April 25 to August 8, 2020, based on the inclusion criteria, 47 patients were assigned to the study. Patients receiving thalidomide had a mean TTCR of days 5.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7–10.3), as compared with days 5.3 (95% CI, 1.7–8.9) with control (odds ratio 0.01; 95% CI, −1.58–1.59, P = 0.807). The incidence of ICU admission was 27% in the thalidomide group compared with 20% in the control group (odds ratio 3.89; 95% CI, 0.55–27.4, P = 0.425). The mean length of stay in hospital in both groups was 10 days. Progressive improvement in respiratory rate, fever, and O2 saturation during the study was seen in both groups without a significant difference between the thalidomide and control group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

This study investigated the effects of thalidomide to treat moderate COVID-19 clinical outcomes. The results established that this drug regimen did not add more effect to usual treatment for moderate COVID-19 pneumonia.
Antidepressants and the Risk of Psoriasis Induction: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Sadatmadani Seyedeh-Fatemeh , Siadat Amir Hossein , Iraji Fariba , Alsahebfosoul Fereshteh
Published: February 2023

Background:

Psoriasis (PSO) is a common chronic autoimmune skin disease with a significant psycho-socio-economic burden. Some antidepressants (ADs) such as fluoxetine and bupropion can induce or exacerbate PSO. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ADs history before PSO onset, and the risk of PSO induction, in Isfahan province, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

In this case–control study, 80 patients with PSO were selected by non-probability sampling method, and 80 healthy individuals were selected using simple random sampling. They were interviewed and medical information was recorded. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests for dichotomous or categorical data, and independent-sample t test for continuous data were used. Statistical significance was taken as P ≤ 0.05.

Results:

In this case–control study, a total of 160 individuals, 80 participants in each group, were included. The mean age of the total samples was 44.8 ± 16 years. Forty-three percent of the individuals were women. PSO familial history in the cases was significantly higher than the control group (OR = 11.94, P = 0.001). It was revealed that use of ADs by patients before PSO induction, was greater than the controls (OR = 2.78, P = 0.058).

Conclusions:

Past history of ADs in the cases before PSO onset, was higher than the controls, indicating a possible association between ADs and the risk of PSO induction. This study can be effective to pay more attention to the possible complications of ADs and PSO risk factors. Accurate knowledge of PSO risk factors will be useful for better management and morbidity reduction.
Centering Communities in Conservation through Asset-Based Quality of Life Planning
Authors: Campbell Jacob , Jarrett Christopher , Wali Alaka , Rosenthal Amy , Alvira Diana , Lemos Ana , Longoni Mario , Winter Alexis , Lopez Lorena
Published: February 2023

Healthy environments are fundamental to the quality of life of communities worldwide. Yet, many efforts to integrate environmental conservation with human well-being have struggled to center local people or failed to be flexible enough to accommodate a diversity of priorities. We present a methodology for community engagement known as Quality of Life (QoL) Planning—a form of rapid assessment, reflection, and consensus-building rooted in community assets. QoL Planning empowers communities to drive the conservation agenda and improve their well-being through conservation. In this paper, we provide an overview of the QoL Planning process and describe some of the positive outcomes it has generated. We compare four case studies from different regions—two in rural communities in Amazonian Peru and two in urban or peri-urban communities in the Chicago region in the United States—and assess some of the major lessons and insights. Lastly, we describe enabling conditions that contribute to the success of QoL Planning and identify important considerations for practitioners interested in implementing the methodology.