bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pre-Adaptation of a Stroke-Specific Self-Management Program Among Older Adults
Authors: Reistetter Timothy , Hreha Kimberly , Dean Julianna M. , Pappadis Monique R. , Deer Rachel R. , Li Chih-Ying , Hong Ickpyo , Na Annalisa , Nowakowski Sara , Shaltoni Hashem M. , Bhavnani Suresh K.
Published: January 2023

Objectives: Managing multimorbidity as aging stroke patients is complex; standard self-management programs necessitate adaptations. We used visual analytics to examine complex relationships among aging stroke survivors’ comorbidities. These findings informed pre-adaptation of a component of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Methods: Secondary analysis of 2013–2014 Medicare claims with stroke as an index condition, hospital readmission within 90 days ( n = 42,938), and 72 comorbidities. Visual analytics identified patient subgroups and co-occurring comorbidities. Guided by the framework for reporting adaptations and modifications to evidence-based interventions, an interdisciplinary team developed vignettes that highlighted multimorbidity to customize the self-management program. Results: There were five significant subgroups ( z = 6.19, p < .001) of comorbidities such as obesity and cancer. We constructed 6 vignettes based on the 5 subgroups. Discussion: Aging stroke patients often face substantial disease-management hurdles. We used visual analytics to inform pre-adaptation of a self-management program to fit the needs of older adult stroke survivors.
Refugee women's pregnancy and childbirth experiences in the US: Examining context through a reproductive justice framework
Authors: Kirkendall Autumn , Dutt Anjali
Published: January 2023

Maternal health in the United States is an area of immediate concern. The compounded disadvantages and unique global positions of refugee women highlight the need for research that explores the experiences of refugee women during pregnancy and childbirth. The present study examines how contextual factors shape pregnancy and childbirth experiences for Syrian, Afghan, Congolese, and Karen women living in Clarkston, Georgia, US. Qualitative data were collected via focus groups facilitated by community interpreters. We used a reproductive justice framework to center women's desires, needs, and experiences, and to highlight the importance of structural factors in the findings and analysis of this study. Using codebook thematic analysis, three themes were developed: (1) isolation and alienated knowledge, (2) gendered disparities and structural inequities, and (3) community support and precarity. The findings reflect both the diversity and constancy of women's experiences and highlight how the context of the US impacts women's ability to exercise agency during pregnancy and childbirth. Systemic change is needed to improve women's access to tools that increase their capacity to exercise agency both during pregnancy and childbirth, and beyond.
Information literacy at journalists’ workplace in Pakistan
Authors: Naveed Muhammad Asif , Saadia Haleema
Published: January 2023

This research investigated the development of information literacy skills and their self-perceived assessment among journalists in Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted in four Provinces and the Federal Capital of Pakistan with the consent of relevant authorities for data collection. A total of 1089 responses were received. The data were analyzed in SPSS by applying descriptive as well as inferential statistics. A large majority of the surveyed respondents received information literacy instruction of short duration during their careers while being mainly in practice. The most covered topics included research literacy, communication skills, information discovery, critical literacy, tools literacy, and information handling. These participants perceived information literacy as invaluable in their practical work context. The survey participants perceived themselves as information literate not only for basic levels of information literacy but also for advanced levels. In addition, journalists’ gender, age, academic qualification, job experience, information literacy instructions received, nature of work, and region predicted their levels of information literacy. The results generated pragmatic insight for educators and information professionals in designing a need-based information literacy instruction program for existing as well as prospective journalists. This research would make a worthy contribution to the existing information literacy research in the context of the workplace as no such comprehensive study on journalists’ workplace had appeared so far.
Surgical Conditions Masquarading as Respiratory Distress
Authors: Choudhury S. Roy , Nangia Sushma
Published: January 2023

Newborn infants are nose breathers, particularly when asleep. Any obstruction to the nasal passage leads to compulsive oral breathing. The features of airway obstruction are stridor, respiratory distress, apnea, cyanosis, tachypnoea, suprasternal, intercostal, and costal margin retractions. There are various congenital, inflammatory, traumatic and mass lesions that should be considered in the evaluation of respiratory distress in the newborn infant. Endoscopic examination of the airway has now become a virtual possibility in all age group patients which has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of airway obstruction. The number of patients with long term airway problems has increased with the increasing number of survival of ventilated and preterm neonates.
Petechial Rash in Neonates: Management Algorithm
Authors: Yadav Dinesh , Chandra Jagdish
Published: January 2023

Petechial rash in neonatal period commonly results from thrombocytopenia. Disorders of coagulation and those affecting vascular integrity may cause purpuric rash. Common causes of neonatal thrombocytopenia include early onset thrombocytopenia (onset < 72 hours) due to placental insufficiency, perinatal asphyxia, perinatal infections and DIC. Atloimmune thrombocytopenia is rare but potentially serious disorder. Late onset thrombocytopenia (onset > 72 hours) almost always results from sepsis and NEC. Intrauterine infections and perinatally acquired dengue and chikungunaya infections also need to be considered in appropriate clinical settings.

Infantile acute hemorrhagic edema, meningococcal rash and blue berry muffin baby are causes of purpuric rash without thrombocytopenia and may require exclusion.

In addition to these, this review also includes uncommon causes of petechial/ purpuric rash in neonatal period. Clinical approach to diagnosis and management are discussed.
Targeting TLR-4 Signaling to Treat COVID-19-induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Almazmomi Meaad A. , Alsieni Mohammed
Published: January 2023

The newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has turned into a potentially fatal pandemic illness. Numerous acute kidney injury (AKI) cases have been reported, although diffuse alveolar destruction and acute respiratory failure are the major symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The AKI, often known as a sudden loss of kidney function, carries a greater risk of mortality and morbidity. AKI was the second most frequent cause of death after acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While most patients with COVID-19 have moderate symptoms, some have severe symptoms, such as septic shock and ARDS. Also, it has been proven that some patients have severe symptoms, such as the failure of several organs. The kidneys are often affected either directly or indirectly. The major signs of kidney involvement are proteinuria and AKI. It is hypothesized that multiple mechanisms contribute to kidney injury in COVID-19. Direct infection of podocytes and proximal tubular cells in the kidneys may lead to acute tubular necrosis and collapsing glomerulopathy. SARS-CoV2 may also trigger a cascade of immunological responses that lead to AKI, including cytokine storm (CS), macrophage activation syndrome, and Toll-like receptor type-4 activation (TLR-4). Other proposed processes of AKI include interactions between organs, endothelial failure, hypercoagulability, rhabdomyolysis, and sepsis.

Furthermore, ischemic damage to the kidney might result from the decreased oxygen supply. This article focuses on kidney injury’s epidemiology, etiology, and pathophysiological processes. Specifically, it focuses on the CS and the role of TLR-4 in this process. To effectively manage and treat acute kidney damage and AKI in COVID-19, it is crucial to understand the underlying molecular pathways and pathophysiology.
Clinician–Patient Relationships in Virtual Care: A Dimensional Analysis of the Symbolic World of Cancer Care
Authors: Evered Jane , Andersen Lucy , Foxwell Anessa , Iroegbu Christin , Whitney Clare
Published: January 2023

Rapid uptake of telehealth technologies has shifted clinician–patient relationships, a well-studied topic of sociological inquiry. The purpose of this dimensional analysis study was to understand the symbolic interaction of clinicians and patients within virtual supportive cancer care. Seventeen clinicians, eighteen patients, and three care partners receiving or providing care at a multi-site cancer center in the United States participated in interviews. Our analysis of supportive cancer care experiences reveals a key tension: clinicians need to rely on patients in order to share clinical tasks in a virtual care setting but can be reluctant to do so. We posit that dimming the light on cancer is a process that enables clinicians to overcome their reluctance to engage in clinician–patient task sharing by strengthening the relationship. Taken together, these findings reconceptualize the symbolic interaction of the clinician–patient relationship and highlight opportunities to actualize models of relationship-centered virtual care. We discuss implications for clinical practice, ethical relational care, and the literature on clinician–patient relationships and trust.
Pathophysiology and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy: a narrative review
Authors: Estaji Mohadese , Hosseini Bita , Bozorg-Qomi Saeed , Ebrahimi Babak
Published: January 2023

Diabetes is an endocrine disorder which is known by abnormal high blood glucose levels. There are two main categories of diabetes: type I (10%–15%) and type II (85%–90%). Although type II is more common, type I is the most common form in children. Diabetic retinopathy (DR), which remains the foremost cause of losing vision in working-age populations, can be considered as the main complication of diabetes mellitus. So choosing the best method for diagnosing, tracking, and treating the DR is vital to enhance the quality of life and decrease the medical expenses. Each method for diagnosing DR has some advantages and the best way must be selected according to the points that we need to find. For writing this manuscript, we made a list of relevant keywords including diabetes, DR, pathophysiology, ultrawide field imaging, fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography-angiography, and then we started searching for studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. This review article covers the pathophysiology of DR and medical imaging techniques to monitor DR. First, we introduce DR and its pathophysiology and then we present the medical imaging techniques to monitor it.
First-Generation College Students’ Motives to Start University Education: An Investment in Self- Development, One’s Economic Prospects or to Become a Role Model?
Authors: Keppens Gil , Boone Simon , Consuegra Els , Laurijssen Ilse , Spruyt Bram , Droogenbroeck Filip Van
Published: January 2023

In this article, we engage with the emerging literature that studies the increased enrolment of first-generation college students (FGCS), that is, students from households where neither parent has obtained a bachelor’s /master’s degree. Our article answers two research questions. First, data from 2,338 first-year students are used to investigate the extent to which FGCS differ from continuing-generation college students (CGCS) concerning the reason why one enrols in university education. Second, to what degree do these motives explain differences in study choice? Our results show that FCGS, compared to CGCS, more strongly endorsed the economic investment motive and what we call the social investment motive, that is, the motivation to become a role model for one’s community. In addition, our findings reveal that the choice for more economically rewarding fields of study is related to these motives to start a university education. In the conclusion, we discuss the implications of our findings.
Surface heat transfer coefficients in building envelopes: Uncertainty levels in experimental methods
Authors: Garay-Martinez Roberto , Arregi Beñat , Lumbreras Mikel
Published: January 2023

There are several research methods for the on-site assessment of U-values that aim to avoid the use of surface heat flux measurements and rely on tabulated or empirically developed correlations to define this parameter. This works performs a detailed process to estimate indoor surface heat transfer coefficients based on several experimental campaigns over building walls. Data is filtered out to remove periods with large temperature variations and/or unstable convective conditions due to HVAC. A statistical analysis is conducted, and the outcomes used to test the validity of U-value estimation approaches. The outcomes show that the actual surface heat transfer coefficients are in the range of reference works, but variations in the range of up to 2 W/m2 K are found. Uncertainty levels associated to the estimation of surface heat transfer coefficient are in the range 60% for instantaneous values while this is reduced down to 12%–20% for 8-h averages. Variations and uncertainty levels are higher for low temperature gradient situations, which are considered to be very likely for modern insulation levels. It is concluded that methods seeking to avoid the use of surface heat flux measurements need to develop much deeper knowledge in this field to gain accuracy and reliability.
Supportive alcohol policy as a key element of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder prevention
Authors: Wolfson Lindsay , Poole Nancy
Published: January 2023

In Canada, a Four-Part Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention has been developed that describes a continuum of multi-sectoral efforts, including broad awareness campaigns, safe and respectful conversations around pregnancy and alcohol use, and holistic and wraparound support services for pregnant and postpartum women with alcohol, and other health and social concerns. Supportive alcohol policy is at the centre of the four mutually reinforcing levels of prevention. The purpose of this narrative review is to describe alcohol policies related to specific levels of FASD prevention, and to consider the implications of alcohol policies on FASD prevention and women’s and fetal health. The majority of the evidence focused on alcohol in pregnancy guidelines, alcohol warning labels, and knowledge and uptake of national or regional alcohol and pregnancy guidelines. Several US studies described shifts in alcohol and pregnancy policy over the 7-year period, including moves to punitive approaches that criminalize women’s substance use or prompt child apprehension. This review indicates that more attention could be paid to the role of alcohol policy in FASD prevention and in promoting women’s and fetal health, and that policy actions and advocacy could be important catalysts for both FASD prevention and women’s health promotion. Moving forward, it is essential that alcohol policies are rooted in evidence; attend to and promote women’s health including health during pregnancy; and are collaborative in order to prompt a higher standard of care, and more holistically respond to the factors that contribute to women’s alcohol use during pregnancy.
Medication adherence and blood pressure control: A preliminary assessment of the role of health insurance in Nigeria and Ghana
Authors: Oseni Tijani Idris Ahmad , Blankson Paa-Kwesi , Dele-Ojo Bolade Folasade , Duodu Fiifi , Echieh Chidiebere Peter , Alabi Sulyman Biodun , Tayo Bamidele O , Sarpong Daniel F , Amoakoh-Coleman Mary , Boima Vincent , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

This study sought to assess the current impact of health insurance coverage on medication adherence and blood pressure control of patients being managed for hypertension in Ghana and Nigeria.

Methods:

The study was a prospective study among 109 patients with hypertension in two health facilities with similar population dynamics in Ghana and Nigeria. Patients were systematically selected, categorized as having health insurance coverage or not, and followed up monthly for 6 months. The outcome variables (medication adherence and blood pressure control) were then measured and compared at 6 months. Analysis was done using Stata with level of significance set at p ⩽ 0.05.

Results:

There was a 90% insurance coverage among participants from Ghana compared to 15% from Nigeria. National Health Insurance Authority enrolees in both countries had better blood pressure control and medication adherence compared to non-enrolees (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6 and 4.5, respectively).

Conclusion:

National Health Insurance Authority enrolment was found to be poor among respondents in Nigeria compared to Ghana. Enrolment into the National health financing schemes in both countries led to better blood pressure control and medication adherence among patients with hypertension at primary health facilities. There is therefore the need for system strengthening to improve their sustainability.
Interruptions to HIV Care Delivery During Pandemics and Natural Disasters: A Qualitative Study of Challenges and Opportunities From Frontline Healthcare Providers in Western Kenya
Authors: Tran Dan N. , Ching Jennifer , Kafu Catherine , Wachira Juddy , Koros Hillary , Venkataramani Maya , Said Jamil , Pastakia Sonak D. , Galárraga Omar , Genberg Becky L.
Published: January 2023

During public health crises, people living with HIV (PLWH) may become disengaged from care. The goal of this study was to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent flooding disasters on HIV care delivery in western Kenya. We conducted ten individual in-depth interviews with HIV providers across four health facilities. We used an iterative and integrated inductive and deductive data analysis approach to generate four themes. First, increased structural interruptions created exacerbating strain on health facilities. Second, there was increased physical and psychosocial burnout among providers. Third, patient uptake of services along the HIV continuum decreased, particularly among vulnerable patients. Finally, existing community-based programs and teleconsultations could be adapted to provide differentiated HIV care. Community-centric care programs, with an emphasis on overcoming the social, economic, and structural barriers will be crucial to ensure optimal care and limit the impact of public health disruptions on HIV care globally.
Pediatric Nurses’ Person-Centered Approach to Nausea Management in Children With Cancer
Authors: Nogéus Maria , Nilsson Stefan , Björk Maria
Published: January 2023

Background: Nausea is a problematic side effect of childhood cancer treatment. However, it is not clear what interventions and assessments pediatric oncology nurses make when caring for a child with nausea. A person-centered approach can illuminate nausea management in pediatric care. The aim was to investigate how pediatric nurses retrieve the patient's narrative, establish partnership, and document nausea in hospitalized children with cancer. Methods: Individual interviews with nurses were conducted and analyzed using deductive content analysis with the framework of person-centered care. Results: The pediatric nurses described retrieving the patient's narrative regarding their nausea by listening to and observing the child. The pediatric nurses tried to establish a partnership with the child by allowing previous knowledge and the child's own preferences guide the interventions that focus on decreasing the child's nausea. The pediatric nurses also documented the effect of the given interventions and described the child's nausea using subjective words. When planning for the child's care it was rare for the nurses to have a documented care plan, but they did review documentation of previously administered interventions to plan for future care. Discussion: The results highlight the pediatric nurses’ willingness to listen to the child, but also emphasize the need to further include the child and the parents in the partnership and documentation of nausea management. Collaboration with the child and the parents contributes to higher quality care and a partnership with trust.
Youth cultures and career pathways – a well-being perspective on sticker artists’ cultural and professional engagements in St. Petersburg
Authors: Vasileva Nadezhda , Honkatukia Päivi
Published: January 2023

Based on multiple interviews and observations in St Petersburg, Russia 2016–2021, this article suggests using the theory of sustainable well-being to describe the nexus of sticker art as youth cultural engagement and working life. We assume that this theoretical toolkit is applicable to the analysis of the dynamic relationships between various spheres of young people's lives and tensions caused by diverse societal structures. Our scrutiny reveals that engagement with sticker art may be involved in the quest for well-being and filling voids that working life has failed to fill at the material and ontological levels. The article approaches the post-Fordist work ethic critically, likewise the excessive encroachment of work on young people's lives. The paper challenges the assumptions of the primacy of work in meeting young people's basic needs and analyses how young people acquire personal value through their engagements in DIY youth culture.
A comprehensive model of nitrogen-free ordered carbon quantum dots
Authors: Boukhvalov Danil W. , Osipov Vladimir Yu. , Hogan Benjamin Thomas , Baldycheva Anna
Published: January 2023

We propose and demonstrate a novel range of models to accurately determine the optical properties of nitrogen-free carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with ordered graphene layered structures. We confirm the results of our models against the full range of experimental results for CQDs available from an extensive review of the literature. The models can be equally applied to CQDs with varied sizes and with different oxygen contents in the basal planes of the constituent graphenic sheets. We demonstrate that the experimentally observed blue fluorescent emission of nitrogen-free CQDs can be associated with either small oxidised areas on the periphery of the graphenic sheets, or with sub-nanometre non-functionalised islands of sp2-hybridised carbon with high symmetry confined in the centres of oxidised graphene sheets. Larger and/or less symmetric non-functionalised regions in the centre of functionalised graphene sheet are found to be sources of green and even red fluorescent emission from nitrogen-free CQDs. We also demonstrate an approach to simplify the modelling of the discussed sp2-islands by substitution with equivalent strained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Additionally, we show that the bandgaps (and photoluminescence) of CQDs are not dependent on either out-of-plane corrugation of the graphene sheet or the spacing between sp2-islands. Advantageously, our proposed models show that there is no need to involve light-emitting polycyclic aromatic molecules (nanographenes) with arbitrary structures grafted to the particle periphery to explain the plethora of optical phenomena observed for CQDs across the full range of experimental works.
Circ-ATL1 silencing reverses the activation effects of SIRT5 on smooth muscle cellular proliferation, migration and contractility in intracranial aneurysm by adsorbing miR-455
Authors: Xu Jichong , Fang Chun
Published: January 2023

Background

Alterations in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute to the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain unknown. The present study aimed to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying VSMC-mediated IAs.

Methods

Expression of the circular RNA circ-ATL1 and microRNA miR-455 was detected in IAs by RT-qPCR. Interactions between circ-ATL1, miR-455 and SIRT5 were examined by luciferase reporter analysis and RT-qPCR. The regulatory roles of circ-ATL1, miR-455 and SIRT5 in VSMC migration, proliferation and phenotypic modulation were also examined by CCK8, Transwell® migration and western blot assays.

Results

Biochemical and bioinformatic techniques were used to demonstrate that circ-ATL1 and miR-455 participated in disparate biological processes relevant to aneurysm formation. Clinically, increased expression of circ-ATL1 and downregulated miR-455 expression were observed in IA patients compared with healthy subjects. Silencing of circ-ATL1 led to suppression of VSMC migration, proliferation and phenotypic modulation. Both SIRT5 and miR-455 were found to be downstream targets of circ-ATL1. SIRT5 upregulation or miR-455 inhibition reversed the inhibitory effects induced by circ-ATL1 silencing on VSMC proliferation, migration and phenotypic modulation. We found that VSMC phenotypic modulation by circ-ATL1 upregulation and miR-455 downregulation had a critical role in the development and formation of AIs. Specifically, circ-ATL1 downregulation reversed IA formation.

Conclusion

Our data provide the theoretical basis for future studies on potential clinical treatment and prevention of IAs.
Minimizing population health loss due to scarcity in OR capacity: validation of quality of life input
Authors: Gravesteijn Benjamin Y. , van Hof Kira S. , Krijkamp Eline , Asselman Franck , Leemans C. René , van Alphen Anouk M.I.A. , van der Horst Henriëtte , Widdershoven Guy , Baatenburg de Jong Leonie , Lingsma Hester , Busschbach Jan , Baatenburg de Jong Rob
Published: January 2023

Objectives

A previously developed decision model to prioritize surgical procedures in times of scarce surgical capacity used quality of life (QoL) primarily derived from experts in one center. These estimates are key input of the model, and might be more context-dependent than the other input parameters (age, survival). The aim of this study was to validate our model by replicating these QoL estimates.

Methods

The original study estimated QoL of patients in need of commonly performed procedures in live expert-panel meetings. This study replicated this procedure using a web-based Delphi approach in a different hospital. The new QoL scores were compared with the original scores using mixed effects linear regression. The ranking of surgical procedures based on combined QoL values from the validation and original study was compared to the ranking based solely on the original QoL values.

Results

The overall mean difference in QoL estimates between the validation study and the original study was − 0.11 (95% CI:  -0.12 - -0.10). The model output (DALY/month delay) based on QoL data from both studies was similar to the model output based on the original data only: The Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the ranking of all procedures before and after including the new QoL estimates was 0.988.

Discussion

Even though the new QoL estimates were systematically lower than the values from the original study, the ranking for urgency based on health loss per unit of time delay of procedures was consistent. This underscores the robustness and generalizability of the decision model for prioritization of surgical procedures.
Abdominal examination during pregnancy may enhance relationships between midwife, mother and child: a qualitative study of pregnant women’s experiences
Authors: Bonnén Katrine Bruun , Offersen Sara Marie Hebsgaard , Høstrup Lea Høj , Maimburg Rikke Damkjær
Published: January 2023

Background

Abdominal examination is a routine procedure performed by midwives several times during pregnancy to monitor the growth and well-being of the baby. Literature and instructions regarding abdominal examination focus on the technical performance, with limited attention paid to the women’s experience of the examination or the bonding-related aspects between the mother and baby. The aim of the study was to explore how pregnant women experience the abdominal examination and how the examination affects maternal–fetal attachment.

Methods

Participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 10 pregnant women. We used thematic analysis to identify themes across the empirical material.

Results

We identified the following four central themes: an essential examination, the baby becomes real, the importance of being involved and different senses provide different experiences. These themes describe how the women regarded the abdominal examination as an essential part of the midwifery consultation and considered it the occasion when the baby became real and tangible. Being prepared and involved before and during the examination were pivotal for how the examination was experienced by the women. The abdominal examination was crucial to the pregnant women because it provided them with important sensory aspects that were not obtained from ultrasound examination.

Conclusion

The abdominal examination is regarded as essential in midwifery consultations and has the potential for supporting a woman’s bodily sensation of her baby, which is reinforced by the midwife’s manual palpation. Touch can be a way for a pregnant woman to become acquainted with her unborn child, which provides midwives a profound potential to facilitate the process of maternal–fetal attachment.
Pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum experience in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 in Paris: a qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Cadwallader Jean-Sébastien , Berlingo Laura , Rémy Valentine , Dommergues Marc , Gilles de la Londe Julie
Published: January 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns triggered social discontent on an unprecedented scale. Descriptive phenomenological studies showed that pregnant women were under intense stress during the COVID-19 outbreak, even though they remained uninfected. The purpose of this study was to report on the experiences of pregnant women affected by mild COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic.

Methods

In this non- interventional qualitative study, we analyzed pregnant women’s experiences using an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach. We conducted semi-structured interviews with women who had had a mild COVID-19 during their pregnancy, and gave birth or planned to give birth in the maternity units of Sorbonne University in Paris, France.

Results

Participants reported that at the time they had COVID-19, they were not afraid of being seriously ill, but of transmitting COVID-19 to their close relatives. Their main concern was being pregnant and becoming a parent in a world where the pandemic deeply altered social environment. This included uncertainty about the future and an acute feeling of isolation related to lockdown. The idea that their partner might not be allowed to attend childbirth was almost unanimously felt as intolerable. In contrast, women had positive feelings regarding the fact that lockdown resulted in a de facto paternity leave leading to a certain degree of equality in the couple regarding baby care and household chores. Unexpectedly, the pandemic social distancing measures helped participants escaping from behavioral constraints, including the unspoken rule that they should welcome greetings from friends and family, despite being exhausted by the recent birth.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that avoiding separation from their partner is a key to benevolent medical care for pregnant women in times of health crises. The unexpected benefits women reported in a world of lockdown cast a new light on their expectation regarding parenthood today.
Exploring customers’ perceptions of food adulteration at bazaars and supermarkets in Dhaka, Bangladesh; a qualitative exploration
Authors: Yeasmin Dalia , Baker Musa , Kamal Abu-Hena Mostofa , Islam Md Saiful , Rahman Mahbubur , Winch Peter J. , Unicomb Leanne
Published: January 2023

Background

Food adulteration is an increasingly recognized global public health problem. In low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh, adulteration is difficult to detect and respond to. We explored customers’ perceptions on food adulteration, perception of risk and connections between information, participant characteristics and patterns of adulterated food concerns that impact risk perception in urban Bangladesh.

Methods

A formative study was conducted in Dhaka, between June and August 2015 at a supermarket and a wet market. We explored community awareness and response to chemical contaminants (adulterants) among participants from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. The team conducted 38 in-depth interviews with 12 customers and 4 staff from a supermarket, and 12 customers and 10 vendors from a wet market. Participants were selected purposively. Audio recorded data were coded based on thematic content and analyzed manually.

Results

We asked participants how common foods were likely adulterated, and most gave figures of 70% or more. They reported that foods were adulterated with chemicals or artificial colors, especially fish, milk, and vegetables. The supermarket more commonly sold packaged foods with nutritional and expiry information on the label; and offered convenience in terms of building size, layout, and cleanliness. All customers from the wet market thought that foods were cheaper and fresher than from supermarkets. Supermarket customers expressed greater concern about adulterated foods than wet market customers. Most participants from both markets reported that food adulteration is invisible, adulterated foods cannot be avoided, and have long-term negative health impacts including cancer, diabetes, paralysis, heart attack, and others. Nearly half of customers from both markets were concerned about the poor nutritional value of adulterated food. Participants from both settings expressed the need for access to credible information about adulteration to help choose safe foods. The majority expressed the need for government action against those who are responsible for adulteration.

Conclusions

Food adulteration was considered a major health threat. The government could act on food adulteration prevention if provided credible population-based data on disease burden, a model food sampling and testing protocol, a model for inspections, organizational strengthening and training, example social and behavioral change communications with estimated costs.
Comparative transcription profiling of mRNA and lncRNA in pulmonary arterial hypertension after C75 treatment
Authors: Hou Cuilan , Xie Lijian , Wang Tingxia , Zheng Junmin , Zhao Yuqi , Qiu Qingzhu , Yang Yi , Xiao Tingting
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To investigate mRNA and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles in monocrotaline (MCT)- mice.

Materials and methods

Lung tissues (Control-Vehicle, MCT-Vehicle, and MCT-C75) were examined by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Aberrantly expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were analyzed by bioinformatics. Cell proliferation and cell cycle analysis were performed to detect the potential protective effects of C75, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase. The signaling pathways associated with inflammatory responses were verified by real time-PCR.

Results

RNA sequencing data reveals 285 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 147 lncRNAs in the MCT-Vehicle group compared to the control. After five-week of C75 treatment, 514 DEGs and 84 lncRNAs are aberrant compared to the MCT-Vehicle group. Analysis of DEGs and lncRNA target genes reveals that they were enriched in pathways related to cell cycle, cell division, and vascular smooth muscle contraction that contributes to the PAH pathological process. Subsequently, the expression of eight DEGs and three lncRNAs is verified using RT-PCR. Differentially expressed lncRNAs (ENSMUSG00000110393.2, Gm38850, ENSMUSG00000100465.1, ENSMUSG00000110399.1) may associate in PAH pathogenesis as suggested by co-expression network analysis. C75 can protect against MCT-induced PAH through its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferation.

Conclusions

These DEGs and lncRNAs can be considered as novel candidate regulators of PAH pathogenesis. We propose that C75 treatment can partially reverse PAH pathogenesis through modulating cell cycle, cell proliferation, and anti-inflammatory.
Coxiella burnetii and its risk factors in cattle in Egypt: a seroepidemiological survey
Authors: Selim Abdelfattah , Marawan Marawan A. , Abdelhady Abdelhamed , Alshammari Fahdah Ayed , Alqhtani Abdulmohsen H. , Ba-Awadh Hani A. , Olarinre Isiaka O. , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: January 2023

Animal production is greatly affected by Q fever. As a result of a lack of methodology and financial means to perform extensive epidemiological surveys, the disease's underdiagnosis has proven to be a challenge for effective control. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in cattle raising in four governorates situated at Nile Delta of Egypt and assess the associated risk factors for infection. A total of 480 serum samples were collected from cattle and examined for presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using indirect ELISA assay. The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii among examined cattle was 19.8%, with the Qalyubia governorate having the highest prevalence. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed significant association between C. burnetii seropositivity and age, communal grazing and/or watering, contact with small ruminants and history of infertility. According to the findings of this work, C. burnetii is circulating among cattle living in Nile Delta. It is suggested that adequate hygiene procedures and biosecurity measures should be implemented to limit the transmission of pathogens within cow herds and potential human exposure.
Item distribution, scalability and internal consistency of the QUALIDEM quality of life assessment for patients with dementia in acute hospital settings
Authors: Lüdecke Daniel , Dichter Martin Nikolaus , Nickel Stefan , Kofahl Christopher
Published: January 2023

Background

Quality of life (QoL) of people with dementia (PwD) is an important indicator of quality of care. Studying the impact of acute hospital settings on PwD’s QoL requires assessment instruments that consider environmental factors. Until now, dementia-specific QoL instruments have not yet demonstrated their feasibility in acute hospitals because their use takes up too much time or their validity depends on observation periods that usually exceed the average length of hospital stays. Therefore, validated instruments to study QoL-outcomes of patients with dementia in hospitals are needed.

Methods

Data stem from a study that analyzed the impact of a special care concept on the QoL of patients with dementia in acute hospitals. Total sample size consisted of N = 526 patients. Study nurses were trained in using an assessment questionnaire and conducted the data collection from June 2016 to July 2017. QoL was assessed with the QUALIDEM. This instrument consists of nine subscales that can be applied to people with mild to severe dementia (N = 344), while six of the nine subscales are applicable for people with very severe dementia (N = 182). Scalability and internal consistency were tested with Mokken scale analysis.

Results

For people with mild to severe dementia, seven out of nine subscales were scalable (0.31 ≤ H ≤ 0.75). Five of these seven subscales were also internally consistent (ρ ≥ 0.69), while two had insufficient reliability scores (ρ = 0.53 and 0.52). The remaining two (positive self-image, feeling at home) subscales had rather low scalability (H = 0.17/0.16) and reliability scores (ρ = 0.35/0.36). For people with very severe dementia, all six subscales were scalable (0.34 ≤ H ≤ 0.71). Five out of six showed acceptable internal consistency (ρ = 0.65–0.91). Only the item social relations had insufficient reliability (ρ = 0.55).

Conclusions

In comparison with a previous evaluation of the QUALIDEM in a long-term care setting, the application in a hospital setting leads to very similar, acceptable results for people with mild to severe dementia. For people with very severe dementia, the QUALIDEM seems to fit even better in a hospital context. Results suggest either a revision of unsatisfactory items or a general reduction to six items for the QUALIDEM, for all PwD. In general, the QUALIDEM can be recommended as instrument to assess the QoL for PwD in the context of hospital research. Additionally, an investigation of the inter-rater reliability is necessary because the qualification of the nurses and the length of stay of the patients in the hospital differ from the previous investigations of the inter-rater reliability of QUALIDEM in the nursing home.
Methodological considerations on segmenting rhabdomyosarcoma with diffusion-weighted imaging—What can we do better?
Authors: Chatziantoniou Cyrano , Schoot Reineke A. , van Ewijk Roelof , van Rijn Rick R. , ter Horst Simone A. J. , Merks Johannes H. M. , Leemans Alexander , De Luca Alberto
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Diffusion-weighted MRI is a promising technique to monitor response to treatment in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma. However, its validation in clinical practice remains challenging. This study aims to investigate how the tumor segmentation strategy can affect the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measured in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma.

Materials and methods

A literature review was performed in PubMed using search terms relating to MRI and sarcomas to identify commonly applied segmentation strategies. Seventy-six articles were included, and their presented segmentation methods were evaluated. Commonly reported segmentation strategies were then evaluated on diffusion-weighted imaging of five pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma patients to assess their impact on ADC.

Results

We found that studies applied different segmentation strategies to define the shape of the region of interest (ROI)(outline 60%, circular ROI 27%), to define the segmentation volume (2D 44%, multislice 9%, 3D 21%), and to define the segmentation area (excludes edge 7%, excludes other region 19%, specific area 27%, whole tumor 48%). In addition, details of the segmentation strategy are often unreported. When implementing and comparing these strategies on in-house data, we found that excluding necrotic, cystic, and hemorrhagic areas from segmentations resulted in on average 5.6% lower mean ADC. Additionally, the slice location used in 2D segmentation methods could affect ADC by as much as 66%.

Conclusion

Diffusion-weighted MRI studies in pediatric sarcoma currently employ a variety of segmentation methods. Our study shows that different segmentation strategies can result in vastly different ADC measurements, highlighting the importance to further investigate and standardize segmentation.
Anti-inflammatory effect of taxifolin in TNF-α/IL-17A/IFN-γ induced HaCaT human keratinocytes
Authors: Park Jung Eun , Kwon Hee Jun , Lee Hwa Jin , Hwang Hyung Seo
Published: January 2023

Taxifolin, a bioactive flavonoid, has been attracting attention as a beneficial and valuable phytochemical due to its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, an improvement effect of taxifolin against psoriasis has been reported in an animal experimental model. However, its exact mechanism of action at molecular and cellular levels is not known. Thus, the purpose of this study was to verify the anti-inflammatory effect of taxifolin on psoriasis at cellular/molecular level using HaCaT human keratinocytes. First, a CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity of taxifolin. Results revealed that taxifolin was a relatively safe material, showing no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 300 μg/mL. In TNF-α-induced HaCaT cells, taxifolin significantly inhibited mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1-β, and IL-6) and chemokines (CXCL8 and CCL20). The ability of taxifolin to regulation expression of inflammatory cytokine genes was associated with phosphorylation of IκB/STAT3 protein. In addition, taxifolin inhibited expression levels of IL-1α/β, IL-6, CXCL8, and CCL20 by inhibiting IκB/STAT3 protein phosphorylation upon stimulation of TNF-α, IL-17A, and IFN-γ. These results show that taxifolin has the potential to be developed as a treatment for psoriasis and skin inflammation.
School bullying victimization and post-traumatic stress symptoms in adolescents: the mediating roles of feelings of insecurity and self-disclosure
Authors: Xu Yongyong , Ye Yingying , Zha Yichang , Zhen Rui , Zhou Xiao
Published: January 2023

Background

Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) is known to be a typical problem for school bullying victims. However, the underlying mechanism between school bullying victimization and PTSSs remains unknown. This study examined the mediating roles of feelings of insecurity and self-disclosure in the relationship between school bullying victimization and PTSSs in adolescents.

Methods

Self-report questionnaires were used to assess 5013 adolescents; 443 of them with school bullying experiences were selected to carry out this study.

Results

The results found that school bullying victimization was directly related to more PTSSs, indirectly associated with more PTSSs through feelings of insecurity, and through the path from feelings of insecurity to self-disclosure. However, school bullying victimization did not exert an indirect effect on PTSSs through one step effect of self-disclosure.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that feelings of insecurity and self-disclosure mediated the relationship between school bullying victimization and PTSSs. The psychological service should reduce adolescents’ feelings of insecurity and give them more chances to disclose their bullying experiences.
Stretching the boundaries of cultural policies for inclusive and sustainable urban contexts: the case of Issy-les-Moulineaux in France
Authors: Moro Anna , Legale Eric
Published: January 2023

Cultural policies can be a strategic key to shaping more inclusive and sustainable urban regeneration processes, especially exploiting the acceleration promoted through transition dynamics. The City of Issy-les-Moulineaux, for its recent and deep investment in culture, sustainability and innovation in a non-conflictual and socially homogeneous urban dense context, is a valuable demonstrator of the role and forms in which institutional cultural policies at the urban scale can produce a shift of values, acceleration or simplification of decision-making processes towards inclusive and sustainable ways of life. The presentation of examples of cultural policies and regeneration programmes aims to contribute to the identification of some innovation trajectories in this direction, looking especially at the management of cultural policies or spaces and their flexibility and openness to inhabitants. Conclusions sketch the potential of strengthening some regime-niche traits of cultural policies in Issy and creating a permanent experimental environment in the governance (and approach) to cultural policies that reshape from rigid to fluid, thus increasing the anti-fragile nature of public policies and practices.