bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Skin Deep
Authors: Painter David Lynn , Vierrether Tanja , Guimaraes Camilla L.
Published: May 2024

This investigation used expectancy violation theory (EVT) to explain how a body positivity influencer's clothing styles (modest or revealing) and skin tones (filtered or unfiltered) affected viewers' responses to branded Instagram posts violating (i.e., unfiltered and revealing) or confirming (i.e., filtered and modest) appearance norms. Specifically, viewers' attractiveness and authenticity ratings as well as their emotional responses were measured to verify that their appearance norm internalization triggered EVT's effects. Finally, this study explored how viewers' attractiveness, authenticity, and emotional response ratings mediated the effect of the influencer's appearance on their purchase intentions. The results indicate viewers punished norm violations in their attractiveness ratings but rewarded them in their authenticity and emotional response ratings. Finally, viewers' emotional responses and authenticity ratings more powerfully shaped their purchase intentions than their attractiveness ratings. These results suggest body positivity influencer marketing may mutually benefit both sponsors and consumers while countering toxic appearance norms on social media and society at large.
Navigating Consumer Engagement
Authors: Bala Rajni , Kumar Vinod , Sharma Ritu
Published: May 2024

Consumer engagement is paramount in the digital era, where people actively engage with brands. The importance of social media influencers in influencing customer behavior has grown in the current digital environment. The digital era has changed how consumers interact with brands and judge what to buy. Most information and engagement now occur on social media platforms, and customers frequently look to influencers to help them make decisions. Nowadays, influencer marketing is a multi-billion-dollar business. Brands are forming influencer partnerships with various industries to connect and interact with their target consumers. Given the significant investments in the field, evaluating influencer marketing's success and impact is essential. The study explores social media influencers' crucial role in influencing customer choice. This chapter's goals are to thoroughly examine consumer engagement dynamics and expose the power that social media influencers possess.
Construction of a Multimedia Instructional Effect Assessment System of College Foreign Language Translation Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yi Man
Published: May 2024

The teaching evaluation module is an important guarantee of teaching effectiveness, and as an important part of the multimedia teaching system, it needs special attention. This paper combines artificial intelligence and multimedia teaching effect evaluation, proposes a foreign language translation multimedia teaching effect evaluation model based on improved support vector machine (SVM) algorithm, and provides theoretical support for the construction of foreign language translation multimedia teaching effect evaluation system. The results show that the accuracy of this assessment algorithm is improved by 22.18% compared with the traditional assessment algorithm. Therefore, it is theoretically feasible to use the improved SVM to analyse the application effect of multimedia teaching mode in foreign language translation teaching. It can be found that the automatic acquisition of model data, the cumulative search of spatial knowledge and the adaptive control of the search phase of the optimised SVM algorithm have also been significantly improved, and conclusions drawn are more reliable.
Research and Implementation of Pedestrian Attribute Recognition Algorithm Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Fang Weilan , LU Zhengqing , Wang ChaoWei , Zhou Zhihong , Shi Guoliang , Yin Ying
Published: May 2024

In the realm of computer vision, recognizing pedestrian attributes is a crucial task, with the objective of deducing the identity characteristics of individuals on foot. This differs from conventional pedestrian detection methods in that it not only identifies the presence of pedestrians but also examines their attributes such as gender, age, and attire by scrutinizing their visual features. Not only can recognition identify the existence of pedestrians, but it can also delve into the analysis of pedestrian attributes. This paper proposes, explores, and implements a pedestrian attribute recognition algorithm grounded in deep convolutional neural networks. First, several datasets containing large-scale pedestrian images and their corresponding data are used for the recognition of pedestrian attributes. containing large-scale pedestrian images and their corresponding attribute labels are utilized. Through data pre-processing and enhancement techniques, the noise and inconsistency of pedestrian images are reduced. techniques, the noise and inconsistency of the data are.
Cutting Edge: LAG3 Dimerization Is Required for TCR/CD3 Interaction and Inhibition of Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Adam Kieran , Lipatova Zhanna , Abdul Ghafoor Raja Maria , Mishra Arjun K , Mariuzza Roy A , Workman Creg J , Vignali Dario A A
Published: May 2024

Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) is an inhibitory receptor that plays a critical role in controlling T cell tolerance and autoimmunity and is a major immunotherapeutic target. LAG3 is expressed on the cell surface as a homodimer but the functional relevance of this is unknown. In this study, we show that the association between the TCR/CD3 complex and a murine LAG3 mutant that cannot dimerize is perturbed in CD8+ T cells. We also show that LAG3 dimerization is required for optimal inhibitory function in a B16-gp100 tumor model. Finally, we demonstrate that a therapeutic LAG3 Ab, C9B7W, which does not block LAG3 interaction with its cognate ligand MHC class II, disrupts LAG3 dimerization and its association with the TCR/CD3 complex. These studies highlight the functional importance of LAG3 dimerization and offer additional approaches to therapeutically target LAG3.
Polarised light pollution on river water surfaces caused by artificial light at night from illuminated bridges and surroundings
Authors: Pérez Vega Catherine , Hölker Franz , Zielinska-Dabkowska Karolina M. , Jechow Andreas
Published: May 2024

Bridge illumination gave rise to night-time illuminated paths across aquatic systems. However, if bridge artificial light at night (ALAN) reach waterbodies, it can result in polarised light pollution (PLP), which might alter the optical conditions of a river by night and potentially interfere with moonlight polarisation signals reflected off the water’s surface. It is a night-time phenomenon that can detrimentally change the behaviour of organisms sensitive to horizontally reflected polarised moonlight, a navigational cue and signal known to be used by flying water-seeking insects to detect suitable aquatic habitats to reproduce and lay eggs. In this study, we quantify the reflection of ALAN-induced polarisation patterns at the water’s surface near seven illuminated bridges crossing the river Spree in Berlin. The photometric data shows that bridge illumination induces PLP, which reflects from the water’s surface when measured at specific locations in space considered as potential flying paths for polarotactic aquatic insects. ALAN-induced polarisation findings at illuminated bridges suggest that PLP is a pollutant that illuminates aquatic areas. It requires better research as it can potentially affect polarimetric navigation in flying aquatic insects. As the extent of light pollution reaches riverine systems and aquatic habitats, the potential effects of PLP on freshwaters need the proper development of sustainable lighting solutions that can aid in preserving riverine nightscapes.
Clinical Profile of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Gusau, Northwestern, Nigeria
Authors: Sada Kabiru Bello , Sabir A. A. , Sakajiki A. M. , Umar M. T. , Abdullahi U. , Sikiru Y. A.
Published: May 2024

Background:

There are variable reports of glycemic control and complications among patients living with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the glycemic control and complications among patients with DM seen at the medical outpatient department of a tertiary health institution in Northwestern Nigeria.

Methodology:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 236 patients attending DM Clinic at Federal Medical Centre Gusau. A questionnaire was administered that contains sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, duration of DM, adherence to management, and complications. Anthropometry, blood pressures, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results:

Eighty-six (36%) males and 150 (64%) females patients with DM were evaluated. Their mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 53.5 ± 12.3 years with mean (SD) duration of DM of 7.9 ± 6.2 years. The mean FPG was 8.85 ± 3.8 mmol/L (males 8.21 ± 3.6, females 9.49 ± 3.8). Forty-seven (20%), 75 (32%), 113 (48%) of the patients had good, fair, and poor glycemic control, respectively. The major complications observed were peripheral neuropathy (61%) and visual impairment (51%). Glycemic control was significantly better among males and those with good adherence to medications. There was a positive association between the longer duration of DM with complications.

Conclusion:

Only 20% of our patients achieved good glycemic control and many have complications. Majority of the patients adhered more with medications as compared to dietary management and exercise. There is a need for clinicians to educate patients more on the need for lifestyle modifications.
Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease in an Urban Population in Nigeria
Authors: Okafor Umezurike Hughes , Ogbobe Obianuju , Ugwu Nkem , Nebo Chidinma , Asogwa Promise
Published: May 2024

Background:

Chronic kidney disease has been reported to be on the increase globally and worse in the developing countries. Early detection has been associated with a better outcome. The objective of the study is to screen for kidney disease and its risk factors in the urban population in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional nonrandomized study of residents of Enugu metropolis of Nigeria. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical committee of the hospital. The study population was consecutive subjects aged 18 years and above who gave consent to the study. The details of the study were explained to the participants and informed consent obtained. The biodata, relevant clinical parameters, and blood and urine samples were obtained from each participant. The serum creatinine and urine protein of each participant were assessed. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the modification of diet in renal disease epidemiology formula. Kidney disease is defined as eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. The results were presented in tables and charts as frequencies, mean and standard deviation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Four hundred and sixty-six participants participated in the study, 77.3% were females with a male: female ratio of 1:3.4. The age range was 18–90 years with a mean of 35.7 ± 12.7 years; 11.8%, 1.3%, and 0.6% had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and kidney disease, respectively. Systolic blood pressures (BPs) of 140 mmHg and above and diastolic BP of 90 mmHg and above were found in 20% and 18.5% of the participants, respectively. Furthermore, 16.9% of the participants had a random blood glucose >11 mmol/l. The range of serum creatinine was 27.3–1029.1 μmol/l with a median of 69.1umol/l. eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was found in 6.6% and proteinuria in 18.2%; however, 23.1% of the participants had kidney disease detected by eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or proteinuria. Age, male sex, BP, and body mass index were found to have a statistically significant inverse relationship with kidney function.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of kidney disease in an urban population in Nigeria is high. The risk factors were hypertension, increasing age, male sex, and obesity.
Public–private Partnership in Hemodialysis in Nigeria
Authors: Liman Hamidu Muhammad , Sakajiki Aminu Muhammad , Makusidi Muhammad Aliyu , Isah Ibrahim Babatunde , Ahmed Faruk Umar , Galadima Muazu , Yeldu Samaila Musa , Arkilla Bello Magaji
Published: May 2024

Background:

Public–private partnership (PPP) in hemodialysis delivery in Nigeria is a new concept. We set out to compare the performance of Specialist Hospital Sokoto's (SHS) renal center operating with this model with four other neighboring government-operated dialysis centers.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed the 6-year records (May 2011 to April 2017) of Dialysis Center of SHS, operated under a PPP and compared some performance indicators with four government-operated dialysis centers over the same period. Comparisons were made using Chi-square and corresponding P values were reported accordingly. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

A total of 1167 patients’ data were studied. Of these, 252 (21.6%) patients with end-stage renal disease were dialyzed at SHS. The SHS dialysis center experienced 5 months of interruption in dialysis service. Only 38 (15.1%) patients sustained dialysis beyond 90 days and 105 (41.7%) patients had more than three sessions of hemodialysis. Only one patient was referred for kidney transplant from the dialysis center during the review period. SHS performed better than Federal Medical Center and Sir Yahaya Hospitals in terms of service availability, duration on hemodialysis, and greater number of hemodialysis sessions (χ2 = 29.06, df = 3, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

PPP has improved the availability of dialysis service, mean duration on dialysis, and mean number of dialysis sessions but did not improve the kidney transplant referral rate at SHS. There is a need to encourage the current arrangement in the Hospital as well as other centers offering similar partnerships.
Laparoscopic Appendicectomy in a Postpneumonectomy Patient
Authors: Santha Neeta , Govind Lekshmipriya , Naik Shilpa
Published: May 2024

Pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgeries has anesthetic implications due to increase in the intra-abdominal pressure and end-tidal carbon dioxide. The effects are more pronounced if the patient has only one lung. However, the advantages of laparoscopy include reduced postoperative pain and early recovery. We present a case of 30-year-old patient who had undergone pneumonectomy and was posted for laparoscopic appendicectomy. General anesthesia was instituted, and with some modifications in ventilation, the procedure was uneventful and we were able to extubate the patient on the table. Understanding of the physiological consequences of pneumonectomy facilitated the provision of safe anesthesia.
The Need and Art of Establishing Skill and Simulation Centers to Strengthen Skill-Based Medical Education
Authors: Archana S. , Nilakantam Sathish Raju , Hathur Basavanagowdappa , Dayananda Melanahalli
Published: May 2024

Background:

Evidence-based medicine seeks to improve medical education, which requires high competency levels in various clinical skills such as examination of patients and execution of clinical techniques on patients by integrating skill and simulation-based teaching and learning as supplementary to traditional methods of bedside clinical teaching. Hence, a safely prepared and controlled environment with trained interdisciplinary teams is very essential in providing such effective medical education to students as well as health-care professionals. The ongoing skill and simulation center project aims to provide teaching, training, and learning in various clinical procedures for both medical students and clinicians.

Materials and Methods:

The project management cycle framework was used which included the phases of planning, designing, training, and implementation. Having picked the model for the proposed skill and simulation center, that is, redefining medical education with skill and simulation-based teaching, training, and learning, it was decided to establish this skill and simulation center.

Results:

The functional skill and simulation center unit with the state-of-the-art infrastructure along with a trained multidisciplinary team was achieved. There are also academic programs, which include the demonstration of various clinical and surgical skills and workshops on simulation-based medical education.

Conclusion:

It was possible to establish a comprehensive skill and simulation center and achieve best practices in medical education by optimal investment in infrastructure and improving the available human resources. Detailed planning is required, across a variety of domains. We hope our experiences shared in this article will help other medical colleges and hospitals across the region, both nationally and globally, toward establishing similar educational facilities.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Co-infection among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients and Effect of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Cases at Baseline
Authors: Yakubu Abdulmumini , Hali Bello , Maiyaki Abubakar Sadiq
Published: May 2024

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exists as both viruses have the common routes of transmission. HIV infection has adverse effect on the natural history of HCV infection; however, the effect of HCV infection on the natural history of HIV infection is unclear.

Materials and Methods:

This study was cross-sectional comprising of treatment-naïve adult HIV-infected patients attending clinics at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto and Specialist Hospital Sokoto. The study participants were screened for HCV anti]body and assayed for transaminases and CD4+ T-lymphocytes count levels. The symptoms of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illnesses were asked among the study participants. The questionnaire was used for the collection of data, and SPSS software version 20 was used for the analysis of data. Student's t-tests, Pearson’s, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used for the statistical analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection was 20.6%. Self-intravenous drugs usage was not statistically significant (P = 0.210). HIV mono-infected patients had significantly lower alanine aminotransferase levels compared to HIV/HCV co-infected study participants (P = 0.048). AIDS status at the baseline was comparable between HIV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected study participants. (P = 0.227; 0.200; 0.130).

Conclusion:

Moderately high prevalence of HIV/HCV co-infection was observed in the current study. HCV co-infection had no effect on AIDS status at baseline. There is a need for routine screening of HCV infection in HIV-infected individuals.
Influence of Seasonal Changes on Asthma Exacerbation in a Sudan Savanna Region
Authors: Abbas Aminu , Okpapi Juliana U. , Njoku Chibueze H. , Abba Abdallah A. , Isezuo Simeon A. , Danasabe Isah M.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Asthma accounts for 1 out of every 250 deaths worldwide. Many of these deaths are preventable as they occur as a result of suboptimal long-term medical care and delay in seeking help during severe exacerbation. It is believed that increased concentrations of dust, high winds, low temperatures, and low humidity may cause exacerbation of asthma.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess seasonal variation in asthma exacerbation among patients attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty-seven patients aged 16 years and above with physician-diagnosed asthma were selected by systematic random sampling. Clinical information was obtained from each participant about history of asthma exacerbation and health-care utilization. Meteorological data were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency corresponding to period of patient's recruitment.

Results:

Eighty-seven patients comprising 60 females and 27 males aged 32.1 ± 10.8 years participated in the study. Among the study participants, 50.6%, 28.7%, and 20.7% had exacerbation during harmattan, rainy, and dry (hot) seasons, respectively. Correlation analysis shows a significant negative relationship between temperature and asthma exacerbation (r = −0.372, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

This study shows that asthma exacerbation is most frequent during the harmattan season and low temperature is associated with its exacerbation.
Effect of duration of exposure on health complaints, systemic inflammatory responses, immunological markers, and pulmonary function tests among workers working at the vegetable market
Authors: Ravibabu Kalahasthi , Adepu Vinay Kumar , Prakash Jamalpur Ravi , Nagaraju Raju , Surendar Jakkam
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:

The vegetable markets are a rich source of organic dust and bioaerosol exposure. The effect of duration of exposure on health complaints, systemic inflammatory responses (SIR), immunological markers, and pulmonary function tests (PFT) among loading and unloading workers at the vegetable market was not explored.

OBJECTIVE:

The current study was undertaken to assess the effect of duration of exposure on health complaints, SIR, immunological markers, and PFT among workers working at the vegetable market.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study design is descriptive, 45 male participants with no smoking habit and having more than 3 years of experience were enrolled in the study. The study participants were categorized into low (n = 23) and high (n = 22) exposure groups based on the median duration of exposure, which is the multiplication of years of exposure and working hours per day. The demographic details, health complaints, SIR, immunological, and PFT parameters were investigated and compared between low and high exposure groups.

RESULTS:

Workers with a prolonged duration of exposure have reported a considerable increase in musculoskeletal disorders, eye irritation, and skin allergies. SIR such as serum albumin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, lymphocytes, white blood cell count, and immunological markers (immunoglobulin E and immunoglobulin A) were considerably increased, and PFT were significantly decreased in the high exposure group as compared to the low-exposure group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Contemporary study revealed that high duration of exposure contributes to augmented health complaints, SIR, immunological markers, and reduced competence of PFT among loading and unloading workers at vegetable markets. Therefore, this study suggests workplace hygiene practices with the use of personal protective equipment might lower the health effects and inflammation markers.
How Common are the Errors in Insulin Injection Techniques – A Real World Study
Authors: Yasmin Shahana , Raveendran Arkiath Veettil , Jayakrishnan B. , Sreelakshmi R. , Jose Remya , Chandran Vysakh , Raj Sourav K , Basanth Anjana , Kesavadev Jothydev
Published: May 2024

Background: Insulin therapy is identified as the cornerstone of diabetes management for more than a century. Even though awareness programs on correct insulin administration have occupied the mainstream of diabetes management interventions, the prevalence of insulin injection errors among people with diabetes is significant in its count. Aims and Objectives: The current study evaluates the prevalence of various insulin injection errors among people with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: The study employed a survey-based cross-sectional design to analyze the prevalence of insulin injection errors. The data was collected from people with T2D visiting the Outpatient Department (OPD) of four comprehensive diabetes research centres in Kerala, India. The inclusion criteria for the study include people with type 2 diabetes. The exclusion criteria included people with other types of diabetes, people with newly diagnosed T2D, and people with T2D who were insulin pump users. Demographic characteristics of the cohort were determined. The common errors in the injection administration were identified and the frequency of each error was determined. Data for the variables including, site selection, cleaning of needle and lipohypertrophy were collected. The categorical variables considered for the study was summarized as frequency (%) and all the continuous variables were presented as mean (SD) or median (Q1, Q3) based on the normality assumption. All the tests were carried out at a level of significance of 5 % using R version 4.2.3. Results: The common errors identified among the study cohort include incorrect site selection, inappropriate storage temperature, cleaning of the needle with spirit, hypoglycemia due to incorrect administration of insulin, and the presence of lipohypertrophy. Conclusion: The findings from the study underline the varied types of errors in the self-administration of insulin among the different age groups of the diabetes population and urge the health-care professionals to impart continuous review of the injection procedures patients follow while taking insulin injections
Psychological Experiences in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Farajzadegan Ziba , Kazemi Ashraf , Salehi Mehrdad , ZareMobini Fatemeh
Published: May 2024

Background:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive years. In addition to multiple physical problems, this syndrome has many psychological complications. Thus, the present study attempted to explore the psychological experiences of women with PCOS in Iran’s sociocultural context.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out in Isfahan, Iran, using a qualitative content analysis method. The participants were selected through purposive sampling from women with PCOS, their spouses, and healthcare providers in hospitals, clinics, workplaces, universities, and physicians’ offices between September 2018 and November 2019. Data collection was performed through semi-structured interviews until data saturation. Data analysis was based on conventional content analysis. The interviews were transcribed and coded. Afterward, categories and concepts were extracted by grouping similar codes.

Results:

A total of 13 women with PCOS, four spouses, and 13 healthcare providers participated in this study. Data analysis yielded five main categories, including the patient’s psychological reactions following infertility and its probability, psychological issues following menstrual disorders, patients’ fear and concerns about the probability of developing chronic diseases, psychological problems following the disease, and psychological problems resulting from body appearance.

Conclusions:

The results of this study showed that women with PCOS were exposed to multiple psychological problems. Therefore, preventing and controlling the psychological consequences of PCOS and its complications requires healthcare providers’ support and comprehensive and long-term planning to promote the mental health of these women.
The Effect of Fetus Stimulation Techniques on Newborn Behavior
Authors: Valiani Mahboubeh , HadiAlijanvand Samira
Published: May 2024

Background:

Many factors affect fetal behavior, which can also affect the baby's capacity and change interaction with the caregiver. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of performing fetal sensory systems stimulation techniques by mother during pregnancy on the neonate's habituation behavior.

Materials and Methods:

This semi-experimental study was conducted in 2019 in Isfahan, Iran. Mothers who referred to public comprehensive health centers in the 27th week of gestation and met the inclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups of intervention and control. Fetal learning programs were held twice a day from the 27th week to the end of the pregnancy. The habituation domain of the neonate's behavior was assessed by the Brazelton's Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) 3–5 days after the delivery. The mean score of habituation domain of BNBAS among 72 subjects in the intervention and control groups was compared by the Mann–Whitney test.

Results:

The habituation domain of all 72 newborns born approximately at the gestational age of 38 weeks was assessed. The Mann–Whitney test results indicated that the two groups were significantly different in terms of the total mean score of habituation domain 3–5 days after birth (z = –4.37, p < 0.001) and the score of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group.

Conclusions:

Generally, it can be concluded that the fetal stimulation techniques can positively affect the neonate's behaviors including the domain of habituation.
Determinants of Maternal Near Miss among Women in Northeast Iran: A Facility-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Abdollahpour Sedigheh , Miri Hamid Heidarian , Azmoude Elham , Pieranj Mahsa , Kabirian Maryam
Published: May 2024

Background:

The investigation of Maternal Near-Miss (MNM) risk factors is important for the global reduction of maternal mortality. This study aimed to identify the determinants of MNM among pregnant women in northeastern Iran.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective case-control study was conducted on 250 women referred to the maternity ward of Nohom-e-Dey hospital in Torbat-e Heydarieh, Iran, from June 2018 to May 2020. Applying the criteria of the World Health Organization tool, near-miss mothers were taken as cases, and mothers with normal obstetric outcomes were selected as controls with convenience sampling. Logistic regression models using Stata version 14.0 and odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were reported.

Results:

A total of 123 MNM cases and 127 controls were included in the study. The multiple logistic regression represented that having had previous abortion, living in rural or urban areas, whether the mother went through C/S or vaginal delivery and level of prenatal education were associated with MNM. Besides, having experienced chronic medical diseases during pregnancy had the strongest association with MNM, and next were complications during childbirth and neonatal outcomes which were associated with MNM, although in terms of statistical association, only the first two mentioned factors were statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Determinants of MNM could be experiencing chronic medical disorders during maternal complications. Health providers need to carefully manage past medical history and adverse perinatal outcomes, especially in pregnant women who live in rural areas. Encouraging mothers to attend pregnancy training classes is effective in reducing MNM.
Critical Care Nurses’ Knowledge of Tracheostomy Care
Authors: Abu-Sahyoun Rasha , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Mohammad Khitam , Abu Baker Nisren , Al-Sheyab Nihaya , Alyahya Mohammed , Nawafleh Hani , ALBashtawy Sa’d , Ayed Ahmad , Musa Ahmad , ALBashtawy Bayan , Al-Amer Rasmieh , ALBashtawy Zaid , Alkhawaldeh Abdullah
Published: May 2024

Background:

Tracheostomy care is a standard procedure that nurses perform in Critical Care Units (CCUs) to reduce complications from tracheostomy. The literature indicates a clear variety of care and practice in managing tracheostomy patients within the healthcare system. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge level of tracheostomy care among nurses in CCUs in Jordanian hospitals.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive design was used for this study. A convenience sample of 260 nurses working in the CCUs of four government hospitals completed a self-reported structured questionnaire. Data were collected from January 2021 to March 2021. A t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to assess the differences among socio-demographic variables in terms of knowledge score.

Results:

The result revealed that the level of knowledge was suboptimal. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean level of knowledge regarding tracheostomy care (in all dimensions) by age (F = 22.595, p < 0.001), educational level (F = 355.30, p < 0.001), and work experience (F = 13.63, p < 0.001). For gender, there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge of the tracheostomy suctioning dimension (p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The level of knowledge among nurses regarding tracheostomy care was moderate, indicating an urgent need for education.
Living with Mental Distress, Social Anger, and In-Group Commitment among Working Children: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jafari Haleh , Varaei Shokoh , Brand Serge , Dehghan Nayeri Nahid , Fazeli Nematollah , Khoshnavay Fomani Fatemeh , Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht
Published: May 2024

Background:

Working as a child can have various effects on all aspects of children’s health. Investigating and identifying issues related to the health of working children can be useful in promoting their health. Therefore, in this qualitative study, we examined issues related to the mental health and behavior of working children.

Materials and Methods:

This qualitative study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in 2021 with the contractual content analysis approach. The main participants (N = 32) in this study were working children aged 10 to 18 years. To collect data, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with working children, their parents, and the center officials. In addition to the interview, some field notes were also taken from interactions between working children. After each interview, they were transcribed and coded. After 27 interviews, the data were saturated, no new code was extracted, and further interviews were conducted to ensure data saturation. Data analysis was performed based on the proposed method of Lundman and Graneheim.

Results:

The results revealed the three main categories of mental distress (fear and anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation, decreased self-confidence, and decentralized mind), social anger (negative social role modeling, harassment and harm of others, reprehensible and antisocial behavior, disregard for the property of others, disrupted relationships, and violence), and in-group commitment (self-censorship outside the group, individual independence and group cohesion, and caring for the group).

Conclusions:

Most working children suffer from various forms of mental and behavioral issues, which, if not taken care of, can have irreparable consequences.
Nursing Intervention for Quality of Life in Patients with Ostomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Heydari Abbas , Manzari Zahra Sadat , Pouresmail Zohre
Published: May 2024

Background:

Ostomy-related challenges in everyday life may negatively affect patients’ Quality of Life (QL), even long after ostomy surgery. Nurses provide care interventions that may have a significant effect on the patients’ QL. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine evidence of effective nursing interventions on the QL of patients with an ostomy.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. English articles published from 2000 to 2021 were identified and retrieved from PubMed, Medscape, MedlinePlus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, ClinicalKey, SAGE, IRCT, and Cochrane. We assessed all included studies (18 articles) using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist.

Results:

Interventions reviewed in the study were categorized based on intervention, content of nursing intervention, training method, and target group of the nursing intervention. The nursing interventions involved natural treatments, self-care, and psychological support for patients. The training methods used in the studies included demonstration and lecture, mixed media presentation including PowerPoints, and Internet tools such as WeChat Applications. Some interventions were only presented to patients, caregivers, caregivers and patients together, or peer patients.

Conclusions:

According to the results of the present study, it is suggested that a regular care plan be used with the participation of families and patients from pre-operational to discharge along with nurses’ follow-ups and home care to promote the QL. A combination of self-care and psychological education can promote these patients’ QL.
Psychometric Properties of Persian Version of the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale
Authors: Pishkhani Maryam Khoshbakht , Ebadi Abbas , Dalvandi Asghar , Aroogh Manijeh Dehi , Vosoghi Nazila , Ghorbanzadeh Kobra
Published: May 2024

Background:

Caregivers of stroke patients have many problems due to caring for patients. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian Version of the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS) in caregivers of stroke patients.

Materials and Methods:

This methodological study was conducted in 2018 with 191 caregivers of stroke patients. In order to assess the scale validity and reliability, the face, content, internal consistency, stability of the scale, and construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis) were done.

Results:

The scale face and content validity qualitatively were checked and confirmed by caregivers' and experts' opinions. In the reliability, Cronbach's alpha was obtained to be 0.93. The test-retest was conducted on 30 participants and showed good stability after 2 weeks. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for the total scores was reported to be 0.94. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin p value was 0.90, Bartlett's sphericity test was significant (p < 0.001), in the exploratory factor analysis, 2 factors with 14 items were extracted. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the appropriate model with 14 items (removal of item 13) with two factors at the expected level.

Conclusions:

The Persian version of the 14 items of the BCOS indicates satisfactory reliability, and validity in the Iranian caregivers of stroke patients.
Effectiveness of Developmentally Supportive Education Program on Nursing Knowledge of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Sankar Bindu Kunnumpurath , Marakkar Riaz Karoly , Varghese Shalu
Published: May 2024

Background:

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a preventable cause of childhood blindness. India accounts for nearly 10% of the worldwide estimate of blindness and visual impairment due to ROP. Nurses are pillars of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and play a critical role in the prevention and management of ROP. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of developmentally supportive education program on knowledge regarding prevention and management of ROP among nurses working in NICU.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital based pre-experimental, one group pre-test–post-test study was carried out among 32 staff nurses working in the NICU of a tertiary care center during January to February 2019. Knowledge regarding the prevention and management of ROP was assessed before and after the implementation of developmentally supportive education program using a structured knowledge questionnaire.

Results:

Pre-test knowledge score was mean (Standard Deviation [SD]) 9.00 (3.68) and after the educational program post-test knowledge score was found to be mean (SD) 14.53 (2.39). Paired t-test was used to evaluate the effect of developmentally supportive education program and was found to be statistically significant (t32= 10.09, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Developmentally supportive educational program can be used as an effective intervention for improving the knowledge regarding ROP among nurses in NICU.
The Effect of Gentle Touch on Cardiorespiratory Indices and Pain Behaviors Related to Venipuncture and Blood Sampling in Preterm Infants Under Intensive Care
Authors: Bahrami Pariya , Sheikhan Elaheh , Soulari Zohre Shams , Golchin Mehri
Published: May 2024

Background:

Infants undergo extremely painful procedures in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which if left uncontrolled may cause complications. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate gentle touch effect on cardiorespiratory indices and pain behaviors related to venipuncture and blood sampling in preterm infants.

Materials and Methods:

A quasi-experimental study was undertaken in gentle touch and control groups in three stages. The population included premature infants in NICU of Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Using convenience sampling, 52 infants were randomly selected and assigned to two groups (n = 26). Gentle touch technique and measurement of cardiorespiratory indices were performed 5 minutes before, during, and 5 minutes after procedure, and routine care was provided for control group. Neonatal pain and cardiorespiratory indices were assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and an intensive care monitor. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, independent t-test, and Chi-square test in SPSS software.

Results:

The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between mean pain score of the infants in two groups during the procedures (t50 = -3.32, p = 0.002), but no significant different was between groups before and after the procedure (p > 0.05). However, the cardiorespiratory indices were not significantly different before, during, and after the procedure (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The results suggest that gentle touch reduced the infants’ pain during venipuncture and blood sampling. Thus, it is recommended this method be applied to mitigate pain in premature infants.
Medication Errors among Iranian Intensive Care Nurses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Marznaki Zohreh Hosseini , Zeydi Amir Emami , Ghazanfari Mohammad Javad , Salisu Waliu Jawula , Amiri Mehdi Mohammadian , Karkhah Samad
Published: May 2024

Background:

Medication Error (ME) is a major patient safety concern in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Critical care nurses play a crucial role in the safe administration of medication. This study was conducted to comprehensively review the literature concerning the prevalence of ME and associated factors and outcomes in Iranian ICU nurses.

Materials and Methods:

An extensive search of the literature was carried in international databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, as well as Persian databases such as Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID) using ME-related keywords and the Persian equivalent of these keywords, from the first article written in this field to artcles published on March 30, 2021. The appraisal tool (AXIS tool) was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results:

Fifteen studies were included in this systematic review. The prevalence of MEs made by ICU nurses was 53.34%. The most common types of MEs were wrong infusion rate (14.12%), unauthorized medication (11.76%), and wrong time (8.49%) errors, respectively. MEs occurred more frequently in morning work shifts (44.44%). MEs happened more frequently for heparin, vancomycin, ranitidine, and amikacin. The most important influential factor in the occurrence of MEs in ICUs was management and human factors.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of MEs made by Iranian ICU nurses is high. Therefore, nurse managers and policymakers should develop appropriate strategies, including training programs, to reduce the occurrence of MEs made by nurses in ICUs.
Improving Nurses’ Knowledge, Practice, and Self-Efficacy Regarding Caring Patients with Tuberculosis: A Quasi-Experimental Design
Authors: Elgazzar Samia Eaid , Elkashif Mirfat Mohamed Labib , Elbqry Mohamed Goda , Elmansy Fatma Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) control depends on healthcare professionals ‘knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy when managing high-risk groups. So the study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured educational program in improving nurses’ knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy in caring for patients with TB.

Material and Methods:

A pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design was conducted on 36 nurses at Chest hospital Al Masah al Bahri in port said city and the Chest Hospital in Damietta City, Egypt. Data were collected using three self-administered questionnaires to assess knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy by using convenience sampling from March to August 2019. Data analyses were done by using a paired t-test, a Student t-test, and an F-test analysis of variance.

Results:

Based on data related to the two groups before and after the study in knowledge, practice (t = 8.27, p < 0.001), and self-efficacy (t = 28.91, p < 0.001), there was a significant difference between knowledge and overall knowledge scores (t=14, p < 0.001). Mean scores were significantly increased for practice items about the nursing role in medication, directed observed therapy, and the overall practice score; and for self-efficacy, which increased from 27.58 to 37.86 (p = <0.001). The results indicate that nurses’ knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy were enhanced by the implementation of the educational program.

Conclusions:

There is scope for development in knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy using the educational program among nurses. Training programs must be implemented in quality control to aid nurses in realizing the significance of information in reducing disease and death and enhancing the quality of care.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Arnebia euchroma with ClotrimazoleVaginal Cream for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Mohammadi Solmaz , Pajohideh Zahra Sadat , Iravani Mina , Mojab Faraz , Maraghi Elham
Published: May 2024

Background:

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is the second most common cause of vulvovaginal infections. Due to the increasing resistance to synthetic antifungal drugs, the use of drugs with a natural origin is a priority. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Arnebia euchroma with vaginal cream clotrimazole 1% United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Materials and Methods:

This triple-blind trial study was performed on 112 women with diagnosed Candida vaginitis clinically and by a laboratory test, patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving Arnebia euchroma and vaginal clotrimazole (56 people per group) in clinics and medical centers Ahvaz (Iran) from April 2018 to April 2019. Clinical and laboratory symptoms were recorded at the beginning of the study and 1 week after the end of treatment by a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis were performed using SPSS software v-23. p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

After the intervention, vaginal culture was negative in terms of Candida in 17 (36.17%) patients of the Amoeba euchroma group and 37 (69.81%) patients of the clotrimazole group. The Chi-square showed that there was a significant difference between the culture results in both groups (χ
2 = 10.10, df = 1, p = 0.001). No differences were observed between the two groups in terms of vaginal symptoms based on adjustment for age and using a logistic regression model.

Conclusions:

A vaginal cream containing Arnebia euchroma could reduce the complaints of vulvovaginal candidiasis. But, future studies with larger sample sizes and different dosages are recommended.