bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tight fit of the SIR dynamic epidemic model to daily cases of COVID-19 reported during the 2021–2022 Omicron surge in New York City: A novel approach
Authors: Harris Jeffrey E
Published: November 2024

We describe a novel approach for recovering the underlying parameters of the SIR dynamic epidemic model from observed data on case incidence. We formulate a discrete-time approximation of the original continuous-time model and search for the parameter vector that minimizes the standard least squares criterion function. We show that the gradient vector and matrix of second-order derivatives of the criterion function with respect to the parameters adhere to their own systems of difference equations and thus can be exactly calculated iteratively. Applying our new approach, we estimated a four-parameter SIR model from daily reported cases of COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron/BA.1 surge of December 2021–March 2022 in New York City. The estimated SIR model showed a tight fit to the observed data, but less so when we excluded residual cases attributable to the Delta variant during the initial upswing of the wave in December. Our analyses of both the real-world COVID-19 data and simulated case incidence data revealed an important problem of weak parameter identification. While our methods permitted for the separate estimation of the infection transmission parameter and the infection persistence parameter, only a linear combination of these two key parameters could be estimated with precision. The SIR model appears to be an adequate reduced-form description of the Omicron surge, but it is not necessarily the correct structural model. Prior information above and beyond case incidence data may be required to sharply identify the parameters and thus distinguish between alternative epidemic models.
Factors Associated With Quality of Life Among Colorectal Cancer Patients: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Flórez Jorge Emilio Salazar , Zapata Juanita Lozano , Duarte María Camila Pérez , Acevedo Valentina Valencia , Calle José Alejandro Zapata , Montoya Alejandra Rendón , Cardona Luz Stella Giraldo
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is a chronic condition that affects a substantial proportion of the global population. Ensuring a satisfactory quality of life (QoL) for these patients is, therefore, of critical importance.

Objective

To examine the relationship between sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, and health-related variables and quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer receiving treatment at a leading health institution in Medellín, Colombia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included all patients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and treated at the VIDA Clinic Foundation in 2022. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to characterize the population and explore factors associated with QoL, as assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) scale. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to compare median values across variables. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with a Gamma family distribution and identity link function was used to identify explanatory variables influencing QoL. Regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

A total of 126 patients with colorectal cancer were evaluated, of whom 60.3% were women, with a median age of 61.5 years. The regression model identified poor sleep quality, lack of financial support, dissatisfaction with income, and unemployment as significant factors negatively associated with QoL, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables.

Conclusion

This study provides an initial exploration of health-related QoL in a Colombian population diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The findings highlight the critical influence of both health-related and socioeconomic factors on patients' QoL. A holistic approach to addressing these dimensions could enhance patient care and inform more effective support strategies.
Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in an Adult Patient With Human Metapneumovirus Infection Successfully Managed With Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Basta Mafdy N.
Published: November 2024

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a ubiquitous RNA virus of the Pneumoviridae family, has been associated with respiratory tract infections for decades in various age groups and populations. Though most of the infections, especially in children, are mild and self-limited, severe infections ranging from bronchiolitis or asthma exacerbation to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have occasionally been reported. Among patients who require hospitalization for severe infections, treatment is supportive as no current antivirals or vaccines are effective or recommended. The following is a 45-year-old Caucasian man who developed severe ARDS complicating hMPV infection, and despite maximal medical support, he developed refractory life-threatening hypoxemia that required rescue therapy with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO). After several days of ECMO support, the patient eventually recovered and was discharged home. This case highlights the importance of recognizing hMPV as an occasional culprit for severe respiratory infections, discusses the new global definition of ARDS, and delineates the updated recommended management, including the early application of V-V ECMO as a rescue therapy in severe cases with refractory, life-threatening respiratory failure.
Negative Body Image and Limited Nutrition Knowledge among Collegiate Dancers Signals Need for Screening and Support
Authors: Douglas Crystal C. , Shahan Mackinsey , Camel Simone P. , Vogel Sara
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The collegiate environment may exacerbate body image issues and eating disorders (EDs) among dancers. This study seeks to evaluate the complex relationships between body image perceptions, risk of EDs, and nutrition knowledge among collegiate dancers. Methods: A convenience sample of collegiate dancers was recruited via announcements, flyers, and email to complete the Body Image Assessment Scale-Body Dimensions (BIAS-BD), anthropometrics, and an electronic survey evaluating ED risk (Eating Attitudes Test; EAT-26), nutrition knowledge, and dietary habits. Body distortion (perceived vs actual size) and dissatisfaction (perceived vs ideal size) were measured. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and t-tests for group and gender-specific data. Results: Thirty-eight collegiate dancers (82% female, 79% with a healthy BMI) participated in the body image assessment. Females (n = 31) exhibited body distortion ( P = .006) with a mean BMI = 22.05, mean perceived BMI = 23.27, and a mean ideal BMI = 21.78. Body dissatisfaction was identified but not statistically significant. Males’ perceptions of females’ ideal BMI = 25.16 were significantly higher than the females' own perceptions (BMI = 21.78, P = .033). No significant body distortion or dissatisfaction was observed among males (n = 7). Female perceptions of the ideal male BMI = 23.96 aligned closely with males’ self-views. On the EAT-26, females (n = 28) average score was 11.82, indicating higher risk than males (n = 4), whose average score was 7.75. High ED risk was identified in 18.75% of participants (EAT-26 scores ≥ 20). Nutrition knowledge was limited, with <50% correct responses. The majority sought dietary advice from peers (65.7%) or friends (57.1%), with 37.1% following restrictive diets (eg, vegan, pescatarian, lactose-free). Conclusion: Collegiate female dancers demonstrated body distortion and ED risk despite maintaining a healthy BMI. The limited nutrition knowledge, reliance on non-expert nutrition advice, and tendency towards restrictive eating patterns observed with increased ED risk is worrisome. Thereby necessitating educational interventions focused on nutrition and body image to maintain the dancers’ health.
David Le Breton’s Existential Sociology of the Body
Authors: Vandenberghe Frédéric
Published: November 2024

The article presents the socio-anthropology of the body of David Le Breton to an anglophone readership. It goes through his vast oeuvre and shows how the body and the senses appear in his work at the intersection of the physical and the symbolical, sensation and signification, objectivation and individualisation. Tracing some of the influences that have shaped his trajectory (Mauss, Simmel, Merleau-Ponty, Bakhtin, Bataille, Caillois), it presents his sociology of the body as a philosophical reflection on the human condition and a contribution to cultural anthropology and to the sociology of modernity.
Racial and ethnic group differences in service utilization in children with autism spectrum disorder: The role of parental stigma
Authors: Rivera-Figueroa Karla , Milan Stephanie , Dumont-Mathieu Thyde , Quinn Diane , Eigsti Inge-Marie
Published: November 2024

Racial and ethnic disparities in service utilization in autism are widely documented. Autism-related parental stigma may play a role if parents from racial/ethnic minoritized backgrounds experience dual stigma from autism and from membership in a marginalized group. This study examines racial/ethnic differences in autism-related stigma and compares the impact of stigma on service utilization in a large, diverse sample of US-based parents of autistic children (final sample = 764; White 41.6%, Black 16.6%, Latino/a/x/Hispanic 20.9%, Asian 7.5%, Multiracial 9.6%, Native American 1.8%, Pacific Islander 0.5%, Middle Eastern 0.2%, and Other 0.2%). Parents completed online surveys assessing affiliate and community stigma, service utilization, and perceived unmet treatment needs. Small but significant racial/ethnic group differences emerged in some aspects of stigma and service utilization. Specifically, Asian and Latino/a/x parents were less likely to fully engage in recommended services; Asian parents endorsed less service availability; Latino/a/x and multiracial parents reported more unmet needs; and Asian and White parents reported significantly more affiliate stigma. There was little indication that stigma contributed to racial/ethnic differences in service utilization, except for Asian families. Results indicate that socioeconomic factors interact with race/ethnicity to impact service use and stigma.
Community health workers supporting diverse family caregivers of persons with dementia: Preliminary qualitative results from a randomized home-based study
Authors: Lee Jung-Ah , Kim Julie , Rousseau Julie , Sabino-Laughlin Eilleen , Ju Eunae , Kim Eunbee Angela , Rahmani Amir , Gibbs Lisa , Nyamathi Adeline
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives

Culturally diverse informal caregivers of community-dwelling persons with dementia face challenges in accessing dementia care resources due to language barriers and cultural stigmas surrounding dementia. This study presents the perceived intervention experiences of a home-based approach which considers the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse family caregivers in dementia care. The intervention model includes home visits by trained bilingual, non-licensed community health workers (CHWs) whose cultural histories and understandings reflect that of the caregivers. The purpose of the present study was to understand family caregivers’ experience in caregiving and their feedback on the intervention, which includes caregiver support through education and skill development.

Methods

The present study thematically analyzed qualitative data from exit interviews with caregivers who participated in a CHW-led, 12-week home visit-based intervention program.

Results

Among 57 caregivers (mean age = 63.5, SD = 14.3) who participated in the 3-month home-visit intervention and completed the exit interviews, 33% were Korean Americans, 28% Vietnamese Americans, 21% non-Hispanic Whites, and 17.5% Latino/Hispanic. The majority were females (81%) and spouses (51%). Main themes include, (a) Individual Level: Improvements in Caregiving Self-efficacy and Self-care Awareness, (b) Relational Level: Enhanced Communications and Relationships with Persons with Dementia, and (c) Community Level: Connection and Access to Community Resources and Support.

Conclusion

Interview data show that the culturally and linguistically tailored program supported diverse caregivers by increasing self-care awareness, improving knowledge about dementia and dementia care, strengthening communication skills, and facilitating access to community resources. Strong rapport between CHWs and caregivers enhanced the effectiveness of the intervention. Future approaches can focus on supporting caregivers with especially limited resources.
Evaluation of Educational Activity with Guatemalan Birth Attendants About Helping Babies Breathe
Authors: Garcia Kimberly , Flynn Emily , Alvarez Gaby , Iacob Eli
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Guatemala's Infant Mortality Rate was 20th highest in the world at 18 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022. Part of the problem is lay midwives (LMs) who attend most births at home lack training in helping babies breathe (HBB). LMs transfer babies struggling to breathe to firefighters (FF). The aims of this mixed-methods pilot study were to evaluate a HBB educational activity, explore LM and FF's lived experience HBB, and to assess if the HBB educational activity changed participants’ knowledge. Methods: Twelve LMs and six FFs (N = 18) participated in focus group discussions, completed a pretest and posttest, and provided quality improvement and demographic data. Results: Three themes emerged from focus group. Participants (1) value partnerships and collaboration, (2) know about newborn delivery and care, 3) desire continuous training to improve skills. A t-test showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge from pretest (n = 18, M = 4.17, SD = 1.295) to posttest (n = 18, M = 5.00, SD = 1.524), p = .024. Participants intend to use what they learned and would not change anything about the educational activity. Conclusion: Participants were satisfied with the HBB educational activity and viewed it as sustainable. Future educational activities should facilitate collaboration among LMs and FFs about HBB to improve Guatemala's IMR.
“What's the fun in That?”: Latinx Families’ Facilitators and Barriers to Virtual Research Participation
Authors: Esperanza Catherine , Ocegueda Ana Sofia , Garcia Anneli , Contreras-Muñoz Janie , Rodríguez Erin M.
Published: November 2024

Latinx youth face increased risk for behavioral health concerns and experience obstacles accessing behavioral health services yet remain underrepresented in behavioral health research. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a shift toward virtual research methods, but little is known about how virtual methods may affect research participation among Latinx youth and families. This study explored the facilitators and barriers to virtual research participation among Latinx families living in low-socioeconomic status (SES) contexts. Seven parents and six adolescents participated in qualitative interviews. The interviews were analyzed to identify codes, categories, and broader themes. Findings identified several facilitators to virtual research participation, including having a clear virtual protocol, using video to simulate in-person interactions, and participants’ perceptions of virtual research as safe and convenient. Barriers to virtual participation included limited technology literacy and access, online safety concerns, and technical difficulties. To promote virtual research engagement for Latinx families living in low-SES contexts, researchers should ensure accessibility and security of virtual platforms, emphasize online safety procedures, and attend to participants’ access and preferences when developing virtual protocols. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of implementing specific strategies to enhance Latinx participation in virtual behavioral health research.
SPC25 Activates the Warburg Effect to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Su Mingqiang , Luo Jingxian , Chen Wei , Li Xianyong , Ye Dayong , Zeng Xiaofu , Fu Guangqing , Xie Weiwei , Liang Yong
Published: November 2024

SPC25 is associated with unfavorable outcomes in various cancers, but its role in prostate cancer (PRAD) is unclear. More research is needed on glycolysis and ferroptosis targets in PRAD. Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze SPC25 expression disparities. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified pathways enriched by SPC25 and its correlation with glycolytic proteins. SPC25 mRNA transcriptional activity was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), while protein levels of SPC25, glycolytic markers, and ferroptosis markers were assessed using Western blot. CCK-8 was used to evaluate the effects of SPC25 on cell survival. Ferroptosis levels were measured by flow cytometry and assays for Fe2+ and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Glycolytic capacity was assessed using glucose uptake assays, lactate tests, and a Seahorse XF analyzer. In PRAD tissues and cells, SPC25 was notably upregulated and correlated with adverse outcomes. It enhanced cancer cell vitality. GSEA showed SPC25’s strong association with ferroptosis and glycolytic pathways, while Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between SPC25 and glycolytic proteins. Overexpression of SPC25 in cell lines noticeably curbed the accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species, MDA formation, and Fe2+ content, while it augmented the protein expression of ferroptosis markers. SPC25 stimulated an increase in cellular extracellular acidification rate, glucose uptake, and lactate secretion, while it dampened oxygen consumption rate, and this effect could be counteracted by 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG). Conversely, 2-DG mitigated the ferroptosis indicators that were diminished by SPC25 downregulation, including the reduction of ferroptosis marker protein expression. By upregulating glycolysis in PRAD cells, SPC25 suppresses the occurrence of ferroptosis.
Being a sibling of a child with intellectual disability from the perspective of mothers: A qualitative study
Authors: Dinç Fatma , Kurt Aylin , Güneş Şan Emine
Published: November 2024

This qualitative study was conducted to identify how being a sibling of a child with intellectual disabilities is defined for the child, its implications from the perspective of mothers. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews using a “Semi-structured interview form” between November 2023 and January 2024 with 14 mothers of children aged 12-18 who were studying in seven special education and rehabilitation centres in Türkiye. The semi-structured interview form included questions such as “Can you tell us about the relationship between your child with intellectual disability and his/her sibling?” Main themes and sub-themes were developed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified from the data through thematic analysis: (1) A special relationship (2) The need to be perfect (3) Guilt and shame (4) Restriction. The findings revealed both positive and negative aspects of being a sibling of children with intellectual disabilities from the mothers’ perspective.
Queerness and Mental Health in India: An Intersectional Approach to Sensitive Social Media Disclosures
Authors: Pinch Annika , Birnholtz Jeremy , Chaudary Jatin , Tripathi Preeti , Rawat Shruta , Dange Alpana , Kornfield Rachel
Published: November 2024

Despite the growing body of research on people disclosing sensitive details about their identities or experiences online, few studies have focused on how individuals with intersecting stigmas manage these disclosures. Those facing multiple, overlapping sources of discrimination may encounter compounded challenges, which can complicate their assessment of the perceived benefits and risks of disclosure. This study seeks to understand disclosure among individuals with intersecting stigmas by examining how queer-identifying individuals in Mumbai, India, navigate the intersection of queerness and mental health disclosures on social media. Based on qualitative findings from 35 interviews, we identify three key factors that can further enhance existing disclosure frameworks. First, the perceived risk of disclosure can be amplified by intersecting sources of stigma, such that people may be particularly wary of disclosing at all, and especially on social media. Second, the importance of community support and resources for those with intersecting stigmas can increase their focus on the communal benefits of disclosure. Third, prior experiences with disclosing stigma on particular social platforms can affect the perceived safety of disclosing on those platforms and influence the strategies used. We discuss the implications of these findings and suggest areas for further investigation to develop a more comprehensive disclosure framework for those with intersecting stigmas.
Satisfaction and Trust Should First Be Nested in Commitment Before Affecting Loyalty in the Use of Mobile Shopping Applications
Authors: Sumiyana Sumiyana , Komariyah Erna Fitri
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the active role of commitment in explaining loyalty programs when customers get their satisfaction and trust through a Mobile Shopping Application (MSA). Moreover, it reveals the staging process of satisfaction and trust, nesting in customers’ commitment before affecting loyalty. This study challenges freshness. Firstly, it criticizes that customers’ loyalty, as suggested by some extant research, depends on their direct benefits from loyalty programs but because of their involvement with them. Secondly, it offers a new alternative model by complementing the extant research, which discusses loyalty programs, inducing the users’ enhanced commitment. Thirdly, it proposes that research designed using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which influences the users’ commitment, results in validity in conclusion by implementing the measurements of general and multidimensional commitments. Moreover, multidimensional commitment outperforms the general one. Finally, this research contributes that the functional role of users’ commitment has mediated between satisfaction and trust, and loyalty programs in using an MSA. Commitment requires satisfaction and trust but must also be developed through user loyalty. Furthermore, CBT’s interactional role is in developing customers’ commitment as the second contribution due to gaining some benefits from the firm that facilitated them.
Independent Directors’ Social Connections and Analysts’ Attention Influence Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure
Authors: Wang Chaur-Shyan , Hou Tony Chieh-Tse
Published: November 2024

This study investigates how the social connections of independent directors influence the disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) information. Using data from Taiwanese firms listed on the stock market between 2013 and 2019, we employ the propensity score matching (PSM) method to compare the social networks of independent directors in firms that disclose their CSR reports with those that do not. Our findings reveal that disclosing CSR reports positively affects the centrality of independent directors’ social networks. In other words, directors who participate in CSR reporting have greater influence and better access to information within their social circles. This effect is particularly pronounced for firms with more analysts following them. Additionally, our study demonstrates that having more central and well-connected independent directors, along with increased analyst coverage, leads to greater CSR disclosure by firms. These results highlight the importance of diverse and robust social capital in enhancing transparency and promoting sustainable development for organizations.
Unveiling the Links Between EFL Learners’ Perceived L2 Writing Classroom Goal Structures, Engagement With Teacher Written Corrective Feedback, and Self-Reported Writing Proficiency Through Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Tsao Jui-Jung
Published: November 2024

This study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the connections between EFL learners’ perceptions of L2 writing classroom goal structures, engagement with teacher written corrective feedback (WCF), and self-reported writing proficiency. Data were collected from 590 EFL college students in Taiwan using the Learners’ Perceived L2 Writing Classroom Goal Structures Scale and the Student Engagement with Teacher Written Corrective Feedback Scale. The results indicated a predominant preference for mastery goal structures over performance goal structures in the classroom. Among the types of engagement with teacher WCF, behavioral engagement emerged as the most prevalent, followed by affective, cognitive, and social engagement. Notably, affective engagement was found to predict behavioral, social, and cognitive engagement, with behavioral engagement serving as a mediator between affective and cognitive engagement. Furthermore, cognitive engagement was directly linked to writing proficiency, a key finding that highlights its importance in the learning process. Other forms of engagement were shown to facilitate this relationship. The study contributes to our understanding of the interplay between classroom goal structures, engagement with teacher WCF, and writing proficiency. It offers valuable insights for English teachers on how to shape classroom goal structures and foster a learning environment that promotes active engagement, particularly in the context of feedback utilization.
Missiles and Misfits: Reimagining Home and Security for Queer Internally Displaced Persons From South Lebanon
Authors: Diab Jasmin Lilian
Published: November 2024

Executive Summary

This paper sheds light on the often-overlooked intersectionality of armed conflict, displacement, and sexual and gender identity, with a focus on the experiences of LGBTIQ+ internally displaced persons (IDPs) from South Lebanon amidst the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study conducted 18 in-depth interviews with members of the displaced LGBTIQ+ community to capture the nuances of their lived experiences. Through thematic and narrative analysis, the research aims to uncover the multifaceted challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ individuals who have been internally displaced due to the protracted conflict. The findings highlight the intricate interplay between the external conflict dynamics and the internal struggles of sexual and gender minorities navigating displacement. Themes such as resilience, identity negotiation, discrimination, and community building emerge from the narratives, providing a rich and textured understanding of the intricate fabric of their lives. The paper not only contributes to the growing body of literature on conflict-induced displacement but also foregrounds the unique challenges and coping mechanisms employed by LGBTIQ+ individuals in the face of adversity. By amplifying the voices of those often silenced, this research seeks to inform policies and interventions that are more inclusive and responsive to the specific needs of internally displaced LGBTIQ+ populations in conflict settings, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in their journeys of survival, resilience, and identity reconstruction.
Remote Work and Work-Family Conflict during COVID-19: Individual and Crossover Effects among Dual-Earning Couples
Authors: M. Brumley Krista , Montazer Shirin , Pineault Laura , Maguire Katheryn , Baltes Boris
Published: November 2024

The study investigates the association of the extent of remote work with men’s and women’s behavioral work-family conflict and their partners’ behavioral work-family conflict. The authors examine if these effects vary by parental status. Analyses of survey data from 343 U.S. dual-earning couples collected during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic show that among couples with children, their extent of remote work is positively associated with both their own and their partners’ behavioral family-to-work conflict but is not associated with their own or their partners’ behavioral work-to-family conflict. For child-free couples, findings show that their extent of remote work does not affect their own work-family conflict (bidirectional). For child-free women only, behavioral work-to-family and family-to-work conflict increase as a function of their partners’ extent of remote work. The authors offer insights into potential policy for work organizations, including benefits that provide time or financial assistance to help employees manage family obligations that might interfere with work.
System-Based Intervention for Medical Providers to Improve Dental Attendance in Adult Primary Care
Authors: Bales G.C. , Kim E.G.R. , Curtan S. , Selvaraj D. , Riedy C.A. , Heintschel G.P , Bruce R.D. , Albert J.M. , Kaelber D.C. , Nelson S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

There are minimal evidence-based outcomes from clinical trials for medical-dental integration. This formative work and pilot study is a precursor to a larger cluster-randomized clinical trial in adult primary care practices to test an electronic health record (EHR) structured workflow for primary care providers (physicians/nurse practitioners [NPs]) and medical staff (medical assistants [MAs] and nurses) with oral health (OH) screening and referral for Medicaid-enrolled adults ≥55 years.

Methods:

This study was conducted in 2 practices with providers, medical staff, and older adults. Focus groups preceded the pilot study to gain stakeholder insights prior to the multilevel interventions of systems changes and provider education. The system-level EHR changes for medical staff included ask (OH screening), advise (visit dentist soon/annually), assess (need for referral: eReferral to co-located dentists or structured referral to community dentists), and connect (referral; resources). Provider education (didactic and skills) was based on the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM) to deliver OH facts to older adults at primary care visits. Descriptive analysis was used to report on process outcomes of reach, adoption, and implementation/fidelity.

Results:

After stakeholder input, the CSM-based didactic and skills curriculum was developed, and 4 physicians were trained. Changes in the Epic EHR were implemented, and 19 medical staff were trained in this new structured workflow together with physicians. In terms of reach, 83% (N = 80) of older adults were enrolled out of 96 approached (female: 66%; non-Hispanic: 83%; Caucasian: 43%). Workflow adoption was 100% of MAs completing the EHR questions and 89% of providers documenting giving OH facts. About 94% of older adults reported their physician giving them OH facts indicating implementation/fidelity of the intervention. About 60% of older adults reported no dental visits in the past year, and 66% requested eReferrals.

Conclusion:

This study presents an innovative systems-based multilevel intervention for medical-dental integration.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of this study can be used by practice leadership and clinicians when incorporating oral health into primary care for older adults. Considering adoption and implementation costs, this information could lead to a more complete approach to address oral health with patients.
Sociodemographic Disparities in Access, Timing, and Outcomes of Cleft Palate Repair in the United States
Authors: Munabi Naikhoba C.O. , Obinero Chioma G. , Valenti Alyssa B. , Greives Matthew R , Imahiyerobo Thomas A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The timing of cleft palate (CP) repair has been refined based on decades of study to optimize feeding, speech, and quality of life outcomes. However, sociodemographic disparities may impact accessibility of cleft care, surgical timing, and outcomes. This study reviews published data on sociodemographic disparities impacting primary CP repair access, timing, and outcomes in the United States. Methods: A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines in the Pubmed, Embase, and Medline/OVID databases. Included studies focused on sociodemographic disparities in access to, timing, and outcomes after CP surgery. Studies performed outside the United States or published before 2000 were excluded. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in the review focusing on access to care (n = 8), financial cost (n = 1), surgical timing (n = 12), and surgical outcomes (n = 9). Access is most challenging for non-White patients and those with public insurance. Financial disparities are poorly studied and understood. Non-White, particularly Asian patients, those with public insurance, or geographically remote patients receive delayed care. The same populations struggle with obtaining quality outcomes. Government health policies or the provision of a cleft navigator can resolve disparities in surgical timing and potentially outcomes. Conclusions: Disparities in CP repair access and outcomes affect minority, particularly Asian, publicly insured, and geographically remote patients. The presence of a cleft navigator to help guide patients through the healthcare system can be effective. Future studies should aim to further investigate financial disparities and design initiatives that improve coordination of care for CP surgery in underserved populations.
Investigating social orienting in children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome and ‘idiopathic’ autism
Authors: San José Cáceres Antonia , Wilkinson Emma , Cooke Jennifer , Baskett Victoria , Blackmore Charlotte , Crawley Daisy Victoria , Durkin Allison , Halpern Danielle , Núñez María , Siper Page , Murphy Declan G. , Foss-Feig Jennifer , Kolevzon Alexander , Loth Eva
Published: November 2024

Background

Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by developmental delay/intellectual disability, absent or delayed speech, physical dysmorphic features and high rates of autistic features. However, it is currently unknown whether people with PMS have similar neurocognitive atypicalities to those previously identified in idiopathic autism. Disruption in social orienting has previously been suggested as an early hallmark feature of idiopathic autism that impacts social learning and social interaction.

Methods

This study used a semi-naturalistic task to explore orienting to social versus non-social stimuli and its relation to clinical features in individuals diagnosed with PMS, autism, and neurotypical children recruited in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Results

At the group level, autistic and neurotypical children responded on average more often to social than non-social stimuli, while children with PMS responded similarly to both stimulus types. Both clinical groups responded significantly less often to social stimuli than neurotypical children. In addition, we found considerable variability in orienting responses within each group that were of clinical relevance. In the autism group, non-social orienting was associated with mental age, while in the PMS group social and non-social orienting were related to strength of autistic features.

Conclusions

These findings do not support specific social motivation difficulties in either clinical group. Instead, they highlight the importance of exploring individual differences in orienting responses in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome in relation to autistic features.

Trial registration

NA.
Greater risk-taking by non-native than native shrimp: an advantage in a human-disturbed environment?
Authors: Gómez Alfredo Escanciano , Ipenburg Charlotte , Candolin Ulrika
Published: November 2024

Background

The invasion of non-native species into ecosystems is a growing human-induced problem. To control their spread and population growth, knowledge is needed on the factors that facilitate or impede their invasions. In animals, traits often associated with invasion success are high activity, boldness, and aggression. However, these traits also make individuals susceptible to predation, which could curb population growth. We investigated if a recent invader into the Baltic Sea, the shrimp Palaemon elegans, differs in risk-taking from a native shrimp, P. adspersus. We recorded activity, habitat choice, and response to perceived predation threat of both species.

Results

We found the invading shrimp to take greater risks than the native one; while the native shrimp adjusted its behaviour to habitat structure and exposure to a perceived predator, the non-native shrimp did not, and it resumed normal activity sooner after a perceived predation threat. Despite the greater risk taking by the non-native shrimp, its population has grown rapidly during the last two decades in the investigated area and is now larger than that of the native shrimp.

Conclusions

We discuss plausible explanations for the population growth of the invader, including the recent decline in predatory fishes that could have reduced the cost of risk-taking, and anthropogenic eutrophication that has increased food abundance could have allowed the population growth. These results stress the need to assess the optimality of the behaviours of both native and non-native species when investigating the factors that influence invasion success in human-disturbed environments.
Addressing psychological resilience and its determinants among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a three-wave longitudinal study in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Pan Lutong , Zhao Jingjing , Pang Mingli , Wang Jieru , Zhou Yue , Chen Rui , Liu Hui , Xu Xixing , Su Baochen , Nie Limei , Zhao Jiajia , Li Shixue , Li Jiajia , Li Hexian , Kong Fanlei
Published: November 2024

Background

The relationship between public health emergencies and psychological distress had been well known, yet none research had been conducted on the trend in psychological resilience and its longitudinal determinants during the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the changes of psychological resilience of university students during COVID-19 pandemic, and further clarify the longitudinal relationship between family factors, mental health, social mentality and psychological resilience.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed to students from five universities in Shandong Province, China during the COVID-19. A total of 1635 students were finally included in this three-wave follow-up study using stratified random sampling method. Mental health was assessed by Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, social mentality was measured by the Bi-Dimensional Structure Questionnaire of Social Mentality, psychological resilience was evaluated by the Chinese version of the Psychological Resilience Scale. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the longitudinal changes of psychological resilience, generalized estimating equation (GEE) was conducted to estimate the determinants of psychological resilience.

Results

Psychological resilience changed from 28.37 in Wave 1, 29.10 in Wave 2, and 29.15 in Wave 3 among the university students. The students who majored in Art (β = 0.872, P = 0.032), parents (mother β = 0.546, P = 0.035; father β = 0.718, P = 0.012) had a greater influence on children’s personality, and positive social mentality (β = 5.725, P < 0.001) were more likely to report a higher psychological resilience. Being female (β=-0.932, P < 0.001), not being a student leader (β=-0.911, P < 0.001), being anxious (β=-1.845, P < 0.001) and depressed (β=-1.846, P < 0.001), and negative social mentality (β=-0.803, P < 0.001) were less likely to report a higher psychological resilience.

Conclusions

The psychological resilience of the university students in Shandong Province, China increased significantly from Wave 1 to Wave 3 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Majoring in Art, parents having a greater influence on children’s personality, better mental health, positive social mentality were more likely to report a higher psychological resilience, while female, not student leader, worse mental health, and negative social mentality were less likely to report a higher the psychological resilience.
Five-year tuberculosis trends analysis in eight districts of Mwanza region, Tanzania; (2017–2021)
Authors: Beyanga Medard , Chegou Novel N. , Walzl Gerhard , Mshana Stephen E. , Christa Kasang
Published: November 2024

Background

In Tanzania like other developing countries, TB detection is hindered by totally missed, late notification, and delayed diagnosis of active cases. Apart from having TB control strategies and interventions to detect patients and put them on treatment to cut down the chain of transmission, TB remains a health concern. Limited data exist on the burden and trends of tuberculosis in Mwanza, which includes fishing communities and living conditions that are associated with high TB transmission like overcrowding. This study aimed to determine tuberculosis trends in the Mwanza region of Tanzania for five years, from 2017 to 2021.

Methods

We extracted routine TB diagnostic data from 2017 to 2021 from eight districts of the Mwanza region of Tanzania from the electronic TB database. Data were captured in Microsoft Office Excel 2007 with district TB and leprosy coordinators and then imported into STATA 13 (Stata Corp LLC, College Station, TX, USA) for analysis. We estimated the TB case detection rate per 100,000 population.

Results

A total of 6,414 laboratory-confirmed tuberculosis cases were detected in eight districts of the Mwanza region in Tanzania from 2017 to 2021. The average tuberculosis detection rate in five years was 34.7 per 100,000 population. Overall, the TB detection rate was two times higher in people without HIV (30.5) compared to those infected with HIV; 13.4 per 100,000 population. Of the 15 rifampicin-resistant TB cases detected in the year 2018, 66.7% (10/15) were HIV-negative compared to 33.3% (5/15) infected with HIV.

Conclusion

The TB case detection rate decreased in Mwanza region from 43.9 in 2017 to 21.4 per 100,000 population in 2021. Other parameters were missing in the database, which indicates remarkable gaps in the established database to monitor TB management in the region. The program may consider investigating and improving the documentation of information necessary to attain its goals.
Health impacts of takeaway management zones around schools in six different local authorities across England: a public health modelling study using PRIMEtime
Authors: Rogers Nina Trivedy , Amies-Cull Ben , Adams Jean , Chang Michael , Cummins Steven , Derbyshire Daniel , Hassan Suzan , Keeble Matthew , Liu Bochu , Medina-Lara Antonieta , Savory Bea , Rahilly John , Smith Richard , Thompson Claire , White Martin , Mytton Oliver , Burgoine Thomas
Published: November 2024

Background

In England, the number of takeaway food outlets (‘takeaways’) has been increasing for over two decades. Takeaway management zones around schools are an effective way to restrict the growth of new takeaways but their impacts on population health have not been estimated.

Methods

To model the impact of takeaway management zones on health, we used estimates of change in and exposure to takeaways (across home, work, and commuting buffers) based on a previous evaluation suggesting that 50% of new outlets were prevented from opening because of management zones. Based on previous cross-sectional findings, we estimated changes in body mass index (BMI) from changes in takeaway exposure, from 2018 to 2040. We used PRIMEtime, a proportional multistate lifetable model, and BMI change to estimate the impact of the intervention, in a closed-cohort of adults (25–64 years), on incidence of 12 non-communicable diseases, obesity prevalence, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and healthcare costs saved by 2040 in six local authorities (LAs) across the rural–urban spectrum in England (Wandsworth, Manchester, Blackburn with Darwen, Sheffield, North Somerset, and Fenland).

Results

By 2031, compared to no intervention, reductions in outlet exposure ranged from 3 outlets/person in Fenland to 28 outlets/person in Manchester. This corresponded to mean per person reductions in BMI of 0.08 and 0.68 kg/m2, respectively. Relative to no intervention, obesity prevalence was estimated to be reduced in both sexes in all LAs, including by 2.3 percentage points (PP) (95% uncertainty interval:2.9PP, 1.7PP) to 1.5PP (95%UI:1.9PP, 1.1PP) in males living in Manchester and Wandsworth by 2040, respectively. Model estimates showed reductions in incidence of disease, including type II diabetes (e.g. 964 (95% UI: 1565, 870) fewer cases/100,000 population for males in Manchester)), cardiovascular diseases, asthma, certain cancers, and low back pain. Savings in healthcare costs (millions) ranged from £1.65 (95% UI: £1.17, £2.25)/100,000 population in North Somerset to £2.02 (95% UI: £1.39, £2.83)/100,000 population in Wandsworth. Gains in QALYs/100,000 person were broadly similar across LAs.

Conclusions

Takeaway management zones in England have the potential to meaningfully contribute towards reducing obesity prevalence and associated healthcare burden in the adult population, at the local level and across the rural–urban spectrum.
Arachidonic acid impairs natural killer cell functions by disrupting signaling pathways driven by activating receptors and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Hammoud Mohamad K. , Meena Celina , Dietze Raimund , Hoffmann Nathalie , Szymanski Witold , Finkernagel Florian , Nist Andrea , Stiewe Thorsten , Graumann Johannes , von Strandmann Elke Pogge , Müller Rolf
Published: November 2024

Background

High levels of the polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) within the ovarian carcinoma (OC) microenvironment correlate with reduced relapse-free survival. Furthermore, OC progression is tied to compromised immunosurveillance, partially attributed to the impairment of natural killer (NK) cells. However, potential connections between AA and NK cell dysfunction in OC have not been studied.

Methods

We employed a combination of phosphoproteomics, transcriptional profiling and biological assays to investigate AA’s impact on NK cell functions.

Results

AA (i) disrupts interleukin-2/15-mediated expression of pro-inflammatory genes by inhibiting STAT1-dependent signaling, (ii) hampers signaling by cytotoxicity receptors through disruption of their surface expression, (iii) diminishes phosphorylation of NKG2D-induced protein kinases, including ERK1/2, LYN, MSK1/2 and STAT1, and (iv) alters reactive oxygen species production by transcriptionally upregulating detoxification. These modifications lead to a cessation of NK cell proliferation and a reduction in cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight significant AA-induced alterations in the signaling network that regulates NK cell activity. As low expression of several NK cell receptors correlates with shorter OC patient survival, these findings suggest a functional linkage between AA, NK cell dysfunction and OC progression.