bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OS EFEITOS DAS MUDANÇAS CLIMÁTICAS E DA DESINFORMAÇÃO: O CASO DAS ENCHENTES NO RIO GRANDE DO SUL
Authors: Fanfa Michele de , Costa Camilo Silva , Tolentino Neto Luiz Caldeira Brant de
Published: February 2025

Nos últimos anos, a negação das mudanças climáticas tem se tornado um tema cada vez mais presente no debate público global. Estudos recentes revelam que uma parcela significativa da população ainda duvida da veracidade das alterações climáticas, influenciados, em grande parte, pelas dinâmicas das redes sociais e pela influência de figuras públicas. A negação climática assume contornos ainda mais críticos quando consideramos o aumento da frequência e da intensidade das catástrofes ambientais, no presente estudo, retratadas pelas enchentes. Este artigo visa explorar, teoricamente e tomando como cenário as enchentes no Rio Grande do Sul, como a desinformação e a negação climática se manifestam, se perpetuam e as suas consequências específicas para um país vulnerável como o Brasil. Ainda, exploramos o discurso da divulgação científica como aliado ao combate da negação científica.
Palavras-chave: negacionismo climático; mudanças climáticas; desinformação; desigualdade social.
Abstract
In recent years, climate change denial has become an increasingly prominent topic in the global public debate. Recent studies reveal that a significant part of the population still doubts the reality of climate change, largely influenced by social media dynamics and the influence of public figures. Climate change denial takes on even more critical dimensions when we consider the increasing frequency and intensity of environmental disasters, portrayed in this study through the floods. This text aims to explore how misinformation and climate change denial manifest and persist, and their specific consequences for a vulnerable country like Brazil. Additionally, we explored the discourse of popular science as an ally in the fight against scientific denialism.
Keywords: climate change denial; climate change; misinformation; social inequality.
Resumen
En los últimos años, la negación del cambio climático se ha convertido en un tema cada vez más presente en el debate público global. Estudios recientes revelan que una parte significativa de la población todavía duda de la veracidad del cambio climático, influenciada, en gran parte, por las dinámicas de las redes sociales y por la influencia de figuras públicas. La negación climática asume contornos más críticos cuando se considera el aumento de la frecuencia e intensidad de las catástrofes ambientales, en el presente estudio, retratadas por las inundaciones. Ese artículo tiene como objetivo explorar, teóricamente y tomando como escenario las inundaciones en el estado de Rio Grande do Sul, cómo la desinformación y la negación climática se manifiestan, se perpetúan y sus consecuencias específicas para un país vulnerable como Brasil. Además, se explora el discurso de la divulgación científica como aliado al combate de la negación científica.
Palabras clave: negacionismo climático; cambio climático; desinformación; desigualdad social.
Agreement Between Provider-Completed and Patient-Completed Preoperative Frailty Screening Using the Clinical Risk Analysis Index: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Khalighi Mehraneh , Thomas Amy C , Brown Karl J , Ritchey Katherine C
Published: February 2025

Background

Frailty is associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Preoperative screening and management of persons with frailty improves postoperative outcomes. The Clinical Risk Analysis Index (RAI-C) is a validated provider-based screening tool for assessing frailty in presurgical populations. Patient self-screening for frailty may provide an alternative to provider-based screening if resources are limited; however, the agreement between these 2 methods has not been previously explored.

Objective

The objective of our study was to examine provider-completed versus patient-completed RAI-C assessments to identify areas of disagreement between the 2 methods and inform best practices for RAI-C screening implementation.

Methods

Orthopedic physicians and physician assistants completed the RAI-C assessment on veterans aged 65 years and older undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty (eg, total hip or knee arthroplasty) and documented scores into the electronic health record during their preoperative clinic evaluation. Participants were then mailed the same RAI-C form after preoperative evaluation and returned responses to study coordinators. Agreement between provider-completed and patient-completed RAI-C assessments and differences within individual domains were compared.

Results

A total of 49 participants aged 65 years and older presenting for total joint arthroplasty underwent RAI-C assessment between November 2022 and August 2023. In total, 41% (20/49) of participants completed and returned an independent postvisit RAI-C assessment before surgery and within 180 days of their initial evaluation. There was a moderate but statistically significant correlation between provider-completed and patient-completed RAI-C assessments (r=0.62; 95% CI 0.25-0.83; P=.003). Provider-completed and patient-completed RAI-C assessments resulted in the same frailty classification in 60% (12/20) of participants, but 40% (8/20) of participants were reclassified to a more frail category based on patient-completed assessment. Agreement was the lowest between provider-completed and patient-completed screening questions regarding memory and activities of daily living.

Conclusions

RAI-C had moderate agreement when completed by providers versus the participants themselves, with more than a third of patient-completed screens resulting in a higher frailty classification. Future studies will need to explore the differences between and accuracy of RAI-C screening approaches to inform best practices for preoperative RAI-C assessment implementation.
Empowering Recovery: Co-Development of a Smoking Cessation Rehabilitation Program with Patients and Caregivers (Preprint)
Authors: Essel Arthur Kingsley
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

The cessation of smoking presents a complex process, particularly for individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions such as ADHD and anxiety. These individuals often use nicotine as a form of self-medication, making the cessation process particularly challenging. This study explores how participatory methods can be employed in the creation, implementation, and assessment of a rehabilitation program tailored for former smokers in developing tailored interventions that address both physical and psychological aspects of smoking cessation.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to explore the impact of collaborative involvement among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in the co-development of a rehabilitation program designed to support individuals in their journey to quit smoking, focusing on enhancing impulse control and managing psychological symptoms such as anxiety and ADHD.

METHODS

We adopted a mix-method approach
1. Qualitative Interviews: These were conducted to deepen our understanding of participants' experiences with tobacco use and their rehabilitation requirements.
2. Co-Design Workshops: These involved active participation from patients, caregivers, and experts to co-create the program, leveraging technologies like cognitive-behavioral therapy modules.
3. Longitudinal Observational Study: This was designed to evaluate the program's effects on impulse control, anxiety, and ADHD symptom management using established scales such as the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and GAD-7.

RESULTS

The active engagement of patients and caregivers was pivotal in shaping the program; it helped construct a need assessment, resulting in tailored interventions that addressed specific needs, including immediate feedback mechanisms for stress management and personalized coping strategies. Preliminary findings indicated a statistically significant improvement in impulse control, a reduction in anxiety levels, and enhanced management of ADHD symptoms. Participants reported increased confidence in their ability to navigate the cessation process. We maintained ethical standards through informed consent, allowing participant autonomy in the design phase, and providing mechanisms for feedback and withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the transformative potential of participatory research in rehabilitation, particularly in understanding and addressing the psychological challenges associated with smoking cessation. Engaging individuals with lived experiences not only aligns interventions with clinical needs but also enhances participant satisfaction and engagement.The findings advocate for the broader adoption of participatory approaches in rehabilitation research to ensure that interventions are both scientifically sound and practically applicable.
Online Illicit Drug Distribution in Thailand: Results From an Exploratory Qualitative Content Analysis of X Advertisements. (Preprint)
Authors: Lamy Francois Rene , Paek Seung Chun , Meemon Natthani
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

The study examines the content of illicit drug advertisements on X (formerly Twitter) in Thailand. Over the past decade, social media platforms have been utilized to facilitate online substance trade, leveraging their anonymity, ease of access, and user-friendly interfaces. Despite the growth in use of such platforms for drug distribution, there is a paucity of research conducted in Thailand that aimed to grasp the types of substances, marketing strategies, and public health risks associated with this phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE

Inductively explore the content of tweets advertising drugs in the Thai language.

METHODS

Tweets advertising psychoactive substances in the Thai Language were collected manually between April and July 2024. A qualitative content analysis was performed on collected tweets. Tweets were coded based on five themes: types of substances advertised, marketing strategies, delivery methods, number of substances per tweet, and location references. Intercoder reliability for each theme were assessed using Krippendorff’s Alpha, achieving substantial agreement across most codes.

RESULTS

During the data collection period, 3,832 tweets advertising drugs were collected. Most tweets (63.3%) mentioned five or more substances, with depressants like opioids (73.3%), antihistamines (62.5%), and benzodiazepines (52.4%) being the most frequently advertised. Common marketing techniques included direct contact information (74.3%) and fast delivery (31.7%). Delivery methods primarily involved courier services, but tend to offer multiple options at once. Tweets that mentioned at least one sex-performance enhancer were frequently (77.7%) advertised in combination with a benzodiazepine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study results suggest the presence of a large number of substances advertised for sale on the Thai X chatter. This digital form of drug trading is facilitated by possible direct messaging and the large number of courier services existing in Thailand. Our findings call for the development of real-time monitoring systems harnessing drug-related data from social media to inform public health practitioners about emerging substances and trends and address the challenges posed by the digital drug trade.
Protocol of the study for Setting up of a system for “Medical Certification of Cause of Death” for non-institutional deaths in a selected area of a Taluk of Kolar district, Karnataka, India: feasibility and validity (Preprint)
Authors: Muralidhar Madhusudan , Rangamani Sukanya , Kulothungan Vaitheeswaran , Das Priyanka , Vishwakarma Monesh B
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

The current coverage of Medical Certification of Cause of Death in India is only 22.5%. This is largely attributed to significant proportion of deaths occurring outside the hospital (non-institutional deaths). The cause of death in such cases is unlikely to be certified by any doctor. The present study attempts to address this gap by developing a system to provide MCCD for non-institutional deaths in the country. This is first of the kind study attempting to address the gap of coverage as well as reliability of MCCD for non-institutional deaths.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of “Physician derived Cause of death” approach for deducing “cause of death” in “non-institutional deaths” in a selected area of Kolar Taluk, Karnataka and to validate this approach

METHODS

Doctors of selected major hospitals in Kolar taluk and PHC medical officers and private practitioners of 2 selected PHC areas of the taluk would be trained in arriving at “Cause of Death” in “non-institutional deaths” using the “PhyCoD” tool. The “cause of death” deduced by this approach would be validated against the ‘gold standard’ autopsy wherever possible. The approach will also be tested for “inter-rater reliability”.

Expected outcome:
a) Development of a tool for physicians for deducing “Cause of Death” in “non-institutional deaths”
b) Increased coverage of MCCD for “non-institutional deaths”
c) Improved accuracy in the reporting of “cause of death” for “non-institutional deaths”
d) Reduced delay in the reporting of “cause of death” for “non-institutional deaths”

RESULTS

Preparation of tools questionnaires and Pilot Phase data collection have been completed

CONCLUSIONS

Expected outcomes of the project are:-
a) Development of a tool for physicians for deducing Cause of Death in non-institutional deaths
b) Increased coverage of non-institutional deaths under MCCD
c) Improved accuracy of the cause of death reporting for non-institutional deaths
d) Reduced delay of the cause of death reporting for non-institutional deaths

CLINICALTRIAL

NA
Impact of Physiotherapy Intervention on Pain, Quality of Life, and Function in Low Back Pain Associated with Piriformis Syndrome. A protocol for a systematic review. (Preprint)
Authors: Deshmukh Nikita
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

It is a neuromuscular condition with hip and buttock pain, and other symptoms including referred pain towards lower back to the leg and radiated towards medial aspect of the foot. Similarly low back pain because of piriformis syndrome is undetected or difficult to diagnose because of similar symptoms of lumbar disc herniation, lumbar stenosis, or radiculopathy as well neurogenic pain. The study conducted on 2013 finding out 2910 patients having low back pain with sciatica. The most common cause of low back pain because of piriformis muscle stiffness. The prevalence of low back pain in piriformis syndrome is 5-36%. It more commonly seen in women than males.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review protocol seeks to identifying the evidence whether physiotherapy interventions effectively relieve pain, improve the functional outcomes, and enhance the quality of life among individuals suffering from low back pain associated with piriformis syndrome.

METHODS

This review will look at randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Non-RCT that involve physiotherapy for patients with low back pain linked to piriformis syndrome. The studies included must report on pain levels or improvements in function related to quality-of-life outcomes. Searches will take place in Google Scholar, Pubmed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and PEDro for articles published from January 2014 to January 2025. Two reviewers will individually check the studies, choose relevant ones, and collect data while assessing quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We will provide a narrative summary of the findings, concentrating on data about pain management, functional improvement, and quality of life enhancements.

RESULTS

The effectiveness of therapy for low back pain linked to piriformis syndrome will be evaluated by calculating standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to measure primary outcomes such pain intensity, quality of life, and functional improvement. A narrative approach will be the primary method used for data synthesis due to the anticipated variation among studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic review protocol is designed with the view to identify effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for managing low back pain in piriformis syndrome. Through their analysis, RCTs will be reviewed with evidence-based recommendations on the reduction of pain, improving function, and enhancing quality of life.

CLINICALTRIAL

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under ID: CRD42025644124
FACULTY PERSPECTIVES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETENCY-BASED MEDICAL EDUCATION AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDIA
Authors: DANASEGARAN MURUGESAN  , AYIESWURYA VAITHILINGAM  , RASHMI RAMANATHAN  , THIRUMURUGAN MUTHUKUMARASAMY  , VIVIN VINCENT  , JEEVITHAN SHANMUGAM
Published: February 2025

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the perspectives of faculty members at Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, on the implementation of CBME.
Methods: Forty-three faculty members had participated in a cross-sectional study at ANIIMS, Port Blair. A structured and validated questionnaire from previous CBME studies in India was utilized, featuring both closed-ended (five-point Likert scale) and open-ended questions. The questionnaire assessed faculty preparedness, perspectives, and challenges in implementing CBME, covering domains such as familiarity with CBME, training levels, resource constraints, and perceived bottlenecks. It was administered through Google forms, shared in person and through electronic media. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics for categorical variables and subgroup comparisons performed using the Chi-square test at a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Most respondents were aware of the components of CBME (76.74%) and have participated in CBME-related training (69.77%). However, only 60.47% of respondents said that they were confident in their ability to teach in small groups, and only 51.16% said that they were familiar with assessment tools. Lack of administrative support (76.74%), time limits for defining specific learning objectives (76.74%), and a lack of faculty strength (88.37%) were the biggest obstacles. There were also logistical issues with interdepartmental cooperation (74.42%) and assessment (67.44%). Feedback systems were found to be in need of improvement, with 81.40% of respondents saying they needed more instruction on how to give constructive criticism.
Conclusion: Although ANIIMS faculty acknowledges CBME as a beneficial reform, they have major obstacles in the areas of personnel, training, and logistical assistance. To maximize CBME implementation and delivery, these weaknesses must be filled through focused faculty development initiatives, administrative actions, and resource distribution.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO DETERMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF PROBIOTICS AS AN ADJUNCT TO ANTIHISTAMINES COMPARED TO ANTIHISTAMINES ALONE IN PATIENTS WITH ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Authors: NAGUR SHARONE GRACE  , MONICA N  , MATTAM SARATH CHANDRA  , VEENA B
Published: February 2025

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of probiotics as an adjunct therapy to antihistamines in comparison to antihistamines alone in individuals suffering from allergic rhinitis (AR).
Methods: A non-blinded, comparative study included 100 patients with AR selected from Government E.N.T Hospital’s allergy clinic, Koti, Hyderabad. The participants were categorized into two groups of 50 patients each and received tablet levocetirizine 5 mg in the first group and tablet levocetirizine 5 mg plus capsule Sporlac plus (2.5 billion cells) in second group, for 28 days. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS), complete blood count (CBC), and absolute eosinophil count (AEC) were done at start and at the end of 28 days. Participants were followed up at the end of 28 days.
Results: There were no remarkable variations observed statistically in TNSS scoring and CBC among both groups; however, clinical significance was noted within each group. Mean AEC at baseline and at the end of 28 days in group 1 was 515.8 ± 47.02 cells/μL and 325.5 ± 52.9 cells/μL and in group 2 was 504.5 ± 41.19 cells/μL and 188.3 ± 51.7 cells/μL, respectively. There was a significant variation in average AEC at the end of 28 days of treatment (p<0.05). Only mild adverse effects were observed across all groups.
Conclusion: Although both treatments were found to have equal efficacy in alleviating symptoms of AR with good safety profile, probiotics as an adjunct to antihistamine significantly reduced AEC count when compared to anti-histamine alone proven to have more clinical benefit.
NOVEL ULTRA-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD FOR CONCURRENT ESTIMATION AND PHARMACOKINETIC ANALYSIS OF FAVIPIRAVIR AND MOLNUPIRAVIR IN RAT PLASMA
Authors: GOPE EDWARD RAJU  , SRIKANTH POTTENDLA  , SUNEETHA YAPARTHI
Published: February 2025

Objectives: The objective of this study was to establish a rapid and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of molnupiravir and favipiravir in rat plasma using nirmatrelvir as internal reference.
Methods: The separation was performed on Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) by isocratic elution with a buffer containing 1 mL of formic acid in 1 L of water and the mixer of two components such as buffer and acetonitrile in the ratio of 70:30 as mobile phase with flow rate was 0.3 mL/min at ambient temperature.
Results: Analysis was carried out within 3 min over a good linear concentration range from 100 ng/mL to 4000 ng/mL for both drugs of favipiravir (r2=0.9999±0.018) and molnupiravir (r2=0.9998±0.006). This method has been successfully applied, exploring favipiravir (3.33 mg/kg) and molnupiravir (3.33 mg/kg) with internal standard nirmatrelvir extracted from rat plasma using liquid–liquid extraction.
Conclusion: The drugs were stable throughout the stability studies according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines, just because, the validated approach has successfully conducting to the pharmacokinetic studies of two drugs.
Malicious Ransomware Threats on Major Industry
Authors: Greenfield M.C.
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Malicious ransomware targeting large companies is the main topic of this paper. It describes the steps that
organizations should take to stop these assaults. Ransomware attacks in the banking and finance sector, executed by groups like
hacker groups, have become far more frequent
Enhancing Employee Performance in Islamic Banking: The Moderating Role of Religiosity
Authors: Yasir Yasir , Bachmid Sofyan , Ermawati Ermawati , Noval Noval , Nurwanita Nurwanita
Published: February 2025

Organizational culture, happiness at work, and leadership have been widely studied, yet the complex interactions among these factors and the role of religiosity in employee performance remain poorly understood, especially in the context of Islamic banking. This study investigates these relationships and their impact on the employee performance of Bank Muamalat Indonesia (BMI) in the Palu Branch, with religiosity as the moderating variable. Data were collected using closed questionnaires from all employees at the branch and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that organizational culture and happiness at work significantly enhance employee performance, while leadership does not have a significant impact. Notably, religiosity strengthens the positive effect of organizational culture on employee performance, indicating that religious values can deepen employee commitment and productivity by providing greater meaning and purpose in their work. The study highlights the importance of incorporating religiosity to foster an inclusive and productive work environment in Islamic banking. Future research with a more comprehensive design and a more diverse sample is recommended to further explore these relationships.========================================================================================================ABSTRAK – Meningkatkan Kinerja Karyawan Perbankan Syariah: Peran Moderasi Religiositas. Meskipun budaya organisasi, kebahagiaan di tempat kerja, dan kepemimpinan telah banyak diteliti, kompleksitas hubungan di antara faktor-faktor tersebut dan peran religiositas terhadap kinerja karyawan masih belum terpahami dengan baik, terutama dalam konteks perbankan syariah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji hubungan tersebut dan pengaruhnya terhadap kinerja karyawan Bank Muamalat Indonesia (BMI) Cabang Palu dengan religiositas sebagai variabel moderasi. Data penelitian dikumpulkan melalui penyebaran kuesioner kepada seluruh karyawan BMI di cabang tersebut yang kemudian dianalisis dengan Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa budaya organisasi dan kebahagiaan di tempat kerja secara signifikan meningkatkan kinerja karyawan, sementara kepemimpinan tidak berpengaruh signifikan. Menariknya, religiositas memperkuat dampak positif budaya organisasi terhadap kinerja karyawan yang mengindikasikan bahwa nilai-nilai keagamaan dapat memperdalam komitmen dan produktivitas karyawan dengan memberikan makna dan tujuan yang lebih besar dalam pekerjaan mereka. Studi ini menekankan pentingnya integrasi aspek religiositas untuk membangun lingkungan kerja yang inklusif dan produktif di perbankan syariah. Penelitian lanjutan dengan desain yang lebih komprehensif dan sampel yang lebih beragam masih diperlukan untuk memvalidasi dan memperluas hubungan ini.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis (Experts’ Agreement)
Authors: Sandler Yu. G. , Vinnitskaya E. V. , Raikhelson K. L. , Ivashkin K. V. , Batskikh S. N. , Aleksandrova E. N. , Abdurakhmanov D. T. , Abdulganieva D. I. , Bakulin I. G. , Bueverov A. O. , Vorobyev S. L. , Gerasimova O. A. , Dolgushina A. I. , Zhuravleva M. S. , Ilchenko L. Yu. , Karev V. E. , Korochanskaya N. V. , Kliaritskaia I. L. , Karnaukhov N. S. , Lapin S. V. , Livzan M. A. , Maevskaya M. V. , Marchenko N. V. , Nekrasova T. P. , Nikitin I. G. , Novikov A. A. , Saifutdinov R. G. , Skazyvaeva E. V. , Syutkin V. E. , Prashnova M. K. , Khaymenova T. Yu. , Khomerik S. G.
Published: February 2025

Background. In the last decade, the understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has significantly deepened, based on the results of new clinical studies some diagnostic issues have been revised and immunosuppressive therapy regimens have been optimized.Materials and methods. The latest Russian clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of AIH were presented in 2013; and in 2017, the first Russian agreement on the diagnosis and treatment of AIH was held. Updating approaches to the management of patients with AIH necessitated next systematization for use in clinical practice. In February 2024, the final session was held to discuss the provisions of the second agreement on the diagnosis and treatment of AIH.Results. This publication presents the main discussion points of the agreement regarding methods and algorithms for detecting autoantibodies, the role of liver biopsy, revised morphological criteria for AIH, optimized immunosuppressive therapy regimens, updated criteria for assessing the response to therapy.Conclusions. The agreement was the result of the work of a group of experts on the diagnosis and treatment of AIH and represents the basis for the creation of updated federal clinical guidelines.
Prevalence, Diagnostics and Treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in the Clinical Practice in Southern Federal District of the Russian Federation
Authors: Korochanskaya N. V. , Kliaritskaya I. L. , Serikova S. N. , Tkachev A. V. , Koroleva M. V. , Basenko M. A.
Published: February 2025

Aim: to optimize the provision of medical care to patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in the Southern Federal District based on clarification of data on the epidemiology of the syndrome (disease), unification of approaches to diagnostics and treatment.Materials and methods. We analysed the questionnaires sent to the main gastroenterologists of the federal subjects included in the Southern Federal District, which contained questions in epidemiology, diagnostics and treatment SIBO in different districts.Results. A survey of chief gastroenterologists of the Southern Federal District has demonstrated that there is no accurate data on the prevalence of SIBO in the Southern Federal District. Verification of the diagnosis in all regions is carried out using various modifications of the breath test. Most often, SIBO is suspected and patients with functional gastrointestinal diseases (32.4 %) and diverticular disease (36.5 %) are sent for a breath test. In the group of people with a predominance of hydrogen-producing microbiota, there are fewer men than women (30.8 % vs. 69.2 %), in the group with a predominance of methane-producing microflora, the ratio of men and women was 27.4 % vs. 72.6 %, and in the group with a predominance of hydrogen- and methane-producing microbiota, this ratio was 16.6 % vs. 83.4 %, respectively.Antibacterial therapy after confirmation of the diagnosis is carried out in accordance with national clinical guidelines; probiotics, mainly Saccharomyces boulardii, are prescribed to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.Conclusions. The widespread introduction of various versions of the breath test into the work of healthcare institutions will make it possible to overcome diagnostic difficulties in relation to verification of this diagnosis, substantiate and individualize the approach to prescribing antibacterial and probiotic therapy.
Identification of risks in circular economy practices: A systematic review of academic studies
Authors: Prendi Klarida , Murrja Arif
Published: February 2025

The circular economy (CE) is gaining significant attention as a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear model of production and consumption. This study explores the complexities of implementing CE practices across diverse industries, focusing on the political, economic, social, technological, and environmental (PESTE) risks involved (Tsytsyna, 2019). By analyzing literature and case studies from companies such as Lucozade, McDonald’s, Volkswagen (Vollero, 2022), and H&M, the research identifies key barriers such as inconsistent regulatory frameworks, high initial costs, greenwashing practices, and technological challenges. These issues often hinder the seamless integration of CE principles into business operations. The paper argues that a comprehensive risk management framework is essential for overcoming these obstacles, promoting transparency, and enhancing stakeholder collaboration. Moreover, the study provides insights into how businesses can align their strategies with CE principles, thus contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economic model. Practical recommendations are offered to policymakers and industry leaders to foster innovation, encourage compliance, and facilitate the widespread adoption of CE practices, ultimately aiming for a balanced and sustainable development that benefits both the economy and the environment.
Qualitative Disclosure as a Tax Enforcement Mechanism: Evidence from the U.K. Tax Strategy Disclosure Requirement
Authors: Xia Junwei
Published: February 2025

In 2016, the U.K. passed a regulation that requires large businesses to publicly disclose their tax strategy. The U.K. regulator expects these qualitative disclosures to attract public scrutiny of firms’ tax practices, thereby pressuring firms to reduce tax avoidance. This study examines whether the U.K. tax strategy disclosure requirement has achieved this objective. Using a difference-in-differences design and a sample of U.K. publicly traded firms, I find evidence that is most compatible with the regulation not having a significant impact on firms’ tax avoidance. Inferences are similar when I focus on subsamples that are most likely to exhibit the intended behavioral changes using a series of cross-sectional tests within treated firms. Thus, the collective evidence is largely inconsistent with the regulation successfully curbing tax avoidance, which should inform regulators worldwide as they consider implementing similar disclosure regulations to combat corporate tax avoidance.

Data Availability: Data in this study are obtained from public sources as identified in the paper.

JEL Classifications: H20; H26; M41.
New ways to communicate: Intensive care nurses’ perspectives on using the digital application Talk2Care. A qualitative study
Authors: Ramsdal Serine M. , Jerpseth Heidi
Published: February 2025

Background: An increasing proportion of mechanically ventilated patients are held awake or lightly sedated. These patients require advanced communication skills and sufficient time from the intensive care nurses. In recent years, different digital applications have been developed to facilitate communication with this patient group.
Aim: This study aims to report intensive care nurses’ experiences with the novel communication application “Talk2Care”.
Methods: A qualitative design was applied to this study. Interviews were conducted with four intensive care nurses from two hospitals. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and were reported according to The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Checklist (COREQ).
Results: The nurses in the study experienced that “Talk2Care” can help patients express complex emotions, pain, and practical requests. However, the application has several deficiencies. Four themes were constructed: “Allowing for more nuanced communication”, “Investing time and experience in communication”, “Overcoming implementation obstacles” and “Navigating patient limitations”.
Conclusion: “Talk2Care” has the potential to improve communication with awake, mechanically ventilated patients. However, its effectiveness is limited by the patient’s physical and mental state. Motivation, experience, and available time can also influence the nurses’ use of the application. All of the above require an active adaptation and thorough implementation to identify suitable patients and overcome the barriers to its use.
A Critical and Progressive Review on Maternal and Child Health Policies in India
Authors: Kumari Prity , Chaudhary Anand Kumar
Published: February 2025

Background: Mothers' survival and well-being are crucial for addressing major economic, societal, and child development issues. They are also significant in and of themselves. The current mother and child health situation in India is a complex topic with both hurdles and improvement. The Government of India has the foresight to reduce maternal mortality with the help of different programmes and healthcare facilities being introduced and cautiously implemented.
Objective: The author summarised the literature on maternal and child health programmes, investing in their impact, especially the programmes initiated through national health missions and analysed the programmes.
Result: This paper discussed the programmes and their current scenario with their benefits and problems. Some programmes are near to achieving their objectives such as Jannani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) but not at their full potential there is still some laguna in these programmes. In this direction reviewed research papers highlighted the problems in the implementation and utilisation of the programmes and suggested further steps that should be taken to fully utilise these programmes and improve maternal and child health.
Conclusion: Maternal deaths can be reduced if proper healthcare treatments are used to prevent or break the chains of problems. Although India outperformed the global average in terms of maternal mortality reduction between 1990 and 2016, we still have a long way to go to catch up with large economies such as Brazil (44), China (27) and Japan (5).
Evaluation of Dermatology Treatment Satisfaction towards Hospital Reputation among Chronic Skin Disease Patients at An Eastern Indonesian Referral Hospital
Authors: Gaspersz Shienty , Antonio Ferdi , Christopher Paulus Mario
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Chronic skin disease poses a major challenge due to the complexity of these diseases and the variety of symptoms require a highly individualized approach to diagnosis and long-term treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the factor of treatment satisfaction moderated with recurrency towards hospital reputation among patients with chronic skin disorder utilizing the modified Dermasat questionnaire with six variables (treatment effectiveness, convenience of use, impact on daily living, medical care information, treatment side effect tolerable) and an additional variable (physician communication).
Methods :Based on improved patient satisfaction moderated with recurrency towards hospital reputation, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 179 patients at a referral hospital in East Indonesia. The relationship of patient satisfaction, recurrency, and hospital reputation was verified via SmartPLS® version 4.1.0.2.
Results: The majority of the respondents were female from the productive age 18-39 years old (46%), mostly housewives with a senior high school qualification as their educational background level (51.4%). All six factors and moderation with recurrency (towards treatment effectiveness and physician communication) were significant (P-value<0.05) towards overall patient satisfaction. The strongest relationship is demonstrated by physical communication and tolerance of treatment side effects with patient satisfaction. Furthermore, overall patient satisfaction was significantly associated positively with hospital reputation (P-value=0.000).
Conclusions: Six variables were found that were related to skin disease patient satisfaction. Overall patient satisfaction is significantly associated positively with the hospital’s reputation, indicating a higher overall patient satisfaction will increase the hospital’s reputation which can encourage patient trust and compliance in the long term.
Utilization, Demand, And Willingness to Pay for Telehealth Services: A Study of Patients in Selected Vietnamese Provinces
Authors: Ta Hung , Van Vu Hoan , Xuan Mai Thu , Thi Minh Nguyen Hieu , Thanh Thi Do Toan , Ngoc Luu Hoat
Published: February 2025

Objective: Telehealth has become essential in healthcare delivery, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides solutions to access disruptions and enhances healthcare accessibility and efficiency. This study aimed to describe the utilization, demand, and willingness to pay for Telehealth services in selected provinces in Vietnam.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 438 participants from three Vietnamese provinces was conducted between late 2021 and early 2022. The study assessed telehealth utilization, user preferences, and willingness to pay for different telehealth services.
Results: The study revealed that 58.7% of participants had utilized telehealth services. For lower-cost services (100,000 VND to 500,000 VND), low-income households were 2.7 times more likely to pay (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.41-5.00, p<0.01); familiarity with telehealth services increased the likelihood of spending by 1.6 times (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.10-2.54, p<0.05); and those with less convenient access to healthcare were 1.79 times more likely to pay (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.00-3.13, p<0.05). For higher-cost services (500,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND), wealthier households were 16.67 times more likely to invest (OR: 16.67, 95% CI: 2.04-100.00, p<0.01); insured individuals were 5.88 times more likely to pay (OR: 5.88, 95% CI: 1.92-16.67, p<0.01); and familiarity with telehealth increased the likelihood of payment by 2.3 times (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.20-4.46, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Telehealth is a crucial component of healthcare in Vietnam, with substantial engagement and willingness to pay. The findings underscore the need for investment in telehealth infrastructure and supportive policies to integrate telehealth into the national healthcare system, particularly in underserved regions.
The Impact of Nurses' Disaster Preparedness Competencies on Public Health Center Resilience in Disaster-Prone Areas: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Dg Sirua Moh Ikram , Balqis Balqis , Arifin Muhammad Alwy , Indar Indar , Manyullei Syamsuar
Published: February 2025

Background: Disaster-prone areas need resilient health centers to ensure effective health management services and emergency response during earthquakes and tsunamis. Nurses play a critical role in disaster risk reduction which is essential to improving health center resilience. Resilience includes the ability of health centers to withstand, adapt to, and recover from the effects of disasters while continuing to provide essential health services. This study examined the influence of nurses' disaster preparedness skills on health center resilience in disaster scenarios.
Methods: Using a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional study design, this study sampled 125 nurses through proportional stratified random sampling. The questionnaire was administered to assess nurses' disaster preparedness skills, including disaster understanding and policy development and planning. Data were analyzed using chi-squared and logistic regression.
Results: There was an association between understanding disaster risk (p=0.013) and policy development and planning competencies (p=0.005) with community health center resilience. Multivariate analysis showed that policy development and planning had a greater impact on community health center resilience (Exp(B)=2.992, 95%CI=1.276-7.014, p=0.012).
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of strengthening these competencies and fostering collaboration with local governments, health institutions, communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support comprehensive disaster preparedness efforts.
The Accessibility and Acceptability of Health Services in Remote Rural Areas
Authors: Ramadhani Mutiara , Palutturi Sukri , Razak Amran , Amir Muhammad Yusran , Abdullah M. Tahir
Published: February 2025

Health services depend on community facilities and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. If facilities and infrastructure are not improved, it is feared that equitable distribution, including accessibility and acceptability of health services, will be difficult. This challenge still exists in underdeveloped villages. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of accessibility and acceptability factors on the level of patient satisfaction in underdeveloped villages. A quantitative research type, analytical survey with cross-sectional approach was conducted. Sampling, using the Slovin formula, resulted in 287 respondents. Data were collected using a questionnaire. There was a significant relationship between accessibility (p=0.001) and acceptability (p=0.002) on the level of patient satisfaction in underdeveloped villages. However, accessibility was the most significant factor influencing patient satisfaction at the multivariate level (Exp(B)=3.639 95% CI=1.547-6.137, p=0.019). Health facilities in rural areas still need to be improved, especially in terms of accessibility, to attract the attention of the community to seek care.
Using the Staircase Approach to increase movement: a systematic search and review to inform a novel sedentary behaviour intervention for older adults
Authors: Katsoulis Konstantina , Tan Maria C. , Horton Sean , Sinha Samir K. , Kapralos Bill , Dunstan David , Bouchard Danielle R. , Copeland Jennifer L. , Dogra Shilpa
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Traditional approaches to supporting older adults in adopting and maintaining an active lifestyle have largely failed. The previously proposed “Staircase Approach” offers a new foundation for developing interventions and public health strategies; this approach includes Step 1 (changing sedentary behaviour) and Steps 2 to 4 (incorporating more physical activity of increasing levels of intensity). In this systematic search and review, we aimed to inform the co-creation of a novel Staircase Approach intervention for community-dwelling, inactive older adults, primarily focussed on Step 1.

Methods

A systematic search was performed across six databases (MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus and Scopus).

Results

After duplicates were removed, 3427 titles and abstracts were screened. Fourteen articles (including 17 intervention groups) were included after full-text review. Five were randomized controlled trials, three compared two interventions and six were single-arm studies. Sample sizes ranged from 9 to 176 participants, and included 617 older adults at baseline. Mean age of samples ranged from 64.3 (standard deviation [SD] 3.8) to 85.1 (SD 6.2) years, while the intervention length ranged from less than one day to 6 months. Sedentary time interventions are well accepted; most studies had completion rates above 80%. Based on findings from within-group comparisons, half of the studies showed a reduction in sedentary time (6/12 groups) and half showed an increase in physical activity (6/12 groups). Based on findings from between-group comparisons, 2 out of 5 intervention groups showed improvements in sitting time and physical activity outcomes compared to controls. Satisfaction and adherence to interventions were generally high.

Conclusion

Sedentary time interventions for older adults show promise and point to several components that may be included in an intervention focussed on Step 1 of the Staircase Approach.
Cadre conceptuel pour le suivi des méfaits liés aux substances effectué par les autorités de santé publique
Authors: Orpana Heather M. , Enns Aganeta , Striha Megan , George Diana , Yusuf Abban , Hughes Stephanie L. , Li Le , Thompson Laura H.
Published: February 2025

En raison de la crise d’intoxication aux drogues qui sévit au Canada et ailleurs, il est plus que jamais nécessaire de disposer de données à jour et pertinentes pour orienter les politiques et les programmes visant à atténuer les méfaits liés aux substances. Bien qu’il existe un certain nombre de systèmes de suivi ciblant des composantes précises de la consommation de substances et des méfaits qui en découlent au Canada, ces systèmes ne sont pas guidés par un cadre conceptuel global. Cet exposé de politique fondé sur des données probantes décrit l’élaboration d’un cadre conceptuel pour le suivi des méfaits liés aux substances effectué par les autorités de santé publique. Ce cadre comprend quatre thèmes principaux (facteurs de risque et de protection, consommation de substances, systèmes de soutien à la santé, méfaits et bienfaits liés à la consommation de substances), quatre thèmes transversaux (parcours de vie, équité, stigmatisation de la consommation de substances, santé et maladie mentale et physique) et deux considérations générales (utilisation respectueuse des données et consultation). Ce cadre est utilisable pour organiser les activités déjà en place et pour cerner les lacunes en matière de données et de suivi en vue d’un développement ultérieur.