bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collection Records of Geotrupinae Species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Morales Carlos , Astudillo Eduardo , Bran Reynerio , Tomas Sabino , López Mariano , Castillo Beatriz , Velázquez José
Published: June 2024

Knowledge of the entomofauna associated with a specific geographic region is considered of ecological, economic and social importance; for decision making in the productive processes carried out by man to obtain resources; either for the conservation of agroecosystems or for the use of natural resources. In this sense, the present work was carried out in several municipalities of the central depression of Chiapas and with specimens that are deposited in the entomological collection of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the Autonomous University of Chiapas, with the purpose of ordering and determining the new collection sites for specimens of the Geotrupinae subfamily; To achieve the objective, 54 specimens of the subfamily Geotrupinae from the tribes Bolboceratini (2), Geotrupini (1) and Athyreini (3) were reviewed, obtained in sporadic collections with fluorescent light, in public lighting and by reviewing cattle excrement; In addition, the specimens deposited from the entomological Collection of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences (CACH) were reviewed and separated, which were collected in various municipalities of the state of Chiapas. The species Bolbelasmus arcuatus, Bolbelasmus variabilis, Haplogeotrupes (Geotrupes) guatemalensis unidentatus, Neoathyreus excavatus, Neoathyreus fissicornis and Neoathyreus mexicanus were determined. It is important and necessary to carry out collection studies of specimens of the Geotrupinae subfamily in other regions of the state to determine their distribution and abundance.
The Prevalence of Cervical Neoplastic Changes Among Sudanese Community Without Settled Screening Program
Authors: Abdallah Mahadi Musa , Mohamed Nawal , Hayaty Inaam , Abdallah Ahmed , Gumaa Salah , Niyle Rogeia , Hasbsedo Sahar , Regal Hassan , Ibraheim Khalil , Abuelfadol Ekhlas , Ahmed Hussain
Published: June 2024

Background: While cervical cancer is decreasing in most countries that have undertaken long-term screening programs, the incidence is increasing in developing nations with low resources. As a result, the current study sought to investigate the incidence of cervical neoplastic alterations in the Sudanese community in the absence of a formal screening program. Methodology: This is a descriptive longitudinal study conducted at the Obst. & Gyn. hospital in El-Obeid, North Kordofan State, Sudan, from January 2021 to December 2022. This screening involved around 120 volunteers. Results: In this study, 14% of participants had neoplastic alterations. Positive cases were highest in the 31-35 age group (29.4%), followed by 36-40 and ≤25 age groups (23.5%). The majority of positive cases (58.8%) were from metropolitan areas. The risk of neoplastic alterations is connected with urban residency; RR (95%CI) = 2.558 (1.050-6.235), P-value < 0.03. Approximately 11.1% of illiterate participants had neoplastic alterations, as did approximately 25% of those with a basic degree of education. The risk associated with a basic education level is 2.2750 (95% CI) (0.9550 to 5.4197), P = 0.0635. Conclusion: Cervical neoplastic alterations are common in northern Kordofan, yet there are few screening programs. Cervical neoplastic alterations are substantially higher in the metropolitan population.
Effects of Climate-Smart Agriculture on Smallholder Farmers in the Eastern Province of Zambia
Authors: Nanyangwe Veronica , Tembo Royd
Published: June 2024

Climate change is one of the distressful environmental challenges the world has been grappling with in recent times as it affects crop production, among other economic activities. The Eastern Province of Zambia has not been spared by crop failure resulting from climate-induced effects. As a result, the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscape Project (ZIFLP) implemented climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in the Eastern Province, from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2024, which aimed to improve smallholder farmers' resilience to the effects of climate change on crop productivity. However, the effects of the CSA techniques on crop productivity were scientifically unclear. Therefore, this study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the effects of CSA on crop productivity of the 106 smallholder farmers as questionnaire respondents and five District Agriculture Co-ordinators as key informants for interviews. The results revealed that all the respondents (100%) were aware of CSA in their communities, and about two-fifths (42%) of them, who formed the majority, practised crop rotation the most. Almost all the respondents (96%) viewed CSA as an important agricultural intervention in their communities in light of the adverse effects of climate change. Two-thirds (66%) of the respondents, who were the majority, acknowledge that the CSA techniques increased crop yield. The maize crop tonnage Mean (M = 7.70) after the respondents’ implementation of CSA was statistically significantly higher than the maize crop tonnage Mean (M = 3.82) before the respondents implemented CSA, signifying that the respondents produced more tonnage of maize crops after they implemented CSA than before. The study concludes that CSA in the Eastern Province of Zambia is an intervention through which smallholder farmers were helped to enhance their crop productivity in light of the devastating effects of climate change. Therefore, the study recommends continuity of financial and technical support of CSA by the Zambian government or cooperating partners or both; refresher training for smallholder farmers in CSA; and improvement in the agricultural extension system.
Eruptive Xanthomas – A Case Report with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Darawish Balkis , Broshtilova Valentina , Yungareva Irina , Smilov Nencho , Trenovski Aleksandar , Velevska Yoanna , Marina Sonya
Published: June 2024

Eruptive xanthomas are most often the result of impaired lipid metabolism. They can be caused by a primary dysregulation in lipid metabolism (familial hyperlipoproteinemias) or by an increase in serum lipids from concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, rarely hyperthyroidism, alcohol abuse, cholestasis or biliary cirrhosis, monoclonal gammopathy, multiple myeloma and leukemia) or from the use of certain medications (beta-blockers, estrogens, retinoids, protease inhibitors, cyclosporine, the antimycotic Miconazole and the antipsychotic Olanzapine (secondary hyperlipoproteinemias). Early diagnosis and adequate therapy of the skin changes and the comorbid underlying disease prevent serious life-threatening complications. A case of a 34-year-old man with papular yellowish lesions on the elbows is presented. The patient has accompanying diseases of diabetes mellitus, alcohol addiction, liver cirrhosis, chronic acute pancreatitis and chronic cholecystitis. The clinical diagnosis of eruptive xanthomas was confirmed by histopathological examination revealing foam cells in the dermis. Laboratory blood tests revealed an accelerated ESR and elevated blood glucose, transaminases, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic therapy combined with a dietary regimen improved the patient's condition and laboratory parameters. A partial reversal of skin lesions occurred. An overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, laboratory tests, differential diagnosis, dietary regimen, and treatment of eruptive xanthomas are presented.
Prevalence of Back Deformities Among Primary School Students
Authors: Mohammed Asim , Hajeb Tareq , Abdelbagi Asim , Salih Dafaalla , Mustafa M. , Mohammed Mohammed , Abd-Elmaged Hozifa
Published: June 2024

Background: The high incidence of spinal abnormalities among primary school students is a pressing health issue that demands attention. Recent epidemiological studies have emphasized the importance of spinal anomalies in this specific population. The rising prevalence can be attributed to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, insufficient ergonomic practices, and a lack of awareness. Understanding the extent of these abnormalities is crucial for promptly identifying and intervening since they might affect the general welfare and educational achievement of primary school students. The aim of this study was to estimate the Prevalence of Back Deformities among Primary School Students in Khartoum, Sudan 2022-2023. Materials and Methods: This study is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional community-based study conducted in four government primary schools in the Bahri locality from November 2022 to February 2023 among primary school students. Data was analyzed and interpreted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) data analysis software version 26.0. Results: This study included a total of 383 primary school students in Bahri locality (males: 200 (52.2%) and females: 183 (47.8%). The male-to-female ratio is 1.1:1, with a mean age of 9 years and ranging from 6 to 12 years. The posture wall test and Adam forward bending test were used to diagnose coronal and sagittal deformities. The posture wall test was positive in 3 cases (0.78%). There were 3 cases of kyphosis, 2 males and 1 female. The deformity was in the thoracic region in all cases.
Comparative Analysis of Different Burner Concepts in a Locally Manufactured Bread-Baking Oven
Authors: Kofi Samuel , Kwabena Offeh , Addai Bismark , Anto Michael
Published: June 2024

The supply and control of heat within an oven with minimal loss is an integral process in optimizing the bread-baking process. Research over the years reports on measures to control heat, however, there is limited data on optimizing burner designs for efficient heat supply. Challenged with enhancing the functionality of a bread baking oven made locally, three different burner concepts (i.e., U, H and Rectangular shaped) were designed, fabricated and evaluated in a locally manufactured bread baking oven. The study investigated the three burner configurations to enhance the locally manufactured ovens' environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. The study also assessed each burner design concept's performance in relation to heat distribution, fuel consumption, and emissions through thorough experimentation and analysis. Thermocouples were used to determine the temperature differences within the oven and outside the oven walls to verify heat losses. The results showed that the concept burner design can be used to bake bread with good quality parameters like colour, texture and taste within efficient baking time. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis performed on the proposed burner design concepts in relation to heat flow show that continuous flow of heat was assured during baking. Also, simulation performed on the baking trays show an acceptable stress and strain levels as well as favorable factor of safety, indicating that the designs proposed is suitable for the purpose. Data analysis performed on the heat generated within the oven chamber considering the lower and upper trays for all the burners evaluated can be ranked in terms of percentage as RB > HB > UB (41.39% > 30.72% > 27.89%). Based on the study conducted, the authors can suggest the best design concept for heat generation in locally manufactured ovens should be rectangular-shaped.
In Search of the "Other" into the Night: A Study of the Double in a Polyphonic Perspective
Authors: Novroth Ana
Published: June 2024

From the perspective of psychology, the individual becomes conscious of or rethinks about themselves in the relationship with their double, represented artistically through conflicts that constitute the human psyche. From the perspective of the philosophy of language, especially the Russian scholar Mikhail Bakhtin, the double consists of the fear of others, that is, the image others make of the subject. Whichever the perspective adopted is, the literary work, as it represents the man and his world, provides an effective means of understanding the subject’s conflicts and existential and identity crises evidenced in the discourses registered in the aesthetic object. This paper intends to analyze how duplicity-understood here as multiplied consciousness-takes place among characters in the narrative of Night, by the Brazilian author Erico Verissimo, in which the duplicated individual is the sign of a fragmented self. The aim is to examine which enunciative-discursive positions the protagonist assumes in the narrative to emphasize the duplicity of the subject from a polyphonic perspective; that is, by the biases of philosophy, psychology, and psychoanalysis and philosophy of language. As theoretical support for the examination of the double, we invite authors who navigate through philosophy, such as Clément Rosset; psychology and psychoanalysis, such as Otto Rank, Sigmund Freud, Carl Gustav Jung, and C. F. Keppler; and, in the field of philosophy of language, Mikhail M. Bakhtin. Although the theorists adopt different views in re-examining the double, the approach is possible given that most admit certain correlations regarding the subject of otherness.
The Indeterminate Palimpsest of the Arabian Nights and Its Unlimited Mirror Effects
Authors: Chadli El
Published: June 2024

The text of the Thousand and One Nights has been the stuff of dreams for generations, throughout the Arab and non-Arab Orient, and since the XVIIIe century throughout Western Europe, thanks to L. Galland's translation, based on a popular Egyptian edition. Since then, there have been countless translations and compilations of a legendary text that has no known authors, and those who assume it are, ironically, only copyists, compilers or translators. This is why it is presented as a palimpsest whose sources must be unraveled, authenticated versions established and the mirror effects of the stories that make it up analyzed. This is what we shall attempt to demonstrate in this study, based on the critical corpus duly established by R. Khawam. This study is divided into four successive stages: The fate of the Thousand and One Nights text, the question of manuscript and/or printed sources, an examination of the French corpora of Galland, Mardrus and Khawam, the indeterminacy of the archi-text or palimpsest, and finally the singularity of Khawam's corpus.
Home and Spread of Indo-European Tribes in the Light of Name Research
Authors: Udolph Jürgen
Published: June 2024

Today, large parts of Europe are populated by speakers of Indo-European languages. People have long wondered where they came from, where their original home was. Archeology has long been trusted to provide a solution to the problem. This has now been abandoned. Today there is a great deal of trust in the results of genetic research, which can certainly contribute to important findings. However, one should not forget an important aspect: when one looks for the speakers of Indo-European languages, one is not looking for specific material finds (devices, weapons, etc.) or for the carriers of certain genetic peculiarities, but for the speakers of languages. Their homeland and distribution can only be determined using linguistic methods. The languages alone are crucial. And at this point a scientific discipline that is based on languages comes into view: it is place name research. Place and river names are firmly anchored in the original region. They often pass on their names to changing populations and are therefore undoubtedly the most important witnesses to the history of peoples and languages. And another scientific discipline must be included: agricultural science, because early settlements were based on good and productive soils that enabled continuous settlement. With the help of geographical names and the distribution of Europe's good soils, the study determines the original settlements of the Slavs on the northern slope of the Carpathians, the Germanic tribes north of the Harz and those of the Celts on the western edge of the Carpathians. River names that can be assigned to Old European, i.e. Indo-European, hydronymy also show that old ones come from almost all settlement areas. There is evidence of connections to the Baltics and the Baltic languages. The Baltics are therefore the center of Indo-European names and there is no reason not to consider them as the starting area and home of Indo-European expansions. A homeland outside of Old European hydronymy, be it in southern Russia or in Asia Minor or in the Caucasus, as is often assumed today, especially on the basis of genetic studies, is excluded.
Comparative Study of Environmental Qualities of Urban Spaces in New Shopping Malls and Traditional Bazaars Case Study: Kourosh Mall and Kaffashha Bazaar in Tehran
Authors: Kheyroddin Reza , Momeni Seyede
Published: June 2024

Throughout history, urban spaces have always been one of the important elements of the city. While having the social and cultural values of the society, they are a place for carrying out various activities that connect the members of the society with each other. They also provide opportunities for recreation. The more these spaces are built in accordance with the local culture and have a higher environmental quality, the more people tend to attend, be active and spend their free time there, and as a result, the vitality in the society improves. On the other hand, the lack of urban space or the lack of attention to the environmental qualities will reduce the sense of attachment and presence of people in these spaces, which will itself lead to the degradation of social relations. In urban settlements before modernism, public spaces such as squares and bazaars were used as arenas for social communication. In the process of modernization, the role of these places as urban space was diminished and new shopping malls have replaced them today. This research seeks to compare the environmental qualities of urban space in new shopping malls and traditional bazaars. The research is applied in terms of purpose and analytical-descriptive and comparative in terms of method. In order to achieve the goal of the research, the theoretical concepts were first studied and environmental quality factors were extracted. Then, with the technique of observation and photography, the extracted factors were checked in Kourosh mall and Kaffashha traditional bazaar. The results show that although shopping malls are derived from western societies and do not fit with Iranian culture, but due to the facilities they provide to the people, they have a more favorable condition in most of the factors examined in this research and have been more welcomed by people as urban space.
Spatial Analysis of Food Crop Diversification in Busia County-Kenya: Implications on Household Food Security
Authors: Odhiambo Ongang’a , Njeri Ngugi , Maingi Mwatu
Published: June 2024

Food insecurity is a major problem in Busia County as studies show that 54 percent of households face food insufficiency and child malnutrition. This problem is compounded by small land holdings per household, with just 155,990 acres under food crops. Studies that have been done in the County to show the major food crops that are cultivated, however, no single one has been done showing the variations of these food crops within regions, while it is well known that diversity in terms of space has a bearing in food security at household level. This research sought to find out how food crops are diversified within space and its implications on household food security. Mixed design approach was used (descriptive and correlational). Nine research assistants were involved to collect data in the cropping season using interview schedules and observation schedules. Primary data was collected in one cropping season using interview and observation schedules. Gibbs and Martins Index of crop diversification was applied to determine crop diversification. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used to determine food security status. Multi-stage mixed sampling techniques involving purposive, simple random stratified proportionate was used. Qualitative data was used to address research questions while quantitative data addressed the hypotheses. The results showed that there was a wide range of food crops grown in the County with cereals taking the largest portion while oils and miscellaneous crops had the lowest acreage. The study further revealed that Busia County had household food security index of 3.52 in the range of 1 to 6. It also found no statistically significant difference in regional diversification of food crops (p= .126). Finally, it revealed a very low negative correlation (r= -.080) with an insignificant relationship (p= .13) between crop diversification and household food security.
Understanding Observed Precipitation Change and the New Climate Normal from the Perspective of Daily Weather Types in the Southeast United States
Authors: Qian Jian-Hua , Viner Brian , Noble Stephen , Werth David , Wermter Joseph , Chiswell Steven , Li Cuihua
Published: June 2024

Observed precipitation changes in the Southeast United States (SEUS) are spatially heterogeneous. Most of the inland SEUS and eastern Gulf Coast become drier, and the East Coast north of Charleston, South Carolina, and southern Florida become wetter from the old 30-yr period of 1961–90 to the recent period of 1991–2020. The observed climate change is examined from the perspective of daily weather types (WTs). A k-means clustering analysis has been conducted using daily 850-hPa circulation for 1948–2021. The obtained 10 WTs peak in different seasons, respectively. The frequencies and precipitation intensity of the WTs have been analyzed. A winter WT characterized by a western Appalachian trough (WAT) and a summer WT featuring North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH) have a rising trend of annual frequency from 1948 to 2021. An Appalachian high in the autumn has a decreasing frequency but becomes drier and stronger. Some precipitation intensity change and small location shift have also been observed. The drying up on the eastern Gulf Coast and the inland area of the SEUS is mainly caused by the weakened southwesterly low-level jet (LLJ) on the western flank of the NASH that reduces rain in the spring, the less frequent but stronger and drier Appalachian high in the summer and autumn, and the weaker and more western located Plains trough (PT) in the winter, spring, and autumn. The precipitation increase in the East Coast and southern Florida is majorly due to more frequent, stronger, and rainier troughs along the western Appalachian as well as the East Coast.
Vicious Circle With Venous Hypertension, Irregular Flow, Pathological Venous Wall Remodeling, and Valve Destruction in Chronic Venous Disease: A Review
Authors: Nadasy Gyorgy L. , Patai Bernadett B. , Molnar Andrea A. , Hetthessy Judit R. , Tokes Anna-Maria , Varady Zoltan , Dornyei Gabriella
Published: June 2024

Substantial advances occurred in phlebological practice in the last two decades. With the use of modern diagnostic equipment, the patients’ venous hemodynamics can be examined in detail in everyday practice. Application of venous segments for arterial bypasses motivated studies on the effect of hemodynamic load on the venous wall. New animal models have been developed to study hemodynamic effects on the venous system. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed cellular phase transitions of venous endothelial, smooth muscle, and fibroblastic cells and changes in connective tissue composition, under hemodynamic load and at different locations of the chronically diseased venous system. This review is an attempt to integrate our knowledge from epidemiology, paleoanthropology and anthropology, clinical and experimental hemodynamic studies, histology, cell physiology, cell pathology, and molecular biology on the complex pathomechanism of this frequent disease. Our conclusion is that the disease is initiated by limited genetic adaptation of mankind not to bipedalism but to bipedalism in the unmoving standing or sitting position. In the course of the disease several pathologic vicious circles emerge, sustained venous hypertension inducing cellular phase transitions, chronic wall inflammation, apoptosis of cells, pathologic dilation, and valvular damage which, in turn, further aggravate the venous hypertension.
Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis Rhinology Complications: A Rare Presentation
Authors: Ratna Sujay , Edalati Shaun , Darwish Mohamed , Gray Mingyang , Iloreta Alfred Marc
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This case report presents a unique manifestation of Mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (MCL) in a 56-year-old woman with chronic nasal symptoms. Initially diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and septal perforation, the patient’s history of a childhood sandfly bite and subsequent episodes of Leishmaniasis, revealed after nasal surgery, provided crucial information for accurate diagnosis.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted on this patient’s electronic medical record.

Results:

The patient’s life-long struggle with nasal obstruction, congestion, and a septal perforation initially masked the underlying MCL. Sinus surgery and persistent symptoms further complicated the diagnostic process. Only after postoperative complications, including grainy skin texture extending into the nasal passages, did the patient recall the sandfly bite, prompting reevaluation and diagnosis of MCL. The case highlights the challenges of diagnosing MCL due to its varied presentation and potential mimicry of other chronic nasal conditions. It emphasizes the importance of thorough patient history-taking, especially when symptoms are atypical or persistent. Additionally, the report underscores the potential for unexpected postoperative complications in MCL patients and the need for vigilance in recognizing and assessing them.

Conclusion:

This case contributes to the understanding of MCL’s diverse clinical presentation and the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management for prompt intervention and improved outcomes.
Positive Emotions During Search Engine Use: How You Feel Impacts What You Search for and Click On
Authors: Whitley Sarah C. , Chakravarty Anindita , Wang Pengyuan
Published: June 2024

The authors examine how positive incidental emotion influences online search and ad click-through rates. They predict and find that although positive incidental emotion is irrelevant to the search task, it has the effect of priming emotionally congruent thoughts, which increases the likelihood that consumers will use positive emotion words as keywords in their search queries. This use of positive emotion keywords, in turn, increases the likelihood of clicking on paid search ads. Results from six studies support this prediction and the role of lower persuasion knowledge as a mechanism. Specifically, the use of positive emotion keywords in search queries reduces the likelihood that consumers will use persuasion knowledge toward sponsored content in the form of paid search ads—making them more likely to click on the ads. This examination of the role of positive incidental emotion and the use and consequence of positive emotion keywords in search queries has important implications for advertisers’ search engine keyword targeting strategies.
Validation of Ethical COVID-19 Antibody Testing that Adheres to Pro-Life Principles
Authors: McKenna Kyle C. , Rohall Michael , Kissinger Daniel , Evans Matthew , Wright Elizabeth , Nick Evelyn , Calkins Monica
Published: June 2024

We describe validation of a COVID-19 antibody test for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG antibodies in blood plasma utilizing ethically sourced reagents not derived from aborted fetal cell lines. The test demonstrated specificity of 100% (95% confidence intervals 77.2–100%) and sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence intervals 79.6–100%) when evaluating blood specimens previously determined to be negative ( n = 13) or positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG antibodies due to natural SARS-CoV-2 exposure ( n = 13) or COVID-19 vaccination ( n = 15). The test was used to screen 230 blood specimens from individuals with unknown SARS-CoV-2 exposure ( n = 103) or that were naturally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 ( n = 44), received a COVID-19 vaccine ( n = 66), or received a COVID-19 vaccine before or after SARS-CoV-2 exposure ( n = 17). Ninety-nine percent (95% confidence intervals 95.7–100%) of the 127 blood specimens from individuals that were naturally exposed, vaccinated, or both vaccinated and naturally exposed were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG which was consistent with the high sensitivity of our test. This COVID-19 antibody test, now named the PL COVID-19 RBD IgG antibody test, represents an effective and ethical alternative to commercially available COVID-19 antibody tests that utilize reagents derived from aborted fetal lines.
Some Personal Reflections on the History and Current Status of Textbooks in the Field of Death, Dying, and Bereavement
Authors: Corr Charles A.
Published: June 2024

This article is a contribution to recording one dimension of the history of education in the field of death, dying, and bereavement. It offers some personal reflections on the history and current status of textbooks in our field that have been or are currently published in North America. The scope of this reflection looks back on the earliest textbooks in this field published in the 1960s and 1970s and extends to textbooks published in the early 2020s. Critical comments are offered on general trends or on textbooks that are no longer in print, but not on individual titles that are currently available for adoption and instructional use. Because I am the lead author of one such textbook, I do not choose to engage in invidious comparisons. Instead, this article includes descriptions of contemporary textbooks taken from the Amazon website.
Wages or Legitimacy? A Qualitative Analysis of Home Care Worker Perspectives in Choosing Work Settings
Authors: Kelly Christine , Dansereau Lisette , Sebring Jennifer C. H. , Lee Yeonjung , Williams Allison
Published: June 2024

Directly-Funded (DF) home care allows users to organize and purchase their own care services and is expanding globally. Little is known about the career pathways of home care workers. Our study asks, what experiences and factors do home care workers consider when choosing a work setting? And, specifically, what influences their decisions to work directly for their clients? Framed with Cranford’s (2020) flexibility-security matrix for analyzing home care dynamics, we remotely interviewed 20 home care workers in two Canadian provinces. Three team members conducted axial coding and thematic analysis using Dedoose software. We identified personal and material factors at the intimate and labor market level that workers weigh when choosing whether to work for an agency or directly for a client. At the intimate level, workers value the flexibility, autonomy, and respect facilitated in care relations when working directly for a client. At the labor market level, agencies provide better job security and the benefit of supervisory support but lower wages. Additionally, as care work often serves as a stepping stone for immigration and citizenship agency positions are considered a more “legitimate” option than working directly for a client. Our study shows that workers directly employed by their clients enjoy more flexibility but lack security, whereas agency employed workers risk immediate reductions in working conditions in exchange for limited improvements in safety and supervision and, like other frontline care work, DF home care represents a key career pathway for immigrants with previous experience in health and social care settings.
Human scabies and sarcoptic mange in northeast Brazil: Results from a rapid assessment method covering an entire state
Authors: Silva Nathiel de Sousa , Alencar Carlos Henrique , Heukelbach Jorg
Published: June 2024

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease and has been highlighted as a target for control. Sarcoptic mange affects animals, but mange is also considered a zoonosis. We present rapid assessment data on scabies and sarcoptic mange collected from key informants via a web-based questionnaire in Ceará State (1265 data entries). A total of 181/184 (98.3%) municipalities reported the occurrence of human scabies; 149 (80.9%) current occurrence; 168 (91.3%) severe cases; and 113 (61.4%) severe cases currently. Sarcoptic mange was reported from 149/184 (80.9%) municipalities, and severe mange from 128 (69.9%), most commonly in dogs (117 municipalities), cats (79), pigs (17), cattle (15), horses (15), and goats (2). Respondents from 171 (92.9%) municipalities observed seasonality of occurrence. Scabies and sarcoptic mange are important public health issues in a northeast Brazilian state. The wide distribution of severe cases requires an integrated One Health approach effectively and sustainably to reduce the disease burden.
Family Caregivers’ Progress Toward Values Moderates the Associations between Behavioral Symptoms of Dementia, Caregiver Burden, and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Fauth Elizabeth B. , Novak Joshua R. , Gossner Jacob , Aller Ty B. , Kelley Heather H. , Levin Michael E.
Published: June 2024

Increasingly, dementia caregiver interventions are informed by acceptance-based approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. These interventions promote psychological skills like psychological flexibility and value-based living. Less is known how these constructs interact within well-established caregiver stress processes. We examined a moderated mediation model (N = 161 dementia caregivers; PROCESS Procedure; SPSS Release 4.1), with BPSD frequency (Revised Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist) predicting depressive symptoms (10-item CES-D), mediated via caregiver burden (short Burden inventory). The moderator was the Values Questionnaire, and we controlled for gender, caregiver duration, age, income, and education. Results: revealed that the indirect effect of BPSD on depressive symptoms through caregiver burden was weakened through higher progress toward values (moderated mediation significant at p < .05). Committed action toward values signify caregivers’ success at balancing care-related stress with other priorities. Interventions that build skills in values-based living have promise for caregivers, offering healthier ways to adjust to being a caregiver.
Post-COVID Neurocognitive Disorder and Its Relation with Interleukin: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Anjum Ajmal , Hussain Arshad
Published: June 2024

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between post-COVID neurocognitive symptoms and interleukin-6 levels.

Methods:

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study wherein patients complaining of forgetfulness post-infection with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) were taken up for study ( n = 53) from February 2023 to June 2023. The forgetfulness was characterized using the memory subscale of Postgraduate Institute-Battery of Brain Dysfunction (PGI-BBD). In addition, sociodemographic data were collected from patients. After obtaining written informed consent, 3 mL of peripheral venous blood was collected from patients, and interleukin-6 levels were measured. Other inflammatory markers, like C-reactive protein (CRP), were also measured.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 46.11 ± 8.58 years. Twenty-nine (54.72%) respondents were female, and 24 (45.28%) were male. Most (62.2%) of the patients in the study suffered from mild-to-moderate severity of COVID-19 infection. Among these patients, 43.3% had impairment in recent memory, 32 patients (60.3%) had impairment in attention and concentration, 54.7% had impairment in delayed recall, and 33.9% had impairment in immediate recall. Impairment in delayed recall was associated with a raised level of interleukin-6 ( P = .0048 [ P < .05]).

Conclusion:

Patients with impaired recall on PGI-BBD post-infection with COVID-19 have raised levels of interleukin-6, suggesting the role of neuroinflammation in post-COVID neurocognitive symptoms. Interleukin-6 is a marker of neuroinflammation that has been linked to cognitive decline in various studies. It can be used to predict cognitive decline and also aid in diagnosis.
Phonological Awareness and Word Decoding Skills in the Early Readers of Kannada
Authors: Prabhu Shwetha , Venkatasubban Vangmayee , Bhat Jayashree Sunil , Somashekara Haralakatta Shivananjappa
Published: June 2024

Background:

Phonological awareness has been recognized as a significant predictor of word-decoding skills in alphabetical languages. These languages differ in phonology, orthography, and how they are mapped for word decoding. However, the literature has debated its role in orthographically consistent languages. The present research aims to explore phonological awareness and its contribution to word decoding for early readers of Kannada.

Methods:

The study included 50 typically developing Grade I children learning to read Kannada from schools with Kannada as a medium of instruction. Phonological awareness skills were assessed using developmentally appropriate tasks at different linguistic grain sizes and varied linguistic operations. Word-level reading abilities were evaluated using a pseudoword decoding task.

Results:

The results indicated that the children were sensitive to syllables but not to rhymes and phonemes. A one-way repeated measure of analysis of variance demonstrated a significant main effect of task complexity on the performance across phonological awareness tasks. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed a significant positive correlation between the performance on phonological awareness and pseudoword reading. The regression analysis indicated that phonological awareness tasks contributed significantly to word decoding. However, initial and medial syllable stripping evolved as independent and significant contributors to pseudoword decoding in Kannada.

Conclusion:

The present study concludes that phonological awareness at the syllable level emerges early and significantly contributes to word decoding in early readers of Kannada.
Social-cognitive Skills Training on Interpersonal Understanding of Social Norms During Adolescence
Authors: Jacob Leema , Reddy K. Jayasankara
Published: June 2024

Background:

Social-cognitive skills training (SCST) in a therapeutic setup can result in more positive outcomes when incorporated with psychotherapy, especially among adolescents with minor social-cognitive impairments in their social interactions. It may result in multifarious benefits to mitigate their social-cognitive dysfunction. This study aimed to identify the effects of SCST on interpersonal understanding of social norms in adolescents with low social cognition.

Methods:

In this quasi-experimental research, 80 adolescents (10–19 years) with low social cognition, no previous experience of skills training, and absence of any psychological disorders, especially those that affect their social-cognitive functioning, with assent from the participants and written informed consent from the parents/guardian and a score below 58 on the Need For Social-Cognition Scale, were included. They were randomly allocated into SCST or waitlist control group. SCST consists of 20 sessions with indoor activities, games, and discussions, and it has been arranged for 1 hour per 3 days a week for 3 months. Edinburgh social cognition test (ESCoT) was used to assess the degree of interpersonal understanding of social norms among adolescents as part of pre and posttests.

Results:

The Wilcoxon Sign Ranked Test showed that the interpersonal understanding of social norms after SCST is significantly higher than the interpersonal understanding of social norms SCST with a large effect size. The mean (standard deviation) scores in the ESCoT test improved significantly ( P < 0 .001) following [ W = 0.001, P < .001, r = –1.000].

Conclusion:

SCST effectively improves the interpersonal understanding of social norms, an essential developmental milestone during adolescence. It highlights the importance of focusing on mental health as a developmental asset that can influence social-cognitive development in the future.
Curiosities in a Table: Learning Points for Responsible Clinical Rating
Authors: Andrade Chittaranjan
Published: June 2024

This article presents a table containing redacted data from a real study. The table contains three curiosities: statistical significance in the absence of clinical significance, narrow standard deviations, and the absence of a placebo effect. The data in the table had been obtained by an inexperienced rater; how the inexperience compromised the data is explained. Action points for rater experience, rater training, and rating procedures are suggested.
What are we planning, exactly? The perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities, their carers and professionals on end-of-life care planning: A focus group study
Authors: Bruun Andrea , Cresswell Amanda , Jordan Leon , Keagan-Bull Richard , Giles Jo , Gibson Sarah L , Anderson-Kittow Rebecca , Tuffrey-Wijne Irene
Published: June 2024

Background:

Deaths of people with intellectual disabilities are often unplanned for and poorly managed. Little is known about how to involve people with intellectual disabilities in end-of-life care planning.

Aim:

To explore the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities, families, health and social care professionals and policy makers on end-of-life care planning within intellectual disability services.

Design:

A total of 11 focus groups and 1 semi-structured interview were analysed using qualitative framework and matrix analysis. The analysis was conducted inclusively with co-researchers with intellectual disabilities.

Setting/participants:

A total of 60 participants (14 people with intellectual disabilities, 9 family carers, 21 intellectual disability professionals, 8 healthcare professionals and 8 policy makers) from the UK.

Results:

There were differences in how end-of-life care planning was understood by stakeholder groups, covering four areas: funeral planning, illness planning, planning for living and talking about dying. This impacted when end-of-life care planning should happen and with whom. Participants agreed that end-of-life care planning was important, and most wanted to be involved, but in practice discussions were postponed. Barriers included issues with understanding, how or when to initiate the topic and a reluctance to talk about dying.

Conclusions:

To develop effective interventions and resources aiding end-of-life care planning with people with intellectual disabilities, clarity is needed around what is being planned for, with whom and when. Research and development are needed into supporting intellectual disability staff in end-of-life care planning conversations. Collaboration between intellectual disability staff and palliative care services may facilitate timely end-of-life care planning and thus optimal palliative end-of-life care.
Meta-analysis of clinical and safety profiles after reperfusion therapy in acute posterior circulation strokes: insights and implications
Authors: Chowdhury Ashek , Killingsworth Murray C , Calic Zeljka , Bhaskar Sonu MM
Published: June 2024

Background

Posterior circulation stroke (PCS) accounts for approximately 20% of all acute ischemic strokes. The optimal reperfusion therapy for PCS management remains uncertain.

Purpose

To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), and bridging therapy in PCS patients.

Material and Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of 19 studies examining reperfusion therapy outcomes in PCS patients, including 9765 individuals. We pooled prevalence data and assessed associations between reperfusion therapies and clinical, safety, and recanalization outcomes using random-effects models.

Results

The pooled prevalence of reperfusion therapies post-acute PCS was 39% for IVT, 54% for EVT, and 48% for bridging therapy. EVT was associated with significantly higher odds of favorable functional outcomes (modified Rankin Score [mRS] 0–3) at 90 days compared to standard medical therapy (odds ratio [OR] = 5.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.07–15.59; P = 0.001). Conversely, bridging therapy was linked to reduced odds of favorable functional outcomes at 90 days compared to EVT (OR = 0.35; 95% CI=0.26–0.47; P < 0.001). Bridging therapy was also significantly associated with lower odds of good functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) (OR = 0.25; 95% CI=0.11–0.54; P < 0.001), reduced risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 0.26; 95% CI=0.07–0.68; P = 0.009), lower mortality (OR = 0.13; 95% CI=0.04–0.44; P = 0.001), and less successful recanalization (OR = 0.35; 95% CI=0.13–0.94; P = 0.038) relative to EVT.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis underscores the favorable outcomes associated with EVT in PCS cases. With notable reperfusion rates, understanding factors influencing PCS outcomes can inform patient selection and prognostic considerations.
Improving intracranial aneurysms image quality and diagnostic confidence with deep learning reconstruction in craniocervical CT angiography
Authors: Bai Kun , Wang Tiantian , Zhang Guozhi , Zhang Ming , Fu Hongchao , Feng Yun , Liang Kaiyi
Published: June 2024

Background

The diagnostic impact of deep learning computed tomography (CT) reconstruction on intracranial aneurysm (IA) remains unclear.

Purpose

To quantify the image quality and diagnostic confidence on IA in craniocervical CT angiography (CTA) reconstructed with DEep Learning Trained Algorithm (DELTA) compared to the routine hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR).

Material and Methods

A total of 60 patients who underwent craniocervical CTA and were diagnosed with IA were retrospectively enrolled. Images were reconstructed with DELTA and HIR, where the image quality was first compared in noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Next, two radiologists independently graded the noise appearance, arterial sharpness, small vessel visibility, conspicuity of calcifications that may present in arteries, and overall image quality, each with a 5-point Likert scale. The diagnostic confidence on IAs of various sizes was also graded.

Results

Significantly lower noise and higher SNR and CNR were found on DELTA than on HIR images (all P < 0.05). All five subjective metrics were scored higher by both readers on the DELTA images (all P < 0.05), with good to excellent inter-observer agreement (κ = 0.77–0.93). DELTA images were rated with higher diagnostic confidence on IAs compared to HIR ( P < 0.001), particularly for those with size ≤3 mm, which were scored 4.5 ± 0.6 versus 3.4 ± 0.8 and 4.4 ± 0.7 versus 3.5 ± 0.8 by two readers, respectively.

Conclusion

The DELTA shows potential for improving the image quality and the associated confidence in diagnosing IA that may be worth consideration for routine craniocervical CTA applications.