bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Privacy concerns and social desirability bias
Authors: Larson Ronald B.
Published: December 2023

Privacy concerns may influence many choices consumers make. However, their expressed concerns are sometimes inconsistent with their information-sharing and privacy-protecting behaviors. Many theories have been proposed to explain the paradoxical gap between privacy attitudes and behaviors. Part of the privacy paradox may be explained with two measures that have received limited consideration: impulsiveness and social desirability bias (SDB). Surveys of US adults in 2015 and 2022 included questions to measure several types of privacy concerns along with impulsive tendencies and SDB (N = 2729). Age, education, gender, race, income, and impulsive tendencies were linked with some privacy concerns. If people with above-average concerns also disclose personal information on impulse, it might explain part of the paradox. Large coefficients on the SDB measure suggest that individuals who adjust their responses to be consistent with social norms may also overstate specific privacy concerns. For these individuals, their high expressed concerns may be inconsistent with their privacy behaviors. When researchers try to explain consumer attitudes or actions that involve privacy, multiple privacy concern dimensions should be considered and demographics, impulsive tendencies, and SDB should be included in the models.
Molecular mechanisms of diabetic heart disease: Insights from transcriptomic technologies
Authors: Conning-Rowland Marcella , Cubbon Richard M
Published: December 2023

Over half a billion adults across the world have diabetes mellitus (DM). This has a wide-ranging impact on their health, including more than doubling their risk of major cardiovascular events, in comparison to age-sex matched individuals without DM. Notably, the risk of heart failure is particularly increased, even when coronary artery disease and hypertension are not present. Macro- and micro-vascular complications related to endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction are a systemic feature of DM and can affect the heart. However, it remains unclear to what extent these and other factors underpin myocardial dysfunction and heart failure linked with DM. Use of unbiased ‘omics approaches to profile the molecular environment of the heart offers an opportunity to identify novel drivers of cardiac dysfunction in DM. Multiple transcriptomics studies have characterised the whole myocardium or isolated cardiac ECs. We present a systematic summary of relevant studies, which identifies common themes including alterations in both myocardial fatty acid metabolism and inflammation. These findings prompt further research focussed on these processes to validate potentially causal factors for prioritisation into therapeutic development pipelines.
A Novel Therapeutic Method in Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Leahy Patrick F.
Published: December 2023

Background

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD/GORD) is a chronic condition in which gastric acid flows backwards up into the esophagus, causing heart burn and a higher disposition to esophageal cancer. The reflux is caused by impairment of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Over the past century gastro-esophageal reflux has become the principal gastrointestinal condition of our time. The proton pump inhibitor class of drugs is effective in ameliorating the symptoms of reflux. The cost of investigation of patients in Europe is €100 billion per annum. The cost in days lost from work is €100 billion per annum in Europe. The global cost is 3 times this amount.

Methodology

The proposed device for treating gastro-esophageal reflux is a biodegradable valve that is placed non surgically in the esophago-gastric junction to prevent reflux from the stomach to the esophagus.

Experiment Results

50 simulator studies were performed with the patented device to elucidate the most consistent method of insertion and fixation in a human like simulator. The simulator was designed to replicate the normal human gastro-esophageal anatomy and characteristics. Four animal insertions were performed under ethical regulation at Amsterdam Medical Centre, Netherlands. Three cadaveric experiments were performed at Hackensack University Hospital, New Jersey, USA, to verify the positive outcomes of the simulator studies.

Conclusion

Successful outcomes of simulator studies and cadaveric experiments allowed the design freeze of a NoReflux device for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
Sleep alterations following elective shoulder surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Karimi Amir H , Langberg Joshua , Stone Michael Allen
Published: December 2023

Background

Poor sleep quality due to nocturnal pain is increasingly reported as a major symptom in several shoulder pathologies. Sleep disturbance has been reported in up to 89% after rotator cuff tears and is frequently reported as the primary reason for referring patients to surgery. As a result, it is important to understand the impact of shoulder surgery on a patient's sleep quality.

Methods

A systematic literature review in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed to identify primary research articles reporting the relationship between sleep and shoulder surgery. The initial query yielded 276 articles. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included discussing the relationship between sleep and shoulder surgery.

Results

A total of 1097 patients were included in the 12 studies evaluating the impact of shoulder surgery on sleep quality, with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as the most used survey. Average preoperative PSQI across studies was 9.9 (poor sleep), and postoperative PSQI scores of 5.4 at 6 months (improved sleep).

Conclusion

Patients with shoulder pathologies have a poor sleep quality that improves after shoulder surgery. However, this improvement might not return sleep quality within the normal range, suggesting other factors might impact postoperative sleep quality.

Level of evidence

III
Survivorship of the Stryker Ascend Flex uncemented metaphyseal bearing stem at a minimum 2- and 5-year follow-up
Authors: Huynh Richard C , Shields David W , Rashid Mustafa S , Monga Puneet
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The Ascend Flex short stem implant has been reported to have good early clinical outcomes and low revision rates. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the early to mid-term radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent primary shoulder arthroplasty with this implant.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent primary shoulder arthroplasty with short uncemented Ascend Flex stems with a minimum of 24-month follow-up were included. The primary outcomes were revision and reoperation rate. The secondary outcomes included stress shielding and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS).

Results

Totally, 151 shoulders were eligible for inclusion. Out of which 73 were anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, 77 were reverse geometry, and 1 was a hemiarthroplasty. Mean follow-up duration was 52 ± 17.2 months. The revision and reoperation rates were 0.6% and 2.6%, respectively. 1.3% anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) cases and 6.5% RSA cases demonstrated stress shielding. OSS improved from 16.1 ± 8.5 to 34.1 ± 12.3 in aTSA cases ( Z = −3.98, p < 0.001) and from 15.6 ± 8.4 to 30.0 ± 13.5 in RSA cases ( Z = −3.41, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate reassuring outcomes for this implant at a mean of 52 months. Further reports are required to document the long-term outcomes for this component.
Case note on Swedish Labour Court case no. 33, 2023 (AD 2023:33)
Authors: Hartzén Ankie
Published: December 2023

This case note discusses Swedish Labour Court case No. 33 of 2023 (AD 2023:33). The case involved a fixed-term worker employed as a personal assistant under a specific form of fixed-term contract regulated by collective agreement. The trade union sought to have the employment contract converted into a contract of indefinite duration and the form of fixed-term employment used to be declared invalid. Furthermore, it requested that the court should seek a preliminary ruling on whether the specific situation and conditions of work in the case could be considered objective reasons in accordance with clause 5(1)(a) of the Fixed-Term Framework Agreement. The Swedish Labour Court decided that the Fixed-Term Work Directive was not applicable in the case and that there was no reason to ask for a preliminary ruling. This case note discusses the outcome of the case and the reasoning of the Swedish Labour Court of specific interest in relation to the Fixed-Term Work Directive.
The nature of status: Navigating the varied approaches to conceptualizing and measuring status
Authors: Xu Tianyue , Evans M. Blair , Benson Alex J.
Published: December 2023

Members of small groups fundamentally desire status as status underpins members’ self-concept and dictates behavior in groups. Moreover, group members readily orient and update status perceptions that index the social standing of themselves and other members. Yet, our understanding is obscured by variability in how researchers study status. In the current review, we crystallize knowledge regarding the nature of status by characterizing variability in definitions, measures, and analytic frameworks. We advocate a definition of status that draws together attributes of respect, admiration, and voluntary deference. We also distinguish reputational and relational status operationalizations and address implications pertaining to measurement along with downstream decisions involving data management and analysis. We encourage a deliberate approach to ensure congruency in how status is defined, measured, and analyzed within a research program. This review also guides theory and hypothesis generation regarding how status-related processes may vary based on different forms of status or differing contexts.
Acceptability of a proposed practice pharmacist-led review for opioid-treated patients with persistent pain: A qualitative study to inform intervention development
Authors: Cornwall Nicola , Woodcock Charlotte , Ashworth Julie , Harrisson Sarah A , Dikomitis Lisa , White Simon , Helliwell Toby , Hodgson Eleanor , Knaggs Roger , Pincus Tamar , Santer Miriam , Mallen Christian D , Jinks Clare ,   on behalf of the PROMPPT team
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Regular review of patients prescribed opioids for persistent non-cancer pain (PCNP) is recommended but not routinely undertaken. The PROMPPT (Proactive clinical Review of patients taking Opioid Medicines long-term for persistent Pain led by clinical Pharmacists in primary care Teams) research programme aims to develop and test a pharmacist-led pain review (PROMPPT) to reduce inappropriate opioid use for persistent pain in primary care. This study explored the acceptability of the proposed PROMPPT review to inform early intervention development.

Methods

Interviews ( n = 15) and an online discussion forum ( n = 31) with patients prescribed opioids for PCNP and interviews with pharmacists ( n = 13), explored acceptability of a proposed PROMPPT review. A prototype PROMPPT review was then tested and refined through 3 iterative cycles of in-practice testing (IPT) ( n = 3 practices, n = 3 practice pharmacists, n = 13 patients). Drawing on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA), a framework was generated (including a priori TFA constructs) allowing for deductive and inductive thematic analysis to identify aspects of prospective and experienced acceptability.

Results

Patients felt uncertain about practice pharmacists delivering the proposed PROMPPT review leading to development of content for the invitation letter for IPT (introducing the pharmacist and outlining the aim of the review). After IPT, patients felt that pharmacists were suited to the role as they were knowledgeable and qualified. Pharmacists felt that the proposed reviews would be challenging. Although challenges were experienced during delivery of PROMPPT reviews, pharmacists found that they became easier to deliver with time, practise and experience. Recommendations for optimisations after IPT included development of the training to include examples of challenging consultations.

Conclusions

Uptake of new healthcare interventions is influenced by perceptions of acceptability. Exploring prospective and experienced acceptability at multiple time points during early intervention development, led to mini-optimisations of the prototype PROMPPT review ahead of a non-randomised feasibility study.
Context matters: Exploring the mediated nature of digital service provision within homelessness organizations
Authors: Harris Jennifer
Published: December 2023

A wide body of research has demonstrated the importance of mobile media in the lives of people experiencing homelessness. However, there is a need to understand digital access, uses, and needs within wider organizational and technological contexts. Informed by a social construction of technology theoretical perspective, this article explores how different homelessness organizations in England appropriate technology within their support services. Drawing on findings from three case studies, it demonstrates how provision is shaped by interpretive, cultural, and material factors that operate to facilitate or inhibit use. Given the significance of technology within the lives of people experiencing homelessness, this article highlights the need for practitioners and policy makers to prioritize and examine the nature and impact of digital service provision and to ensure that its design and delivery reflects the needs of users.
3D Printing in a hospital: Centralized clinical implementation and applications for comprehensive care
Authors: Hellman Samuel , Frisch Paul , Platzman Andre , Booth Paul
Published: December 2023

This educational article discusses the use of 3D printing or additive manufacturing in hospitals, not just for rapid prototyping but also for creating end-use products, such as clinical, diagnostic, and educational tools. The flexibility of 3D printing is valuable for creating patient-specific medical devices, custom surgical tools, anatomical models, implants, research tools and on-demand parts, among others. The advantages of and requirements for implementing a clinical 3D printing service in a hospital environment are discussed, including centralized 3D printing management, technology, example use cases, and considerations for implementation. The article provides an overview for other institutions to reference in setting up or organizing their clinical 3D printing services and is applicable to general hospitals or various sub-specialty practices.
Dairy and gluten in disease activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Temperley Isabel A , Seldon Alexandra N , Reckord Madeline AW , Yarad Claudia A , Islam Farihah T , Duncanson Kerith , Lea Rodney A , Lechner-Scott Jeannette , Maltby Vicki E
Published: December 2023

Background

Many diets promoted specifically for multiple sclerosis have been suggested to improve disease activity. Dairy and gluten are two components for which the recommendations vary between these diets. Existing research into the association between these dietary components and disease activity has been conflicting.

Objective

To explore the relationship between dairy and gluten intake and disease activity in multiple sclerosis over a 2-year period, using no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) 3 status.

Methods

186 participants’ dairy and gluten intake was retrospectively estimated over 2 years using a dairy and gluten dietary screener. Estimated dairy and gluten intake was compared to disease activity, indicated by no evidence of disease activity 3 status, and quality of life, assessed by the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaire.

Results

No significant association was found between mean estimated dairy or gluten intake and NEDA 3 status ( p = 0.15 and 0.60, respectively). Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between dairy or gluten intake and MusiQoL) scores ( p = 0.11 and 0.51, respectively).

Conclusion

Whilst we cannot rule out modest benefits due to our small sample size, we found that neither dairy nor gluten intake was associated with disease activity or quality of life in this study.
Embracing Digital Transformation in Financial Services: From Past to Future
Authors: Thottoli Mohammed Muneerali , Islam Md. Aminul , Yusof Mohd Faizal bin , Hassan Md. Sharif , Hassan Md. Arif
Published: December 2023

Financial services are significantly impacted by digital transformation, which has been believed as one of the primary trends reshaping society and industry. A comprehensive understanding of digital transformation from an academic and management perspective is required, and it is crucial to close the knowledge gap using bibliometric and qualitative research techniques. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to identify the extensive research themes in digital transformation in financial services from 2000 to 2021, their significance and interdependencies, to determine which trending topics seem to be the most influential, to trace the evolution of digital transformation in the financial service, and to address new and under-researched field of research that is intriguing for future research. This study used a bibliometric analysis of 288 peer-reviewed research articles published over the last 22 years in digital transformation in financial services. The data were extracted from the Scopus database and used various bibliometric analyses such as conceptual structure analysis, co-citation network analysis, social structure, and keyword analysis using R software. The findings show an overall increasing trend in journal publications, author productivity, collaborative research by institutions, and countries’ collaboration from the year 2019, as well as major insights from co-citation analysis. According to Lotka’s law, most authors (769, or 95.77%) contributed only one article. In addition, the study assesses multiple research areas, such as the effects of digital transformation in financial services, applied technology and insights, and digitalization processes, comprising the latest trending topics in this research stream that extensively cover up in financial services. One of the limitations of this study is that it used only a single database. The author recommends that the findings of this research be reinforced with more targeted and extensive qualitative literature in this field of study. This study establishes a framework for policymakers, academics, and researchers to investigate the areas where digital technologies influence financial services. This study also highlighted several cutting-edge digital technologies used for different functions of the financial services of an organization. This study illustrates the bibliometric structure of the digital transformation literature in financial services and provides insights into the literature’s growth year over year. It provides a comprehensive understanding of this evolving field, guiding future research and facilitating informed decision-making in the financial industry.
Critical Issues Facing SMEs’ Actors in the Adoption of Emerging Digital Marketing Technology (EDMT)
Authors: Eze Sunday C. , Chinedu-Eze Vera C. , Awa Hart O. , Diarah Sandra I.
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the ordeals actors of SMEs face in the adoption process of Emerging Digital Marketing Technology (EDMT). A conceptual framework was proposed to capture actors that participate in EMDT and the difficulties they (themselves) pose that hinder successful adoption. However, a purposive sample of 26 participants drawn from Crunch online database, Luton were interviewed on unstructured and semi-structured bases and analyzed using a thematic approach. The interviews on the problems were coded and classified based on the actors involved in the adoption process to extend the T-O-E framework. The findings revealed that while extant problems relate to the contexts of technology, organization, and environment, the extended T-O-E framework unraveled more critical problems that are linked to the in-grained human context. Implicit is that vendors should work on decision-makers, given that some of the adoption decisions are critically and continuously influenced by the actors.
The Impact of Recognized Features of Uncomfortable Houses on Auction Prices: A Chinese Cultural Perspective
Authors: Kuo Chin-Tai , Yuan Yu-Hsi , Gao Wang-Ze , Jao Chia-Ning
Published: December 2023

This study examines the influence of negative Feng-shui features on the prices of foreclosures (the houses subject to court-enforced auction) in Taiwan using the Google Street View function. The research objectives are threefold. Firstly, the study aims to compare whether foreclosed houses with negative Feng-shui features have longer auction times and higher discount rates compared to those without such features. Secondly, it seeks to explore the impact of negative Feng-shui features on investors in the foreclosed house market. Lastly, the study aims to assess the varying degrees of influence of different negative Feng-shui features on foreclosure prices. The findings of this study indicate that in the metropolitan area of Taiwan, foreclosures with more negative Feng-shui features tend to have longer auction times and higher discount rates compared to those without such features. Negative Feng-shui features may cause delays in investor bidding. Among the 12 negative Feng-shui features analyzed, only the presence of “facing-temple” is found to have a negative effect on foreclosure prices. This suggests that foreclosures with the “facing-temple” feature tend to have lower prices and potentially higher discount rates. The other 11 negative Feng-shui features do not have significant effects on auction pricing. This study discovered that the “facing-temple” was a significant negative Feng-shui feature in foreclosures in Taiwan against the traditional perspective. And it provides investors’ concerns toward foreclosures and their tendency in prices of foreclosures in Taiwan.
Compatibility as a Prerequisite: Research on the Factors Influencing the Continuous Use Intention of In-vehicle Games Based on Diffusion of Innovations Theory
Authors: Deng Liyuan , Li Dongning , Chen Jiangjie
Published: December 2023

As an emerging game category, in-vehicle games have great development potential, but the factors influencing users’ acceptance and continuance intention of in-car games were still not determined. This study used the three perceived attributes of Diffusion of Innovations Theory, compatibility, complexity, and relative advantage, as basis and introduced perceived habits, fit, interaction quality, experience, play value, and continuous use intention to establish the users’ continuance intention model of in-vehicle games. The results of 305 valid questionnaires indicate that compatibility and play value have significant positive influence on continuance intention, of which fit shows stronger effect; perceived habits have significant influence on fit and interaction quality; both fit and quality have significant influence on experience; experience have significant influence on play value. The results of this study can provide reference for promotion design of in-vehicle games and important guidance for future development for in-vehicle game industry.
Price Optimization of Closed-loop Supply Chain With Uncertain Demand Under Multi-channel Cross Influence
Authors: Shu Lingli , Liang Xuedong , Yao Jingyuan , Luo Peng
Published: December 2023

Face ubiquitous demand uncertainty and channel cross-influence, how to make price decision to improve profits has become an issue faced by decision makers. This paper concerns multichannel price optimization for a closed-loop supply chain and constructs the deterministic and uncertain models. Taking a real closed-loop clothing supply chain as an example, we carry out parameter assumptions and numerical experiments and analyze the simulation results. Our analysis reveals: (1) The supply chain is more profitable under centralized policy. The company can maximize profits by expanding upstream and downstream. (2) When experienced experts give more accurate error terms, the companies can accurately predict the demand and make price decisions. (3) Raising wholesale price will not maintain manufacturer’s profits growing. Beyond the threshold, the manufacturer’s profit will decrease. (4) The channel cross-influence is beneficial to the supply chain. When other factors remain unchanged, the greater the cross price-demand sensitivity coefficient in a channel, the higher the retailing price and the total profit of the supply chain will be. Decision makers can adjust pricing in time to adapt to changes of cross-influence and uncertain demand. The findings provide theoretical guidance for each player in the closed-loop supply chain.
A Qualitative Evaluation of the Motivations, Experiences, and Impact of a Mental Wellbeing Peer Support Group for Black University Students in England and Wales: The Case of Black Students Talk
Authors: Stoll Nkasi , Jieman Anna-Theresa , Yalipende Yannick , Byrom Nicola C. , Lempp Heidi , Hatch Stephani L.
Published: December 2023

Online peer support programs could address mental wellbeing concerns reported by Black students. The current evaluation explored Black university students’ motivations, experiences, and perceived impacts of an online mental wellbeing peer support group (Black Students Talk [BST]) in England and Wales. We conducted two focus groups with Black Students Talk attendees and one with facilitators. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Three main themes and eight sub-themes where identified related to (i) Motivation: Impact of racism on mental wellbeing; (ii) Experience: The Black Students Talk experience; and (iii) Impact: Mental wellbeing outcomes. Benefits of Black Students Talk for Black students included advice, rest, validation, and support in the context of their race and experiences of racism. Facilitators had a unique sub-theme concerning their training and support. While racism exists at universities, online peer support can offer valuable benefits for Black students’ mental wellbeing, social connectedness, and Black-only networks. Programs need to be co-created and delivered by trained Black students who receive reflective practice with a Black practitioner. Further independent evaluations using insights from survey and interview data are needed.
Factor Analysis of the University Environment and Support System: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Bazan Carlos
Published: December 2023

University students represent a reservoir of entrepreneurial talent and an inherent source of creativity and innovation. One way to help unleash their talents as an engine of economic growth is by increasing our understanding of elements—internal or external, real or perceived—that lead to and influence the emergence of new ventures led by students. There is evidence in the literature that the university environment and support system (ESS) can affect the entrepreneurial intention of students attending the institution. The university ESS comprises the support mechanisms necessary for entrepreneurial activity and could motivate students to consider entrepreneurship a possible career choice. Kraaijenbrink et al. developed and validated a university ESS scale that helped them identify three motivational factors of the university ESS influencing entrepreneurial intention. Despite its increasing popularity, a detailed study and analysis of the Kraaijenbrink et al. university ESS scale are still lacking in the extant literature. This study fills that gap by conducting an extensive factor analysis of the university ESS scale using a Bayesian approach. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this scale has been the subject of such an extensive investigation. We capitalized on the added flexibility of the Bayesian approach to address novel substantive questions through the mathematical model. We used it to enrich our understanding of the university ESS and generate new ideas for possible scale and model modifications. Furthermore, this evaluation provided novel insight into the relationships among the many dimensions of the university ESS. In the future, similar studies conducted by aspiring entrepreneurial universities could help them interpret the efficacy of their efforts to promote entrepreneurial activities among students.
Sustainability in NGO Programming: A Case Study of Working Equid Welfare Organizations
Authors: Haddy Emily , Brown Julia , Burden Faith , Raw Zoe , Kaminski Juliane , Proops Leanne
Published: December 2023

The sustainability of NGO initiatives has become a criterion by which to judge the success of programming. This study explores the conditions needed in order to achieve sustainable change by focusing on a sector that has recently experienced this shift towards more sustainable, interdisciplinary programming: that of working equid (animal welfare) NGOs. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 32 NGO staff working for 8 different animal welfare NGOs across 13 countries were conducted. These interviews covered potential barriers and avenues to success in producing sustainable working animal welfare improvements. Thematic analysis revealed consistent themes across contexts and NGOs. Approaches perceived as creating sustainable outcomes were ones that tailored initiatives to local contexts, focused on changing human behaviour, worked with key community contacts, built capacity in local infrastructure, combined approaches, and had comprehensive exit strategies. Barriers to sustainability included lack of continuity, short funding cycles and unpredictable external factors. Consideration of these conditions for designing effective future initiatives is recommended across the wider not-for-profit sector.
Role of Gardening in Mental Health, Food Security, and Economic Well-Being in Resettled Refugees: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Gangamma Rashmi , Walia Bhavneet , Minkoff-Zern Laura-Anne , Tor Shaelise
Published: December 2023

Executive Summary

Home and community gardening is emerging as a beneficial intervention for resettled refugee populations. Using an interdisciplinary lens, we examined whether gardening influences mental health, food security, and economic well-being. A mixed methods study ( n = 29) was conducted with quantitative surveys to assess indicators of mental health, food security, and economic well-being. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews explored gardener participants’ experience of gardening benefits ( n = 10). Participants had on average been in the United States for seven and a half years, with most having lived in refugee camps prior to arrival. Findings showed gardeners reporting fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, and lesser food insecurity than non-gardeners, and similar indicators of economic well-being. Non-parametric regression analysis showed that being a gardener significantly predicted less psychological distress. Qualitative data substantiated these findings with gardeners reporting improved mental health, closer family, social relationships and connections with culture, and more access to fresh and organic food. The multiple, simultaneous benefits of gardening reported here provide strong support for building community-based health promotion programs to assist refugee integration, including long after arrival. The study further highlights the importance of examining these interrelated factors of mental health, food security, and economic well-being simultaneously and reevaluating the established goals of refugee resettlement, particularly in the United States.

We offer the following recommendations:

• Policymakers and refugee resettlement practitioners should integrate culturally appropriate community-based health promotion efforts in refugee programs long after the initial resettlement period.

• Researchers on refugee integration outcomes should include interdisciplinary perspectives that offer comprehensive understanding of processes related to health outcomes.

• Policymakers on refugee resettlement and integration should consider the linkages between mental health, food security, and economic well-being.
Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study Describing Postoperative Wound Care Practice in Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Fasil Tegegn Lidiya , Andualem Fantahun , Derbie Begashaw Tesfaye , Seid Jemal , Temesgen Kibir
Published: December 2023

Background

Postoperative care is the management of a patient after surgery that includes care given during the immediate postoperative period. Postoperative complications are continuing to be a major source of morbidity following operative procedures. Postoperative wound infection delays the patient’s recovery, increases discomfort, and prolongs the hospital stay.

Objective

The study aimed to assess among nurses working in governmental hospitals in the south Wollo zone and Oromia special zone, northeast Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on governmental hospitals in the south Wollo zone and Oromia special zone. Variables in multivariable logistic regression, p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Result

From a total of 411 samples, 402 nurses responded to the questionnaire, with a response rate of 97.81%. This study showed that 49.8% of participants had good practice. The availability of a wound management tool was 1.6 times more likely to promote good practice than the lack of a wound assessment tool. Nurses who had documented their wound assessment and management activities were 2.1 times more likely to have good practice than those who hadn’t documented.

Conclusion

This study showed that half of the participants had poor wound care practices. Regarding associated factors, the availability of wound management tools and documentation of wound assessment and management had a significant association with the nurse's poor wound care practice. On the basis of these results, health policymakers and hospital administrators should develop a program to train nurses in wound care practice, and it helps as a reference for the researchers to further study.
Conflicts Over Natural Resources and Gender-based Violence at Sialsui, India
Authors: Rajput Priya , Jadhav Jagdish
Published: December 2023

This study explores how limited access to natural resources causes gender-based violence and what professional social work practice strategies can be employed to deal with it. Analysing 10 qualitative interviews with Gujjar women, it discusses how they have experienced violence while accessing firewood, water and grazing their cattle. It argues that along with gender, intersection of poverty, dependence on limited natural resources and socio-cultural norms and tribal identity further marginalise Gujjar women and their community in general. It proffers professional social work practice strategies to address gender-based violence. The analysis and suggested strategies are useful not only to Gujjar communities but also to other women and communities living in similar contexts.
Histoplasmosis: A Mimicker of Granulomatosis with Polyangitis
Authors: Suresh Sreedevi , Shylaja Soumya , Reghukumar Aravind , Kumar V.S. Kiran , Gurudas Athul , Abraham Betty
Published: December 2023

A 31-year-old male from the southern part of India with no known comorbidities presented with painful oral erosions over his palate following a dental procedure. Over 2 months, it progressed to the desquamation of blackish necrotic skin, gingival hypertrophy associated with intermittent fever and odynophagia. He had elevated acute-phase reactants. Biopsy of the gingiva showed necrotising vasculitis. ANCA was weakly positive for the cytoplasmic pattern by immunofluorescence. The HRCT chest showed a single cavitating nodule in the right upper lobe and a non-cavitary nodule in the left upper lobe with right maxillary sinus thickening. With the above clinical and biopsy findings, granulomatosis with polyangiitis was the first consideration. He was referred to our centre since the oral lesions did not improve and nodular swellings developed on the palate. The examination showed cervical lymphadenopathy, which was subjected to an excision biopsy. It showed extensive areas of necrosis with karyorrhectic debris and numerous intracellular and extracellular round-to-ovoid spore-like structures. Special stains were positive for histoplasmosis. Abdomen imaging showed adrenal enlargement. Cultures were negative, which could be due to the fact that he was on multiple medications. He was treated with amphotericin and itraconazole. His symptoms improved. But later, he had worsening clinical parameters suggestive of a progressive disseminated form of histoplasmosis. In spite of aggressive efforts, he couldn’t be resuscitated owing to the dissemination of the organism. Even though considered to be more common in immunosuppressed individuals in nonendemic areas, it is reported in immunocompetent individuals as well and should be strongly suspected if the clinical picture fits so for early diagnosis and aggressive management to prevent fatal complications. There have been only fewer case reports of histoplasmosis from the southern part of India. ANCA is only rarely reported false positively in histoplasmosis.
DIY practices in 1990s fashion: Notes from Alexander McQueen's early years (1992–1996)
Authors: Figueredo Henrique Grimaldi
Published: December 2023

Alexander McQueen (1969–2010) was certainly one of the greatest fashion designers of the late 20th and early 21st century. Creator of an authorial work McQueen has become the subject of study of numerous researchers. In this article, using a sociological approach, we’ll analyze the designer's early creative phase, specifically his production between the years 1992 and 1996. Reflecting on some of his esthetic results, this article seeks to characterize how DIY appears in his work as a type of epistemological solution conditioned to social, political, and economic issues. Thinking about the gains that come from using DIY as well as the concessions that are made when his work is absorbed into the fashion mainstream, McQueen will be taken as a heuristic example that helps us describe and qualify even more complex phenomena of contemporaneity as the change in the fashion system and the new phases of capitalism.
United States’ Nursing Home Finances: Spending, Profitability, and Capital Structure
Authors: Harrington Charlene , Mollot Richard , Braun Robert Tyler , Williams Dunc
Published: December 2023

Little is known about nursing home (NH) financial status in the United States even though most NH care is publicly funded. To address this gap, this descriptive study used 2019 Medicare cost reports to examine NH revenues, expenditures, net income, related-party expenses, expense categories, and capital structure. After a cleaning process for all free-standing NHs, a study population of 11,752 NHs was examined. NHs had total net revenues of US$126 billion and a profit of US$730 million (0.58%) in 2019. When US$6.4 billion in disallowed costs and US$3.9 billion in non-cash depreciation expenses were excluded, the profit margin was 8.84 percent. About 77 percent of NHs reported US$11 billion in payments to related-party organizations (9.54% of net revenues). Overall spending for direct care was 66 percent of net revenues, including 27 percent on nursing, in contrast to 34 percent spent on administration, capital, other, and profits. Finally, NHs had long-term debts that outweighed their total available financing. The study shows the value of analyzing cost reports. It indicates the need to ensure greater accuracy and completeness of cost reports, financial transparency, and accountability for government funding, with implications for policy changes to improve rate setting and spending limits.
ALDH2 mitigates LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis through the cGAS/STING pathway
Authors: Liu Haoran , Hu Qin , Ren Ke , Wu Pengxin , Wang Yang , Lv Chuanzhu
Published: December 2023

Background

Sepsis is a severe syndrome of organ dysfunction that often leads to cardiac dysfunction and endangers life. The role of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in LPS-induced myocardial injury is unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of ALDH2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial injury and the regulatory mechanism and to identify potential therapeutic strategies for treating this condition.

Methods

An in vivo model was established by 12 h of LPS (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) stimulation, and an in vitro model was generated by stimulating H9C2 cells with LPS (10 μg/ml) for 12 h. We then used the ALDH2 activator Alda-1 and the ALDH2 inhibitor daidzin to assess their effects on LPS-induced cardiac injury. Cardiac function in mice was evaluated by using cardiac ultrasound. We used various methods to evaluate inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, including ELISA, flow cytometry, JC-1 staining, Western blotting, and DCFH-DA staining. Additionally, we used a small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) to further investigate the relationship between ALDH2 and cGAS in LPS-induced cardiac injury.

Results

LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and increased the levels of the cardiac injury markers creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in vivo. This change was accompanied by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which exacerbated the oxidative stress response and regulated apoptosis through cleaved caspase-3, BAX, BCL-2. The expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6/IL-1β/TNF-α was also upregulated. However, these effects were reversed by pretreatment with Alda-1 via the inhibition of cGAS/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. Interestingly, LPS, Alda-1 and daidzin altered the activity of ALDH2 but did not regulate its protein expression. Knocking down cGAS in H9C2 cardiomyocytes alleviated LPS-induced cardiac inflammation, apoptosis, and ROS production and weakened the synergistic effect of daidzin.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that ALDH2 alleviated LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis through the cGAS/STING signaling pathway, thereby protecting against LPS-induced cardiac injury. This study identifies a novel therapeutic approach for treating sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC).
Do sociodemographic factors influence the levels of health and oral literacy? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Veladas Francisco Manuel Veigas , De la Torre Canales Giancarlo , de Souza Nobre Bryanne Brissian , Escoval Ana , Pedro Ana Rita , de Almeida André Mariz , Assunção Victor Abreu , Manso Ana Cristina
Published: December 2023

Background

Oral health literacy has gained importance in dental literature, and its relationship with oral health status and association with health status (HL) has been reported. Then, an association between the levels of HL and OHL could be expected. This study aimed to assess the levels of HL and OHL according to sociodemographic factors and to explore a possible association between HL and OHL.

Methods

The European Health Literacy Survey and Oral Health Literacy Adults Questionnaire were applied to a convenience sample from Portuguese individuals. Also, sociodemographic factors such as sex, age, schooling level of the participants and their parents, and if the participants were professionals or students of the health field were assessed. To analyze the data, the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compared sociodemographic variables and the levels of literacy in general and oral health. The Spearman correlation test assessed the correlation between the levels of HL and OHL.

Results

HL results showed that 45.1% of the volunteers were considered in a “problematic level” and 10.3% in “excellent level”. However, 75% presented an adequate level of OHL. Regarding the levels of HL in each sociodemographic variable, significant higher levels of “excellent level” were found in health professionals and students when compared with participants not related to health area (p < 0.001). Comparisons between the levels of OHL in each sociodemographic variable showed, significant differences regarding sex (p < 0.05), age (p < 0.001), levels of schooling of the participants and their parents (p < 0.009 and p < 0.001) and relationship with health field. (p < 0.001). A significant positive – weak correlation was found between HL and OHL (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

HL and OHL levels are associated and could be influenced by sociodemographic factors.
Faecal microbiota and fatty acids in feline chronic enteropathy
Authors: Miller Julia , Żebrowska-Różańska Paulina , Czajkowska Aleksandra , Szponar Bogumiła , Kumala-Ćwikła Aleksandra , Chmielarz Magdalena , Łaczmański Łukasz
Published: December 2023

Background

Feline chronic enteropathy is a set of disorders defined as the presence of clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease for at least three weeks. The most common final diagnoses are inflammatory bowel disease and alimentary small cell lymphoma. The etiopathogenesis of these diseases is incompletely understood; however, it is hypothesised that they involve a combination of factors, including altered composition and/or functionality of the intestinal microbiome. An important factor in the interplay of the microbiome and host is the production of short- and branched-chain fatty acids. 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible differences in faecal microbiota diversity, composition and fatty acid production between cats suffering from chronic enteropathy and healthy cats. Sixteen cats suffering from chronic enteropathy and fourteen healthy control cats were enrolled in the study. The microbiota compositions of faecal samples were analysed by using next-generation amplicon sequencing of the V3V4 fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. Fatty acids were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Both the alpha and beta diversities were significantly lower in samples obtained from cats with chronic enteropathy. The relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria, orders Lactobacillales and Enterobacterales, family Enteriobacteriaceae and genus Escherichia Shigella were higher in diseased cats, whereas the abundance of the phylum Bacteroidota and order Peptococcales were higher in control cats. The faecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were higher in cats with chronic enteropathy, with lower propionate proportions and higher butyrate proportions.

Conclusion

The study revealed alterations in microbiota compositions and short-chain fatty acid concentration in cats suffering from chronic enteropathy, which is an important finding both for research on the pathogenesis of the disease and for potential therapeutic interventions in the form of faecal microbiota transplantation and/or probiotic supplementation.