bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
God in Tibetan: On the Use of an Impersonal Concept as a Translation for “God”
Authors: Andvik Erik
Published: August 2024

The word for God used in many Bible translations in Tibetan-related languages is dkon mchog, a Tibetan Buddhist concept originally designating the so-called “Buddhist Trinity”: Buddha, dharma (the teachings), and sangha (the community of disciples). The expression was first used by Jesuit missionaries in the eighteenth century, and a review of their argumentation shows that its use is due to more than simply its superficial resemblance to the Christian Trinity. Expressions used in translation for unknown concepts undergo over time a semantic shift, by which the concept is reinterpreted and filled with new content corresponding to the biblical understanding. This shift can take place via metonymic or metaphoric extension, and the change is relatively unconstrained. The metonymic shift required in order for the concept dkon mchog to convey the biblical meaning is not likely to result in polysemy and may therefore give less cause for misunderstanding than the polysemous expressions (God/god) used in most other Bible translations.
Linguistic Analysis behind Innovative Renderings of אִישׁ‎ in a Newly Published Translation
Authors: Stein David E. S.
Published: August 2024

The Revised Jewish Publication Society translation of the Hebrew Bible (RJPS, 2023), an adaptation of the meaning-based English version known as NJPS (1985, 1999), has changed many renderings of the personal noun אִישׁ‎ (usually glossed as “man; person”). This article explains the cognitively based, communication-oriented thinking behind seventy new renderings. In these cases, singular אִישׁ‎ appears in construct with a group name (most often יִשְׂרָאֵל‎ “Israel”) and refers to a specific plurality of persons regarded as a single body. The analysis views אִישׁ‎ as a situating noun, that is, its use profiles its referent in terms of the depicted situation. The proposed motivation for singular collective usage is to make a pragmatic contrast with אֲנָשִׁים‎ (the standard plural of אִישׁ‎) to situate the participant in the bigger picture. This situation-oriented approach readily yields coherent and informative texts while solving interpretive cruxes. Principles for translating a situating noun are also briefly discussed.
Daniel 9.24-27: Poetry, “Elevated Prose,” or Something Else?
Authors: Calaza Schenkel Manuel Eduardo
Published: August 2024

Daniel 9.24-27 is addressed as a case study for testing a widely accepted list of formal criteria for diagnosing where a passage gravitates toward within the prose/poetry continuum. A close reading of the passage reveals a dense condensation of lineated discourse markers corroborated by linguistic opposition with its immediate context. Taking Berlin’s “perceptibility” principles into account (proximity, similarity, quantity, expectation), such a convergence of poetic features favors a lineated discourse reading over its alternative, “elevated prose.” Bible translators would have sound exegetical grounds for printing or performing Dan 9.24-27 in other creative ways for promoting the perception and appreciation of this highlighted line-crafted revelatory discourse.
A Possible Approach to the Translation Critique of the Chinese New Living Translation: Towards a Combined Holistic Method for Evaluating a “Daughter Translation”
Authors: Ma Tianji
Published: August 2024

The Chinese New Living Translation (CNLT, 2012) is a daughter translation of the American NLT (1996), a very popular Bible translation in the English-speaking world. By its own account, it follows the style and the character of the American “mother version” with its lively, easy-to-understand and easy-to-read contemporary language, coupled with exegetical accuracy. The interesting question that arises in this paper is how to methodically study the purposes and specifics of a daughter translation such as CNLT. A multi-step method is proposed with the aim of evaluating CNLT with a view to its self-imposed goals. As a short example, the method is applied to a passage in Ps 23 to illustrate the approach. The specific problems of CNLT as a daughter translation such as error propagation and the acceptability problem are addressed in a final hermeneutical and missiological reflection.
Precision public health, the key for future outbreak management: A scoping review
Authors: Rajendran Ellappa Ghanthan , Mohd Hairi Farizah , Krishna Supramaniam Rama , T Mohd Tengku Amatullah Madeehah
Published: August 2024

Background

Precision Public Health (PPH) is a newly emerging field in public health medicine. The application of various types of data allows PPH to deliver more tailored interventions to a specific population within a specific timeframe. However, the application of PPH possesses several challenges and limitations that need to be addressed.

Objective

We aim to provide evidence of the various use of PPH in outbreak management, the types of data that could be used in PPH application, and the limitations and barriers in the application of the PPH approach.

Methods and analysis

Articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Our selection of articles was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for Scoping Review guidelines. The outcome of the evidence assessment was presented in narrative format instead of quantitative.

Results

A total of 27 articles were included in the scoping review. Most of the articles (74.1%) focused on PPH applications in performing disease surveillance and signal detection. Furthermore, the data type mostly used in the studies was surveillance (51.9%), environment (44.4), and Internet query data. Most of the articles emphasized data quality and availability (81.5%) as the main barriers in PPH applications followed by data integration and interoperability (29.6%).

Conclusions

PPH applications in outbreak management utilize a wide range of data sources and analytical techniques to enhance disease surveillance, investigation, modeling, and prediction. By leveraging these tools and approaches, PPH contributes to more effective and efficient outbreak management, ultimately reducing the burden of infectious diseases on populations. The limitation and challenges in the application of PPH approaches in outbreak management emphasize the need to strengthen the surveillance systems, promote data sharing and collaboration among relevant stakeholders, and standardize data collection methods while upholding privacy and ethical principles.
Learning from the pandemic: School counsellor experience during the pandemic in the United States
Authors: Behl Malvika , Green Leigh , Garcia Elizabeth , Laux John
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the education sector worldwide; forcing a transition from face-to-face to a virtual environment and impacting the role of educators in schools. Like others, school counsellors transitioned to a virtual role, changing their approach to counselling. The purpose of this mixed methods study using a sample of 163 certified, licensed school counsellors in the United States and its territories, was to understand how the pandemic affected their roles and responsibilities. Data was collected using an online survey. Not surprisingly, results showed a marked increase in the number of direct counselling services (e.g. individual and group counselling, student academic planning and crisis response) delivered online. However, the findings indicated a lack of confidence and training amongst participants when delivering counselling online. Participants discussed feeling overwhelmed to effectively advocate for themselves to deliver school counselling services in a virtual setting. Qualitative data illustrated the different ethical concerns school counsellors faced. The school counsellor experience, both positive and negative, and recommended changes in policies and training requirements at the local, state and national levels and implications for curriculum for counsellor education programmes, are discussed.
Spinal Gout: An Unusual Cause of Low Back Pain
Authors: Shu Sara , Garrison Gregory M.
Published: August 2024

Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal complaint accounting for over 30 million visits to primary care physicians annually. Serious pathology is found in less than 1% of these visits. Therefore it is often a challenge to distinguish worrisome findings requiring further workup and treatment from common complaints of pain. Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that most commonly affects the appendicular skeleton. It is characterized by the saturation of uric acid and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and tissues. Spinal involvement is rare and is not typically considered on the differential diagnosis for a patient presenting with acute low back pain. We present such a case of a 35-year-old male who presented with intractable back pain, highlighting the need to recognize signs and symptoms that raise suspicion for spinal gout.
A Structured Literature Review of Nurses’ Perceptions Concerning the Use of Chemical Restraints Amongst People with Dementia and the Perceived Barriers to Non-Pharmacological Approaches
Authors: Jacobs Jeremy , Wei Li , Slatyer Susan
Published: August 2024

This article aims to critically analyse current literature that explores nurses’ perspectives concerning the use of chemical restraints amongst people with dementia—regarding behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)—to consolidate existing knowledge on this phenomenon and generate a foundation for further research. This literature review followed the 12-step approach by Kable et al. A total of 17 articles published between 2012 and 2022 were included following critical appraisal. A total of 2,806 participants, primarily consisting of nurses of various levels (44%) were included amongst the 17 included articles. Five themes emerged from the analysis of the findings: (a) nurses’ perceptions of BPSD, (b) perceived effectiveness and safety of chemical restraints, (c) influence of the practice environment, (d) perceptions of non-pharmacological approaches (NPA)s, and (e) barriers to using NPAs. Explicit and implicit pressures to prescribe and utilize chemical restraints exerted by nurses and families promote the use of chemical restraints, amplified by barriers to using alternative approaches. A tentative conceptual model was proposed to explain these emergent concepts and relationships between the themes.
How Unethical Pro-organizational Behavior Links to Actors’ and Observers’ Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Wenli , Xie Yuping
Published: August 2024

Scholars have paid great attention to unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB), however, there is a lack of a comprehensive review to uncover the consequences of UPB. It is important to fulfill the need for a quantitative review of the outcomes associated with UPB. Therefore, we construct a holistic framework to explore the difference between actors and observers in responding to unethical pro-organizational behavior and test it using meta-analysis technology (k = 53, n = 18,710). The meta-analytic results show that actors’ UPB is positively related to actors’ counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs), actors’ organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), and observers’ UPB. Actors’ UPB increases actors’ CWBs via actors’ psychological entitlement, and it increases actors’ OCBs via actors’ guilt. In addition, actors’ UPB also increases observers’ UPB via observers’ moral disengagement. Actors’ organizational tenure positively moderates the relationship between actors’ UPB and actors’ CWBs. Our findings draw attention to the outcomes of UPB and have reference significance for future research on UPB.
Effect of Paravertebral Muscle Degeneration on Lumbar and Pelvic Sagittal Alignment in Patients With Degenerative Scoliosis
Authors: Liu Linyan , Jiang Zehua , Fu Xuanhao , Cheng Yuelin , Feng Sa , Zhou Mengmeng , Zhao Xinyan , Zhu Rusen
Published: August 2024

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Objectives

To explore the relationship between lumbar spine muscle mass and lumbar pelvic sagittal parameters in patients with degenerative scoliosis.

Methods

This study included ADS patients who were treated in our hospital from 2019 to 2023. The spinal parameters were evaluated through X-rays, and the relative muscle volume (RMV) and fat infiltration (FI) were measured through three-dimensional reconstruction. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on SRS-Schwab sagittal balance correction (0, +, ++), and into 3 groups based on GAP score (proportioned, moderately dis-proportioned, severely dis-proportioned). Finally, patients were classified into low-quality and high-quality groups based on the FI of Paraspinal muscles (PSM).

Results

The study included a total of 63 patients. Significant statistical differences were observed in the FI and RMV of MF, ES and PS among patients classified by SRS-Schwab PT classification. Additionally, significant statistical differences were found in the RMV of MF and PS among patients classified by SRS-Schwab PI-LL classification and GAP score. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between the FI and RMV of PSM and lumbopelvic sagittal parameters. The ordinal regression model analysis revealed that FI of ES significantly impacted PT imbalance, while RMV of MF significantly impacted PI-LL imbalance. Moreover, significant differences were noted in PT and PI between the low-quality and high-quality multifidus groups.

Conclusions

As sagittal imbalance worsens, PSM degeneration also intensifies, primarily characterized by an increase in FI and a decrease in RMV. Notably, PT and PI-LL are positively correlated with RMV and negatively correlated with FI.
Adiponectin, Interleukin-18 (IL-18), and Visceral Adipose Tissue in Filipino Americans: Biomarkers and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gallegos Julian L. , Taylor-Piliae Ruth E. , Pace Thaddeus W. W. , Gallek Matthew J. , Ritter Leslie
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Filipino Americans (FAs) are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes despite other Asian phenotypes. Evidence suggests that pro-inflammatory interleukin-18 (IL-18) and anti-inflammatory adiponectin biomarkers associated with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) may explain this risk.

Objectives

This study aimed to quantify the biomarkers in relation to standard ranges of VAT or typical circulating concentration ranges reported in the literature of IL-18 and adiponectin, examine relationships of these markers, and determine if they were different among those participants without diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was used to enroll FAs without diabetes, prediabetes, or diabetes. VAT was measured using the InBody 570© Body Composition Analyzer. Blood samples were obtained to assess plasma concentrations of IL-18 and adiponectin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All analyses were conducted using a 5% type I error rate. Mean ±SD and percentages were used to describe the sample and data where appropriate. Pearson's correlations (R) were calculated to determine the relationships between VAT and IL-18 in each group. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in VAT, IL-18, and adiponectin among groups. Further, nonparametric procedures examined the differences in adiponectin among those within groups.

Results

Seventy-five participants were enrolled. Biomarkers above the typical concentration range were observed for VAT, IL-18, and adiponectin. Adiponectin significantly differed among groups with lower values in the diabetes group vs. the nondiabetes group.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that while inflammation-related biomarkers, such as adiponectin, correlate with VAT and may serve as indicators of increased risk of type 2 diabetes in FAs, correlation alone does not establish causality.
A Case of Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity
Authors: Jafri Shahnawaz S. , Rao Hygriv B.
Published: August 2024

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is a rare cause of syncope. A 66 year old male patient, presented with an episode of syncope and after evaluation it was diagnosed as carotid sinus hypersensitivity and was treated with dual chamber pacemaker. In the presence of risk factors, carotid sinus hypersensitivity as a diagnosis is considered very rare.
The Active External Rotation Sign: A Physical Exam Technique for Detecting Posterolateral Corner Injury in Chronic Multiligament Knee Injuries
Authors: Levitt Sarah J. , Zazulak Bohdanna , Green Joshua S. , Medvecky Michael J.
Published: August 2024

Background:

The posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee comprises important static and dynamic stabilizers, including the lateral collateral ligament, popliteus tendon, biceps femoris tendon, the popliteofibular ligament, and the posterolateral capsule. These structures are disrupted in many knee injuries, yet may be overlooked due to the complex anatomy, subjective clinical diagnostic exams, and poorly defined imaging techniques. Complete PLC lesions rarely heal with non-operative treatment, and can lead to significant instability and poor outcomes, and are therefore most successfully treated surgically.

Indications:

A thorough physical examination and a high index of suspicion is necessary when evaluating the knee to identify these occult injuries. Current physical exam testing for PLC injuries typically includes side to side comparisons of the varus stress test, dial test, and heel-to-table distance. However, these injuries continue to be under-diagnosed as global clinical consensus for PLC injury identification remains elusive.

Technique Description:

In these videos, we show the “active external rotation sign” where chronic posterior cruciate ligament-PLC deficient patients are positioned in 90° of knee flexion and are instructed to actively contract their hamstrings. Verbal cues given to the patient include “contract your hamstrings” and “dig the back of your heel into the ground.” This can result in dynamic external rotation of the tibia with simultaneous posterior tibial translation on the femur. The biceps femoris pulls on the fibula and without the PLC to stabilize the knee, tibiofibular external rotation and posterior translation occurs. The biomechanics are similar to the dial test, but this detection tool utilizes active motion instead of passive motion, and presents with this abnormal and asymmetric knee motion.

Results:

The purpose of this presentation is to describe and demonstrate an important clinical sign that may be seen with chronic PLC injuries and that may be used as a new test for diagnosis.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Detection of PLC injuries with the active external rotation sign may assist in the clinical detection of incompetent PLC function, which can put cruciate reconstruction surgery at risk of failure if not simultaneously addressed.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Targeting microbial pathogenic mechanisms as a novel therapeutic strategy in IBD
Authors: Miller Paul F.
Published: August 2024

Background

Current therapy for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is focused on inflammatory mechanisms exclusively and not the dysbiotic microbiota, despite growing evidence implicating a role for intestinal microbes in disease.

Main body

Ongoing research into the intestinal microbiota of IBD patients, using new technologies and/or deeper application of existing ones, has identified a number of microorganisms whose properties and behaviors warrant consideration as causative factors in disease. Such studies have implicated both bacteria and fungi in the pathogenesis of disease. Some of these organisms manifest mechanisms that should be amenable to therapeutic intervention via either conventional or novel drug discovery platforms. Of particular note is a deeper characterization of microbial derived proteases and their destructive potential.

Conclusion

Given the steady progress on the mechanistic role of the microbiota in inflammatory diseases, it is reasonable to anticipate a future in which therapeutics targeting microbial derived pathogenic factors play an important role in improving the lives of IBD patients.
Outcomes and relevance of emergency percutaneous coronary angiography and intervention after resuscitated cardiac arrest: a retrospective study
Authors: Bourlond Baudouin , Dupré Marion , Carron Pierre-Nicolas , Liaudet Lucas , Eeckhout Eric
Published: August 2024

Background

In patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest and displaying no ST-segment elevation on initial electrocardiogram (ECG), recent randomized trials indicated no benefits from early coronary angiography. How the results of such randomized studies apply to a real-world clinical context remains to be established.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a clinical database including all patients 18 yo or older admitted to our tertiary University Hospital from January 2017 to August 2020 after successful resuscitation of out-of-Hospital (OHCA) or In-Hospital (IHCA) cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac origin, and undergoing immediate coronary angiography, regardless of the initial rhythm and post-resuscitation ECG. The primary outcome of the study was survival at day 90 after cardiac arrest. Demographic data, characteristics of cardiac arrest, duration of resuscitation, laboratory values at admission, angiographic data and revascularization status were collected. Comparisons were performed according to the initial ECG (ST-segment elevation or not), and between survivors and non-survivors. Variables associated with the primary outcome were evaluated by univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

We analyzed 147 patients (130 OHCA and 17 IHCA), including 67 with STEMI and 80 without STEMI (No STEMI). Immediate revascularization was performed in 65/67 (97%) STEMI and 15/80 (19%) no STEMI. Day 90 survival was significantly higher in STEMI (48/67, 72%) than no STEMI (44/80, 55%). In the latter patients, survival was not influenced by the revascularization status. In univariate and multivariate analyses, lower age, a shockable rhythm, shorter durations of no flow and low flow, and a lower initial blood lactate were associated with survival in both STEMI and no STEMI. In contrast, metabolic abnormalities, including lower initial plasma sodium and higher potassium were significantly associated with mortality only in the subgroup of no STEMI patients.

Conclusions

Our results, obtained in a real-world clinical setting, indicate that an immediate coronary angiography is not associated with any survival advantage in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac etiology without ST-segment elevation on initial ECG. Furthermore, we found that some early metabolic abnormalities may be associated with mortality in this population, which should deserve further investigation.
Clinical and safety outcomes of BeEAM (Bendamustine, Etoposide, Cytarabine, Melphalan) versus CEM (Carboplatin, Etoposide, Melphalan) in lymphoma patients as a conditioning regimen before autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Eltelbanei Mohamed A. , El-Bassiouny Noha A. , Abdalla Mahmoud Salah , Khalaf Mohamed , Werida Rehab H.
Published: August 2024

Background

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a pivotal treatment for lymphoma patients. The BeEAM regimen (Bendamustine, Etoposide, Cytarabine, Melphalan) traditionally relies on cryopreservation, whereas the CEM regimen (Carboplatin, Etoposide, Melphalan) has been optimized for short-duration administration without the need for cryopreservation. This study rigorously compares the clinical and safety profiles of the BeEAM and CEM regimens.

Methods

A controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 58 lymphoma patients undergoing ASCT at the International Medical Center (IMC) in Cairo, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned to either the BeEAM (n = 29) or CEM (n = 29) regimen, with an 18-month follow-up period. Clinical and safety outcomes were meticulously compared, focusing on time to engraftment for neutrophils and platelets, side effects, length of hospitalization, transplant-related mortality (TRM), and survival rates.

Results

The findings demonstrate a significant advantage for the CEM regimen. Neutrophil recovery was markedly faster in the CEM group, averaging 8.5 days compared to 14.5 days in the BeEAM group (p < 0.0001). Platelet recovery was similarly expedited, with 11 days in the CEM group versus 23 days in the BeEAM group (p < 0.0001). Hospitalization duration was substantially shorter for CEM patients, averaging 18.5 days compared to 30 days for those on BeEAM (p < 0.0001).

Furthermore, overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in the CEM group at 96.55% (95% CI: 84.91–99.44%) compared to 79.31% (95% CI: 63.11–89.75%) in the BeEAM group (p = 0.049). Progression-free survival (PFS) was also notably superior in the CEM group, at 86.21% (95% CI: 86.14–86.28%) versus 62.07% (95% CI: 61.94–62.20%) in the BeEAM group (p = 0.036).

Conclusion

The CEM regimen might demonstrate superiority over the BeEAM regimen, with faster neutrophil and platelet recovery, reduced hospitalization time, and significantly improved overall and progression-free survival rates. Future studies with longer duration and larger sample sizes are warranted.

Trial registration

This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the registration number NCT05813132 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05813132).

(The first submitted registration date: is March 16, 2023).
Altered somatosensory processing in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Frost-Karlsson Morgan , Capusan Andrea Johansson , Olausson Håkan , Boehme Rebecca
Published: August 2024

Background

Tactile sensitivity and sensory overload in ADHD are well-documented in clinical-, self-, and parent- reports, but empirical evidence is scarce and ambiguous and focuses primarily on children. Here, we compare both empirical and self-report tactile sensitivity and ADHD symptomatology in adults with ADHD and neurotypical controls. We evaluate whether tactile sensitivity and integration is more prevalent in ADHD and whether it is related to ADHD symptom severity.

Methods

Somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) amplitudes were measured in 27 adults with ADHD and 24 controls during four conditions (rest, stroking of the own arm, stroking of the arm by a researcher, and stroking of an object). Participants also filled out questionnaires on tactile sensitivity and ADHD symptoms and performed a Qb-test as an objective measure of ADHD symptom severity.

Results

Participants with ADHD self-reported greater tactile sensitivity and ADHD symptom severity than controls and received higher scores on the Qb-test. These values correlated with one another. ADHD participants showed lower tolerable threshold for electrical radial nerve stimulus, and greater reduction in cortical SEP amplitudes during additional tactile stimuli which was correlated with ADHD symptoms.

Conclusions

We find that ADHD symptomatology and touch sensitivity are directly linked, using both self-reports and experimental measures. We also find evidence of tactile sensory overload in ADHD, and an indication that this is linked to inattention specifically. Tactile sensitivity and sensory overload impact the functioning and life quality of many people with ADHD, and clinicians should consider this when treating their patients.
Sociocultural perceptions of physical activity and dietary habits for hypertension control: voices from adults in a rural sub-district of South Africa
Authors: Sekome Kganetso , Gómez-Olivé Francesc Xavier , Sherar Lauren B. , Esliger Dale W. , Myezwa Hellen
Published: August 2024

Background

Over half of adults from rural South Africa are hypertensive. Apart from pharmaceutical treatment, lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and reducing dietary salt have been strongly advocated for the control of hypertension. However, the control rates of hypertension for adults in rural South Africa are low. In this paper we explore whether this is due to the recommended lifestyle intervention not aligning with the individual’s socio-cultural determinants of behaviour change.

Aim

To explore the social and cultural beliefs, perceptions and practices regarding physical activity and diet as a hypertension control intervention on hypertensive adults living in a rural sub-district in South Africa.

Methods

Nine focus group discussions were conducted with hypertensive adults aged 40 years and above from Bushbuckridge sub-district in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa using a semi-structured interview guide. Each session began with introductions of the discussion theme followed by a short discussion on what the participants know about hypertension and the normal blood pressure readings. Physical activity and dietary habits were then introduced as the main subject of discussion. Probing questions were used to get more insight on a specific topic. A thematic analysis approach was used to generate codes, categories, and themes. A manual approach to data analysis was chosen and data obtained through transcripts were analysed inductively.

Findings

Participants had a lack of knowledge about blood pressure normal values. Perceived causes of hypertension were alluded to psychosocial factors such as family and emotional-related issues. Physical activity practices were influenced by family and community members’ attitudes and gender roles. Factors which influenced dietary practices mainly involved affordability and availability of food. To control their hypertension, participants recommend eating certain foods, emotional control, taking medication, exercising, praying, correct food preparation, and performing house chores.

Conclusion

Lifestyle interventions to control hypertension for adults in a rural South African setting using physical activity promotion and dietary control must consider the beliefs related to hypertension control of this population.
Exploring the barriers, facilitators, and opportunities to enhance uptake of sexual and reproductive health, HIV and GBV services among adolescent girls and young women in Zambia: a qualitative study
Authors: Ngoma-Hazemba Alice , Chavula Malizgani Paul , Sichula Noah , Silumbwe Adam , Mweemba Oliver , Mweemba Mable , Simpungwe Matildah Kakungu , Phiri Henry , Kasengele Chowa Tembo , Halwiindi Hikabasa , Munakampe Margarate N. , Zulu Joseph Mumba
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Adolescents and young women in low-middle-income countries face obstacles to accessing HIV, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and related Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services. This paper presents facilitators, opportunities, and barriers to enhance uptake of HIV, GBV, and SRH services among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in selected districts in Zambia.

Methods

This study was conducted in Chongwe, Mazabuka, and Mongu Districts among adolescent girls and young women in Zambia. Key informants (n = 29) and in and out-of-school adolescents and young people (n = 25) were interviewed. Purposive sampling was used to select and recruit the study participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a content analysis approach was used for analysis.

Results

The facilitators that were used to enhance the uptake of services included having access to health education information on comprehensive adolescent HIV and gender-based violence services. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were the main source of this information. The opportunities bordered on the availability of integrated approaches to service delivery and strengthened community and health center linkages with referrals for specialised services. However, the researchers noted some barriers at individual, community, and health system levels. Refusal or delay to seek the services, fear of side effects associated with contraceptives, and long distance to the health facility affected the uptake of services. Social stigma and cultural beliefs also influenced the understanding and use of the available services in the community. Health systems barriers were; inadequate infrastructure, low staffing levels, limited capacity of staff to provide all the services, age and gender of providers, and lack of commodities and specialised services.

Conclusion

The researchers acknowledge facilitators and opportunities that enhance the uptake of HIV, GBV, and SRH services. However, failure to address barriers at the individual and health systems level always negatively impacts the uptake of known and effective interventions. They propose that programme managers exploit the identified opportunities to enhance uptake of these services for the young population.
The relationship between physical and psychosocial workplace exposures and life expectancy free of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular disease in working life – an analysis based on German health insurance data
Authors: Mond Lieselotte , Hegewald Janice , Liebers Falk , Epping Jelena , Beller Johannes , Sperlich Stefanie , Stahmeyer Jona Theodor , Tetzlaff Juliane
Published: August 2024

Background

Against the backdrop of the debate on extending working life, it is important to identify vulnerable occupational groups by analysing inequalities in healthy life years. The aim of the study is to analyse partial life expectancy (age 30–65) [1] free of musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) and [2] free of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in occupational groups with different levels of physical and psychosocial exposures.

Methods

The study is based on German health insurance claims data from 2015 to 2018. The study population comprises all employed insured persons aged 18 to 65 years (N = 1,528,523). Occupational exposures were assessed using a Job Exposure Matrix. Life years free of MSD / CVD and life years with MSD /CVD during working age were estimated using multistate life tables.

Results

We found inequalities in MSD-free and CVD-free life years, with less disease-free years among men and women having jobs with high levels of physical and psychosocial exposures. Men with low physical exposures had 2.4 more MSD-free and 0.7 more CVD-free years than men with high physical exposures. Women with low psychosocial exposures had 1.7 MSD-free and 1.0 CVD-free years more than women with high psychosocial exposures.

Conclusions

Employees in occupations with high physical and psychosocial demands constitute vulnerable groups for reduced life expectancy free of MSD and CVD. Given the inequalities and high numbers of disease-affected life years during working age, the prevention potential of occupational health care and workplace health promotion should be used more extensively.
Decision fatigue experience of front-line nurses in the context of public health emergency: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Dong Shan-Shan , Wang Kun , Zhang Ke-Qiang , Wang Xing-Hui , Wang Jian-Hang , Turdi Subinur , Yang Jia-yu , He Li , Yan Rong , Li Yue-Wei
Published: August 2024

Background

Decision fatigue is a new concept in the field of psychology and refers to a state of fatigue alongside impaired cognitive processing and emotional regulation ability. Previous studies have confirmed that nurses are prone to decision fatigue, and nurses who experience decision fatigue may implement nursing measures that are inconsistent with clinical evidence, thus affecting patients’ benefits. COVID-19, as a large-scale global public health emergency, increased the workload and burden of nurses and aggravated decision fatigue. However, the factors leading to decision fatigue among nurses have not yet been identified.

Methods

This study is guided by interpretative phenomenology. During the epidemic period of COVID-19: From November 2022 to February 2023, a one-to-one, semi-structured in-depth interview was conducted among nurses with decision fatigue experience who were participating in front-line work in Jilin Province using homogenous sampling. The interview recordings and related data were transcribed into text within 24 h, and data analysis was assisted by NVivo 12.0 software.

Results

After a total of 14 front-line nurses were analyzed in this study, The thematic level reaches saturation, the findings present a persuasive and coherent narrative, and the study is terminated, and finally extracted and formed three core themes: “Cognition, influence and attitude of decision fatigue”, “Approaching factors of decision fatigue” and “Avoidant factors of decision fatigue”.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that decision fatigue was widespread in the work of front-line nurses, affecting the physical and psychological health of nurses, the quality of nursing work, the degree of benefit of patients and the clinical outcome. However, nursing staff do not know enough about decision fatigue, so the popularization and research of decision fatigue should be strengthened. Improve the attention of medical institutions, nursing managers and nursing staff.Some suggestions are put forward for the intervention of decision fatigue through personnel, task, tool and technology, organization and environment.
Does internet addiction affect the level of emotional intelligence among nursing students? A cross-sectional study
Authors: El-Gazar Heba Emad , Elgohari Hanaa , Loutfy Ahmed , Shawer Mona , El-Monshed Ahmed Hashem , Abou Zeid Mennat Allah G. , Zoromba Mohamed Ali
Published: August 2024

Aim

To examine the effect of internet addiction on emotional intelligence among nursing students. Internet addiction, especially among nursing students, is an ongoing and urgent issue globally. Despite studies acknowledging its negative effects, the specific impact on the emotional intelligence of college students is not completely explored and needs more investigation.

Design

A correlational cross-sectional descriptive study.

Methods

Participants included 180 nursing students from Mansoura University, Egypt. They completed the Socio-demographic sheet, Internet Addiction Test, and Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data.

Results

Nursing students experience a moderate level of internet addiction and a neutral level of emotional intelligence. A significant negative relationship was established between internet addiction among students and their emotional intelligence (r = − 0.53, p < 0.001) and its four facets: perception of emotion, managing own emotions, managing others’ emotions, and utilization of emotion. Regression analysis showed that internet addiction had a negative effect on emotional intelligence among nursing students (β = − 0.553, p < 0.001) and explained 30.5% of the variance of emotional intelligence among nursing students.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that internet addiction negatively impacts the emotional intelligence of nursing students, which is crucial for effective interpersonal relations and professional competence in nursing.

Implications

The study underscores the need for educational programs to raise awareness about the hazards of excessive internet use and to promote activities that mitigate internet addiction.
Apolipoprotein E knockout, but not cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)-associated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) lowering, exacerbates muscle wasting in dysferlin-null mice
Authors: Sun Zeren , White Zoe , Theret Marine , Bernatchez Pascal
Published: August 2024

Background

Dysferlin-deficient limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (Dysf) mice are notorious for their mild phenotype. Raising plasma total cholesterol (CHOL) via apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout (KO) drastically exacerbates muscle wasting in Dysf mice. However, dysferlinopathic patients have abnormally reduced plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The current study aimed to determine whether HDL-C lowering can exacerbate the mild phenotype of dysferlin-null mice.

Methods

Human cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), a plasma lipid transfer protein not found in mice that reduces HDL-C, and/or its optimal adapter protein human apolipoprotein B (ApoB), were overexpressed in Dysf mice. Mice received a 2% cholesterol diet from 2 months of age and characterized through ambulatory and hanging functional tests, plasma analyses, and muscle histology.

Results

CETP/ApoB expression in Dysf mice caused reduced HDL-C (54.5%) and elevated ratio of CHOL/HDL-C (181.3%) compared to control Dysf mice in plasma, but without raising CHOL. Compared to the severe muscle pathology found in high CHOL Dysf/ApoE double knockout mice, Dysf/CETP/ApoB mice did not show significant changes in ambulation, hanging capacity, increases in damaged area, collagen deposition, or decreases in cross-sectional area and healthy myofibre coverage.

Conclusions

CETP/ApoB over-expression in Dysf mice decreases HDL-C without increasing CHOL or exacerbating muscle pathology. High CHOL or nonHDL-C caused by ApoE KO, rather than low HDL-C, likely lead to rodent muscular dystrophy phenotype humanization.
Crosslinked-hybrid nanoparticle embedded in thermogel for sustained co-delivery to inner ear
Authors: Thakur Neeraj S. , Rus Iulia , Herbert Aidan , Zallocchi Marisa , Chakrabarty Brototi , Joshi Aditya D. , Lomeo Joshua , Agrahari Vibhuti
Published: August 2024

Treatment-induced ototoxicity and accompanying hearing loss are a great concern associated with chemotherapeutic or antibiotic drug regimens. Thus, prophylactic cure or early treatment is desirable by local delivery to the inner ear. In this study, we examined a novel way of intratympanically delivered sustained nanoformulation by using crosslinked hybrid nanoparticle (cHy-NPs) in a thermoresponsive hydrogel i.e. thermogel that can potentially provide a safe and effective treatment towards the treatment-induced or drug-induced ototoxicity. The prophylactic treatment of the ototoxicity can be achieved by using two therapeutic molecules, Flunarizine (FL: T-type calcium channel blocker) and Honokiol (HK: antioxidant) co-encapsulated in the same delivery system. Here we investigated, FL and HK as cytoprotective molecules against cisplatin-induced toxic effects in the House Ear Institute - Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells and in vivo assessments on the neuromast hair cell protection in the zebrafish lateral line. We observed that cytotoxic protective effect can be enhanced by using FL and HK in combination and developing a robust drug delivery formulation. Therefore, FL-and HK-loaded crosslinked hybrid nanoparticles (FL-cHy-NPs and HK-cHy-NPs) were synthesized using a quality-by-design approach (QbD) in which design of experiment-central composite design (DoE-CCD) following the standard least-square model was used for nanoformulation optimization. The physicochemical characterization of FL and HK loaded-NPs suggested the successful synthesis of spherical NPs with polydispersity index < 0.3, drugs encapsulation (> 75%), drugs loading (~ 10%), stability (> 2 months) in the neutral solution, and appropriate cryoprotectant selection. We assessed caspase 3/7 apopototic pathway in vitro that showed significantly reduced signals of caspase 3/7 activation after the FL-cHy-NPs and HK-cHy-NPs (alone or in combination) compared to the CisPt. The final formulation i.e. crosslinked-hybrid-nanoparticle-embedded-in-thermogel was developed by incorporating drug-loaded cHy-NPs in poloxamer-407, poloxamer-188, and carbomer-940-based hydrogel. A combination of artificial intelligence (AI)-based qualitative and quantitative image analysis determined the particle size and distribution throughout the visible segment. The developed formulation was able to release the FL and HK for at least a month. Overall, a highly stable nanoformulation was successfully developed for combating treatment-induced or drug-induced ototoxicity via local administration to the inner ear.

Graphical Abstract
Croconaine-based NIR-II fluorescence imaging-guided tumor photothermal therapy induces long-term antitumor immune memory
Authors: Dong Yafang , Wang Huifang , Zhang Xiaodong , Ding Youbin , Zou Yucheng , Wang Jigang , Zhao Shan-Chao , Li Zhijie
Published: August 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancers guided by optical imaging has recently shown great potential for precise diagnosis and efficient therapy. The second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) fluorescence imaging (FLI) is highly desirable owing to its good spatial and temporal resolution, deep tissue penetration, and negligible tissue toxicity. Organic small molecules are attractive as imaging and treatment agents in biomedical research because of their low toxicity, fast clearance rate, diverse structures, ease of modification, and excellent biocompatibility. Various organic small molecules have been investigated for biomedical applications. However, there are few reports on the use of croconaine dyes (CRs), especially NIR-II emission CRs. To our knowledge, there have been no prior reports of NIR-II emissive small organic photothermal agents (SOPTAs) based on CRs. Herein, we report a croconaine dye (CR-TPE-T)-based nanoparticle (CR NP) with absorption and fluorescence emission in the NIR-I and NIR-II windows, respectively. The CR NPs exhibited intense NIR absorption, outstanding photothermal properties, and good biological compatibility. In vivo studies showed that CR NPs not only achieved real-time, noninvasive NIR-II FLI of tumors, but also induced significant tumor ablation with laser irradiation guided by imaging, without apparent side effects, and promoted the formation of antitumor immune memory in a colorectal cancer model. In addition, the CR NPs displayed efficient inhibition of breast tumor growth, improved longevity of mice and triggered efficient systemic immune responses, which further inhibited tumor metastasis to the lungs. Our study demonstrates the great potential of CRs as therapeutic agents in the NIR-II region for cancer diagnosis.
A scoping review of the use of minimally important difference of EQ-5D utility index and EQ-VAS scores in health technology assessment
Authors: Shaw Caroline , Longworth Louise , Bennett Bryan , McEntee-Richardson Louise , Shaw James W.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Estimates of minimally important differences (MID) can assist interpretation of data collected using patient-reported outcomes (PRO), but variability exists in the emphasis placed on MIDs in health technology assessment (HTA) guidelines. This study aimed to identify to what extent information on the MID of a commonly used PRO, the EQ-5D, is required and utilised by selected HTA agencies.

Methods

Technology appraisal (TA) documents from HTA agencies in England, France, Germany, and the US between 2019 and 2021 were reviewed to identify documents which discussed MID of EQ-5D data as a clinical outcome assessment (COA) endpoint.

Results

Of 151 TAs utilising EQ-5D as a COA endpoint, 58 (38%) discussed MID of EQ-5D data. Discussion of MID was most frequent in Germany, in 75% (n = 12/16) of Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA) and 44% (n = 34/78) of Institut für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen, (IQWiG) TAs. MID was predominantly applied to the EQ-VAS (n = 50), most frequently using a threshold of > 7 or > 10 points (n = 13). G-BA and IQWiG frequently criticised MID analyses, particularly the sources of MID thresholds for the EQ-VAS, as they were perceived as being unsuitable for assessing the validity of MID.

Conclusion

MID of the EQ-5D was not frequently discussed outside of Germany, and this did not appear to negatively impact decision-making of these HTA agencies. While MID thresholds were often applied to EQ-VAS data in German TAs, analyses were frequently rejected in benefit assessments due to concerns with their validity. Companies should pre-specify analyses of continuous data in statistical analysis plans to be considered for treatment benefit assessment in Germany.