bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticoagulation Therapy for Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis Associated With Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yin Yuhang , Wang Le , Gao Fangbo , Liu Lei , Qi Xingshun
Published: July 2023

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is not rare in patients with acute pancreatitis. It remains unclear about whether anticoagulation should be given for acute pancreatitis-associated SVT. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Rates of SVT recanalization, any bleeding, death, intestinal ischemia, portal cavernoma, and gastroesophageal varices were pooled and compared between patients with acute pancreatitis-associated SVT who received and did not receive therapeutic anticoagulation. Pooled rates and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated. Overall, 16 studies including 698 patients with acute pancreatitis-associated SVT were eligible. After therapeutic anticoagulation, the pooled rates of SVT recanalization, any bleeding, death, intestinal ischemia, portal cavernoma, and gastroesophageal varices were 44.3% (95%CI = 32.3%-56.6%), 10.7% (95%CI = 4.9%-18.5%), 13.3% (95%CI = 6.9%-21.4%), 16.8% (95%CI = 6.9%-29.9%), 21.2% (95%CI = 7.5%-39.5%), and 29.1% (95%CI = 16.1%-44.1%), respectively. Anticoagulation therapy significantly increased the rate of SVT recanalization (RR = 1.69; 95%CI = 1.29-2.19; P < .01), and marginally increased the risk of bleeding (RR = 1.98; 95%CI = 0.93-4.22; P = .07). The rates of death (RR = 1.42; 95%CI = 0.62-3.25; P = .40), intestinal ischemia (RR = 2.55; 95%CI = 0.23-28.16; P = .45), portal cavernoma (RR = 0.51; 95%CI = 0.21-1.22; P = .13), and gastroesophageal varices (RR = 0.71; 95%CI = 0.38-1.32; P = .28) were not significantly different between patients who received and did not receive anticoagulation therapy. Heterogeneity was statistically significant in the meta-analysis of intestinal ischemia, but not in those of SVT recanalization, any bleeding, death, portal cavernoma, or gastroesophageal varices. Anticoagulation may be effective for recanalization of acute pancreatitis-associated SVT, but cannot improve the survival. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to further investigate the clinical significance of anticoagulation therapy in such patients.
A Comparative Account of Institutional Approaches to Addressing Campus-Based Sexual Violence in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: McCall Deanna , Luu Xuan , Krogh Chris , Phelan Liam , Dempsey Amy , Acosta Carmen , Marshall Fiona , Svejkar Domenic , Pruscino Catharine , Beres Melanie A.
Published: July 2023

Sexual violence is prevalent on university campuses globally. In this article, we report a qualitative insider research study examining practices for addressing sexual violence at four universities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We collected, analysed, and synthesised descriptive information about the practices at each institution. We found unique institutional approaches that nonetheless share some commonalities, yieldingseveral themes that are central to practice. In reflecting on our findings, we conclude with an outline of critical considerations and a call to action for future efforts to address campus-based sexual violence, particularly as this field remains underdeveloped across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Transformative Social Responses to Domestic, Family, and Sexualized Violence: A Qualitative Exploration of Insight Exchange, a Victim-Survivor-Centered Initiative Informed by Response-Based Practice
Authors: Funston Leticia , Krayem Ghena , Shackel Rita
Published: July 2023

This article reports on a qualitative study exploring victim-survivors’ and social responders’ experiences of Insight Exchange, an Australian-based victim-survivor-centered initiative informed by the center for response-based practice. This study involved 51 participants who completed an online survey ( N = 43 social responders, N = 8 victim-survivors) and 16 participants ( N = 12 social responders, N = 4 victim-survivors) who participated in semistructured interviews. The findings indicate that Insight Exchange has supported social responders to improve the quality of their responses to victim-survivors of violence. Victim-survivors reported on the value of Insight Exchange, which emphasized their resistance and responses to violence and abuse.
Exceptional Clearances, “Real” Cases of Intimate Partner Violence, and Mandatory Arrest Laws
Authors: Clarke Kaitlyn , Hirschel David , McCormack Philip D.
Published: July 2023

This study examined the extent to which cases of intimate partner violence were cleared by arrest, remained open, or closed by exceptional clearance. Incident and state-level factors associated with each outcome were examined for incidents submitted to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) from 2000 to 2009. Using the 10 years of data, comprising 5,481 jurisdictions in 36 states and the District of Columbia, findings show exceptional clearance is more likely to occur in residences, incidents of lower severity, and with same-sex couples, while being less likely in states with preferred and mandatory arrest laws. Research and policy implications are discussed.
Causes of intraocular pseudophakic lens explantation in Spain
Authors: Alió Fernando , Barraquer Rafael , Cantó-Cerdán Mario , Alió Jorge L.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To report the causes of pseudophakic intraocular lens (IOL) explantation in Spain over a 20 year period.

Methods

Multicenter observational prospective study of a consecutive series of cases corresponding to pseudophakic intraocular lenses explantations performed in 22 Spanish clinical centres from 2002 to 2021, within a national clinical research network. The clinical data of all IOL explantation patients was evaluated, and the different causes for IOL explantation were systematically analyzed.

Results

From a total of 1013 pseudophakic explantations, 919 cases were included in this investigation. The mean age of the patients at the time of explantation was 66.3 years, and 142 (15.45%) were women. Over the 20 years of the study, the five main reasons for explanting lenses in the last 20 years in Spain according to the Iberia RETICS database were: dislocation / decentration / misalignment (43.08%), bullous keratopathy (16.79%), neuroadaptation failure (13.85%), IOL opacification (9.71%), refractive surprise (6.87%). Other causes, less frequent, were uveitis / endophthalmitis / infection with 39 cases (4.25%); IOL substitution for reasons other than multifocal IOL neuroadaptation failure 3 cases (0.33%); and other causes, 47 cases (5.13%). Hydrophobic lenses were the most frequently explanted with a ratio of 47.1%.

Conclusions

Over the 20 years of the study, the five main reasons for explanting lenses in the last 20 years in Spain according to the Iberia RETICS database were: dislocation / decentration / misalignment, bullous keratopathy, neuroadaptation failure, IOL opacification, and refractive surprise.
Comparison of Acute Hematological Adverse Reactions Induced by Craniospinal Irradiation With Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Conventional Radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Jie , Fu Zhichao , Zhu Yunyun
Published: July 2023

Background:

With the update of equipment, the hospital base of this study began to adopt craniospinal irradiation (CSI) intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in May 2018 to replace the traditional CSI conventional radiotherapy (CRT) technology. The purpose of this study was designed to compare the differences in acute hematological adverse reactions induced by CSI-IMRT and CSI-CRT.

Methods:

The clinical data and hematological data of 102 patients with central nervous system malignant tumors who underwent CSI treatment at the 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA from January 2008 to August 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients included 63 men and 39 women, aged 3 to 56 years old. On the basis of the radiotherapy technique used, the patients were divided into the CSI-IMRT group (38 cases) and CSI-CRT group (64 cases). Acute hematological adverse reactions during radiotherapy were compared between the two groups according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the measurement data, and the χ2 test was used to compare the count data.

Results:

No significant difference was found between the CSI-IMRT group and the CSI-CRT group in terms of sex, histopathological type, tumor location, spinal cord invasion, surgery, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score (χ2 = 0.004 to 6.213; all P > .05). No significant difference was found in onset time of myelosuppression (11 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 7 to 14; minimum [min] to maximum [max]: 0 to 26) vs 8 days (IQR: 7 to 15; min to max: 3 to 29)) and nadir time of myelosuppression (21 days (IQR: 18 to 25; min to max: 12 to 35) vs 22 days (IQR: 15 to 25; min to max: 12 to 36)) between the CSI-IMRT group and the CSI-CRT group ( Z = −0.856, −0.248; all P > .05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of decreased white blood cell counts (WBC), platelet counts, and hemoglobin concentration between the CSI-IMRT group and the CSI-CRT group, 86.8% (33/38) vs 78.1% (50/64), 57.9% (22/38) vs 42.2% (27/64), 57.9% (22/38) vs 53.1% (34/64); χ2 = 1.195, 2.357, 0.219; all P > .05. There were no significant differences in the incidence of decreased WBC, platelet counts, and hemoglobin concentration (severe myelosuppression) in grades III and IV, 23.7% (9/38) vs 21.9% (14/64), 7.9% (3/38) vs 3.1% (2/64), 5.3% (2/38) vs 9.4% (6/64); χ2 = 0.045, 1.164, 0.558; all P > .05.

Conclusions:

There was no significant difference in the incidence of myelosuppression and severe myelosuppression (grade III or above) induced by CSI-IMRT and CSI-CRT. CSI-IMRT is worthy of further clinical application.
Why Chinese do not come: Antecedents and outcomes of destination images
Authors: Yan Libo , York Qi Yan , Xu Jing (Bill)
Published: July 2023

Various factors such as destination image, geographical distance, cultural distance, and the number of heritage sites have been investigated to explain tourists’ intention to visit a destination. However, several explanatory factors in the literature are ineffective in explaining Chinese tourists’ low level of interest in visiting India despite the two countries’ numerous similarities and involvement in many exchanges. In this study, two antecedents of India's destination image are introduced, namely film attractiveness and country stereotype. A questionnaire was administered to 480 respondents in Guangzhou, China; and 416 valid responses were used for structural equation modelling analysis with LISREL 10.20. The study results validate the indirect relationship between Hindi films and tourists’ intention to visit India and the mediating role of destination images. Country stereotype as the other antecedent of destination image is also confirmed. The study results have theoretical implications for future research on destination images and practical implications for the marketing of India to the Chinese market.
The impact of the hotel star rating system on tourists’ health safety and risk perceptions: Study based on tourists’ vacation experiences
Authors: Tiwari Veenus , Omar Azizah
Published: July 2023

Hotel star rating systems are useful for classifying and communicating services to the customer. This research examined how visitors’ expectations, perceived health safety, attitude, and future behavior vary with hotel star ratings from the vacationer's perspective. The study investigated customer experiences while staying in a star-rated hotel. There has been only a small amount of research attempted to determine the impact of the hotel star rating system on tourists’ health safety perceptions. The theoretical model adopted in this research is based on social exchange theory. Using purposive sampling, 678 respondents were examined and evaluated via structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation. The results revealed that the star rating system impacted the attitudes of vacationers and motivated them to improve their future behavior. Government authorities, tourist organizations, and DMOs need to identify what visitors perceive about their accommodations, especially what they expect and how safe they feel, to develop a marketing strategy. This study fills a knowledge gap and offers valuable practical implications.
Emerging technologies’ role in reducing under-five mortality in a low-resource setting: Challenges and perceived opportunities by public health workers in Makonde District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Batani John , Maharaj Manoj Sewak
Published: July 2023

Under-five mortality (U5M) remains a global challenge, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the hardest hit. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has strained healthcare systems, threatening to reverse current gains in U5M health outcomes. It threatened progress made towards achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 due to its strain on healthcare systems, resource reassignment and its prioritisation by health authorities globally. Low-resource settings inherently face unique challenges in fighting U5M and providing quality healthcare to under-fives, like understaffing, drug shortages, underfunding, skills gaps and lack of specialised healthcare equipment, contributing to high U5M rates. This study explored public health facilities’ challenges in reducing U5M in a low-resource setting in Zimbabwe and public health workers’ perceptions of emerging technologies’ role in addressing those challenges. Twenty public health workers participated in interviews and a focus group. They perceived emerging technologies (ETs) as a panacea to the challenges by supporting data-driven healthcare, improving follow-up outcomes through automated reminders of medication and clinic visits, aiding diagnosis, continuous monitoring, health education, drug supply monitoring, critical supplies delivery and skills development. In this paper, emerging technology is any information and communication technology that has not been utilised to its full potential in Zimbabwe’s public health domain. Findings indicate that public health workers in Makonde would welcome ETs to improve under-five health and well-being.
A review and evaluation of orthodontic brackets, molar bands and orthodontic auxiliaries during orthognathic surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: van Ommeren Romee ME , van Riet Tom CT , Ho Jean-Pierre TF , Jonkman Ronald EG , Becking Alfred G
Published: July 2023

Objective:

The primary aim of this study was to provide a review of the types and frequency of orthodontic brackets, molar bands and orthodontic auxiliaries used for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. The secondary aim was to evaluate the risk of failure of these items during orthognathic surgery.

Methods:

From three Dutch hospitals, 124 adult patients were included in this prospective cohort study. Five independent researchers collected the data during surgery using a specifically created data extraction form. The type of surgery, surgeon, orthodontist and type of orthodontic bracket, molar band or auxiliary were noted for each tooth. To evaluate their failure risk, the following variables were noted: failure and site; and type and cause of failure.

Results:

Stainless-steel brackets were the most frequently (75.8%) used bracket type seen in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. Ceramic brackets were seen in 24.2% of the cases and were only applied in the anterior region. Molar bands were present in 58.9% of the patients and mostly with bands on the first molars in combination with bonded tubes on the second molars. In 32.2% of all cases, one or more failures were noted. One-third of all failures were described as detachment of the molar tube on the most posterior molar. Kobayashi ligatures and powerpins showed the highest risk of failure (odds ratio [OR] 3.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.91–7.15). No significant difference in failure rate was found between stainless-steel brackets, molar bands (OR 0.34, 95% CI = 0.08–1.43) and ceramic brackets (OR 0.44, 95% CI = 0.14–1.45).

Conclusion:

Stainless-steel brackets, ceramic brackets, molar bands and surgical hooks are suitable for orthognathic cases. Kobayashi ligatures and powerpins had a significantly higher risk of failure so are not recommended for temporary intraoperative maxillomandibular fixation (TIO-MMF).
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme: a systematic review
Authors: Bores-García Daniel , González-Calvo Gustavo , Barba-Martín Raúl A , García-Monge Alfonso , Hortigüela-Alcalá David
Published: July 2023

This article arises from a systematic review of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Four databases were consulted, and after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were selected and analysed in the following categories: year and author, country, type of research, participants, purpose and results. The results show a growth in PYP research in recent years, coming from several countries around the world, using mainly qualitative or mixed methodologies with small samples of teachers, students, administrators and families in IB schools. There is great variety in the purposes of the studies, the most representative being comparative analysis of the implementation of the programme, the use of a language for IB teaching other than that of the country in which the school is located, and the treatment of interculturality. These studies find differences in the ease of implementation of the programme depending on the context and geographical location of the schools, and also highlight the benefits of the programme for intercultural education and foreign language learning. Some tensions can be observed between the PYP curriculum and national policies, and also in the training and predisposition of teachers towards this particular methodology. More research is needed on the academic benefits of the PYP in comparison with other methodologies that are also working well at the curriculum level.
‘I don’t know why she swallowed the fly’: On Dubious Cures and Drastic Measures in Post (?) Pandemic Times (An Introduction to the Special Issue)
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith
Published: July 2023

This piece serves as introduction for the Special Issue: “‘ I don’t know why she swallowed the fly’: On Dubious Cures and Drastic Measures in Post (?) Pandemic Times.” A panel presented at the 2023 International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Each of 10 performative and poetic essays respond to the prompt and speak to issues of agism, sexism, gender-bias, homophobia, violence, pharmaceutical consumption, medical industry bias, the social construction and consumption of lies, and the potentials of utopian dreams as strategies of intervention.
No Rhyme or Reason: A Poetic Lament on Violence
Authors: Pelias Ronald J.
Published: July 2023

This essay spins off the many versions of “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly.” This children’s song plays with rhyme to tell the story of an old woman who dies after consuming increasingly large animals to rid herself of the previously swallowed one. Revisiting the lyrics, the violence, with its lulling repetition and rhyme, enacted by the old woman was unsettling, another of so many cultural phenomena that deaden our response to violence. This piece calls upon poetic inquiry to explore the rampant violence in U.S. culture.
Efficacy and safety of fetal posterior cerebral artery stented coil embolization for fetal posterior cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Fuga Michiyasu , Tanaka Toshihide , Tachi Rintaro , Irie Koreaki , Kajiwara Ikki , Teshigawara Akihiko , Ishibashi Toshihiro , Hasegawa Yuzuru , Murayama Yuichi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Aneurysms at the origin of the fetal posterior cerebral artery (fPCA) often show fPCA bifurcation from the aneurysm dome, impeding complete embolization and dense coil packing. The recanalization rate for fPCA aneurysms is therefore high. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stenting into fPCA for aneurysms with fPCA incorporated into the aneurysm to determine whether stenting can provide effective embolization results and prevent recanalization.

Methods

A total of 19 consecutive coil embolization procedures between February 2012 and June 2022 for unruptured fPCA aneurysms with fPCA branching from the dome of the aneurysm were divided into two groups: non-stenting (NS) group ( n = 11) and stenting into fPCA (PS) group ( n = 8). Data were obtained retrospectively and compared regarding embolization results, complications, and recanalization.

Results

Compared with the NS group, the PS group achieved significantly higher complete occlusion rate and packing density (p < 0.001, p = 0.01, respectively). No symptomatic complications were observed in the PS group. Both immediately after stenting and at the 1-year follow-up, no stent kinking, stenosis, occlusion, or malposition were observed in any patients in the PS group. During 1-year follow-up, the cumulative minor and major recanalization-free rate after coil embolization for fPCA aneurysms were significantly higher in the PS group compared with the NS group (p = 0.022, 0.0024, respectively).

Conclusion

Stenting into fPCA for aneurysms with fPCA incorporated into the aneurysm achieved high-density complete embolization without increasing complications, and prevented recanalization. The fPCA stent-assisted coil embolization can offer an alternative treatment for fPCA aneurysms.
Perceptions of Portuguese medical coders on the transition to ICD-10-CM/PCS: A national survey
Authors: Martins Filipa Santos , Lopes Fernando , Souza Júlio , Freitas Alberto , Santos João Vasco
Published: July 2023

Background:

In Portugal, trained physicians undertake the clinical coding process, which serves as the basis for hospital reimbursement systems. In 2017, the classification version used for coding of diagnoses and procedures for hospital morbidity changed from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-CM/PCS).

Objective:

To assess the perceptions of medical coders on the transition of the clinical coding process from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM/PCS in terms of its impact on data quality, as well as the major differences, advantages, and problems they faced.

Method:

We conducted an observational study using a web-based survey submitted to medical coders in Portugal. Survey questions were based on a literature review and from previous focus group studies.

Results:

A total of 103 responses were obtained from medical coders with experience in the two versions of the classification system (i.e. ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS). Of these, 82 (79.6%) medical coders preferred the latest version and 76 (73.8%) considered that ICD-10-CM/PCS guaranteed higher quality of the coded data. However, more than half of the respondents ( N = 61; 59.2%) believed that more time for the coding process for each episode was needed.

Conclusion:

Quality of clinical coded data is one of the major priorities that must be ensured. According to the medical coders, the use of ICD-10-CM/PCS appeared to achieve higher quality coded data, but also increased the effort.

Implications:

According to medical coders, the change off classification systems should improve the quality of coded data. Nevertheless, the extra time invested in this process might also pose a problem in the future.
The effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation technique in reducing cancer-related pain among palliative care patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Anshasi Huda , Saleh Mohammad , Abdalrahim Maysoon S , Shamieh Omar
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Cancer-related pain (CRP) is a common and distressing symptom experienced by many patients receiving palliative care. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of the progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) technique in reducing CRP in patients receiving palliative care.

Methods

A total of 148 patients diagnosed with cancer and receiving palliative care were randomly allocated to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group received a 4-week daily course of PMR technique, while the control group received only usual care. Data was collected using a demographic and clinical characteristics form, as well as the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Blind evaluations were conducted prior to the start of the intervention (T0), at the end of the 4-week PMR intervention (T1), and at 1-month follow-up (T2).

Results

The results of this trial demonstrated a significant decrease in pain intensity scores for the PMR group compared to the control group at both T1 and T2 ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, the PMR group also exhibited significant improvements in pain interference with general activity, mood, relations with others, sleep, and enjoyment of life scores compared to the control group at both T1 and T2 ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this trial suggest that the PMR technique may be an effective intervention for reducing pain intensity and improving pain interference with life activities in cancer patients receiving palliative care. However, further research is needed to provide more robust evidence for the effectiveness of this intervention. Clinical trial registration number: NCT04436705. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov
Survival Status, Length of Stay, and Predictors of Mortality Among Neonates Admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Gurage Zone Public Hospitals
Authors: Chekole Bogale , Terefe Tamene Fetene , Tenaw Shegaw Geze , Zewudie Bitew Tefera , GebreEyesus Fisha Alebel , Kassaw Amare , Gelaw Walle Belete , Aynalem Mewahegn Agerie , Tadesse Betelihem , Mesfin Yibeltal , Argaw Muche , Abebe Haimanot , Tesfa Shegaw , Tamene Zeleke Fentahun
Published: July 2023

Background

Many countries need to accelerate their progress to achieve the sustainable development goal target of neonatal death. It is still high in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the mortality predictors and length of hospital stay among Neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Gurage zone public Hospitals.

Method

In this study, a facility-based retrospective follow-up study was applied among 375 neonates admitted to the NICU of selected public hospitals in the Gurage zone from June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021. The researchers used Epi-Data entry 3.1 for the data entry and then exported it to STATA version 14 for analysis. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to estimate and compare the survival time of categorical variables, respectively.

Result

The researchers observed about 85 (22.7% with 95%CI: 18.7, 27.2) deaths from the 2305 person-days follow-up. The median survival time was 14 days. The overall incidence density rate was 36.9 per 1000 person-days observed (95%CI: 29.8, 45.6). Perinatal asphyxia (AHR: 2.9[CI: 1.8; 4.8]), cesarean section as a mode of delivery (AHR: 1.1[CI; 1.01; 1.15]), maternal age of greater or equal to 35 years (AHR: 1.1[95% CI: 1.01, 1.15]), and twin pregnancy (AHR: 2.3[95% CI: 1.2, 4.3]) were predictors of neonatal mortality.

Conclusion

The survival rate of neonates was higher compared to other studies. So, to reduce the burden of neonatal mortality, health care providers should give special attention to twin pregnancies, neonates delivered via cesarean section, and neonates with a problem of perinatal asphyxia.
Influence of Family and Friends Level of Social Support on Psychological Symptoms Among the Older Adults in Nigeria
Authors: Olabisi Oluwaseyi Isaiah , Faronbi Joel , Adedeji Peter , Ademuyiwa Grace , Gambari Yusuf , Lasisi Aishat
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Numerous studies have established the importance of social support on psychological symptoms among older adults, however, the distinct contribution of different levels of family and friends’ social support has not been thoroughly assessed.

Objectives

This study determined the contribution of different levels of friend and family social support (high, moderate, low) on psychological symptoms among the older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 older adults attending outpatient clinics at two selected teaching Hospitals in Nigeria from February to July, 2021.The data was collected using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 23 and logistic regression was used for the inferential analysis.

Results

Older adults with moderate social support from family were 3.6 more likely to have depression symptoms than those with high family social support (AOR = 3.623, 95%CI 1.275–2.875, P = .020). Also, those with moderate family social support (AOR = 2.875, 95%CI 2.425–11.875, P = .002), low family social support (AOR = 2.966, 95%CI 1.312–3.875, P = .007), and low friends social support (AOR = 2.966, 95%CI 1.312–3.875, P = .009) were more likely to have anxiety symptoms than those with high social support.

Conclusion

High social support confers a protective measure against depression and is effective in reducing psychological symptoms among older adults.
From chains to chainsaws: Modern slavery and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Hobbs Shannon
Published: July 2023

Modern slavery and deforestation in Brazil are interconnected issues but have been approached by researchers and policy interventions separately. However, an emerging slavery-environment nexus is demonstrating the urgent necessity of engaging with slavery and deforestation holistically, to aid effective action. Accordingly, the research aimed to investigate the slavery-environment nexus in the Brazilian Amazon, by engaging with three core components: vulnerability to enslavement, slavery-deforestation links, and assessing labour and environmental inspections. Mixed qualitative methods revealed that proximate determinants of vulnerability (poverty, lack of access to land, lack of education and social isolation) are multifaceted and produced by underlying determinants (unequal land distribution, racial discrimination, economic globalisation and policies undermining distribution). Furthermore, slavery and deforestation were found to be organised by criminal networks in geographically isolated spaces, specifically among interconnected sectors at the bottom of the supply chain. These characteristics facilitate slavery and deforestation by lessening the risk of detection and punishment, which was compounded by the Bolsonaro government demobilising labour and environmental inspections. Alleviating vulnerability through redistributing land prevailed as a practical recommendation, however there is also need for research to engage further with the underlying determinants of vulnerability and slavery-deforestation links. Only then can slavery and deforestation be tackled holistically.
Nature and the extended city: Wasteland governmentality, the sacred, and anti-wasteland politics in the Aravalli region
Authors: Bathla Nitin
Published: July 2023

Wasteland governmentality has long shaped colonial and postcolonial landscape governance across the planet. While historically wasteland classification was deployed for agrarian land settlement and silviculture, with extended urbanisation it is increasingly used to consolidate landscapes of extended urban nature. These landscapes are in turn subjected to state-led land enclosures for urban and infrastructure development and for greenwashing. This paper investigates the political construction of one such landscape of extended urban nature, the Aravalli region, a geological feature which runs parallel to the extended corridor urbanisation in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). Particularly, I examine how in the name of regulating mining, urban development, and pollution in the Delhi NCR, the revenue wastes including sacred groves, hills, and other village commons falling in the Aravallis have been consolidated as a state space. I examine how the patchwork of communities assembled in the extended urban fabric of the region deploys the sacred to counter land enclosure and the emptying out of meaning. I discuss three such modalities of the sacred in the region, namely, its use by agrarian villages to assert land rights over sacred forests, the misuse of the sacred by temple committees to produce faux nature, and its use by emergent urban environmental movements in the region to frame an anti-wasteland politics. Focusing my attention on the state, I discuss the need for a nuanced understanding of emergent urban environmentalism in the region as restorative commoning beyond the binary framings of bourgeois versus the poor.
Chronic Neurocognitive, Neuropsychological, and Pulmonary Symptoms in Outpatient and Inpatient Cohorts After COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Oliver Samuel F , Lazoff Samuel A , Popovich John , Enfield Kyle B , Quigg Mark , Davis Eric M , Kadl Alexandra
Published: July 2023

Neuropsychological symptoms associated with post-COVID-19 conditions may prevent patients from resuming normal activities at home or work. We report a retrospective, cross-sectional evaluation of neuropsychological and cardiopulmonary outcomes in 2 groups of patients: outpatients with mild enough infection to be spared from hospitalization and those who required inpatient admission. We hypothesized a dose-response model of post-COVID symptom severity in which persistent consequences would be more severe in those who experienced worse acute infections. In a dedicated COVID clinic, 321 patients were seen (33% outpatient, 67% inpatient). Outpatients skewed female, White, non-Hispanic, and younger. Outpatients had worse insomnia (measured with insomnia severity index) and were less able to resume their usual activities (EQ-5D-5L usual activities scale), despite inpatients experiencing worse cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), having greater obesity (body mass index), decreased exercise tolerance (6-minute-walk distance), and more exertional oxygen desaturation. In both groups, insomnia worsened while cognition improved significantly with time from infection to testing while controlling for patient age; other variables did not. In logistic regression, female sex, higher MoCA score, EQ-5D-5L “usual activities” subscore, less oxygen desaturation with exertion, and longer time from infection remained as significant associations with outpatient status. Our study demonstrated that the functional sequelae of post-COVID-19 conditions in patients with mild acute disease have the potential to be as severe as that in patients who have recovered from severe illness.
Placenta Accreta Spectrum: A Current Literature Review
Authors: Abdelhafez Mohsen M. A. , Ahmed Karim A. M. , Mohd Daud Mohd Nazri Bin , Eldiasty Aya M. , Jeffree Mohammad Saffree , Kadir Fairrul , pg Baharuddin Dg Marshitah , Than Win Win , Hayati Firdaus , bt.Azizan Nornazirah , Sumpat Doreen
Published: July 2023

Objective:

This literature review was designed to highlight the most up-to-date and evidence-based interventions, whenever available, regarding diagnostic imaging modalities and management strategies for patients, with the placenta accreta spectrum.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using database searches in Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed to locate the most up-to-date information, related to this topic.

Results:

The placenta accreta spectrum has an unclear etiology, with cesarean delivery and placenta previa being the most implicated factors.

Conclusion:

There is a growing global consensus that the two main risk factors for placenta accreta are placenta previa and prior cesarean delivery. Up-to-date, grayscale sonography combined with Doppler interrogation is thought to be the best first-line assistance, for the identification of abnormal placental invasion. Cesarean hysterectomy, with placenta left in situ, is the classical surgical treatment.
Neutralizing activity of intravenous immune globulin products against enterovirus D68 strains isolated in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Kazuhiro , Muramatsu Masamichi , Shimizu Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

Background

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), belonging to Enterovirus D, is a unique human enterovirus mainly associated with common respiratory diseases. However, EV-D68 can cause severe respiratory diseases, and EV-D68 endemic is epidemiologically linked to current global epidemic of acute flaccid myelitis.

Methods

In this study, we measured neutralizing antibody titers against six clinical EV-D68 isolates in nine intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) products commercially available in Japan to assess their potential as therapeutic options for severe EV-D68 infection.

Results

Seven IVIG products manufactured from Japanese donors contained high neutralizing antibody titers (IC50 = 0.22–85.01 µg/mL) against all six EV-D68 strains. Apparent differences in neutralizing titers among the six EV-D68 strains were observed for all IVIG products derived from Japanese and non-Japanese blood donors.

Conclusions

High levels of EV-D68–neutralizing antibodies in IVIG products manufactured from Japanese donors suggest that anti-EV-D68 antibodies are maintained in the Japanese donor population similarly as found in foreign blood donors. Apparent differences in neutralizing antibody titers against the six EV-D68 strains suggest distinct antigenicity among the strains used in this study regardless of the genetic similarity of EV-D68.
Prevalence and predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms in a sample of women who use drugs in Tanzania: the key role of drug use stigma
Authors: Saleem Haneefa T. , West Nora S. , Likindikoki Samuel
Published: July 2023

Background

Globally, women who use drugs face multiple health vulnerabilities, including poor mental health. Little is known about the mental health burden among women who use drugs in sub-Saharan Africa. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms among a sample of women who use drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

We administered a cross-sectional survey to a non-random sample of 200 women who use drugs in Dar es Salaam between November 2018 and March 2019. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the study sample and fitted separate logistic regression models to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms and their predictors.

Results

The percentages of women reporting depressive and anxiety symptoms were 67.5% and 43.7%, respectively. Internalized drug use stigma (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03–1.75) and prior attempts to stop heroin use (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.28-7.00) were associated with depressive symptoms. Enacted drug use stigma from health workers (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.34–3.04) and anticipated drug use stigma from family (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02–2.16) were associated with anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Depressive and anxiety symptoms were high among our study sample, with higher reports of symptoms of depression than anxiety. Drug use stigma was a key factor that contributed to elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Minocycline and antipsychotics inhibit inflammatory responses in BV-2 microglia activated by LPS via regulating the MAPKs/ JAK-STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Long Yujun , Wang Ying , Shen Yidong , Huang Jing , Li Yamin , Wu Renrong , Zhao Jingping
Published: July 2023

Background

Abnormal activation of microglia is involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Minocycline and antipsychotics have been reported to be effective in inhibiting the activation of microglia and thus alleviating the negative symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. However, the specific molecular mechanism by which minocycline and antipsychotics inhibit microglial activation is not clear. In this study, we aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of treatment effect of minocycline and antipsychotics on schizophrenia.

Methods

Microglia cells were activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and further treated with minocycline, haloperidol, and risperidone. Then cell morphology, specific marker, cytokines, and nitric oxide production process, and the proteins in related molecular signaling pathways in LPS-activated microglia were compared among groups.

Results

The study found that minocycline, risperidone, and haloperidol significantly inhibited morphological changes and reduced the expression of OX-42 protein induced by LPS. Minocycline significantly decreased the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). Risperidone also showed significant decrease in the production of IL-6 and TNF-α, while haloperidol only showed significant decrease in the production of IL-6. Minocycline, risperidone, and haloperidol were found to significantly inhibit nitric oxide (NO) expression, but had no effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Both minocycline and risperidone were effective in decreasing the activity of c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signal pathway. Additionally, minocycline and risperidone were found to increase the activity of phosphorylated-p38. In contrast, haloperidol only suppressed the activity of ERK. Minocycline also suppressed the activation of janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), while risperidone and haloperidol only suppressed the activation of STAT3.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that minocycline and risperidone exert stronger anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects stronger than haloperidol, through MAPKs and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathways in BV2 cells stimulated with LPS, revealing the underlying mechanisms of minocycline and atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of negative schizophrenia symptoms.
Identification of high-risk patterns of myopia in Chinese students based on four major behavioral risk factors: a latent class analysis
Authors: Li Dan-Lin , Yin Zhi-Jian , Li Yue-Zu , Zheng Ya-Jie , Qin Yu , Liang Gang , Pan Chen-Wei
Published: July 2023

Background

Myopia is prevalent in children and adolescents. Understanding the effect of multiple behaviors and their latent patterns on ocular biometric parameters may help clinicians and public health practitioners understand the behavioral risk pattern of myopia from a person-centered perspective. The purpose of this study was to identify the patterns of four major behavioral risk factors associated with myopia, including time spent outdoors, digital screen time, sleep duration, and performance of Chinese eye exercises. The study also examined the relationships between these behavioral patterns and myopia as well as ocular biometric parameters in a sample of Chinese college students.

Methods

This study included 2014 students from the Dali University Students Eye Health Study. The average age of the subjects was 19.0 ± 0.9 years old, ranging from 15.7 to 25.1 years old. Each participant’s refractive status was measured using an autorefractor without cycloplegia and ocular biometric parameters were measured using an IOL Master. Behavioral risk factors were collected using a pre-designed self-administered questionnaire. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed to identify cluster patterns of various behaviors.

Results

The prevalence of myopia was 91.8% in this population. The 2-class model was selected for the LCA based on goodness-of-fit evaluation metrics. Among the overall study sample, 41.1% and 58.9% were assigned into the high-risk and low-risk class, respectively. The risk of myopia [odds ratio (OR) = 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.52–3.14], high myopia (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.14–1.78) and axial length/corneal radius (AL/CR) ratio of more than 3.0 (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.22–2.72) were significantly higher in the high-risk compared with low-risk class.

Conclusions

Chinese university students showed differential risks of myopia and could be subdivided into high- and low-risk clusters based on four behavioral variables.
The impact of assisted reproductive technology treatment coverage on marriage, pregnancy, and childbirth in women of childbearing age: an interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Yun Il , Cha Wontae , Nam Chung-Mo , Nam Jin Young , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: July 2023

Background

Korea is encountering major challenges related to its declining birth rate and aging population. Various policies have been introduced to prevent further population decrease and boost the birth rate, but their effectiveness has not been verified. Therefore, this study examined the effects of assisted reproductive technology (ART) insurance coverage on marriage, pregnancy, and childbirth in women of childbearing age.

Methods

All information on marriage, pregnancy, childbirth of women of childbearing age was obtained from Statistics Korea and Korean National Health Insurance Service database. During a total follow-up period of 54 months (July 2015 to December 2019), an average of 12,524,214 women of childbearing age per month, and 29,701 live births per month were included in the analysis. An interrupted time series with segmented regression was performed to analyze the time trend and changes in outcomes.

Results

The implementation of ART coverage policies had no significant impact on marriage or pregnancy rates. However, it did affect multiple pregnancy and multiple birth rates, which increased by 1.0% (Exp(β3) = 1.010, P-value = 0.0001) and 1.4% (Exp(β3) = 1.014, P-value = < 0.0001), respectively, compared to the pre-intervention period. Although the effect of covering ART treatment on total birth rates were not confirmed, a slightly slower decline was observed after the intervention (Exp(β1) = 0.993, P-value = < 0.0001, Exp(β1 + β3) = 0.996 P-value = 0.012).

Conclusion

This study identified the effects of ART health insurance coverage policy on the rates of multiple pregnancies and births. After the policy implementation, the downward trend in the total birth rate reduced slightly. Our findings suggest that interventions to support infertile couples should be expanded to solve the problem of low fertility rates.

Plain english summary

To address the intricate problems related to low birth rates, the Korean government introduced a policy that provides financial support and health insurance coverage for assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment for infertile couples. As a result of evaluating the effectiveness of the ART coverage policy, it led to higher rates of pregnancies and births. In addition, although the total birth rate has been continuously decreasing over time, the decline may have been slowed down slightly by this policy.
Patient-reported measures outcomes: modern evaluation of oral health
Authors: Douglas-de-Oliveira Dhelfeson Willya , Chen Kitty Jieyi
Published: July 2023

Patient reported outcomes have become important, with instruments (patient reported outcomes measures - PROMs) being used to assess treatment success and patient satisfaction. In this editorial, the dental PROM context is presented, and submissions are invited for a special collection from BMC Oral Health entitled ‘Patient-reported outcomes in dentistry’.