bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A COVID-19 self-isolation monitoring module for FMUI undergraduate medical students: Linking learning and service needs during the pandemic surge in Indonesia
Authors: Werdhani Retno Asti , Findyartini Ardi , Kusumoningrum Dewi Anggraeni , Hanum Chaina , Muktiarti Dina , Safitry Oktavinda , Wisnu Wismandari , Soemarko Dewi Sumaryani , Sutanto Reynardi Larope
Published: December 2022

To ensure that students continued receiving adequate yet safe clinical exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Indonesia (FMUI) created the Module of COVID-19 Self-Isolation Monitoring which aims to equip students with the knowledge and skill to monitor confirmed and close contact cases of COVID-19. Module development, divided into four phases: preparation, orientation, implementation, and evaluation phase, started as soon as the delta wave of COVID-19 cases forced medical students to halt their offline clinical rotations. A quantitative secondary data were obtained from student and patient satisfaction questionnaires and on students’ performance and reflection. We analyzed the distribution of module evaluation, the student’s discussion score during the module, the students’ interest in participating as Covid-19 volunteers before and after the module’s deployment, and the correlation between learning outcomes and satisfaction. A total of 372 patients were monitored by 208 students during the 4-week module. The response rates were above 80%, with the majority agreeing that students found this module well-organized and fulfilled their expectations. There was a significant increase in discussion scores from weeks 1 to 4, a significant difference in the proportion of students interested in COVID-19 volunteering before and after the module completion as well as a significant low correlation between the patient’s monitoring score sheet and the reflection essay towards the patient’s satisfaction. We should still improve tutors’ time management, tutors’ provision of triggering questions for critical thinking skills, and tutors’ feedback for students. The module met patient expectations and is expected to assist tutors in providing feedback and examples of doctor–patient communication, thus accelerating students’ competence in patient interaction. Further evaluation is needed regarding knowledge transfer, the impact on community health, and the faculty development program, especially regarding how tutors fulfill their roles as medical educators.
The role of activated androgen receptor in cofilin phospho-regulation depends on the molecular subtype of TNBC cell line and actin assembly dynamics
Authors: Tahtamouni Lubna , Alzghoul Ahmad , Alderfer Sydney , Sun Jiangyu , Ahram Mamoun , Prasad Ashok , Bamburg James
Published: December 2022

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly metastatic and of poor prognosis. Metastasis involves coordinated actin filament dynamics mediated by cofilin and associated proteins. Activated androgen receptor (AR) is believed to contribute to TNBC tumorigenesis. Our current work studied roles of activated AR and cofilin phospho-regulation during migration of three AR+ TNBC cell lines to determine if altered cofilin regulation can explain their migratory differences. Untreated or AR agonist-treated BT549, MDA-MB-453, and SUM159PT cells were compared to cells silenced for cofilin (KD) or AR expression/function (bicalutamide). Cofilin-1 was found to be the only ADF/cofilin isoform expressed in each TNBC line. Despite a significant increase in cofilin kinase caused by androgens, the ratio of cofilin:p-cofilin (1:1) did not change in SUM159PT cells. BT549 and MDA-MB-453 cells contain high p-cofilin levels which underwent androgen-induced dephosphorylation through increased cofilin phosphatase expression, but surprisingly maintain a leading-edge with high p-cofilin/total cofilin not found in SUM159PT cells. Androgens enhanced cell polarization in all lines, stimulated wound healing and transwell migration rates and increased N/E-cadherin mRNA ratios while reducing cell adhesion in BT549 and MDA-MB-453 cells. Cofilin KD negated androgen effects in MDA-MB-453 except for cell adhesion, while in BT549 cells it abrogated androgen-reduced cell adhesion. In SUM159PT cells, cofilin KD with and without androgens had similar effects in almost all processes studied. AR dependency of the processes were confirmed. In conclusion, cofilin regulation downstream of active AR is dependent on which actin-mediated process is being examined in addition to being cell line-specific. Although MDA-MB-453 cells demonstrated some control of cofilin through an AR-dependent mechanism, other AR-dependent pathways need to be further studied. Non-cofilin-dependent mechanisms that modulate migration of SUM159PT cells need to be investigated. Categorizing TNBC behavior as AR responsive and/or cofilin dependent can inform on decisions for therapeutic treatment.
Prevalence and correlates of compliance with 24-h movement guidelines among children from urban and rural Kenya—The Kenya-LINX project
Authors: Swindell Nils , Wachira Lucy-Joy , Okoth Victor , Kagunda Stanley , Owino George , Ochola Sophie , Brophy Sinead , Summers Huw , Richards Amie , Fairclough Stuart J. , Onywera Vincent , Stratton Gareth
Published: December 2022

Background

Like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya has experienced rapid urbanization in recent years. Despite the distinct socioeconomic and environmental differences, few studies have examined the adherence to movement guidelines in urban and rural areas. This cross-sectional study aimed at examining compliance to the 24-hour movement guidelines and their correlates among children from urban and rural Kenya.

Method

Children (n = 539) aged 11.1 ± 0.8 years (52% female) were recruited from 8 urban and 8 rural private and public schools in Kenya. Physical activity (PA) and sleep duration were estimated using 24-h raw data from wrist-worn accelerometers. Screen time (ST) and potential correlates were self- reported. Multi-level logistic regression was applied to identify correlates of adherence to combined and individual movement guidelines.

Results

Compliance with the combined movement guidelines was low overall (7%), and higher among rural (10%) than urban (5%) children. Seventy-six percent of rural children met the individual PA guidelines compared to 60% urban children while more rural children also met sleep guidelines (27% vs 14%). The odds of meeting the combined movement guidelines reduced with age (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.35–0.87, p = 0.01), was greater among those who could swim (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.09–9.83, p = 0.04), and among those who did not engage in ST before school (OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 1.81–10.68, p<0.01). The odds of meeting PA guidelines increased with the number of weekly physical education sessions provided at school (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.36–3.21, p<0.01) and was greater among children who spent their lunch break walking (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.15–5.55, p = 0.02) or running relative to those who spent it sitting (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.27–4.27, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Prevalence of meeting movement guidelines among Kenyan children is low and of greatest concern in urban areas. Several correlates were identified, particularly influential were features of the school day, School is thus a significant setting to promote a healthy balance between sleep, sedentary time, and PA.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and genetic differentiation of Strongyloides stercoralis among migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia in northeastern Thailand
Authors: Sangwalee Wararat , Norkaew Jun , Inthachak Sengchoy , Janwan Penchom , Rodpai Rutchanee , Sanpool Oranuch , Sadaow Lakkhana , Boonroumkaew Patcharaporn , Intapan Pewpan M. , Maleewong Wanchai , Thanchomnang Tongjit
Published: December 2022

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a public-health problem worldwide, including in countries of the Lower Mekong subregion. Increases in human migration from neighboring countries might cause reemerging parasitic infections, leading to spread of parasites in the landscape. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of IPIs in migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia who were dwelling in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. The identification ofStrongyloidesspecies and genetic differentiation of worms from migrant workers with different countries of origin was also assessed. Fresh stool samples were collected from 338 migrant workers and examined for evidence of IPIs using agar plate culture (APC) and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). Among those nine samples positive for nematodes by APC, theStrongyloidesor hookworm species present was confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. This revealed eight cases ofStrongyloides stercoralisinfection and one ofNecator americanus. Fifty-one out of 338 individuals (15.09%) were positive for IPIs using FECT and APC. Eggs ofOpisthorchis-like flukes were the most common parasite (11.83% of samples), followed byS.stercoralis(2.37%),Entamoeba coli(1.50%), hookworm (0.89%),Taeniasp. (0.60%) andHymenolepis nana(0.30%). The genetic differentiation ofS.stercoralisrecovered from migrant workers with different countries of origin was analyzed. Specimens ofS.stercoralisisolated from workers from Lao PDR, Cambodia and Myanmar were genetically similar to those sequenced from Thailand. However, there were population-genetic differences betweenS.stercoralisfrom these Southeast Asian countries and other regions of the world. This study demonstrated that IPIs were prevalent in migrant workers in the northeastern region of Thailand. Our findings provided molecular confirmation of the presence ofS.stercoralisand explored the genetic differentiation ofS.stercoralisfrom those infected migrant workers. An effective anti-parasitic drug should be provided for migrant workers and its administration enforced.
Problematic internet use and safety behavior: The moderating role of safety climate
Authors: Ghasemi Fakhradin , Aghaei Hamed , Nikravesh Asghar
Published: December 2022

Problematic internet use (PIU) can cause mental and physical harm to individuals and may be an emerging factor contributing to unsafe work behavior. In this study, the relationship between PIU and safety behavior was investigated. Moreover, it was hypothesized that safety climate can moderate the relationship between PIU and safety behavior. Participants were employees from a mining industry in Iran. Three validated questionnaires were distributed to gather the required data regarding PIU, safety climate, and safety behavior. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to assess the moderating effect of safety climate on the relationship between PIU and safety behavior. The size of moderation effect was assessed using f2 index. Four hundred eighty-five employees participated in this study. The results demonstrated a negative relationship between PIU and safety behavior. The moderating effect of safety climate on the relationship between PIU and safety behavior was supported. The f2 index was 0.027 which demonstrates a small moderation effect. In conclusion, PIU has a significant negative effect on the safety behavior of employees. Providing a strong safety climate can be a long-term solution for reducing the negative effect of PIU on safety behavior.
Length-based assessment of five small pelagic fishes in the Senegalese artisanal fisheries
Authors: Baldé Bocar Sabaly , Brehmer Patrice , Diaw Penda Diop
Published: December 2022

Fisheries management is an important strategy for ensuring sustainable use of resources. However, in West Africa, in the absence of quality data for many stocks and effective stock assessment models, the cases where this has been truly successful are notable for their rarity. In West Africa, small pelagic fish are of great socio-economic importance, as well as good indicators of fish stressors. Here, historical data (2004–2019) of five small pelagic species (Sardina pilchardus,Ethmalosa fimbriata,Trachurus trecae,Scomber coliasandMugil cephalus) were collected in Senegalese waters. TheB/BMSYresults showed stocks to be collapsed (B/BMSY= 0.13 and 0.1 forM.cephalusandS.pilchardus, respectively) and heavily overfished (B/BMSY= 0.24;E.fimbriata). OnlyS.coliasandT.trecaestock were considered to be in good condition (B/BMSY= 1.7 and 1.4 respectively). TheLc/Lc_optratio was ≤ 1 forE.fimbriataandM.cephalus, suggesting that the individuals caught for these species were too small. To reverse these bad stock statuses, catching individuals atLc_opt, 25, 21, 43 and 18 cm forS.colias,E.fimbriata,M.cephalusandS.pilchardus, respectively should be a natural guarantee against recruitment failure and allow individuals to ensure the long-term survival of populations, in a context of data poor fisheries. In conclusion, this study shows that, despite limitations, the LBB model can provides indicators of stock status for species to encourage management measures, especially in data poor countries. It is hoped that these results can help to better assess many stocks currently considered too data poor to be assessed or at least encourage data collection effort on stocks discerned as in bad or critical status.
Physiological adaptations and myocellular stress in short-term, high-frequency blood flow restriction training: A scoping review
Authors: de Queiros Victor Sabino , Rolnick Nicholas , de Alcântara Varela Phelipe Wilde , Cabral Breno Guilherme de Araújo Tinôco , Silva Dantas Paulo Moreira
Published: December 2022

Background

High frequency (1–2 times per day) low-intensity blood flow restriction (BFR) training has been recommended as a prescription approach for short durations of time to maximize relevant physiological adaptations. However, some studies demonstrate negative physiological changes after short periods of high-frequency BFR training, including prolonged strength decline and muscle fiber atrophy.

Objectives

To provide a comprehensive overview of short-term, high-frequency blood flow restriction training, including main adaptations, myocellular stress, limitations in the literature, and future perspectives.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed®, and Web of Science) was performed from the earliest record to April 23, 2022. Two independent reviewers selected experimental studies that analyzed physical training protocols (aerobic or resistance) of high weekly frequency (>4 days/week) and short durations (≤3 weeks).

Results

In total, 22 studies were included in this review. The samples were composed exclusively of young predominantly male individuals. Muscle strength and hypertrophy were the main outcomes analyzed in the studies. In general, studies have demonstrated increases in strength and muscle size after short term (1–3 weeks), high-frequency low-intensity BFR training, non-failure, but not after control conditions (non-BFR; equalized training volume). Under failure conditions, some studies have demonstrated strength decline and muscle fiber atrophy after BFR conditions, accompanying increases in muscle damage markers. Significant limitations exist in the current HF-BFR literature due to large heterogeneities in methodologies.

Conclusion

The synthesis presented indicates that short-term, high-frequency BFR training programs can generate significant neuromuscular adaptations. However, in resistance training to failure, strength declines and muscle fiber atrophy were reported. Currently, there are no studies analyzing low-frequency vs. high-frequency in short-term BFR training. Comparisons between resistance exercises of similar intensities (e.g., combined effort) are lacking, limiting conclusions on whether the effect is a product of proximity to failure or a specific effect of BFR.
Older adults’ emotion recognition: No auditory-visual benefit for less clear expressions
Authors: Simonetti Simone , Davis Chris , Kim Jeesun
Published: December 2022

The ability to recognise emotion from faces or voices appears to decline with advancing age. However, some studies have shown that emotion recognition of auditory-visual (AV) expressions is largely unaffected by age, i.e., older adults get a larger benefit from AV presentation than younger adults resulting in similar AV recognition levels. An issue with these studies is that they used well-recognised emotional expressions that are unlikely to generalise to real-life settings. To examine if an AV emotion recognition benefit generalizes across well and less well recognised stimuli, we conducted an emotion recognition study using expressions that had clear or unclear emotion information for both modalities, or clear visual, but unclear auditory information. Older (n = 30) and younger (n = 30) participants were tested on stimuli of anger, happiness, sadness, surprise, and disgust (expressed in spoken sentences) in auditory-only (AO), visual-only (VO), or AV format. Participants were required to respond by choosing one of 5 emotion options. Younger adults were more accurate in recognising emotions than older adults except for clear VO expressions. Younger adults showed an AV benefit even when unimodal recognition was poor. No such AV benefit was found for older adults; indeed, AV was worse than VO recognition when AO recognition was poor. Analyses of confusion responses indicated that older adults generated more confusion responses that were common between AO and VO conditions, than younger adults. We propose that older adults’ poorer AV performance may be due to a combination of weak auditory emotion recognition and response uncertainty that resulted in a higher cognitive load.
Interactive effect of tillage and crop residue management on weed dynamics, root characteristics, crop productivity, profitability and nutrient uptake in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Vertisol of Central India
Authors: Singh Kaushlendra Pratap , Meena Vasudev , Somasundaram J. , Singh Suchi , Dotaniya Mohan Lal , Das Hiranmoy , Singh Ompal , Srivastava Ajay
Published: December 2022

Tillage and crop residue management play an imperative role in soil physico-chemical properties that eventually affects crop productivity. The objective of the study to find out a compatible combination of tillage and crop residue management for achieving sustainable food production by improving soil properties, providing favorable environment to crop plants. Secondly, managing crop residues effectively to reduce environmental pollution arising due to crop residue burning. With this aim, a field experiment was conducted on six years continued running experiment under conservation agricultural practices duringrabiseason of 2019–20 on chickpea. The experiment was comprised of five tillage operations with or without crop residue in main plot and three levels of nutrients in sub plots laid out in split plot design with three replications. Reduced Tillage with 60cm residue height (RT60) was recorded higher growth and yield attributes over conventional tillage practice that attributed to economic yield enhancement. The percent yield increment under NT and RT with 30 and 60cm height residue retention varied from 6.91% to 9.67% over conventional tillage. Maximum grain (2380 kg ha-1) and biological output (5762 kg ha-1) was recorded under RT60 (T4), which ascribed to higher net return (Rs 60551 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.97). The augmentation in net monetary benefit among tillage systems was lies between 24.32% to 37.78% over conventional tillage. The seed protein content ranged between 20.38 to 21.69% among the treatments. Moreover, total N uptake was maximum under RT60, while total P and K uptake was higher in No Tillage with 30cm residue height (T1). No-Tillage with 60cm residue height (NT60) recorded relatively higher soil moisture content (SMC) (22.71 and 15.40%). Treatment NT30 accrued relatively higher value of soil bulk density (1.42 Mg m-3) followed by NT60 and RT60 in comparison to conventional tillage (1.34 Mg m-3). In conclusion, NT and RT with 60cm residue height along with STCR (N3) nutrient dose was found effective for sustainable food production.
Bacterial and fungal gut microbiota of supralittoral talitrid amphipods feeding on brown macroalgae and paper
Authors: Nakamura Seiichiro , Yumioka Junya , Kachi Seishu , Baba Yasunori , Kawai Shigeyuki
Published: December 2022

Some macroalgae drift on the ocean and are stranded on coasts, and these stranded brown macroalgae are regarded to be degraded by organisms. Alginate is a major component of brown macroalgae. An uncovering of how carbon is cycled through brown macroalgae is needed to deeply understand coastal ecosystems. In this study, to gain insights into metabolism of brown macroalgae and alginate in the organisms, we initially confirmed that supralittoral talitrid amphipods (beach fleas or sandhoppers collected on the Shibagaki coast in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan) fed on the brown macroalgae. We then isolated bacteria such as Vibrio sp. with alginate-assimilating capability from the gut of the amphipods. Metagenomic analysis of the gut of amphipods housed in several conditions (e.g. macroalgae or paper as feed, non-sterilized or sterilized environment) showed no condition-dependent compositions of bacteria and fungi, but Vibrio sp. were detected at high frequency, in good agreement with the isolation of Vibrio sp. An intervention study using antibiotics showed that amphipods fed on algae or paper at about the same rate in the presence or absence of antibiotics, and that the antibiotics had no effects on the life span. Moreover, intervention with antibiotics completely killed Vibrio sp. and some other bacteria, and had significant effects on the composition of the flora in the gut, with elimination of the variations observed in the guts of amphipods housed without antibiotics. These data suggest that microbes that were killed by antibiotics, including Vibrio sp., in the gut of talitrid amphipods are not essential for assimilation of brown macroalgae.
Altered visual cortex excitability in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: Evidence from magnetoencephalographic gamma oscillations and perceptual suppression
Authors: Manyukhina Viktoriya O. , Orekhova Elena V. , Prokofyev Andrey O. , Obukhova Tatiana S. , Stroganova Tatiana A.
Published: December 2022

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by extreme mood shifts during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (MC) due to abnormal sensitivity to neurosteroids and unbalanced neural excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio. We hypothesized that in women with PMDD in the luteal phase, these factors would alter the frequency of magnetoencephalographic visual gamma oscillations, affect modulation of their power by excitatory drive, and decrease perceptual spatial suppression. Women with PMDD and control women were examined twice–during the follicular and luteal phases of their MC. We recorded visual gamma response (GR) while modulating the excitatory drive by increasing the drift rate of the high-contrast grating (static, ‘slow’, ‘medium’, and ‘fast’). Contrary to our expectations, GR frequency was not affected in women with PMDD in either phase of the MC. GR power suppression, which is normally associated with a switch from the ‘optimal’ for GR slow drift rate to the medium drift rate, was reduced in women with PMDD and was the only GR parameter that distinguished them from control participants specifically in the luteal phase and predicted severity of their premenstrual symptoms. Over and above the atypical luteal GR suppression, in both phases of the MC women with PMDD had abnormally strong GR facilitation caused by a switch from the ‘suboptimal’ static to the ‘optimal’ slow drift rate. Perceptual spatial suppression did not differ between the groups but decreased from the follicular to the luteal phase only in PMDD women. The atypical modulation of GR power suggests that neuronal excitability in the visual cortex is constitutively elevated in PMDD and that this E/I imbalance is further exacerbated during the luteal phase. However, the unaltered GR frequency does not support the hypothesis of inhibitory neuron dysfunction in PMDD.
Cervical cancer screening practices and its associated factors among females of reproductive age in Durame town, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Amado Girma , Weldegebreal Fitsum , Birhanu Simon , Dessie Yadeta
Published: December 2022

Background

An estimated 22 million Ethiopian women between the ages of 15 and 49 are affected by cervical cancer each year, with 7095 cases and 4732 fatalities. Cervical cancer screening is one of the prevention methods, although Ethiopia has a low coverage rate. Furthermore, data on the use of cervical cancer screening services in the country is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to assess cervical cancer screening practices and its associated factors among females of reproductive age in Durame, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage sampling technique among 460 females of reproductive age from March to April 2020. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were carried out to determine the association between independent and dependent variables. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a P-value < 0.05 were used to declare the statistical association.

Results

We found that cervical cancer screening practice in this study was 13.8% [95% CI:(10.4–17.2)]. Having a positive attitude [AOR = 5.2, 95% CI:(1.4, 20.0)], having a good knowledge [AOR = 5.4, 95% CI:(1.5,19.5)], being informed about cervical cancer by health professionals [AOR = 3.5, 95% CI:(1.3,9.8)], average monthly income greater than 3000 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) [AOR = 4.9, 95% CI:(1.1, 22)], and having a history of sexually transmitted infections [AOR = 4.2, 95% CI:(1.4,12.85)] were the factors associated with cervical cancer screening practice.

Conclusions

The practice of cervical cancer screening was found to be very low, being influenced by women’s attitudes, knowledge, having health professionals as sources of information, monthly income, and history of sexually transmitted infections. Thus, it is necessary to increase awareness and knowledge about cervical cancer and improve attitudes toward cervical screening services to improve the uptake of the screening. Health professionals also have to play a pivotal role in properly addressing information about cervical cancer.
Magnitude and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Gram-Negative bacterial isolates among patients suspected of urinary tract infections in Arba Minch General Hospital, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mitiku Asaye , Aklilu Addis , Tsalla Tsegaye , Woldemariam Melat , Manilal Aseer , Biru Melkam
Published: December 2022

The emergence of drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial uropathogens poses a grave threat worldwide, howbeit studies on their magnitude are limited in most African countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, measuring the extent of their drug resistance is essential for developing strategies to confine the spread. A cross-sectional study was conducted at title hospital from 01 June to 31 August 2020. Midstream urine specimens were collected and inoculated onto MacConkey agar. Positive urine cultures showing significant bacteriuria as per the Kass count (>105 CFU/mL) were further subjected to biochemical tests to identify the type of uropathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique, and potential carbapenemase producers were phenotypically determined by the modified carbapenem inactivation method as per the CLSI guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26; P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Totally, 422 patients were included, and the majority were females (54.7%). The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative uropathogens was 12.9%, and 64.7% of them were carbapenemase producers. Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 5) was the predominant carbapenemase producer, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 4). Consumption of antibiotics prior to six months of commencement of the study, the presence of chronic diseases and hospitalizations were statistically associated with UTI caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative uropathogens. Carbapenemase producers were resistant to most of the antibiotics tested. Our findings highlight the need for periodic regional bacteriological surveillance programs to guide empirical antibiotic therapy of UTI.
Prevalence and persistent prescription of analgesic drugs in persons admitted with dementia to a nursing home – A longitudinal study
Authors: Helvik Anne-Sofie , Bergh Sverre , Kabukcuoğlu Kamile , Šaltytė Benth Jūratė , Lichtwarck Bjørn , Husebø Bettina , Tevik Kjerstin
Published: December 2022

The overall aim was to explore the prevalence and persistent regular prescription of opioids and paracetamol among nursing home (NH) residents with dementia at admission and over time. A total of 996 residents with dementia, mean (SD) age 84.5 (7.6) years and (36.1% men), were included at admission (A1). Yearly assessments were performed for two years (A2and A3) or until death. Pain was assessed using the Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia-2 (MOBID-2) Pain Scale. Information regarding prescription of analgesics, general physical health, personal activities of daily living, severity of dementia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and prescription of psychotropic drugs was collected. A generalized linear mixed model was used to explore whether pain severity was associated with persistent and persistent prescription of opioids and/or paracetamol across timepoints. At A1, 495 of 996 (49.7%) NH residents were prescribed analgesics and prevalence increased at the follow-ups (A2: n = 630, 65.1%; A3: n = 382, 71.2%). Paracetamol was the most frequently prescribed analgesic at all assessments (A1: 45.5%; A2: 59.5%; A3: 67.1%). Opioid prescriptions were quite prevalent (A1: 18.1%; A2: 25.1%; A3: 28.3%), with odds approximately 13 times (OR = 13.3, 95% CI 6.8–26.0) and 9 times (OR = 8.6, 95% CI 3.7–20.3) higher for prescription at follow-up A2and A3, respectively, relative to prescription at A1. In adjusted analyses, higher pain intensity and poor physical health were associated with prescription and persistent prescription of opioids and paracetamol. In conclusion, prevalence and persistent prescription of analgesics were high in NH residents with dementia. The odds for the prescription of opioids at follow-up were high if prescribed at baseline. Interdisciplinary collaboration, routine assessment of pain at admission and regularly thereafter, and systematic drug reviews are essential to adequately assess and treat pain in NH residents with dementia.
An equitable vaccine delivery system: Lessons from the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Canada
Authors: Kholina Ksenia , Harmon Shawn H. E. , Graham Janice E.
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing health disparities and disproportionately affected vulnerable individuals and communities (e.g., low-income, precariously housed or in institutional settings, racialized, migrant, refugee, 2SLBGTQ+). Despite their higher risk of infection and sub-optimal access to healthcare, Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy focused primarily on age, as well as medical and occupational risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods constant comparative qualitative analysis of epidemiological data from a national database of COVID-19 cases and vaccine coverage in four Canadian jurisdictions. Jurisdictional policies, policy updates, and associated press releases were collected from government websites, and qualitative data were collected through 34 semi-structured interviews of key informants from nine Canadian jurisdictions. Interviews were coded and analyzed for themes and patterns.

Results

COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out in Canada in three phases, each accompanied by specific challenges. Vaccine delivery systems typically featured large-venue mass immunization sites that presented a variety of barriers for those from vulnerable communities. The engagement and targeted outreach that featured in the later phases were driven predominantly by the efforts of community organizations and primary care providers, with limited support from provincial governments.

Conclusions

While COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Canada is largely considered a success, such an interpretation is shaped by the metrics chosen. Vaccine delivery systems across Canada need substantial improvements to ensure optimal uptake and equitable access for all. Our findings suggest a more equitable model for vaccine delivery featuring early establishment of local barrier-free clinics, culturally safe and representative environment, as well as multi-lingual assistance, among other vulnerability-sensitive elements.
Breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy among mothers with infant and young child in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Gizaw Abraham Tamirat , Sopory Pradeep , Morankar Sudhakar
Published: December 2022

Background

Breastfeeding has several benefits for both mothers and their children. Despite strong evidence in support of the practice, its prevalence has remained low worldwide, particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy among mothers with index infants and young children in the rural community of Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022 as baseline data for a cluster of randomized control trials. Multistage sample techniques followed by systematic random sampling techniques were employed. The Chi-square and Fisher’s exact probability tests were used to assess the baseline differences in the socio-demographic characteristics of the two groups. An independent sample t-test was used to determine the mean differences. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association. All tests were two-tailed, and a statistically significant association was declared at a p-value ≤ 0.05.

Results

A total of 516 mothers (258 from the intervention and 258 from the control group) were interviewed. A total of 516 mothers (258 from the intervention group and 258 from the control group) were interviewed. Except for the child’s sex and age, no significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of socio-demographic variables (p > 0.05). Independent t-tests found no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05) in terms of the mean score of maternal breastfeeding knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy at baseline. After adjusting for other covariates, maternal age (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.69, 3.07), educational status (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 0.56,2.33), occupation (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI, 1.04, 3.69), ANC (antenatal care) (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI, 1.11, 4.09), received breastfeeding information (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.33, 5.04), postnatal care (PNC) (AOR = 3.85, 95% CI, 2.01, 5.77) and parity (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI, 1.08, 4.19) were significantly associated high level breastfeeding knowledge. The positive attitude was associated with maternal age (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI, 1.18, 5.67), education status (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI, 0.99,4.03), ANC (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI, 1.44,5.13), last child breastfeeding history (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI, 1.21,4.88) and high level of breastfeeding knowledge (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI, 1.56,4.04). Finally, high breastfeeding self-efficacy was associated with ANC (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.04,3.83), parity (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI, 1.49, 5.03) and high knowledge level (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI, 0.89,2.85).

Conclusions

The study concluded that mothers in both the intervention and control groups have a low level of breastfeeding knowledge, a neutral attitude, and medium self-efficacy. Therefore, nutrition education interventions using tailored messages appropriate to the sociocultural context in the rural setting should be developed and evaluated continuously.
Association between COVID-19 pandemic declaration and depression/anxiety among U.S. adults
Authors: Adzrago David , Sulley Saanie , Tagoe Ishmael , Odame Emmanuel , Mamudu Lohuwa , Williams Faustine
Published: December 2022

Background

Although studies have investigated the impact of the COVID-19 on mental health, few studies have attempted to compare the prevalence of depression/anxiety symptoms among U.S. adults before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration. We examined the prevalence and association between depression/anxiety symptoms and COVID-19 pandemic declaration among U.S. adult population and subgroups.

Methods

A nationally representative cross-sectional study of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 4) assessing health-related information and behaviors in U.S. adults aged ≥18 years from February through June 2020. The primary dependent variable wascurrent depression/anxiety derived from Patient Health Questionnaire-4. The main independent variable was responses before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration in addition to sexual identity heterosexual identity, /race/ethnicity and rural-urban commuting areas. Covariates were sociodemographic factors, and health risk behaviors. Weighted percentages, multivariable logistic regression, and Chi-square tests were used to establish the prevalence and association between current depression/anxiety and the independent variables and covariates.

Results

A total of 3,865 participants completed the survey and included 35.3% of the participants before the COVID-19 pandemic declaration. Most of the sample were aged 50–64 years [33.0%]; males [51.0%]; and non-Hispanic Whites [70.1%]). The post-pandemic declaration included participants, aged 35–49 years [27.0%]; females [52.6%]; and non-Hispanic Whites [59.6%]). The prevalence of depression/anxiety was higher after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration (32.2%) than before the declaration (29.9%). Higher risks of depression/anxiety symptoms after the declaration were associated with being a sexual minority ([adjusted odds ratio] AOR, 2.91 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.38–6.14]) and having fair/poor general health (AOR, 2.91 [95% CI, 1.76–4.83]). The probability of experiencing depression/anxiety symptoms after the declaration was highest among homosexuals/lesbians/gays (65.6%) compared to bisexuals (39.6%), and heterosexuals (30.1%).

Conclusions

In this study, young adults, non-Hispanic Whites, and those with fair/poor general health had a higher burden of depression/anxiety symptoms after the pandemic declaration. The development of psychological support strategies to promote wellbeing during the pandemic may reduce psychological distress in the population, especially among at-risk populations.
Slo Curating: Restitution, Archives, Access and Care
Authors: Shirazi Sadia
Published: December 2022

This article elaborates a theory of slo curating as a durational practice and methodology. It interrogates concepts such as provenance, chain of relation, collections and conservation that it establishes are part of a colonial episteme undergirding the museum and its exhibitionary practices. Starting from recent digitization projects of museum collections, I analyse artist-led curatorial projects, legal cases and requests for restitution by colonized and Indigenous peoples across the world that challenge long-standing imperial concepts that inform museum studies. Projects by the Rapa Nui, Iqbal Geoffrey, Julie Tolentino, Constantina Zavitsanos and سراب/Saraab (Shahana Rajani and Omer Wasim) are discussed alongside El Paquete Semanal (2008–ongoing) and Exhibition Without Objects (2012–ongoing), foregrounding their alternative theoretical approaches to archives, access, labour, temporality and borders. Slo curating offers a set of curatorial practices and methods that are at the service of people instead of institutions.
Staging Art and Chineseness: The Politics of Trans/Nationalism and Global Expositions, Jane Chin Davidson
Authors: Patel Alpesh Kantilal
Published: December 2022

Review of: Staging Art and Chineseness: The Politics of Trans/Nationalism and Global Expositions, Jane Chin Davidson

Manchester: University of Manchester Press (2020), 224 pp, h/bk,

ISBN: 978-1-5261-3978-8, $120 US
‘It’s dynamite!’: The role of popular music and the home–school connection in the special music education classroom
Authors: Perry Sarah
Published: December 2022

When teaching children with disabilities, the home–school music connection can be the key to keeping our students engaged and motivated while increasing students’ self-regulation and positive interactions with peers. This article aims to shed light on classroom experiences with popular music of two third-grade students with sensory processing disorder and on how ‘music sharing turns’ influenced their overall engagement and ability to self-regulate in music classes. Music sharing turns, a weekly music ‘show and tell’, provided opportunities to bring popular music and activities they enjoy at home into the classroom. The results show that the participants were easily engaged and experienced greater self-regulation and awareness of others during music sharing turns. Music sharing turns also provided a predictable environment for peer interaction with opportunities to take on leadership roles within the classroom while remaining open-ended in a way participants could make their own.
Who’s aloud* to have fun? On covers and identity crossing1
Authors: Abramo Joseph Michael
Published: December 2022

Music educators regularly employ covers – or the performance of a version of a song previously performed or recorded by an artist – to learn and teach popular music. While covers might be an effective strategy towards music learning, issues of social justice become present when these covers cross genre and identity boundaries. How are educators and musicians to approach covers that enact these ethically perilous terrains? In this action-research and autoethnography-inspired study, I look at my cover of the song ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ (), performed by Cyndi Lauper in 1983. I explore the ethical aspects of me – a White male – aiming to perform this feminist anthem. Using a framework of strategic anti-essentialism, I suggest that covers can be a uniquely musical way to create solidarity by crossing identity boundaries in ways not available through language. This might become a framework for judging covers that cross identity and genre boundaries. I conclude with implications for music education practice as well as research, including using strategic anti-essentialism to structure discussion in the classroom.
Climate-conscious popular music education: Theory and practice
Authors: Eusterbrock Linus
Published: December 2022

Given popular music’s impact and its tradition in environmental activism, popular music education seems suited to contribute to a societal transformation towards sustainability in which the arts are increasingly considered to play an important role. The article proposes goals and methods of a climate-conscious popular music education, illustrated with examples from the author’s experience in music education. Drawing from and adding to eco-literate music pedagogy and activist music education, the article suggests that a climate-conscious popular music education should include: reducing the carbon footprint of educational practices; cultivating ecological consciousness, i.e. a connection to and appreciation of local nature; understanding climate change as a complex issue of intergenerational and global justice; using the specific potential of music to help overcome barriers to climate action, in particular its sensory, imaginative, creative, emotional, expressive and communal character.
#SaveTheAmazon: Promoting global competence and making bridges in the middle school music classroom
Authors: Barcellos Luiz Claudio , Wade-Chung Rebecca
Published: December 2022

This article offers an overview of a semester-long general music class unit in an international middle school. Due to international schools’ transient nature, students come from various backgrounds, and many do not have formal musical training. Using samba and popular music as a base for the unit, students developed critical awareness and explored socio-ecological issues in sustainability, resource consumption and environmentally friendly education about the Amazon rainforest. This action research will discuss the teaching strategies used in the classroom to promote student-led learning, problem-solving and collective music-making in times of hybrid learning and physical constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, students studied rhythms and developed musicianship while using popular music repertoire. Subsequently, students investigated the impact of deforestation in the Amazon basin and how it may affect the world. Finally, they learned about activism in art and were encouraged to take action through songwriting and social media, developing critical awareness and global competence.
Pregnant pause: Celebrity performance of pregnancy during the pandemic
Authors: Tropp Laura
Published: December 2022

This article explores how celebrity performance of pregnancy was disrupted in the United States during COVID-19. Celebrities had to renegotiate the public performance of pregnancy within a more complicated world filled with contradictions: giving birth while deaths surged, gaining access to hospitals overrun with COVID-19 patients and enjoying time at home while others were forced to stay home. This article explores how celebrities negotiated the balance of privacy and public revelation and the unexpected consequences of these shifts in the presentation of pregnancy.
Indian Migrants in Tokyo: A Study of Socio-Cultural, Religious, and Working Worlds, Megha Wadhwa (2020)
Authors: Kingston Jeff
Published: December 2022

Review of: Indian Migrants in Tokyo: A Study of Socio-Cultural, Religious, and Working Worlds, Megha Wadhwa (2020)

Abingdon: Routledge, 214 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-36756-9-990, p/bk, £36.99

ISBN 978-0-36789-6-836, h/bk, £130.00

ISBN 978-1-00302-0-530, e-book, £33.9
Mobilities of the Highly Skilled Towards Switzerland: The Role of Intermediaries in Defining ‘Wanted Immigrants’, Laure Sandoz (2019)
Authors: Krannich Sascha , Gkolfinopoulos Andreas
Published: December 2022

Review of: Mobilities of the Highly Skilled Towards Switzerland: The Role of Intermediaries in Defining ‘Wanted Immigrants’, Laure Sandoz (2019)

Berlin: Springer Nature, 244 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-03021-121-9, h/bk, EUR 53.49
Design, construction, and evaluation of transformer-based orbital shaker for coffee micropropagation
Authors: Arboleda Edwin Romeroso
Published: December 2022

This study offers a novel solution to deal with the complicated electronic circuitry for speed controller and too complex mechanical design of rotating mechanism of an orbital shaker. The developed prototype used a transformer that varies the supply voltage to control the speed of rotation of the orbital shaker. The prototype has five speed levels which depend on the input voltage. These speeds are 180 rpm at 12 V, 258 rpm at 15 V, 360 rpm at 18 V, 427 rpm at 21 V, and 470 rpm at 24 V. The prototype was tested to run continuously for 48 hours for each speed level, with speed being measured every hour using a tachometer. Statistical computation shows that the speed remains constant for the entire 48 hour period. Evaluation of results shows that the speed controller and the novel mechanical design for the orbital shaking motion achieved their functions. For this reason, it can be concluded that the prototype is durable and safe for use in orbital shaking applications.