bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of environmental quality on mental health: an ecological study
Authors: Wilson Karise , Jackman Mahalia , Moore Winston
Published: November 2024

Purpose

A growing body of research suggests that exposure to natural environments has several mental health effects. This paper aims to evaluate whether countries with high-quality environments report fewer mental health disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses secondary data from the Legatum Centre for National Prosperity. The data set consists of data from 167 countries collected between 2007 and 2023. The authors use panel data regressions to formally investigate the impact of environmental quality on mental health outcomes.

Findings

The results suggest that overall environmental quality is positively related to mental well-being. However, the connection between environmental quality and mental health varies depending on the specific environmental and mental health factors analysed. Specifically, the authors find that air quality and the quality of blue spaces are positively associated with emotional well-being. Furthermore, death by suicide is negatively correlated with air quality and the quality of a country’s green spaces. The authors find no evidence to suggest that environmental quality impacts the prevalence of depressive disorders in a country.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous studies that primarily focused on individual-level analyses, the research adopts an ecological approach. In addition, this study evaluates the relationship between mental health and a wide range of environmental factors, namely, emissions, air quality, ocean health, land use, forest and soil quality, freshwater quality and preservation efforts. This research further distinguishes itself by using a large panel database to investigate the impacts of the natural environment on mental health.
The impact of team building excellence on creating a culture of quality: a quality managers’ perspective
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Khleef
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Creating, enhancing and sustaining a culture of quality is critical to business continuity and sustainability. It is necessary to study the enablers and motivators, specifically excellence in building work teams and its relationship to the culture of quality. This study aims to examine excellence in team building in terms of understanding the team’s mission, team characteristics and accountability in engineering industries companies in Jordan. It also investigated the level of quality culture in these companies and the relationship between excellence in team building and quality culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The variables of this study were measured through a questionnaire distributed to quality managers in engineering industries companies in Jordan. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: excellence in team building (understanding of team mission, characteristics of team members, accountability) and quality culture. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive (means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (t test and regression).

Findings

The results indicated that the level of excellence in team building, understanding of the team mission, characteristics of team members and accountability and the level of quality culture fall within the “very good” point range on the scale. The results also indicated a statistically significant positive relationship between team building excellence and quality culture.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first applied study that addressed excellence in team building, investigated the level of quality culture and the relationship between team building excellence and quality culture. The results support the role of team building excellence in creating, enhancing and sustaining a culture of quality.
Settling secondhand sales: Pricing symbolic items in an emergent online marketplace environment
Authors: Fajardo Ryan
Published: November 2024

How do sellers on online marketplaces determine agreeable prices? This question is a theoretical concern for sociologists but a professional one for secondhand clothing resellers. Thousands of resellers across the United States purchase items from physical secondhand clothing sources and then resell them for a profit on sites such as Depop, Etsy, and Poshmark. They confront two pricing challenges: secondhand clothing items are aesthetic items of non‐standard, uncertain quality, and online marketplaces offer limited explicit institutional support to back pricing claims. I analyze interviews and fieldwork to theorize how resellers price items for sale on online marketplaces. Resellers gain knowledge of secondhand community values and online marketplace technologies via immersion into offline (local reselling networks and secondhand sources) and online spaces (social media and the marketplaces themselves). Resellers selectively draw on these sources of pricing knowledge to deploy similar but varied pricing practices. These situated valuation practices reveal how resellers rely on reselling community structures and reflexively invoke pricing displays on marketplace interfaces to price secondhand clothing. These practices increase confidence in exchange as resellers can suitably justify the prices of material goods to online marketplace participants with varying levels of knowledge and experience.
Prevalence and risk factors of gunshot wound infection in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: A hospital‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Budema Paul Munguakonkwa , de Dieu Tumusifu Manegabe Jean , Hatu'm Victoire Urbain , Gulimwentuga Fabrice Cikomola , Toha Georges Kuyigwa , Mukuku Olivier , Tsongo Zacharie Kibendelwa , Kabesha Theophile Barhwamire , Wembonyama Stanislas Okitotsho
Published: November 2024

Background

Survivors of gunshot injuries are at high risk of developing infections at the injury site. However, data on gunshot wound infections and their associated burdens are limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gunshot wound infections and identify the risk factors associated with them in a tertiary hospital located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Provincial General Reference Hospital of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reviewing data from patients hospitalised between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020.

Results

A total of 549 patients were included in the study, with wound infections occurring in 26.6% of cases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified fractures (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–2.92; P = .0146), nerve damage (aOR = 2.65; 95% CI 1.70–4.14; P < .0001), trunk injuries (aOR = 5.64; 95% CI 2.61–12.16; P < .0001), lower extremity injuries (aOR = 2.71; 95% CI 1.39–5.28; P = .0034), and multiple injuries (>2; aOR = 2.35; 95% CI 1.05–5.25; P = .0378) as independent predictors of gunshot wound infection.

Conclusion

The main factors predisposing gunshot wounds to infection, identified in this study, require thorough evaluation and urgent management. In cases of abdominal gunshot trauma, fractures, and vascular or nerve lesions, management procedures are aimed at reducing the infection burden.
Harnessing delegation and technology to identify and manage malnutrition in a digital hospital: An implementation study
Authors: Ellick Jennifer , McCoy Simone , Olufson Hannah , Adams Amanda , Banks Merrilyn , Young Adrienne
Published: November 2024

Aims

Delegation of nutrition care activities to Dietetic Assistants in hospitals has been identified as one innovative malnutrition model of care, but there has been limited evaluation of their roles. This study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a new Malnutrition Model of Care embracing automated delegation and digital systems.

Methods

The Malnutrition Model of Care was created to detect patients at risk of malnutrition (using the Malnutrition Screening Tool) and nutritional decline (via routine intake tracking at all meals and snacks). Digital systems generated automated referrals to dietetics, with protocols to support Dietetic Assistants to action these to direct care escalation to the ward dietitian. Dietetic Assistant training included simulations and clinical task instructions. Implementation evaluation was guided by the Donabedian model of quality and included a review of inpatient dietetics occasions of service, survey of Dietetic Assistant role satisfaction and task confidence, and hospital‐wide cross‐sectional malnutrition audit. Data was descriptively analysed.

Results

During the first year of implementation, 60% of Dietetics inpatient occasions of service were completed by Dietetic Assistants, with 26% of Dietetic Assistant inpatient tasks initiated from nursing malnutrition risk screening. Most Dietetic Assistants reported adequate training and confidence in completing delegated tasks. Malnutrition prevalence was 14% with no hospital‐acquired malnutrition identified. No clinical incidents were reported.

Conclusions

The Dietetic Assistant workforce and technology were harnessed to implement an innovative delegated Malnutrition Model of Care that appears to be safe and effective at managing malnutrition from preliminary evaluation. Work continues to formally assess service efficiencies, cost and patient experience.
Real‐World Outcomes of Patients Treated With Gemcitabine Using Standardized Dose and Rate and Docetaxel for Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma in an Australian Sarcoma Center
Authors: Wilson Isabella , Strach Madeleine , Bhadri Vivek , Harrison Michelle , Tang Whiter , Grimison Peter
Published: November 2024

Background

Gemcitabine and docetaxel (GD) is a common chemotherapy regimen for metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The GeDDiS trial compared GD with doxorubicin in the first‐line setting, using gemcitabine 675 mg/m2 over a prolonged rate of 90 min—reporting a 20% response rate and 5.4‐month median progression‐free survival (PFS). We aimed to examine the real‐world efficacy and toxicity of GD in our center, using a standardized dose of gemcitabine 900 mg/m2 over 30 min on Days 1 and 8 and intravenous docetaxel 75 mg/m2 over 60 min on Day 8 every 21 days.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with unresectable or metastatic STS receiving GD between July 2018 and October 2022. Data collected included patient and tumor characteristics, dose intensity, toxicity, response, PFS, and overall survival (OS).

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were included. Median follow‐up was 19 months (range 3–30). Line of treatment (n) was first line (10), second line (13), ≥ third line (15). The median number of cycles was 6. Response rate was 42%, including 5% with a complete response. At the time of data collection, 33 patients had disease progression and 24 patients had died. PFS (median, 6‐month rate) was 4.5 months and 44%. OS (median, 12‐month rate) was 15 months and 65%. Grade 3/4 toxicity included anemia (21%), neutropenia (5%), thrombocytopenia (5%), and febrile neutropenia (3%).

Conclusion

These data demonstrate the activity of gemcitabine using a standardized dose and rate with docetaxel comparable to other published data and favorable toxicity in a real‐life patient population despite altered gemcitabine dosing and a heavily pretreated patient population.
Successful colonization of the testicular germinal epithelium by bone marrow stem cells producing spermatozoa of donor genotype is rare
Authors: Shankara‐Narayana Nandini , Yu Bing , Qian Jie , Allen Steven , Reyes Brisa , Cheong Anthony , Daniele Joseph , Sleiman Sue , Bacha Fey , Jayadev Veena , Handelsman David J.
Published: November 2024

Background

It is not known whether bone marrow stem cells when injected intravenously for a bone marrow transplant colonize the human testicular epithelium. No previous studies of sperm genotype after bone marrow transplantation are reported.

Objectives

To differentiate host from donor genotype in spermatozoa of men who have undergone successful bone marrow transplants.

Materials and methods

Triplet DNA samples (spermatozoa, blood, and hair) obtained from men who had recovered sperm production after bone marrow transplant were genotyped using 44 autosomal and three sex‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms to determine the tissue genotype in pairwise comparisons of DNA profiles.

Results

Participants were 14 men at a median of 5.5 years after allogeneic bone marrow transplant who had a median sperm output of 77 million spermatozoa/ejaculate. In 14/14 the donor (leukocyte) DNA genotype differed significantly from the spermatozoa and hair genotypes whereas hair and sperm genotypes showed no variations.

Discussion

These data suggest that paternity after a successful bone marrow transplant is likely to be of the host and not the donor's genetic origins. The study's small sample size reflects the paucity of eligible man with recovered spermatogenesis after bone marrow transplant and represents preliminary evidence. A large‐scale epidemiological analysis to estimate the frequency of bone marrow donor stem cell colonization of the testicular germinal epithelium based on progeny sex ratio and frequency of female donors is proposed.

Conclusion

Successful colonization of the testicular germinal and hair follicle epithelia by allogeneic bone marrow transplant donor stem cells is rare or does not occur.
Subcutaneous Infliximab Concentration Thresholds for Mucosal and Transmural Healing in Patients With Crohn's Disease
Authors: Hong Sung Noh , Song Joo Hye , Kim Sung Jin , Park Yoon Ha , Choi Chang Wan , Kim Ji Eun , Kim Eun Ran , Chang Dong Kyung , Kim Young‐Ho
Published: November 2024

Background

Predose trough concentrations (Ctrough) of intravenous infliximab (IV‐IFX) during maintenance therapy are associated with therapeutic outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). A subcutaneous formulation of infliximab (SC‐IFX) has shown high Ctrough values due to its favourable pharmacokinetics.

Aims

To evaluate the association of Ctrough of SC‐IFX with therapeutic outcomes and the threshold of SC‐IFX Ctrough for achieving mucosal healing (MH) and transmural healing (TH) in patients with CD.

Methods

We performed this cross‐sectional study in patients with CD who had received SC‐IFX maintenance therapy for ≥ 6 months. We measured SC‐IFX Ctrough immediately before SC‐IFX injection. We performed ileocolonoscopy/single‐balloon enteroscopy and/or magnetic resonance enterography within 3 months of SC‐IFX Ctrough measurement. MH was defined as SES‐CD–ulcerated surface subscore of 0. TH was defined as simplified MaRIA score of 0.

Results

We enrolled 124 patients with MH in 77.9% (74/95) and TH in 36.3% (37/102). SC‐IFX Ctrough was significantly higher in patients with MH (24.1 vs.16.9 μg/mL; p = 0.001) and TH (26.0 vs. 20.5 μg/mL; p = 0.007) than in those without. ROC analysis identified that the threshold of SC‐IFX Ctrough for MH and TH were 17.5 and 30.3 μg/mL, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that SC‐IFX Ctrough was significantly associated with MH (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05–1.27; p = 0.002) and TH (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.02–1.14; p = 0.005).

Conclusions

SC‐IFX Ctrough was positively associated with MH (≥ 18 μg/mL) and TH (≥ 30 μg/mL) in patients with CD, which may guide treatment decisions to optimise therapeutic response in the era of treat‐to‐target.
Computational transformations of early childhood education: Pathways toward child‐centred computing in two educational change projects
Authors: Samuelsson Robin
Published: November 2024

Programming is becoming a key subject in early education globally, with surging problems of how computer science can become a subject for children of all ages and backgrounds. Problems of implementing new technologies in the old curricula have long been noted, and lately, concern over computer science education goals is often too narrow and skills‐based without concerns for the critical educational potential. This study follows the change process of two case preschool departments implementing programming with a floor robot across a seven‐month design process. Mixed analytical techniques based on activity theory are used to examine the tensions, conflicts and development of pedagogical alternatives. The studies show the strenuous change processes involving local transformations toward a child‐centred, inclusive early computer science education and development of projects centring making, children's exploration, tinkering and play as key parts of the learning process. It discusses how the considerable change processes enabled pedagogical solutions coherent with important concepts in computer programming and how computing education can build on child‐centred pedagogies through local adaptations and age‐appropriate designs.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Computer science and programming are becoming part of early education worldwide.

Less is known about how to implement computing with ever‐younger age groups, especially for those under three.

That technological change can be a strenuous change process building on societal, historical and educational tensions, requiring individual learning and organisational change.

What this paper adds

Two cases of change designing computing education for 1–2‐ and 3–5‐year‐olds.

Design processes raising critical questions about current standard childhood programming materials being resolved to enable a child‐centred computing education.

Challenges and potentials specific to early childhood in adopting computer science education.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Computing education challenges pedagogical notions, such as the role of failure in education.

Computing education can be developed for very young children. However, there are considerable critical challenges to resolve in developing a child‐centred approach.

Childhood fundamentals such as play‐based pedagogy can work synergistically with computer science activities, providing educational potential, also relevant for computer science education at large.
Ovarian Stimulation Effects on Ghrelin Secretion and Reproductive Potential
Authors: Beltramone Fernando , Estofán Patricia , Piccinali Noelia , Torres Pedro Javier , Ramírez Nicolás David , Cantarelli Verónica Inés , Ponzio Marina Flavia , Motrich Rubén Darío , Severgnini Mariano , Martini Ana Carolina
Published: November 2024

Objective

Finely regulated Ghrelin (Ghrl) secretion is essential during early pregnancy, as infra or supraphysiologic levels can be detrimental. Since oestrogens stimulate Ghrl synthesis, ovarian stimulation (OS) might increase ghrelinemia, thus being detrimental for fertility. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether OS increases ghrelinemia and associates with maternal endocrine and immune biomarkers and reproductive success.

Design

The 97 women undergoing assisted reproduction were grouped as follows: OS: undergoing OS and fresh embryo transfer (n = 35); FET: undergoing frozen embryo transfer in a cycle different from that of OS (n = 25) and, OD: undergoing embryo transfer in oocyte donation cycles (n = 37). At embryo transfer day, several endocrine and immune biomarkers were assessed.

Results

OS patients showed significantly higher serum estradiol, progesterone and Ghrl, than those not stimulated. Patients that suffered miscarriage showed significantly lower concentrations of sex‐hormones, with a similar trend for Ghrl, that deserves further investigation. Moreover, OS patients showed decreased frequencies of circulating T cells and reduced ratios of uNK/NK cells, which significantly associated with serum levels of sex‐hormones. Besides, ROC curves identified cut‐off values predictive of clinical pregnancy and/or miscarriage for peripheral counts of uNK cells, T cells, and uNK/NK cells ratio.

Conclusions

As hypothesised, OS significantly increased serum Ghrl in correlation with sex‐hormone levels. These last, significantly associated with maternal immune response and reproductive outcome. Although Ghrl exhibited a similar profile, it did not reach statistical significance, indicating the need for further investigation. Additionally, the identification of maternal immunological cut‐off values holds significant clinical relevance.
Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into spiral ganglion neurons by defined transcription factors
Authors: Huang Yuhang , Chen Zhen , Chen Jiang , Liu Jingyue , Qiu Cui , Liu Qing , Zhang Linqing , Zhu Guang‐Jie , Ma Xiaofeng , Sun Shuohao , Shi Yun Stone , Wan Guoqiang
Published: November 2024

Degeneration of the cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) is one of the major causes of sensorineural hearing loss and significantly impacts the outcomes of cochlear implantation. Functional regeneration of SGNs holds great promise for treating sensorineural hearing loss. In this study, we systematically screened 33 transcriptional regulators implicated in neuronal and SGN fate. Using gene expression array and principal component analyses, we identified a sequential combination of Ascl1, Pou4f1 and Myt1l (APM) in promoting functional reprogramming of SGNs. The neurons induced by APM expressed mature neuronal and SGN lineage‐specific markers, displayed mature SGN‐like electrophysiological characteristics and exhibited single‐cell transcriptomes resembling the endogenous SGNs. Thus, transcription factors APM may serve as novel candidates for direct reprogramming of SGNs and hearing recovery due to SGN damages.
Adults aged 65 years and older in South Africa have a responsibility to vaccinate against influenza
Authors: Sarangarajan Ruach , Ewuoso Cornelius
Published: November 2024

In this article, we draw on the thinking about incompleteness and conviviality grounded in Afro‐communitarianism ethics from the Global South to argue that adults aged 65 years and above have a prima facie responsibility to vaccinate against influenza. Notably, adults aged 65 years and above have a duty of conviviality to act in ways that limit harm to them and others. This article is intrinsically valuable to promote epistemic justice, thereby contributing towards the decolonisation of the global healthcare system. Moreover, this project has social significance in contributing to mitigation efforts against future public health challenges associated with population ageing in resource‐limited developing African nations, wherein the impact of population transition will be felt most.
Characterisation of islet antibody‐negative type 1 diabetes mellitus in Indian children
Authors: Menon Jayakrishnan C. , Singh Pratibha , Archana Archana , Kanga Uma , Singh Preeti , Mittal Medha , Garg Atul , Seth Anju , Bhatia Vijayalakshmi , Dabadghao Preeti , Sudhanshu Siddhnath , Vishwakarma Ruchira , Verma Shivendra , Singh S. K. , Bhatia Eesh
Published: November 2024

Aims

Islet antibody‐negative type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has not been well characterised. We determined the frequency of antibody‐negative T1DM and compared it with antibody‐positive T1DM in a cohort of north Indian children.

Methods

In a multi‐centre, prospective, observational study, 176 Indian children (age 1–18 years) were assessed within 2 weeks of diagnosis of T1DM. Antibodies against GAD65 (GADA), islet antigen‐2 (IA‐2A) and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A), were estimated using validated ELISA. HLA‐DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 alleles were studied by Luminex‐based typing. Monogenic diabetes was determined by targeted next‐generation sequencing using the Illumina platform.

Results

After excluding 12 children with monogenic diabetes, GADA, IA‐2A and ZnT8A were present in 124 (76%), 60 (37%) and 62 (38%) o children, respectively, while 24 (15%) were negative for all antibodies. A single antibody (most frequently GADA) was present in 68 (41%) of children, while all three antibodies were found in 34 (21%). Islet antibody‐negative T1DM (n = 24, 15%) did not differ from antibody‐positive children in their clinical features, HbA1c or plasma C‐peptide, both at onset or after 1 year follow‐up (available in 62 children). The frequency of other organ‐specific antibodies or high‐risk HLA‐DR and DQ alleles were also similar. Children with a single islet antibody did not differ from those with multiple antibodies.

Conclusions

The frequency of various islet‐antibodies, in isolation and combination, differed considerably from studies among children of European descent with T1DM. Children with T1DM who were islet antibody‐negative were indistinguishable from those who were antibody‐positive.
Magnetic resonance imaging characterization of an α‐synuclein model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Katrib Chirine , Hladky Hector , Timmerman Kelly , Durieux Nicolas , Dutheil Nathalie , Bezard Erwan , Devos David , Laloux Charlotte , Betrouni Nacim
Published: November 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily characterized by three histological hallmarks: dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, α‐synuclein accumulation and iron deposition. Over the last years, neuroimaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has provided invaluable insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease. However, no imaging method has yet been able to translate α‐synuclein protein accumulation and spreading. Amongst the animal models mimicking the disease, the α‐synuclein rat, generated through the injection of human α‐synuclein, has been characterized in terms of behavioural and histological aspects but not thoroughly explored in MRI. The aim of this study is, therefore, to identify the radiological signature from several MRI sequences, while controlling for histological and behavioural characteristics. Rats were assessed for motor and cognitive functions over a 4‐month period. During this time, three MRI sessions, including both morphological and functional sequences, were conducted. Histological studies evaluated the three main hallmarks of PD. The progressive dopaminergic neurodegeneration and the spread of human α‐synuclein corresponded to the level of sensorimotor, attentional and learning deficits observed in this PD model. MRI analyses showed progressive structural abnormalities in the midbrain, diencephalon and several cortical structures, as well as a pattern of hyperconnectivity in the basal ganglia and cortical networks. The regions affected in imaging demonstrated the highest load of human α‐synuclein. This model's structural and functional MRI changes could serve as indirect indicators of α‐synuclein accumulation and its association with impaired non‐motor functions.
‘Shifting gears ain't easy’: Disciplinary resistances to perspective shifts in soil science and how to move forward
Authors: Baveye Philippe C. , Otten Wilfred , Young Iain
Published: November 2024

Over the last decade, the fact that novel perspectives on various aspects of soils have remained strongly controversial long after they emerged, without any kind of consensus being reached about them, raises question about the underlying reasons for this phenomenon. The on‐going debate on the usefulness of aggregates to describe the functions of soils illustrates some of the key aspects of that question. Similar debates on other soil‐related issues also appear stalled, or have been for a long time and are only now moving forward. This might suggest a fundamental aversion to change, which when it gets overcome, only does so slowly. However, at the same time, somewhat surprisingly, researchers appear willing to quickly seize opportunities provided by new idea or novel perspectives on other topics. In that context, the objective of the present article is to analyse in detail what may cause such contrasting reactions to novelty. We consider, then ultimately dismiss, explanations based on how strongly or not novel perspectives have been actively promoted, on how access to suitable technology may impede or only slow down perspective shifts and on whether a recent theory of the ‘slowed canonical progress in large fields of science’ applies to the relatively small soil science community. Then, taking soil aggregates as a case in point, we come to realize that it is the extent to which a novel perspective mandates an interdisciplinary approach that determines whether or not it is adopted quickly. From that standpoint, we envisage a number of practical actions that could be taken to facilitate in the future the emergence in soil science of interdisciplinary research efforts, which we argue are absolutely essential to successfully tackle the enormous complexity of soils and to come up with satisfactory answers to the daunting environmental and food security problems we currently face in their management.
Assessment of haemophilic joints in a low‐resourced area using clinical tools: The effect of different types of prophylaxis
Authors: Youssry Ilham , El‐Taweel Rania , Seif Hadeel , Sami Rania , Okasha Karim , Taha Ebtehal , Haffar Assad , Elhady Marwa Abd
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Haemophilic arthropathy (HA) is the most frequent complication in people with haemophilia (PWH). MRI is the gold standard to assess HA, however, there are limitations to its use in low‐resourced areas.

Aim

Primary; to compare clinical‐functional, laboratory, and ultrasonographic joint scores with MRI scores to determine a reasonable alternative to MRI. Secondary; to identify the effect of various replacement therapies on the degree of joint involvement.

Material and method

Fifty PWH with at least one affected joint, with or without inhibitors, and receiving either on‐demand treatment or secondary prophylaxis, were included. All participants had a joint assessment by clinical HJHS 2.1, functional FISH, HEAD‐US, and MRI DENVER scores. Also, serum COMP level was assessed by ELISA for the PWH and 50 healthy subjects as control.

Results

The HJHS 2.1 scores had a significant positive correlation with HEAD‐US and the MRI DENVER scores. The FISH score had a significant negative correlation with HJHS 2.1, HEAD‐US, and MRI DENVER Scores. The serum COMP level was comparable between the PWH and the controls. The HEAD‐US score had a significant positive correlation with the MRI score. All of the joints’ scores for the PWH on Emicizumab prophylaxis showed significantly lower HJHS 2.1 and MRI DENVER scores but higher FISH score than the joint scores of the patients receiving other types of prophylaxis.

Conclusion

The clinical‐functional joints assessment scores (HJHS 2.1, FISH) were objective tools that correlated significantly with the HEAD‐US and the Denver MRI scores. Emicizumab prophylaxis led to better joint status.
Effects of High Altitude and Diet on Gastric Disease Severity in Helicobacter pylori Infection in Peru
Authors: Requena David , Ribas Eduardo , Gilman Robert H. , Cabrera Lilia , Cok Jaime , Barriga‐Rivera Walter , Combe‐Gutiérrez Juan , Vargas‐Cardenas Gloria , Seidelmann Lisa , Miele Catherine H.
Published: November 2024

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects approximately half of the world's population, being more prevalent in low‐ and middle‐income countries. H. pylori can cause gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer, which is among the five most frequent cancers worldwide. Other factors such as a diet low in vegetables and high in processed red meat have been associated with gastric cancer. Here, we studied the effects of high altitude and diet on gastric disease severity in H. pylori infection in a multicenter cross‐sectional study in Peru (N = 343). We recruited people from villages with distinct eating habits (high meat consumption, mixed, and limited meat consumption diet) in the Andes (Puno), and compared them to people living at sea level with a mixed diet (Lima). H. pylori infection prevalence was higher at high altitude than at sea level. High altitude, diet, and age showed a significant correlation with the severity of gastric disease, whereas H. pylori infection and sex did not. However, high altitude was not found to be a risk factor for intestinal metaplasia, while diet and age were. At high altitude, a meat‐rich diet was associated with a higher incidence of metaplasia compared to a plant‐based diet. This study provides a comparison of communities living at high altitude with spontaneously different diets, showing that high processed red meat consumption is a risk factor for gastric disease. Further studies are needed to explain this phenomenon and its impact on the development and progression of gastric pathologies.
Beyond the Queue: Exploring Waiting Practices in the Stories of Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Akrouh Nada , Wehrens Rik , Scholtes Erna , van de Bovenkamp Hester
Published: November 2024

Background

Waiting is an important topic in healthcare debates, mostly discussed in the form of waiting lists and waiting times. In this discourse, the experiential element of waiting stays hidden. Understanding the waiting experiences of patients can help to better understand healthcare waiting practices, which have a large impact on patients.

Methods

We performed a thematic analysis on 12 patients' books of women with breast cancer. We focused on the theme of waiting within these stories, through an abductive analysis.

Results

We identified three themes within the waiting practices of patients with breast cancer: (1) Thickening of time, (2) contaminated time and (3) navigating time. The theme thickening of time highlights waiting moments where time is experienced as moving at a very slow pace with intense emotional impact. The theme of contaminated time highlights the waiting processes as an ongoing component of experiencing illness. The theme of navigating time highlights patients' temporal agency, showing their waiting work in the form of strategies for dealing with practical and emotional aspects of waiting.

Discussion

The waiting experiences of patients provide insights into the burden of waiting, which is partly connected to the way healthcare services are organised and the experience of illness. Understanding these multifaceted experiences of patients helps pinpoint areas for healthcare quality improvement.

Patient or Public Contribution

The choice for the theme and approach of this research, waiting, was developed with a citizen science initiative of collecting patient stories.
Global extinction of Slender‐billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris)
Authors: Buchanan Graeme M. , Chapple Ben , Berryman Alex J. , Crockford Nicola , Jansen Justin J. F. J. , Bond Alexander L.
Published: November 2024

In the current biodiversity crisis, conservation efforts are often focused on extinction prevention. However, it can be difficult to determine if a species is extinct, especially if the species has an extensive range, including being a transcontinental migrant, or is poorly known. The breeding range of the migratory Critically Endangered Slender‐billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris is uncertain, and the species has an extensive non‐breeding range that spans central Asia, eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin and the northwest African coast. There have been no incontrovertible sightings since 1995. In this time, extensive and intensive searches for the species have continued. Using an IUCN extinction probability framework, we incorporate potential threats to the species, search effort and past records (museum specimens and confirmed and unconfirmed sightings, all of which are primarily from its non‐breeding range) to assess the probability of extinction. The model indicates that there is a 96.0% probability that Slender‐billed Curlew is no longer extant, classing it as Extinct according to IUCN Red List guidelines. Posterior probability Bayesian extinction date estimation modelling suggests an extinction year around the time of the 1995 sighting. Although several threats to the species have been suggested, those that definitively drove the species to extinction will never be known. Other species of Numenius are under a range of pressures, and many are recognized as globally threatened. To ensure the continued survival of all shorebird species, we advocate flyway‐scale concerted, coordinated action, and caution against complacency even for widespread but threatened taxa in Europe.
Optimal design of deferred compensation for bank executives under agency conflicts
Authors: Gan Liu , Xu Mingyu , Tan Yingxian , Chen Linyue
Published: November 2024

We analyze the optimal design of deferred compensation for bank executives under agency conflicts in a continuous time model with a bank liability structure. Our model demonstrates that a well‐designed deferred compensation contract can effectively mitigate bank executives' asset substitution problem and significantly enhance the total value of the bank, which aligns with existing empirical studies. Moreover, we find that the motivation for bank executives to shift risk under deferred compensation is diminished when supervision is more stringent, the bank has greater market power, or the write‐down ratio of debt is lower.
Company‐Based Measures Securing Employment During the Pandemic in Germany
Authors: Pusch Toralf , Seifert Hartmut
Published: November 2024

This article analyses measures agreed upon by management and works councils to secure jobs during the pandemic in Germany, based on a representative works and staff council survey. Monetary concessions are less common than measures relating to working hours. The implementation of these measures depends on economic conditions, collective bargaining and cooperative company relations, providing a framework for employment and investment commitments.
Community Nursing: A Time and Motion Study of Community Nurses' Work and Workload
Authors: Blay Nicole , Duffield Christine , Murray‐Parahi Pauline , Drennan Vari , Rowles Mick , Sousa Mariana S.
Published: November 2024

Aim

To explore activities performed by community nurses in community health centre clinics and during home visits.

Design

Cross‐sectional, observational using time and motion technique. Data collected during lockdown in 2020.

Methods

Community nurses' work in clinics and during home visits were observed and recorded. The purposefully designed data collection tool covered six categories (Administration, Communication, Direct care, Documentation, Indirect care and Other) and 35 activities relative to community nurses' work.

Results

Eight hundred and ten complete timings were obtained. Community nurses' time was most often (86.5%) spent on Direct care, Communication, Documentation and Other activities. Patient education occurred more often in the home.

Conclusions

The type, frequency and time taken to complete community nursing activities provides insight into the community nurse role. Addressing inefficient practices such as documentation and travel could serve to improve workload.

Reporting Method

Adheres to EQUATOR guideline STROBE for cross‐sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Application of Computational Intelligence to Determine the Effect of Different Shear Bar Positions on Chopping Length and Specific Cutting Energy Consumption in the Chopping of Silage Sorghum
Authors: Sauk Hüseyin
Published: November 2024

Flail forage harvesting machines are disadvantageous compared to other silage machines because of the uneven length of the chop obtained, the low distribution of the appropriate chopping length in the entire chopped material, and the high energy consumption. This issue is tackled by employing artificial neural networks (ANN), which serve as versatile mathematical instruments capable of capturing data. In this article, six different knife peripheral speeds (KPS) and three different shear bar (SB) positions were tested to determine the combination of KPS and SB positions that increased the proportion of suitable chopping length (CL) for silage and decreased the specific cutting energy consumption (SCEC) among all chopped material. The results have shown that, depending on the increase in KPS, the average CL varied between 165.28, 127.30, 100.24, 83.55, 77.06, and 65.09 mm. Depending on no shear bar (), shear bar positioned parallel to the feed unit (), and shear bar positioned at an angle of 45° to the feed unit () the average CL was determined as 114.73, 99.65, and 94.88 mm, respectively. Depending on the increase in KPS, the SCEC values vary between 0.97, 1.49, 1.89, 2.20, 3.05, and 4.12 kWh t−1. Depending on , , and the SCEC values were determined as 1.64, 3.05, and 2.17 kWh t−1, respectively. The effects of KPS and SB positions on CL and SCEC were statistically very significant (p < 0.001). An ANN model with a 3‐(5‐5)‐1 architecture, utilizing a backpropagation learning algorithm, was developed to forecast SCEC. This model outperformed traditional statistical models and was constructed using data on KPS, SB, and CL. The ANN model exhibited the highest efficiency, outperforming the polynomial models. In this particular ANN model, key metrics such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean error (ε) (0.9970%, 0.0159%, and 3.86% respectively) are significantly positive. This research convincingly demonstrated the efficacy of ANN in accurately predicting SCEC, leveraging data on KPS, SB, and average CL.
Anatomy of spinal CSF loss in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: DeLeeuw Hadyn , Cramberg Michael , Dille Matthew , Pick Emily , Thompson Mary , Young Bruce A.
Published: November 2024

A variety of anatomical techniques, imaging modalities, dyes and contrast agents, were used to document the mechanisms/routes whereby spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would move beyond the confines of the spinal dura in the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. Three pathways for CSF loss were identified: spinal arachnoid granulations, perineural flow along the spinal nerves, and lymphatic drainage (both along the surface of the dura and at the venous plexus surrounding the spinal ganglion). These same three pathways for spinal CSF loss have been documented in mammals, suggesting that they may be a common feature of (at least) amniotes. Crocodilians, including A. mississippiensis, have the largest epidural venous sinus system of any vertebrate, the present study suggests that, as in mammals, the venous complex of the alligator plays a direct role in regulating the absorption of CSF from the spinal compartment.
The (Un)Attractiveness of Dark Triad Personalities: Assessing Fictitious Characters for Short‐ and Long‐Term Relationships
Authors: Dragostinov Yavor , Booth Tom
Published: November 2024

Objective

The current study assessed how individuals evaluate potential romantic partners who display either low, medium, or high levels of DT traits for short‐term (STR) and long‐term (LTR) relationships.

Methods

Nine fictitious persons in the form of vignettes (description of behavior and facial image) were presented to every participant. The sex of the fictitious persons was determined by sexual orientation of each participant, while the displayed faces were selected from an existing image bank and matched for physical attractiveness. Study 1 (n = 475) used a fixed composition for face and trait description, while the composition for Study 2 (n = 794) was randomized. Mixed‐effects modeling was implemented for both studies.

Results

Study 1 demonstrated people with a male preference (mostly women) perceived medium levels of the three traits as the most attractive STR. For Study 2, both men and women found the low levels the most attractive for both STRs and LTRs.

Conclusions

Findings from Study 1 were mostly consistent across previous DT attractiveness literature, while findings from Study 2 contradicted them. This could suggest that the concept of DT is not as attractive even for STRs unless it is accompanied by physical attractiveness.
Particulate Matter 2.5 and Severe Periodontitis Among Colombian Adults
Authors: Madera Meisser , Márquez‐Lázaro Johana , Bernabe Eduardo
Published: November 2024

Aims

The primary aim was to determine the association between particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration at municipality‐level and severe periodontitis among adults. A second aim was to evaluate contemporaneous versus lagged effects of exposure to municipality‐level PM2.5 concentration on severe periodontitis.

Methods

We linked individual‐level data from the latest National Oral Health Survey (ENSAB‐IV) with satellite‐based estimates of annual PM2.5 concentrations at the surface level for municipalities in Colombia. Annual PM2.5 concentrations were averaged over 3, 5 and 10  years to capture contemporaneous and lagged effects, respectively. Severe periodontitis was defined using three common case definitions. The association between municipality‐level PM2.5 concentration and severe periodontitis was tested in multilevel logistic regression models adjusting for covariates.

Results

Data from 9111 adults in 197 municipalities and 33 departments were analyzed. The prevalence of severe periodontitis varied from 10.4% to 29.8% depending on the case definition used. The mean PM2.5 concentration was 18.5 (SD = 2.9), 19.1 (3.0) and 18.9 (2.8) μg/m3 over the past 3, 5 and 10 years. The municipality‐level PM2.5 concentration was not associated with severe periodontitis, irrespective of the assessment period for PM2.5 concentration (3, 5, or 10  years) or the case definition of periodontitis used.

Conclusions

This study found no association between municipality‐level PM2.5 concentration and severe periodontitis among Colombian adults. No evidence of lagged effects was found either.
How does the taxonomic and functional structure of plant communities differ between riverine and palustrine swamps?
Authors: Janssen Philippe , Bisson‐Gauthier Laurie , González‐Sargas Eduardo , Loiselle Audréanne , Darveau Marcel , Bourgeois Bérenger , Poulin Monique
Published: November 2024

Questions

How does the type of swamp, that is, riverine vs palustrine, shape understorey and overstorey plant communities? Beyond swamp type, how do spatial, topographic, soil and landscape characteristics determine the taxonomic and functional structure of swamp communities?

Location

Southern Québec, Canada.

Methods

We sampled riverine and palustrine swamp plant communities in two watersheds within two ecoregions with contrasting land use. At the site scale (n = 56), we analyzed differences between riverine and palustrine swamps in plant richness and cover, species composition, and mean and dispersion values for ecological and morphological traits. At the plot scale (n = 213), we assessed the relative influence of a set of environmental parameters on species richness and cover, as well as on trait values using mixed models and on species composition using redundancy analysis.

Results

Species composition and the mean value of traits varied significantly between the two types of swamps. While riverine swamps hosted more non‐native species and were composed of more mesophilic species, shorter in height and with dominant resource acquisition strategies, palustrine swamps sheltered more non‐vascular taxa and tall hygrophilous vascular species with more conservative resource strategies. The surrounding landscape and local microtopography within swamps had a significant effect on plant community structure. Species diversity and trait dispersion increased from agricultural‐dominated to forest‐dominated landscapes, and from homogeneous to heterogeneous substrates.

Conclusions

Habitats provided by riverine and palustrine swamps are complementary for wetland biodiversity. Our results underline the need to develop conservation plans to protect a wide variety of freshwater swamp types; for example, management actions that maintain or promote heterogeneous topographic forms at the site scale, and continuity of forest cover at the landscape scale.