bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐mapping medical records to NANDA‐I to identify nursing diagnoses in a vulnerable population
Authors: Fernández‐Gutiérrez Domingo Ángel , Brito‐Brito Pedro Ruymán , Darias‐Curvo Sara , Cabrera‐de‐León Antonio , Martínez‐Alberto Carlos Enrique , Aguirre‐Jaime Armando
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To assess the association between vulnerable populations and nursing care needs, using NANDA‐I diagnostics, in the population of the Canary Islands, Spain.

Methods

Nursing social epidemiology study. Cross Mapping of Medical Records to NANDA‐I to Identify Nursing Diagnoses in a Population usinga medical, epidemiological follow‐up study of a cohort of 7,190 people. The level of vulnerability of the participants was assigned, among those who were also assigned nursing diagnoses, using the “ICE index” to calculate the expected associations.

Findings

The most prevalent nursing diagnosis in our sample was Sedentary lifestyle (60.5%), followed by Ineffective health self‐management (33.8%) and Risk‐prone health behaviour (28.7%). Significant differences were found by sex, age group and social class, with the nursing diagnoses included in the study being more prevalent among the most socio‐economically disadvantaged social class.

Conclusions

: The cross‐mapping method is useful to generate diagnostic information in terms of care needs, using the NANDA‐I classification. The expected associations between high social vulnerability and care needs have been verified in a comprehensive and representative sample of the Canarian population (Spain).

Implications for nursing practice

From an epidemiological perspective, identifying nursing diagnoses at the population level allows us to find the most prevalent needs in the different community groups and to focus appropriate nursing interventions for their implementation and impact assessment.
A genetic investigation of equine recurrent uveitis in the Icelandic horse breed
Authors: Hack Yael , Henriksen Michala de Linde , Pihl Tina Holberg , Nielsen Rikke Krarup , Dwyer Ann E. , Bellone Rebecca R.
Published: April 2022

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is an autoimmune disease defined by inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye. The cause of ERU is thought to be complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential genetic risk factors for ERU in the Icelandic horse. Fifty‐six Icelandic horses (11 affected with ERU and 45 controls) living in Denmark and the USA, eight years or older, were included in the study. A case–control GWAS was performed using the GGP Equine 80K array on the Illumina Infinium HD Beadchip using 40 horses. A mixed linear model analysis identified a single SNP on ECA 11 (BIEC2_141650; NC_009154.3:g.3817009A>G) that reached genome‐wide significance (p = 1.79 × 10−7). This variant was within an intron of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2), a gene previously implicated in ERU. Sanger sequencing identified a single coding variant in this gene; however it was a synonymous mutation (NC_009154.3:g.3858193C>T) and was not perfectly concordant with ERU phenotype (p = 0.68). Further investigation ofTIMP2is warranted. Additional horses and markers are needed to identify other potential loci worthy of further investigation as contributors to ERU risk in Icelandic horses.
COVID‐19 vaccination rates in an antenatal population: A survey of women's perceptions, factors influencing vaccine uptake and potential contributors to vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Ward Caoimhe , Megaw Lauren , White Scott , Bradfield Zoe
Published: April 2022

Background

Pregnant women are at increased risk for severe COVID‐19 and are a priority group for vaccination. The discrepancy in vaccination rates between pregnant and non‐pregnant cohorts is concerning.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the perceptions and intentions of pregnant women toward COVID‐19 vaccination and explored vaccine uptake and reasons for vaccine hesitancy.

Materials and method

A cross‐sectional exploratory design was performed evaluating pregnant women receiving care in two metropolitan maternity units in Western Australia. The main measurable outcomes included vaccination status, intention to be vaccinated, and reasons for delaying or declining vaccination.

Results

In total, 218 women participated. Of these, 122 (56%) had not received either dose of the COVID‐19 vaccine. Sixty (28%) claimed that vaccination was not discussed with them and 33 (15%) reported being dissuaded from vaccination by a healthcare practitioner. Compared to vaccinated women, those who had not accepted vaccination were less likely to have had vaccination discussed by maternity staff, less aware that pregnant women are a priority group, and less aware that pregnancy increased the risk of severe illness. Unvaccinated women were concerned about the side effects of the vaccine for their newborn and their own health, felt there was inadequate information on safety during pregnancy, and felt that a lack of community transmission in Western Australia reduced the necessity to be vaccinated.

Conclusion

Vaccine delay and hesitancy is common among pregnant women in Western Australia. Education of healthcare professionals and pregnant women on the recommendation for COVID‐19 vaccination in pregnancy is required.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of house dust mite allergen immunotherapy in children with allergic asthma
Authors: Farraia Mariana , Paciência Inês , Castro Mendes Francisca , Cavaleiro Rufo João , H. Shamji Mohamed , Agache Ioana , Moreira André
Published: April 2022

Background

Cost‐effectiveness studies evaluating allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in children are limited but needed to drive clinical and policy‐making decisions such as reimbursement of new interventions. In this study, we compared the cost effectiveness of subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets to the standard of care (SOC) treatment in children with house dust mite‐driven (HDM) allergic asthma.

Methods

We developed a hypothetical Markov model based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) severity steps to compare the three strategies over a 10‐year horizon divided by cycles of 6 months. SOC was used as a reference to calculate the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to assess models’ uncertainty. Other scenarios were evaluated to strengthen the presentation of results.

Results

The ICER for SCIT and SLIT tablets was 1281€ and 7717€, respectively. The cost‐effectiveness threshold for Portugal was 18,482.80€; both treatment approaches were below this limit. The major contributors to these results were the AIT effects on reducing moderate and severe exacerbations and asthma controller medication. In the sensitivity analysis, SCIT revealed a higher probability of cost‐effectiveness than SLIT. When including allergic rhinitis as comorbidity, ICER values reduced markedly, especially for SCIT intervention.

Conclusions

AIT was cost effective in children with HDM‐driven allergic asthma, especially when given by the subcutaneous route. The high probability of cost effectiveness, especially for SCIT, may drive future policy decisions and AIT‐prescribing habits. AIT adherence greatly influenced the results highlighting the value of implementing strategies to promote adherence rates.
The analgesic effect of the intravenous administration of acetaminophen for pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy: A comparison of scheduled and on‐demand procedures
Authors: Yano Keisuke , Muto Mitsuru , Nagai Taichiro , Harumatsu Toshio , Kedoin Chihiro , Nagano Ayaka , Matsui Mayu , Murakami Masakazu , Sugita Koshiro , Onishi Shun , Yamada Koji , Yamada Waka , Matsukubo Makoto , Kaji Tatsuru , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The intravenous administration of acetaminophen (IAA) has become standard postoperative analgesic management for pediatric surgery. However, the most effective methods of IAA for postoperative acute appendicitis are unclear. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of scheduled IAA vs on‐demand IAA for postoperative acute appendicitis.

Methods

Ninety‐four patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in our institution between January 2017 and December 2020 were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the postoperative pain control protocols. The scheduled IAA group (SA group,n = 42) was managed by scheduled IAA and additional on‐demand use of pentazocine as rescue therapy. The on‐demand IAA group (ODA group,n = 52) was managed by on‐demand IAA as the first choice, with pentazocine as the second choice for pain control. The patients' background characteristics, operative results and postoperative outcomes were reviewed.

Results

The number of times pain complaints were made per patient per day (NPPD) on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 was significantly lower in the SA group than in the ODA group (POD 1; 1.12 ± 1.21 vs 2.62 ± 1.89,p < 0.01; POD 2; 0.45 ± 0.86 vs. 1.31 ± 1.69,p < 0.01). According to pathological findings, NPPD was lower in the SA group than in the ODA group for both phlegmonous appendicitis (0.71 ± 1.01 vs. 2.10 ± 2.13,P < .05) and gangrenous appendicitis (1.33 ± 1.50 vs 2.94 ± 1.68,P < .01). On POD 2, the incidence of gangrenous appendicitis was significantly lower in the SA group than in the ODA group (0.57 ± 0.93 vs 1.78 ± 1.86,P < .01).

Conclusions

Scheduled IAA may have favorable efficacy for postoperative pain control after emergency surgery for acute appendicitis in pediatric patients.
Does board turnover enhance firm performance? A contingency approach
Authors: Qiang Wei , Wong Sze‐Sze , Koh Kevin , Tong Yen H.
Published: April 2022

Research Question/Issue

Does board turnover improve future firm performance? Our research investigates whether and when board turnover is beneficial from an information processing perspective.

Research Findings/Insights

Drawing from information processing theory, we propose and test a novel model that explains how magnitude of board turnover influences future firm performance, and what pre‐turnover board characteristics mitigate the negative impact of board turnover on future firm performance. We find that board turnover negatively influences future firm performance, and pre‐turnover board meeting frequency, board job‐related diversity, CEO power relative to the board, and board tenure moderate this negative impact.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Past findings of the impact of board turnover are limited and equivocal, suggesting the need to conduct more systematic investigation to explain post‐turnover firm performance and to consider boundary conditions that affect this relationship. Building on information processing theory, we explain that the negative impact of board turnover on future firm performance is due to disruption of the board's information elaboration ability. Furthermore, we advance the novel perspective that boards which developed higher information elaboration ability prior to turnover can better mitigate the disruption in information processing resulting from board turnover.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

There are costs to board turnover that should be considered seriously. Our study demonstrates that higher magnitude of board turnover leads to poorer subsequent firm performance. The importance of pre‐turnover board's information elaboration ability implies that board turnover should be planned and actively managed—just like CEO succession planning—to minimize information processing disruption from turnover.
Molecular analysis of inflammatory diseases
Authors: Almughrbi Aya Hamad , Crovella Sergio
Published: April 2022

If we try to describe the search for molecular actors involved in inflammatory diseases, the picture best representing this task is a mission to unexplored worlds. However, researchers nowadays have powerful tools to support this journey to the complexity of the unknown: Next generation Sequencing technologies have provided a plethora of data describing the different OMICs possibly involved in the different inflammatory diseases. Here, we focused on autoinflammatory skin diseases showing the progress of OMICs‐related findings in the understanding of Syndromic HS pathogenesis. We described the studies reporting possible genotype/phenotype correlation in PASH and PAPASH patients (both unrelated or familial cases), highlighting those just genetic variations associated with the diseases have been observed, but the information on common pathways shared by PASH and PAPASH patients were lacking, thus rendering difficult to decipher the common molecular basis of these autoinflammatory conditions. Aimed at filling this gap of knowledge, we proposed an integrated OMICs approach able to identify common pathways shared by subjects suffering from PASH and PAPASH: pathway‐based whole sequencing analysis allowed the identification of 4 pathways, keratinization, formation of the cornified envelope steroid metabolism and Vitamin D metabolism, disrupted in PASH and PAPASH patients. Finally, we mentioned the novel bioinformatic platform, named PlatOMICs, capable of integrating OMICs experimental findings also with the ones already reported in public repositories supporting the efforts of the researchers and clinicians to discover molecular pathways shared by individuals suffering of a disease, confronting and integrating the bench findings with the in‐silico ones.
Differences in leisure time across middle‐generation adults in Wroclaw, Poland: Examining the usefulness of the “sandwich generation” category
Authors: Synowiec‐Piłat Małgorzata , Jędrzejek Michał , Zmyślona Beata
Published: April 2022

Objective

Research objectives were (a) to determine the amount of leisure time available to middle‐generation adults (35–54 years of age) and (b) to explore the relationship between leisure time and sociodemographic variables (gender, age, work status, marital status, and number of children).

Background

An adequate amount of leisure time is an important lifestyle element, significantly determining overall health. Considerable leisure‐time deficits currently observed in developed economies are related to significant change in intergenerational relations within families.

Method

In 2018, a study was carried out on the population of adult inhabitants of Wroclaw, Poland (N = 898). The survey method was used based on an interview questionnaire as the research tool.

Results

Half of the respondents declared less than 20 hours of leisure time per week. Deficits of leisure time affect mainly people aged 35 to 54 years, with women being more affected than men. Moreover, the amount of leisure time in the middle generation of Wroclaw inhabitants declines as people become more involved in their careers (a statistically significant relationship).

Conclusion

It seems reasonable to undertake and improve the analysis of leisure time in the context of the middle‐generation adult who may be experiencing thesandwich generationphenomenon.

Implications

There is a need to implement social and health‐oriented interventions to counteract leisure‐time deficits among the middle generation, with a particular emphasis on the social situation of women.
Gluten and starch mixing and pasting behaviour as affected by replacing sodium chloride with sodium replacers in wheat flour dough
Authors: Gujral Hardeep Singh , Sharma Bharati , Kapoor Sana
Published: April 2022

The study focused on analysing the effect of sodium replacers (KCl, MgCl2, MgSO4, CaCl2 and K‐gluconate) at 1% and 2% concentration on thermo‐mechanical properties (water absorption, dough development time, protein weakening, breakdown and retrogradation) of wheat flour evaluated using Mixolab. Blends of NaCl and sodium replacers (ratio 1:1) at 2% concentration were also studied. Water absorption and peak viscosity decreased, whereas dough stability increased on replacing sodium with different sodium replacer salts. Addition of salts did not affect shear thinning or starch breakdown behaviour during pasting. Salts and their blends lowered SDS (Sodium dodecyl sulphate) sedimentation value of wheat flour indicating that SDS sedimentation values significantly positively correlated with water absorption (r = 0.70, P < 0.05), protein weakening C2 (r = 0.61, P < 0.05) and peak viscosity C3 (r = 0.62, P < 0.05). In general, KCl behaved most similar to NaCl. Thermo‐mechanical properties of wheat dough did not differ between NaCl and majority of the salts evaluated.
“There is no future in it”: Pandemic and ride‐hailing hustle in Africa
Authors: ANWAR Mohammad Amir , ONG'IRO ODEO Jack , OTIENO Elly
Published: April 2022

This article examines the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on ride‐hailing drivers in Africa. It argues that, although ride‐hailing offers paid work to some African workers, the commodified and informalized nature of this work results in poor job quality, the effects of which were greatly amplified during the pandemic. Drawing on a mixed methods approach involving in‐depth interviews with ride‐hailing drivers in Nairobi and digital ethnography, it also provides accounts of drivers' hustles to demonstrate strategies of resilience, reworking and resistance among informal workers. The article concludes by highlighting the need for adequate regulatory frameworks and on‐the‐ground solidarity networks to ensure decent working conditions, and to push back against precarity in the gig economy.
Photo-thermally enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoplates against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacterial and fungal pathogens
Authors: Kaur Sarabjot , Tambat Rushikesh , Pathania Vikas , Nandanwar Hemraj , Soni Sanjeev
Published: April 2022

Aim

This paper aims to investigate the photo-thermally enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of triangular silver nanoplates for a broad range of harmful pathogens viz., Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and fungus (Candida albicans).

Methods and Results

Triangular silver nanoplates were synthesized using the chemical method and were characterized for optical absorption, size and morphology, surface charge and concentration via UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. Furthermore, the photo-thermally enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of the triangular silver nanoplates (10 μg/ml concentration) was evaluated on broadband near-infrared irradiation. The photothermal response shows that for the fixed concentration of silver nanoplates, the smaller-sized nanoplates (~52 nm) lead to higher temperature rise than larger-sized nanoplates (~68 nm). It is demonstrated that within a short exposure duration of 15 min, the photothermal activation of silver nanoplates led to ~5 log10 CFU/ml reduction for E. coli and C. albicans, and ~7 log10 CFU/ml reduction for S. aureus from a considerably high initial load of 5 × 108 CFU/ml.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that photo-thermally enhanced triangular silver nanoplates possess much stronger antimicrobial efficacy over a short exposure duration of few minutes and exhibits the applicability for a broad range of pathogens.

Significance and Impact of Study

The study is highly significant and explains the eradication of broad-spectrum of microbial pathogens by photo-thermally enhanced silver nanoplates in short exposure duration with low nanoparticle concentration, which is useful for diverse antibacterial and antifungal applications.
Effectiveness of caregiver‐mediated exercise interventions on activities of daily living, anxiety and depression post‐stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Choo Wen Ting , Jiang Ying , Chan Kendy Gui Fang , Ramachandran Hadassah Joann , Teo Jun Yi Claire , Seah Chuen Wei Alvin , Wang Wenru
Published: April 2022

Aims

This review aims to examine updated evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of caregiver‐mediated exercise interventions on basic and extended activities of daily living (ADL), anxiety and depression of post‐stroke rehabilitation individuals.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data sources

Six electronic databases, including CINAHL, CENTRAL, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus, grey literature and trial registry were searched from inception until February 2021.

Methods

Only randomized controlled trials written in English were included. Meta‐analyses were conducted for basic and extended ADL, anxiety and depression outcomes using RevMan software. Overall quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.

Results

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials comprising 2120 participants were identified, with 10 trials meta‐analysed. Meta‐analyses indicated statistically significant effects favouring caregiver‐mediated exercise interventions for basic ADL. Subgroup analyses revealed significant effects for exercise‐only interventions mediated by caregivers for basic ADL. No significant effects were found for extended ADL, anxiety and depression for stroke survivors.

Conclusion

Caregiver‐mediated exercise interventions appear to have beneficial impacts on basic ADL for stroke survivors, suggesting caregiver‐mediated exercise interventions as a potentially feasible way to improve functional independence.

Impact

Caregiver‐mediated intervention with exercises as a major component could be a promising approach to augment stroke rehabilitation. Future research should include high‐quality studies with focus on specific intervention components or to explore caregiver outcomes.
Barriers and enablers to nurses' use of harm prevention strategies for older patients in hospital: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Redley Bernice , Taylor Natalie , Hutchinson Alison M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Preventable harms during hospitalization pose a major challenge for health systems globally. Nurse‐led strategies provide comprehensive harm prevention to keep the most vulnerable patients safe in hospital, but gaps in care are common. Nursing roles and activities to prevent harm to patients during acute hospitalization are poorly understood.

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify nurses' perceived enablers and barriers to the implementation of comprehensive harm prevention for older people admitted to an acute hospital setting.

Design

Anonymous, online, cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

The adapted Influences on Patient Safety Behaviours Questionnaire (IPSBQ) was used to collect data from nurses working on five general medicine wards across three hospitals of a single tertiary health service in Australia in 2019. Participants also rated their perceptions of overall quality of care, missed care and awareness of strategies for an eight‐factor framework for comprehensive harm prevention. The STROBE reporting checklist was used.

Results

Ward response rates between 35% and 58% resulted in 132 complete questionnaires for analyses. High mean scores for behavioural regulation (3.28), beliefs about capabilities (2.96) and environmental context and resources (2.73) indicated these domains were perceived by nurses as enablers. Low mean scores for the domains of intentions (1.65), beliefs about consequences (1.69), optimism (1.72) and professional role and identity (1.85) indicated these were barriers to comprehensive harm prevention by nurses. High perceived quality of care (scored 9–10/10) (p = .024), and awareness of strategies for the eight‐factor framework (p = .019) were significant enablers of comprehensive harm prevention.

Conclusion

Targeted evidence‐based strategies that include education, persuasion, incentivization, coercion and modelling would be most useful for promoting comprehensive harm prevention by nurses. However, to be most effective the harm prevention strategy may need to be tailored for each ward.
Discovery, validation, and diagnostic ability of multiple protein‐based biomarkers in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid to distinguish between health and periodontal diseases
Authors: Grant Melissa M. , Taylor John J. , Jaedicke Katrin , Creese Andrew , Gowland Catherine , Burke Bernard , Doudin Khawla , Patel Upen , Weston Paul , Milward Michael , Bissett Susan M. , Cooper Helen J. , Kooijman Gerben , Rmaile Amir , de Jager Marko , Preshaw Philip M. , Chapple Iain L. C.
Published: April 2022

Aim

To discover and validate differential protein biomarker expression in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to discriminate objectively between periodontal health and plaque‐induced periodontal disease states.

Materials and Methods

One‐hundred and ninety participants were recruited from two centres (Birmingham and Newcastle upon Tyne, UK) comprising healthy, gingivitis, periodontitis, and edentulous donors. Samples from the Birmingham cohort were analysed by quantitative mass spectrometry proteomics for biomarker discovery. Shortlisted candidate proteins were then verified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in both cohorts. Leave‐one‐out cross validation logistic regression analysis was used to identify the best performing biomarker panels.

Results

Ninety‐five proteins were identified in both GCF and saliva samples, and 15 candidate proteins were selected based upon differences discovered between the donor groups. The best performing panels to distinguish between: health or gingivitis and periodontitis contained matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9), S100A8, alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein (A1AGP), pyruvate kinase, and age (area under the curve [AUC] 0.970); health and gingivitis contained MMP9, S100A8, A1AGP, and pyruvate kinase, but not age (AUC 0.768); and mild to moderate and advanced periodontitis contained MMP9, S100A8, A1AGP, pyruvate kinase, and age (AUC 0.789).

Conclusions

Biomarker panels containing four proteins with and without age as a further parameter can distinguish between periodontal health and disease states.
Roles of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide in diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Seino Yusuke , Yamazaki Yuji
Published: April 2022

Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are incretins that play an important role in glucose metabolism, by increasing glucose‐induced insulin secretion from pancreatic β‐cells and help regulate bodyweight. Although they show a similar action on glucose‐induced insulin secretion, two incretins are distinct in various aspects. GIP is secreted from enteroendocrine K cell mainly expressed in the upper small intestine, and GLP‐1 is secreted from enteroendocrine L cells mainly expressed in the lower small intestine and colon by the stimulation of various nutrients. The mechanism of GIP secretion induced by nutrients, especially carbohydrates, is different from that of GLP‐1 secretion. GIP promotes fat deposition in adipose tissue, and contributes to fat‐induced obesity. In contrast, GLP‐1 participates in reducing bodyweight by suppressing food consumption and/or slowing gastric emptying. There is substantial evidence that GIP and GLP‐1 might differently contribute to bodyweight control. Although meal contents influence both glycemic and weight control, we do not fully understand whether incretin actions differ depending on the contents of the meal and what kind of signaling is involved in its context. We focus on the molecular mechanism of GIP secretion induced by nutrients, as well as the roles of GIP in weight changes caused by various diets.
Factors associated with prolonged cecal insertion time in patients undergoing water exchange colonoscopy
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Hsi , Koo Malcolm , Tseng Chih‐Wei
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim

Water exchange is superior to air insufflation in reducing discomfort and increasing adenoma detection during colonoscopy. However, prolonged cecal insertion time is a drawback. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting cecal insertion during water exchange colonoscopy.

Methods

We pooled data from five randomized clinical trials that included patients undergoing water exchange colonoscopy. Logistic analysis was performed to determine the independent factors associated with prolonged cecal insertion time (> 15 min).

Results

The cohort included 912 patients (493 men and 419 women) with a median age of 57 years (interquartile range, 49–64 years). The median cecal insertion time was 13.5 min (interquartile range, 10.9–17.0 min). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female sex, body mass index < 25 kg/m2, a history of constipation, no sedation, less experienced endoscopist, Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score ≤ 6, infused water volume during insertion ≥ 1000 mL, and scope length at the cecum ≥ 85 cm were associated with prolonged cecal insertion time. With increasing volume of infused water (1000–2000 mL), the median cecal insertion time increased gradually from 11.4 to 23.0 min (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The current study identified independent factors associated with prolonged cecal insertion time during water exchange colonoscopy. Several factors are modifiable to achieve a shorter insertion time, including better bowel preparation, the use of sedation, more experienced endoscopist, infusing less water during insertion, and maintaining a shorter scope length.
Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on cardiometabolic disease risk among overweight/obese adult males in the UK: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Agbalalah Tarimoboere , Mushtaq Sohail
Published: April 2022

Background

Observational studies suggest links between reduced serum 25(OH)D concentration and increased cardiometabolic disease risk. However, these studies provide limited evidence of causation, with few conclusive randomised controlled trials (RCT) having been carried out to date. This RCT investigated the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on vascular function and cardiometabolic disease risk markers, in 55 healthy males aged 18–65 years with plasma 25(OH)D concentration <75 mol L–1 and body mass index ≥24.9 kg m–2.

Methods

Participants were assigned to consume 125 µg day–1 (5000 IU day–1) vitamin D3 or placebo for 8 weeks. Blood samples and vascular function measures were obtained at baseline, as well as at weeks 4 and 8. The primary outcome was arterial stiffness, an indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, assessed by pulse wave velocity. Biomarkers of CVD risk, insulin resistance and endothelial function were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Daily oral intake of 125 µg supplemental vitamin D3 led to a significant improvement in plasma 25(OH)D concentrations over the 8‐week intervention in the vitamin D group compared to the change in the placebo group (p ˂ 0.001). In the vitamin D group, the baseline mean ± SD 25(OH)D concentration was 38.4 ± 15.9 and this increased to 72.8 ± 16.1 nmol L–1 after 8 weeks of supplementation. The intervention had no effect on arterial stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity, although vitamin D3 supplementation did lead to a decrease in mean ± SD brachial pulse pressure from baseline to 8 weeks of −2.9 ± 3.4 mmHg (p = 0.027) in the vitamin D group compared to the same period in the placebo group. The intervention had no effect on the remaining cardiometabolic parameters.

Conclusions

Overall, treatment significantly improved brachial pulse pressure but no other cardiometabolic disease risk markers. To follow on from this pilot RCT, future large‐scale clinical trials over longer durations may offer further insights.
Long‐term effects of glucocorticoid excess on the brain
Authors: Dekkers Alies J. , Amaya Jorge Miguel , van der Meulen Merel , Biermasz Nienke R. , Meijer Onno C. , Pereira Alberto M.
Published: April 2022

The metabolic and cardiovascular clinical manifestations in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) are generally well known. However, recent studies have broadened the perspective of the effects of hypercortisolism, showing that both endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoid excess alter brain functioning on several time scales. Consequently, cognitive deficits and neuropsychological symptoms are highly prevalent during both active CS and CS in remission, as well as during glucocorticoid treatment. In this review, we discuss the effects of endogenous hypercortisolism and exogenously induced glucocorticoid excess on the brain, as well as the prevalence of cognitive and neuropsychological deficits and their course after biochemical remission. Furthermore, we propose possible mechanisms that may underly neuronal changes, based on experimental models and in vitro studies. Finally, we offer recommendations for future studies.
Family socioeconomic status and children's screen time
Authors: Mollborn Stefanie , Limburg Aubrey , Pace Jennifer , Fomby Paula
Published: April 2022

Objective

This mixed‐methods study examined whether higher‐socioeconomic status (SES) children's digital technology use adhered to contemporaneous pediatric guidelines, how it compared to lower‐SES children, and why, as analyses showed, higher‐SES children's technology use far exceeded pediatric recommendations.

Background

2013 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines recommended limited “screen time” for children. Higher SES families tend to follow guidelines, but digital technology use—simultaneously a health behavior and a pathway for building human capital—has complex implications.

Method

Quantitative analyses provide new nationally representative estimates of the relationship between social class and 9‐ to 13‐year‐old children's technology time (including television), device access, and parenting rules (2014 PSID Child Development Supplement, N = 427). Qualitative analyses of 77 longitudinal higher‐SES parent interviews articulated explanatory processes.

Results

Higher‐SES children used technology as frequently as others and in excess of recommendations. Their device access, activities, and agency in adhering to rules, however, differed from others. Qualitative analysis uncovered processes that helped explain these findings: parents' ambivalence about technology and perception that expert guidance is absent or unrealistic, and children's exercise of agency to use technology facilitated by “concerted cultivation” parenting styles, led to higher‐SES individualistic parenting practices that supported children's increased non‐television technology use.

Conclusion

Cultures and structures related to children's technology use are in flux, and classed norms and understandings are emerging to construct relevant class‐based distinctions around parenting.
Thinking about Latin American public diplomacy
Authors: Manfredi‐Sánchez Juan‐Luis
Published: April 2022

Public diplomacy entails the management of international political communication in accordance with the interests of foreign action and policy. The discipline originated in the United States, and its school of thought and models have influenced a multitude of chancelleries. This article investigates the existence of an original and distinct Latin American public diplomacy, although it shares the theoretical foundation of soft power and international public relations for a global audience. It can be concluded that no unique school of Latin American public diplomacy exists. There are two trains of thought and foreign policy—conservative values and Chavists—which complicates a united action. Furthermore, the presidentialism system make the professional profile of public diplomacy complex, resulting in delays in the development of international communication conducted by chancelleries.
Law, compliance, and variation: Proximity and preferences regarding workplace lactation accommodations
Authors: Hoffmann Elizabeth A. , Hoffman Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2022

Federal law mandates that employers accommodate lactating workers who wish to express breast milk at work. Lactation's physical demands set lactating employees apart from their coworkers, as lactation requires regular breaks and private rooms to express milk. Although longer breaks and convenient lactation accommodations make for more successful workplace milk expression, many lactating workers lack one or both. During their lactation breaks, some lactating workers wish to maintain workplace productivity, while others seek to relax and reconnect with their nurslings. Although the law mandates basic lactation accommodations, additional consideration must be given to location as well as to the preferences of lactating employees.
Economic evaluation of CPD activities for healthcare professionals: A scoping review
Authors: Orlik Witold , Aleo Giuseppe , Kearns Thomas , Briody Jonathan , Wray Jane , Mahon Paul , Gazić Mario , Radoš Normela , García Vivar Cristina , Lillo Crespo Manuel , Fitzgerald Catherine
Published: April 2022

Context

Continuing professional development (CPD) activities for healthcare professionals are central to the optimisation of patient safety and person‐centred care. Although there is some evidence on the economics of healthcare professionals training, very little is known about the costs and benefits of CPD.

Methods

This study aimed to review the research evidence on economic evaluations of CPD activities for healthcare professionals. CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Econlit and Web of Science databases were used to identify articles published between 2010 and 2021.

Results

Of the 6791 titles identified, 119 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. The majority of articles were partial economic evaluations of CPD programmes (n = 70); half were from the USA. Studies that included multiple professions were most prevalent (n = 54), followed by nurses (n = 34) and doctors (n = 23). Patient outcomes were the most commonly reported outcome (n = 51), followed by change in clinical practice (n = 38) and healthcare professionals' knowledge gain (n = 19).

Conclusions

There is an urgent call for more evidence regarding the economic evaluations of CPD. This is particularly important in view of the rising costs of healthcare globally. The majority of studies included in this review did not provide detailed information on the evaluations and many focused exclusively on the cost of CPD activities rather than outcomes.
Effects of skin‐to‐skin contact on afterpain and postpartum hemorrhage: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aydin Kartal Yasemin , Kaya Leyla , Yazici Saadet , Engin Betül , Karakus Resul
Published: April 2022

This study determined the effects of skin‐to‐skin contact between the mother and the infant during the third stage of labor on postpartum hemorrhage and pain. This assessor‐blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with primiparous women. Skin‐to‐skin contact interventions between the infants and their mothers occurred for 30 min after birth (n = 34), whereas the infants in the control group were provided routine care (n = 34). Data were gathered using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale‐Pain, postpartum bleeding follow‐up bags, and records of blood oxytocin and beta endorphin levels. There was no significant difference in beta‐endorphin levels in both groups (p = 0.771), whereas it was determined that the 30th min oxytocin level was significantly higher in the intervention group (The Visual Analog Scale‐Pain score at the postpartum sixth hour was significantly lower in the intervention group. It was found that skin‐to‐skin contact made at the third stage of labor reduced the amount of postpartum hemorrhage. The results of this study suggested that skin‐to‐skin contact intervention may have beneficial effects on postpartum pain and postpartum hemorrhage in the early postpartum period
Fine mappingPsPS1, a gene controlling pod softness that defines market type in pea (Pisum sativum)
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Wang Yonggang , Sun Ting , Wu Xinyang , Xia Wenjun , Fang Pingping , Pandey Arun Kumar , Xu Pei
Published: April 2022

Pea is an important grain and vegetable crop with a large genome of ~4.45 Gb. The softness of pod is key to the quality of pea, yet the genes controlling softness remain unknown. Here, the pod softness phenotype was visually scored at the fully mature stage, which suggested that this trait was a composite trait governed by two genes. Bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA‐Seq) using the soft‐ and hard‐podded pools from the F2detected a strong peak of Δ (SNP‐index) on chromosome 1 and a weaker peak on chromosome 5. The former was designated asPsPS1. Fine mapping using the F2delimitedPsPS1to a ~6 Mb genomic region. A set of interesting candidate genes including those encoding cell wall components were identified. Sequence variants analysis from a panel of pea accessions and qRT‐PCR in immature pods of the parents suggestedPsat1g150000encoding a pectate lyase superfamily protein as a candidate gene. The results solidify the basis for cloning of the gene determining pod softness and marker‐assisted selection for the trait improvement.
Between the Roll of Paper and the Role of Paper: Governmental Documentation as a Mechanism for Complying Incompliantly
Authors: Pellegrino Valentina
Published: April 2022

In 2009, through Court Order 004, the Colombian Constitutional Court declared that thirty‐four separate groups of Indigenous peoples were at risk of extermination due to armed conflict, and it ordered the government to protect them. In 2013, the court then ordered the government to prove its compliance with Order 004. The government did so through a complex documentation process. The production of documents in Colombia not only records compliance but also constitutes compliance even if the actions are limited. In this article, I examine the role of documentation in mediating legal protection in a violent context. How does a governmental report obscure a persisting threat that is mostly ignored? Using participant observation at the Colombian Interior Ministry on the government's response, I illustrate how this documentation converts ordinary governmental actions into restitution of rights and manufactures compliance via the display—and concealment—of numbers through a focus on aesthetics. This generates the effect of sufficient state response while obfuscating the failure to achieve any intended changes: a phenomenon that I term complying incompliantly. Transforming negligence into a proper response through a paper trail outsmarts auditing and maintains the state's legitimacy by normalizing the government's shortcomings. This article contributes to the analysis of the relationship among law, documentation, and transparency. [Colombia, Indigenous peoples, human rights, documentation, compliance]
Artefacts from tomorrow: Future dilemmas of the parahistorian
Authors: Richmond Alasdair
Published: April 2022

In 1987, Roy Sorensen coined the term “parahistory” to denote the hypothetical study of evidence retrieved via time travel. Parahistory would thus stand to history rather as parapsychology does to psychology; studying data (in this case artefacts) that are obtained in ways unrecognised by orthodox science. This paper considers future‐derived parahistorical artefacts. Past/future asymmetries threaten irresolvable problems in calibrating future objects' periods, in dating future artefacts and insulating them from causal loops. In turn, causal loop objects at best cannot be non‐arbitrarily dated at all and at worst, cannot even be artefacts. Even if there can be evidence for travel from the future, any such evidence that appeals to future artefacts faces pervasive difficulties and is very unlikely to be compelling.
Increased abundance and productivity of a grassland bird after experimental control of invasive tall fescue
Authors: Coon Jaime J. , Maresh Nelson Scott B. , Bradley Iris A. , Rola Katherine E. , Miller James R.
Published: April 2022

Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) is a widespread invasive grass in the United States that degrades habitat quality for biodiversity. Herbicide followed by seeding of native plants reduces tall fescue and is predicted to restore habitat quality over time, but little is known about short‐term (1–2 year) impacts on native species. We conducted a landscape‐scale controlled experiment to assess the short‐term effects of herbicide and seeding on the reproduction of an obligate grassland bird, the dickcissel (Spiza americana). In 2014, four sites in southern Iowa were each subdivided into three patches (mean 7 ha). One patch in each site was treated with glyphosate herbicide (spray‐only), one with herbicide and native seeding (spray‐and‐seed), with the third serving as a control. Two sites were grazed by cattle from April to July and two sites were ungrazed. We monitored dickcissel reproduction in 2016, finding that they were more abundant, built more nests, experienced less cowbird parasitism, had increased nest survival, and produced more fledglings on spray‐only and spray‐and‐seed treatments compared to control patches. Dickcissels nested infrequently on grazed sites—especially grazed control patches. We did not detect any impacts on clutch size, provisioning rates, or nestling mass, but Araneae (spiders) and Lepidoptera larvae (caterpillars) may have been smaller on sprayed patches. Positive responses by dickcissels were likely due to successful reduction of tall fescue and improved access to suitable nest sites through increased vegetation heterogeneity. Our results indicate that using herbicide and seeding to restore tall fescue‐dominated sites improves habitat quality for this grassland bird, shortly after restoration.
Arabidopsis synaptotagmin 1 mediates lipid transport in a lipid composition‐dependent manner
Authors: Qian Tiantian , Li Chenlu , Liu Furong , Xu Kai , Wan Chun , Liu Yinghui , Yu Haijia
Published: April 2022

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐plasma membrane (PM) contact sites (EPCSs) are structurally conserved in eukaryotes. The Arabidopsis ER‐anchored synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1), enriched in EPCSs, plays a critical role in plant abiotic stress tolerance. It has become clear that SYT1 interacts with PM to mediate ER‐PM connectivity. However, whether SYT1 performs additional functions at EPCSs remains unknown. Here, we report that SYT1 efficiently transfers phospholipids between membranes. The lipid transfer activity of SYT1 is highly dependent on phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2], a signal lipid accumulated at the PM under abiotic stress. Mechanically, while SYT1 transfers lipids fundamentally through the synaptotagmin‐like mitochondrial‐lipid‐binding protein (SMP) domain, the efficient lipid transport requires the C2A domain‐mediated membrane tethering. Interestingly, we observed that Ca2+ could stimulate SYT1‐mediated lipid transport. In addition to PI(4,5)P2, the Ca2+ activation requires the phosphatidylserine, another negatively charged lipid on the opposed membrane. Together, our studies identified Arabidopsis SYT1 as a lipid transfer protein at EPCSs and demonstrated that it takes conserved as well as divergent mechanisms with other extend‐synaptotagmins. The critical role of lipid composition and Ca2+ reveals that SYT1‐mediated lipid transport is highly regulated by signals in response to abiotic stresses.
WHY IS GOD'S REVELATION SO VAGUE? A MULTIVERSE THEORY OF REVELATION AND DIVINE HIDDENNESS
Authors: Søvik Atle O.
Published: April 2022

This article has two main parts. The first part argues in favor of a multiverse theodicy. God has created our particular universe because it contains unique goods. While God could have made our universe better, that would in fact have turned our universe into another universe, which God has also created. Our universe remains as it is to actualize its specific goals. The second part uses this basis to defend why God's revelation is so vague. It could have been clearer, which again would have turned our universe into another universe, which also exists. Since our kind of independent universe with vague revelation actualizes unique goods, God has created our universe where the vague revelation serves specific purposes.